Chapter 9 Shadows of the Past

Chapter 9: Shadows of the Past

Morning came with a crisp breeze, brushing against Kai's face as he adjusted the strap of his bag. The sound of Sakura's voice broke the quiet.

"Are you ready for today, Kai?"

Kai smiled, looking down at the small, samurai-themed Frame Knight perched in his jacket pocket. Her pink armor shimmered faintly in the morning sunlight. "As ready as I'll ever be. Yuji said today's training would focus on strategy, but knowing him, he'll probably throw something unexpected at us."

They made their way toward the training grounds where Yuji and Striker waited. The arena was quiet except for the faint rustling of leaves. Kai couldn't shake the feeling that today was going to be different.

When they arrived, Yuji was already standing in the middle of the field, Striker poised beside him with her usual calm demeanor.

"You're late," Yuji said, though his tone carried no real annoyance. "I hope you're ready because today isn't about running obstacle courses or cutting leaves. Today, it's about understanding how to outthink your opponent."

Kai crossed his arms. "And how exactly are we supposed to do that?"

Yuji smirked. "Simple. We're going to spar. But this isn't just any sparring match. You'll have to anticipate every move I make, and I'll be holding nothing back."

Kai exchanged a glance with Sakura, who seemed unphased. "We've faced him before," she said. "We can do it again."

"Don't get cocky," Yuji warned, as if reading their thoughts. "This isn't just about attacking or defending. It's about strategy. The West District tournament isn't won by brute strength—it's won by knowing your opponent's weaknesses and using them to your advantage."

The sparring match began with Striker darting forward, her sleek frame cutting through the air like a blade. Kai barely had time to react as Yuji barked commands, each one executed with precision.

"Sakura, dodge left!" Kai shouted, his voice laced with urgency.

Sakura responded instantly, leaping to the side as Striker's blade slashed through the space where she had just been. But Striker was relentless, pressing forward with a flurry of calculated strikes.

"Kai, we need a plan!" Sakura called out, her movements growing more frantic.

"Right," Kai muttered, his mind racing. He had to think, to anticipate Yuji's next move. But it was easier said than done. Yuji and Striker were perfectly in sync, their partnership honed through years of training.

"You're hesitating," Yuji said, his voice cutting through the tension. "That's your first mistake. If you hesitate in the tournament, even for a second, you'll lose."

Kai gritted his teeth. He knew Yuji was right, but knowing it and doing something about it were two very different things.

"Sakura, fall back!" he shouted, hoping to buy himself some time.

Sakura obeyed, retreating a few steps as Striker slowed her advance. For a brief moment, there was silence, broken only by the sound of their breathing.

"Kai," Sakura said softly. "We can't keep running. We need to take the initiative."

Kai nodded. "You're right. Let's try the quick-draw technique we practiced yesterday. If we can time it just right…"

Sakura didn't need him to finish. She positioned herself, her hand resting on the hilt of her katana. Striker advanced again, her blade gleaming in the sunlight.

"Wait for it…" Kai whispered, his eyes fixed on Striker's movements.

The moment came in an instant—a slight opening in Striker's defense.

"Now, Sakura!"

With blinding speed, Sakura drew her katana and struck, her blade clashing against Striker's with a resounding clang. The force of the attack sent Striker skidding backward, a rare look of surprise crossing her usually composed face.

Yuji raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Not bad. You're starting to think strategically. But don't get ahead of yourself—this match isn't over yet."

The sparring continued for what felt like hours. By the time it was over, Kai was drenched in sweat, his legs trembling from the effort. Sakura, though small, looked just as worn, her armor scuffed from the countless exchanges.

Yuji called an end to the match, walking over to where Kai and Sakura stood. "You've improved," he admitted, his tone grudgingly respectful. "But you're still a long way from being tournament-ready. You need to think faster, react quicker, and trust your instincts."

Kai nodded, too tired to argue. He knew Yuji was pushing them for a reason, and he was determined not to let him down.

As they packed up for the day, Yuji's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting to something more serious.

"What is it?" Kai asked, noticing the change in his demeanor.

"There's been a change in the tournament schedule," Yuji said, his voice tight. "The West District qualifiers are being moved up. We have less time to prepare than I thought."

Kai's stomach dropped. "How much time do we have?"

Yuji looked at him, his expression grim. "A week."

Later that evening, as they walked back to their apartment, Kai couldn't shake the weight of Yuji's words. A week wasn't enough. Not to prepare for a tournament of this caliber.

Sakura, sensing his unease, spoke up. "We'll be ready, Kai. No matter what, we'll face it together."

Her words gave him a small measure of comfort. He knew they had a long road ahead, but with Sakura by his side, he felt like they could take on anything.

As they reached their building, Kai stopped, looking up at the stars that dotted the night sky. The tournament was looming, but so was something else—a feeling he couldn't quite place.

The West District tournament wasn't just about proving themselves. It was about something bigger, something he was only beginning to understand.

Whatever it was, he was ready to face it.

End of Chapter 9