Chapter 3: The Dual

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the dojo's backyard. Prime, Zoro, and Saga stood in a loose circle, their swords glinting in the golden light.

The air was thick with anticipation, the kind that made the heart race and palms sweat.

It had been a week of grueling training, and today was the day they would test their skills against their master, Shimotsuki Koushirou.

"Are you ready for this?" Zoro asked, his voice steady, though the excitement in his green hair seemed to bounce with each word. He adjusted the three swords strapped to his waist, his muscular build taut with readiness.

Saga grinned, his dark blue hair catching the wind. "Ready? I was born ready! Let's show Sensei what we've got!" He drew his long sword, the blade shimmering like the sea at dawn. "Just remember, no holding back!"

Prime tightened his grip on the hilt of his newly named Eclipse Sword, a rush of power coursing through him. "I hope he doesn't go easy on us," he said, a mix of eagerness and anxiety bubbling within him.

"We need to know how far we've come."

As if on cue, Koushirou emerged from the dojo, his tall figure framed by the wooden structure. His long black hair fell elegantly down his back, and he held a simple wooden sword, its surface polished smooth. "What's this? A challenge?" His voice was calm, amused even, as he stepped onto the training ground.

Zoro stepped forward, his posture unwavering. "We want to duel you, Master! We've trained hard this week, and we're ready to show you our progress."

Koushirou chuckled, a sound deep and warm. "Very well. But remember, I will only use this." He gestured to the wooden sword, his expression one of playful seriousness. "Let's see what you've learned."

The boys exchanged glances, a mix of determination and excitement igniting their spirits. Saga took a deep breath, as if preparing to dive into a raging ocean. "Let's do this!"

With that, they took their positions, Prime facing Koushirou head-on, Zoro to his left, and Saga on the right. The tension hung like a taut string, ready to snap.

"On three!" Zoro shouted. "One… two… three!"

The air erupted with the sound of steel clashing against wood.

~Clang! Clang!~

Saga lunged forward, his sword aimed at Koushirou's midsection, but the master sidestepped effortlessly, his wooden sword gliding through the air like a whisper.

"Too slow, Saga," Koushirou said with a teasing smile. "You must be quicker!"

"Gah! I'll show you quick!" Saga retorted, swinging his sword again. This time, he feigned left, darting right in a desperate attempt to outmaneuver Koushirou. But Koushirou was always one step ahead, parrying the blow with ease.

"Nice try, but I've seen that one before." The master's calm voice never wavered, his movements fluid and practiced.

Zoro, watching his friends, gritted his teeth. He charged in, determined to make an impact. "I won't hold back!" he shouted, his three swords drawn in a defensive stance.

With a quick flick, he aimed for Koushirou's shoulder while Saga engaged him from the other side.

~Clash! Clash!~

The sound filled the air, a symphony of youth and skill meeting seasoned mastery. Koushirou blocked Zoro's strike, moving like water, adapting to the boys' erratic movements with a grace that was almost hypnotic.

"Is that all you've got?" Koushirou teased, spinning around as he effortlessly deflected their attacks, the wooden sword moving like it had a mind of its own. "It seems you've still got a long way to go."

Prime felt a fire ignite within him.

'So this is Haki' Prime said to Himself after seeing the way his Sensei Blocked the sword. He had watched his friends struggle against their Sensei, and now it was his turn even if his Sensei has Haki he won't give up.

He lunged forward, the Eclipse Sword glinting ominously as he struck at Koushirou's side. "Ha!"

Koushirou sidestepped, and Prime stumbled slightly, caught off balance.

"Careful, Prime. You must stay grounded," Koushirou advised, his tone a mix of encouragement and lightheartedness.

Prime grit his teeth. "I can do this!" He focused, channeling the power of the Eclipse Sword. He swung again, this time more controlled, but Koushirou blocked it effortlessly, the wooden sword barely trembling against the force of the strike.

~Clang!~

The sound echoed around them, and Prime felt the vibration travel up his arms. It was exhilarating and frustrating all at once.

"Focus, Prime!" Zoro shouted, dodging another of Koushirou's quick counters. "Use your strength! We can't let him make us look weak!"

With a determined nod, Prime adjusted his stance. He recalled the training they'd done, the lessons learned about balance and strength. "Alright, let's try again!"

Swinging his sword, he aimed high, forcing Koushirou to block, and then quickly dropped low to sweep at the master's legs. But once again, Koushirou was prepared, stepping aside with a fluidity that made it seem like he was dancing rather than fighting.

"Nice try! But you'll have to do better than that!" Koushirou laughed, and the sound rang out like a bell.

Frustration bubbled in Prime, 'Sensei is just moving too fast' but he pushed it down, focusing instead on the rhythm of the fight. He watched Koushirou closely, noting the way he moved, the footwork, the subtle shifts in weight. 'So he isn't even using observation Haki this is just pure skill and Footwork.'

There was something almost magical about it, and Prime realized that this was more than just a duel; it was a lesson.

Saga and Zoro continued their assault, but Koushirou danced through their strikes like a leaf in the wind, his wooden sword a blur.

"You need to work together!" he called out. "Combine your strengths!"

"Right!" Zoro agreed, taking a step back. "Saga, let's coordinate. You create an opening, and I'll strike!"

"Got it!" Saga nodded, determination etched on his face.

As they restructured their approach, Prime felt the energy shift. They began to move in sync, Saga's long sword drawing Koushirou's attention while Zoro moved in for a flanking attack.

~Clash! Thud!~

The sound of swords meeting wood reverberated through the air, and Prime seized the moment. He charged forward, aiming for Koushirou's exposed side.

But just as he thought he had him, Koushirou spun, using Prime's momentum against him. "Hah!" Koushirou laughed, sending Prime tumbling to the ground.

"Ugh!" Prime hit the earth, the breath knocked out of him. He looked up, panting, as Koushirou towered over him.

"You see?" Koushirou said, extending a hand. "This is why you must always be aware of your surroundings."

With a groan, Prime accepted the help, pulling himself back to his feet. "I'll remember that… next time," he muttered, a mix of embarrassment and determination flooding him.

"Next time?" Koushirou echoed, raising an eyebrow. "You mean today? We're not done yet!"

With renewed vigor, the trio regrouped. They shared quick glances, a silent agreement passing between them. They needed to push harder, to fight smarter.

"Let's go all out!" Zoro shouted, and they charged together, swords raised high, aiming for Koushirou in unison.

~Clang! Wham! Bam!~

The sounds of battle filled the air, the boys' laughter mingling with the clash of steel and wood. Koushirou was relentless, parrying and dodging, but now they were starting to wear him down.

Yet, just as Prime felt a glimmer of hope, he noticed something strange. Koushirou was moving with an ease that seemed unnatural, as if he were anticipating their every move. It was as if he could see the future, and...

Prime's heart sank as he realized the truth.

"He's using Haki now," he breathed, eyes wide.

"What?" Zoro shouted, barely dodging a strike from Koushirou.

"Haki! It's a technique that lets you sense your opponent's moves before they happen!" Prime explained, frustration boiling within him. "That's how he's keeping up with us!"

Koushirou, overhearing, chuckled. "Very perceptive, Prime. But that's the journey of a swordsman. You must learn to overcome what seems impossible."

"Then we'll keep pushing!" Saga shouted, determination lighting his dark eyes. "We'll break through that barrier!"

The trio regrouped once more, each boy's resolve hardening. They weren't just fighting for pride anymore; they were fighting to learn, to grow, and to become stronger together.

With a roar, they charged. Prime led the charge, unleashing a flurry of strikes, each one fueled by the power of the Eclipse Sword. Zoro and Saga flanked him, their movements now perfectly synchronized, a whirlwind of steel and determination.

Koushirou met them with a smile, his wooden sword dancing through the air, but now he had to work harder to keep up.

"Impressive!" he said, though his voice remained calm. "But can you maintain this pace?"

"Watch us!" Zoro yelled, his voice booming as he aimed for Koushirou's shoulder.

~Clang! Thud!~

The impact echoed around them, and for a moment, Koushirou stumbled back, surprised by their combined effort.

"Keep going!" Prime shouted, feeling the adrenaline surge through him.

They pressed on, a whirlwind of movement and sound, laughter bubbling up despite the intensity of the duel.

"This is what training is about!" Koushirou called, a proud smile on his face as he deflected their blows. "Learning from each other!"

With each clash, Prime felt the weight of his sword in his hand, the power coursing through him. He was no longer just a boy; he was a warrior in training, and with his friends by his side, he felt invincible.'So this is the power of friendship?' Prime thought amused

But just as they thought they were making headway, Koushirou unleashed a series of strikes that sent them reeling. "You must learn to adapt!" he urged, his voice ringing with authority.

"Adapt, huh?" Saga muttered, breathing heavily. "Let's switch it up! Zoro, you take the lead!"

"Right!" Zoro nodded, his demeanor shifting to one of fierce determination.

As they shifted their roles, Prime felt his heart race. They were learning, growing, and discovering the strength of their friendship.

"Together!" he shouted, charging forward with renewed vigor.

The clash of swords filled the air, with the sounds of battle. They danced across the training ground, united in their goal, their spirits soaring higher with each strike.

But eventually, the inevitable happened. Koushirou, still smiling, began to push back harder, his movements fluid and precise.

He struck with a speed that sent Prime and his friends stumbling, their energy waning.

"Okay, okay!" Zoro gasped, throwing his hands up in surrender. "This is just embarrassing!"

"Don't give up!" Saga yelled, determination still burning in his eyes. "We can do this!"

But as they regrouped, Prime felt a heavy weight settle in his chest. They were giving it their all, but Koushirou was still leagues ahead. "Maybe… maybe we're not ready after all," he murmured, the reality of the situation settling in.

Koushirou's expression softened, and he lowered his wooden sword. "You've all improved significantly. But remember, mastery takes time and dedication. You're on the right path."

"Yeah, but we got our butts kicked!" Zoro complained, hands on his hips, frustration evident in his voice. "And You didn't even try much"

"That's part of the journey," Koushirou replied, laughter dancing in his eyes. "And each defeat is a lesson."

Prime sighed, glancing at his friends. "So what do we do now?"

"Train harder!" Saga declared, a spark of determination igniting within him. "We'll come back and challenge you again!"

Koushirou smiled knowingly. "I look forward to it. And don't forget, the bond you share is just as important as your skills. Together, you can overcome anything."

As they shared a laugh, the weight of defeat began to lift, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and hope. They may have lost today, but together, they would rise stronger, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the dojo, Prime knew this was just the beginning of their journey. They were not just boys training in a dojo; they were warriors, friends, destined for greatness.

(A/N: Make sure to check out my Patreon patreon.com/3riplep )