Chapter 7: Sword

The Day Before the Summer Festival

As usual, Lucas returned to the school dojo. For the past few months, he had been coming here regularly to practice kendo. Not only to improve his combat skills but also to get to know someone he considered one of the best swordsmen in school—Saeko Busujima.

As he entered, he immediately saw Saeko training several members of the kendo club. With graceful and precise movements, she swung her bokutou, demonstrating extraordinary technique.

Lucas leaned against the door, arms crossed, watching and enjoying the sight. After a few minutes, the practice session ended, and the members began packing up to leave.

Noticing Lucas' presence, Saeko gave a faint smile and walked over to him. "You came again, Lucas."

Lucas grinned. "Of course. I can't let my skills get rusty."

Saeko chuckled. "And out of all the places in this school, you choose the dojo as your favorite spot."

Lucas shrugged. "I like challenges. And here, I can learn from the best."

Saeko gazed at him with interest. "You always know how to flatter someone."

Lucas let out a small laugh. "I'm just stating the truth. So, how about a quick spar?"

Saeko raised an eyebrow before grabbing two bokutou from the rack. She tossed one to Lucas, who caught it effortlessly.

"You've improved since the first time you came here," Saeko noted, assuming a defensive stance.

Lucas twirled his bokutou before settling into a ready position. "Of course. I have an incredible teacher."

The match began.

Lucas launched the first attack quickly, trying to pressure Saeko. However, she effortlessly dodged and countered with a strike that nearly hit his shoulder. Lucas managed to step back just in time, then spun around to attack from the side.

DANG!

Their bokutou clashed in the air.

Saeko smiled, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Your movements are getting faster."

Lucas smirked. "I have strong motivation to get better."

The fight continued for several minutes, both exchanging blows at high speed. Lucas knew that in terms of experience and technique, Saeko was still far ahead. But he was slowly starting to read her movement patterns and adapt his attacks.

Finally, Saeko executed a move that threw Lucas off balance. With a swift motion, she placed her bokutou at his neck, signaling her victory.

Lucas let out a small laugh. "I lost again."

Saeko lowered her weapon and smiled. "But you're getting closer to beating me."

Lucas sighed and sat down on the dojo floor. "Well, at least I didn't get knocked out instantly like the first time I came here."

Saeko sat beside him, her bokutou resting on her lap. "Lucas, why are you so eager to practice kendo? I know you like challenges, but I feel like there's another reason."

Lucas stared at the dojo ceiling for a moment before answering. "I just want to be ready for whatever happens in the future."

Saeko remained silent, watching him, then smiled. "You really are interesting, Lucas."

Lucas turned to her with a puzzled expression. "Interesting how?"

Saeko only gave him a faint smile without answering.

They sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the stillness of the dojo, with only the gentle breeze of the afternoon filling the air.

Eventually, Lucas stood up and extended his hand to Saeko. "I'll challenge you again next week. Maybe this time, I'll win."

Saeko took his hand and stood up. "I'll be waiting for your challenge."

They exchanged smiles—not just as kendo rivals, but as two people who deeply respected each other.