kscans

Chapter 542 - Early Spring in Early Summer

One day, two days. Then three, four, five days passed by in a flash.

My partner, who was the most suitable for this training session in preparation for the battle against [Rep=La Nobody (The Black Stain That Slays All)], was of course essential. I also had to ask for help from people like Genkotsu-san and Rinne for lectures on the new techniques involved... When you're engrossed in something, time really does fly by in an instant.

Today is Saturday. Thanks to my desperate training and the help of my friends and acquaintances, the two problem children—especially the magic I was at a complete loss with—have finally been reconciled, I'd say.

No, maybe not. I still can't even use it properly without 'support,' and fundamentally, even activating it isn't realistic... and,

"—That being said, Haru-kun is the type to somehow manage in the end, isn't he?"

A gentle breeze caressing my skin. The quiet rustle of bamboo leaves tickling my ears. And the usual veranda... though we weren't sitting on it, but standing together, swords at our waists, in the middle of the outdoor training ground.

As I recounted the events of the past six days, I let a moment of weakness slip out. The Sword Saint responded with her usual gentle smile and unchanging demeanor.

"That's just, well. It's just that my pessimistic remarks at the time were nothing more than a bit of insurance. This time, there's a real possibility that I won't be able to manage at all."

"I see... In that case, I look forward to your performance even more."

"Why is that?"

"Because when you are truly desperate, you shine with a special light."

"............In my case, I'm not laughing because that shine is likely to be a firework, as in, self-destruction."

"Fufu."

"I said I'm not laughing...!"

The unchanging scenery of the dojo, the unchanging brilliant moonlit night, the unchanging conversation between master and disciple. And yet, with each passing day, there are things that certainly do change.

"Haru-kun."

After a moment, Ui-san, her teasing smile gone, called my name softly.

"Yes."

"May I voice a complaint?"

It was a rare, yet not-so-rare, yet still rare, playful word from my master. I could only nod in response, and she turned away, drawing her long sword from its sheath as if toying with it.

Let me correct myself—she turned away, as if she were sulking.

"I have always thought this, but you are more than just a 'bad disciple.' It would not be an exaggeration to call you a 'master-unfilial disciple.'"

And at that unexpected complaint, one disciple stood dumbfounded.

"That's ridiculous. I'm taking your teachings with the utmost seriousness."

"Precisely. Too serious. Too dedicated. In short, your next step is always too fast—You could stay under your master's wing a little longer, you know?"

"Eh... ah... well............"

Heh, I see, so that's what this is... I see.

............I... I see... —No, swallow it, me.

I just got scolded a few days ago for Kagura-san's matter, and this is clearly that kind of meaning, so I can't let it surface in my mouth or my mind.

And choosing my next words is far too difficult. Not as a man, but purely as a disciple, I need to say something sincere that will resonate with her heart...!

"....................A-a master is, as I've said before,"

"...Yes?"

"To a disciple, well. I think they're like a 'parent.'"

"...Yes."

"So, yes. Even if they leave the nest, they'll come back from time to time. They want to see their parents, and they want to put their parents at ease... Animals aside, that's what human parent-child relationships are like, right? —And besides, I'm not ready to leave the nest yet."

I laughed, saying I was barely half-decent,

"............Um, that was so unexpected, can I call a 'time-out' for a moment?"

But the soft smile I had expected did not return. Instead, a finger was suddenly pointed at me, pinching my cheek, and my avatar froze in a genuine state of shock.

It was a light enough pinch not to hinder my speech, but the fact that a slender fingertip was indeed pinching my cheek was real. As for the matter of the four-step distance being instantly crushed without a sound, it was my master's doing, so there was no point in thinking too deeply about it.

"...'Shu, Ha, Ri.'"

"Yes?"

"Are you familiar with the term 'Shu, Ha, Ri'? It's a term that describes the three stages of training in the arts."

"I... don't think so."

Even hearing 'shuhari,' I couldn't even picture the correct kanji. It probably wasn't a word that ordinary people heard often...

"'Shu' is to protect and master the teachings of one's master. 'Ha' is to think for oneself and devise new ways. And 'Ri' is to establish one's own world, one's own something."

"Oh, I see..."

The flow of the conversation was strange, but it was a valuable lecture from my master. I nodded with a serious face, still having my cheek pinched, and the pressure on her fingertip increased.

I think I must have looked quite dumbfounded. Seeing me, Ui-san let out a very uncharacteristic sigh and said,

"I would have forgiven you up to 'Ha.' But—it's a different story when it comes to a fool who skips over both 'Shu' and 'Ha' and immediately achieves 'Ri.'"

"A fool..."

This was likely the first time I had received such a simple, straightforward complaint of exasperation. On top of that, I was also on the receiving end of a genuine sidelong glance for the first time, so I could no longer maintain the air of a smart disciple.

I tried to avert my gaze as an emergency measure... but her finger on my cheek wouldn't allow it. It was a soft touch, yet I couldn't budge.

"It is true that you have always had a clear 'world,' a 'something' of your own. You have both the talent for technique and effort, and the strength to leap forward."

"Oh, I am honored by your prai—"

"I am praising you, but I am not praising you. Personally, I do not want to praise you."

"Ehh..."

This was different from her usual outbursts.

"I understand now what my grandfather meant."

Right now, she was probably, most likely, simply...

"'A troublesome student is a cute student'—I see, it is true that you are not troublesome at all, Haru-kun... In that sense, you are not cute at all, are you?"

...sulking, just as her expression suggested.

Okay, that's it, I'm at my limit.

My master is too damn cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Ui-san."

"What is it?"

"I'll follow you for the rest of my life, Master, so please take care of me."

"............You are trying to flatter me. You are a mean disciple."

"Whether I'm not cute or mean, I'm still your disciple. And that's a title I won't give back even if you ask me to, so be prepared."

"Oh, you... It was my fault for showing my emotions, but if you tease me too much, I will get angry—The 'naming' is, of course, on hold."

"Well, not having a technique name for the climax is a bit of a problem, so I'd appreciate it if you could..."

"You are a fickle disciple."

"Of course I am. I'm Ui-san's disciple, after all."

In the middle of the training ground—a deep, long, and wide mark, as if a giant had swung a sword down at the earth, the result of a single slash.

Beside it, a disciple bantered with his master, a green-bladed sword gifted by her in his hand.

And next to the disciple, in the master's hand, was a long sword, broken in half.

Another thing built up, another layer of depth gained. While the Acrobat laughed with joy at this fact, the Sword Saint worried about his seemingly rushed way of life.

It was, as always.

The exchange between master and disciple, watched over by the moon, including their farcical banter—

"I am praying for your success."

"Yes, I'll go win."

...was a fitting scene for the eve of a decisive battle.