The New Winds

He had been excelling at a number of things that have surprised him but it had lead to not putting in as much practice as he wished in some of the essentials. As such he had made a request with Kitsuki-sensei for further guidance with the blade.

The other Ichiro was there as well, he felt confident with his hands, well enough with large weapons but he was forging a sword and he wanted to be excellent in using it. He nodded to his clan mate as he approach "Hey there Ichiro-san, how are things?"

"Hello, Utaku-san, Moto-san. Are you ready to begin, or are more students coming?"

The smaller Unicorn had always been graceful but now he seemed to move with purpose and confidence that originally had been faked through bluster and bravado.

"I'm doing well, Ichiro-san." He cracks a smile, "I trust in you that any lingering wound won't slow down the training today." It was a statement of fact, not a question.

As Tai Yu approached he offered a respectful bow, "Any are welcome to join us if they wish but I had not heard any others yet express such intention. Thank you for your time this day, Kitsuki-sensei."

"Alright, well then. Shall we go through some kata?"

Ichiro smiles and nods, "Please."

The sword work is familiar at first, though quickly the kata turns to something new and different.

Ichiro follows through the kata mirroring the sensei's movements as they made them

After a time, the sensei stops and looks to the Moto.

"Shall we spar?"

Ichiro bows "Indeed Sensei." he replies before dropping into a ready stance.

"Draw and hold then"

he does as instructed bokken out and ready to be used holding for the beginning of the spar

The kitsuki draws hers as well and stands less than an inch away.

"Now, defend yourself!"

he falls back into a defensive posture his bokken up ready to try and block any incoming strikes from the sensei.

Once more the Sensei steps in close to the Moto.

"You will not be able to engage enemies at a comfortable distance always, Moto-san. Now, defend yourself without retreating."

He nods and stands his ground adjusting the stance and angle of his bokken to more easily maneuver in the smaller space and block the incoming blows.

Instead of swinging her sword, the woman places a foot behind Ichiro's leg and in the same motion pushes him with her bokken against his.

he was strong, much stronger than a boy his age should be and he wasn't even done growing yet. He would one day be a fearsome warrior indeed.

But he wasn't there yet, and no matter how strong or fast you are, someone smarter will take you down and physics are stronger than any muscles built by training. She didn't force him back a lot but she pushed him back enough to get tripped up by her foot and send him to the ground.

"Remember that the sword is not the only weapon or threat. Your entire body is a weapon, use it, especially when you cannot benefit from the reach of a katana."

"Hai sensei." he said as he hopped up and settled back in more prepared for her tricks this time.