Practice Makes Perfect! A Lesson In Swordsmanship!

[Vio]

^{Yūya #1}

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Another day, another cycle of menial tasks and standard busywork. The necessitation of chores that kept the Seireitei—and by extension the entire Soul Society—working like clockwork. A pleasant mid morning had so far been a productive one for a Shinigami of the Fourth Division, an unseated one, by the name of Amegawa Yūya. A mostly unassuming man on the younger end of a Shinigami Soul’s lifetime was he; a relatively recent addition to the roster with a service of just a few short years.

With sharp but slightly rounded features and narrow eyes that seemed practically locked in an idle smile as he went about his errands, the dark brunet’s short mop of hair rested under a simple cap to shield his eyes from the sun for the time being. A broom in his hands, he diligently swept the grounds of a training field, freeing it of dust and fallen leaves and the occasional splinter of practice swords created by the more overzealous sorts. It was a laborious task at best, but he performed with a smile on his face all the same.

“Hmmm… Phew,” Yūya exhaled through his teeth in a soft whistle, straightening his back so he stood at his rather average height of five feet and just over eight inches. Eyes looked to the sky of the Soul Society, a beautiful sapphire blue spattered with plumes of white. The beautiful white gleam of Seireitei stonemasonry contrasted pleasantly with the dark timbers and woodwork. Truly a picture worth painting time and time again. Though perhaps, he wondered as he started to sweep again, this simple training field would be an ideal spot to paint from…?

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Notes: z0pu

[z0pu]

Ren #1

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The graduation exam was looming ever closer, last minute bits of study and practice were all that was left to do for the young Fukumoto Ren. At this point the young man was confident in his ability to deal with the written exam and his Kido was more than satisfactory. This really only leaved the practical applications of combat.

So on this fine morning, Ren almost danced about this training yard, practicing katas and forms, his zanpakuto in hand as every other student seemed to have preferred to go somewhere quiet to do one final bit of cramming for the theory tests.

The white kosode shirt sticking to Ren;s chest as he sweated more and more as his practice went one, the bottoms of his blue hakama trousers getting more and more dusty.

Eventually though, Ren stopped his practice and took a few stepped to grab a towel he had brought with him to wipe the sweat of his face, that is when he noticed the other figure in the yard.

Another young enough looking soul, however this one did not wear the Academy uniform like Ren, but the fully black shihakushō of a true Shinigami, topped with a very snazzy hat though, that was more unusual. From the broom in the Shinigami's hand Ren could assume this one must have been meaning to sweep the yard, which would Ren was just in the way at this point.

The academy student gave a deep respectful bow to someone who was clearly his senior.

"I apologize, I did not see you standing there sir. If you need me to clear out of the yard, I will go practice somewhere else."

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Fukumoto Ren #27d3d3

[Vio]

^{Yūya #2}

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“Aiii…!!” Lost in his own little world of sweeping, Yūya was rightfully startled when a voice spoke to him. Believing himself to have been alone in the yard, the Shinigami practically took off with a sudden start, hair threatening to stand on end as he steadied himself and exhaled. A hand to his chest, bent over and using the broom as a support, he took a second to regain his composure. A quick removal of his hat, a wipe of his brow, and a vague frown were all rather expressive of the moment passed.

“Ah, don’t worry about it,” the Shinigami waved calmly, apparently having shrugged off the moment of shock almost entirely and wearing a soft, almost mischievous smile upon his face as he observed the stranger. A young man of notable stature when he abandoned his bow—one which Yūya rightfully returned lightly in humble recognition—with what was most certainly a Zanpakutō in his possession.

“I’m sorry for my reaction, but you really did startle me! Hm,” he nodded. “I’ll guess by the way you’re dressed and the sword you have, you’re studying at the academy? Mm. Come to think of it, the graduation exams are around this time…” His thoughts trailed to the time of his own graduation. Students and cram studies went hand-in-hand around this time, though he had to admit to himself it was uncommon to see a student use the actual academy grounds for this sort of thing.

“I’m Amegawa Yūya,” the brunet said, briefly revealing a glimpse of jade green iris through his narrow gaze. “You’re getting in as much practice as you can before the exams, am I right? I remember doing that myself. Hah! Now I mostly sweep the grounds and run other errands,” Yūya voiced, tapping the broom against the floor. There wasn’t even the slightest inkling of disdain for his duties, though…

[z0pu]

Ren #2

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Ren straightened himself, after the other Shinigami acknowledged and greeted him in return, only to give the shorter man another smaller bow, more akin to a deep nod as he introduced himself in turn.

"Fukumoto Ren." The academy student simply replied, not wishing to stop his superior while talking or interfering with their duty.

However this Amegawa fellow seemed to be of the more relaxed sort, simply chatting and eventually confirming what Ren was doing in the yard.

"Ah, yes. Most of my classmates are focusing on the theory exams now, but if it's not too presumptuous to say, I feel quite confident in that regard would rather focus on the more important practical exam now."

There was something slightly odd about the way this janitor held himself though, at least that's what it felt like to Ren. Maybe it was the way this Amegawa-san held himself or the broom, but it did not give off the feeling of a Fourth Division janitor... it was more like an Eleventh Division warrior.

"Do you require me to move sir?" Ren asked again before pausing for a moment... and eventually adding.

"Or do you require something of me?"

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Fukumoto Ren #27d3d3

[Vio]

^{Yūya #3}

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“Hm? Oh,” Yūya exhaled as Fukumoto Ren asked a rather unusual question. Yes, technically he did need the young man to move so he could complete the assigned janitorial duties, but he also wasn’t on the most strict of time limits. Actually, he was mostly doing it to keep on top of the work, rather than to let things accumulate. “Well, I’m not in any particular rush to get this done today. I’m a little ahead on this week’s rota,” he smiled, rubbing the back of his neck for a moment before considering an option that might just benefit the both of them.

“Besides, it’ll have to be done again before the graduation exams… So,” the Shinigami said, realising he was perhaps taking a leaf out of another Shinigami’s book—a situation he had once been in himself. Admittedly, he hadn’t been so confident in himself when it came to the theory, but overall he’d managed just fine. “I’ll tell you what: How’s about I lend you a helping hand on the practical side? I’m afraid I can’t be of much help on the Hakuda and Hohō sides of things, but I’m decent enough in Zanjutsu.” He gestured with an open hand. “If that suits you of course, Fukumoto-kun…?”

[z0pu]

Ren #3

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"Huh?"

The sudden offer of this Amegawa-san sure took Ren by surprise, something clearly showing the on young man's face and in his exclamation. On one hand it felt almost too imposing and disrespectful to ask for such help of a fully fledged shinigami, even if they made offer themselves first.

On the other though... this was a rare chance for certain. Proper practice was always the best way to learn something like swordsmanship, training all by oneself would only ever lead to someone making their mistakes even worse and more ingrained.

Hmmm... Ren took another moment to think while trying to evaluate this Amegawa-san, the simple fact the man had actually graduated and was a Shinigami in his own right meant he was more than capable enough. Which did raise another question in Ren, how far off form a real Shinigami was he still?

"I would really hate to impose..." The young man started, before a more determined look came across his face.

"But if you are truly offering; I will take you up on this offer Amegawa-San." Ren once again gave a deep bow to the Shinigami, showing his gratitude for the opportunity.

Straightening up, Ren asked one more question.

"Should I go fetch some practice swords?" It would be silly to potentially hurt each other in a simple spar. Unless the more experienced Shinigami had his reasons to want to use their actual Zanpakuto.

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Fukumoto Ren #27d3d3

[Vio]

^{Yūya #4}

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Is this what it was like from his point of view…? Recalling the moment he had been inspired by a veteran Shinigami, Yūya tried to place himself in Ren’s shoes for a moment, seeing if he couldn’t find likeness in the situation. Admittedly, it was a rather different encounter, much later in the process, but it intrigued him all the same. Determination could push people to reach for their goals, but often they needed that little extra support from others to firmly grasp them.

“Hm? Ah… That’s probably a good idea,” the Shinigami nodded. “It would be improper for me to draw my Zanpakutō against an academy student, even if it is just for practice!” Patiently, Mister Amegawa awaited young Fukumoto-kun’s return with more suitable gear, setting his broom aside and doffing the cap he’d been wearing, stowing the latter in the folds of his Shihakushō. “Thank you, Fukumoto-kun,” he added politely as he accepted the practice weapon from the fellow soul, taking just a moment to adjust to the weight and balance compared to that of a janitor’s tool, or even his own weapon.

“Oh! Fukumoto-kun. Before we begin, I have to ask,” Yūya spoke, adopting a loose combative stance with his weapon in a light, one-handed grip. “On a scale of… let’s say one to five? How confident do you feel in your own style, over the academy’s standard?” It was a strange question, but an important one, perhaps hinting at the knowledge the man possessed in the art of the sword. Regardless of the answer, his gesture was simple enough: Allow Fukumoto Ren the first move…

[z0pu]

Ren #4

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Taking a few steps back after handing the shorter soul a practice wooden sword, Ren readied himself with a simple stance, weapon held upright and pointing slightly ahead while held in both hands.

"Huh?"

Again Amegawa-san surprised Ren with a question he did not expect. his own style over the academy's? That was something that was hard to quantify. Ren did have his preference when it came to swordsmanship, although his own style as it were was quite radically different from the one thought in the academy. It was also however mostly impossible to use with wooden swords.

"I do have my own style of swordsmanship, however it is not something that would serve much in the zanjutsu exams. The tests are only simple spars and kata."

The young man paused and thought through his next words carefully.

"As for the main practical test... it is not something that can be safely practiced." Ren finally added, with his usual calm smile.

Now... Amegawa-san was openly inviting Ren to attack. There was no other option really, else they'd both be starring at each other till the end of time.

So Ren stepped forward, sliding his feet, barely getting them off the ground, the absolute most standard and straightforward form of attack with a sword, a stepping downward straight cut. The very basics of Kendo. If this was to be practice, might as well start at the basics.

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Fukumoto Ren #27d3d3

[Vio]

^{Yūya #5}

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I’ll take that as a three… maybe four, Amegawa Yūya noted mentally as Fukumoto-kun dodged the question somewhat. His mind was focused entirely on the upcoming examinations, headspace not at all wandering elsewhere, yet still giving off an inkling of who he was. That was good. Calm and focused on the task at hand, Ren would no doubt make a capable Shinigami with that sort of mentality, assuming he maintained it when faced with the final exam.

…? Alright, the shorter Shinigami’s stance adjusted subtly as Ren initiated. His grip tightened upon the wooden sword and his left hand—which had been more or less hovering near the weapon instead of actually holding it—snapped into place to join his right as the swing came. A slight shift of footing was all that was needed, feeling that flow of energy surge up from the ankles and through the midsection, into the shoulders and then back down to the wrists, all done in one swift and fluid motion from start to finish.

Clack! Sword met sword before Ren’s swing had even reached the halfway mark, deflected cleanly to the side to neutralise the offensive and force a stalemate. In truth, Amegawa could have retaliated there and then—a test of the aspiring Shinigami’s ability to defend himself in such short notice—but had decided against it. Instead, he resumed that somewhat relaxed but steady stance, left hand once again loosening ever-so-slightly from the grip as he allowed Ren to recover.

“Very good, Fukumoto-kun,” he congratulated. “A solid strike! Would you like to try again?” Yūya smiled, curious about the answer he would receive, but honest in his choice of questions. “Or would you like to test your defences against a strike of my own…?”

[z0pu]

Ren #5

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The impact of wood on wood resonated throughout the yard. Time always seemed to almost come to a stop when weapon clashed, there was plenty of time to realize that this very first opening blow was painfully lacking.

the way Amegawa-san interrupted swing so casually left Ren clearly open, in a real clash of swords this would mark the end as the shorter of the two souls would simply step in for the finish. But no such strike came, the two stepped away from each other and resumed their stances.

Amgawa-san asked whether or not Ren wished a repeat or to test his own defense. In all honesty there was something bothering Ren, but he could not quite put his finger on it just yet, he had a suspicion but really the most confusing thing if true is why would such a thing even bother him in the first place.

Focus on the spar for now.

"Your skills are very impressive, Amegawa-san." Ren remarked before replying to the actual question he was asked.

"Let us test my defense then."

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Fukumoto Ren #27d3d3

[Vio]

^{Yūya #6}

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“Oh? Ah… Well, thank you for those kind words, Fukumoto-kun,” Yūya replied with some semblance of embarrassment at the compliment. A little bit of humility never hurt anyone, least of all the Shinigami as he accepted the student’s remark and readied himself. This Soul before him had much yet to learn, and even more to master, but that should not have been allowed to become a hurdle at any point—but an opportunity. Now was the time to test Fukumoto Ren’s intuition.

A moment of silence.

“…Hmph!” Amegawa Yūya’s entire body shifted swiftly, one foot slipping forward in a measured step as the training tool fell into the firm grasp of both hands. The air practically shattered from the whipping motion he executed, converting a spiralling vertical force into horizontal momentum for the sword as he lashed at an ascending angle towards Ren’s left shoulder.

^{Don’t be nervous, he told him in silence:
Now’s not the time to react, but to…}

[z0pu]

Ren #6

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The important things when defending was not simply to react to an enemy's blows, but to keep your eyes on all of their body, and with the smallest hints...

A turn of the feet, the angle of the grip and the glance of the eyes.

Anticipate the movements before they even happen!

Amegawa-san strike opened as a vertical blow coming to strike Ren down but the angle of the blade was off, it was a feint to convert it into a back-hand strike to his shoulder from the side.

It was all well and good to understand the theory, however there was an undeniable fact in play. Amegawa-san was significantly was and more skilled with a blade than Ren was, it was undeniable fact.

As much as Ren could see, even look carefully at the wooden blade coming for him, almost in slow motion as adrenaline rushed through him. There was little he could do to actually stop the blade.

So for now the young soul would have to opt for the safest option to avoid a hit.

With the sound of the air almost wheezing in place, Ren stepped out of the path of the wooden sword using Shunpo. Regaining his footing about a dozen feet further away from Amegawa-san, immediately retaking a defensive stance.

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Fukumoto Ren #27d3d3

[Vio]

^{Yūya #7}

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“Oh… Impressive footwork, Fukumoto-kun,” Yūya voiced warmly, though silently keeping his actual praise under wraps for the time being. A test of the youth’s reaction times were one thing, but he had taken the initiative where needed. After all, Zanjutsu was just one of four factors in combat, though the Shinigami had to admit to himself that his own lack of Hohō expertise had momentarily blinded him to the fact that others could use it. Regardless, Ren had passed a rather peculiar test.

There was something else, though.

“Most people find my strikes hard to read,” Amegawa smiled, once again allowing his grip to fall into that same peculiar arrangement of one-handed and loosely poised. “You read my moves and were proactive about your defence instead of just trying to react. That’s very good! I think you have what it takes to pass with flying colours, Fukumoto-kun.” Congratulatory as he was, the janitor’s words were sincere in their origin. A fair portion of budding Shinigami would have sooner tried to parry that strike instead of just dodging it, exposing folly that he knew had resulted in a fair amount of unnecessary wounds and casualties.

^{“Ah, do pardon me,” Yūya added:
“Would you like to continue…?”}

[z0pu]

[Ren #7

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Ren listened carefully to the advice of the more experienced Shinigami. After all it wasn't very often that one could get such personalized feedback. Amegawa-san praised Ren's defence and while a certain amount of pride swelled within Ren something was admitedly still bothering the young man. He hadn't actually landed any kind of attack. Defense doesn't win you the battle, it keeps you alive which some might argue is a victory on it's own, however Shinigami where not soldieres in a war of attrition. they were exterminators, there to kill hollows and other creatures upsetting the balance of the world, their primary skill ought to be offense.

"I would very much like to continue." Ren spoke calmly, almost coldly. Yes he wanted to keep practicing, and yes a part of him wanted to at least land a hit, Yet there was something else that began to bubble deep down. It was something Ren always rejected, a Shinigami's battle was about duty, it could be about honour. It was not about... fun.

Ren lowered his head slightly, his bangs and brow hiding his eyes and a hint of a smile drew on his face.

*wrrm*

The young man disappeared again. Using Shunpo to place himself right behind Amegawa-san, a wide and heavy overhead blow coming from the Shinigami from Ren's right hand, all the while the younger of the two mutter to himself.

"O storm cloud. Loose thy blade and run mine enemies through..."

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Fukumoto Ren #27d3d3

[Vio]

^{Yūya #8}

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Bzzz–! A continuation of their duel, but this time Ren had taken unprecedented initiative. Yūya’s poise shifted the moment he witnessed the flicker of movement, readily identifying it as something he himself had seemed to struggle with—Shunpo—as his opponent disappeared from view. A defensive technique turned into setup for an offensive, it was perhaps proof of the youth’s overall skill coming into its own in the wake of tutelage and study, and that alone was worth a smile as the janitor took the one bit of initiative he could in such a short span of time.

…? I know that one… He bowed.

Schwip…! Body bending without even turning about to try and face Fukumoto-kun, Amegawa-san’s right arm flicked his own weapon around to connect with the youngster’s own strike. A meagre defence, but that was just one half of his ploy. The swift, whipping motion was just enough to forcibly adjust the attack’s trajectory, but the trickery came with a brief release of spiritual pressure as his footing adjusted. Like a gentle wind, Yūya’s reiatsu pushed to his left, while he spun to the right. Ren’s reaction would be interesting, surely.

“I’m not that skilled with Hadō,” the Fourth Division Shinigami spoke softly, now having adjusted to stand out of the immediate path and reach of either of the young man’s offensive options—the side that should have outright felt wrong for what he had likely just sensed. “But I do know not to stand in the way of that one~!”