The warm sunlight streaming through the expansive windows of the living room cast a golden glow over the space, illuminating the anticipation that had been building inside Yuuki. He stood waiting for Ryu, his pulse quickening with a mix of excitement and nervousness as he wondered what the day might bring. The memory of their last encounter still lingered, and he couldn't help but hope that this meeting wouldn't be marred by the same awkwardness.

As the moments ticked by, Yuuki's gaze wandered around the room, taking in the elegant décor and the sense of serenity that pervaded the atmosphere. But his attention was quickly refocused as Ryu emerged from the hallway, clad in a traditional hakama that accentuated his muscular physique. The martial arts uniform seemed to be tailored to perfection, flowing around him like a second skin and amplifying his already imposing presence. Yuuki's curiosity was piqued as he took in this new side of Ryu, one that he hadn't seen before.

"Good morning," Ryu said, his voice steady and calm, with a hint of warmth that put Yuuki at ease. "Did you have your breakfast?" The question was simple, yet it seemed to hold a deeper meaning, as if Ryu was probing for more than just a yes or no answer.

"Umm, yeah. I did," he replied, his eyes locked on Ryu's, searching for a hint of what was to come. The uncertainty was palpable, and Yuuki's mind was racing with questions. What did Ryu have planned? Why was he being so mysterious?

Ryu's expression remained neutral, but a faint spark of amusement danced in his eyes. "Curious, isn't it?" he said, his voice low and smooth, with a hint of teasing. "Just follow me." With a gentle gesture, he beckoned Yuuki to follow him, and as they walked through the hallway. The plush carpet muffled their footsteps as they navigated the spacious corridor, an air of formality blending with the familiar comfort of the home.

Their walk came to an end at a set of sliding doors, which Ryu pushed open with a gentle touch. The doors slid apart, revealing a spacious dojo, a traditional martial arts room that seemed to embody the very essence of discipline and honor. The atmosphere inside was palpable, the wooden floor gleaming with a soft sheen, and the walls adorned with an array of swords that seemed to echo with the legacy of skill and tradition.

As they stepped into the dojo, Yuuki's heart quickened, his senses heightened by the familiar yet foreign environment. He recognized the setting, with several people engaged in intense sword training and sparring. The air was alive with the sound of clashing steel, the scent of sweat and wood, and the soft murmur of focused breathing. Yuuki's mind flashed back to his own training with his father, the memories of their lessons still resonating deep within him.

As he observed the participants, Yuuki realized that they were practicing Kenjutsu, the traditional martial art of sword fighting, with a focus on the katana. Although it differed from the judo he had learned, he felt an inexplicable pull, a sense of invitation to join in. The movements, the techniques, and the discipline all seemed to resonate with him, echoing a deep connection to his own martial arts background.

As he observed the participants, he realized they were practicing Kenjutsu, martial art that involves the use of swords, especially the katana. It was a different from the judo he had learned, but there were elements that felt inviting and engaging.

Yuuki turned to Ryu, his curiosity getting the better of him. "What are we doing here?" he asked

Ryu's response was casual "There is nothing new here," he said, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "You can watch, or feel free to join in if want." The invitation was clear.

Yuuki’s heart raced with anticipation as he took a seat in the dojo, positioning himself in seiza style on the smooth wooden floor. The scent of polished wood mixed with the faint aroma of sweat and determination hung in the air, further heightening his senses. He watched intently as Ryu moved gracefully to the center of the room, picking up a katana with practiced ease.

Ryu’s posture was impeccable, exuding confidence and poise. As he faced off against one of his subordinates, Yuuki could see the fluidity in his movements. Each stance purposeful, every shift of weight perfectly controlled. The sparring partner mirrored Ryu's intensity, brandishing his own sword with determination, and the anticipation in the room grew thick.

With a subtle nod, Ryu commenced the sparring session. The clash of blades resonated sharply, sending a thrill through Yuuki as he observed the expertly choreographed dance of combat unfold before him. Ryu's strikes were swift and precise, each movement a testament to years of discipline and training. His form was elegant as he transitioned seamlessly from one technique to another, embodying the essence of martial arts mastery.

The sounds of the swords meeting filled the dojo as Ryu parried an incoming slice, his body flowing like water as he pivoted into a defensive stance. The sparring partner launched a series of rapid attacks, each strike pushing Ryu to respond with expert timing. With each swift motion, Ryu seemed to anticipate the opponent’s next move, effortlessly deflecting and countering with a series of precise cuts that showcased his skill.

Yuuki felt a surge of admiration as he watched Ryu command the space around him, the moment so captivating that he momentarily forgot the reality of Ryu’s position as his captor. There was something mesmerizing about the way Ryu moved with each jab and lunge executed with precision and an underlying power that left Yuuki captivated. The rhythm of the encounter felt like a performance, a blend of strength and art that spoke to the beauty of martial arts.

As the sparring continued, Ryu decided to showcase a technique, executing a graceful spin that transitioned into an impressive takedown maneuver. His partner lost his balance, falling to the mat with a thud. Ryu's movements were fluid, a well-rehearsed dance of resilience and strategy, it was clear he was in his element.

The training was both fierce and respectful, as Ryu remained aware of his partner’s safety, ensuring that each strike was controlled. Not merely about winning, but about practice as well. As he stepped back, pausing to allow his opponent to recover, Yuuki noticed the quick exchange of respectful nods shared between them—a mutual acknowledgment of skill and effort.

Feeling the thrill of it all, Yuuki couldn’t help but absorb the lessons unfolding before him. The art of martial combat wasn’t just about raw power; it was a delicate balance of focus, movement, and respect for one's opponent.

As the spar session came to an end, Ryu wiped the sheen of sweat from his brow, his posture relaxed but his expression still intense. Turning towards the watching Yuuki, he noticed the boy’s wide-eyed fascination. “What are you thinking?” Ryu's voice sliced through the moment with assessing, as he paused to gauge Yuuki's reaction. His expression was neutral, yet the intensity of his gaze held a weight that made Yuuki feel exposed.

“You look incredible,” Yuuki stammered, warmth flooding his cheeks as he took in Ryu's impressive form. “I've never seen anyone move like that before.” He hesitated for a moment before continuing, “Um, can I try holding one of those?” He gestured toward the sword that Ryu held with effortless ease.

Ryu’s expression remained inscrutable as he regarded Yuuki for a brief second. “Come on then,” he commanded, and without hesitation, Yuuki rose from his seat, drawn in by the authority in Ryu’s voice. He moved toward Ryu, who then handed the sword to him.

As Yuuki grasped the sword, he felt its weight shift in his hands, a satisfying heaviness that filled him with excitement. However, before he could fully adjust, Ryu moved behind him, his strong arms wrapping around Yuuki’s from behind to guide him in holding the sword correctly.

Yuuki gasped softly, his body tensing at the sudden contact. He could feel the heat radiating from Ryu's chest, the solid muscles pressing against his back. The position felt intimate and awkward all at once, as Yuuki could feel the heat radiating from Ryu’s body and the warmth of his breath against his ears.

“Are you sure your legs can handle this?” Ryu spoke, his voice almost a purr, making him shiver. The proximity made Yuuki acutely aware of every sensation and the solid grip of the sword in his hands and the intoxicating presence of Ryu enveloping him. He felt time freeze for a heartbeat as his body reacted to the moment.

Yuuki swallowed hard, trying to focus on Ryu's instructions despite the distraction of his proximity. He took a deep breath, attempting to loosen his muscles. “I think can handle it.”

With that affirmation, Ryu's hand moved to Yuuki's hips, guiding him into the proper stance. Ryu’s touch was firm, adjusting him into the correct pose, heightening the sense of intimacy wrapped around them, as Yuuki felt both supported and exposed under Ryu's careful guidance.

“Do you want to give it a try?” Ryu asked, glancing over at his earlier sparring partner, who stood at the ready.

Yuuki's gaze dropped to the sword, a wave of apprehension washing over him. “I’ve never wielded one of these before,” he admitted, his throat tightening with uncertainty. “What if I mess up?”

“Confidence is key,” Ryu replied, releasing his arm and distance himself from the boy.

 “Straighten your back. Hold the sword with both hands like this,” he instructed, demonstrating the correct form. “You need to feel balanced. Every movement starts from the ground up.”

Yuuki shifted nervously, trying to mirror Ryu’s stance, but the awkwardness lingered as he fought against the unfamiliarity of wielding the sword. “It feels strange,” he muttered.

“Begin,” Ryu instructed coldly, his gaze fixed on Yuuki with an intensity that left no room for hesitation. He faced Ryu’s earlier sparring partner, a skilled practitioner who had been watching closely, ready to engage in a friendly spar meant to let the boy try.

Without warning, he launched an attack, aiming for precision as he swung the katana toward Ryu's partner. But the moment his blade connected with the air, an unexpected counterattack came into play. Ryu's partner expertly deflected Yuuki's strike, sending Yuuki’s katana flying out of his hands and across the dojo floor.

The counteraction sending him stumbling backward before he crashed to the floor, his buttocks absorbing the impact. The jarring sensation left him breathless, and he let out a pained "Damn!" as he clutched at his leg, wincing at the sudden surge of pain. The shock of falling made him painfully aware of his limitations, and frustration began to simmer just below the surface, threatening to boil over. "Urgh, my leg," he muttered, his voice laced with discomfort.

Despite his extensive training in judo, Yuuki was quickly discovering that Kenjutsu was a vastly different beast, requiring a level of finesse and nuance that he had grossly underestimated. His foundation of strength and skill, honed through years of judo practice, seemed to offer little advantage in this new realm, and he felt like a novice all over again.

As he gazed up at Ryu from his position on the floor, Yuuki was met with an unyielding stare. Ryu's arms were crossed, his expression a mask of cold detachment, offering no comfort or solace. The piercing gaze seemed to bore into Yuuki's very soul, weighing him down with the burden of expectation. Ryu's eyes seemed to say, "You can do better than this."

"Get up," Ryu commanded, his voice firm and unyielding. "You need to learn how to maintain your balance and control your strikes. This is not just a matter of brute strength. Technique is crucial, especially in the art of swordplay."

With a grunt, Yuuki pressed his hand against the floor, using it to lever himself up. He tried to ignore the throbbing pain in his leg, gritting his teeth as he struggled to his feet. "Okay, I know," he said. He muttered inside. can’t you see I’m in pain asshole.

Ryu’s cold gaze didn’t waver as he considered Yuuki’s response. “Understanding that it’s different is the first step. Now, it’s time to adapt. You can’t allow yourself to be thrown off balance so easily. Martial arts require a mindset of resilience. Reset and focus on your stance.”

He rejoined the practice, the initial frustration began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of excitement and connection to his past. The pain in his leg still lingered, but he pushed it to the back of his mind, focusing on the thrill of engaging in a martial art that spoke to him on a deeper level.

“Begin again,” Ryu commanded, watching closely as Yuuki prepared himself for the next round. The clash of steel on steel echoed through the air as Yuuki sparred, his movements becoming more fluid with each passing moment. Beads of sweat began to trickle down his forehead, and Ryu could see the youthful determination in his eyes slowly giving way to exhaustion. Despite this, Yuuki refused to yield, his spirit unbroken as he continued to push himself to the limit. Ryu's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with an intensity that seemed to drive Yuuki forward, fueling his determination

“Stop the session,” Ryu instructed, his voice cold and firm, betraying none of the internal conflict roiling within him. The other participants immediately complied, stepping back and exchanging confused glances.