The path to Kibi was long and steep lined with towering cedars whose roots twisted like veins through the soil. The morning sun filtered through their leaves, streaking the forest floor with shifting light.
Ushimaru walked ahead with his usual calm, his hand resting loosely on the hilt of his sword. Beside him, Gyomei followed in silence, his heavy steps quiet despite his size. The two men's breaths mingled with the mist, the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath their feet the only sound for miles.
After a while, Ushimaru spoke.
"You've been watching Mamoru closely these days."
Gyomei tilted his head slightly. "Yes. He's got the heart of a king."
Ushimaru chuckled, eyes narrowing with thought. "He's young. But beneath that calm face is a storm he hasn't yet learned to control. Once he conquers that ,once he is in agreement with himself he'll be far stronger than he realizes."
Gyomei nodded. "You believe he can become that strong?"
"I know he can," Ushimaru said with quiet conviction. "But potential means little if it's never shaped. That's why I push him the way I do."
Gyomei thought on that. "You sound as though you've seen many with potential rise and fall."
Ushimaru's gaze softened. "I have. Wano breeds warriors like mountains breed rivers. But only a few ever become the ocean."
They continued in silence for a few moments before Ushimaru added, "That's why we're going to meet someone today. As strong as i am ,His name is Kazuyoshi."
Gyomei's brow furrowed. "Kazuyoshi… is he another swordsman?"
Ushimaru's lips curved slightly. "Not exactly. He's more like monk than a swordsman. But don't be fooled he's among the strongest men I've ever fought."
Gyomei raised an eyebrow. "Among?"
That made Ushimaru grin. "You catch on quickly. Yes there are others. Some still alive, others gone. Men like Sakonji Urokodaki, who forged an entire style of his own the Water breath . And the Rengoku clan, who inherited the flames of their ancestors."
Gyomei's eyes widened. "To think there are so many such warriors in Wano…"
Ushimaru nodded solemnly. "This land… it's a forge. It tempers the strong and burns away the weak. And Kazuyoshi is a blade that's been through the fire more than once."
The path narrowed as they climbed higher into the mountains of Kibi. Mist began to thicken, curling around their legs as they stepped over moss-covered stones. Eventually, the forest opened into a small clearing bamboo swaying gently in the wind.
At the far end stood a solitary house, old yet sturdy, half-hidden behind stone lanterns and weathered statues.
But just as Ushimaru took a step forward—
WHIRR–CLANG!
A blur of metal shot through the air like lightning.
Gyomei's eyes widened as a spiked iron ball attached to a long chain hurtled toward them, tearing through branches and leaves.
Ushimaru moved faster than thought. His sword flashed from its sheath
SHING!
Steel met iron in an explosive clash. Sparks erupted. The ground beneath them shook as the shockwave blasted outward, scattering dust and loose stones. Gyomei instinctively raised an arm, shielding his face from the rush of wind.
For a moment, the two forces pushed against each other ,the iron ball grinding against Ushimaru's blade, both refusing to yield. Then, with a loud crack, the ball recoiled, whirling back through the air.
Ushimaru lowered his sword slightly, smirking. "Attacking a daimyo, that's a crime, you know."
A deep voice echoed through the mist.
"What would I care? Seems office work hasn't dulled you after all."
From the fog, a tall figure emerged.
He was broad-shouldered, his posture commanding yet serene. His hair was jet black, tied loosely behind him. Around his neck hung a thick string of red prayer beads, each one worn and cracked with age. His kimono was simple but immaculate, the sleeves rolled slightly to reveal forearms corded with muscle.
He exuded both calm and danger, like a mountain that could crumble or crush at any moment.
Gyomei's eyes widened as he felt the weight of the man's presence. It wasn't demonic or malicious, it was pressure, raw and heavy, like standing in front of a waterfall that never ceased to fall.
Ushimaru slid his sword back into its sheath with a satisfied click. "Still prefer solitary"
Kazuyoshi grinned faintly, his tone teasing. "But of course , dealing with people on a daily bases like you do would drive me crazy ."
"It would ?, Do I have some good news for you " Ushimaru said with a smile
The tension cracked, replaced with quiet laughter.
Gyomei blinked in surprise. "You two… are friends?"
Ushimaru nodded, chuckling. "Something like that. We've traded blows more than words, though."
Kazuyoshi turned to Gyomei then, his eyes sharp but kind. "And who's this?"
"This is Gyomei Himejima, the one i spoke of on the letter" Ushimaru said proudly. "A man with the heart of a mountain. I'm entrusting his training to you."
Kozuyashi's face twitched "is this the good news you were speaking about?"
Kazuyoshi's gaze lingered on Gyomei, studying him. "A strong frame, gentleness behind the eyes and conviction. Hmph."
He smiled faintly. "He has potential."
Gyomei bowed deeply. "It is an honor, master Kazuyoshi."
Kazuyoshi waved a hand. "No need for titles. Just call me Kazuyoshi. Let's see what kind of spirit you carry."
Ushimaru grinned. "Then I'll leave him in your care."
Kazuyoshi looked over his shoulder as he turned toward his home. "Hmph"
As Gyomei followed him into the mist, Ushimaru stayed behind for a moment, watching. A small smile crept across his face.
"Kazuyoshi Iwamoto… The Boulder , if there's anyone who could train Gyomei the best ,its him."
The wind swept through the clearing again, carrying with it the faint sound of a heavy chain rattling and the low, calm chant of prayer beads colliding softly together.
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