3 Chapter 3: The Way of the Sword - Swordsmanship

In the midst of an unfamiliar world, Yamahiko and Rukia, accompanied by the steadfast Renji, forged an unlikely bond. Their shared dwelling nestled within a district marked by chaos. Yet within these turbulent circumstances, Yamahiko discovered an unexpected warmth and glimmer of hope. It was a testament to the power of unity and friendship.

Among this eclectic trio, Renji emerged as the older brother figure. His tough exterior belied a heart of gold, a sentiment he extended to Yamahiko. Rukia, with her gentle and caring nature, took it upon herself to watch over Yamahiko. As night embraced them, she ensured that he was cocooned in the warmth of his blanket.

Under the shelter of their shared space, Yamahiko began to feel a sense of belonging, as his previous apprehensions dissolved into the ether. With closed eyes, he surrendered to the embrace of dreams, feeling a newfound sense of home.

As dawn illuminated the second day, Renji unveiled a pivotal lesson to Yamahiko—a method to harness the power of Reishi. The technique was elegantly simple—gather Reishi and meld it with your essence. The Reishi's mending embrace would then restore and replenish your being.

Yamahiko grasped this concept with remarkable swiftness. He deftly coaxed the surrounding Reishi, the sensation of his body refining growing more vivid with every gathering.

On the following day, Renji led Yamahiko to an open training ground, a canvas of potential. "Today, I'm sharing with you the essence of mastering Reishi control," Renji announced, passing a wooden staff to Yamahiko, his gaze filled with earnest anticipation.

As Yamahiko accepted the staff, curiosity ignited in his eyes. This was uncharted territory—a world of secrets waiting to be unraveled.

With a flourish of his wooden sword, Renji elaborated, "You see, we don't possess the grand tools of nobles or the finesse of experts. But a Shinigami who passed through here once told us a simple method—the way of the sword."

"Swordsmanship?" Yamahiko inquired, brows furrowed with intrigue.

"Exactly," Renji affirmed with a nod, his tone carrying a profound earnestness. "Our Reiatsu, the spiritual pressure within us, derives from the density of Reishi. Elevating your Reiatsu entails densifying the Reishi. The secret? Gather and compress. But mere absorption won't suffice. You need to strain your body, damage the contained Reishi through motion. However, absorption restores and fortifies, enhancing resilience. Thus, as you move, gather Reishi. Fortify your soul, watch your spiritual pressure ascend."

Understanding dawned in Yamahiko's eyes, the parallels between this concept and physical training in the human realm becoming vivid. The process was akin to stressing muscles, tearing fibers, only for them to rebuild stronger with nourishment. An amplified capacity, a burgeoning strength, emerged as the outcome.

Renji's revelation continued, "Most training methods increment Reiatsu subtly, demanding exhaustive effort. Swordsmanship, however, fuses body and spirit, a holistic exertion that hones not just the body but reflexes and agility."

At this juncture, Rukia, her aura gentle and caring, interjected with a voice of unwavering encouragement. "We've learned a secret technique from a Shinigami—one that involves overlaying Reishi on your blade, never releasing it. But this demands finesse, a delicate grasp over Reishi. As control becomes second nature, the Reishi is released, like so."

With a swift, graceful motion, Rukia swung her bamboo sword, a blade-like wind trailing in its wake, leaving a shallow etching on the ground.

Watching this, Yamahiko's thoughts drifted to Ichigo Kurosaki's 'Getsuga Tenshou', a technique that absorbed and then discharged Reiatsu through the blade. Yet, Ichigo's method was unique, tied to his Zanpakutō's attributes, compressing Reiatsu before release.

Rukia's display was distinct—controlled release, the Reishi adhering to the blade, manifesting a less potent force.

Yamahiko's eagerness flared anew, his gaze shifting between Renji and Rukia. "Renji, I implore you—teach me," he urged, determination igniting his words.

Renji's response echoed with a warm chuckle. "Of course. I'm about to introduce you to the art of swordsmanship."

Gripping his wooden sword, Renji began, "Our first lesson: the grip. You need both hands. You're right-handed. Hold the base of the hilt with your left hand's pinky, ring finger, and middle finger. Make sure the hilt doesn't extend. Like this."

With practiced finesse, Renji demonstrated the grip, his left hand securing the hilt's lower part.

Yamahiko, using his wooden stick as a makeshift sword, mimicked the stance. Renji offered further guidance, "Slide your palm a bit lower, below the hilt's base. It adds weight to your downward strike."

Yamahiko adjusted his grip, internalizing Renji's advice. Renji then proceeded, "Now, use your right hand to hold the blade's base, just below the guard. This tang, it's where the blade extends. Your stick doesn't have it, but its position is comparable. Don't squeeze too tight, nor let your grasp become overly firm."

In essence, it was about using your dominant hand to control the blade's front, while your non-dominant hand's fingers cradled the back half. This stance elevated the blade slightly, directing it forward.

After a few tries, Yamahiko settled into the stance. Renji continued, "Now, let's focus on the starting posture. Relax your shoulders, stand tall, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands near your belly, about a foot's distance. Bend your arms slightly, but don't exaggerate."

Yamahiko attempted to emulate the pose, and Renji fine-tuned his posture. Satisfied, Renji instructed, "Keep this stance for today's training. Strive to maintain it for as long as possible. Tomorrow, I'll delve into swordplay techniques and footwork."

Yamahiko nodded eagerly, gripping the wooden stick and adopting the swordsmanship stance with a renewed vigor.

Within a mere three minutes, the strain of the position began to wear on him. Fatigue crept into his arms, tempting him to surrender.

Rukia's gentle and caring voice intervened once more, her words carrying a soothing reassurance. "Don't falter. Don't let weariness dictate your actions, and don't fear injury. Remember, you're a creation of Reishi, capable of healing any harm."

Suddenly, understanding surged within him. Yamahiko was a construct of Reishi, resilient to any permanent damage.

Summoning a renewed determination, he lifted the stick once again. This time, he resisted the seductive pull of fatigue, standing resolute against its advances.

Two more minutes passed, and tremors gripped Yamahiko's arms, a subtle ache taking root.

Yet, he refused to yield. He withstood the tremors, resolute in his pursuit. Five minutes stretched into seven, then eight. And at the ten-minute mark, the wooden stick slipped from his fingers.

Yamahiko's arms felt heavy and rigid, his body tinged with a hint of weariness. He craved rest, but Rukia's voice interceded yet again, her gentle assurance guiding his actions. "Now, absorb Reishi to mend the wear and tear."

Relying on Rukia's guidance, Yamahiko shifted his focus, absorbing the ambient Reishi, allowing its restorative flow to mend his strained essence.

As the Reishi fused with him, the restoration unfolded, subtle yet transformative. With consistent application, this process would amplify his spiritual density, kindling a luminous spiritual pressure.

Seeing the potential to enhance his Reiatsu. Yamahiko was determined not to give up. His destiny as a Shinigami was etched before him—a path paved with camaraderie, fortitude, and uncharted power.

Note: Hello readers, I would like to inquire whether you are comfortable with a slightly more complex form of English that I am currently using for explanations, involving relationships and more. Alternatively, would you prefer simpler English? The latter option would save me time, but it might not be as engaging as the current style. Additionally, I have made adjustments to the character interactions, shifting from modern English to a language more fitting for the chosen time period. I also plan to revise the second chapter, as I found their interactions a bit jarring upon reflection about their historical context