16 Chapter 6. Training. Part 1.

Speaking of which, on our patreon the chapters are coming out a lot earlier and I'm going to post there today plus three or four chapters and for every 300 power stones additional chapters.

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Reaching the Hermit Master. Sounds easy, but in reality...

I knew the general direction, and I definitely didn't have enough money to hire someone. What would I do if I weren't an airbender who can cover significant miles per hour while running - I have no idea. With this, it turned out to be much easier; I could run at such a pace for a very long time, about four hours in a row without overstraining, then rest for a couple of hours and go again.

Unfortunately, I had no idea where Piandao could live. All I knew was that he wasn't on the same island as the capital. Of course, the division into islands is quite conditional; sometimes there's barely a kilometer of water space between them, but still, it's like a river between two oceans, so technically, these were different islands.

I bought a map and a compass in the very first town I reached. So, I knew the general direction. The Fire Nation islands were three large ones, positioned towards each other like a very flattened crescent, and one a bit farther, closer to the continent, where my future master, I hoped, resided.

That's where I ran to. It took me several days to reach the ocean, and frankly, I was quite tired by then, so I decided not to risk running over the kilometers of water space, although I had successfully crossed rivers by skimming over the water surface. I paid for a small boat, on which I planned to reach the necessary island in a couple of calm days.

The problem came from an unexpected source. I was worried about pirates, even though in waters close to the islands, they were wary of acting, but it felt like such a cliché that if we were attacked, I thought it was bound to happen.

I would have preferred pirates, honestly. It turned out I had seasickness, and those days on the boat were quite rough for me. There were moments of respite, but the constant rocking on the sea simply killed me.

I even thought about jumping off the ship and running, but I didn't dare. And again, the money was already paid. So, with difficulty, I reached the island, and I was never happier to see land. The captain said that in my case, it was a matter of habit, suffer for a week, and it would pass.

A week, right. Easier said than done. I barely endured two days, although I admit, yes, the second was slightly easier, but only "slightly"!

So, I spent another day in the port town, simultaneously gathering rumors. Well, I went to a bar and started asking the locals: do you know where the local swordsman resides? Many thought I was crazy and told me to get lost, but one person did give me a hint. After sitting and thinking, I realized that Piandao, besides being a swordsman, was also a very skilled blacksmith, so I headed to a weapons shop. There, they directed me towards the town of Shu Jing.

Unfortunately, this town wasn't on my world map, which was, in hindsight, a very silly purchase. Why did I need a world map? Anyway, after buying a map of just this island, I quickly found the city, checked the compass, and off I ran.

Shu Jing was a fairly large town, founded on a river. It was clearly not a village, with typical houses, indicating some sort of development had taken place here. I didn't bother finding out where the teacher lived and decided to go the familiar route - to the weapon shop.

Though, listening to my stomach, I decided to eat first. Money was running low, and I spent half of what was left on lunch. While eating, I listened carefully to the conversations around me.

There was a lot of irrelevant noise and commotion, making it hard to pick out anything useful.

Those girls over there were discussing local boys, not interesting at all. Those two guys were doing the exact opposite, talking about local girls. And those old men were discussing politics in the usual way - everything's wrong, and nothing's right. However, a familiar name caught my ear, and I perked up.

"... Yeah, haven't you heard? Prince Zuko was banished from the palace. He had an Agni Kai with the Lord and fell to his knees, begging for forgiveness."

"Indeed, we don't need such a ruler. So, does that mean Princess Azula is now in line for the Fire Lord title?"

"I hope not, women, they're like..."

I stopped listening after that. The palace was really going through turbulent times. Zuko had to mess up big time, begging for forgiveness in an Agni Kai in front of a crowd of witnesses. Good thing it ended with just a banishment.

Well then, after finishing my rice, I headed to the next point on my plan - the weapon shop.

In this town, the weapon shop was surprisingly large, resembling a supermarket. There was a cashier with an attendant and huge racks filled with various weapons and armor. Bows, nunchucks, swords of all kinds. And there, a rather simple-looking sword in its scabbard hung separately on a special stand near the cashier.

"Oh, you have good taste," the salesman said when he noticed me looking, "that sword was personally forged by Master Piandao..."

"Actually, that's who I'm here about. Do you know where he lives?"

"Hm, looking to become his apprentice?" the salesman accurately guessed, "go down the main road to the end of the village, there you'll see the path to his residence. Maybe you'll have a chance."

After those words, he fell silent, continuing to polish some sword.

"Thank you," I nodded and headed in the direction the man had advised.

Reaching the end of the main road, noticing the Master's residence was not hard. The only challenge was the somewhat uneven road upwards which had to be navigated without my usual running, proving to be slightly difficult.

I hadn't thought about how exactly to ask to be his apprentice, so I decided to go with the straightforward approach - tell the whole truth, minus the airbending part, and let what happens happen.

Perhaps this simple approach was influenced by the breeze of indifference that had settled in my head due to my recent running, but now, having chased it away and started thinking with emotions, I came to the same conclusion.

I couldn't offer him anything, nor could I claim to be a master myself seeking further instruction from him, which would have been a good plan if I knew at least which end of the sword to hold.

I mean, of course, I know how to hold a sword, but that's where my knowledge ends.

Approaching the large, ornate gates, I quickly glanced at myself. My attire was the same as at home, only washed a couple of times during my journey, so it looked utterly unpresentable. Well, it's too late for regrets now.

I need to knock, or I might stand here thinking for another hour.

If it were nighttime, I'd think I was in some horror story. Using the round ring-handle, I knocked, the door echoed with a resonant vibration, and I waited patiently. I really hoped this wasn't a typical kung fu movie scenario where I'd have to sit outside for hours.

Turns out, it wasn't as bad as I feared, and after about half an hour, during which I cursed the swordsman more than once, a chubby old man with a bald spot opened the door.

"I would like to study," I said to his raised eyebrow, making the traditional fist-palm salute.

"Do you know the master doesn't take new students?" the old man asked arrogantly, extending his hand in a clear gesture, "Do you think he will accept you?"

With a heavy sigh, I placed all my remaining money in his palm. Considering the expenses for supplies, maps, and the like, there wasn't much left anyway.

"Fine, you can speak with him," said the butler, or whoever he was, turning around and clearly indicating for me to follow.

I had no choice but to go after him. The traditional style of the building was slightly jarring to my eyes, but to the master's credit, there was more white than red on the exterior. The absurd chimneys were almost nowhere to be seen, except around the forge, presumably. Well, stop, the teacher is not known to be a bender, that's a known fact. Eh, well, let's see.

I was too quick to praise the Master, inside there was the usual abundance of red. However, I was almost getting used to it. We climbed to the highest point of the main building, where a large window was wide open, through which the master was gazing, turned away from the entrance.

Judging by the work desk, he was drawing something, at least earlier, and now either resting or thinking. Who knows.

"Master," I began with the legendary "sensei," albeit slightly adapted to the local custom, "my name is Akimaru, and I would like to train under you."

And I bowed my head with the traditional hand gesture. No need to start with a verbal flood. Let him ask, and I'll answer.

"Let me guess, you've traveled hundreds of miles from your small village, where you were the best and decided you're worthy of being trained by me?" he asked neutrally, still looking out the window.

Good thing I didn't go with that plan. Seems like everyone who comes to him spills something similar. Well then, we'll stick to my original approach.

"Yes, I've traveled hundreds of miles, but from the Fire Nation's capital. I was born into an aristocratic family, but without firebending, so they decided to sell me off as quality goods. I ran away and decided to prove at least to myself that I'm worth something."

The pomposity of it even made my teeth ache a bit. I wanted to avoid excessive... pompousness. Just say it as it is and see what they respond. What can I say? The setting invites something of the sort.

"So far, you haven't done a great job of presenting yourself," the master chuckled, turning to face me.

Ha, his pedigree shows. Clearly not from the common folk, though the very Asian eye shape suggests he's not from the high society either. But who knows, should one mention how many bastards populate this world?

Great, I've already labeled the master, not even mine yet, a bastard in my head.

"I'm afraid I have no achievements to speak of," I averted my gaze to the floor, not so much out of shame but rather to convey a sort of sadness at my own worthlessness, "the butler said I need to prove myself worthy to you. But I'm not even sure of that myself. I've never even held a sword, let alone mastered one."

To this, the Master merely smiled slightly at the corner of his mouth and said, rising and picking up a sword:

"Well then, let's go see together whether you're worthy. Follow me."

With nothing else to do, we all proceeded down to the platform in front of the entrance. What he wants to see, who knows, but he's not going to kill me, right?

"Don't worry, you're not in danger, but I want to see you in combat," the Master said as we reached the spot, "pick any sword."

He gestured towards a rack where clearly the local stock was kept. Hm, alright, let's give it a try. Surprisingly, there were no legendary katanas on the rack. There were just ordinary double-edged swords, one of which I picked up. A plain stick, moreover, one-handed, what am I supposed to do with this?

When I returned to the center of the platform, the master, without turning his head, asked:

"Ready?"

"Yes," I simply replied.

If this is him holding back, then he's not human. I barely managed to release a breeze through my body for better endurance and strength, and he was already charging at me with his sword.

I had to dodge. And then, the situation felt terribly like déjà vu. The Master swung his sword trying to hit me, and I simply dodged time after time. From the beginning of his movements, I roughly understood how they would end. Just like once in my childhood against Chan. I avoided some strikes with a step, and for others, I barely managed to lean my body away in time. There was no elegance in my movements, but there was lightness. Perhaps, is this another attribute of airbenders? If so, I understand why they were eradicated. Too many perks right from the start.

However, on the other hand, these perks give nothing for attack - all I managed was to swing my iron stick roughly in Piandao's direction, but he easily deflected it with his sword and immediately counterattacked, scratching my stomach. Here, he clearly held back; I could see that if he wanted, my guts would be spilling out. Jumping back, I began to feel the wound, and as I thought initially - nothing serious, just a scratch.

"Stop," the teacher abruptly said, sheathing his sword, "enough. You won't become a Sword Master, Akimaru."

Great. Just great.