A Samurai Arises

Template:Poperty

**Date Started:** N/A
**Date Completed:** N/A
**Previous Role-Play**: Hostile Takeover
**Users Involved:** User:Sekiro of the mist
**Setting:** south blue
**Characters Involved**: Sekiro Fuyuhiro

# a defining appearance

following the events of the glitter pirates' most recent venture to the mafia controlled island. The land was full of hardships for the crew, many battles and new abilities were shown. In the end the pirate group gained control over the island after defeating the current ruler. This act did not go unnoticed. Bounties were increased and names rouse in fame. To some who have been watching the glitter pirates this is their biggest feat yet. And an admiral one for such a new pirate group. However the group has not been seen lately word is they have either been killed or disbanded. Perhaps they were captured or-

Random person in bar

“You know what I think. I think they ran like cowarde after their crew member got killed”. The sound of these words echoed in the room causing a low murmur to spread across the room and returned to its origin. A man standing 7 feet tall, with short black hair, a gruffy untrimmed beard and a scar on his lip. The man was dressed in ragged clothing that gave away his clear criminal background. As he sat at the table the man grabbed a large glass of rum from the person next to him. With a grin he chugged down the alcohol down to the very last drop. Suddenly the man slammed down the glass with great force. Causing an echo to ring about the building. Knowing that he got the attention of everyone in the bar. The man opened his mouth and began to speak with a booming confident voice.

“ IN FACT I DON'T THINK THEY HAVE THE GUTS TO EVEN SHOW THEIR FACES, A BUNCH OF COWARDS IF YOU ASK ME, HELL I BET I COULD TAKE ALL OF THEM ON MYSELF”

The man's words resonate with the people in the bar and begin to stir.

The announcer who had been cut off looked at the daring man with disdain. The man is shown to be a tall yet skinny man. He wears fine clothes and has a neatly trimmed mustache giving him an opposing look to the burly man who so rudely interrupted him. As he gives the man a sharp look, he goes to speak

“ Well then before I was so rudely interrupted  by this buffoon their feats don't lie have you ever taken control over an island sir or are you just showing off that overconfident ego of yours.”

As the two men speak the room is full of talk and bustle. In one corner or the room two figures sit at a table without drawing much attention to themselves. One of the pair is a young female of fair skin. She has long black hair, her eyes are a soft grey. She looks over to the other figure, a male with frosty white hair that slightly covers one of his eyes with a few strands. His eyes are a silver shade with pupils that resemble those of dragons. He wears a casual shirt with a kimono jacket over it. Beside the man lies a katana of frost blue and silver. While the saya in which it rests is white with black markings and ribbons. The male looks down at his cup of tea which had almost been emptied much to his disliking. He then picked up the tea and gentilly sipped its contents, paying no mind to the commotion that began to arise around them. His female companion looks at him and begins to speak in a gentle tone to the male.

Yomi
“You sure seem content with letting people just trample over your name like that. I get that you don't want to draw attention, but that guy is speaking ill about your crewmates. Don't tell me you intend to just sit here and do nothing, what am i saying of course you do” as the young lady speaks the young male to whom she was referring gives off a faint smile. Making a calm motion with his hands, Sekiro puts down his cup. Witch makes a small clicking sound against the wooden table. He gives the girl an amusing look before he turns his head to the side.

Sekiro
“Well I wouldn't exactly say I'm doing nothing. However, I also don't need to concern myself with such trivial things. I've heard many people talking about that entire event. Still if i responded to every single one it would just get dull. Besides, I have no need. They are just words and those who utter them only seem like fools in my eyes. No reason to give rise to foolishness. Yomi i do appreciate your concern over the matter though, this is just how i prefer to tackle things at the moment. “

Yomi gives Sekiro a concerned look as she can tell he is hiding pain behind his calm expression. In truth the events that occurred on the island had taken their toll on Sekiro more so than his other crewmembers much like Bunter, their captain. To  Sekiro Sapphire had been a friend, one of his first at that. The weight of losing one like that was a burden to Sekiro that he chooses to not let anyone know. However it also fueled his drive to improve so he could at least keep those he still had with him alive. And also fulfill the promise to break out sapphire's sister who was currently still in custody.

As the pair spoke with each other the situation around them had grown. And has caused a new energy to fill the room. The tall unkempt man from earlier laid his eyes on sekiro and yomi. With a grin he had realized that the young man was in fact sekiro fuyuhiro of the glitter pirates. The person with the third highest bounty in their crew and was rumored to be one of the group's strongest. The man raised his arms in the air and then shouted which made the rest of the room fall silent.

“ WELL WELL WELL, LOOK WHO IT IS LIKE I SAID THE GLITTER PIRATES HAVE SURELY RUN LIKE COWARDS. IN FACT RIGHT NOW ONE OF THEM IS HERE IN THIS BAR. TELL ME LITTLE SWORDSMAN OF THE GLITTER CREW. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF I WENT AND KILLED YOUR CREW. HUH YOU WOULDNT DO ANYTHING WOULD YOU NOT THAT YOU COULD.”

as the man spoke his words echoed and bounced off the walls. He began to walk towards the couple hoping to get a rise out of sekiro, who sat calmly while giving the man no mind. At the sight of this the burly man flared in a rage he placed one hand down on the table in front of sekiro and yomi. After planting his feet into the ground the man yanked the table upright, ripping it off its hinges which kept it secured to the floor and launched the table behind him. The table flung across the bar and landed against the opposing wall. On impact it shattered into splinters causing shrapnel to pour from the newly formed crack in the wall. The display caused many to give sideways glances at the burly man. But in all the commotion it had piqued their interest in how events would unfold now that one of the glitter pirates is in their presence.

Sekiro looks up at the tall man with a calm yet cold expression on his face. Much to others surprise, the cup of tea which was lying on the table before getting smashed was completely intact. And resting in sekiros hands. As his eyes give off a faint amberlike glow. Due to a ray of sunlight shining upon his face through the windows. Sekiro sighs and then speaks to the man.

“ So this is what people do when they dont get a reply. Well to answer your question. I suppose I would do nothing. Since you would never get the opportunity to do so. Nor would you even be capable of such a thing. Of course in the grand scheme of things our crew is weak compared to others in the world who have gone through more struggle and adventure. Still one who boasts about such foolish things, could never actually live up to them. At least that is what I find to be true. There are some who possess wills strong enough to back up what they say. But from what I can tell you are far from one of them.

Sekiros words ring in the head of the man who is so eager to challenge him. Around him people begin to chuckle and laugh amongst themselves. Seeing sekiro give the man no time of day.

The man looks upon sekiro. Clenches his fist. As he does, veins begin to swell in his hands and arms. The man brings up his right hand in a swinging motion. Hitting the wall and causing the room to fall silent. He opens his mouth once again and speaks with his loud booming voice.

LISTEN HERE YOU LITTLE PUNK DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM. I AM LEXINGTON MORNINGSTAR. A WANTED MAN. I COULD KILL YOU WITH JUST ONE HIT IF I WANTED TO SO DON'T BE ACTING ALL HIGH AND MIGHTY.” lexinton says to Sekiro before looking at Yomi he then grins at her and gets a thought in his head.

“Say who is this fine woman beside you. How about this? I can just have my way with her and make you watch. Or I can just kill her right NOW.” as lexington says this he rears his right hand above his head. After only a moment he brings it down with large force. Intending on bashing in yomis skull before Sekiro can even react.

Sekiro watches the man's attempt and reacts with full intent. As lexingtons hand draws near. Sekiro moves to intercept. Quickly standing up while simultaneously moving his left arm to counter. In one swift motion sekiro moves his left arm and blocks the oncoming attack. Then make a circle like motion causing lexingtons arm to be moved before sekiro grabs. He then
moves his leg outward and shifts all of lexingtons weight over. Causing him to be thrown to the ground.

Sekiro looks down upon the man. Before grabbing his katana and walking over to the bartender and paying his fees. Sekiro kindly speaks to the bartender who looks at him with a shocked expression.

“Sorry about that, I'll pay for the damages on my behalf. The tea was wonderful thank you.`` As Sekiro speaks, Lexington slowly gets up and reaches for a knife he had concealed. Thinking that sekiro is oblivious to this lexington rushes sekiro. While his back is still turned, Sekiro jumps into the air and pivots his body counterclockwise bringing up his sword to slash downward. His sword gleams in the sunlight and cuts through lexingtons body with ease and leaves him wide eyed. Sekiro looks down at Lexington frowns.

“I'll let you in on a secret, the only ones on our crew who grieved were me and my captain. And the last person who dared threaten her ended up  dead and dispersed without a trace. I'm actually one of the nicer ones in my crew, still you should go and die now. Would do us all a favor.” Sekiro says to lexington before pushing his body down. When his hand comes in contact with the now wounded man's body begins to freeze over. Once it hits the ground the body shattered into pedal like pieces on the floor. Sekiro then leaves the scene with Yomi in tow without any more signs of resistance.

# an oriental walk

Sekiro and Yomi walk through a busy street. On both sides people are walking to and from different shops and buildings. No one pays them any attention to the pair as they make their way to the outskirts of town. Unbeknownst to them. On the rooftops of the buildings. A mysterious figure watches them with a careful eye.

“You sure this is the one the master wants to meet. He seems so young. Well whatever, perhaps I will test him, and see if he can hold up to the master's praise task. I doubt he's good enough to be on par with me.” the masked figure says to himself before retreating on the roof tops.

Sekiro looks up at the rooftops after the man had already disappeared “say yomi did you sense something up there” sekiro says while turning toward his companion for confirmation. In response to sekiro, Yomi turns toward sekiro giving him a teasing look. “ leave it to you to notice all the small details in everything. Sigh what do you expect to find out here anyways it's a peaceful island plus it has that well whatever look you like so much it was oriental japanese.`` Yomi begins to trail off before Sekiro interrupts her speech. After giving her a playful elbow, Sekiro folds his arms behind his back and walks in a way that makes him appear like a wandering monk with a samurai past. “ I'd be surprised if you remembered that. Although I suppose I would be a constant reminder. Well let's just drop it and head back i don't know how long we will be able to have moments of peace like this in the future just you and me.`` Sekiro says to Yomi while still walking towards the town outskirts.

After a short period of time the couple reach their destination. Sitting in a clearing a bit away from the town is a japanese style house. Sitting next to it lyes a sakura tree about as large as the house, its branches waiving sofly in the wind. Around the back a tranquil lake flows into a small zen garden with a shrine resting in the center. Yomi invites sekiro to bed with her however sekiro declines and goes towards the back to train by himself. Sekiro silently walks through the hall leading towards the back door. After opening the shoji door, Sekiro steps out into his training grounds. Before he begins training, Sekiro sits down and meditates.

# A Duel Among The Sakura

Unknown to sekiro, the mysterious person who was watching him earlier was watching him from the sakura tree. Now sure that he wont have any problems that get in his way the man walks over to sekiro and inspects sekiro. “ So what you doing there sitting all peaceful and stuff.” the man says to sekiro hoping to catch him off guard. Sekiro, noticing this calmly responds without opening his eyes or getting up from his meditation. “ meditating before i begin training, also waiting for whoever it was on the roof back there. So what brings you here. “ sekiro says to the man finally looking up to greet him. Sekiro looks up to see a teenage boy about the same age as him the boy has silver spiky hair. His outfit consists of a black scarf around his neck and a red and gold kimono that is missing one of the sleeves. The boy wear’s fitted jeans that resemble a shinobi.

Strapped to his back are too lighting shaped giant shuriken. As the boy looked at Sekiro he had his arms crossed with a puzzled look. After making a quick motion the boy gives sekiro a side eye. “ Wait you saw me, there's no way I was on the rooftops you never looked up. “ the boy says to sekiro in a confused tone. Sekiro, after hearing the boy try to get answers, waves his hand and stands up to meet the boy eye to eye. As Sekiro stands up he finds that the two of them are roughly the same height. Trying to be as polite as possible to the stranger sekiro speaks, making sure not to raise any alarms. “ Let's put that aside for now, what brings you here anyways? I was about to start training which I'm quite serious about. “ Sekiro speaks but as he does the boy holds up a hand in response. ``Hey don't get me wrong I don't really want to be here but I have no choice. However if it's training you want to fight me and then i'll tell you why I'm here. “ the boy says to sekiro, stepping back into the open space sekiro used for his training grounds. As he gets three paces away from sekiro the boy lets out a sly smile. All the while Sekiro, who had just been challenged silently thanks the mysterious boy for curing his boredom.

“ If that's what you want then I won't complain. I was starting to think i wouldn't get a challenge on this island before my crew and i met up again.`` Sekiro says to his new challenger while simultaneously walking out into the clearing himself.

Once the two are only two paces away from each other the wind begins to pick up slowly. Around the two stretches a clear field. The sun shines brightly in the cloudless sky. Both Sekiro and the boy reach for their weapons. Sekiro in one move unsheathes his katana and readys his stance. The sunlight makes it gleam near the middle of the blade. At the same time the mysterious boy reaches for the two giant shuriken on his back and pulls out each taking up a stance of his own. After a few brief moments of standoff, a sakura pedal drifts slowly in between the two. The moment it lands on the ground both leap at each other extending their respective weapons. The pair clash with each other. Sekiro’s blade and one of the boys shuriken meet each other and lock. The two struggle a bit before relaxing and jumping backward. The boy jumps in the air performing a 180 degree turn before throwing the shuriken in his left hand toward sekiro trying to set up for his next attack.

Sekiro sees the shuriken flying toward him and pivots his body and blade to deflect the flying weapon. As the shuriken reaches sekiro, he manages to deflect it. With his blade only inches away from his face. The blade reflects both sekiro and the other side at the same time. Suddenly the boy appears in the reflection of the blade before sekiro can dodge or deflect. The boy delivers a roundhouse kick sending sekiro back.

Sekiro, now recovering from the attack, sidesteps to the right and changes his guard. Moving into a more agile stance, Sekiro begins to run toward the boy while beginning to charge his next attack. By charging up soru in his arms sekiro spins his blade in a figure eight formation. Channeling lighting. Trying to move in and land an attack of his own.

On seeing Sekiro make his move the boy decides to counter with his own attack. Channeling his own power the boy catches his shuriken and loops his hand through the other. Beginning to spin it on its axis. The boy generates his own lighting attack. Moving to intercept sekiro. He spins around before performing a butterfly kick to charge up his body for its spin in the air, bringing his shuriken in an arc sending out an arc of lighting towards sekiro.

The two arks of lighting move towards each other in a flash and clash. The sound of both attacks colliding is like multiple fireworks going off one after another. Sparks fly every witch way and cause burned marks to appear on the ground.

Not losing momentum, Sekiro closes the gap between him and the boy. To engage in close range combat. The boy seems to have the same idea as he too moves toward sekiro at full speed. Once they reach five paces from each other both strike at each other.

The boy moves in on sekiro bringing both his shuriken toward sekiro in a spinning motion. Utilizing his whole body to add power to the attack. While he moves an updraft begins to kick up under his feet due to the power and directional flow of the move.

Sekiro performs an aerial to evade the attack. While midair upside down, Sekiro strikes the ground with his sword. Using the sword to adjust himself, Sekiro quickly repositions his hands to the top of the blade's handle and launches himself at the boy in a flying side kick. Before sekiro fully goes into the attack he sends a pulse of strength towards his leg. Causing it to move in the air like a tail sending sekiro flying toward the boy like a miniature tornado.

Unable to dodge the attack in time the boy positions his arms to take the brunt of the attack. On impact, Sekiro sends him flying towards the sakura tree beside the house. While flying through the air the boy adjusted his body to catch his fall. “ Damn these guys are really going all out from the start. I'm starting to like him” the boy says to himself, smiling in the process. Shortly after he lands on a branch in the tree. The force of his landing caused it to sway from side to side. After getting his bearings the boy prepares himself for sekiros next attack.

Sekiro looks up at the tree before picking up his blade from the ground. “ Oops, I shouldn't have sent him so close to the house. Still this is getting to be fun. “ As Sekiro speaks his pupils begin to dilate and give off more of a dragon look. After taking a deep breath sekiro uses soru to catch up to his opponent. Suddenly disappearing from view. The grass around him blows all in one direction before settling back towards its original form.

As Sekiro approaches the tree the boy senses him and moves to meet him on the same branch.

Quickly moving about the tree with a series of acrobatic movements the boy lands on the tree branch with the grace of a shinobi from wano. His scarf and kimono drifted slowly downward before resting. Sekiro appears on the same branch, landing lightly before settling. The two watch each other for a moment while catching their breath while also thinking of their next attack. Suddenly the boy runs toward sekiro and swings his left shuriken downward seeking to catch sekiro off guard.

Sekiro anticipates the attack and uses soru to avoid the attack. Quickly disappearing and reappearing behind the boy ready to deliver a counter attack. But is caught off guard by the

other shuriken aimed at his head. Moving slightly, Sekiro manages to avoid most of the attack. But gets cut at the cheek. His blood begins to trickly out from the wound. Following the attack sekiro moves his sword in a downwards arc towards the boy trying to use the moment before he can recover from his own attack.

The boy quickly moves in the air to get away from the blade but falls off the current branch he is on. Recovering from the attack he adjusts in the air and lands on the next branch. Putting both his arms out to his side. The boy moves his arms around himself bringing the shuriken in a fan-like arc. Suddenly he launches himself at sekiro in a blitzing motion. Seeming to step on the air quickly running towards sekiro with multiple thunderlike steps.

Sekiro moves to meet the attack with his own form of mobility. Using soru to move at high speeds to match the boy's own speed.  The two blitz each other repeatedly, moving from branch to branch slowly rising towards the tree's top. The two break the tree's surface in two separate arcs of lighting as both have now charged up another lighting attack. While they both clash with each other multiple times.each attack makes multiple thunder like sounds. Followed by flashes of lighting. After more clashes. The two seem to write the sky as the multiple clashes leave a trail of lighting in their wake.

The boy steps off the air once more before bringing both his shuriken above his head. Charging lighting through both he brings both down and throws them towards sekiro leaving a trail of lighting in their wake.

Sekiro spins his sword in the air which causes the air around it to begin to turn to static. He then sends a powerful kick that causes his blade to fly through the air like a spear. The weapons travel toward each other at high speeds. Once the two meet the resulting clash would cause an explosion that would cause great damage to the surrounding area.

# The Master Appears

“ THAT'S ENOUGH” suddenly the words ring out of nowhere. Just then a man appears in between the two weapons and extends his arms to each side. In one swift motion. The man grabs the handle of sekiros blade and hooks around the boys shuriken. Suddenly the two loose all momentum and power coming to an absolute stop. Both Sekiro and the boy's eyes widen at the sight of the man who just stopped their attraction with little to no effort at all. Even more so that he is completely unscathed.

Sekiro, completely unaware of the fact he is falling, crashes into a branch of the tree. Then falls hitting many branches on his way down. After reaching the last branch, Sekiro falls and hits the ground. Giving out a low groan of pain, Sekiro keeps his head down. “ ow” all the while the boy also lost his grip and fell out of the air landing in the lake with a loud splash. His impact causes a three feet wave of water to fly into the air. Raining down like a light drizzle in the surrounding area. “ geez my head what was that for master.”

The man walks camy in between the two and then lets out a sigh before going to the boy and fetching him from the lake. He then turns toward sekiro and drags him into the house, throwing them both into an open room.  The man is a tall muscular yet slim man. He has long black hair that flows just below his collarbones. At the front two bangs fall to the front of his head. The man has a neatly trimmed mustache and beard. With fine features and a strong jawline. The clothing that the man wears is a long kimono with traditional wrappings. On his left arm a hint of a tattoo or marking peaks through his sleeve the man looks at both sekiro and the both and sighs. “ I told you to come get him not to fight the damn boy. I'll deal with you later now then. You are Sekiro correct.” the man looks to ask Sekiro. In response the man's sekiro looks puzzled but then nods his head slightly. After seeing sekiro respond to his question the man smiles at sekiro and then begins to speak again. “ Good well then we have much to discuss”.

# A Friend's Blessing

After the strange man introduces himself to sekiro the three walk into the living room. Sekiro politely excuses himself before joining the two others and walks upstairs towards the room. As he ascends the stairs, Sekiro thinks to himself. Due to his fight sekiros hair laid down do to getting wet midway. Instead it's usually a mixture. ( more than likely ill have to leave to train under that person. I should be grateful someone is willing to train me. Though i would be wrong if i left without any word to yomi. ) Sekiro says to himself inside his head.

Reaching the room, Sekiro opens the door silently and peaks inside. The room's interior is like that of a traditional japanese bedroom. In the middle lyes a bed in which yomi lies soundly asleep. Sekiro walks over to the edge of the bed and crutches beside her. Making a gentle motion, Sekiro taps yomi lightly at quick speeds waking her. Yomi quickly gets up and looks at Sekiro with half awake eyes. Seeing his hair and rougher appearance Yomi instantly gets dressed and goes to speak to sekiro before he walks out of the room.

“What happened to you, you look like crap. Also what happened to your hair, it looks drenched.” yomi says ti sekiro. Seiro then looks upwards at his hair and quickly reads it.

“That is besides the point yomi, i do however have to tell you something. It looks like I will have to leave for a while and I don't think I will be able to bring you with me. There is someone who I think is willing to train me. I can't pass up an opportunity like this one. After all this is the whole reason why I separated from the others.” Sekiro says to yomi but is then cut off by yomi who already began speaking.

“It's alright I wont keep you. Just make sure that you come back alive and I don't have any problems.”

Sekiro looks at Yomi with widened eyes and then hugs her. After a few moments sekiro breaks away and bows to yomi before retreating back downstairs to meet up with the others.

# An Old Samurai, Or A Retied Lord

Making it back to the other two sekiro is quickly scooped up and carried out of the house along with the other boy by the tall man. While both look confused they are powerless to do anything and go along for the ride. As he carries the two the man begins to speak to sekiro and inform him about the situation.

“Forgive me for the abrupt introduction earlier now that we have time ill give you the full details.

For starters the fool of a student i have who challenged you earlier is Nariko he was supposed to come retrieve you and bring you back to my estate. I am Yasuharu. It has been decided that you will be trained by me for the time being. Seeing as you are already adept your training will begin almost immediately. You will live on the estate and be fully dedicated to training. I do however intend on finding out if your origin is what I think it is. Consider the blade you carry by your side. Aside from that I will educate you in our principles and expect you to live up to my hopes. If all goes well you will be more than strong enough to tackle the grand line and find the nature of your swordsmanship and the sword you carry. It will be a while before we arrive at the estate. Until then you two just sit there. “ Yasuharu’s words ring in the minds of both sekiro and nariko who look at each other and sigh. As time passes by the three arrive at yasuharu’s estate

“ you know to this day I still have no idea how he has such a large house when he's just a retired fighter. “ nariko whispers to sekiro before the reach the main gate

Sekiro, after hearing this, looks around before stopping on the estate. He then hangs his mouth and looks back and forth from the estate and nariko. “ i know he said estate but what was he an emperor?  *Sekiro says, still in shock from the size of his new home for the time being.*

The estate consists of a main building which is built like a japanese shrine, its prismarine and jade roofs sparkling in the sunlight. Hanging from the jade eaves are multiple lanterns adorning the different levels of the home. Leading down the path are multiple small torii gates leading to the main gates. Postes at the gates are two dragon statues that stand parallel to each other. Facing inwards. Connected to the main building by a bridge. Is a sub building seeming to be built for training purposes. The landscape of the estate is a mixture of mountain-like peaks. And flowing rivers. The main part of the estate itself seems to be built on water that has accumulated in the mountain and formed a river falling into multiple waterfalls, both big and small.

Yasuharu places the two teenagers down and tells nariko to help sekiro get situated. Having something to do himself he heads off leaving the two to themselves. As the two walk around nariko leads sekiro to a courtyard and then to his own personal  section where he will be living.

Sekiro speaks with nariko and questions him about his fighting style earlier. “ Say nariko when we fought you used lighting based attacks the same as me. Come to think of it, our fighting styles are very similar. That can't be a coincidence. *Sekiro says, walking around the room waiting for a response. Nariko looks at Sekiro and puts both his hands in the air “ who knows perhaps its because our masters knew each other. To be fair though it's a vast world you're bound to run into someone else who can do similar things that you can. Oh and for the record I'm much better at it than you anyways. “ nariko says to Sekiro, giving him a teasing look before vanishing. And leaving sekiro to himself.*

Once sekiro settles down he reflects on the past events that lead to now. “ I wonder how the others are coming along, how long it's been. I'm behind and I need to catch up. Now that i don't have any distractions i can devote myself to training like the old days. I didn't get this far spending time socializing with others anyways. It was always just three of us and we did our own thing didn't we. that reminds me its been a long time since i saw either of them. I really need to get stronger if I want to head back. Well its probably best I get at least some rest. Who knows when training will begin. “ Sekiro says to himself before settling into the bed. Shortly falling asleep.

The night passes calmly and the sound of gentle winds echo through the estate. As all in the estate are either training or sleeping. The next day will begin sekiros training and take him to new heights to prepare him for the new challenge, that grand line. In time sekiro will return to his crew members and continue their adventures. Or so he thinks for the time being. Little doesSekiro know some of his crewmates have defected and started a group of their own. This will surely come as a surprise to sekiro in the future but now he focuses on the present. As the sun slowly rises into the sky a bell is rung signifying sekiros training to begin.

# A Month Of Hardship

As the sun arose in the sky the sounds of distant birds began to fill the air. Walking through the estate grounds Nariko headed to Sekiro’s section of the estate, the building in which he was housed, and kicked the door open. The doors flung open bringing in the morning light and warmth, quickly raising the temperature of the previously cold interior. Quickly moving to Sekiro’s room nariko picks up a nearby pillow from a spare futon and throws it at sekiro who is currently asleep. With a loud thud the pillow smacked sekiro in the face waking him up instantly.

“ the hell was that for!!” Sekiro jumped up while seething with rage for a moment he looked at Nariko with a stunned look only to have it returned with a look of shere disinterest by nariko.

“Stop complaining and get ready, master wants us to head up for training well you specifically i'll be joining later have fun with that.” Nariko says to sekiro.

Following this news sekiro jumps up and tidies up before heading out to follow nariko to the appointed place. The two pass by a series of stairs decorated by tori gates leading up to a waterfall. At the foot of the waterfall stood Yasuharu staring off into the distance. Sekiro was left alone by nariko who disappeared back down the path.

Focusing his attention back to the tall man standing before him although suddenly Yasuharu turned toward sekiro.

“So you finally made it as of now I am your sensei. You will obey me as if I were Zoryu. Am I clear? Yasuharu told sekiro without a moment's notice.

Hearing this, Sekiro stepped back stunned by the mention of his master and father figure's name. Almost immediately after though, Sekiro bowed towards his new master seeking to stay on his good side.

Yasuharu then instructed sekiro to sit under the waterfall while listening to what the man had to tell him. “ First things first under my teachings you will either become a samurai unlike nariko who has been raised as a shinobi. I will teach you of your past and where you truly come from. I will also train you in swordsmanship and martial arts. Finally you will learn the true nature and history of your blade.” Yasuharu’s words echoed in the depths of Sekiro’s mind. Hearing this sekiro was reminded of the dream he had about a plane within his sword. Quickly snapping back, Sekiro nods and shifts his thoughts to those of his youth, taking on a more obedient personality while only thinking about his training and what comes next.

Sekiros first task was to cut the waterfall without freezing it or using any of his abilities until he was able to complete this task he would not be able to leave the waterfall area and the surrounding woods.

“Sensei if I may, such a thing seems.” Before sekiro can finish his sentence Yasuharu hits him on the head and then picks up a stick nearby. Then he walks towards the water's edge and with terrifying speed and power he slashes at the air towards the waterfall. The force of his strike sent a shockwave of air traveling toward the waterfall. It hits the water and miraculously leaves a clear cut through the path of the waterfall. Seemingly still the water remains unmoved for only a few moments before coming back to a downpour. Sekiro witnessing this looks on with amazement, eyes widened and mouth hanging open. Yasuharu looks towards Sekiro and begins to explain his reasons. “ a skilled swordsman can cut anything no matter what the vacuum you were brought up in by one of the greatest samurai in wano. Take pride in it. If you fail I will simply kill you in a duel.

Without waiting for a response Yasuharu seemingly disappeared leaving sekiro by himself. Not letting himself waste time, Sekiro took off his shirt and unsheathed his blade. Moving towards the waterfall, Sekiro begins his task. Making an attempt to cut the waterfall, Sekiro brings his swords in an upward ark aiming for the water. As his blade meets the water the weight drags his arm down interrupting his strike. At the sight of this sekiro looks down at his hands.

“ So that's how far I am from it. At this rate I'll be here for months, no i'll shorten it to one maximum. Any longer and I'll accept my death by sensei.”

With this sekiro begins to try to cut the waterfall again and again. Each time coming up short only to be stopped by the rushing current of water pulled down by gravity. Still, Sekiro recovers and tries again. This cycle repeats for the entire day into nightfall. Sekiro, having tried continuously for hours without rest of food, collapses from exhaustion. As he lays on his back in the water, Sekiro can only focus on the pain ringing in his arms from being slammed with the frigid water over and over again. All around him various sounds arise from the woods as he tries to move his body. As he layed in the water, Sekiro thought back to what he lacked in previous battles. During his time at the mafia controlled island he encountered powerful swordsmen on the same level as him while sekiro had great speed he sometimes let strength fall behind. Sekiro then remembered that at the island he was constantly fighting to protect something. Trying so hard to keep any more of those he cared for alive, so they didn't share the same fate as one of his only friends and his entire family. The thoughts of the past came and went as Sekiro slowly recovered. Eventually he drifted to sleep, his body finally overcoming his will to keep pushing. Had Sekiro been a normal human being he probably would have succumbed to frostbite and died from the cold however thanks to his lineage and own abilities Sekiro was able to rest peacefully until morning.

When morning came sekiro woke fully recovered his first notes where he felt light something he only noticed when training over an extensive time. Sekiros' first thoughts were to find food in the nearby woods. While sekiro walked throughout the woods he searched for something edible until he felt a presence watching him. Coming to a stop, Sekiro waited until the right moment. Only seconds later a pack of wolves pounced sekiro. While he knew he needed a meal, Sekiro had no desire to kill wolves trying the same as him. Unsheathing his sword, Sekiro turns toward the back and brings up his sword. Turning the blade towards himself and unleashing a slash towards the pack.

As it hits two of the wolves are sent back landing on their feet. Four more remain to challenge sekiro as they charge him from two angles. Sekiro then jumps toward a nearby tree, planting his feet before kicking off of the trunk catapulting into the air. He turns in the air slowly and lands softly. As the other wolves look onto sekiro he stares back at them intently like a predator waiting for competition to show its weakness. After moments pass, Sekiro, who is done waiting, rushes the wolves who all brace themself for sekiro. As he drew closer, Sekiro sheathed his blade and realigned his body mid run. At once sekiro makes two dragon claws, one in each hand. ( this is a type of martial arts technique belonging to the dragon style of kung-fu) sekiro then advances towards the wolves already knowing he has won.

“Soru!”

Sekiro charges faster than the wolves can register and in a series of flowing movements, hits each one in their pressure points knocking the pack unconscious. As Sekiro looks into the distance he spots his intended target. A golden deer roamed in the forest unaware of sekiro. Sekiro observes it and confirms it is on its own. He then unlocks his katana from the saya. With much precision, Sekiro takes one lunging step propelling him through the bush, and slashes the deer's neck, killing it before it can suffer. As Sekiro returns the blade and sheaths it he picks up the deer and carries it back to the waterfall. After preparing a fire and cooking the deer. Sekiro spent the time eating to prepare himself for what he would do next. Once he had finished the deer, Sekiro decided he would spend the month in a rotation. One day he would practice his swordsmanship against the waterfall and the next he would spend training his body. Once he was done, Sekiro looked over at the woods and decided to go back for training. Throughout the day, Sekiro trained in various ways. One hour he would spend shadow sparring, the next he would find a tree and use a branch for upside down sit ups. The day passed by as he continued his training. Around evening while sekiro was doing pull ups and one armed pull ups. He heard the familiar sounds of the wolf pack he had faced earlier. Looking down he saw not only the pa he had faced before but now the number had grown to ten. Seeing this as an opportunity, Sekiro chose to take the group head on using them as sparring partners for the time being.

With a grin, Sekiro charged them all ready for the battle. One wolf charged him, while three others went around and closed the gap. As the first reached within 5 inches from sekiro. He pivoted using the momentum to perform an aerial, avoiding the wolf as it tried to bite him. Next the three came within arms reach. This time sekiro let one get within only centimeters of him before using its body as a springboard, leapfrogging over it which then caused it to crash into the other two. Now five came at him together, sekiro maneuvered and weaved in between the wolves attacks contouring with his own, only adjusting his power to only sting the animals. Sekiro and the wolves continued this dance for hours until it was nearly midnight. Both parties had grown tired and mutually agreed to part ways to challenge each other again.

As Sekiro slept he had dreams about various ways he could grow stronger. He also reflected on past teachings to give him insight to his problem. And so Sekiro continued the cycle over and over again two weeks had passed and in such little time Sekiro’s body seemed more developed, his usually toned physique giving rise to one that looked more like that of a honed warrior. Sekiro’s efforts bore fruit as well. He now stood in front of the waterfall now continuously striking at the water. He was now able to fully cut through the water without being dragged down by the water crashing into his arm.
Although his attacks are still passing through the water with no signs of stopping it but merely redirecting it. Sekiro however is unfazed by this and continues his flurry of attacks. Despite them being at a high speed every slash is a pure and focused strike. Beads of sweat appear all over Sekiro’s body as he continues this momentum for several minutes before stopping. For the first time since he had been assigned this task, Sekiro spoke his voice almost hollow from the amount of time it had gone unused.

“Nariko, long time no see what brings you here. “ Sekiro said to Nariko who was watching him from a distance.

“ It seems you're just like me with that waterfall huh let me guess you gave yourself a month didn't you “ nariko responded to sekiro while walking forward.

Hearing this, Sekiro could tell nariko was up to something although as far as sekiro could tell it was something good. “ Yeah, I gave myself a month and only have three weeks left. If i don't accomplish it by then im as good as dead. “ Sekiro said with much determination in his words.

Nariko began to laugh but then returned to his normal self. After letting out a sigh he began speaking again. “ Unfortunately you may well not accomplish that goal. However I have a proposal for you. Let me help you, it's a certain skill we both already have except rather than using the elements it's simply our own willpower being transferred into the blade and then outward into the object of our target although something like cutting water is a feat i couldn't achieve. Still I did manage to cut lighting before as such my style focuses on it. But on the other hand you use ice and lighting both are way different from water that's all i'll help you out with good luck.

And like that as quickly as he came, nariko left but his words carried more weight in Sekiro’s mind than they had let on.

With this information Sekiro already started turning the gears of his mind and deciphered the message he had been left with. For someone like him a feat like cutting water would be one of the most difficult things to learn at his level sekiro waas treating this as if he were cutting just anything but that matter at hand was different rather than putting a solid object he would be cutting a flowing source the amount of power technique and precision unlike any he had displayed so far. The way he was now a feat such as cutting steel would be no problem for him but this would push him to another level.

Sekiro, finally reflecting enough, returned to the waterfall and prepared himself. This time instead of relying on raw force, Sekiro closed his eyes and began to feel what was around him. The sounds of the water flowing through his ear while seeming like the water wass pulling toward him breathing in its own way he sat there concentrating until the world around him grew still the only sound in his ears was the faint sound of the water. Then sekiro brought his sword to his side and opened his eyes. As quick as a flash, Sekiro swung his blade through the water. This time the attack did not simply pass through but sekiro could see a small gap only centimeters in length but non the less it was a start. With a faint smile Sekiro continued this

each time getting faintly better. As the day passed sekiro hsd only struck the water after minutes or even hours of concentration at a time. Once night hit sekiro backed away from the waterfall and meditated for the remainder of the night for now the three weeks he had were cut short by a day but if he kept at this pace he could likely make it.

With the new day rising, Sekiro was filled with determination. As he continued his training cycle he only grew stronger by the day. Each other day he would grow a step closer to cutting the water.

# Mysterious Woman Of The Waterfall

By two and a half weeks' time sekiro only had three days left until his deadline. Sekiro at this point looked different than when he had first arrived, his body was now more defined with muscle while still keeping him lean. His hair had also grown down to neck length. Making sekiro adjust the style and put it in a samurai topknot however opting for a slightly different version. Instead of the hair being pulled back into a bun it was instead like a ponytail of sorts. Sekiros hair sticking out like individual blades. Before sekiro could go to start his training a figure appeared from out of the waterfall. The figure was a female gracefully stepping from the water running from her head to her toes, her black hair glistening while her clothes seemed to melt to her body giving way to her physic underneath the white garbs. Sekiro at the sight of this quickly averted his eyes. Still the woman approached him and began to start up a conversation.

“ You really think you can cut the water in such a short amount of time. Or is it something else that you're relying on. Well little dragon let me tell you unless you start paying more attention to me like you have this month you can count those thoughts out. Now then I want you to have some fun with me. “ the woman said to sekiro, who looks at her with wide eyes.

“ Wait, what do you mean? And why do I feel I've seen you before. Actually that's not important at this point in time. Forgive me but I need to focus on my training. As Sekiro tries to get past the woman and to the waterfall he suddenly feels a presence behind him. Quickly turning he just narrowly avoids an attack, a cut appeared across his arm from the move. Sekiro realized the woman he was talking to was now on the offensive while preventing him from going forward. As he stepped back his eyes widened, Sekiro looked at the weapon she held in her hands. Sekiro saw his sword in the woman's grasp. While sekiro had just an ordinary katana in his hands. But before sekiro could, the woman closed the gap between them launching several attacks. Too stunned all sekiro could do was watch as she drew closer. At that moment the woman had already landed several cuts throughout his body. Only moments after the blood started to spew from his wounds.

Sekiro, snapping out of his shock by the pain of the wounds, realized that he would have to either face her or be killed. Quickly regaining his footing, Sekiro adjusted himself and prepared for the attacks. This time it was Sekiro who was the first to charge, bringing the sword to his right trying to slash at her arms. While he closed the distance, Sekiro quickly scanned the woman's body for any signs of weakness although he couldn't find any openings.

Before sekiro could reach her the woman simply reflected his blow with ease before turning the blade and hitting sekiro with the blunt end. While this sent sekiro back she slashed the air and unleashed a wave of energy toward him. Then following up with another only moments after.

As sekiro saw this and moved to act, quickly using soru to avoid the first blast. He then used the momentum to slide across the water getting up and close before countering he swung the katana with much force trying to break her guard.

The pair continued to duel at the waterfall for the remainder of the day only managing to keep up this dance from the staredowns they had before clashing. At nightfall sekiro collapsed onto the ground a puddle of blood beginning to leak from sekiro who then fell unconscious.

The next morning sekiro woke up confused but found that his wounds had been treated. He also felt something that felt like a cushion on his head. As he looked around, Sekiro noticed that he was sleeping on the lap of the woman he had dueled the previous day. Sekiro jumped up from his feet and looked towards the woman with uncertainty. She however looked at sekiro with calm eyes now getting up and unsheathing Sekiro’s sword.

“ Well good morning to you as well. Glad you are ready to go again now you only have two days left, the clock is ticking.” the woman said to sekiro.

Both fighters as if they were reading each other's minds charged at each other and clashed.

The pair fought for the entire day each testing the waters of their opponent now repeatedly coming together in clashes and staring each other down. Sekiro seemed to be evolving at a rapid rate over the course of the fight. Now used to the katana he had to fight with, Sekiro was putting up more of a fight. While still accumulating damage from the woman but he quickly adjusted and came closer to landing his own blows it seemed the two where focused only on each other. Once again day turned to dusk and sekiro fell from exhaustion only to wake and rechallenge her the next day.

On the last day of Sekiro’s month-long time period. He was in the middle of a clash with the woman. This time Sekiro seemed to be on the advantage, moving in and out of attacks while countering with his own. As Sekiro brought his blade away from the woman he had finally seen the opening he had searched for. Quickly spinning his blade to a reverse grip, sekiro lowered to the ground and performed a dragon tail sweep kick. Knocking the woman to the ground. With a large splash the woman landed on her back only to be pinned by sekiro. The two sat there catching their breath before Sekiro began speaking to the woman.

“ Who are you and why do you look familiar to me? All I've done these last few days is fight with you, what are you trying to accomplish and why did you take my sword. “ As Sekiro spoke, the woman only looked at him smiling. Sekiro looked almost knowing what would happen next. The woman quickly pushed herself off the ground and sent sekiro off of her in the process. Now aligned with the waterfall behind her the woman tuned causing ripples in the water by her movements. And she moved with so much grace it looked like she was performing a dance.

The attack that came next was one of pure beauty as a wave of energy as white as snow launched toward sekiro.

Sekiro watched the attack come towards him. While taking deep breaths, Sekiro readied himself. To him the world seemed to become still, only feeling the attack and what laid behind it. Sekiros eyes then glowed with a spark. Sekiro then unleashed his own attack letting his arms swing downward causing a ripple throughout the air around him. Then a wave of air was sent throughout the field. Clashing with the woman's attack but pushing through without any difficulty. And landed against the woman.

While sekiro watched he looked in awe in the direction of the blast. In his ears Sekiro heard the woman whisper to him his name.

“Looks like you finally did it sekiro. Do take care in the future. Oh and my name is Benzaiten  *the woman said to sekiro before disappearing. In Sekiro’s hands he saw his katana had returned to him and to even more surprise the waterfall had been cut clean in two unbeknownst to sekiro. Only seconds after the water returned to its normal state leaving sekiro standing awestruck by the feat he had just accomplished.*

# To The Next Phase, A Year Begins

“ Well done sekiro now, you have completed the first task i've given you. In a month's time at that” Yasuharu’s voice echoed from a nearby tree where he sat previously unknown to sekiro.

Now looking up at his teacher, Sekiro sheathed his sword and looked for his shirt although didn't find it. Now looking at his clothes sekiro realized that his clothes were in  fact a mess still sekiro addressed his teacher.

“ sensei i hope i didn't keep you waiting too long, i accomplished it.” Sekiro said to Yasuharu, keeping his head down.

Yasuharu, seeing this made his way down to sekiro and raised the boys head.

“ There is no need to be so formal, you have done well though. Nice hairstyle by the way reminds me of home a bit. Regardless you can start the next phase i find that you will take quite a liking to it.

The two walk down the stairs back to the estate while preparing for the next phase in Sekiro’s training.

Sekiro was sent to his part of the estate to recover from the month-long training. As he recovered Sekiro thought of what his next step would be. Four days had passed and Sekiro was back in top shape, for the most part. Walking out of his building, sekiro made his way to Yasuharu’s quarters. Seeing the estate by himself makes sekiro appreciate the calmness and familiarity it brought. As Sekiro walks through the doors he is greeted by his sensei who stands on the other side with a bokken in hand. Sekiro takes this as a surprise and greets Yasuharu.

‘Sensei this is a pleasant surprise, i'm ready to begin my training and i thank you for the rest you allowed me to have. “ Sekiro says to his master, bowing in the process.

Yasuharu looks onto sekiro with a faint smile. Seeing that the young boy has already recovered so much from his month of intensive training. A sign that he has incredible potential on his own.

Walking to the right of sekiro Yasuharu inspects sekiros hair and face. As he looks he sees Sekiro had fashioned his hair in a samurai topknot. A hairstyle familiar to the samurai of wano. However instead of the usual bun or knot. It is made in a way that makes the hair stick out more. A good sense of awareness that the hair could get in the way if not attended to but also a stylish choice. Seeing his eyes though he sees that while sekiro gives off a calming presence most likely due to the environment he is in at the present moment. A cold storm lurks within the depths. He then talks to sekiro about his progress and the next step.

“You seem to have recovered well. Now before I get to the next step I would like to inform you of the purpose of your first task. The thrush is I was never going to kill you if you did not learn the skill. The purpose was to help you learn to not be so dependent on some power. It also helped improve your swordsmanship and overall strength. The fact of the matter was that even though you already were a great swordsman. You couldn't even cut through a waterfall without losing your grip. However in focusing and training you became more acclimated to the amount of stress it put on your body. Thus you adapted and learned to cut it. This principle can be used for anything in life. For example, I want you to cut this in two without hitting the floor.”

Yasuharu points toward a steel slab on the floor beside him.

After listening to the explanation, Sekiro without a word steps toward the slab and calmly stands in front of it. After only a few short moments sekiro unsheathed his sword and slashes downward, then returning the blade to its sheath. Only one second later the slab is cut into two pieces down the middle leaving the floorboards completely intact. Sekiro, looking proud of himself, looks back to his master and waits for instruction.

Yasuharu nods to sekiro and says “ good remember never just swing a blade mindlessly. But focus and strike with a purpose without it you only doom yourself. “

Following this Yasuharu leads sekiro through the halls to a room that is fashioned as a dojo. Where he would be personally training sekiro over the course of his time.

“Sekiro, I feel like you have neglected this long enough for the blade you're carrying. I'm sure you already know this, however it is one of the legendary famed blades known as Meitō. The blade has been passed down for generations throughout your family. Its name is Benzaitens’ Grace.

The sword was forged by a famed swordsmith from the country of Wano. and it was made from a dragon. However due to the last holder of the blade it has become corrupted. Your task is to get stronger and uphold your honor. Now then seeing as you're progressing quickly i hope your training will not take that long.

Now let us begin. ….”

# Sekiro Gets A Visitor, And Kicked Out.

1 year has passed since sekiro began his personal training with Yasuharu. Over the course of the time sekiro underwent harsh intensive training that forged him into a more powerful swordsman than he ever was before. Upon completion of his training sekiro was officially given the title as samurai by his master. And is now able to go out to explore the world if he sees fit.

Now walking along the streets of a town, Sekiro goes about his business before he returned to the estate. Sekiro is now seen wearing a white and blue kimono following his previous design. There are subtle differences though he now has a matching hitade and sode armor plate on his left shoulder and right thigh. Benzaitens grace lays at sekiro’s side as he makes his way through the street. While stopping at a stall, a small child walks up to sekiro and watches him with wide eyes. Sekiro, returning the gaze, looks at the child for a couple of seconds before turning back to the owner and buys two dango. Sekiro then passes one to the child and then walks off, lowering his mask to eat the food. On his way Sekiro notices a familiar figure by the gates of the estate and inspects it. After looking closer he makes out a female shape. The woman has long flowing hair and wears a black and red kimono. Sekiro then figuring out who she is decides to sneak up on the woman as sekiro draws closer he slowly peeks his head over the woman's shoulder and then surprises her. “ So come to visit somebody” sekiros words take yomi by surprise and she jumps before realizing it was sekiro at that moment yomi jumps to embrace sekiro. “ Sekiro! It's been so long since i saw you, oh your hair got longer, the style looks nice on you. How have you been? “ Yomi says to sekiro as she backs away from him. The two share a few words and then sekiro leads yomi into the estate. While the two walk into the main courtyard, Sekiro tells yomi about his training and ask her how she had been while he was away. Much to sekiros surprise yomi had gone back to the mafia island to revisit the people and help them recover from the damage done by sekiro and his crewmates. Before long ssYasuharu appears out of nowhere observes the two. At the sight of this sekiro turns toward him and speaks. “ sensei this is yomi shes a good friend of mine im sure youve already met before. “ sekiro says to Yasuharu making sure to pay his teacher respect. Once sekiro has finished introducing the two yasuharu goes to tell sekiro the news he had had for him.

“ sekiro as you have finished your training ive took the liberty of summoning your partner here to take you back in fact i also want to announce the celibraation of my last student. Over this year and some change i have grown very proud of you and i wish you all the best in your future endevors. However i will tell yu this if yu wish to return to your origional home one day or even be able to survive in the grand line you must become stronger always set your sights on a goal and always carry your honor with you. Now that the sentimentals are out of the way. I would like you to follow nariko’s lead and leave my home. Venture to the sea possibly find new friends. Or old ones. I wish you the best of luck sekiro. “ Yasuharu’s wors sting sekiro with joy as the man has been like a grandfather to sekiro for this time. Hearing him say he is proud, fills sekiro with a feeling he hadnt felt in a while. It was happiness during his time training sekirobhad enclosed his emotions into a bubble. However now it seemed like he was given permission to let them be free. It was as if a burden was off his shoulders. And so sekiro set out with yomi paying his master farewell.

Sekiro and yomi returned home and then planned there next step in there journey. Upon realizing a familiar name has been getting more attention sekiro looks to yomi and tells her his next goal. “ as it so happens there is a certain group that has been catting my attention namely their captain. Ilphen Lazarus