Chapter: The Rivalry Rekindled
1 year later
The sun was beginning its descent beyond the distant hills, painting Shimotsuki Village in warm amber light. The students of the dojo were finishing their daily sparring sessions, the air thick with the smell of sweat and the tang of polished wood. Zoro wiped his brow, sparing only made him sweat it wasnt enough to make break a muscle. The only thing that got his blood pumping was sparring with Koushirou sensei
While his two fellow students laughed and teased each other over minor victories.
Koushirou stood silently by the training dummy row, observing with a quiet intensity that made even the loudest student lower their voice. When the last student sheathed their weapon, he finally spoke, his tone calm but carrying authority.
"Gather around," he said.
The students obeyed immediately, forming a semi-circle around him. Zoro's ears perked up; the serious expression on Koushirou's face told him this wasn't another lecture on footwork or posture
"I have an announcement," Koushirou began. "This month, we will be hosting a friendly competition with a dojo from the capital."
The students exchanged excited glances. Some whispered, wondering who this other dojo was.
Koushirou continued, "This is not a test. It is not a punishment. It is a chance to measure your skills against other swordsmen. To learn. And to grow."
Zoro's fists tightened instinctively. A competition? Against swordsmen from the capital? That sounded like exactly the kind of challenge he wanted. The capital was wildly known for producing skilled swordsmen because of the quality of teaching and resources available there. Other areas produced great swordsman but not consistently like the capital did. This was also because of opportunity, since there was no more ongoing war , being a swordsman no longer had great benefit like in the past where you could join the samurai class. However being a swordsman in the capital you can get a chance to serve as a swordsman under the shogun that alone could give you nice comfortable life . This is the reason why the capital still produce skilled swordsmen .
"There is… a special reason why I am particularly interested in this exchange," Koushirou added, his gaze drifting slightly into the past, distant yet sharp. "The teacher of that school was once my rival Hyogoro the flower"
A murmur rippled through the students. Rival? The man who had trained them all so patiently had been in a rivalry?
The scene cuts to field in the middle of the forest where we see two figures clashing against each other. The silhouette of one of the figures had a large body and flame like hair and a flame like goatee. The other figure has slick back hair tied into a pony tail .
Their blades clashed again and again
The older man took a large step back and got into a posture
One sword style of the flower :Flaming hair of holy rage .
"Hyogoro and I trained in the same era, many years ago," Koushirou explained. "We were both young, brash, and fiercely competitive. Our duels were long and grueling, each of us pushing the other to heights neither of us thought we could reach. He is… a master swordsman. Even now, I respect him more than words can express. Back in the days he was known as Hyogoro the flower"
Zoro's eyes narrowed, imagining the intensity of such duels. He could almost see two young men, blades clashing with sparks flying, each strike ringing with intent and skill.
He clenched his fist , having a rival would be great
"This competition," Koushirou continued, "is not just about winning. It is about observing, learning, and refining your technique. You will see skills and approaches that are different from our own. Some of you may find yourselves challenged… perhaps even outmatched. Some of you may even gain rivals of your own from this competition. That is not a failure. That is a lesson."
He crouched slightly, resting his hands on his knees as he addressed he said, voice firm, "and for the others, remember this: the measure of a swordsman is not the number of opponents you defeat, but how well you can maintain focus, adapt, and remain calm under pressure. Use your training. Use your mind. And above all, respect the blade and your opponent."
"For you Zoro, since you are the strongest of all the students you wont be facing off against that many competitors , However you'll be facing off against their strongest student. From what ive heard he's very strong ,wild and specializes in his own two sword style "Koushiro said as he focused on Zoro .
"Whatever style they use or how strong they are , I can take them. This sounds exciting " Zoro said
Zoro clenched his fists around Wado Ichimonji's hilt at his side. He could feel the thrill rising in his chest. A real challenge, against swordsmen trained in a different school, from the capital itself. This was the kind of test he had been waiting for.
Koushirou's eyes softened slightly as he looked over his students. "Prepare yourselves. Train harder than ever. And when the day comes, face your opponents with courage, skill, and honor. I want each of you to show the spirit of Shimotsuki Village."
The students erupted in murmurs of excitement, sparring memories mingling with anticipation for the coming challenge. Zoro's mind, however, was already racing, replaying every lesson Koushirou had taught him and every battle he had been in whether it was with an animal , another fellow student or with Koushirou sense . He replayed everything —the footwork, the Total Concentration Breathing, the focus, the intent.
This was his chance. Not just to test his blade, but to see how far he had really come.
And perhaps… to finally understand a little of what had driven Koushirou and Hyogoro to push themselves beyond their limits . He to was looking for a rival .
Later that day
The upcoming friendly competition had motivated all the students that after they learnt of it they wasted no time and jumped straight into training immediately.
Zoro had just finished running and was now warming and preparing to spar with Urashima .
"Zoro , Urashima "The other students called out ,Zoro stopped what he was doing and looked over to them
"We might not be as strong as you two but we'll make sure that we dont hold you down. "One of the students said as he looked at Zoro and Urashima with intensity
"Yeah x4"The other students agreed in unison .
Urashima nodded in approval . Zoro just stared at them and turned to leave but not before saying
"You heard what Koushiro sensei said ,this is not about us winning as many matches possible but its about you as an individual. Its about testing your limits and putting all that you learned to use . Although winning doesnt sound bad at all"With that Zoro took his leave .
"You're going the wrong direction , the sparring field is on the other side of the village " One of the student yelled out .
"I knew that "Zoro said with embarrassment
"No you didn't!!"The other students exclaimed comically .
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