In a place where the river is colorless and the sky black, the young man Tian Shi awakens and finds before him a man of average height, holding a straight-edged sword with sharp edges and a black hilt. The warrior wears an old-fashioned jacket of yellow mixed with red, adorned with a red flower, and an old-style Japanese samurai-era trouser. His appearance is marked by long white hair tied like a horse's tail, black eyes, a sharp jawline, and a youthful face.
The young man stands stunned before the samurai, who throws a sword toward him and says:
"Take your sword and let us communicate through steel."
The boy replies:
"Where am I—" but he can't complete his words, as the man attacks him with the sword. The boy narrowly avoids the strike and retaliates, their blades clash—but within a second, his head is cut off.
A second later, the boy finds himself in the same place, facing the same samurai who awaits him again.
The samurai says:
"So, you're the same boy whose head I just cut off."
Tian replies:
"What… didn't I just die? Why am I alive again?"
The man responds:
"I don't know either. But it seems the only way you'll learn the truth of this place is by killing me. I too was killed once before by you. If you return again, it means you must kill me to understand the story of this place—a story I myself do not fully know. I can either resist you or be killed. But I am a swordbearer, proud of who I am. A warrior cannot put his honor at risk. The sword is a symbol of resistance and ideal. A sword is the companion of a warrior's path. I will not surrender and let you slay me like prey hunted by a hunter."
Tian, astonished, replies:
"So, I must kill you? Fine, then let's try this fight, proud warrior. I have no other way to understand than to battle you."
The man throws a sword toward Tian and says:
"Now, our battle begins."
The man strikes from behind toward the boy's neck. Tian attempts to block the blow—but in truth, the strike was a feint. The man redirects the blade to Tian's arm and slices it off. Though in pain, Tian persists and says:
"Even with my arm cut off, I will try and try until I defeat you, even if it takes hundreds or thousands of years."
The man replies:
"Although I've met you only for a few hours, I admire your perseverance. For your honor, I shall tell you my name. I am Sasaki Kojirō. And you, young man, what is your name?"
He answers:
"My name is Tian Shi. It's an honor to meet you, proud warrior. Let us continue our battle and finish what we started."
Sasaki raises his sword in readiness. He advances, giving Tian no chance to respond—he slices Tian's body into two halves with three strikes.
Upon death, Tian returns once again to the same place. He notices a scar on his chest from the previous duel. He picks up his sword and stands once again before Sasaki. Though he dies again and again, for dozens of times—he continues.
Eventually, Sasaki begins teaching him about the flaws in his technique and tells him:
"You often focus on random attacks and try to close the distance using tricks. But tricks don't work against swordsmen and sword saints. You learn more with each battle and begin identifying gaps and patterns in my moves. You try to counter with similar responses. Yet your body is physically weak. You have no agility, speed, or tactical skill. You are talentless. But I will teach you one of the sword forms I created for a battle with the greatest warrior I've ever fought."
Vertical Division Dance:
It begins with a quiet step forward and a slight bend in the knee. The sword is held steadily. The first slash comes horizontally with a slight lean to the right, striking at chest level. The second slash moves quickly from top to bottom on the left side, with a sharp angle. The third slash rises from below to hit the throat or neck. Breathing must synchronize with the strikes to maintain balance. Repeat the movements in fast trios without pause, using footwork to reposition and retreat after the third strike.
I try to master the movements as instructed and apply them against Kojirō. Eventually, I manage to block 13 strikes using this technique. Though meant for attack, it helps me survive longer. Previously, I would die after three strikes and be split in half. My best attempt only blocked six strikes, pushing my body to its limit. Now, I feel significantly improved.
But sadly, it didn't last long. A sword entered my eye, causing a deep wound just above my left eyebrow, barely missing the eye itself. Kojirō didn't allow me to rise from the ground. He then sliced every part of my body into hundreds of pieces.
That was my 182nd death.
Now I have mastered all forms of the Vertical Division technique. Yes, I am not gifted—but I will struggle despite my lack of talent. I have nothing but the fight itself to earn victory against this sword-obsessed maniac.
Now, my duel is considered one of the best in terms of results.