In the courtyard, the girl's sword danced through the air.
Falling petals scattered, their fragrance blooming wildly with each swing of her blade.
In the corridor, Tetsu no Sosuke sat quietly, observing her practice, occasionally adding a few strokes to the paper in his lap.
Three days had passed since Kanae agreed to let him watch her training sessions daily.
Every day, Sosuke arrived like clockwork, bringing homemade rice balls. He would sit silently for two or three hours, never uttering a word.
Once Kanae finished her practice, they would sit together in the corridor, sharing Sosuke's rice balls and tea, chatting briefly before he took his leave.
But today, Kanae seemed distracted.
Her sword movements were slightly erratic, and her expression carried a hint of absentmindedness. Even as she approached Sosuke after her practice, her mind seemed heavy with unspoken thoughts.
Concerned, Sosuke set aside his paper and pen and stepped forward. "Are you alright?"
Kanae shook her head, looking at him with a hesitant gaze.
Suddenly, her eyes fell on the paper and pen Sosuke had left on the floor. She froze. "That's..."
Sosuke glanced back, his face paling. He quickly retrieved the paper and pen, hiding them behind his back. "It's nothing."
"Let me see," Kanae said, her gaze serious.
Reluctantly, Sosuke pulled the notebook from behind his back.
The page depicted a girl practicing swordsmanship. Her graceful form and fluid sword technique stirred up a flurry of falling petals, making her appear like a butterfly spirit dancing in the wind. The brushwork was so delicate that even the butterfly hairpin in her hair seemed lifelike.
"Um... I, I just..." Sosuke stammered, unsure how to explain. Three days had passed, and he had already observed everything he needed to understand. Most of the design for the Nichirin Blade was complete; he had come today purely to see her. In a moment of inexplicable impulse, he had sketched the girl he saw. This drawing was meant to be cherished in private, but the original owner had discovered it.
Kanae gazed at the drawing of herself, her eyes filled with an unreadable emotion. She gently pursed her lips. "I have to go now."
"Oh, okay, um, wait, what?" Sosuke blinked, then looked up sharply.
He saw Kanae staring back at him, her eyes seeming to hold countless unspoken words, yet her lips remained tightly sealed, not uttering a single sound.
"So... so soon?"
Sosuke felt a turmoil in his heart, like wild grass growing unchecked. He wanted to hold on, but knew it was impossible.
He scratched his head, though his scalp wasn't itchy at all. It was just a way to hide his emotions.
"Mm," Kanae nodded. "It's been six or seven days since I arrived, hasn't it? Thanks to the nourishing hot spring, my injuries have fully healed."
"But your Nichirin sword... it's not quite ready yet," Sosuke said, struggling weakly.
Kanae smiled, looking at the repaired Nichirin sword in her hand. "This blade has been restored perfectly. It can still be used for a long time."
Sosuke sighed. "If only I had known..."
He stopped himself, not finishing the sentence.
"If only you had known what?" Kanae asked with a gentle smile, taking a soft breath. "But you'll forge me the finest Nichirin sword, won't you?"
Sosuke nodded immediately. "Of course!"
"Mm," Kanae nodded. "I believe in you. You're the most extraordinary swordsmith I've ever met. I'm sure you'll bring me an incredible surprise!"
After these words, both fell into a comfortable silence.
Kanae sat on the veranda, just as she had for the past two days, reaching for a rice ball and taking a small bite.
The familiar, special flavor filled her senses. "Delicious," she murmured.
"I'll make you extra to take home and enjoy at your leisure," Sosuke blurted out instinctively.
"Really?" Kanae's eyes lit up with surprise, and she nodded eagerly. "Then I'll cherish every bite and savor them slowly."
"Mm-hmm."
Sosuke sat down beside her. "I've already drafted the design for your new Nichirin sword. I'll start forging it as soon as possible. By the way, could I ask for something from you?"
"Of course," Kanae nodded. "What is it?"
"A drop of your blood."
Sosuke spoke the words carefully, unsure if they might cause misunderstanding or rejection. He had thought they had plenty of time to figure things out gradually, but now that she was leaving so soon, he had no choice but to ask directly.
"Alright."
Without hesitation or question, her trust poured down like the generous sunlight overhead.
Finally, Sosuke asked softly, "When are you leaving?"
"In a little while."
"Then... be careful on your way."
"Mm."
Silence fell again, broken only by the swirling wind and dancing flower petals in the courtyard.
Amidst the breeze, the girl spoke, "Could I have this painting?"
"Mm," Tetsu no Sosuke nodded absently.
"Thank you. I really like it."
Like it...?
Sosuke suddenly turned to Kanae, an inexplicable impulse surging through him, one he couldn't suppress—nor did he want to.
"What about me? Do you... like me?"
He stared at her, his voice trembling slightly.
The girl seemed to freeze, her lips parting slightly, her eyes filled with an indescribable mix of emotions.
Sosuke didn't know where he'd found the courage. Once the words were out, he locked his gaze on her, unblinking.
He waited in silence, his stillness fierce, like a predator stalking its prey, his eyes allowing her no escape.
A faint smile suddenly curved Kanae's lips, widening slowly.
Yet a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes.
She looked at Sosuke. "I'll tell you when we meet again."
"When we meet again..."
Sosuke blinked, startled, only to see the girl already rising to her feet.
She turned back, offering him a gentle smile. "I'll be waiting... for the Nichirin sword you promised."
Before noon, the garden was already deserted. The girl, like a butterfly, carrying the painting Sosuke had given her, seemed to vanish into the wind in an instant.
Only Sosuke stood there, utterly bewildered.
"This... was that a yes or a no? What couldn't she say now that she had to wait until next time? Hey... I haven't even made the rice balls I promised yet!"
______
P.S. If you are loving it so far, give me Power Stones and add this fanfic to your collection.