Ch23- Zanjutsu
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Kazuki listened to the whispers with interest, his sky-blue eyes focused on Master Yoshido. He felt a twinge of curiosity. A Vasto Lorde... the term was unfamiliar to him. He glanced at Yoruichi, and she gave him a reassuring nod, telling him silently that she would explain later.
Yoshido began to demonstrate various katas and stances, each movement precise and filled with intent. It was as if he was painting a picture in the air with his sword, his every action communicating an unspoken narrative.
In the crowd of students, some drew more attention than others. Lisa, with her steady concentration and deliberate movements, showed a natural aptitude for Zanjutsu. Her turquoise eyes mirrored the sharpness of the blade she handled, and her spirit was unyielding.
Mashiro, though at first glance appeared more interested in fooling around, moved with an agility that was almost shocking. Aizen, ever calm and composed, seemed to be absorbing every detail, his eyes flashing with an inner light that was both intriguing and unnerving.
Urahara, much like Aizen, was engrossed in the lesson. His green eyes were calm, but beneath that tranquility lay a mind that was rapidly absorbing and processing the information being provided. Kensei, on the other hand, seemed to revel in the physicality of the training, his movements strong and purposeful.
Isane, with her gentle demeanor, was a study in contrast. Yet, she held her own, her movements precise and measured. Hiyori, though small in stature, wielded her sword with a fierceness that seemed almost palpable.
And then there was Yoruichi. She was a force to be reckoned with, her movements fluid and graceful, yet powerful. Her golden eyes reflected a determination that was inspiring.
Kazuki watched them all, his gaze filled with admiration and a hint of competitive spirit. His hands itched to hold a sword, to learn the graceful dance that was Zanjutsu. He glanced at Master Yoshido, his sky-blue eyes reflecting his resolve.
At the same moment, Master Yoshido's discerning gaze fell on Kazuki. "Shiba Kazuki," he called out, his voice resonating through the training yard. It was a summons that carried an implicit challenge.
Kazuki's heart pounded against his ribcage. His palms were sweaty as he stepped forward, his sky-blue eyes meeting Yoshido's intense gaze. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but he held his stance, maintaining an outward show of calm.
Without a word of warning, Yoshido sprang into action, his blade slicing through the air towards Kazuki. It happened so fast that Kazuki's mind couldn't process the information quickly enough, yet his body moved instinctively. He deflected Yoshido's blade with a forceful sweep of his own. Without missing a beat, he transitioned into a counter-attack, his blade thrusting towards Yoshido.
Yoshido nimbly sidestepped Kazuki's thrust, a satisfied nod on his lips. "As I thought," he started, his gaze fixed on Kazuki. His voice carried a hint of admiration. "You have a tendency to make stabbing movements even though we have yet to cover those."
Kazuki blinked, taken aback by Yoshido's observation. His silver hair clung to his forehead, slick with sweat, and his chest heaved with exertion. Yet, his sky-blue eyes were bright with curiosity. "What does that mean?" he inquired, his tone revealing his surprise.
Yoshido's response was thoughtful, "It might be related to your future Zanpakuto or something else entirely." He shrugged, leaving Kazuki to ponder over his words.
Yoshido shook his head, a light laugh escaping him as he observed the bewilderment in Kazuki's sky-blue eyes. "Don't worry about it," he said, his voice carrying an undertone of amusement. "It was just an observation. Try not to focus too much on one aspect but learn everything. You're not here to perfect a single style, but to become a rounded Shinigami."
As he spoke, his gaze studied Kazuki, a spark of intrigue in his eyes. It wasn't often that he came across a student with such potential, one that stood out even in this esteemed crowd of pupils. Kazuki's silver hair, unlike the typical dark hues of the Shiba clan, shimmered under the morning sun, adding an air of mystery to his already intriguing persona.
Despite his striking appearance, Kazuki carried himself with a down-to-earth charm that instantly won the respect of his peers. He seemed unaffected by the whispers and awed stares he received, instead focusing his attention solely on the lesson at hand. His determination was palpable, echoing the burning spirit of the Shiba clan.
Yoruichi watched the interaction from a distance, her golden eyes reflecting a mix of concern and admiration. The sight of Kazuki standing his ground, answering Yoshido's summons with such composure, filled her with pride. She felt a gentle tug at her heart, her cheeks warming with a blush that she quickly dismissed. She was his friend, and she'd made a pact with Kukaku to not let anything interfere with that.
Brushing off the unsolicited thoughts, she focused on the ongoing lecture. Yet, she couldn't shake off the twinge of concern that lingered. Despite Kazuki's confident facade, she knew he was stepping into uncharted territory. And while she had faith in his potential, she couldn't help but worry about the challenges he'd face.
Meanwhile, Yoshido had resumed the lecture, moving onto the different katas of Zanjutsu. His voice carried the solemnity of age-old traditions, his every word steeped in reverence. As he demonstrated each stance, his movements were a fluid dance of power and grace, hinting at his years of experience and mastery.
His words echoed around the training yard, filling the air with a solemn energy. Each student paid rapt attention, their eyes on Yoshido, their minds absorbed in the complexity of the art. Every now and then, he'd pause to correct a stance or provide additional insight, his approach as much about understanding the philosophy behind Zanjutsu as it was about the physical technique.
As the day wore on, the students began practicing the basics of Zanjutsu. Under Yoshido's watchful eyes, they made their initial, awkward attempts. Despite the struggles, each student persisted, driven by a shared dream and the promise of a brighter future.
Kazuki stood among them, his grip on the wooden sword firm. His mind played back Yoshido's movements, his words resounding in his ears. He felt a sense of kinship with the weapon in his hand, a connection he couldn't put into words. And when he took his first swing, his action was fluid and natural, as though guided by an unseen force.
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