2
[ PS : So here goes, some people suggested I change the title of the novel, because they think 'White Swan' is less intimidating and sounds gay. So now I have changed it, even though White swan really represents Reo as a person, I replaced it with White Death who represented himself as a hunter later. Yeah whatever, Enjoy the chapter.
13
Along the way from Haneda Airport, Reo could only be amazed by the modernity of the downtown area of Tokyo, filled with skyscrapers, it was a sight he had never seen in his entire life. Moreover, he spent his whole life living in the countryside, hunting and utilizing whatever is provided by nature.
Seeing the city of Tokyo which is filled with many people and shops makes him quite vibrant.
"So this is your home, old man. Looks like you are quite rich for someone who looks shabby."
After traveling overland by car for 30 minutes from Haneda Airport, Reo, Heisatsu, and Akari finally arrived at the Shirogami residence on the outskirts of Tokyo, precisely in the Shibamata Neighborhood area, at 6:30 pm.
As Reo said, the Shirogami residence covers a fairly large area surrounded by a yard overgrown with trees on the right and left.
Heisatsu's house is quite luxurious, it is a traditional Japanese-style house surrounded by beautiful scenery. Although the beauty is reduced because it is winter in japan.
"I am an S-Rank Hunter, of course I make quite a lot of money. Even though this house actually a legacy from my predecessors."
The three of them walked on a rocky road, which connected the front gate to the main house while chatting.
"Your predecessor? So are you some kind of noble family or something?" Asked Reo and Heisatsu shook his head.
"Didn't you see the sign in front of the gate before, a sign that read" Shirogami Itto-Ryu Kenjutsu "."
"Ah ~, swordsmen before you huh, so Shirogami Family is a kind of swordsman family who have existed since time immemorial."
"You can say that, even though today such things as bushido and such are no longer used, our swordsmanship continues to be passed on to the next generation. In other words, the Shirogami family today is nothing more than an ordinary family with a rich and long history. That's all ... "Heisatsu said casually.
"So hurry up and find a wife, sensei. How can you carry on Shirogami's swordsmanship if you don't have offspring, geez." Akari, who had been silent, interrupted the two of them.
"Hey, that's very rude Akari-chan."
Heisatsu's tone of speech when he spoke with Akari was very different, Reo initially thought that they were both father and daughter, but on second thought, they had different surname.
"What is the relationship between you two? Are you also the child adopted by this old man?"
"Hm, me? No, Sensei was a mentor assigned by the Hunter Association when I first became an Awakened at the age of 14 years, he trained me how to fight before I was old enough to become a full Hunter. In other words he was my teacher, even though in the end I could not learn his swordsmanship at all. "
Akari shrugged her shoulders at Reo's question.
'Is Shirogami swordsmanship that difficult? Reo thought with a flat face. * sneeze * Reo sneezed, he still wasn't used to the cold air in Japan.
After that, the three of them continued walking before finally reaching the front door, and there were already several children who were seen waiting for Heisatsu with excited faces. There are 5 people in total.
And when they saw Heisatsu, their eyes brightening and they smiled broadly as if they had been waiting for Heisatsu's arrival all the time.
"Heisatsu, you're home !!"
A black child about 5 years old ran to Heisatsu and immediately hugged him.
"Oi, Oi what's up, why are you all standing outside, the air outside is very cold right now." Said Heisatsu immediately lifted the boy's body and carried him.
Then, one of the other children came and this time was a little girl with black hair who had middle eastern facial features, just like the black child, the girl was around 5 years old.
"We are waiting for you, Heisatsu."
"Hoho, so you all have been waiting for me for a quite long time in this cold weather, oh dear ... you all made this old man very touched." Heisatsu said as he gently patted the girl's head.
"Hehe ~" The little girl looked happy when her head was patted by Heisatsu.
"Sensei, What about your mission? Did you find a cool monster? How does it look?" The one approaching Heisatsu next was a child around 9 years old, his facial features clearly indicated that he was Japanese.
"Of course, do you want to hear it?" Heisatsu said, and the boy looked excited as he nodded in excitement.
" Yes!! "
"Hahaha, alright, we'll just discuss it inside okay? I'm also very hungry right now." Said Heisatsu.
"You don't need to worry, Iris-nee chan has made your favorite nikujaga so we can eat it together."
"Is that so?"
Heisatsu then glanced at a girl standing in front of the door, the girl had European facial features with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is much older than other children, maybe around 14 years old.
Unlike the other children, there was not the slightest happiness on her face, her expression cold. She seen carried a baby girl about 2 years old.
1
"Thank you, Iris." Heisatsu said with a sincere smile but the girl just kept quiet and didn't say anything, seeing the interaction between the two made Reo raise his eyebrows.
When they playing with Heisatsu, suddenly a black child who is now sitting on the shoulder of Heisatsu points to Reo who just stands quietly behind.
"Hey Heisatsu, Who is this brother whose hair is covered by snow?"
"Hair covered by Snow?" Reo made a strange face.
"Ah, before we all go inside, I want to introduce someone to you." Heisatsu then glanced at Reo and Reo who understood what Heisatsu meant immediately went up and stood beside him.
"This white-haired big brother is Reo, he is from Indonesia, from now on he will live with us so I want you to accept him as a family too."
Reo nodded and briefly introduced himself.
"Reo."
Hearing that, the child who had been on Heisatsu's shoulder immediately jumped in front of Reo.
"Woah, your Japanese is very fluent Reo-nii, it seems I don't need to teach you about Japanese anymore huh, introduce ... I'm Phillip, you can call me Phil if you want."
The black boy introduced himself as Phillip, he was a very cheerful child.
"Me, me, my name is Aisya, can I call you Reo-nii too?" Said the girl from the Middle East who looked a little shy when she met someone new.
"Yes, it's up to you," Reo said. Then the 9-year-old boy approached Reo and introduced himself politely.
"My name is Shirogami Takashi, nice to meet you Reo-nii san," Takashi said as he looked down at Reo.
'Shirogami? Didn't this old man say he was not married, illegitimate child? ' Reo wanted to ask about that but he decided to keep quiet because it was not important at all.
Reo then glanced at Iris who only nodded and muttered softly.
"Iris, and this little girl is named Char." She introduced the little baby in her arms. It was a cold response, but not as cold as the response she gave when Heisatsu talked to her.
"Alright, since everyone has introduced themselves, let's all go inside, Iris has made dinner for us all," Heisatsu said as he spoke to the children who had surrounded Reo while continuing to ask a pile of questions for him. Like whether the hair is real and such.
"Okay !! Let's go in, Reo-nii, Akari-nee." Phil grabbed Akari and Reo's fingers while pulling the two of them inside. And that night, Reo somehow had a second family, a warm little family.
*
* tap *
Reo was seen to have changed clothes, the temperature in the house was much warmer so he no longer needed to wear a thick coat.
"Ah, I'm full."
Reo's stomach was full after he ate his dinner with the other children, this time the menu was Nikujaga, literally it was meat and potatoes. The wall clock showed 10:00 p.m., and the other children had also entered their respective rooms and go to the bed.
1
Reo was also currently walking in the hallway of the house and was walking towards his room that Heisatsu had previously shown.
'But this house is really big huh, there are lots of rooms, besides that the yard is also spacious, is being a Hunter really making this much money, isn't the tax from this house big too? ' When Reo was deep in thought, he suddenly stopped when he saw something hanging on the wall in front of him.
It was a green military uniform complete with its accessories, Reo stood up and stared at the object for a moment before a voice came from beside him.
" Are you interested in that shabby uniform?"
Reo immediately looked to the side and the owner of that voice was none other than Heisatsu himself.
"I never thought you were a member of the military, old man."
Hearing that, Heisatsu just laughed bitterly.
"Yeah, it was a long time ago, when I was very young and my body was still very fit, long before the Gate that connected the earth with another world appeared in this world."
"Hm ... so you quit the military and switched professions to become a Hunter after you became an Awakened huh. Well, in my opinion it was a good decision, after all the money made by becoming a high level Hunter was far above that of ordinary soldiers." Reo murmured, but Heisatsu only smiled faintly as he looked towards his worn uniform.
"No, not because of that, actually I didn't just switch my profession to being a Hunter, I stopped being a soldier after that event ..."
"That event?"
Reo looked at Heisatsu's eyes, his black eyes seemed to stare at days from the past that he didn't want to remember anymore.
"... Events that occurred before the terror of Kamish the Dragon that caused humans to be forced to unite all the power they have to deal with it, when humanity was still ravaged by the chaos due to the appearance of Monsters through the Gate and the magic, a few years before the Hunter Association was formed."
Heisatsu then paused for a moment before he lowered his head and murmured softly.
"World War 3, a world war between Awakened from all over the world, a war that broke out due to the emergence of magical energy in this world. Irish Sea War."
6
"..."
The atmosphere then became quiet, Reo then thought.
'So the reason he adopted the children including myself was because of the feeling of sin that he felt during the war huh, very interesting. '
Heisatsu then did not discuss it further and changed the subject.
"Instead of that, you really are more quiet today than usual huh."
"I said I'm adapting right." said Reo and Heisatsu only laughed when he heard that.
"Alright, alright, so what? Are you getting used to those kids?" Heisatsu asked as he took a cigarette from his pants pocket.
"Well, they are very interesting children, have different personalities and are also very noisy," Reo said. Since the beginning he was a person who was very interested in the interaction between one human being with another human being. So seeing children who come from various backgrounds interact with one another gives new insight to Reo.
"I see, thank God you like them. Those kids are just like you, they lost their parents and family due to the monsters. So I hope you all get along and look after each other, just like how a family should be."
Reo who heard that only gave a thin grin and said.
"As long as they don't lose their value as a human, then I will be happy to maintain their value."
Hearing that, Heisatsu raised his eyebrows and didn't understand what Reo was talking about at all. He then patted Reo's head and said.
"Well, whatever it is ... from now on you too are part of this family from now on, what about Shirogami Reo, doesn't that suit you?"
Hearing that, Reo just closed his eyes while removing Heisatsu's hand from his head.
"Well, I guess that's not a bad combination."
Reo then turned and immediately walked to his room, leaving Heisatsu who smiled sincerely.
"Don't forget to come to the Dojo tomorrow at 6 am, we will immediately start your training tomorrow."
"Ok." Said Reo without turning around and continuing to walk before his back disappeared from Heisatsu's vision. After Reo really left, Heisatsu then glanced towards the military uniform hanging on the wall and thought.
'That's right, this is all I can do. '
Heisatsu lit his cigarette and exhaled the smoke into the air before muttering.
"War is truly ridiculous."
***
* Plung *
The sound of the clinking of bamboo from Shishi odoshi (bamboo fountain) can be heard in the courtyard, the morning sun shines from the eastern horizon, and the sound of birds chirping also decorate the morning atmosphere at the Shirogami residence.
Currently in a Dojo measuring 10 × 20, three people who are seen sitting seiza facing each other face to face. The three people are Heisatsu, Reo, and also Takashi. The three of them are seen using white and black hakama, complete with a wooden sword called the Shinai beside them.
3
As Heisatsu had said last night, this morning Reo would begin his first training session to use the sword.
"Wait a minute, old man, didn't you say we will learn about Ki today? Then why am I wearing this outfit and practicing using this wooden sword?"
"Huh, what do you mean, of course we will start your Ki lesson today," Heisatsu said with a strange face to Reo.
"Then what is all this for? Shouldn't you do the ritual you say, which will determine whether I am talented in using Ki or not?"
Said Reo while lifting his Shinai up, it was very light for Reo, he was like holding a wooden stick.
"Do you think only random people can participate in the ritual? If it's like that then Ki has been used by just anyone."
"..." Reo then paused, because what Heisatsu said wasn't wrong.
"The reason why I told you to practice sword first, is to get maximum results when opening the Ki stream later, you need a clear mind and a strong soul. If not, then you will be swallowed up by your own Ki intentions and eventually go crazy. "
* gulp *
Hearing that, Takashi who was next to Reo swallowed.
"Therefore, the first phase of the Ki stream opening process is to train the body to be healthy, and the soul to be strong. And one of the most effective ways to do that is to practice sword techniques."
"You mean, you want me to learn your family's swordsmanship?" Asked Reo, he looked uncomfortable with the clothes he was wearing.
"That's right, from today until the next 3 years I will teach you the basics of Shirogami Itto-Ryu Kenjutsu. A one-sword technique handed down by the Shirogami family from generation to generation. Do you understand?"
5
Reo looks uninterested and instead looks busy fixing the rope that ties his waist.
"Alright ~."
Seeing that, Heisatsu sighed.
"* sigh * I know you already have qualified skills to kill monsters because you have been hunting since you were a child in your village, but when I open your Ki completely later, you will fight something that you cannot overcome by just using your hunting skills."
"..."
"Yes, alright, enough to talk about the Ki, from now on we will focus on learning about swordsmanship."
Heisatsu then stood up and was followed by Reo and Takashi.
"First of all, I want you two to fight each other," said Heisatsu, making Reo and Takashi who were next to him surprised.
"Me against him? But didn't you say that this kid has learned all the basics of sword fighting? Shouldn't I start from the basics of theory first?"
Reo's question made sense, even though he was sure he would win if he had to fight Takashi who was even 3 years younger than him, but if he was told to fight using the sword then Reo was certain to lose. He doesn't even know how to hold a sword properly.
"Yes it should be like that, but first I want to see your fighting style and know the shortcomings you have to determine the right method for your training." Heisatsu said, hearing that Reo smiled and said to Heisatsu.
"So you mean I can use any method to win?"
Heisatsu nodded, he then glanced at Takashi.
"That's right ... besides, this is also a practical training exercise for Takashi, how to use his sword skills when fighting someone who doesn't learn swordsmanship. Let's get ready in your respective places."
Hearing Heisatsu's words, both Reo and Takashi then walked to their respective places and faced each other.
"The rules are simple, if one of you can hit your opponent using anything five times, then he will be the winner."
While Reo seemed confused about how he used the Shinai in his hands, Takashi seemed to have a sturdy stance and grasped the Shinai using both hands.
"I won't hold back, Reo-nii san."
Hearing that, Reo then held Shinai in his hand upside down and smiled faintly.
"I'd be happy if you held back a little against an amateur like me."
Heisatsu then stood in the middle to act as the referee, he spread his arms and ...
"Alright ... Start!"
Hearing cue from Heisatsu, Reo's eyes suddenly became serious and without wasting time sliding towards Takashi very quickly. Seeing the speed shown by Reo made Heisatsu and Takashi gasped.
'He is very fast. '
But Takashi immediately regained his composure and focus, he raised the Shinai up, and prepared to swing it vertically to hit Reo right in front of him.
'1 point, get !! '
"Ha!"
* clack *
But the sound of a wooden clang was heard when Takashi's sword swung, parried by Reo who had looked down and placed his Shinai on his back. His movements look disheveled and strange, but very effective.
As Takashi tried to pull back his sword, Reo mercilessly stepped on Takashi's fingertip and made him groan in pain.
"Ack!"
'Sorry but the first point is mine.' Reo thought, smiling.
2
When Takashi was losing momentum, Reo then twisted his wrist skillfully, and then unsheathed the Shinai in his hand towards his stomach. Reo's actions could have hurt Takashi, but before the sword could hit his stomach.
* tap * * tap *
With rhythmic steps Takashi took two steps back and managed to escape Reo's attack because he was out of his Shinai's attack range. And without wasting time, he immediately swung his Shinai right at the back of Reo's right hand that had tried to attack him before.
*plak*
'Incredible, he can avoid that, then ...' Reo grinned as he felt the pain in the back of his hand that immediately turned red after being hit by Takashi's attack.
But Reo will not let Takashi take the second point, he then immediately threw the Shinai in his hand which made Takashi lose his concentration and was forced to take a step backward. Give Reo enough time to get close.
* tap * * fwuosh *
He ran over to Takashi, and immediately swept his feet using a sideways kick.
'It's bad, he's aiming for my feet. 'Takashi then tried to avoid Reo's attack by taking a step back, but Reo had anticipated that. He took the Shinai he had thrown before and then launched it like a spear towards Takashi.
Takashi who still hasn't perfected his stance can only surrender accepting the attack right on his chest.
"Ack!"
And, with that the battle was really over. Reo grinned broadly and immediately tried to glide towards Takashi. But Heisatsu who noticed the expression on Reo's face immediately felt a bad feeling.
'This kid ...'
And when Reo tried to move his legs, suddenly the air became heavy and Reo felt his whole body received a huge pressure that made him unable to move at all and he had difficulty breathing.
* buzz *
Reo widened his eyes.
'This pressure ...'
The pressure is none other than Heisatsu who oversees the match in the distance.
"Stop it, the match is over."
Heisatsu then walked closer to Reo and Takashi, and the pressure emitted by him gradually eased, causing Reo to breathe after he managed to escape from the pressure.
"* pant * * pant"
* bump *
Reo knelt on the ground and he was dripping in cold sweat. But he quickly regulated his breath and turned his gaze towards Heisatsu.
"Oi, Oi, Old Man... What are you doing? Why did you stop the fight, didn't you say the winner had to hit the opponent's body five times before?"
" That's right... "
"Then?" Reo raised his eyebrows.
"But that doesn't mean I will let you hurt each other, the fight is over, you are the winner. Since the beginning of the match, Takashi has been pressed so that he has to retreat back far enough, besides that I have also Finish analyzed your fighting style, so I guess continuing the fight is not will be of no use anymore. "
1
Reo then slowly stood up while Heisatsu turned his gaze towards Takashi who was also sitting on the ground even though he was not exposed to pressure from Heisatsu.
"You don't mind the results, do you, Takashi?"
Takashi then smiled and shook his head.
"Of course not, this is my complete defeat, Reo-nii san is really fast and strong, I have been depressed since the match started."
1
"I see, you still have a lot to learn, so don't ever give up. Have you understood the cause of your defeat before?" Heisatsu asked, he still did not forget his duties as a teacher.
Takashi nodded.
"I am too fixated on the movements that I have been practicing continuously, which means when my enemy moves with an uncertain movement, I can only be stunned because I cannot prepare the right movements to anticipate it. "
Takashi realizes all his mistakes gracefully, such an attitude is a difficult thing to find today. Normally, if another child or even an adult is in Takashi's current position, they will complain and make excuses for their defeat like. "Of course I lost, he used dirty methods," and such.
Seeing his favorite pupil show the nature of a true swordsman, Heisatsu could only smile. Likewise with Reo who seemed increasingly interested.
"That's good, it seems like you've realized your shortcomings. You just need to practice harder."
Hearing that, Takashi nodded happily when he got the praise from the teacher and father figure for him.
"Thank you, sensei."
Reo then walked and approached Takashi with a sweet smile on his face. He then extended his hand towards Takashi.
"That was a good match."
"Ah... yes." Takashi who saw a smile as beautiful as the sun on Reo's face also responded with a smile, he accepted Reo's helping hand and stood up.
"Okay, then we will start evaluating the results of the previous matches."
2
Reo and Takashi who heard that nodded, but suddenly the Dojo's front door opened and revealed Iris, who appeared to be wearing an apron and carrying spatula in her hand, she seemed to be preparing to make breakfast for everyone.
* krak *
"Takashi, can you help me get some water?"
Iris's sudden appearance caught everyone's attention, and the cold expression on her face remained the same.
"Ah, am I disturbing you guys?"
"No, the training is over," Heisatsu said, but Iris didn't even glance at him when he said that.
Heisatsu looked indifferent and glanced at Takashi who looked confused whether he should help Iris or remain in the Dojo.
"Takashi, go and help your sister, we will discuss today's training with you tomorrow morning."
Hearing that Takashi nodded his head, he then lowered his head to Heisatsu and Reo before running towards Iris. The two of them then immediately left the Dojo and left Reo and Heisatsu alone.
"* sigh * Geez, being a dad figure is really hard."
Heisatsu turned around and immediately sitting seiza in his place before, Reo who saw it still thinking about Iris, you could say he wondered why she behaved like that to Heisatsu.
"Old man, what cruel acts did you do to that girl to make her behave like that to you?"
Reo asked Heisatsu without further ado and went straight to the point, he then sat in front of Heisatsu to listen to his story.
"That girl ... Ah, you mean Iris? Well it's a boring story, you don't need to know ..."
"Hey come on, do you want to make me curious like that?"
Reo insisted and begged like a child asking his mother to buy a toy, he was really curious about the reason why Iris acted that way to Heisatsu, and whether that was also one of human nature or not.
"You are ... * sigh * okay, I will say the reason, but I did not tell it in full. And I hope you do not hate me after I say this."
Hearing that, Reo suddenly laughed lightly.
"Hahaha, as long as you know old man, I never hated anyone, I just categorize them as attractive or unattractive, so you don't need to worry about that."
Reo's golden eyes met Heisatsu's, while Heisatsu who heard that only smiled.
"I see ... well I guess I'm the stupid one for thinking a weird person like you is the same as the others."
"..."
The smile on Heisatsu's face suddenly disappeared and was replaced by a thoughtful expression, he then said.
"Well, the reason why Iris-chan acts like that is because I was the one who killed her parents right before her eyes."
Heisatsu then immediately fell silent and waited for a response from Reo, but the response that Reo gave was contrary to his expectations.
"Wow."
"Huh?"
Heisatsu made a weird face when he saw Reo who had an excited look.
"I see, that's why you decided to stop being a soldier and began to adopt disaster victims' children. So that's how it is... That's makes sense."
However, Heisatsu who heard that had no intention of answering Reo's questions further.
"Alright, we've finished discussing her past, now I will start evaluating your fighting style." He then continued.
"What I conclude from your fighting style is, you fight by relying on the speed and agility you have as the mainstay of your attack."
"Well, it's only natural with your thin body to rely on speed, and I think that is the right step. And coupled with your hunting skills, you can use the things around you to attack your opponents because you are used to doing it to catch your prey, correct? "
Reo who heard that nodded and straightened his legs.
"Yup, that's why I tell you that fighting using one style of swordsmanship will actually reduce the efficiency of my movements, you should also understand that old man." He then continued.
"I'm coming with you to learn Ki, and I don't use it for a show, but to kill Monsters and humans." Said Reo, his expression became a little serious as he uttered his last sentence.
As he said, if Reo learned the Shirogami sword style, then that would be the same as limiting his flexibility in fighting. Besides that, he has a clear goal to be strong now.
But Heisatsu who heard that just grinned.
"Hoho ~, looks like I have to explain the Shirogami sword style philosophy to you, Reo."
"Hm? Philosophy?" Reo tilted his head.
"Shirogami, as the name implies means a white paper. That name also describes the form of the Shirogami sword style perfectly."
"..." Reo just kept quiet and continued listening.
"The reason why I insist on having you learn the Shirogami sword style is because the style of the Shirogami swordsmanship is a sword style that is free and is not bound by a certain rule."
"Shirogami sword style is a sword style that maximizes the best potential of the user by adjusting the style to the fighting style of the user himself, each swordsman who uses the Shirogami sword style has a different fighting style, it is a sword style that flexible and can get stronger or weak depending on the user itself. That type of sword style, Shirogami swordsmanship is. "
Heisatsu's explanation of the style of the Shirogami swordsmanship attracted Reo's interest. Reo looks excited and his eyes shine.
"A sword style that changes depending on the user, like how humans themselves are, what would my fighting style be like later ... this makes me curious and excited at the same time."
Seeing that Heisatsu just smiled, after being with Reo and chatting with him for about 4 days, he slowly understood Reo's personality and his obsession about human feelings.
After a moment of silence, then Heisatsu was seen taking a skeeping from his pocket and throwing it along with the Shinai in his hand towards Reo.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but before you learn the Shirogami sword style, you must first train your physics and learn the basics of sword."
1
Hearing that, Reo could only smile wryly and mumble.
"Ah, I knew it would be like this."
"Don't be depressed like that, basic is the most important foundation in your future development, as you know, not just anyone who can master the Shirogami swordsmanship."
"I know." Reo nodded and took the skeeping and Shinai who were thrown at him before he also stood in front of Heisatsu.
"Since you are not an Awakened, it is clear your physics will be far below them, although Ki can strengthen your physics, but that does not mean you can forget your body training." Heisatsu then continued.
"Therefore, starting from today ... apart from the basic sword lessons I will give you in the morning, I will give you a routine training menu that you must complete every single day."
Heisatsu then handed Reo a piece of paper. Reo who saw the contents of the paper frowned.
" Seriously. "
______________
300 × Push up
4
300 × sit up
50 × 2 Sets Pull up
300 × squat
Jogging 30 km
Swinging the sword 10,000 ×
_______________
"What's the matter? It's just an initial physical exercise, then it will still be even harder," Heisatsu said.
"You want to kill me, huh? Isn't this already considered child abuse?"
1
Heisatsu pretended not to hear Reo's words and just kept walking out of the Dojo.
"What are you talking about, let's go to the dining room for breakfast, I'm already hungry."
"Alright," said Reo briefly before following Heisatsu from behind.
And that day, Reo's heavy training to master Shirogami swordsmanship for the next 3 years finally began.
***
Meanwhile, in the other hemisphere, London, England.
At this time, in a busy hallway, a blonde-haired woman was walking, carrying a document in her hand. The woman is Agatha William.
Behind her was an 11-year-old boy with brown skin and jet black hair, the boy was none other than Martius who had just arrived in England a few hours ago.
Currently, Agatha and Martius are at the headquarters of the Holy Sword Guild located around Primrose Hill, London, United Kingdom. They were currently on their way to the place where the offical testing of magical energy was carried out.
* tap * tap *
When they were walking, suddenly one of the room doors in the hallway was open, displaying the figure of a tall man who had a height of about 190 cm.
The man was seen wearing a black turtleneck and brown overcoat, he had a handsome and friendly face. His black hair was combed back and he wore glasses that gave the impression of a gentleman.
Seeing Agatha, the man then smiled softly and greeted her.
"Ah, apparently you have returned Miss Agatha, if you told me before, I might pick you up at the airport."
"No, you don't need to bother, sir."
The man just smiled before he glanced at Martius who was standing beside Agatha.
"Hm, so this kid that you talked about earlier, he's a handsome boy ... what's your name?" The man then crouched in front of Martius.
"Brother?"
"Huh?"
Hearing the response from Martius, both the man and Agatha became confused. But Martius quickly shook his head.
"No, I mean ... my name is Martius, nice to meet you sir." Martius said with fluent english, as a person who lives in the tourism area, he is quite fluent in English. Although he is not like his brother who can master 9 foreign languages at the same time.
Hearing that, the man then smiled again and said in a soft voice.
"Martius, huh? That's a good name ... then it's my turn to introduce myself, I'm the Vice-President of the Holy Sword Guild, Lewis Shermann."
"Nice to meet you ... Martius."
2
[ PS : So here goes, some people suggested I change the title of the novel, because they think 'White Swan' is less intimidating and sounds gay. So now I have changed it, even though White swan really represents Reo as a person, I replaced it with White Death who represented himself as a hunter later. Yeah whatever, Enjoy the chapter.
13
Along the way from Haneda Airport, Reo could only be amazed by the modernity of the downtown area of Tokyo, filled with skyscrapers, it was a sight he had never seen in his entire life. Moreover, he spent his whole life living in the countryside, hunting and utilizing whatever is provided by nature.
Seeing the city of Tokyo which is filled with many people and shops makes him quite vibrant.
"So this is your home, old man. Looks like you are quite rich for someone who looks shabby."
After traveling overland by car for 30 minutes from Haneda Airport, Reo, Heisatsu, and Akari finally arrived at the Shirogami residence on the outskirts of Tokyo, precisely in the Shibamata Neighborhood area, at 6:30 pm.
As Reo said, the Shirogami residence covers a fairly large area surrounded by a yard overgrown with trees on the right and left.
Heisatsu's house is quite luxurious, it is a traditional Japanese-style house surrounded by beautiful scenery. Although the beauty is reduced because it is winter in japan.
"I am an S-Rank Hunter, of course I make quite a lot of money. Even though this house actually a legacy from my predecessors."
The three of them walked on a rocky road, which connected the front gate to the main house while chatting.
"Your predecessor? So are you some kind of noble family or something?" Asked Reo and Heisatsu shook his head.
"Didn't you see the sign in front of the gate before, a sign that read" Shirogami Itto-Ryu Kenjutsu "."
"Ah ~, swordsmen before you huh, so Shirogami Family is a kind of swordsman family who have existed since time immemorial."
"You can say that, even though today such things as bushido and such are no longer used, our swordsmanship continues to be passed on to the next generation. In other words, the Shirogami family today is nothing more than an ordinary family with a rich and long history. That's all ... "Heisatsu said casually.
"So hurry up and find a wife, sensei. How can you carry on Shirogami's swordsmanship if you don't have offspring, geez." Akari, who had been silent, interrupted the two of them.
"Hey, that's very rude Akari-chan."
Heisatsu's tone of speech when he spoke with Akari was very different, Reo initially thought that they were both father and daughter, but on second thought, they had different surname.
"What is the relationship between you two? Are you also the child adopted by this old man?"
"Hm, me? No, Sensei was a mentor assigned by the Hunter Association when I first became an Awakened at the age of 14 years, he trained me how to fight before I was old enough to become a full Hunter. In other words he was my teacher, even though in the end I could not learn his swordsmanship at all. "
Akari shrugged her shoulders at Reo's question.
'Is Shirogami swordsmanship that difficult? Reo thought with a flat face. * sneeze * Reo sneezed, he still wasn't used to the cold air in Japan.
After that, the three of them continued walking before finally reaching the front door, and there were already several children who were seen waiting for Heisatsu with excited faces. There are 5 people in total.
And when they saw Heisatsu, their eyes brightening and they smiled broadly as if they had been waiting for Heisatsu's arrival all the time.
"Heisatsu, you're home !!"
A black child about 5 years old ran to Heisatsu and immediately hugged him.
"Oi, Oi what's up, why are you all standing outside, the air outside is very cold right now." Said Heisatsu immediately lifted the boy's body and carried him.
Then, one of the other children came and this time was a little girl with black hair who had middle eastern facial features, just like the black child, the girl was around 5 years old.
"We are waiting for you, Heisatsu."
"Hoho, so you all have been waiting for me for a quite long time in this cold weather, oh dear ... you all made this old man very touched." Heisatsu said as he gently patted the girl's head.
"Hehe ~" The little girl looked happy when her head was patted by Heisatsu.
"Sensei, What about your mission? Did you find a cool monster? How does it look?" The one approaching Heisatsu next was a child around 9 years old, his facial features clearly indicated that he was Japanese.
"Of course, do you want to hear it?" Heisatsu said, and the boy looked excited as he nodded in excitement.
" Yes!! "
"Hahaha, alright, we'll just discuss it inside okay? I'm also very hungry right now." Said Heisatsu.
"You don't need to worry, Iris-nee chan has made your favorite nikujaga so we can eat it together."
"Is that so?"
Heisatsu then glanced at a girl standing in front of the door, the girl had European facial features with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is much older than other children, maybe around 14 years old.
Unlike the other children, there was not the slightest happiness on her face, her expression cold. She seen carried a baby girl about 2 years old.
1
"Thank you, Iris." Heisatsu said with a sincere smile but the girl just kept quiet and didn't say anything, seeing the interaction between the two made Reo raise his eyebrows.
When they playing with Heisatsu, suddenly a black child who is now sitting on the shoulder of Heisatsu points to Reo who just stands quietly behind.
"Hey Heisatsu, Who is this brother whose hair is covered by snow?"
"Hair covered by Snow?" Reo made a strange face.
"Ah, before we all go inside, I want to introduce someone to you." Heisatsu then glanced at Reo and Reo who understood what Heisatsu meant immediately went up and stood beside him.
"This white-haired big brother is Reo, he is from Indonesia, from now on he will live with us so I want you to accept him as a family too."
Reo nodded and briefly introduced himself.
"Reo."
Hearing that, the child who had been on Heisatsu's shoulder immediately jumped in front of Reo.
"Woah, your Japanese is very fluent Reo-nii, it seems I don't need to teach you about Japanese anymore huh, introduce ... I'm Phillip, you can call me Phil if you want."
The black boy introduced himself as Phillip, he was a very cheerful child.
"Me, me, my name is Aisya, can I call you Reo-nii too?" Said the girl from the Middle East who looked a little shy when she met someone new.
"Yes, it's up to you," Reo said. Then the 9-year-old boy approached Reo and introduced himself politely.
"My name is Shirogami Takashi, nice to meet you Reo-nii san," Takashi said as he looked down at Reo.
'Shirogami? Didn't this old man say he was not married, illegitimate child? ' Reo wanted to ask about that but he decided to keep quiet because it was not important at all.
Reo then glanced at Iris who only nodded and muttered softly.
"Iris, and this little girl is named Char." She introduced the little baby in her arms. It was a cold response, but not as cold as the response she gave when Heisatsu talked to her.
"Alright, since everyone has introduced themselves, let's all go inside, Iris has made dinner for us all," Heisatsu said as he spoke to the children who had surrounded Reo while continuing to ask a pile of questions for him. Like whether the hair is real and such.
"Okay !! Let's go in, Reo-nii, Akari-nee." Phil grabbed Akari and Reo's fingers while pulling the two of them inside. And that night, Reo somehow had a second family, a warm little family.
*
* tap *
Reo was seen to have changed clothes, the temperature in the house was much warmer so he no longer needed to wear a thick coat.
"Ah, I'm full."
Reo's stomach was full after he ate his dinner with the other children, this time the menu was Nikujaga, literally it was meat and potatoes. The wall clock showed 10:00 p.m., and the other children had also entered their respective rooms and go to the bed.
1
Reo was also currently walking in the hallway of the house and was walking towards his room that Heisatsu had previously shown.
'But this house is really big huh, there are lots of rooms, besides that the yard is also spacious, is being a Hunter really making this much money, isn't the tax from this house big too? ' When Reo was deep in thought, he suddenly stopped when he saw something hanging on the wall in front of him.
It was a green military uniform complete with its accessories, Reo stood up and stared at the object for a moment before a voice came from beside him.
" Are you interested in that shabby uniform?"
Reo immediately looked to the side and the owner of that voice was none other than Heisatsu himself.
"I never thought you were a member of the military, old man."
Hearing that, Heisatsu just laughed bitterly.
"Yeah, it was a long time ago, when I was very young and my body was still very fit, long before the Gate that connected the earth with another world appeared in this world."
"Hm ... so you quit the military and switched professions to become a Hunter after you became an Awakened huh. Well, in my opinion it was a good decision, after all the money made by becoming a high level Hunter was far above that of ordinary soldiers." Reo murmured, but Heisatsu only smiled faintly as he looked towards his worn uniform.
"No, not because of that, actually I didn't just switch my profession to being a Hunter, I stopped being a soldier after that event ..."
"That event?"
Reo looked at Heisatsu's eyes, his black eyes seemed to stare at days from the past that he didn't want to remember anymore.
"... Events that occurred before the terror of Kamish the Dragon that caused humans to be forced to unite all the power they have to deal with it, when humanity was still ravaged by the chaos due to the appearance of Monsters through the Gate and the magic, a few years before the Hunter Association was formed."
Heisatsu then paused for a moment before he lowered his head and murmured softly.
"World War 3, a world war between Awakened from all over the world, a war that broke out due to the emergence of magical energy in this world. Irish Sea War."
6
"..."
The atmosphere then became quiet, Reo then thought.
'So the reason he adopted the children including myself was because of the feeling of sin that he felt during the war huh, very interesting. '
Heisatsu then did not discuss it further and changed the subject.
"Instead of that, you really are more quiet today than usual huh."
"I said I'm adapting right." said Reo and Heisatsu only laughed when he heard that.
"Alright, alright, so what? Are you getting used to those kids?" Heisatsu asked as he took a cigarette from his pants pocket.
"Well, they are very interesting children, have different personalities and are also very noisy," Reo said. Since the beginning he was a person who was very interested in the interaction between one human being with another human being. So seeing children who come from various backgrounds interact with one another gives new insight to Reo.
"I see, thank God you like them. Those kids are just like you, they lost their parents and family due to the monsters. So I hope you all get along and look after each other, just like how a family should be."
Reo who heard that only gave a thin grin and said.
"As long as they don't lose their value as a human, then I will be happy to maintain their value."
Hearing that, Heisatsu raised his eyebrows and didn't understand what Reo was talking about at all. He then patted Reo's head and said.
"Well, whatever it is ... from now on you too are part of this family from now on, what about Shirogami Reo, doesn't that suit you?"
Hearing that, Reo just closed his eyes while removing Heisatsu's hand from his head.
"Well, I guess that's not a bad combination."
Reo then turned and immediately walked to his room, leaving Heisatsu who smiled sincerely.
"Don't forget to come to the Dojo tomorrow at 6 am, we will immediately start your training tomorrow."
"Ok." Said Reo without turning around and continuing to walk before his back disappeared from Heisatsu's vision. After Reo really left, Heisatsu then glanced towards the military uniform hanging on the wall and thought.
'That's right, this is all I can do. '
Heisatsu lit his cigarette and exhaled the smoke into the air before muttering.
"War is truly ridiculous."
***
* Plung *
The sound of the clinking of bamboo from Shishi odoshi (bamboo fountain) can be heard in the courtyard, the morning sun shines from the eastern horizon, and the sound of birds chirping also decorate the morning atmosphere at the Shirogami residence.
Currently in a Dojo measuring 10 × 20, three people who are seen sitting seiza facing each other face to face. The three people are Heisatsu, Reo, and also Takashi. The three of them are seen using white and black hakama, complete with a wooden sword called the Shinai beside them.
3
As Heisatsu had said last night, this morning Reo would begin his first training session to use the sword.
"Wait a minute, old man, didn't you say we will learn about Ki today? Then why am I wearing this outfit and practicing using this wooden sword?"
"Huh, what do you mean, of course we will start your Ki lesson today," Heisatsu said with a strange face to Reo.
"Then what is all this for? Shouldn't you do the ritual you say, which will determine whether I am talented in using Ki or not?"
Said Reo while lifting his Shinai up, it was very light for Reo, he was like holding a wooden stick.
"Do you think only random people can participate in the ritual? If it's like that then Ki has been used by just anyone."
"..." Reo then paused, because what Heisatsu said wasn't wrong.
"The reason why I told you to practice sword first, is to get maximum results when opening the Ki stream later, you need a clear mind and a strong soul. If not, then you will be swallowed up by your own Ki intentions and eventually go crazy. "
* gulp *
Hearing that, Takashi who was next to Reo swallowed.
"Therefore, the first phase of the Ki stream opening process is to train the body to be healthy, and the soul to be strong. And one of the most effective ways to do that is to practice sword techniques."
"You mean, you want me to learn your family's swordsmanship?" Asked Reo, he looked uncomfortable with the clothes he was wearing.
"That's right, from today until the next 3 years I will teach you the basics of Shirogami Itto-Ryu Kenjutsu. A one-sword technique handed down by the Shirogami family from generation to generation. Do you understand?"
5
Reo looks uninterested and instead looks busy fixing the rope that ties his waist.
"Alright ~."
Seeing that, Heisatsu sighed.
"* sigh * I know you already have qualified skills to kill monsters because you have been hunting since you were a child in your village, but when I open your Ki completely later, you will fight something that you cannot overcome by just using your hunting skills."
"..."
"Yes, alright, enough to talk about the Ki, from now on we will focus on learning about swordsmanship."
Heisatsu then stood up and was followed by Reo and Takashi.
"First of all, I want you two to fight each other," said Heisatsu, making Reo and Takashi who were next to him surprised.
"Me against him? But didn't you say that this kid has learned all the basics of sword fighting? Shouldn't I start from the basics of theory first?"
Reo's question made sense, even though he was sure he would win if he had to fight Takashi who was even 3 years younger than him, but if he was told to fight using the sword then Reo was certain to lose. He doesn't even know how to hold a sword properly.
"Yes it should be like that, but first I want to see your fighting style and know the shortcomings you have to determine the right method for your training." Heisatsu said, hearing that Reo smiled and said to Heisatsu.
"So you mean I can use any method to win?"
Heisatsu nodded, he then glanced at Takashi.
"That's right ... besides, this is also a practical training exercise for Takashi, how to use his sword skills when fighting someone who doesn't learn swordsmanship. Let's get ready in your respective places."
Hearing Heisatsu's words, both Reo and Takashi then walked to their respective places and faced each other.
"The rules are simple, if one of you can hit your opponent using anything five times, then he will be the winner."
While Reo seemed confused about how he used the Shinai in his hands, Takashi seemed to have a sturdy stance and grasped the Shinai using both hands.
"I won't hold back, Reo-nii san."
Hearing that, Reo then held Shinai in his hand upside down and smiled faintly.
"I'd be happy if you held back a little against an amateur like me."
Heisatsu then stood in the middle to act as the referee, he spread his arms and ...
"Alright ... Start!"
Hearing cue from Heisatsu, Reo's eyes suddenly became serious and without wasting time sliding towards Takashi very quickly. Seeing the speed shown by Reo made Heisatsu and Takashi gasped.
'He is very fast. '
But Takashi immediately regained his composure and focus, he raised the Shinai up, and prepared to swing it vertically to hit Reo right in front of him.
'1 point, get !! '
"Ha!"
* clack *
But the sound of a wooden clang was heard when Takashi's sword swung, parried by Reo who had looked down and placed his Shinai on his back. His movements look disheveled and strange, but very effective.
As Takashi tried to pull back his sword, Reo mercilessly stepped on Takashi's fingertip and made him groan in pain.
"Ack!"
'Sorry but the first point is mine.' Reo thought, smiling.
2
When Takashi was losing momentum, Reo then twisted his wrist skillfully, and then unsheathed the Shinai in his hand towards his stomach. Reo's actions could have hurt Takashi, but before the sword could hit his stomach.
* tap * * tap *
With rhythmic steps Takashi took two steps back and managed to escape Reo's attack because he was out of his Shinai's attack range. And without wasting time, he immediately swung his Shinai right at the back of Reo's right hand that had tried to attack him before.
*plak*
'Incredible, he can avoid that, then ...' Reo grinned as he felt the pain in the back of his hand that immediately turned red after being hit by Takashi's attack.
But Reo will not let Takashi take the second point, he then immediately threw the Shinai in his hand which made Takashi lose his concentration and was forced to take a step backward. Give Reo enough time to get close.
* tap * * fwuosh *
He ran over to Takashi, and immediately swept his feet using a sideways kick.
'It's bad, he's aiming for my feet. 'Takashi then tried to avoid Reo's attack by taking a step back, but Reo had anticipated that. He took the Shinai he had thrown before and then launched it like a spear towards Takashi.
Takashi who still hasn't perfected his stance can only surrender accepting the attack right on his chest.
"Ack!"
And, with that the battle was really over. Reo grinned broadly and immediately tried to glide towards Takashi. But Heisatsu who noticed the expression on Reo's face immediately felt a bad feeling.
'This kid ...'
And when Reo tried to move his legs, suddenly the air became heavy and Reo felt his whole body received a huge pressure that made him unable to move at all and he had difficulty breathing.
* buzz *
Reo widened his eyes.
'This pressure ...'
The pressure is none other than Heisatsu who oversees the match in the distance.
"Stop it, the match is over."
Heisatsu then walked closer to Reo and Takashi, and the pressure emitted by him gradually eased, causing Reo to breathe after he managed to escape from the pressure.
"* pant * * pant"
* bump *
Reo knelt on the ground and he was dripping in cold sweat. But he quickly regulated his breath and turned his gaze towards Heisatsu.
"Oi, Oi, Old Man... What are you doing? Why did you stop the fight, didn't you say the winner had to hit the opponent's body five times before?"
" That's right... "
"Then?" Reo raised his eyebrows.
"But that doesn't mean I will let you hurt each other, the fight is over, you are the winner. Since the beginning of the match, Takashi has been pressed so that he has to retreat back far enough, besides that I have also Finish analyzed your fighting style, so I guess continuing the fight is not will be of no use anymore. "
1
Reo then slowly stood up while Heisatsu turned his gaze towards Takashi who was also sitting on the ground even though he was not exposed to pressure from Heisatsu.
"You don't mind the results, do you, Takashi?"
Takashi then smiled and shook his head.
"Of course not, this is my complete defeat, Reo-nii san is really fast and strong, I have been depressed since the match started."
1
"I see, you still have a lot to learn, so don't ever give up. Have you understood the cause of your defeat before?" Heisatsu asked, he still did not forget his duties as a teacher.
Takashi nodded.
"I am too fixated on the movements that I have been practicing continuously, which means when my enemy moves with an uncertain movement, I can only be stunned because I cannot prepare the right movements to anticipate it. "
Takashi realizes all his mistakes gracefully, such an attitude is a difficult thing to find today. Normally, if another child or even an adult is in Takashi's current position, they will complain and make excuses for their defeat like. "Of course I lost, he used dirty methods," and such.
Seeing his favorite pupil show the nature of a true swordsman, Heisatsu could only smile. Likewise with Reo who seemed increasingly interested.
"That's good, it seems like you've realized your shortcomings. You just need to practice harder."
Hearing that, Takashi nodded happily when he got the praise from the teacher and father figure for him.
"Thank you, sensei."
Reo then walked and approached Takashi with a sweet smile on his face. He then extended his hand towards Takashi.
"That was a good match."
"Ah... yes." Takashi who saw a smile as beautiful as the sun on Reo's face also responded with a smile, he accepted Reo's helping hand and stood up.
"Okay, then we will start evaluating the results of the previous matches."
2
Reo and Takashi who heard that nodded, but suddenly the Dojo's front door opened and revealed Iris, who appeared to be wearing an apron and carrying spatula in her hand, she seemed to be preparing to make breakfast for everyone.
* krak *
"Takashi, can you help me get some water?"
Iris's sudden appearance caught everyone's attention, and the cold expression on her face remained the same.
"Ah, am I disturbing you guys?"
"No, the training is over," Heisatsu said, but Iris didn't even glance at him when he said that.
Heisatsu looked indifferent and glanced at Takashi who looked confused whether he should help Iris or remain in the Dojo.
"Takashi, go and help your sister, we will discuss today's training with you tomorrow morning."
Hearing that Takashi nodded his head, he then lowered his head to Heisatsu and Reo before running towards Iris. The two of them then immediately left the Dojo and left Reo and Heisatsu alone.
"* sigh * Geez, being a dad figure is really hard."
Heisatsu turned around and immediately sitting seiza in his place before, Reo who saw it still thinking about Iris, you could say he wondered why she behaved like that to Heisatsu.
"Old man, what cruel acts did you do to that girl to make her behave like that to you?"
Reo asked Heisatsu without further ado and went straight to the point, he then sat in front of Heisatsu to listen to his story.
"That girl ... Ah, you mean Iris? Well it's a boring story, you don't need to know ..."
"Hey come on, do you want to make me curious like that?"
Reo insisted and begged like a child asking his mother to buy a toy, he was really curious about the reason why Iris acted that way to Heisatsu, and whether that was also one of human nature or not.
"You are ... * sigh * okay, I will say the reason, but I did not tell it in full. And I hope you do not hate me after I say this."
Hearing that, Reo suddenly laughed lightly.
"Hahaha, as long as you know old man, I never hated anyone, I just categorize them as attractive or unattractive, so you don't need to worry about that."
Reo's golden eyes met Heisatsu's, while Heisatsu who heard that only smiled.
"I see ... well I guess I'm the stupid one for thinking a weird person like you is the same as the others."
"..."
The smile on Heisatsu's face suddenly disappeared and was replaced by a thoughtful expression, he then said.
"Well, the reason why Iris-chan acts like that is because I was the one who killed her parents right before her eyes."
Heisatsu then immediately fell silent and waited for a response from Reo, but the response that Reo gave was contrary to his expectations.
"Wow."
"Huh?"
Heisatsu made a weird face when he saw Reo who had an excited look.
"I see, that's why you decided to stop being a soldier and began to adopt disaster victims' children. So that's how it is... That's makes sense."
However, Heisatsu who heard that had no intention of answering Reo's questions further.
"Alright, we've finished discussing her past, now I will start evaluating your fighting style." He then continued.
"What I conclude from your fighting style is, you fight by relying on the speed and agility you have as the mainstay of your attack."
"Well, it's only natural with your thin body to rely on speed, and I think that is the right step. And coupled with your hunting skills, you can use the things around you to attack your opponents because you are used to doing it to catch your prey, correct? "
Reo who heard that nodded and straightened his legs.
"Yup, that's why I tell you that fighting using one style of swordsmanship will actually reduce the efficiency of my movements, you should also understand that old man." He then continued.
"I'm coming with you to learn Ki, and I don't use it for a show, but to kill Monsters and humans." Said Reo, his expression became a little serious as he uttered his last sentence.
As he said, if Reo learned the Shirogami sword style, then that would be the same as limiting his flexibility in fighting. Besides that, he has a clear goal to be strong now.
But Heisatsu who heard that just grinned.
"Hoho ~, looks like I have to explain the Shirogami sword style philosophy to you, Reo."
"Hm? Philosophy?" Reo tilted his head.
"Shirogami, as the name implies means a white paper. That name also describes the form of the Shirogami sword style perfectly."
"..." Reo just kept quiet and continued listening.
"The reason why I insist on having you learn the Shirogami sword style is because the style of the Shirogami swordsmanship is a sword style that is free and is not bound by a certain rule."
"Shirogami sword style is a sword style that maximizes the best potential of the user by adjusting the style to the fighting style of the user himself, each swordsman who uses the Shirogami sword style has a different fighting style, it is a sword style that flexible and can get stronger or weak depending on the user itself. That type of sword style, Shirogami swordsmanship is. "
Heisatsu's explanation of the style of the Shirogami swordsmanship attracted Reo's interest. Reo looks excited and his eyes shine.
"A sword style that changes depending on the user, like how humans themselves are, what would my fighting style be like later ... this makes me curious and excited at the same time."
Seeing that Heisatsu just smiled, after being with Reo and chatting with him for about 4 days, he slowly understood Reo's personality and his obsession about human feelings.
After a moment of silence, then Heisatsu was seen taking a skeeping from his pocket and throwing it along with the Shinai in his hand towards Reo.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but before you learn the Shirogami sword style, you must first train your physics and learn the basics of sword."
1
Hearing that, Reo could only smile wryly and mumble.
"Ah, I knew it would be like this."
"Don't be depressed like that, basic is the most important foundation in your future development, as you know, not just anyone who can master the Shirogami swordsmanship."
"I know." Reo nodded and took the skeeping and Shinai who were thrown at him before he also stood in front of Heisatsu.
"Since you are not an Awakened, it is clear your physics will be far below them, although Ki can strengthen your physics, but that does not mean you can forget your body training." Heisatsu then continued.
"Therefore, starting from today ... apart from the basic sword lessons I will give you in the morning, I will give you a routine training menu that you must complete every single day."
Heisatsu then handed Reo a piece of paper. Reo who saw the contents of the paper frowned.
" Seriously. "
______________
300 × Push up
4
300 × sit up
50 × 2 Sets Pull up
300 × squat
Jogging 30 km
Swinging the sword 10,000 ×
_______________
"What's the matter? It's just an initial physical exercise, then it will still be even harder," Heisatsu said.
"You want to kill me, huh? Isn't this already considered child abuse?"
1
Heisatsu pretended not to hear Reo's words and just kept walking out of the Dojo.
"What are you talking about, let's go to the dining room for breakfast, I'm already hungry."
"Alright," said Reo briefly before following Heisatsu from behind.
And that day, Reo's heavy training to master Shirogami swordsmanship for the next 3 years finally began.
***
Meanwhile, in the other hemisphere, London, England.
At this time, in a busy hallway, a blonde-haired woman was walking, carrying a document in her hand. The woman is Agatha William.
Behind her was an 11-year-old boy with brown skin and jet black hair, the boy was none other than Martius who had just arrived in England a few hours ago.
Currently, Agatha and Martius are at the headquarters of the Holy Sword Guild located around Primrose Hill, London, United Kingdom. They were currently on their way to the place where the offical testing of magical energy was carried out.
* tap * tap *
When they were walking, suddenly one of the room doors in the hallway was open, displaying the figure of a tall man who had a height of about 190 cm.
The man was seen wearing a black turtleneck and brown overcoat, he had a handsome and friendly face. His black hair was combed back and he wore glasses that gave the impression of a gentleman.
Seeing Agatha, the man then smiled softly and greeted her.
"Ah, apparently you have returned Miss Agatha, if you told me before, I might pick you up at the airport."
"No, you don't need to bother, sir."
The man just smiled before he glanced at Martius who was standing beside Agatha.
"Hm, so this kid that you talked about earlier, he's a handsome boy ... what's your name?" The man then crouched in front of Martius.
"Brother?"
"Huh?"
Hearing the response from Martius, both the man and Agatha became confused. But Martius quickly shook his head.
"No, I mean ... my name is Martius, nice to meet you sir." Martius said with fluent english, as a person who lives in the tourism area, he is quite fluent in English. Although he is not like his brother who can master 9 foreign languages at the same time.
Hearing that, the man then smiled again and said in a soft voice.
"Martius, huh? That's a good name ... then it's my turn to introduce myself, I'm the Vice-President of the Holy Sword Guild, Lewis Shermann."
"Nice to meet you ... Martius."
