Chapter 1: Intro

"So, you ready?" The man in all black and gray bogu armor asked in delight.

"You know I am!" I replied as I readied my Shinai and took a battle ready stance.

A strong but cool gust of wind blew that made the bright pink cherry blossoms around us scatter in the yard, and just as the powerful rays of sunlight subsided behind a dark gray cloud, I lashed out. I swung my Shinai with full force at my opponent, who took a defensive posture and blocked my attack. Dust flew from our bamboo swords as we clashed.

"You're initial attack has improved." The scruffy looking man complimented, "But is that all you have?"

"I'm just getting warmed up old man!" I answered as I took a few steps back and swung again.

I unleashed a fury of swings, one's which he all blocked, before stopping to catch my breath.

"Now, my turn!"

The man rushed towards me with shocking speed, and swung his Shinai with enough force behind it to knock mines from my grasp. He then pushed me back a few feet using his sword, and made a swing for my helmet. I immediately held my sword up high to block his attack, but I quickly realized it was a fake and jumped up to avoid the attack directed at my legs. While in the air, I aimed my sword for his helmet and swung down with all my might.

There was a loud thud, and the man sighed once he realized he had lost the match, "I guess you're better than I give you credit for kid."

I smiled, followed behind a few chuckles, "What did you expect pops?"

"Kazuto, Shu, lunch is ready." Mom said as she laid a picnic basket on the porch, her light brown hair dangling in the wind.

Mom then gasped in surprise, "Well, what do we have here?"

"Asuna, it's not what it looks like!" Dad replied immediately, trying to hide his bamboo sword behind his back.

Mom slowly walked towards Dad and snatched the Shinai from him, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you two were having a kendo match without my permission!"

"Good thing you don't know any better..." I mumbled to myself.

Mom swung the sword through the air a couple of times as a mischievous grin spread across her face.

"Umm Asuna, you have that look in your eyes again!" Dad said, a hint of fear in his voice.

"Shu, I challenge you to a kendo match!" Mom said as she pointed a finger at me.

I laughed, "Sorry, but going against a woman isn't me style, besides, you don't have any armor on."

"That's just an excuse because you're scared to duel against me." Mom replied.

"Wha...What did you say!?" I asked, stammering over my words.

"You heard me you coward!"

I sighed as I took an offensive posture, "Well you asked for it you old hag! Just don't go complaining when you leave here today with a broken hip!"

"Bring it on you obnoxious little brat, you might as well be prepared to wash the dishes now." Mom responded with a laugh.

Without thinking, I rushed towards Mom and halfheartedly swung my Shinai, but she dodged the attack effortlessly and before I knew it, I was lying on the ground with the end of my Mom's bamboo sword pointing in my face.

"I guess I'm not so old now am I?" She asked with a laugh.

"Whatever..." I replied as I blushed from embarrassment.

Mom tossed the sword at Dad, who barely caught it, and then began walking towards the picnic basket she made.

"I told you not to get on her bad side." Dad said as he held out his hand and pulled me up.

Both of us then started heading towards the basket. As we did, I dropped my Shinai and pulled off my white and black helmet, revealing my short, spikey black hair and hazel brown eyes.

My name's Shu Kirigaya and I'm 15 years old. I currently live in Kawagoe City in a two story complex with my father Kazuto and my mother Asuna. I'm 5'11 in height, 163 cm in weight, have a tall but slender build, short spikey black hair (which I get from my father), and light hazel brown eyes (which comes from my mother). When I was growing up, I used to be a computer geek and a complete house shut-in, but it was my aunt Suguha who officially brought me out of the darkness and taught me kendo. Apparently, she used to be a famous kendo champion with an undefeated win streak until she retired in April 2042.

So, how was that for an Intro? Depending on how many reviews, follows, and CA's I get, I'll either continue or drop this fanfic. Until next time!