RECORD OF STAY IN TOONO
Chapter 1
The sounds of a duel could be heard in the land of Toono.
The cut surface of a large tree was the location of their practice duels. Itaku and Rikuo, each with their own specially made weapons, were pointing their blades towards each other, repeatedly engaged in duels.
Even tough it was a massive tree trunk that had been cut down, but its actual size alone was abnormal. The width of the cut surface was many times larger than a sumo wrestling ring. This place was the battlefield for the two of them.
Itaku was holding sickles in both hands, while Rikuo was holding a wooden stick that he had picked up somewhere in Toono. On Itaku's back was a wooden holder, specially made to held his weapons, and there were four more sickles there. Freely manipulating any of the six sickles, that was Itaku's way of fighting.
Rikuo's attack was blocked by Itaku using the handle of his sickle. Itaku then went on the offensive. He used the sickle in his left hand to deflect Rikuo's wooden stick, and he swung it in his right hand towards Rikuo's shoulder. The sickle's blade, which had been polished until it shone, cut through Rikuo's body. But that body was just an illusion. The illusion cut open and became more indistinct, then vanished into the air.
Could be seen but couldn't be cut, that was the 'Hatsu' technique that Rikuo learnt in Toono. Rikuo called it as Kyoka Suigetsu. It was the reflection of the moon in the water, could be seen but couldn't be touched. The name does suit the characteristics of Nurarihyon's technique, Itaku thought.
Only one day has passed, and yet he can use it so well now.
Itaku swung his sickles around, a smirk appeared on his face.
Yesterday, Rikuo used Hatsu for the first time. Three days ago, when he was first brought to Toono, Rikuo didn't even had any concept of what Hatsu was, let alone using it.
After that, Rikuo learnt the technique in a blink of an eye. Most likely, it has something to do the attack yesterday, Itaku thought. The sudden danger forced RIkuo to grow and develop his full potential.
Yesterday, Rikuo was attacked by a Kyoto Yokai called Kidomaru. Kidomaru brought his subordinates along with him. His reason of coming to Toono was to ask for some fighting reinforcements from Akagappa. After Hagoromo Gitsune was resurrected in Kyoto, plans were made for her to stand up on the top of the ayakashi world once again. Kidomaru and his subordinates, as part of Hagoromo Gitsune's faction, naturally had to gather some forces.
However, Akagappa refused Kidomaru's request. The Toono yokai had always remained neutral. There was no need to help Hagoromo Gitsune, that was Akagappa's opinion.
After the negotiation failed, Kidomaru and his subordinates found Rikuo when he was working on his odd chores. Hagoromo Gitsune held a huge grudge against Nurarihyon for more than 400 years, so Kidomaru would never forget the face of Nurarihyon. And so, Kidomaru attacked Rikuo as soon as he saw him.
Itaku, who was maintaining his sickles at that time, immediately sensed the danger. He felt the change of flow in the village's fear, and he immediately ran to the place where the flow had changed. On the way there, there was only one thought on Itaku's mind.
If I don't hurry over, Rikuo will definitely be killed.
If enemies from the outside had entered the village, it meant that those youkais knew how to cut through fear. Toono had a barrier made out of fear in order to keep intruders away. To enter the village, they would have to create a crack in the barrier, creating an entrance. Rikuo still hadn't know how to cut through fear, so he would naturally be unable to defeat any opponent who managed to go pass the barrier.
As soon as he rushed to Rikuo's side, Itaku cut off an arm of one of Kidomaru's subordinates. There were three Kyoto yokais altogether. He planned on taking down all of them by himself, as he already mentally prepared for it. But, that was as far as he goes, because Rikuo then executed his first Hatsu, Nurarihyon's Hatsu – Kyoka Suigetsu.
Could be seen but couldn't be cut. Rikuo's Kyoka Suigetsu confused Kidomaru and his subordinates greatly. During that time, Awashima and the others rushed to the scene. However, there was no battle in the end because Kidomaru and his troops decided to retreat and left Toono. It wasn't because they were afraid of Rikuo, but it might be because they found it meaningless if they continue the fight.
Seeing those youkai flee before even fighting one round, Itaku, who loved to fight, thought it was a pity. But putting on Rikuo's future into consideration, that outcome was something to be thankful for. His role as a mentor caused Itaku to be able to react calmly to such situations. That was his mindset as he analyzed what had happened before.
Rikuo's first Hatsu was indeed very effective. But his fighting skills were still unpolished. If the battle had continued yesterday, Rikuo would definitely be badly injured. Those youkais had chosen to retreat before such situation occurred, and it was a good stoke of luck.
Rikuo's growing speed was amazing, and he was enthusiastic about the practice, but Rikuo was still lack of power. He would definitely die if he went to Kyoto right now. That was Itaku's opinion of Rikuo.
I won't let you die in Kyoto. If you're going to die, then die in the practice arena of Toono!
The two of them stood some distance apart on the practice arena, staring at each other. At that moment, Rikuo, who was holding the wooden stick, left an opening in his stance. It could be that his concentration wasn't enough because he was tired – but he had stopped releasing his fear. Repeating such a mistake over and over again, such an idiot – Itaku thought as he smirked.
Itaku was not a kind mentor, and he wouldn't pretend that he didin't see it. He raised the sickle in his right hand, coated the blade with his fear, and swung it forward. That was Itaku's Hatsu – Youkai Art: Wind Sickle.
The sickles released a sharp wind, marching towards Rikuo. Rikuo barely avoided it, but he didn't completely dodge the attack. He was hit by the wind's tail. A shallow cut was created on his chest.
Rikuo was quite surprised. He breathed heavily. Seeing his face, Itaku said,
"Rikuo, you must never EVER disperse your fear. Once you release your fear, you die. Understand?"
Rikuo nodded silently, and he raised his stick once more to face Itaku.
That's all for chapter one! How do you guys like it?
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