Chapter 3:
The Training Starts

It took a while but I finally was able to finish the next chapter to this story. I hope you enjoy it. Also, some of you have probably realized that their are some similarities between this story and the anime show Rurouni Kenshin. I'll admit that their are some similarities but in no way that the plot of this story will be similar to that show. As with everyone else, I don't own digimon.

Daisuke's POV...

"I can't believe that you actually wanted to get that thing." said Izumi. "Why wouldn't I? I mean they did say that I could have it." stated Takuya. It had been already a day since I stopped Shen from wrecking the town and as a sign of gratitude the mayor of the town ask if their was anything that he could do to repay for what I did. I graciously decline offer and asked if it was possible for my friends to get anything. Like with me, Hikari and Izumi said no but Takuya was a different story. Going to where the swords were being sold he ask if he could get one. The mayor simply said yes since he was a good friend of mine.

That brings us back to the present. Ever since we left the town Izumi has been trying to figure out why would Takuya wanted to get a sword all of the sudden. I had my suppositions but I keep them to myself for the time being. "Honestly Takuya, I don't understand why you wanted to have a sword." "I just figured that it was time for me to have some kind of weapon in case of an emergency." The sword that Takuya did acquired was a simple Japanese sword that was in some cases similar to mine only that neither side of the blade had a sharp end to since it was recently made and hadn't been sharpen yet.

"That maybe good and all but how do you expect to use it when you haven't even use a sword in your entire life?" "I'll practice. Daisuke could give me the lessons since he is able to do almost anything with a sword." "Now wait a minute. Who said I would give you sword training?" "Come on Daisuke, I admit that I have only seen you use your sword once but when I saw it I was amazed at what you could do. So could you please show me how to use some of your style and techniques?" "Sorry Takuya but I will not teach anyone any of my techniques. Besides, I can tell that you don't really have the heart to actually learn to fight with a sword."

"Then give me the chance to prove that I do have the heart to learn how to use a sword." "Very well then, you'll have your chance to prove yourself." Seeing a nearby clearing I instructed him to follow me and stand on one side of the opening while I was at the other. "Draw out your sword Takuya and attack me whenever you're ready." Doing as I asked he pulled out his sword and position himself in a attack stance but he looked at me in confusion when he saw that my sword was still inside its sheath. "What are you doing? Aren't you going to take out your sword?" "No I am not. This is to see if you have any potential. But don't go easy me because I am unarmed. If you don't come at me with everything that you got then you are just be wasting my time."

Wasting no more time he came at me with every intention to hit me. Watching his movements I saw that he lifted his sword slightly over his shoulder, meaning that he was going to try a downward slash to my left shoulder. To avoid the move I simply moved to the right which caused him to stumble forward. Not to be deterred he turned back around and tried to attack me again, this time with a side slash from the left. Waiting until he was close enough I ducked incoming blow and as Takuya was trying to regain his balance I delivered a small chop to his shoulder blades. That and combined with him not being able to regain his footing he fell down to the ground.

"Get up, I know that you have more than that to give. Or are you just going to give up?" Staggering back up to his feet Takuya turned around to face me. "I won't give up." Griping his sword tighter he looked at me with an strong look. "You hear me, I won't give up." Charging at me once he tried to hit me with a straight thrust from the left. Figuring that it was time to end it I grabbed his left wrist with my right hand, which caused him to accidentally drop his sword and with my free hand I grabbed the front of his kimono. Turning around I lifted him over my shoulder and throw him down to the ground. "Now, are you quiet done in proving yourself?"

Looking into his eyes I saw that he was upset at what the outcome of his trying to prove himself but I also something else with it. "Hikari and Izumi, we'll be making camp here today. Do you mind gathering some wood for the campfire?" "Sure no problem. We'll be back in an hour or so." Waiting until they were too far to hear anything I stuck my hand out to Takuya to help him up. Accepting my gesture he grabbed my hand and lifted himself up. "I guess what happened proves that I don't have what it takes to be a swordsman." "I wouldn't say that." Walking over to where Takuya's sword had dropped I pick it up and walked back to him. "It was easy to see that you do have the desire and the potential to learn how to be a swordsman. You just need the proper training and guidance." I extended his sword to him which he took and placed in his sheath.

"How does this sound? I'll teach you the basics of handling a sword and help you in sword fighting. So what do you say, are you for my offer?" "I-I-I don't know what to say. Yes, I would be honored if you would teach me." "Then it is settle. I will be your teacher and just so that you know, I will not be going easy on you what so ever." "I understand and I wouldn't want it any other way." "Good to hear that. Now you better rest up because tomorrow school will be in session."

Two Days Later...

Takuya's POV...

When Daisuke said that he wasn't going to go easy on me during training was an understatement. No sooner as the sun was up in the sky he woke me up to start my first lesson. I believed that we would immediately get into learning sword techniques. But instead he said that he had to ask me something. "Tell me Takuya, what is the reason you want to learn to handle a sword?" "Uh, I thought I already told you. I want to learn so that I just figured that it was time for me to have some kind of weapon training in case of an emergency." "No, I want you to tell me the real reason. I know that you have another reason why you want to learn to use a sword." I was so unprepared for what he said I couldn't come up some kind of response. "Does this has anything to do with Izumi?" "I-I-Izumi? What would she have anything to do with this?"

"I'll admit that I haven't know you guys for that long but I have noticed that you and her seemingly are real close. Maybe closer than even you realize." I didn't say a word as he continued. "One of the things that separates true swordsmen from a person with a sword is what drives them. It could be honor, to test their skills or the wanting to protect the ones that they care about. You wanting to help protect the people that you care about shows me that you are on the beginning steps of becoming a true swordsmen. Now, are you ready for your first lesson?" Grabbing my sword I pulled it out and set myself in a fighting stance. "I am ready."

Since then, I have pushing myself to the limits in trying to learn everything that Daisuke has taught me to the best of my abilities. At the moment I was practicing the newest lesson that Daisuke had shown me by a nearby brook during late hours of the night. Apparently I was so focused on my training that I didn't noticed that I had some company. "Training hard I see." Spinning around I saw that it was just Izumi. "Man Izumi, don't do that. You nearly scared me to death." Deciding that I needed to take a break I sat down on a large boulder and looked out towards the brook. "I'm sorry if I scared you Takuya. I didn't mean to frighten." Nothing was said between us for sometime until Izumi spoke up. "You don't mind if I sit down do you?" "No, go ahead. Its fine by me." Scooting over I allowed her to sit down besides me.

Silence once again came over us but I didn't mind. Sitting there I looked at my surroundings and was amazed that after all the wild things that have happen recently I was able to still witnessed places of calm and peaceful tranquillity such as with this place. Taking in more of the scenery I caught a glimpse of Izumi. I knew that I should of turn away but I couldn't as I looked into those green eyes which seemingly were shimmering in the moonlight. Apparently I was staring for too long because turned her attention towards me. "What is it? Do I have something on my face?" "N-No. Its nothing. Don't worry about it." I muttered as I turned my head around so she wouldn't see the small trace of blush that I most certainly had on my face.

"So, how has your training been going?" "Its going fine. I'll admit that it is tougher that I thought it would be but I can see that I am improving each time I have a sparring session with Daisuke. He may be a tough instructor but he compliments my improvement and encourages me to get better. I am grateful for that I don't want to disappoint him by not doing my best." "That won't happen Takuya. We have all seen how good you have gotten and it will only be a matter of time until you become one of the best swordsmen their is." "Thank you Izumi. I really appreciate that. I truly do." Turning back to look at her I caught myself being only mere inches away from Izumi's face.

Time seem to stand still as we both looked into the other's eyes and as if some unknown force was in control we slowly began to inch closer to one another. Our eyes closed as we got close enough that you could almost feel our lips graze each other. When our lips were about to meet a small flock of birds came flying in and landed in the brook. With that happening what ever kind of trace that we were in was broken and we both turned away in embarrassment.

"I-It's getting later. We should probably be heading back to camp." "Yeah. W-We should go ahead and get some sleep." mutters Izumi. Without so much as word the two of us walked back to the campsite where Daisuke and Hikari were either already or on the verge of being asleep and not saying a word to each other we both went sleep. As I was trying to get to sleep I couldn't get the image of Izumi's eyes out of my head and from somewhere in the back of the head I quietly was cursing myself for having that moment being blown.

The Next Day...

We all woke up about the same time as the sun started to rise which told us to restarted are travel again. Me and Daisuke were taking the lead while Hikari and Izumi were following close behind. As we were walking along the dirt path neither me or Izumi didn't look or spoke to one another since we were still embarrasses about what transpired last night. The whole trip continued mostly in silence until suddenly Daisuke motioned us to stop. "What's the problem Daisuke? Why did you stop?" "We're not alone. Their is something out hiding out there."

To seemingly confirming his suspicions a group dark clothed men leapt out of the trees and surrounded us. "At last, we have caught up with you." spoke one of the men. Checking each of them over I had this sinking feeling that I saw these people before. "So, the bandits have decided to come after us." muttered Daisuke. One by one each of the men removed their hoods to reveal that they were indeed the same group of bandits that Daisuke took care of when we first met. "At last we have caught up with you. Ever since our last encounter where you took all of us down we have become the laughing stock of criminal underworld. But we will now redeem ourselves when we take care of you." Throughout all this Daisuke did not say a word.

Daisuke's POV...

"So you want to get revenge against me because I beat you? Well, it has been a while since that has happen. But let me make a suggestion. You pick out your best fighter for a one on one match. If you lose you will let us go and never come after us again." "I don't think so. We all remember how you easily you took us all on when we did that one fighter thing." "Who said that I would be the one to fight in the one on one fight?" Obviously that caught everyone off guard. "If you aren't the one to be fighting, then who will it be?" "It will be him." I answered when I pointed to Takuya. Everyone seemed surprised by my suggestion, but no more than Takuya. "Him? You are letting a mere boy represent you in a fight?" All of the bandits started to erupt in laughter. "Very well, we accept your proposal. But what do we get when we win?"

"If you win then I will go with and you can do whatever you want to me and I won't put any type of struggle." "We accept the those previsions. Let us introduce you to the person who will represent us. Kinzo, step forward." Stepping up was this huge man who had to be at least two as high as any of us and in his right hand was this huge sword that it was almost being dragged on the ground. Despite the obvious high disadvantage I already knew that I could have taken care of this giant. But what needed to be known is that Takuya could beat him.

"Are you nuts Daisuke? What has gone through your head that I could of beat them let alone that giant?" "Calm yourself Takuya. I know you have what it takes to take care of him." "But I have only been practicing to fight with a sword for really two weeks. Their is no possible why I can win." "You can win. I know you can but it all depends that you believe that you can." For about a minute Takuya didn't say anything as he was trying to decide if he could actually win. "Alright, I do it. You're right that I do have a chance on winning. It is a small one but it is there."

With a look of determination on his face, Takuya began to walk towards his opponent. *You better come through Takuya. You were right in saying that your chances of winning is slim but you might surprise us in this fight* As we were watching Takuya walk his way to his fight, I saw that Izumi was on the verge of run in to prevent him from fighting. "Don't try to stop him Izumi. This is something that Takuya needs to do." "He is only doing it because you made him go through with this. If he is hurt it will be all because of you." "You don't get it do you? This is something that does need to do but not because I made him. He needs to do this because he has to find his reason?" "His reason? What are you talking about?" "I am saying that Takuya needs to find the reason why he wants to become a swordsmen and this battle will help him discover it." Both of the girls didn't really understand what I was getting at but they trusted my judgment they stood back and hoped that Takuya would be able to get through this.

Takuya's POV...

*I can not believe that I am doing this. I must be nuts to go through with this.* Those thoughts and many more kept running through my head as I walked towards my opponent. Stopping in front of him I titled my head back I saw that I barely passed his waist. Not to be daunted I unsheathed my sword and ready myself to attack. "Are you really going to go through with this?" asked Kinzo. "Of course I am. Their is no way that I am going to back down to you guys." "Fine then. If that is your decision I have no choice but to deal with you." By the tone of his voice he made it sound like this fight with me was nothing more but a annoyance. Not taking kindly to how my opponent was underestimating me I charged forward and tried to hit his right leg. But before I could hit, he lifted his leg from charge and just as I was turning around he brought his foot back to deliver a kick to my chest which caused me to tumble a few feet away.

When I finally came to a stop I began to really feel the impact that I recieved from the blow. It was so bad that it seemed like the world was spinning in every which way. "A pity, I thought he would at least last longer than he did." I managed to hear Kinzo say as he began to walk away. With sheer determination I staggered back to my feet. "Now why one minute. This fight isn't over yet." I manage to say as I was trying to regain my breath. By the look on Kinzo's face it wasn't hard to see that he was shocked that I was able to get back up after taking such a blow. "I'm impress. It is hard to believe that you were able to stand after getting hit the way you did. Clearly I have underestimated you." "You were indeed wrong in underestimating me. But I can same thing since I thought you would be unable to move the way you did. However, I won't do that mistake twice and you should as well because if you give me an opening I will take advantage on it."

With that said the fight between the two of us began and by looking at how it was proceeding it was easy to tell that I was at a disadvantage since I had the least experience. But despite that I was still able to hang in there with Kinzo. I could tell that he was not taking any chances with me because he hardly left even the tinniest opening for me and when their was one I was unable to capitalize on it since I couldn't hit him pass mid waist. The only thing that I could do was maneuver around him and deliver shots to his legs to take him down.

It seemed as though their was no chance for me to win until I noticed a large tree that had grown to one side that it was basically bent to a side. This helped me to come with an idea that could possible end this. Once I was in position I ran and just as I hoped Kinzo followed me and was quickly gaining up on me. When I saw the tree coming into view I put the second part of my plan into action. Quickly shifting to left I started to run up the tree and as I was doing this Kinzo was trying to stop his momentum. Moving quickly I jumped into the air and leaped at Kinzo. Bringing my sword over my head I brought it down on his right shoulder. With the combination of the blow and the force that was put into it resulted in Kinzo falling to the ground unconscious.

Everyone who saw it, including me were surprised at what happened. "Impossible. Their is no way that a pathetic excuse of a fighter could beat Kinzo." stammered the bandits' leader. "If you think we will let you go because of that fluke you are sadly mistaken." Pulling out his sword he gave the command to the others to do so. However, before that could be done some thing went blurring by and knock all of them down. "I thought I made it clear that no one was suppose to get involved?" spoke Daisuke as he put his sword back in his sheath. Turning around he seemingly shot daggers at bandits' leader who was the only one still standing. "Listen and listen good. Once your men have regained conciseness you and them will never come after us again. If you don't take heed to my warning then you will all have to deal with something that is far worse then what has happen to you that last two times we have met. Do I make myself clear?" "Y-Y-Yes. I p- promise that we won't come after y-you again."

Once that was over Daisuke said that it was time for us to proceed with our traveling. Both he and Hikari went ahead of me to take lead point with Izumi silently following beside me. Shortly after we started Izumi grabbed onto my arm to stop me. Nothing was said between for a few seconds which was causing an uneasy feeling to occur. "What is it Izumi? Is their something wrong?" "I.....I'm glad that you weren't hurt in that fight. I was worried that something bad was going to happen to you." "But nothing happen. I am okay and we don't have to worry about those bandits ever coming after us again. Besides, I am glad that Hikari, Daisuke and especially you were not hurt because of the fighting. I don't know what I do if anything happen to you or the others." Just like what happen earlier we both went into unbearable silence.

Suddenly, Izumi looked at me with a look that I never saw on her before and slowly she leaned forward and lightly kissed me on my cheek. "Thank you. I really appreciate what you just said. It meant a lot to me." With a slight smirk on her face she went off to catch up with Daisuke and Hikari while I stood there, stunned at what she did. Placing my hand on the cheek that she kissed I couldn't help but let out a small smile as I hurried up to catch up.

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Their it is readers. I know that their wasn't that much action with Daisuke but that is because I don't want this story to rely solely on the Daisuke character. Anyways, I have finished putting up this story but I still have many more to do before this story is done with.