Chapter 10: Club Activity
A few day later, "I can't wait to train and be the strongest swordsman!" Kappei thought as he's in a dojo with 9 other freshmen including Davis which made him nervous on one hand but on the other hand, "He's gonna be a challenge if ever we're pit against each other. I better keep my guard up."
At the same time, "So he's here...this makes things more interesting." Davis thought with a smirk. "Sure I voted you to represent our class but in the end, I'll be the best!"
"Okay! Looks like you guys are all here! Nice!" A male student with ash blonde hair showed up as everyone in the dojo paid attention to him. Now the Kendo Club has around 30 members including the freshmen and all are wearing yukatas.
"The name's Austin and I'm the club leader for the kendo club! Here, we hone our swordsmanship by sparring with each other to improve on our movement speed, agility and reflexes. That's how ninjas perfect their skills."
The freshmen listened on as Austin explained to them some more about kendo. "The purpose of practicing kendo is to mold the mind, cultivate a vigorous spirit and through correct and structured training, one can strive for improvement in the ninja arts, hold in esteem courtesy and honour, associate with others with respect and to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself."
"Wow...this is the same thing grampa taught me..." Kappei thought as Austin took a shinai. "Since you guys are freshmen, you'll spend a few weeks using these bamboo swords called shinais. For today's club activity, I will lead and guide you in the way of the sword. Knowing that you guys have yet to begin this training in your class, consider this an early lead."
It now cuts to the freshmen in position wearing kendo armour and holding shinais. The sophomores and seniors did their own training as Austin lead the freshmen. They practice on the sword swings, sword defense and then, Austin brought out a dummy wearing kendo armour and taught the freshmen where to strike as he struck the vital points. He then got each freshman to try it out and with great impression, he witnessed Kappei and Davis executing the moves with perfection.
An hour later, "Okay, that wraps things up!" Austin announced as he looked at the time. "If you want to practice a little more, you guys can do so or you can head back to your dorms, do your homework if you have any and prep for the next day."
"Excuse me. Can I make a request?" Davis had his hand raised up as Austin nodded at him. "Good. I challenge him to a kendo match!" He pointed at Kappei as the other freshmen ooh at this.
"Are you sure? It's only your first day and-"
"I accept your challenge Davis!" Kappei declared pointing his shinai at him.
"Perfect. Time to prove that I'm better than you!" Davis thought as they readied their shinais.
"Oh well...I can't do anything and the other freshmen wanted to see the spar." Austin thought as he set the area for them. Once ready, "Now I want a nice, clean fight. Remember where to strike if you are to score a point. Best out of 3 rounds and you have 3 minutes in each round to strike each other okay?"
Both nodded and got into their fighting positions.
Round 1
Signal is given as they delivered the first strike. Kappei struck first and Davis blocked it. He counterattacked but Kappei blocked it and pushed him back with his shinai. The 2 of them then executed quick strikes and swift defenses for a minute.
"Wow...they're pretty good. Have they've been training for this at a young age?" Austin thought to himself as back to the match, "I got you mate!" Davis dodged down, switched his shinai to the other and, "WHACK!"
"OOF!" Kappei got struck on the leg hard and fell on his back. "Yeah! Score one for me mates!" Davis cheered as the freshmen clapped for him.
Round 2
After a one minute break, the 2 boys got back in the arena and once ready, signal is given as Davis swiftly took Kappei by surprise but somehow, "Blocked it!" Kappei thought and counterattacked but used a bit of trickery to make Davis think he's gonna hit him and because of that, "Crikey...what's this bloke planning..."
"A little trick to fool you into thinking that I'm gonna attack you!" Kappei thought as he blocked a few strikes and got serious enough to counterattack. Davis also blocked a bit and then, "Take that!"
"Sounds like he's gonna hit hard again like just now..." Kappei thought as he blocked and observed his movement pattern. "I see it!"
Dodging and blocking took place as Davis noticed that he's having a hard time striking Kappei. "Dammit! What's this bloke planning?"
"This!" When Kappei blocked a front strike, he pushed it back with force enough for him to wobble back and, "THOK!"
A single forward thrust onto the armour was enough for Davis to stumble down as Austin granted a point to Kappei. "Yeah! I won the second round!" He cheered and the other freshmen are amazed. Davis on the other hand was furious so, "The final round is where I ain't holding back..."
Final Round
"So far, both have tied and there can only be one winner for this match." Austin thought as he gave the green light.
Both boys charged and got serious enough to fight hard and claim victory. They clashed immediately with their shinais locked on.
"Heh. You aren't half-bad mate."
"Seems like you got game."
As it turns out, Kappei is also giving his all as he swung to hit him on the headwear but Davis ducked and attempted a front thrust onto the front armour but Kappei strafed to his left went for the arm but Davis blocked it swiftly as they clashed on.
Everyone cheered for the fight and even the sophomores and seniors went to watch the fight. Some are even impressed at their ferocity and fighting spirit.
"Bro. This year's freshmen in the club are something."
"Yeah man. They have what it takes to become powerful ninjas like us."
A minute had passed already as Kappei tried to strike Davis on the leg but he skipped back once and tried a spin attack! "Yikes!" Kappei strafed away narrowly dodging it as he delivered a 3-hit combo attack. Davis however intercepted his strikes and used the same move but likewise, Kappei too intercepted them as they continued the clash and already, their level of energy is starting to drain away.
As time passes by, the second minute is over and only one minute left till the final round is over.
"Crap...I can't let it be a tie until I defeat him and prove to him that I'm the best!" Davis thought with a few drops of sweat flowing down on his face.
"He's good. He's able to attack and defend but in the end, I'll be the one to take the win!" Kappei thought as he can feel the sweat on his forehead.
As they locked their eyes onto each while trying to find an opening, everyone watched with anxiety as 20 seconds passed. Both boys then charged and went full power attacking and defending. Plus, they're shouting war cries.
"What a battle! Their determination and willpower is incredible!" Austin thought as the 2 boys speed up their movement speed and action. This continued on until, "DING!"
"DANG IT!" They shouted and fell on the floor too exhausted to continue on. Regardless, all the members gave the 2 of them a round of applause. Truly a match one can say.
It now cuts to outside the dojo as Kappei came out tried but elated as he left for the dorms. "First club activity for today was a thrilling blast! I was so close to victory but it doesn't matter. I win train harder and hone my skills to the next level!"
At the same time, Davis came out and saw him leaving. "Crikey...he made it so difficult for me to take the win. I still wanna best him in this one. However...heh, his skills and abilities are something..." With a rare smile, he thought of it.
So the next day...
During lunch, Kappei, Emma, Archie, Cruz, Jeong, Vega and Maeve had lunch together. Kappei is eating 2 cheeseburgers with fries and coke, Emma is eating sushi with salad and lemonade, Archie is eating a roast beef sandwich with onion rings and coke, Cruz is eating fried rice with sweet n sour pork along with a bowl of mashed potatoes and sprite, Jeong is eating ramen with a glass of sparkling water, Vega is eating macaroni and cheese with a glass of orange juice and Maeve is eating chicken rice with a bowl of soup and a glass of apple juice.
As they ate and chat with one another, "Mind if I join you mates?"
"Davis?!" Kappei was surprised by his presence as he sat across him. His lunch looks luscious for it's a steak cooked medium rare with potato wedges, grilled tomatoes and iced lemon tea. "Listen to me Kappei mate. From now on, I'm declaring you my friendly rival."
"You're serious?"
"I am mate! You have proven me your worth over some stuff and thus, I shall stick by your side and fight alongside with you!" Davis declared and impressed his classmates.
"I'm starting to understand you more." Kappei then had his fist ready and they gave each other a fist bump. "But don't forget, I aim to be the best and the strongest!"
"Ha! We shall see mate because I'll be one to surpass you!"
"No way! I'll be one to do so and be on the top!"
"In your dreams! I will!"
The 2 started to argue with respect and boldness as the rest watch. "You're right Jeong, Davis isn't a bad person. And the way I see it, it takes me back to the academy in those days when I see Kappei have something like this with an old friend of ours. Hope he's doing well..." Emma thought with a smile.
Sweet sparring match! Both of them are equally matched and though it's tie, they earned each other's respect even becoming friends and rivals only in the swordsmanship.
And as result, I got the main cast all grouped together for this story. Yup, 8 students becoming a closely-knitted group. It takes me back to the anime where there's the original 8 main characters going through the ninja lifestyle and other adventures and hilarious antics.
Writing Kendo fight scenes is a challenge and I'm gonna have to research deeper for some more info. Not a bad start in my opinion though.
Character of the Chapter
Name: Davis
Profile
That guy sure is confident, snarky and is one of the most skilled students in Class 1-A. Davis has long before started his ninja training at a young age like some of his classmates. Hailing from Australia, Davis juggled between his ninja training and kendo tournament participations where he was known to win 10 tournaments in a row making him a pro champion.
His skills have gained favour and recognition enough to be instantly enrolled into Advanced WNA High in USK after he spent his 3 years in the academy in his home country. In high school, he joined the kendo club and is currently in good, friendly terms with Kappei while maintaining a rivalry with him in proving to each other their strength and to aim to be the best ninja in the school.
Nevertheless, he's a big fan of Star Wars and is a good person willing to fight to defend his class and alongside with them with honour and trust.
Awakened Power: Photon Blade
By manipulating light energy to create a sword made out of light, Davis can swing into action and slice anything apart. He can use it in tandem with other melee weapons to deliver quick attacks enough to end the fights in a few minutes.
Furthermore through the blade, he can manipulate light energy by unleashing flashes of light to blind his opponents and firing beams from it for range attacks. It also serves as a light source when it's dark and difficult to see through.