The Dream Tree

After finishing his fish, Kanoru decided to bring spices next time he left home. The meal had been plain, and he preferred some flavor. 

He realized that sparring with Asuna a few more times wouldn't significantly improve his Eagle-style sword technique. To master it, he needed consistent daily practice. Now, only two styles remained unfamiliar to him—Mantis and Wolf. 

As he watched them finish eating, he asked, "Are either of you proficient in Mantis or Wolf sword styles?" 

Asuna took another bite, chewed, and then answered, "Mika is proficient in Mantis style." She turned to Mika. "Right, Mika?" 

Mika, still chewing, quickly swallowed. "Yes, Miss." 

Kanoru asked, "Miss Mika, will you help me train in Mantis style?" 

Mika finished her fish, tossed the bones into the pond, and washed her hands. "Of course." 

Kanoru glanced at Asuna, who was still sitting between them. 

Asuna noticed his stare and blushed. "What?" 

"You're in the middle," Kanoru replied. 

"Oh!" She quickly got up and leaned against a tree at the edge of the clearing. 

Kanoru unsheathed his sword and looked at Mika. "Start." 

They began sparring, using only Mantis-style sword techniques. 

As they fought, Kanoru realized Mika was highly proficient—far more than Asuna in Eagle style. If skill could be measured, he estimated himself to be 20% proficient in Snake and Cat styles, Asuna about 5% in Eagle style, but Mika was at least 40% proficient in Mantis style. 

Kanoru was unfamiliar with Mantis techniques, but thanks to his never-forgotten memory, he retained every move his teachers had taught. If he trained carefully, he could replicate them perfectly. His solid foundation in other sword styles helped him hold his ground, but he was constantly on the defensive, reacting at the last moment before Mika's strikes landed. 

Mantis style was built on speed and precision—every strike aimed to kill with unrivaled swiftness. Each of Mika's attacks targeted a vital point. 

Fighting her felt like balancing on the edge of a cliff—one mistake, and he would fall. He reminded himself that this was just training and that they were using the blunt side of their swords. Still, the intensity was real. 

He forced himself not to rely on other styles to defend. But after half an hour, he made a mistake. 

Mika's sword smacked Kanoru's arm. 

Since they were using the blunt side, it only bruised him. Seeing the swelling, Mika, unable to stop in time, dropped her sword and clutched his arm. Tears welled in her eyes. "I'm sorry! I couldn't stop in time." 

Kanoru stepped back, slipping out of her grasp. He circulated chakra around the bruise, and slowly, the swelling faded. "Look, it's gone," he said, showing her his healed arm. 

Asuna, who had been watching, remarked, "You've mastered the second opening and even unlocked the third gate." 

Kanoru nodded. "Yes. Didn't you see the competition a month ago? I have already gained control over the second gate's energy." 

"No," Asuna replied. "Back then, steam was coming off you when you opened the second gate." 

Kanoru smirked. "Why wouldn't I master it in a training camp with such rich resources?" 

Curious, Asuna asked, "What did you receive?" 

"For ten days, I had herbal liquid made from a hundred-year-old ginseng. Then, ten days ago, I was given a potion made with the blood of a blood beast." 

"Wow!" Asuna exclaimed. "Even as my father's only daughter, I never had access to such resources." 

"I completed every task on time, so I was rewarded," Kanoru said. Then, turning away, he added, "Don't disturb me. I'm going to meditate." 

With that, he walked to the edge of the clearing and sat down against a tree. 

Asuna and Mika watched him leave. Asuna murmured, "This is the first time I've seen my father invest so much in training a samurai outside the family." 

Mika replied, "He's not an outsider." 

"What do you mean?" Asuna asked. 

"I heard rumors that Lord wants you and him to marry in the future." 

Asuna muttered to herself, "So, because of me, he got these resources… No. If the war hadn't started, maybe. But in a war where survival is uncertain, Father wouldn't have given him so much unless he saw his potential." 

Mika nodded in agreement. 

Asuna straightened. "Let's train, too. Tomorrow, we'll be on the battlefield. We may be in the archery unit, but we should be prepared for close combat as well."

Asuna and Mika clashed, Asuna using the Eagle style while Mika wielded the Mantis style. Leaning against a tree, Kanoru watched, his thoughts drifting to the last sword school he had yet to familiarize himself with—Wolf Style. He recalled the instructor's demonstration, visualizing the movements in his mind. 

Standing up, he walked toward them and said, "Mika, you're not using your full strength." 

Asuna agreed. "Yes, Mika. Use your full strength, or how will I improve?" 

Mika hesitated. "Lady, I'm afraid you'll get hurt." 

Kanoru stepped in. "I'll join Asuna to fight you." 

Mika nodded, and the three trained together until the sun began to dip below the horizon. Then, they returned to camp. 

As they entered, many eyes turned toward them—curious, jealous, and knowing looks. Kanoru paid no attention, heading straight to his tent to change and clean himself. Afterward, he had dinner and returned to rest. 

Tomorrow, he needed to be at full strength. He decided against night training and planned to meditate until midnight before sleeping. 

Halfway through his meditation, someone called his name. Opening his eyes, he found the middle-ranked samurai he had helped yesterday. 

Kanoru stood as his tentmates, including Takeshi, watched curiously. He stepped outside. "Sir." 

The samurai said, "Master Junzo wants to meet you." 

Kanoru nodded. "Then let's go quickly." 

They walked in silence, navigating through the tents and the bustling camp. Reaching a clearing, they crossed it and arrived at Master Junzo's tent. 

The samurai called out, "Master Junzo, Kanoru is here." 

A firm voice responded. "Come in." 

Kanoru entered and found Master Junzo seated with Takenaka, Asuna, and several unfamiliar samurai. Bowing, he greeted Junzo. 

Junzo spoke, "If not for your efforts yesterday, the pirates would have launched a surprise attack on the frontline camp." 

Kanoru replied humbly, "That was my duty." 

Junzo nodded. "I have another task for you. Tomorrow, I will send a team of 100 lower-ranked samurai who can control the energy in the second gate, along with 10 middle-ranked samurai, to the eastern hills." 

He continued, "Our spy reports that a small Niwais force -20 middle-ranked and 130 lower-ranked samurai—has separated from their main army and is heading east. We believe they plan to cross the river. Shikichi,"—he gestured to the middle-ranked samurai who had fetched Kanoru—"will be the captain. You, Kanoru, will be the deputy captain." 

He looked at them both. "Your goal is not to defeat them but to block their crossing and prevent an attack on the city." 

Shikichi and Kanoru answered in unison, "We will follow your orders, Master Junzo." 

After discussing the details, Kanoru left to rest. Since they had to depart before dawn, Shikichi took charge of informing the team and preparing supplies for their stay in the eastern hills. 

Being only ten years old, Kanoru's role was limited to combat, which suited him fine. With no interest in logistics, he left the preparations to Shikichi and returned to his tent.