19 Chapter 19: First Interaction

-The Next day. 7:00 A.M.-

"....Here, huh?"

In front of Rein is an old building made with the wood as motive. In the top, it is written as "Kirigaya Residence" in Japanese. Although it looks old, the exterior looks clean. Instead, the oldness itself makes the feeling more antique.

"I hope he's already here."

The reason Rein visiting this dojo is due to result for pondering the rest of his action the rest of the day from yesterday.

Then, the answer he got was very simple and straightforward.

"....I don't know how to use a sword."

To be accurate though, he doesn't use metal based weapons at all except knives. Yuuji himself didn't train him because,

"What age did you think I live right now? There's no way I can use it." (Yuuji)

In fact, he really doesn't need it since a weapon like sword or rapier is unnecessary for assassination related mission since it will only be a extra baggage to carry.

Adding to that, the 'game' that he's going to dive is literally a place where the skill of sword rules everything. Although beginner could practice from the start, Rein doesn't play it for fun nor have the leisure to.

So, the answer is simple.

Learn the basic from someone who is already an expert.

Luckily, the lead is very close since the owner of this dojo is an expert both in his sword skill and teaching at the same time. As proof, 'she' become one of the favorite candidate in kendo tournament to win during school competition at all times.

Actually, from the original story, the old man from this dojo has already passed away but, when looking the database record Rein hacked from the government, it shows that he's still alive.

Rein was truly fortunate for the story progress in an different path. This shows that the future that will comes from now won't be definite anymore. Moreover, he himself is able to benefit from it.

"Excuse me? Is anybody home?

Seeing the door is open for the public, Rein enter the door and intrude himself on the house. However, even when he called for the second time, nobody respond.

"....Strange, is the owner that careless of leaving the door open when leaving? Should I--" (Rein)

"May I ask, for what purpose is your visit?" (???)

A voice, which is lower tone and vibrating the surrounding. Although the owner of this voice is quite old, there is power in it deeply.

After hearing that voice, Rein headed toward to the owner,

leaving him confused.

"....Umm, is there no mistake you are the owner of this dojo?" (Rein)

"That is correct. Now, it's my turn to ask. For what purpose you come to this dojo?"

The owner, who respond to Rein is currently wearing a very scary face like oni. Adding to his natural sharp-faced, weak-willed people could really pee their pants if they are unprepared.

The reason for this old man having this reaction is simple.

(This man, is not someone to be underestimated.)

Which is so.

To an expert like him, he could discern a person' ability by sensing his breathing, movement, posture. Sensing Rein' paced breathing, organized movement and aura that leaves no gaps, It makes him be on highest alert.

Moreover, the pressure exuding on Rein's body is not normal.

(He killed people, not one or two. But can be hundreds or even more.)

After judging the unexpected visitor, the old man is prepared to strike back the moment Rein will do something strange by his shinai.

(Note: weapon used for practice and competition in kendo representing a Japanese sword.)

Sensing the old man's wariness, Rein didn't respond to the old man but only slowly, gently raised both of his hand.

"....First of all, I deeply apologize for intruding your residence without permission nor appointment. I'm truly sorry." (Rein)

"....."

"Even so, please trust me that I will never, ever have any intention to harm you nor the people living in this house. If words are not enough, I will kneel to show my will."

".....Fuuuh. No, you don't need to."

After seeing Rein's sincerity in showing no ill will, the old man decided to trust him and lower down his guard. Seeing his words had an effect, Rein smiles faintly.

"Thank you for trusting me. I don't really want to make a ruckus to the neighbor this early." (Rein)

"..No, this old man too makes a hasty judgment. I deeply apologize."

Seeing the misunderstanding got resolved peacefully, Both of them bows 90 degrees toward each other. It simply express that, "We both don't mind it so let's put this matter away."

"Then as the residence of this place, I will hospitalize you, the guest. Welcome to the residence of Kirigaya. My name is Kirigaya Kazuki. "

*******

-Inside the house, lobby-

"Would you like some tea?" (Kazuki)

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate it." (Rein)

Seeing his polite words and refined gesture, Kazuki smiles kindly while looking at Rein's action.

"It is rare to find a young one who is this polite at this time of age."

"My father always teaches to me that no matter who you are facing with, treat him with respect if you want to earn it back."

"Hahaha. It looks like your father is a good man with high caliber."

"....He is."

Although Kazuki compliments his father, Rein can only feel complicated and shows a bitter smile. It's true that Rein's, rather 'James' father is a man who has highs standard regarding formality so his teaching is engraved to Rein's bone. Even so, he can't be honestly happy since he's doesn't have any positive feeling toward him due to harsh treatment.

"Hmmm.... I'm sorry if I made you unhappy. I guess it is me lacking common sense to intrude on other people's private circumstance" (Kazuki)

"Ah no, it is fine. I don't really mind about it." (Rein)

"I see."

".....Kirigaya-dono , if you don't mind I have a request to you."

Seeing Rein's change in attitude to being serious, Kazuki also change his feeling and face directly toward Rein.

"What is it?"

With a deep breath, Rein sounds his main purpose for coming here.

"....I want to learn your sword skill."

*****

"...Are you ready?" (Kazuki)

"Yes." (Rein)

In the backyard, where the dojo is located for training kendo, both side face each other while holding a shinai in their hand. For Kazuki, his posture is literally the textbook of kendo by holding the shinai with both hands perfectly. As for Rein, since he didn't know much about swordsmanship, he just hold it with one hand as he's used in holding knife with one hand.

Actually, After knowing Rein's purpose, Kazuki himself couldn't help feeling surprised and questioned his reason at that time.

(Why a man like him need to train with sword?) (Kazuki)

It was a reasonable doubt. He knows that Rein is an experienced veteran who have bloodshed for a long period so he himself should be categorized as the strong. Moreover, kendo, or to be specific swordsmanship is not compatible with the fighting style of military ones.

(...Well, I need to focus on current fight.)

Even if he has doubts right now, he pushes it all away and focuses on the man in front of him. He accepted his request because Kazuki himself is a warrior too. Also, it is the best way for an old-fashioned man like him to judge what kind of person Rein is.

Naturally, he has strong desire to battle with strong opponent such as Rein.

Now, is not the time to think but to pour his soul to this worthwhile fight.

"....There's no signal for this fight. Come at me when you are ready." (Kazuki)

"(smiles) Understood, then I will do so." (Rein)

In fact, it is compatible with his current style right now.To him who have assassin related base, surprise attack is one his highest forte.

Therefore,

"Huhp!" (Rein)

*Dash*

"!!" (Kazuki)

*Pang!*

Sound of shinai clashing is vibrating in the room loudly. In that short moment, Rein dash forward and attack his opponent in sideways where there's more gaps than in front. However, Kazuki who have sensed Rein's thinking, he immediately block it by parring with his shinai...

Which surprised him greatly again.

(Strong! Not only his footstep, but his power on the shinai is also heavy!) (Kazuki)

Before Kazuki could collect his composure, Rein continues his attacks by blasting Kazuki's shinai and strike his body directly.

Kazuki reacted to it by immediately correcting his posture and parry it successfully. However, the second time he does it, his hand begun to tremble slightly. Even so, Rein didn't let any time to rest and continue the strike in all direction.

Hands, legs, head, throat, and chest.

*Pang* *pang* *PANG!*

Even so, it didn't reach.

No matter how fast and strike Rein's strike is, it's blocked easily with Kazuki's shinai just like flowing water. To Rein, he feels like facing an unbreakable wall with no gasp to leave.

(...So this is swordsmanship. ...No, the true strength of a master.)

Right now, Rein is truly surprised and amazed by this old man right now. Even though he is superior both in power and speed, Kazuki can easily predict his attack and parry it gracefully. Moreover, the movement of Kazuki is fast considering his old age.

(I can't just blindly charge. It will be only a matter of time for him to find a chance to counterattack.) (Rein)

Leaving with no choice, Rein step away and correct his posture once more rather than just wasting his stamina.

(....Each strike is a killing blow. I can't receive it in direct.) (Kazuki)

However, just like Rein, Kazuki also is in dilemma too.

To him who has aged more than 70s, his body strength has deteriorated quite a lot compared to his younger days. he can still keep his good body shape by training with the shinai every day without missing a single day. Even so, he still loses with Rein against power and speed too. He only has less to none opportunity to counterattack his opponent.

"....Goodness, you are really terrifying. It felt like I'm in death rope at all times." (Kazuki)

Responding to his sincere compliment, Rein only smiles back.

"Thank you. Although I can't use a sword, my body is the only advantage I have to win."

That is true.

Rein really doesn't know how to use the weapon properly. Just now, all he could do is just swinging his shinai aimlessly. The reason Kazuki didn't counterattack his outrageous barrage because he covers it by using his superior body movement.

Power and Speed V.S. Technique and skills.

Both sides are at a standstill as each has their advantages and disadvantages at the same time with equal proportion.

It will be only a waste of time to just clash blindly to an opponent who is almost equal with the opponent.

Therefore, both of them immediately reach one conclusion.

((One strike. A strike that is powerful enough to finish him.)) (Rein) (Kazuki)

"....Fuuuuu. ....Here I come." (Kazuki.)

*Dash*

Responding to his opponent spontaneous movement, Rein also dashes forward to clash head-on. In any case,

This last strike will decide the outcome of the match.

"Hah!" (Rein)

"Hoh!" (Kazuki)

*Pang*

*****

In a short moment, it's just like time have stopped in the room itself.

"It's... a draw I guess." (Rein)

"I'm afraid so." (Kazuki)

Right now, both of their shinai's end is pointing toward each other vital spot in a difference of few millimeters only. Rein pointed his at Kazuki's heart accurately while Kazuki pointed his at Rein's throat. Both sides will receive critical injury if they receive the attack directly. Worse, death may happen too.

Retracting the shinais', Both take a step back and bow 90 degrees toward each other.

" "Thank you for the fight." " (Kazuki) (Rein)

It was truly like a scene from a war period drama.

After that, Rein and Kazuki relaxed their full tension body, facing each other with a smile.

"...I never expect young ones these days is this strong. It looks like age is taking me." (Kazuki)

"No, Kirigaya-Dono is more amazing than me. I really feel like facing a young expert on his prime rather than just an old man." (Rein)

"Is that so..... Also, you don't need to be polite to me. Just call me Kazuki."

"But,.....No, I understand Kazuki."

After a short pause, Rein hesitated a moment and decided to call him so. After all, this meant that Kazuki accepts and respect him as equal.

He can't help but feel happy while smiling bashfully thinking that way.

(A master swordsman just accept me as his peer. There's no greater honor than this.)

To him, who his demon teacher even never compliment him except the moment of separation, he really never feel this excited from the bottom of his heart.

"Fuuuhh... Rein-dono."

"Ah, you don't need to call me politely. Just call me Rein please."

"(Smiles)...huhu, then I will do so, Rein."

Although both of their age is far apart, there's no mistake that at this moment, both of them accept each other and have become a friend in the truest sense.

"I have decided. I will impart my skill to you." (Kazuki)

"!!! ..Th-thank you. However, won't you ask me the reason for it? I mean, I am an outsider." (Rein)

"Usually, I won't. However, from this exchange, at least I can tell that you won't use it for evil deeds. My eyes are not that rotten. Moreover, having a man this much power that will inherit my skill.... is also an honor to me too."

".....Thank you. I will gracefully accept your teaching."

With this, his goal is one step closer reaching to his completion.

".....Amazing...." (???)

Suddenly, he could hear a young girl' voice near the entrance of the dojo.

"Hmm?" (Rein)

(This voice..... is it...?)

"Ah, looks like it's already time. 'Suguha', come inside. There's someone I want to introduce to you." (Kazuki)

"Y-yes!! Sorry for the intrusion!"

The person who comes inside the dojo is the girl Rein have suspected. Short black hair, grey eyes that is close to black, a good proportional body that doesn't fit her age.

"Sorry Rein. Before we begin, I want to introduce you, my granddaughter. ....Suguha, introduce yourself to him." (Kazuki)

"N-nice to meet you Rein-san! My name is Kirigaya Suguha!"

Rein finally meets with one of the important characters of this story.