Kenji
The gym was barely awake when Kenji pushed open the door, the air inside thick with the lingering scent of leather, sweat, and just a hint of chalk.
It was still dark outside, the streetlights casting faint halos across the empty streets. He took a quick look around. The place was almost empty, save for Daichi, who was busy adjusting some of the equipment in a corner, his back turned to the door.
Kenji cleared his throat, a grin on his face as he stepped inside. "Morning, Daichi." Daichi turned, one eyebrow arched as he spotted Kenji.
"Morning? More like night, kid. Classes don't start for another hour. You know that, right?"
"Yeah," Kenji replied, scratching the back of his head. "I, uh… thought maybe I could get a head start. Figured I need all the help I can get."
Daichi's lips quirked up into a smirk, and he crossed his arms. "Is that so? Alright, tough guy. But if you're serious about starting early, I hope you're ready to work for it."
He gestured toward a set of mats near the wall. "Start with a stretch and warm-up. No shortcuts, or you're just setting yourself up to get hurt."
Kenji nodded, already moving toward the mat. He ran through the stretches he knew, hamstring pulls, shoulder rolls, a few deep lunges, trying to shake off the stiffness in his limbs.
The early hour still made him feel sleepy, but he paid it no mind, rolling his shoulders and hopping lightly on his toes to keep his blood moving.
Daichi watched him, eyes keen. "Not bad, but don't just go through the motions. Loosen up every muscle," he said, walking over with a jump rope. "Here. Start with five minutes. I'll get things ready."
Kenji took the rope, nodding, and began to jump, trying to find a rhythm. He stumbled a few times but quickly adjusted, his body falling into a steady beat.
He'd always thought of warming up as a formality, something to get out of the way before the 'real' workout. But today, he was already feeling his heartbeat rise, his breath coming faster as he focused on keeping the rhythm.
By the time Daichi returned, Kenji's forehead was damp with sweat, and his arms were starting to burn. Daichi tossed a set of gloves at him, which Kenji caught with slightly shaky hands.
"Alright, hotshot. Today, we're breaking you down to basics. Your agility, reaction time, and accuracy. It's not just about being strong. If you can't react under pressure, you're just a big target."
"Got it,"
"Good," Daichi replied, stepping back and holding up the mitts. "First drill: footwork. Ever heard of ladder drills?"
Kenji shook his head, watching as Daichi pulled a rope ladder out of a bag and laid it across the floor in a straight line. Daichi stepped into it, demonstrating a quick series of steps, his feet moving almost too fast to track, tapping each square with precision as he moved forward, then back.
"Fast feet, light taps. Keep your eyes up, not on your feet. Go."
Kenji took a deep breath and stepped onto the ladder. He tried to mimic Daichi's movements, his feet tapping into each square. His rhythm was awkward, his footing clumsy.
His legs felt stiff, his mind racing to keep up as he struggled to keep his balance. He could feel his focus slipping, his thoughts tangled in trying to get each step right.
"Stop overthinking," Daichi said, his voice cutting through Kenji's frustration. "Just keep moving. Trust your body to follow your lead."
Kenji nodded, feeling the sweat start to bead on his forehead as he reset his stance and tried again. He moved through the ladder, this time faster, his mind relaxing into the rhythm. He stumbled a few times, but the flow felt a little smoother, the coordination less forced.
"Better," Daichi said, nodding. "Now, get back to your spot and start again. Thirty seconds on, ten seconds off. Repeat until I say stop."
The drill continued, Kenji's legs burning as he shuffled forward and back through the ladder, Daichi's steady voice pushing him to keep going. By the end, his legs were almost shaking. He stepped out of the ladder, panting, his muscles aching with a fatigue he hadn't felt in a long time.
'My stamina is terrible...'
"Now, reaction time," Daichi said, already setting up for the next drill. He walked over with a tennis ball, tossing it lightly in his hand. "Hands up, guard your face. I'm going to throw this, and you're going to dodge. But don't overdo it, no ducking out of the way like a comic book hero."
Kenji raised his fists, trying to focus as Daichi took a step back, his gaze intent.
Daichi tossed the ball, aiming for Kenji's shoulder. Kenji flinched, leaning to the side as the ball whizzed past him. Before he could fully recover, Daichi threw another, this time to his right, and Kenji barely managed to move his head out of the way.
"Good," Daichi said, smirking. "Again."
The ball came flying at him in quick succession, each throw forcing Kenji to react faster, his muscles tightening as he tried to keep his movements small and precise. Daichi kept the pace steady, his eyes sharp, watching for every slip, every twitch that threw Kenji off balance. By the time they were done, Kenji's arms were trembling from holding his guard, his shoulders burning.
"Alright, let's move on," Daichi said, lowering the mitts. He gestured toward the heavy bag hanging nearby. "Now, let's see that punch. Controlled power, don't just throw it blindly."
He brought his arm back and threw a punch, his knuckles connecting with the heavy bag with a solid thud. The impact reverberated through his hand, but he felt the lack of precision, the absence of the control Daichi had been drilling into him.
"Stop swinging it like a hammer," Daichi said, shaking his head. "The power's there, but if you don't control it, you're just gonna hurt yourself. Trust me, it's not a pleasant feeling." He took up position next to Kenji, demonstrating with a quick, sharp jab that sent the bag swaying gently.
"See that? Watch the wrist."
Kenji nodded, his focus sharpening as he reset his stance. He mimicked Daichi's movement, focusing on his wrist as his fist connected with the bag.
"Better. Now, keep that up. Ten solid jabs. Let's see it."
Kenji threw each punch with intention, feeling his muscles tighten and release in sync with each strike. The bag absorbed the blows, his punches gradually becoming more focused, each hit resonating with a satisfaction he hadn't felt in his solo workouts.
By the time they finished, Kenji's arms were dead. Daichi took a step back, giving him an approving nod. "Not bad. You're starting to get it, but remember, this is just the start. You're working on foundation—no foundation, no fighter."
Kenji wiped his forehead, his chest heaving as he managed a grin. "Foundation. Got it,"
Daichi clapped him on the shoulder, his smirk widening. "Tomorrow, same time. You'd better not regret coming here so early."
/ — /
Kenji adjusted the strap on his shoulder, wincing as he lifted a heavy box onto his scooter's cargo rack. His muscles screamed in protest, each movement reminding him of the morning workout with Daichi.
It felt like every fiber of his body was on fire, and he still had a full day of deliveries ahead of him.
"Alright, guys, take it easy on me today," he muttered to himself, stretching his arms with a grimace. The soreness pulsed with every move, his shoulders especially tight from hours of drills and jabs.
A colleague, Hiro, sauntered by and shot him a smirk. "You look like you've been hit by a truck, Kenji. Rough night?"
Kenji chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Something like that. Just started training this morning—figured I'd get in shape. Didn't know it'd feel like someone took a sledgehammer to every muscle I have."
Hiro laughed. "Good luck, man. All those bruises'll be worth it if you're trying to impress someone."
Kenji rolled his eyes, smirking. "Nah, just trying to stay fit you know. Besides, if I wanted to impress someone, I'd try not to look like I'm walking on stilts."
Hiro gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder, which made Kenji wince again. "Hang in there. But maybe save some energy for tomorrow."
Kenji laughed, but as Hiro walked away, he glanced down at his delivery list for the day and let out a low groan. "Gotta get through this first…"
He started up his scooter, ignoring the twinge in his arms as he gripped the handles, and headed out onto the city streets. The morning light had settled into a mellow midday sun, casting a warm glow over Nagazora as he weaved through traffic, making his way to his first delivery.
With each stop, Kenji felt the soreness deepening, his limbs protesting each time he climbed off the scooter and hefted a package to someone's doorstep. He tried stretching between deliveries, but it only seemed to make the ache more noticeable. By the time he'd reached his fifth stop, he was moving at a snail's pace, muttering under his breath as he rang another doorbell.
An elderly lady answered, her face breaking into a smile as she took the package. "Oh, thank you, young man. You must be very strong to carry all these heavy boxes."
Kenji grinned through the soreness. "Strong? I'll take that as a compliment, ma'am." He tried not to let his wince show as he waved goodbye. "You have a good day now."
"Take care, dear! And don't strain yourself too much!" she called after him.
Kenji walked back to his scooter, rubbing his sore shoulder and sighing. 'Only a few more hours. Just push through it' he thought, trying to mentally brace himself.
Every now and then, he'd think of the kendo class waiting for him in the evening. As much as he looked forward to it, he was starting to worry that he'd show up barely able to stand, let alone swing a sword.
By the time the sun began its slow descent, the sky taking on shades of pink and orange, Kenji had made his last delivery and was cruising back toward his building, the cool air a small relief against his aching muscles.
As he parked his scooter and locked it up, he leaned against it, taking a deep breath and stretching his arms out as far as they would go. 'Alright,' he thought, his eyes drifting to his watch. 'Just about an hour until I have to head to the dojo. I can rest for a bit before tackling whatever the dojo has in store.'
He started making his way up to his apartment. The soreness in his body had settled a little, and he rubbed his shoulder as he climbed, the thought of his kendo lesson looming in his mind.
'Let's hope they go easy on the new guy,'
/ — /
Kenji stepped into the dojo, the wooden floors gleaming under the bright lights, and was greeted with the familiar hum of muffled voices and the soft sounds of wooden swords clashing.
After a quick nod from the receptionist, he made his way toward the changing rooms. As he passed by the main hall, his gaze caught on a sparring drill in progress. Mei stood at the center, poised, her bamboo sword held with perfect ease.
Around her, a few trainees took turns lunging forward, attempting to land strikes on her. She moved gracefully, weaving and sidestepping, her shinai darting out with small, precise taps that stopped each student in their tracks.
Kenji couldn't help but watch in awe. She blocked every swing, every strike, barely needing to exert herself as her opponents scrambled to adjust, trying to keep up.
After the last trainee stumbled back, defeated but grinning, the surrounding students broke into applause. Mei gave an embarrassed smile, bowing slightly as her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink.
'Man, she's incredible,'
After changing into the dojo uniform, Kenji made his way toward Mei, who had just finished rehydrating and was gathering the students around. She noticed him and gave him a nod. "Kenji, right? From the other day?"
He grinned and nodded back. "Yep, that's me."
She reintroduced herself formally. "I'm Raiden Mei, as you already know. Though calling me Mei in here is alright."
"Alright, before we dive in, let's cover a few basics of kendo. Kendo is about more than just swinging a sword. It's about discipline and precision. Our goal centered around control."
Kenji nodded, listening closely. The way she described it reminded him of what Daichi had told him earlier that morning. "Sounds good to me. I'll admit, my fitness could use some work, but I'm up for it."
Mei gave him an approving nod. "Good. We'll get you there. Let's start with some foundational drills to get you used to the basics."
...
She gathered the few students around and gestured for them to spread out. There weren't many tonight, only a small group showing up for this evenings session.
"All right, everyone, let's start with suburi," Mei announced, her voice carrying a calm authority that silenced the small group of students around her.
She lifted her shinai with ease, demonstrating a smooth vertical strike aimed at an imaginary opponent's head.
"This is the men strike," Mei explained, her posture steady, the bamboo sword tracing a precise arc as she struck downward. "The goal here is balance, precision, and control—three things that might feel simple but take time to master."
Kenji watched as a realization dawned on him. He hadn't realized how nuanced a single movement could be. It was as if Mei's whole body was connected to the strike, her muscles working in unison to drive the sword down in a way that seemed both relaxed and powerful.
Mei stepped back, turning to Kenji with a patient smile. "Now, it's your turn. First, show me your grip."
Kenji held his shinai up, awkwardly adjusting his hands to match her demonstration. Mei shook her head slightly, stepping closer to adjust his hold. "Loosen up a little," she instructed, her hands guiding his fingers with a light touch. "You're gripping too hard—you'll just wear yourself out that way. Think of it like… a firm handshake."
Kenji nodded, letting his grip relax, and instantly felt the sword feel lighter in his hands.
"Good," Mei said, stepping back. "Now, let's work on the motion itself."
Kenji raised the shinai over his head, mimicking Mei's stance. He took a breath, feeling the weight of the sword, and then swung it downward in a tentative strike.
His feet shifted unsteadily, and his arms felt rigid as he tried to replicate Mei's fluidity. The sword wobbled slightly as it completed the arc, and he winced, feeling the strike fall flat, awkward.
Mei gave him a thoughtful look. "Not bad for a first try. But remember—kendo isn't just about hitting the target. It's about controlling your entire body in every strike. Think about where your feet are, where your shoulders are. Feel how the sword moves, but don't let it drag you off balance."
Kenji nodded, trying to absorb her words. He readjusted, taking a firmer stance, and swung again, slower this time, focusing on his shoulders and feet. The movement felt more controlled, but still unsteady, like trying to drive a car for the first time.
Mei watched him closely, her eyes never missing a detail. "Better. You're getting the hang of it. But don't be afraid to use your wrists, too. It's not about brute force. Let the shinai do the work."
Taking another breath, Kenji focused on her advice, picturing the motion in his mind before attempting the strike again. This time, he could feel a bit more rhythm, a connection between his arms, wrists, and the sword's weight.
"There you go," Mei said, nodding approvingly. "Now, repeat that same motion. Ten times, nice and steady. Focus on each strike."
Kenji gritted his teeth, settling into the rhythm. Each time he lifted the shinai and swung, he focused on keeping his arms loose, his wrists steady, letting the weight of the sword flow naturally.
His arms ached after a few repetitions, his muscles straining from the unfamiliar movement, but he kept going, determined to get it right.
Mei circled around him, watching his form. "Relax your shoulders. Don't let them bunch up with each strike."
Kenji adjusted, trying to breathe in sync with the swing. The strikes became smoother, though he could feel his grip slipping as the sweat started to bead on his palms.
"Good," Mei said, her tone encouraging. "Now, once more. Let's make this one count."
With a final deep breath, Kenji raised the shinai above his head, feeling the alignment of his shoulders, arms, and wrists. He brought it down in a controlled arc, his focus intense, the swing landing with a quiet but satisfying impact.
He glanced at Mei, catching a hint of a smile on her face. "Not bad. It's rough, but you're starting to get the feel for it. Keep practicing that, and soon enough, the movement will come naturally."
Kenji nodded, the thrill of small progress in his chest. He wiped the sweat from his brow, looking down at the shinai with newfound respect.
After a quick break, Mei straightened and addressed the students. "Next, we're moving on to kihon waza, basic techniques that target specific points," She demonstrated a swift, precise strike to her own wrist.
"These strikes each have a purpose and a designated target. You have men for the head, kote for the wrist, do for the torso, and tsuki for the throat. Each one requires its own stance, angle, and timing."
As she spoke, Mei guided Kenji to a designated practice area, where she positioned him in front of a target. "Let's start with kote, a strike aimed at the wrist. Think about the motion. A sharp, precise strike, not a heavy blow."
Kenji nodded, feeling a flicker of anticipation. He adjusted his stance, positioning his shinai in line with Mei's instruction, and took a breath. He swung, aiming for the target, but his strike landed off-center, the motion clumsy and lacking the snap he'd seen Mei demonstrate.
Mei watched thoughtfully, then stepped forward. "You're swinging too wide. In kendo, distance and precision are everything. You don't need to wind up. Imagine there's only a short space between you and the target, and use your core to direct the power there."
She repositioned his stance, tapping his wrist lightly to adjust his grip. "A quick snap of the wrist at the end, and follow through with your focus, not just your strength."
Kenji took her advice, steadying himself. He held his breath, focusing on the space just beyond his hand, imagining the target narrowing to a single point. He swung again, this time keeping the motion tight, his wrist snapping with a sharper, cleaner motion. The strike landed closer to the mark, the impact more defined, though still shaky.
Mei gave a small nod, her eyes trained on his hands. "Now, try that again. Let's make sure you're hitting it consistently before moving on."
After several repetitions, Mei moved on to the next target area. "Now let's try do, the torso strike." She demonstrated a diagonal slash to the target's midsection. "With do, the movement is broader, but the same principles apply. Keep it steady, and aim directly for the center."
Kenji mirrored her stance, lifting the shinai and bringing it down toward the target's torso. His angle was off, the swing veering too far to the right, and he felt the strike falter.
Mei stepped up beside him, positioning her shinai parallel to his. "Relax your grip a little, and aim for the core. Imagine your strength coming from your center, not your arms. Try again."
He adjusted, loosening his hold slightly and allowing the weight of the shinai to settle. He swung again, this time feeling the motion come from his torso, not just his hands. The strike was closer, more aligned with the center, though still a bit wobbly.
Mei watched him with a steady gaze. "Good progress, but don't let the blade waver.
Confidence in every movement, even if you're still getting used to it. Trust your aim, and don't hesitate."
Kenji swallowed, refocusing. He could feel the frustration creeping in, but he pushed it aside, determined to get it right. He practiced the do strike again, the repetition starting to smooth out the roughness in his form, each swing coming a bit easier than the last.
Finally, Mei introduced the men strike again, this time in a specific pattern to bring all the techniques together. "Now, I want you to try them in sequence. Kote, do, and men. Remember each movement's purpose, and keep your stance steady. We'll go slow at first."
Kenji took his position, mentally lining up each target. He performed the kote strike, his wrist snapping as he aimed for the wrist. Then he shifted to the do strike, angling toward the torso, feeling the movement extend from his core. Finally, he finished with the men strike, lifting his shinai and bringing it down in a clean vertical motion.
The sequence was far from perfect, his timing was off, and the transitions between strikes were still awkward. But he could feel a rhythm beginning to form, each movement slowly starting to connect with the others.
Mei stepped back, crossing her arms as she watched him repeat the sequence, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Not bad, Kenji. Your movements are rough, but you're adapting pretty fast."
He took her words to heart, focusing on the transition between each strike, letting the shinai guide his hands rather than forcing the motion. The repetition began to settle into his muscles, each technique a little smoother, a little less strained.
As he completed the final sequence, Mei nodded approvingly. "Good work. Let's take a short break, and then we'll move on to the next drill."
/ — /
Kenji collapsed onto the floor with a huff, crossing his legs and letting out a long, relieved sigh as he unscrewed the cap on his water bottle. Every muscle in his arms and shoulders felt tight and sore from the drills, and as he took a long drink, he could feel the burn lingering in each one of them.
"Man… how do pros make it look so easy?" he muttered to himself, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his arm. His uniform clung uncomfortably to his skin, damp from the workout, and he resisted the urge to stretch his legs out entirely and lie back on the floor.
Just as he was mid-gulp, he felt a sharp smack on his back, and he choked, almost spitting out his water. "Ack—!" He sputtered, barely managing to keep the bottle from slipping out of his hands as he whipped around, finding himself face-to-face with Mei, who stood there with a slight grin, her shinai resting against her shoulder.
"Easy there," she teased, her grin widening as she watched him recover. "You're supposed to hydrate, not drown yourself."
Kenji coughed out a laugh, clutching his water bottle a bit more securely. "Yeah, thanks for the heads-up. That tap felt like a warning from the universe," he joked, rubbing his back with a rueful smile. "Or maybe I just wasn't built for grace."
Mei chuckled, setting down her shinai and sitting beside him, a relaxed air about her. She took a sip of her own water before glancing over at him. "So, how's it feel? Not as easy as it looks, doesn't it?"
He shook his head, taking another sip and swallowing carefully this time. "Not even close. I thought I was doing alright with the basic stuff, but… turns out I've got zero control over a sword."
"Pretty normal for a beginner," Mei said, nodding. "You're actually doing better than most people your first time out. Lots of new students swing the shinai around like it's a baseball bat." She smiled, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "But you're catching on, you have the right instincts so I expect you to grow pretty quickly."
Kenji grinned, feeling a bit of pride in her words. "Well, that's something, at least. If rough instincts count as progress, maybe I'll be halfway decent by the end of the year."
"Halfway decent?" Mei raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "That's ambitious. Might even be aiming high."
He laughed, leaning back on his hands. "Thanks for the confidence boost. Really appreciate it."
"Hey, I'm just preparing you for the long haul. Kendo isn't about quick results, it's more of a marathon than a sprint. I spent years getting the basics right, and I still mess up sometimes."
Kenji looked at her, surprised. "You? Mess up? You were practically floating through those strikes when I walked in here earlier. How could you possibly mess up?"
Mei's cheeks tinged with a slight blush as she laughed it off. "Well, what you saw took a lot of work. And trust me, there were plenty of awkward falls along the way." She paused, her eyes thoughtful. "Guess that's just part of learning. You'll get used to it… if you're willing to stick around."
Kenji leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I think I am. Even though my shoulders feel like they're on fire and my wrists probably hate me, I can tell this is the real deal. I've done training on my own before, but… nothing like this. I can see why it's worth it."
Mei nodded, her expression softening. "That's the spirit. A lot of people don't get past this stage because they expect it to feel good right away. It doesn't. At first, it's just you and the basics, struggling to make them click. But once it does, even a little… It's like all the effort suddenly makes sense."
Kenji took in her words, nodding along as he gulped down another sip of water. "Guess I'll just have to get used to fighting with my own limits, then." He chuckled, looking at his sore hands. "Though right now, my limits are fighting back pretty hard."
Mei laughed, crossing her arms as she leaned back a bit. "Sounds like you'll fit right in. Most people who come in here just want to learn a few flashy moves, but you seem serious about it."
She glanced sideways at him, a hint of curiosity in her gaze. "So, what's your story, anyway? I mean, most people who train here are in school, but you don't exactly look like the high school type."
Kenji shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, you're right. I just graduated last year, actually. I didn't exactly have the funds for college, so I'm working as a delivery guy for now. Kendo's something I wanted to try because… I don't know, I thought maybe it could help me figure out what I'm good at. Or at least keep me from landing on my face next time I'm in a fight."
Mei nodded, giving him an understanding look. "Hey, nothing wrong with that. You're here, you're putting in the effort—that's what matters. And for what it's worth, you're doing pretty well for a beginner. But keep that sense of humor, it'll come in useful."
Kenji laughed, feeling the tension ease in his sore shoulders. "I'll keep that in mind. It's either humor or tears, right?"
"Exactly," Mei said, smirking as she stretched her arms. "Oh, by the way… I'm only 18 myself. Still in uhhh… high school, yeah, just about to graduate, actually."
Kenji blinked, surprised. "Wait, you're a high school student? Now I'm the one whose ego's bruised. Here I am, getting my butt handed to me by someone younger."
Mei chuckled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "It's not like I've been doing this forever. Just a lot of practice, that's all." She glanced at him, a bit amused. "And you don't look that much older."
Kenji shrugged, grinning. "I guess 19 isn't exactly ancient. Just feels weird getting my form corrected by someone younger and… well, leagues better. But I can roll with it. It's kind of cool, actually."
She smiled at him. "Thanks, I think. Don't worry—if you stick with it, you'll get there. It just takes time, like anything worth doing."
Kenji raised his water bottle, giving her a mock toast. "To sticking with it. And to you not hitting me too hard when I mess up."
She smirked, raising her own bottle in response. "I make no promises."
A loud clap broke through their exchange, and Mei turned to check the time. "Alright, break's over, everyone!" she called, standing up and gathering her students around.
Kenji sighed, stashing his water bottle with a grin. "Well, no one said it'd be easy."
"Nope," Mei replied, giving him a nod. "But that's the best part, right?"
He felt a spark of motivation as he got to his feet, nodding back at her. "Bring it on Mei-Sensei."
"No."
"Damn, alright..."
/ — /
As the class wrapped up, Kenji gathered his things, feeling both drained and invigorated. He wiped the sweat from his face with his sleeve, glancing over at Mei, who was busy helping another student with their grip. She was focused, her instructions clear and steady, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for her guidance.
As she finished with the other student, Kenji walked over and bowed slightly. "Thanks for the lesson, Mei. I know I'm a long way from getting it right, but… I think I'm starting to get the hang of it."
Mei returned the bow, her eyes warm with encouragement. "You're doing well, Kenji. Kendo takes patience, but you've got the right attitude. Most people don't push themselves like you did today."
'That's because I'm gonna actually need it someday.' But he didn't say it out loud. He grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, well, I guess I didn't really know what I was getting into… but I'm glad I did. I'll be back soon, ready to destroy my body again."
"Looking forward to it. Rest up, and keep practicing what we went over. You'll be surprised how much it'll help next time."