| abstract
| - Kentaro, dressed in a blue-colored high-necked shirt and a pair of white shorts, flowed through the forms as his blade glided through the air as he stepped nimbly. His breathing was calm and precise, his mind emptied of all thought. He was one with the sword, and it one with him, an extension of his arm that moved as surely as he did. His black sandals barely kicked up any dust as his feet touched the floor though the throwing knives within the pouch attached to his right thigh clinked as he moved. Jinta stood a slight distance away, copying Kentaro’s movements and adopting his styles. He knew the Yuengiri gave more flexibility during combat, and was eager to learn all he could. He didn’t mind the silence that drifted between the two either. Calmness was needed, and both wore it on their faces like a second skin. They remained like that for a good while, until the sky stood at its full peak in fact. They camped in the shade of a few large oak trees that sheltered them from the sun’s warmth, though the day was far from cold. The wind carried the suns heat and they both stood dressed in thin training kimonos that exposed their chests. At times, their paths crossed as they practiced, and steel rang on steel as they clashed briefly, moving back to their calm motions and precise movements. Kentaro’s thoughts were broken, though, as he watched Jinta’s progress. He’d only been coaching him in the Yuengiri styles for two weeks, and he’d already gained a large understanding of the individual techniques and movements. But what really surprised him was how easily he could sever his emotions. Jinta noticed Kentaro watching, but paid no mind. They both suddenly moved as one as a bird chirped above them, like it was signaling the start of their battle. Steel collided again and sparks flew as each blow reverberated into the air, causing birds once resting in their nests to spring into the air on quick wings. “You’ve improved,” Kentaro said, voice distant due to the severing of his emotions, “I’m gonna have to watch myself.” Jinta ducked beneath his next slash and struck upwards, lifting a small level of dirt, “Thanks,” Was all he said, keeping himself concentrated on the fight. A moment’s weakness or hesitation could spell the end. Clink! Again they struck. Clink! Jinta avoided a blow aimed for his shoulder. Clink! Kentaro batted aside a low strike aimed for his legs. They both held their zanpakuto’s in a reverse-grip style, both twisting and turning to provide the striking angle, all the while protecting their blind spots well. Stopping abruptly, the two exchanged quick glances before turning their gazes towards a nearby hill with a large oak tree sticking out from the top, casting the top in shadows that could’ve hid anything. Severed emotions caused an increase in perception, both in vision and hearing. And boots were tapping impatiently from the tree. “Try and fool whoever it is,” Jinta whispered firmly, returning to his practice. Kentaro followed just as quickly, but he began to worry about Harumi and Riki. They had left to go for a walk a while back. “They’ll be fine,” Jinta said, as though he were reading his mind. “Riki’s stronger than I am, after all. He’s… not an ordinary Shinigami.”
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