Mount Takao, Dojo of Bōgu no Ken — 19th of December 2023 — Evening

  Tengen smiled at the students now filing out of the dojo toward Tokyo. "Be safe out there, my children. May Buddha guide your path," he murmured as his smile slowly turned bittersweet.

  "You haven't changed since the last time we met, Uzubachi Tengen." Kooshima whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder.

  Tengen's eyes glanced at the clawed hand, registering the warmth of the touch. "Soul Hunter…" His tone was warm and welcoming. "Thank you for waiting."

  "Always," Kooshima smiled.

  "What brings you here after forty years?" Tengen turned toward the dojo, a faint smile on his face as they both began walking in measured steps.

  "The 'Finale' is close. And to face what's coming, I need to prepare myself."

  "As far as I'm aware, you can manipulate someone's inner fears, cut their souls rather than flesh. And you have a third eye you haven't shown me."

  Kooshima smiled, shoulders shaking with silent laughter. "The one who always talked about 'peaceful mind and calmed spirit' is listing my powers?"

  Tengen's smile softened. "I see…" he murmured. "That's why you've returned, Soul Hunter. But for a body and mind as burdened as yours… this will not be easy."

  Tengen slowly opened the shoji doors, gesturing for Kooshima to enter. The scent of rain and mint filled the air.

  Kooshima inhaled, savoring the smell with his entire being. "Still the same incense… yet somehow, it feels like a new fragrance."

  The sound of tea pouring into wooden cups filled the dojo hall. "I'm bringing one for you too. Don't argue with me."

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  "Tengen…!?" Kooshima whispered, his voice filled with awe and shock.

  "Is something wrong?" Tengen asked, placing the tray with cups on the ground and kneeling across from him on the wooden floor. Following his gaze to the Dojo walls, a knowing smile spread on his face.

  "Why is someone's name—'Minosashi'—placed above Liniah and Tokimo?" Kooshima swallowed. "Did he—?"

  "Yes… He mastered the ultimate technique. I'm glad I lived long enough to witness it. And that I was the one who saw it. A technique worked on for eons… achieved by a child in fourteen days. Unbelievable, isn't it?" He sipped his tea. The smile lingered for a second longer, before he slowly set down his cup. Offering Kooshima the other one.

  "Drink. It might get cold."

  Kooshima slowly took his cup from Tengen and drank it in one go. His face wrinkled. "It's bitter." He glanced at Tengen. "Do you have more?"

  "I do. But next time, try drinking it in small sips. Even drinking is part of your training. Sipping grants your mind peace over that action—because it is done in measured, small steps."

  Tengen stood, walking toward the kettle with silent footsteps.

  Kooshima's eyes widened at the words. "Measured… and… small…" he whispered, as if tasting them. His eyes drifted from the cup to Tengen's measured steps. "Measured steps… just like how I should drink this tea…"

  "You are a quick learner, my friend." Tengen refilled the cup. "Try sipping it. Slowly."

  Kooshima nodded. Slowly, he lifted the cup to his lips. Small sip.

  "It is… tasteful." A pause. "A good tasteful. The bitterness feels… earned."

  "I think you understand," Tengen said as he knelt across from him. "Measured steps let your mind and body inhabit the moment. When your own self is calm, you can think better, do better, and decide better." He exhaled, then inhaled, continuing the rhythm for several seconds with closed eyes.

  Kooshima watched in wonder, tilting his head. "What are you doing?"

  "Breathing."

  "I understand that. Why does it sound like music?"

  "That is the rhythm of my breath, Kooshima. Every living being has their own rhythm when meditating or deeply focused on what they do." Tengen continued his breathing. The sound seemed to merge with the cricket song, the owls, even the rustle of branches outside.

  "Incredible…" Kooshima whispered, unable to find adequate words.

  Tengen stopped the rhythm, opening his eyes. "The simplest example is the eagle."

  "The eagle? The flying birds that hunt with unmatched precision?"

  "Yes. Have you ever watched them closely? When they hunt, nothing can disturb them. Every muscle in their body is focused on the prey. Nothing else." Tengen slowly rose from his seat. "This breathing is the same, once applied to combat."

  "You want me to… master it in combat…?"

  "I do. So please, take this wooden blade. And try not to shatter it with your otherworldly body." He smiled softly. "This may be your simplest, yet toughest training, Kooshima. Not of body. But of mind. Brace yourself, old friend."