First Step on the Path (Open)

[Kin Hachirobei]

Out in an open field Kin would sitting in the grass praying to his ancestors. His father had no grave so he felt that finding a place that was full of nature was the best place to communicate with his fathers spirit. Finishing his pray he would stand up, bow to an imaginary opponent and unsheathe his sword. The blade would shine with the sun's reflection as he took his first stance. Slowly he would take a step forward making a slow deliberate downward slash. Then another step as he brought the blade back up at an angle slicing from his left hip up to the right. He continued making slow deliberate movements, taking only one step each time. Speed of the strike wasn't his concern right now as much as the precision of each strike, making sure to start and stop the blades movement in the precise spots to teach his muscles the correct movements. Speed would come later.

Kin would continue with this method of training for a short while.

[Katsu]

It was his first steps back into 63, and already it was everything Katsu remembered.

Right down to watching someone practice swordsmanship. It was like a beacon, drawing him closer.

"You have good form."

He says, slowly approaching form the side.

[Kin Hachirobei]

Kin would finish his most recent step, then he would stand up straight and sheath his sword. Turning to look at the new comer he would bow slightly.

"Thank you for your words."

Noticing the the sword the man carried on him Kin would motion to it with a nod.

"I see you yourself are familiar with a blade. What form do you study?"

[Katsu]

"All of them."

Katsu says simply, nodding back.

"To be honest, I mostly practice with a two handed grip, but that is far from being my only study. I wouldn't want to limit myself."

[Kin Hachirobei]

Kin would nod in respect.

"That is no easy feat and certainly one that could come helpful. But for myself I believe I shall stick to one, at least for now."

Looking over the new comer no memory or recollection of this person would come to mind.

"I'm curious, are you new to these lands? I don't recognize you..."

[Katsu]

At that, Katsu frowns. He didn't expect to be known in 63, considering how long he'd been away, but it was still... upsetting, to no longer be considered one of them just from a glance.

"In a manner of speaking. I've been gone for years."

[Kin Hachirobei]

"Ah, then I wish to be the first to welcome you back home after many years."

Kin would say moving forward with his arm raised to shake the man's hand.

"I hope you find it to be in a better state than it was when you went off on your journey."

[Katsu]

Katsu shakes his hand firmly, the frown that had touched his lips quickly being chased away by a small smile.

"It is better in many respects already. Although, to be honest, the king was the first one to welcome me. He was the one who told me of its recent rebirth, something I've been eager to see since my exile."

[Kin Hachirobei]

"Well if it was the king that I am coming second to, then no complaints have I. In fact I envy you for closeness to the king. I hope to grow strong enough one day to be able to honored by being able to guard him personally."

The man's firm handshake told Kin that this man was not only strong but sure and steadfast in who he was. A powerful individual to be sure. Kin respected this man already.

[Katsu]

"So far, he doesn't need much guarding. We sparred, and he utterly demolished me."

Katsu chuckles.

"But if your training is any indication, you're well on your way. I'm sure you'll make that goal a reality sooner rather than later."

[Kin Hachirobei]

Kin swelled with pride on the inside but he tried to quell it, such behavior was likely to be tainted and could corrupt his actions if he wasn't careful.

"Thank you again for the compliment, but I have no such ambition to be greater than the king, merely to prevent those that should be unworthy to ever getting close to bothering him."

[Katsu]

"There's nothing wrong with ambition."

Katsu shakes his head.

"After all, I plan on becoming the world's greatest swordsman. That doesn't, however, make me feel any animosity towards my kin, or my king."

[Kin Hachirobei]

Kin would smile and nod his head.

"Wise words indeed, and definitely a feat of legend you choose to pursue. Ah, but where are my manners. The name is Kin Hachirobei, it is a pleasure to meet you."

[Katsu]

"Maeda Katsu."

He says, bowing slightly.

"Likewise, Kin Hachirobei. Can I ask you something?"

[Kin Hachirobei]

Kin would nod.

"Of course. What can I help you with?"