Beyond Shijima
「Ho, this is a good location」
「Isn’t it? Though, I didn’t think that I would invite anyone」
Arubaku mountain – the secret area where I always train.
Usually, there’s no one other than me, but today there’s someone else.
Not facing each other, we begin our own preparations while exchanging comments.
At first glance, the atmosphere seems friendly. In reality, it’s like a bloated paper balloon. Even a small movement would pop it, such was the danger of the situation.
After waiting for thirty years, I will finally be trading blows with my nemesis.
I relax my arm muscles while Chester begins shadow-boxing an imaginary enemy.
It symbolizes the difference in our preparation methods: soft and hard.
Unfortunately, both of us are probably thinking of the same thing:
I can’t wait to fight.
I wasted twelve years, training by myself, while trying to hide my power. How frustrating it was… Bearing these sentiments, with full force, I bump fists with my rival (of my previous life).
If my heart was not trembling, then I might as well be a dead tree.
I have not felt this trembling for 50 years. The only thing I can think of ishow much I look forward to this fight.
「It’s about time isn’t it? It’s getting late.」
「You’re right.」
As I thought. Someone who is his equal, does not exist (other than himself?).
In the end, the one who hungers for battle is the same as him. So it should be no surprise that we’re similar.
I take the Shijima stance called “Running Water”. It is a basic stance which emphasizes on defence. This structure took years to ingrain into the brain, and creates an armor which permeates the body.
On the other hand, Chester lowers his weakened left hand to his waist, taking into account a possible strike.
After fighting with him for so long, I recognize this as one of the basic stances.
The deciding factor between two seasoned warriors is not compatibility, but experience. Basic movements encompasses the whole school of martial arts, and is a mysterious and difficult thing to master.
A genuine fight without petty tricks. (TLN: Wonderful. I’m almost drooling -_-)
No need for words.
I want to fight soon, even a second quicker would be fine.
「Shijima Style 「Original」 Master, Slava Shijima. Come」
「Primo Style founder, Chester. Let’s start. 」
As I claim the name of my previous life, Chester has an intense smile on his face.
He had most likely been empty ever since he had said the last rites of the deceased for me.
Despite finishing our declaration for the duel, we are not moving.
Both of them did not moving an inch. The fight has begun, both of them understand that. Even though both of them are motionless, there is no longer any atmosphere of fun.
The tension in the air pierces my face, a feeling I have not experienced for a long time.
Silence.
Not a single sound can be heard, not even the wind. Wild beasts probably sensed the killing intent we emitted, leaving not even a trace of life in the surroundings. (I merged this sentence with another sentence below, cos the order seemed awkward)
Just one, no, two exceptions. Us.
…Fumu, it might not be bad to scare them a little
The eternal silence is suddenly broken,
Taking a defensive stance, I make the first move.
An instant. In the instant Chester was off guard, I take the opportunity and advance.
5 meters of distance is closed in a step. Chester, who was taken off guard, has a bitter expression. However, that too is only for a moment.