Kendoka

The mountain in the morning was quiet.

A run-down rural station hidden at the edge of the valley, smothered in mist that rolled down from the Peaks of Gifu. The wooden beams of the station's shelter leaned and rotted under the decades of harsh weather. Their paint is flaking off in patches. Cracks spread across the platform's tiles, while tufts of grass and stubborn weeds pushed through the gaps. The faint rumble of the nearby river could be heard just beyond the wall of trees, mixing with the distant chirping of birds.

???: "Crap, crap, crap, CRAP! I'm late!"

A boy rushed to the station like a missile. A bag slamming against his hip, an oversized suitcase trailing behind him, bouncing violently against every rock, crack, root, and patches of sand, dirt, and gravel the path had to offer.

That boy was Hibiki Renta.

His hair and clothes were messy as if he had just gotten out of bed minutes ago. His lungs burned with every step, but his legs kept running as if powered by desperation alone.

Renta: "I can't... I can't miss this train... or else... everything is screwed!"

He kept sprinting forward, unaware of his shoelaces coming undone, or how his suitcase was definitely losing a wheel, or how he was out of breath. The platform loomed ahead as he got to the top of the overpass. The train that had just arrived hissed, and its doors began to close as there were no people at the station.

Renta: "No, no, no, don't you dare—!"

Renta gathered every ounce of strength left in his body and launched himself forward.

SLAM!

His entire face met the cold floor of the train with an unpleasant thud.

Renta: "...Shiiiittt!! It hurts!"

He groaned while rubbing his face to make the pain disappear. Despite the pain, a crooked grin spread across his lips.

Renta: "At least... I made it, but damn it hurts as ****!"

kid: "Pffft! Mama, look! He fell! funny! Again! Do it again!"

Renta's eye twitched. He turned his head and spotted a little boy pointing straight at him. The kid's laughter echoed through the nearly empty car.

kid's mom: "Kouta! Don't be rude!" The mother pulled his son's hand back with an apologetic bow. "You need to apologize to him!"

The boy pouted, clearly reluctant, before going to Renta and giving his popsicle to him.

Kouta: "I... I sowwy. Here... I give it to you."

Kouta's mom: "I also apologize for my son's behaviour!'

Renta: "You don't need to apologize

After that quite awkward situation, he leaned against the glass, the landscape outside slowly beginning to shift as the train rolled forward. The valley becomes wider and wider, revealing terraced rice fields glittering like mirrors.

For the first time that day, Renta's heart began to calm. His chest still heaved, but his thoughts were no longer on missing the train. Instead, they drifted somewhere else.

Renta: "...Gramps."

The word slipped out before he realized it.

His grandfather's face filled his mind. Not the fragile one lying in a hospital bed, but the sturdy, strict but kind man in a dojo lit by golden afternoon sun.

Tatami underfoot, sound of bamboo clashing against each other, the air sharp with sweat and determination.

[Renta]: "I remember swinging my 'Sword of Heaven' around like a total idiot... just because I'd binged that one anime marathon. When you saw me, you laughed. It was my first time seeing you laugh. And then...you showed me the REAL way to hold a sword.

This memory warmed him, and for a moment, the ache in his face disappeared. But memory shifted, as memory often does. From warmth to something colder.

A quiet hospital room. Pale, lifeless walls, the sharp sting of disinfectant. His grandfather's hand, weak and trembling, reaching out.

Soichiro: "Renta... my grandson... Would you... do me a favour...?"

Renta's voice had cracked with urgency.

Renta: "Anything, Gramps!"

Soichiro: "Carry on my legacy... Win the championship... for me... That's my only... wish!"

Renta, with tears in his eyes, agreed.

Renta: "I will definitely do it! Even if I break every bone of mine in the process!"

That single vow had chained his heart ever since.

[Renta]: "That is why I'm going. That's why I'll make it. To Fukuhara High, the place where you shined. Just wait, I will win this damn championship, Gramps."

…

Train announcement: The next station is Kyoto... Kyoto Station. The doors on the right will open.

The station was different from the hidden stations to which Renta was accustomed. A swarm of people moved like currents in a river, each commuter perfectly flowing toward their destination. The steps of commuters and the sharp voices of announcements echoing across the whole station.

And in the middle of it all was Hibiki Renta, standing completely frozen. A boy who has never been to a station that crowded and complicated.

[Renta]: "That's really bad news. I am completely lost. I feel like I'm gonna drown. I have to search for some kind of map to escape from this suffocating place."

His suitcase screeched along the floor as one of its wheels was missing. Each step was a battle as the suitcase tended to go the other way. By the time Renta stumbled across a station map, after twenty minutes of wrong turns and mental breakdowns, he was already pissed off and drenched in exhaustion.

Renta: "Finally, a map! ... Okay, so first left, then straight, then ...wait... Am I already at the exit? It can't be. Let me have another look—"

???: "RENTA-KUN!!!"

The voice cracked like thunder above the din of the station. It was loud enough that even commuters wearing headsets looked toward the source of the sound.

Renta flinched so hard he nearly dropped his suitcase.

From the rushing crowd burst a woman with chestnut-brown hair tied in a messy ponytail. Her glasses slipped dangerously down her nose with every step she took, and her energetic waving only drew more attention to the ample cleavage framed by her creased blouse. She radiated an energy that felt out of place. in the strict, organized rhythm of Kyoto Station, like a teenager set loose at a summer festival, bright, chaotic, and impossible to ignore.

Before Renta could react, she closed the distance in a blur and crushed him into a suffocating hug, squeezing every life out of his already tired body.

???: "Look at you! You grew up so much! You're so tall now! You grew about... Five, yeah, five mugs of beer taller! "

Renta (grasping): "...Seriously, Aunt Shizuka? Couldn't you think of a normal unit of measurement?"

Shizuka: "Pfft! Last time I saw you, you were just this tiny, squishy mochi boy!"

Renta: "Squishy?! Cut it off, Shizu-nee!"

She ignored him, then immediately moved to pinch his cheeks with terrifying precision.

Shizuka: "Ahh, just as soft as I remember!"

Renta: "Stop! Stopstopstopstop! Shizu-nee! We are in public! People are watching!"

Shizuka: "Oh, please, don't mind them! I'm showing my affection to my adorable nephew. What's wrong with that?"

Renta groaned. "What's wrong?! You are humiliating me in front of the entire city! That's what is wrong!"

Shizuka: "How adorable, that you think anyone cares? They are too busy catching their train and going home or to a pub. Relax!"

Renta attempted to wiggle free, but failed miserably against her unshakable grip.

Renta: "I should have stayed in the mountains..."

Finally, after quite some time, Shizuka released him, hands on her hips, and smiling.

Shizuka: "Well, you are here now. Welcome to Kyoto, Renta-kun! Auntie Shizuka will be your guide to the big city!"

Renta: "Thank you...I guess."

Without waiting for him to recover, she grabbed his suitcase handle with her left hand and Renta's hand with the right, then marched forward like a general.

Shizuka: "First, let me show you the important things, like where to get on and off from the train. But most importantly, where the best karaage shop is. You cannot survive Kyoto without karaage."

Renta: "I thought you were supposed to show me the school..."

Shizuka: "School can wait. Fried chicken can't."

Renta: "That's... not how priorities work."

They weaved through the station, Shizuka chattering the entire time. She pointed to vending machines that sell strong coffee for a reasonable price, as they were hidden treasures.

Shizuka: "This one here, don't bother with that. But this one is a good value for your money. And that one, level 5 Sugar and caffeine bomb. Don't drink it unless you want to stay awake until the next century."

Renta raised his eyebrow.

Renta: "You have tested all of them?"

She gave him a thumbs up.

Shizuka: "Research is important!"

Renta: "You are supposed to be a responsible adult."

Shizuka: "Keyword: supposed to. But the perfect coffee is the most important thing for an adult, you see. You will get it, eventually."

They finally broke free of the station into the city. The bustle of cars, bikes, and chatter wrapped around them, and the streets of Kyoto stretched out like veins from the central hub. For Renta, a boy who had grown up in a quiet village of old houses and rice paddies, the sheer scale was overwhelming.

Renta glared at the skyline like it was another world, because to him, it was.

Renta: "This is the real deal, it is... different."

Shizuka glanced at him, her face blooming into a soft smile.

Shizuka: "It is. But you will get used to it, as I did. But it's still considered small compared to Osaka and Tokyo."

Then her grin snapped back to a cheerful smile.

Shizuka: "But first, let me show you the best udon restaurant in the city!"

Renta: "WHY are your survival tips food-related?!"

Shizuka: "Because food is life, my dear Renta. Food is the source of life!"

…

By the time they reached her neighbourhood, Renta was half-dead from being dragged across half the city.

Shizuka's apartment was like heaven to him. A quaint, small-sized place tucked into a quiet street, its sliding doors polished, tatami mats visible from the main door. The smell of miso soup came from inside. The house was much cleaner than Renta had anticipated from Shizuka.

Shizuka: "Home sweet home!" Shizuka declared with her hands on her hips. "This is your room. Try not to wreck it in your sleep like last time."

Renta: "That was TEN YEARS AGO!"

Shizuka: "And I still remember it, like it was yesterday!" Said Shizuka proudly. "But rest, you had a tough day."

Renta: "I wonder who to thank for that."

Shizuka smiled and left him to settle in.

Later that night, Renta lay awake in the unfamiliar room. His new school uniform hung in pristine plastic against the wall. In his hands, he clutched a worn bokken, the wooden sword his grandfather had given him years ago.

[Renta]: "Tomorrow it begins, Gramps."

He tightened his grip, determination threading through his chest. And finally fell asleep just as the door slid open. Shizuka peeked in, carrying a tray of late-night snacks. She paused at the sight of him asleep.

[Shizuka]: "Still the same little kid. Goodnight, Renta."

She turned, slid the snacks into the room, and slid the door closed, leaving him to rest.

The next morning began with sunlight spilling across Kyoto and the peaceful hum of city life. And also, with Renta, dead asleep.

(Renta): "ZZZzzzZZZzzz..."

The alarm clock had been ringing for twenty minutes straight, valiantly screaming at max volume.

Renta (in a tired voice): "...five more minutes..."

SMACK

His phone fell to the floor.

Minutes later...

Shizuka: "RENTA!!"

The sliding door crashed open with a loud sound. Shizuka stormed in, hair wild with chopsticks used for cooking in her hand.

Shizuka: "School starts in twenty minutes! Why are you still hibernating like a bear?!"

Renta shot up, eyes wide open.

Renta: "What? WHAT!! Thirty minutes?!"

Shizuka: "Yes, thirty! Get moving before I drag you there in your pajamas!"

Renta: "Wha-wait, don't!"

But it was too late. She already grabbed the blanket and yanked it off with the strength of a sumo wrestler.

Ten minutes later, Renta was sprinting down the streets of Kyoto in a half-tucked uniform, tie dangling. His hair was messy as always, and his bag flapped against his side.

Renta: "This is a nightmare! First day of school and I'm late already!"

…

Renta: "Left at the bus stop, then... right at the 24-seven? Or was it left?! Why is this damn map so confusing?! I knew that Shizu-ne didn't show me the way to school properly, but this is... Ahhh, I have no time to waste!!

He charged down the street, only to find himself at a road that diverged in totally opposite directions. But with some miracle (and lots of running), he finally spotted the school gates. Renta just got there in time, as they were about to close the gates, but with a slick move, he got through the little opening and arrived at school.

But as always, he got lost in the corridors, which felt like a labyrinth to him.

Renta: "Why is every hallway identical?! Who designed this place, a sadist?!"

He spun left, then right, his sneakers squeaking against the freshly polished floor. Classroom doors slammed shut one after another as students went in. The once busy corridor got quieter with every second.

Renta: "No, no, no! I can't be that guy who shows up late on the first day!"

He broke into a panicked jog, clutching the crumpled class schedule in one hand. Unfortunately, the school's layout looked more like an abstract painting.

???: "You are in the wrong wing."

Renta skidded to a halt, nearly dropping his bag, then turned.

Standing there was a girl who looked like she had walked straight out of a classical painting. Her mature, elegant presence, long black hair tied neatly into a ponytail, shimmered under the morning light that passed through the windows. Her uniform was immaculate, posture flawless, like a noblewoman. What caught him most were her eyes, piercing and serious, yet holding a steady kindness beneath them all.

For a second, Renta froze.

The girl tilted her head slightly, arms crossed.

Girl: "You are new here, correct?"

Renta: "Wait...huh?! How do you know it?"

Girl: "Because you've been stomping around these corridors for the last 5 minutes like a lost tanuki. It is hard to guess."

Renta: "Tanuki?! It's not my fault that this school was designed by demons."

She smiled for a bit.

Girl: "Your classroom is three halls over, in fact, you are on the wrong floor entirely."

Renta: "Three halls? How big is this place?!"

Girl: "Fukuhara High isn't so complicated if you pay attention. Try using your eyes next time."

Renta: "Thanks a lot... I guess."

He expected her to walk away, but instead, she stepped closer. Putting her right hand in front for a handshake.

Girl: "You are welcome! I am Reina Akane. Third year. Student council."

She replied firmly. Then, with a faint smile drawn on her lips.

Akane: "And you are Late."

Renta's shoulders slumped.

Renta: "Ugh... way to stab a guy when he's already bleeding."

Akane: "You are lucky I found you. If a teacher caught you wandering like this, you would be in more trouble."

Renta: "Lucky me."

Akane: "Come. I'll show you the way. I have a feeling that you will be off track as soon as I leave you."

Renta hesitated, watching her stride down the hallway with flawless confidence. He let out a long sigh and dragged himself after her.

[Renta]: "Great. First day in Kyoto, and I am already escorted by the school's princess to my classroom."

The sharp sound of the school bell cut through the air like a blade.

Akane: "Class is starting. Don't make me regret wasting my time on you. Little tanuki."

She turned on her heel, the faint swish of her skirt following her like a final slash.

Renta stood there for a moment, still bristling, his pulse refusing to settle. He touched the strap of his bag. Finally, with a reluctant step, he slid the classroom door open, bracing himself for the worst, but... It seems that his luck turned around. There was no teacher in sight. The back row was empty, giving him a clear line of sight to his desk. He dropped his bag with a thump and immediately pulled out his calligraphy brush and notebook. Even after the morning's madness, his hands moved with precision, each kanji stroke sharp, confident, and elegant, the opposite of what you would expect from him.

???: "Huh...You still do that?"

Renta blinked. A girl leaned over from the desk beside his. her brown hair streaked with faint pink highlights. A mischievous grin spread across her face, framed by a uniform fitted into a bold gal style, open collar, long stockings, and a little glitter catching the sunlight.

Renta: "Who are you?" Renta asked, narrowing his eyes.

Gal: "Only you would write kanji this beautifully while having no idea what they mean.

Renta: "Wait, do I... know you?"

Before she could answer, the homeroom teacher, a tired-looking man in his fifties carrying a coffee cup, stepped through the doorway.

Teacher: "Homeroom begins." He announced, voice tired, flat, followed by a yawn.

The roll call began. One by one, students introduced themselves, each name blending into the next. Suddenly:

Gal: "Yahoo! My name is Ichijou Ai! Let's all be friends~!"

Renta's eyes widened.

[Renta]: "Ai? That name rings a bell."

Teacher: "HIBIKI RENTA!"

Renta: "Y-YESSIR!"

Renta jumped to his feet with a heroic motion right into the edge of his desk.

THUD!

The class erupted in laughter, but he ignored it, straightening his back.

Renta: "I'm Hibiki Renta, as you heard before. I come from Takao. I enrolled in this school to fulfil a promise to my late grandfather. I will win the national kendo championship. That's all."

He sat down without another word. The homeroom teacher raised a brow while taking a sip from his coffee.

Teacher: "That's ambitious. But I recommend seeing what other clubs have to offer before you fully commit yourself."

Renta: "Huh? What do you mean by that?

But the teacher moved on, leaving the warning hanging in the air. Renta's attention snapped back to the girl beside him. She leaned closer again, pressing a damp cloth into his hand.

Ai: "Here, take this."

Renta: "And what do you want me to do with that?"

Ai: "Put it on your knee, dummy."

Renta hesitated, but with a slight shrug, he took it.

Every boy in the classroom glanced at him as if he had just stolen the moon. Renta returned the stares with equal force, meeting each gaze with sharp defiance.

…

As soon as the bell rang, he dashed to the club sign-up board, ignoring what the homeroom teacher said. A single, determined word scrawled across the paper: KENDO.

He didn't even notice that he took the wrong hallway on his way out.

CRASH!

A firm collision threw him backward. Looking up, Renta met a tall boy in a pristine uniform.

Boy: "Watch it, punk! You chose the wrong... oh wait! You are joining Kendo?"

Renta: "HUH!! Havin' a problem with that?!"

Boy: "What a wonderful young man! Then, to the club we go! Allow me to escort you, Sir Samurai."

Renta: "Let go of my arm before I kill you!"

Boy: "Ah, yes, threats. I love it!"

By the time Renta realized he had no choice but to go along, the boy had already led him to a wooden shack tucked behind the school.

Renta: "This is the dojo?!"

Boy: "Home sweet home!"

Inside, a single figure was arranging bokken on a battered old rack. Renta stood still. It was her. Akane from earlier.

Boy: "Reina-chan~! We got a new one!"

Her eyes snapped to him, sharp as a blade.

Akane: "You. The Tanuki from earlier."

Renta: "Why are you here? And I'm NOT a tanuki!"

Akane stepped closer, each movement deliberate, like a katana slicing through the air.

Akane: "I am the President of the Kendo Club, that's why I'm here. And the new escort of yours is Shiranui Haruki, my vice president. Welcome, Tanuki-san!"

Renta: "I AM NOT A TANUKI! I have a name, Hibiki Renta. Be sure to remember!"

Akane: "I understand, then, Hibiki-kun. So, you come here with the intention of joining my club?"

Renta straightened, chest puffing with pride.

Renta: "Exactly! I'm here to win the national championship! Just like my grandfather did!"

Haruki let out a low whistle, clearly impressed.

Haruki: "Well, aren't you ambitious! I like your spirit, Tanuki-uh, I mean Renta-chan! Reina-chan~, can we keep him? Please-."

Akane tilted her head, her expression unreadable. For a moment, silence filled the room. Only the faint creak of the wooden floor broke it.

Akane: "Championship, huh? Bold words. Do you even know how hard it is to get into the Championship, let alone win it?"

Suddenly, Akane's expression changed into a much more serious tone, and then she looked away.

Akane: "Kendo's not trendy anymore. Football, baseball, music… All more popular. We've been like this for nearly a decade. Without members, we can't enter competitions, not even solo. No approval from the principal. So, there is a chance that we will be terminated after the sign-up period."

Renta tightened his fists.

Renta: "But I made a promise. And I don't back down. I'll help this club return to its golden age, just like when my Gramps was here."

Akane froze.

Akane: "...So you are his..." She muttered.

Renta: "Hmm?"

Akane: "Nothing."

She looked at him carefully. Then, just for a moment… she smirked.