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TSSITWON Chapter 57: One Year
🕑 Added 2024-10-17 10:53:01 +0000 UTC"You were indeed sad at first, but I saw strength within you. You rose again, practiced diligently, and strived to become stronger."
"I often watched you from afar, seeing the hard work you put in. I knew you were going through something tough, but you did it with incredible determination."
"Now, my condition is worsening, Aoki. I know my time in this world is not long. Perhaps I can only hold on for a few more days. Therefore, I am writing this letter to you, as a final expression of my affection."
"You have grown into a strong and resilient person, even though your life has been full of trials. I am very proud to see who you are now. I also want to make one last request before I go."
"I hope you can marry my daughter and take good care of her. This is not a demand, but a hope. I just want you to find happiness, and I believe that girl can be a part of your happiness."
"Finally, I want you to know that I love you like my own child. You brought joy into my life when I had lost everything. Thank you for being a part of my life."
"With all my love,
Nansa Terumi."
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(One Year)
After Aoki finished reading Nansa's will, a heavy feeling enveloped his chest. Nansa's last words were like thorns piercing Aoki's soul, creating a determination he had never felt before.
With Nansa's death still fresh in his memory, Aoki decided that he would no longer be weak. Aoki vowed to transform himself, to become stronger, as strong as possible. From that day on, Aoki began a new journey—a journey towards true strength.
A year passed quickly, but for Aoki, time seemed to stand still. During that time, Aoki's life turned into a relentless and grueling routine. Every day, he allowed himself only four hours of sleep.
The remaining twenty hours were a sacrifice; Aoki pushed his body beyond its limits, training until his bones nearly cracked. Eating, drinking, training, working—all intertwined in an endless cycle. Sweat poured down, breath came in gasps, but Aoki never stopped.
The routine was exhausting, yet Aoki refused to give up. Every swing of the sword, every breath he took, reminded him of one thing: Nansa.
That was all that filled Aoki's mind as he trained hard, especially when learning deeper techniques, Mizu no Kokyu: Shi no Kata: Uchishio (Water Breathing: Fourth Form: Tidal Wave Attack). This technique was a series of consecutive slashes, forcing the body to move with the speed and fluidity of water. Aoki tried to flow like a wave, creating movements that were both beautiful and destructive.
However, the technique was not easy. Every time Aoki swung his sword, he felt that the technique was still far from perfect. He spent six full months practicing, falling and getting back up again, until finally, his body began to understand the rhythm of the movements. Even so, Aoki's slashes were still not strong enough. He knew that the waves he created lacked the hard power he longed for—those waves were still weak, like calm water without waves.
But Aoki did not give up. For him, small progress was a great victory.
Next, Aoki turned to a technique that seemed simpler, Mizu no Kokyu: Go no Kata: Kanten no Jiu (Water Breathing: Fifth Form: Blessing Rain After Drought). This technique was a different kind of attack. A gentle yet deadly strike, capable of ending an enemy's life without pain, a display of mercy in battle. This technique was often used against opponents who had already surrendered, allowing the attack to be delivered without hatred.
