Am I Your Master?

Time!

That was Nikolas' most limited asset, once it was spent there was no turning back!

Because of that, he was using every minute he had available to prepare for the incoming doom. Only when his family was safe would he rest! Even though he knew the consequences of straining his body so much, that was not even close to the stress he had faced before.

As people around the world kept to their usual routine, unaware of the incoming disaster, Nikolas worked nonstop to finish his plans. Another week passed in a flash as he focused heavily on training his body to the perfect condition together with his brother.

At the same time, he was able to help his father increase and fortify the wall around his house. Now, the place appeared more like a fortress than a house. Still, such a sight was not uncommon in Brazil, and so, it didn't attract too much attention.

"Phew! Now we are secure, thanks for the help son!" Reginald complimented his oldest children while cleaning his dusty hands. The changes in his son's attitude were easy for anyone to see. Not only was his body changing and growing muscles but his mentality appeared more mature. Reginald said nothing as he felt the changes were good.

"Indeed, now we'll be safe." Nikolas agreed with his father, but for another reason.

The tasks never ended and at the same time, Nikolas had also finished weeding out the abandoned house's garden and used the land to plant some potatoes. Because it is an easy vegetable to grow and a great source of nutrients, his group would have a good source of food a few months later.

His body was also improving and another 10 kilos were lost (around 20 pounds). With the steady growth of his muscles, he was getting more precise control over his body and running to the dojo was no longer an issue.

[There is a long way to go yet, I can't even compare to some professional soldiers!] Nikolas wasn't satisfied yet, unfortunately for him, his past self did not do a good job.

In the end, changing his body condition would take time and effort and he had to think of it as a long term investment. Last time he survived for ten years, but this time he planned on not dying at all!

At least he would have a greater starting point than last life.

His training at the dojo got even more intense now that he didn't have to hide his strength. However, after his master admitted that he had nothing to teach technique wise, Yuemura asked to be taught instead!

Even though it felt strange to teach his own master, the old man was respectful. Soon Nikolas realized one thing he missed: Yuemura swordplay of today was not the same one he knew! Even though his character was the same, the master he met in the apocalypse had already faced death hundreds of times and his swordplay was more tricky and aggressive!

Because of that, he found himself in a weird situation: to teach the tricks he learned with Yuemura back to him.

Moreover, as he taught and stopped to understand the flow of his own blows, Nikolas felt as if the wall blocking his path was slowly becoming smaller! With every passing day, he felt closer to a breakthrough! He needed only a push to be able to advance on his swordsmanship, but what would come next?

He had no idea what was the next step!

Although basic, Erick was developing by leaps and bounds. Even master Yuemura was mesmerized by it. At the same time, his other three disciples were left out of these lesions and could only imagine the reason their master was acting strangely.

********

Inside one of the dojo's rooms the three disciples were reunited.

"I can't believe he left us out of the training this afternoon again!" Sada complained.

They were clearly dissatisfied by the attitudes of master Yuemura, yet none of them dared to disobey him. Noboru, the youngest disciple, threw his katana to the side in range.

"Shit! I'm going to confront that old man! We've been with him for years and now he acts like we don't exist!" He got up from his bed and walked to the door.

"Yes, let's go!" Sada agreed.

"Stop…" Hiraoka said slowly.

The oldest disciple was seated in a lotus position on his bed, with his eyes closed and expressionless face. It was the first time he spoke.

"I'm sure the master has its own motives and he will tell us when he thinks we are ready for it." He said and opened his eyes.

After what the older disciple said, Sada and Noboru stopped on their tracks, closed the already opened door and returned to their beds. This showed how much they respected his authority, even more so in this moment of crisis when they felt wronged by their master.

"But Sensei never hid anything from us!" Noboru complained.

"Yes..." Hiraoka agreed, yet a strange glimpse flashed his eyes.

"You're right Tada." Sada Suketsune sighed. "We are his disciples, and we will stand by his side. This is the true meaning of loyalty stated in the Bushido code!"

As they were calming their nerves, the door suddenly opened. Master Yuemura entered their room with a neutral face, it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

"I'm glad you're all here already, it will save my time." Yuemura stated somewhat aloof.

"Master!" The three disciples got up and bowed respectfully.

[Could it be that he heard our conversation?] They thought.

"You three are going back to Japan." The Sensei ordered bluntly.

"What!?" They were perplexed.

"But we - " Nobo tried to speak but was cut short by the Master.

"No buts, I'm not asking you. It's an order!" Yuemura raised his eyebrows slightly, a sign that they clearly understood: he was getting mad.

The disciples froze, unexpectedly it was Hiraoka the first one to react.

"Are you forsaking your own disciples!?" Hiraoka exclaimed furiously, his face reddened with anger.

"Forsaken!? You are more than just my disciples, you children are my only family!" Yuemura, though tough, truly loved his disciples and did it for their own good. "But now, your true families will need your help. Use everything I've taught you to face the hard times to come..."

He said no more. That was all he could tell them, Yuemura knew that anything beyond that would make the boys act the opposite of what he intended. It would be better for them if they actually went to Japan to take care of their own families, Yuemura didn't need their protection. If they were smart enough they would understand his hint.

"Will we be able to see you again?" Nobo, the youngest, was the first one to accept. He bowed deeply in gratitude.

"I hope so, kid…" The master answered vaguely, he had no idea.

"Master, I want to stay with you and keep learning!" Hiroaka bowed, his head almost touched the ground.

"You are my first disciple and I have already taught you everything I could." Yuemura said gently. "Actually, you can even open your own dojo, and in a few years you will surpass me for sure!"

However those words were not sufficient to the man.

"It is all his fault, isn't it!?" Hiraoka was still resigned. "What did he say to you!?"

At this time, Sada tried to calm him down.

"Hiraoka I think it's enough…."

However things were already too far and Yuemura raised his hand, silencing Sada.

"Am I your master?" Yuemura asked to Hiraoka.

"Yes, sensei!" Hiraoka answered and bowed.

"So why are you questioning me over and over again!?" Yuemura was implying something very simple: If he continued to question it, Hiraoka would no longer be considered a disciple!

Hiraoka stayed silent, and Sada intervened before things could get worse.

"We'll depart after this weekend, Master! We really appreciate everything you've done to us, I hope we can meet soon!"

And so they did.