In Search of Redemption [part 3]

The Journey of Suzuki Kyōi: Facing the First Challenge

As Suzuki Kyōi approached the group of men indicated by the veteran, he felt the weight of the moment.

The conversations among the mercenaries grew clearer, filled with harsh words and cynical laughter.

They were men who lived by battles and violence, accustomed to following those who demonstrated strength and cunning, not empty words.

Kyōi slowed his pace, observing the warriors sitting around a worn table.

There were five in total, each bearing scars that told stories of past battles.

Their weapons, although old and battered, were kept with care, a sign that for them, fighting was not just a job but a way of life.

The largest of the group, a massive man with a scar running across his face, seemed to be the leader.

Kyōi didn't speak right away.

He let the mercenaries notice him first.

When their leader lifted his gaze and fixed it on him, Kyōi stopped a few steps away, remaining silent.

The man sized him up from head to toe, then nodded his head.

"Are you here to do our work or just to snoop around?" the leader asked, his voice gravelly and impatient.

Kyōi replied calmly, maintaining a confident tone.

"I'm not here to offer you a job, but a cause. An opportunity for redemption."

A sarcastic laugh erupted among the mercenaries, as if his proposal were ridiculous.

The leader smiled sinisterly, leaning back in his chair.

"Redemption? And what do you know about redemption?"

Kyōi remained unfazed.

"I know what it means to lose everything. I know what it feels like to be forgotten. But I also know what it means to rise again. And anyone who follows me will no longer be just a mercenary. They will be part of something greater."

The leader raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

"Nice words. But here, words are not enough. If you want someone to follow you, you'll have to prove you're worthy of respect."

Kyōi nodded.

"I'm not here to talk. If it's respect you want, I will earn it."

The leader slowly rose from his seat, the chair creaking under his weight.

The other mercenaries shifted slightly, as if anticipating an inevitable fight. The leader approached Kyōi, locking eyes with him in a challenging gaze.

"I am Renidori Decianezen," he said, his tone low but filled with menace. "If you want to earn our respect, you'll have to defeat me in combat. Here and now."

Kyōi didn't hesitate. He knew it was the only way to prove his worth.

"I accept."

The Fight in the Tavern

News of the duel spread quickly through the tavern, and as it did, many began to take notice, with different people rising to watch.

And as seconds passed, more and more stood up to witness, until everyone was on their feet, forming a circle around Kyōi and Renidori Decianezen.

Curious and expectant gazes multiplied, and the buzz filled the air.

The innkeeper, observing the scene, did nothing to stop the clash; duels like this were common in places like the Broken Blade.

Renidori Decianezen removed his jacket, revealing a torso covered in scars.

He drew a short sword, its blade dull and worn, yet visibly sharp.

Kyōi, on the other hand, simply drew a plain katana, devoid of embellishments, but with a gleaming, well-sharpened blade.

The tension in the air increased as the two men positioned themselves facing each other.

"I hope you know what you're doing, boy," growled Renidori Decianezen, with a fierce smile.

Kyōi did not respond.

He focused, his body relaxed but ready to spring at the slightest sign of movement.

The Journey of Suzuki Kyōi: Facing the First Challenge

The tension in the tavern was palpable as Kyōi and Renidori Decianezen faced off, the circle of spectators surrounding them pulsing with energy.

The eyes were fixed on the two men, the air thick with anticipation and curiosity.

Kyōi knew that his goal was not to inflict wounds on his opponent, but rather to demonstrate his skill and earn the respect of those mercenaries.

He had to find the right balance between attack and defense, always keeping in mind his mission to recruit Renidori Decianezen.

With a growl, Renidori Decianezen made the first move, lunging forward with the raised short sword.

Kyōi sidestepped gracefully, avoiding the strike with a quick motion. Instead of trying to counterattack, Kyōi focused on fluid movements, disarming Renidori Decianezen's aggressive intentions.

Cleverly, Kyōi used the katana to block the blows, showcasing a mastery that surprised the onlookers.

Each strike from Renidori Decianezen was powerful and direct, but Kyōi didn't seek to clash head-on.

His parries were calculated, and every time Renidori Decianezen launched an attack, Kyōi moved with the grace of a feline, shifting away to avoid being hit.

"You seem faster than you look," grunted Renidori Decianezen, frustration creeping into his voice.

"Just smarter," Kyōi replied, keeping calm.

As the fight dragged on, his opponent began to lose momentum.

Renidori Decianezen, used to fighting men who surrendered easily, didn't expect to face an opponent who denied him the chance to inflict wounds.

Kyōi, aware of the fatigue beginning to show in the massive warrior's body, continued to dance around him.

With remarkable skill, Kyōi began to employ disorienting strikes, trying to throw Renidori Decianezen off balance.

A swift cut to his opponent's arm forced Renidori Decianezen to retreat slightly, but Kyōi didn't take advantage of the opening to land a deep blow.

Instead, he kept dancing around him, like a shadow that could never be caught.

"You're fast," admitted Renidori Decianezen, panting as he tried to catch his breath.

"But respect isn't earned just through strength," Kyōi retorted. "It's earned by demonstrating worth and intelligence."

After another exchange of blows, Renidori Decianezen grew increasingly frustrated.

He realized that every time he attempted to strike him, Kyōi seemed to anticipate his moves.

The crowd began to murmur, astonished by Kyōi's tenacity and calmness, while his opponent began to lose patience.

With a fluid motion, Kyōi took advantage of an opening: he quickly approached, stepped back, and with a skilled maneuver, gently tapped the side of Renidori Decianezen with the back of his katana.

It wasn't a lethal strike, but rather a gesture to demonstrate his superiority without harming him.

Renidori Decianezen, caught off guard, staggered but quickly regained his footing, trying to maintain control.

The circle of spectators fell silent. Kyōi had found his opponent's weak point, not just physically but psychologically.

"Do you understand now?" he asked, his tone firm yet respectful. "I don't want to kill you; I want you to recognize that we are stronger together."

Renidori Decianezen paused, his breath heavy as he considered Kyōi's words. He realized that the man before him was not an ordinary adversary.

"Alright," said Renidori Decianezen, his face serious as he composed himself.

"You've demonstrated your skill. But respect is earned in battle. It's not just about winning, but about what you're willing to give."

Kyōi nodded, feeling the connection between them grow.

"That's why I'm here," he replied.

"I don't want mercenaries; I want warriors willing to fight for a cause, not just for money. Will you join me and help me change the fate of this empire?"

Renidori Decianezen pondered for a moment, then opened his arms in a gesture of acceptance.

"You are a bold man, Kyōi. If you promise to fight at our side, I will follow you."

The crowd erupted into applause mixed with shouts of approval. Kyōi smiled, a smile of determination and hope.

He had taken the first step on his journey, and with Renidori Decianezen by his side, he knew he had found a valuable ally.

Suzuki Kyōi's journey had just begun, but a future full of possibilities was already taking shape.

The Land of Poverty, with all its challenges, now seemed like a stage for a new alliance and a new hope.