CHAPTER 02 : early practice

Time passed so quickly without realizing that Daru was now 6 years old. Since that day Daru lives with Jianzhen who he considers as his teacher even more. Jianzhen

taught him many things, starting from counting, reading, writing, and other basic knowledge, making the relationship between the two become closer as time went by. For Daru, Jianzhen is like his own father.

Daru was very enthusiastic every time he saw his teacher practicing swordsmanship on the terrace of his residence. He always observed the teacher's every move. Unbeknownst to his teacher, Daru had been secretly practicing swordsmanship using a broom handle.

Once, when he was 5 years old, he asked Jianzhen to teach him swordsmanship. However, his teacher refused because he felt that Daru was not old enough to learn swordsmanship, especially since his physical condition was not yet suitable.

Therefore, at the age of 6 he began to actively train physically.

According to Daru, swordsmanship is something very interesting to learn.

***

This time Daru woke up earlier than usual, even when the dawn had not yet appeared.

He woke up early in the morning not without a reason but because of the teacher's orders. Not only that, Jianzhen also told Daru to immediately go to the place where he usually practices after cleaning himself.

After carrying out his cleansing ritual, he hurriedly went to the terrace of the house, suspecting that Jianzhen had been waiting for him to practice.

However, this time there was something different, Jianzhen did not immediately

practice but waited for Daru while carrying two swords in his hands. One of them is a medium- sized wooden sword.

Jianzhen approached Daru with a wide smile, he gave his wooden sword to Daru who looked surprised.

"Now that you are 6 years old, from now on you can learn swordsmanship with me."

His teacher's words seemed to be the good news he had been waiting for a long time. Daru restrained himself from jumping for joy. With sparkling eyes he immediately received the sword, "Yes, teacher!"

Jianzhen then explained the basic knowledge of swordsmanship, he also explained the various types of

swords. Meanwhile, Daru remained in his original position, trying to listen and absorb every explanation from the teacher.

After explaining, Jianzhen demonstrated several sword moves. He asked Daru to observe carefully before participating in the demonstration.

"How is it Daru? Do you understand?"

Daru nodded in understanding, he was sure he could demonstrate it well.

Jianzhen could clearly feel the fire of enthusiasm burning in Daru's sparkling eyes.

****

"I thought it would be as easy as I imagined." Daru lay on the ground panting, sweat pouring down his entire body. Apparently the swordsmanship he learned really drained all his stamina.

Jianzhen chuckled, "That's the end of your training for today, don't push your little body too hard anymore. Now you can rest."

Daru was actually reluctant to end training. However, he realized he couldn't push himself any further considering he had just learned swordsmanship. In the end, Daru just nodded in understanding. He immediately changed his position to a sitting position and began to catch his breath again.

KRUYUK!!

The rumbling sound of Daru's stomach managed to divert the teacher's attention. Jianzhen raised an eyebrow and looked directly at Daru, making the boy feel a little embarrassed.

Jianzhen chuckled, "It's still early, you're hungry, aren't you?"

"Sorry, teacher." Daru scratched his non-itchy head awkwardly, "Teacher, how about we cook fish for breakfast? How about I fish alone?"

"Hm, fishing? Seems like a good idea. But are you sure you want to fish yourself Daru? The forest area is quite dangerous so you have to be very careful," he said worriedly.

"Just trust your student, teacher!!"

****

Daru spent his journey into the forest whistling. Daru's whistling only stopped when he arrived at his destination, a large river right in front of him, the roar of the clear water and the gentle breeze were the perfect combination. Daru smiled broadly before squatting down and pulling out the bait on the hook, ready to fish.

A basket of fish also accompanied him beside him.

It didn't take long for Daru to catch three medium-sized fish.

Daru smiled meaningfully looking at his catch with a twinkle shining in his eyes. Indeed fishing is the best choice!

"It turns out I'm quite talented in this field, huh!" Daru rubbed his nose clearly looking proud.

Everything went according to his expectations but without realizing it, a black figure was seen from the bushes, silently watching him, it was clear that the figure didn't like Daru's arrival. His eyes darted sharply to the basket containing some of the fish Daru had caught.

Suddenly the hairs on the back of his neck stood up, "Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling, huh?"

he thought.

****

Unlike usual, Daru returned home this time with a sour face.

"Teacher, I don't like this-!" Daru snorted in annoyance. He came home while dragging a small bear cub.

"This is very annoying."

Loud stomps were heard every time Daru took a step. Of course, he deliberately stomped his feet loudly, acting like a child having a tantrum

generally.

The bear, knowing that its body was being dragged by its tail, could do nothing but accept its fate. Fear was visible on his face, perhaps Daru had done something to make the bear submissive and surrender.

Jianzhen hurriedly came out to Daru when he heard his annoyed scream. Jianzhen frowned and looked at Daru with a surprised look

knowing that the boy was dragging a bear that was cowering in fear. Jianzhen was worried just now, but look what this kid did again-!

"Teacher, this animal is bothering me! He deserves to be taught a lesson!"

Daru snorted in annoyance before telling him everything that had happened. The reason is that when he was fishing, a bear was secretly eating the fish he had caught with great difficulty, and when Daru discovered the bear's actions, the animal was actually intending to attack him, without having any other choice he immediately put up a fight by giving the little bear a series of blows.

Daru indeed has higher physical strength than children his age, so it is not surprising that a bear is defeated when hit by a series of blows from him.

His worry soon turned into a chuckle. Jianzhen slapped his forehead, feeling incomprehensible about his student's behavior. On the other hand, he found this incident quite entertaining. Jianzhen crouched right in front of Daru with one foot on the

ground, he stared at Daru for a few moments before turning his gaze to the bear. A moment later Jianzhen flicked Daru's forehead.

"Daru, he's hungry, don't even hit him like that!"

"But, teacher! I want to eat too!" Daru denied while holding his forehead.

Jianzhen took a deep breath and rubbed Daru's head gently, "Even though he ate the fish you caught, all creatures deserve to live and get a second chance regardless of the bear's actions."

Jianzhen smiled gently, he pointed at Daru's chest, "Teacher is sure that this teacher's student has a good heart so teacher please let him go Daru, he did it because he was hungry."

Daru took a deep breath, he looked at the bear whose scruff he was holding tightly so it wouldn't run away. Daru squeaked before letting go of the bear.

"Okay, I forgive you," he said while stroking the bear's head, making the animal surprised by his attitude.

He looked at Daru before getting up and immediately running away.

Jianzhen chuckled, "Teacher knows you are really kind Daru."

"Of course, because teacher who taught me!" Without realizing it, the corners of his lips rose to reveal his trademark smile that was etched on his sweet face.

His expression became crumpled again, Daru held his stomach which felt empty. He couldn't deny the fact that he was still upset about the incident earlier. If only the bear didn't eat the fish, Daru definitely wouldn't have to feel hungry like this.

Jianzhen chuckled as if he could read Daru's thoughts.

"Aren't you hungry, Daru? Teacher has prepared something for you." Jianzhen smiled meaningfully, he could be sure that Daru would like something he would give him.

Quickly his disheveled expression changed to one of joy.

"Uh really?!"

****

"Tada! Here we go."

Jianzhen approached Daru carrying a wooden plate containing some green food. No, more precisely, several foods neatly wrapped in banana leaves.

This was the first time he had seen food like this. Daru hesitantly took one of them, examining it from end to end.

"Just eat it Daru, you'll know the taste once you try it."

With curiosity, Daru tasted one of them. His eyes widened when he tasted his tongue. A strange sensation, this was the first time Daru had tasted food this delicious.

This is really delicious!

"This is so delicious, teacher!" Daru became enthusiastic, he hurriedly ate one food whole to quickly get another, this made his mouth full and his cheeks bulging.

"Just slow down Daru." Jianzhen smiled to Daru.

"Teacher, this is really delicious! What is this food called? Why did you give it to me just this time?" Because his mouth was full of food, Daru's words became unclear and only sounded like mumbling.

"Finish your food first Daru then ask." Jianzhen reminded him, even though he only heard Daru's mumbling, Jianzhen could guess what Daru was saying, "Oh, this is called lemper, this is your first time eating this, right? This food is very hard to get because it is only available at big celebrations, parties and traditional ceremonies. "

Daru was stunned, he suddenly stopped chewing and his eyes widened, with puffed cheeks he looked at the food in his hand before turning to look at the teacher in surprise.

"So do you mean, you stole it?"

Jianzhen choked on his own breath until he coughed, he looked at Daru sarcastically.

"No way! Of course I bought it myself," he said, a little annoyed.