I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [51]

Most people in this world have a twisted mindset.

They obsess over the amount of magic they possess, ignoring their own personal growth.

Right now, Okita Souji is out for a morning jog—something her classmates likely wouldn't understand.

With magic capable of strengthening physical abilities, who would waste time on training that doesn't seem to yield any visible growth? Wouldn't it be better to focus on honing one's abilities and combat skills?

She controls the length of her strides, the rhythm of her breathing, and the swing of her arms.

The act of "growth" itself shouldn't apply to a Servant. Their Saint Graph is fixed, only affected by the magical energy that sustains them.

But she isn't a typical Heroic Spirit. Although her appearance and power derive from her Saint Graph, her essence remains her own. In this sense, she is somewhat like Mash—a demi-servant.

Jogging might not appear to aid Okita Souji's growth, but only those at her level understand: the basics are never to be neglected.

In the world of Type-Moon, the "pillars" of swordsmanship are, to her knowledge, Sasaki Kojirou and Miyamoto Musashi. Her own skill is far from reaching such heights, but even those masters continue practicing the basics—like striking a set number of times each day.

Who knows how proficient Demon King Souji's swordsmanship is? Has she reached the level of Sasaki Kojirou or Miyamoto Musashi? Unfortunately, her Chaldea doesn't have Demon King Souji—only Demon King Nobunaga.

Cherry blossoms fluttered through the air, carried by a cool breeze.

Whether in people, things, or events, the "way" is hidden in every detail, and expressing it through the sword becomes "kendo."

In the sword of Sasaki Kojirou, one can see birds, flowers, insects, and even mountains and rivers—but that's clearly not her path.

She has her own way of the sword. Her concern now lies in how to fully embody this path, in purging distractions from her "sword" and making its essence purer.

That's why she came to see him.

The purest "swordsman" in this world.

Okita Souji gradually slowed her pace. Beneath a cherry blossom tree in the distance, she saw a lone figure.

Short, clean black hair, clad in a sporty hoodie and sweatpants—he wasn't exactly strikingly handsome, but he was certainly pleasing to look at.

Yet, beyond such trivial details, there was one thing that drew her attention.

"Such a clear fighting spirit…"

It was impossible to describe that clarity. Even a crystal-clear lake has mud and impurities, but he felt purer than any clear lake she'd ever seen.

In his hand was a katana, black as a crow, looking as ordinary as its wielder.

But what resided within that blade was anything but ordinary.

Horizontal cuts, vertical slashes, thrusts—each move was executed in practiced, foundational strokes.

He repeated those basic movements, yet with an almost ethereal simplicity; each strike was free of unnecessary flourishes.

The advantage was that it made his sword quicker, conserving unnecessary energy.

Gradually, he entered a mysterious state.

It was as if the area touched by his blade separated from this world, becoming his own "domain."

Then suddenly, an "intruder" appeared in that domain.

The black blade seemed to slice through the air, tracing an arc so subtle it brushed past Okita Souji's slender neck, grazing her fair skin and cherry-pink hair.

Yet, despite the blade's proximity, Okita Souji remained unfazed.

"Oh, did I get a bit too close? Sorry, sorry! Your sword was so beautiful, I ended up watching a bit too intently."

She laughed carelessly, but across from her, Ikki Kurogane felt a chill run down his spine.

Not because his blade had nearly slashed her throat—though, that was part of it.

What truly alarmed him was that he hadn't sensed this girl's approach at all.

This was unheard of, especially for him when he was so focused on his training.

Even the falling cherry blossoms around him didn't escape his senses, yet she had reached this close without disturbing him.

If she had approached with killing intent…

"If I had wanted to harm you, I wouldn't have been able to get this close."

As if reading Ikki Kurogane's thoughts, Okita Souji clasped her hands behind her back, shaking her head. "A little confidence, please. You're not so weak that you can't sense killing intent, right? Though, for a true Assassin, killing intent is often unnecessary. They may eliminate their target without even a hint of it."

"An Assassin? A killer?"

The reason Ikki Kurogane hadn't detected Okita Souji's approach was simple.

Presence Concealment (J): B-

A skill of the Assassin-class Servant, Okita Souji, which allows her to hide her presence completely.

According to her, even though she is a swordsman, she has accepted assassination and stealth missions. In fact, her suitability for the Assassin class surpasses that of the Saber class.

Though, she often jokes that her "assassinations" somehow always end up as rampages, leading to her getting scolded by Hijikata Toshizo, the Vice-Captain of the Shinsengumi.

But, imagining the combat style of a certain Grand Assassin…

It seems Miss Okita's approach is the true form of assassination. (Several Hassans: Hey, cut it out!)

"My apologies if I startled you," she said, seeing Ikki Kurogane's dazed expression. Okita Souji leaned forward, looking up at him with a playful smile. "You looked like you were reaching some kind of epiphany. I didn't want to disturb you, so I softened my footsteps—but I guess that backfired, didn't it? Hehe!"

Could that really be achieved just by softening one's steps?

Ikki Kurogane was dumbstruck.

Then, he saw her extend her hand.

Her hand was pale—not the unhealthy sort, but a milky white, almost glistening in the sunlight.

"My name is Okita Souji. I just transferred here yesterday."

With amber eyes that curved into little crescents, Okita Souji flashed him a dazzling smile.

"Nice to meet you! You're the first person I've met at this academy."

Ikki Kurogane stared at her smile for a long moment before he, too, smiled.

Although there were countless mysteries surrounding her, his instincts told him she wasn't a bad person.

"A pleasure to meet you. I'm Ikki Kurogane."

---

T/N: I looked it up and this version of Okita is an assassin!

Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!

(IN THE STORY)

If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]