Chapter 17 - Testing Capabilities and Achieving Growth

It has been several months since I started sword training at Isshin Dojo. Every day, I wake up early, strengthen my body, and train my sword skills with enthusiasm. I want to be the best, and relentless practice has built strength and agility in my swordsmanship.

Today, the atmosphere in the dojo feels slightly different. A group of students gathers in the middle of the dojo, preparing for sparring with fellow students. This is an opportunity for me to test the abilities I have developed over the past few months.

I stand tall, observing my opponents. They are skilled students who are equally dedicated to the art of the sword. With a confident smile, I step forward to join them.

The fight begins, our wooden swords clash, creating echoing sounds in the dojo. I try to apply the techniques I have learned, using speed and strength to fight against my opponents. However, despite having Kenbunshoku Haki that allows me to sense the movements of my enemies, the coordination with my body is still not fully trained.

My opponents attack swiftly, taking advantage of the openings in my movements. I get hit several times, but I don't give up. I know this is part of the learning process and becoming stronger.

With strong determination, I engage in the fight with fiery spirit. Although there are shortcomings in my body coordination, I use the Kenbunshoku Haki I have mastered to sense the movements of the enemy before they even launch an attack. This gives me a slight advantage in the fight, allowing me to dodge some of the attacks launched at me.

However, my spirit and resilience are not enough. The coordination between my mind and body still needs improvement. Sometimes, I still miss opportunities to counterattack or respond accurately to the enemy's attacks.

When the fight ends, I look at my smiling opponents in front of me. They acknowledge my efforts, even though I still need to work hard to improve my body coordination.

The next day, as I enter the dojo with even greater determination, the atmosphere feels energetic and full of enthusiasm. I refuse to give up on my shortcomings in body coordination, so I focus on developing the skills that still need improvement.

I start with intense warm-up exercises, involving movements that test the flexibility and speed of my body. I jump, spin, and swing my sword quickly and precisely. Each movement is performed with full concentration, sharpening the coordination between my mind and body.

After the warm-up, I move on to practicing the basic techniques of swordsmanship. I train my attacks and defenses with careful attention to every movement and position of my body. In each movement, I try to improve the coordination between my eyes, hands, and feet, so I can respond quickly and accurately to the enemy's attacks.

The training involves not only speed and agility but also focuses on quick reactions and decision-making. I use various training aids, such as target dummies, to train my reflexes and sharpen my mental ability to anticipate the enemy's movements. I realize that good body coordination depends not only on physical abilities but also on mental skills and tactical intelligence.

During the training, my instructor and fellow students in the dojo provide valuable support and feedback. They give me tips and tricks to improve body coordination and share their experiences in facing different battle situations. I am grateful for the support and cooperation among us because it strengthens my spirit to keep growing.

After hours of training my body coordination, I feel exhausted but also satisfied with the progress I have made. I know that improvement doesn't happen overnight but through consistent and diligent practice. I am prepared to repeat this process every day, with a strong determination to become the best in the art of the sword.

As I leave the dojo that evening, I feel more confident and certain that every training session I

have undergone has been beneficial. I feel closer to my goal of becoming a skilled swordsman. The desire to continue practicing and developing in the art of the sword intensifies within me.

With a burning spirit, I walk home towards my room in the dormitory. I reflect on the days I have spent at Isshin Dojo, and gratitude fills my heart. I realize that this journey is not only about training my body coordination but also about discovering myself, facing my fears and weaknesses, and surpassing the limits that exist.

With newfound confidence and self-belief, I am ready to face the next challenges that await in the world of the sword. I am eager to continue growing, improving my body coordination, and mastering higher-level techniques. Isshin Dojo is a place where struggle and growth occur, and I promise to give my best there.

In the following weeks at Isshin Dojo, the atmosphere heats up again as I face Kuina in a fight that will test the extent of my progress. It's not just me who feels nervous, realizing that I have shown promising development in my recent training.

With a determined gaze, Kuina swings her sword with incredible skill. Her movements are agile and powerful, showcasing the expertise she has developed over the years. I feel the pressure from Kuina's swift attacks, but I refuse to give up easily.

I use the Kenbunshoku Haki I have mastered to sense Kuina's movements before she even launches her attacks. Although my body coordination is still imperfect, I use that power to anticipate her moves and swiftly dodge. I manage to successfully dodge every attack she unleashes with precision, giving me a slight advantage in the fight.

However, I know that this advantage is not enough to defeat the highly skilled Kuina. She carefully studies my movements and looks for openings to strike. Every time I make a small mistake in my body coordination, she promptly seizes the opportunity to swing her sword with tremendous force.

Although I fight with all my might, the battle ends with a complete defeat for me. Kuina has proven her unmatched skill. While I feel frustrated with this loss, I refuse to give up. I know that this defeat is part of the journey towards true excellence.

In the following days, after I recover, I also spar with Zoro. With a serious expression on his face, he looks at me with a challenging gaze. The wooden swords in his hands are ready for battle. I can see the burning fire of spirit and determination in his eyes. I sense a powerful energy, indicating that this fight will be intense.

We face each other in the middle of the dojo, the atmosphere tense. Our wooden swords collide with a loud impact, creating vibrations that resonate within me. I can feel that Zoro is much stronger in terms of power than I am. I try to apply everything I have learned so far, using speed and agility to defeat Zoro.

However, Zoro's strength and skill are extraordinary. Every attack he unleashes is powerful and precise. I struggle hard to evade them and counterattack, but my body coordination is still lacking. Several times, I get hit by Zoro's deadly attacks, putting me under pressure.

Although I fight with all my strength, I have to admit Zoro's superiority in the end. He has surpassed the limits of swordsmanship. Although I feel disappointed with this defeat, I refuse to give up. I know that this loss is part of the journey toward true excellence.