Chapter 63: Arc 2, - 41: First Swings
"What do you know of lessons of the blade, if any?" he asked, holding a sword of his own whilst Jotou still had the one she borrowed.
"Uh," Jotou pondered in the tranquil location, in between trees and stones on a grass patch, "Your sword is an extension of yourself?"
"Who told you that nonsense?" Jotou shrugged cluelessly in response. "Your sword is a weapon; a tool and tool alone.
It doesn't fight unless the wielder does, but you can still fight without it. Maintenance and care must be given to your blade, but don't treat as an asset of yourself.
When faced with unimaginable peril, drop your sword if you're unable to wield it. Treat it as an extension of yourself; then you better be ready to lose yourself as well...
You are not your blade. You and your sword are allies. Your movements and its movements must differ if you are to adeptly handle an enemy; even an enemy much stronger than yourself.
Now then, learn to dodge and block," Master Tensuo readied his blade, holding one hand behind him as he—"SLASH!"—went for Jotou's head.
She felt jolts of lightning trickle down her hair. Jotou moved back and ducked in response.
"Don't bend your back!" Master Tensuo yelled.
Jotou stood up straight, "Sorry; just instinct..."
A tiny lock of her hair drifted down from the blade's slash; it turned completely black in an instant, blown by the wind and hidden from sight.