Chapter 3: New Bonds
Akira POV
Monday afternoon couldn't come fast enough. I'd spent the weekend thinking about the dojo, about Shizuku's impressive skills, and most importantly, about how I could use legitimate training to cover my supernatural development. Mom had noticed my restless energy and suggested I "burn it off" by helping her with household chores—which turned out to be surprisingly educational.
Watching her move around the kitchen while preparing lunch, I caught glimpses of the trained warrior beneath the motherly facade. The way she handled knives wasn't just efficient—it was precise, controlled, with movements that spoke of muscle memory developed through years of practice. When she thought I wasn't looking, she'd automatically check sight lines through windows and position herself where she could see both entrances to the room.
'She really is from the Sigurd Institution,' I thought, adding another entry to my [Archive Magic] files.
[Your parents are more dangerous than they appear.] Ddraig observed as we walked toward the dojo Monday afternoon. [I can sense the controlled power in both of them, though they hide it well.]
'That's what worries me. If they're that skilled at hiding their true nature, what else don't I know about them?'
The Yaegashi dojo looked different in the late afternoon light—less mystical, more practical. Several children around my age were already gathered in the training area, sitting in neat rows while Master Yaegashi demonstrated basic sword positions.
"Ah, Akira." he said, noticing my arrival. "Please, join the others. Shizuku, would you help him with the proper sitting position?"
Shizuku immediately scooted over to make room beside her, her serious expression brightening slightly when she saw me. "Remember to keep your back straight." she whispered as I settled into the traditional seiza position. "It's uncomfortable at first, but you get used to it."
Looking around at the other students, I realized I was probably the least experienced person in the room. Most of the children moved with a familiarity that spoke of months or years of training. But that was fine—being underestimated would make it easier to gradually reveal enhanced abilities without raising suspicions.
"Today we will focus on the fundamental stance and basic cuts." Master Yaegashi announced. "Remember, precision is more important than power. A perfect technique performed slowly is better than a sloppy technique performed quickly."
As we moved through the exercises, I found myself genuinely impressed by the teaching methodology. Master Yaegashi had a way of breaking down complex movements into manageable pieces, building each technique from the ground up. More importantly, he emphasized control and discipline—exactly what I needed to develop for my supernatural abilities.
"Akira," Shizuku said during a brief break, "you're doing really well for someone so new. Your balance is much better than most beginners."
"Thanks." I replied, careful not to seem too eager for praise. "I've been practicing the stance at home."
"That's good! Papa always says that real training happens outside the dojo too." She paused, then added quietly, "Would you like to practice together sometime? I mean, outside of class? I have a wooden sword at home that's the right size for beginners."
Before I could answer, Master Yaegashi called for attention. "Pair exercises now. Experienced students, please work with newer students. Shizuku, you and Akira will partner together."
What followed was both humbling and educational. Shizuku moved through the partnered drills with an ease that made my own fumbling attempts look clumsy by comparison. But she was patient, offering gentle corrections and encouragement without making me feel inadequate.
"Feel the weight of the sword." she instructed as we practiced basic cuts. "Don't fight it—work with it. The blade wants to follow a natural path."
I tried to focus on her guidance while simultaneously managing my enhanced strength and coordination. Too much power would seem suspicious, but too little would waste the opportunity to train. Finding that balance was harder than accessing [Archive Magic].
[You're overthinking again.] Ddraig noted. [Relax. Let your body learn naturally while your mind observes.]
Taking his advice, I tried to settle into the rhythm of the exercises. Gradually, I began to understand what Shizuku meant about working with the sword rather than fighting it. There was a flow to the movements, a logic that connected each position to the next.
"Much better!" Shizuku said with genuine enthusiasm. "You're starting to get it."
By the end of the session, I was exhausted but exhilarated. The physical training had been more demanding than I'd expected, and the mental focus required to perform the techniques correctly had left me feeling pleasantly drained.
"Excellent work today, everyone." Master Yaegashi announced. "Practice what we've learned, and remember—patience and persistence are the keys to mastery."
As the other students began to leave, Shizuku approached me with a shy smile. "Akira, would you like to walk home together? I live just a few blocks from here."
"I'd like that." I replied, then remembered my manners. "But I should check with my mom first."
Mom, who had been waiting outside the dojo reading a book, readily agreed to let me walk with Shizuku. "Just be home before dinner." she said, but I caught the way her eyes automatically tracked the other departing students and their parents.
"Your mom seems nice." Shizuku observed as we started walking. "But she watches everything, doesn't she?"
I glanced at her in surprise. That was a remarkably perceptive observation for a six-year-old. "What do you mean?"
"The way she looked at everyone when they left. Like she was memorizing faces and making sure no one was dangerous." Shizuku shrugged. "Papa does the same thing sometimes. He says it's just being careful, but it seems like more than that."
'Interesting.' I thought. 'Maybe there's more to the Yaegashi family than just martial arts.'
[The girl is observant.] Ddraig noted. [Perhaps her family has their own secrets.]
"Maybe they're just protective parents." I suggested, testing her reaction.
"Maybe." Shizuku agreed, but she didn't sound entirely convinced. "Anyway, how did you like your first real class?"
"It was great! Hard, but great. I can see why you love it so much."
"It's not just about the fighting." she said seriously. "Papa says martial arts teach you about yourself. How to stay calm when things are scary, how to keep trying even when something is really difficult."
As we walked through the quiet residential streets, I found myself genuinely enjoying Shizuku's company. She was serious for her age, but not in an off-putting way. More like someone who thought carefully about things before speaking.
"There's a small park near my house." she said as we approached a tree-lined street. "Sometimes I practice there when I want to be alone. The trees make it feel... peaceful."
"That sounds nice." I replied, filing away the information. A secluded practice area might be exactly what I needed for my magical experimentation.
"Would you like to see it? We could practice basic stances, if you want."
The park turned out to be a small, quiet space tucked between residential buildings. Mature trees created natural barriers, and the late afternoon light filtered through the leaves in a way that made the area feel almost magical.
"This is perfect." I said, genuinely impressed. "It's so quiet here."
"That's why I like it." Shizuku said, already moving into a basic stance. "Nobody bothers you, and you can really focus."
We spent the next thirty minutes going through the exercises from class. Having Shizuku's personalized instruction was incredibly valuable—she caught mistakes I didn't even know I was making and offered corrections that immediately improved my form.
[She has excellent teaching instincts.] Ddraig observed. [Her technique is also remarkably refined for someone so young.]
'She's going to be an incredible swordswoman when she grows up.' I replied silently. 'Assuming she follows the same path as in her original story.'
"Akira," Shizuku said during a break, "can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"You said you've been practicing at home, but... how did you know to practice? I mean, most kids don't think about martial arts until their parents make them try it."
I felt a moment of panic. That was another very perceptive question, and I wasn't sure how to answer without revealing too much.
"I guess I've always been interested in it," I said carefully. "My dad teaches martial arts too, so I've been around it my whole life."
"Oh! That's so cool. What style does he teach?"
"Mixed styles." I replied, which was technically true based on what I'd observed. "He believes different techniques work better for different people."
Shizuku nodded thoughtfully. "Papa says the same thing. He knows several traditional styles, but he teaches each student what works best for them."
We continued practicing until the sun began to set, at which point I reluctantly said I needed to head home. Shizuku walked me partway, chattering about different sword techniques and promising to show me some advanced kata next time.
"Thanks for the extra practice." I said as we reached the point where our paths diverged. "This really helped."
"I had fun too." she replied with a smile that transformed her serious face. "It's nice to have someone to practice with who actually wants to learn."
Walking home through the gathering dusk, I reflected on how much the day had exceeded my expectations. Not only had I gotten valuable martial arts training, but I'd also started to build a genuine friendship with Shizuku. More importantly, I'd found a potential location for safer magical experimentation.
The house was warm and bright when I arrived, filled with the scent of Mom's cooking. I found her in the kitchen, efficiently preparing dinner while Dad sat at the table grading papers from his classes.
"How was your first official lesson?" Dad asked, looking up from his work.
"Great! Shizuku helped me with the basic techniques, and Master Yaegashi is a really good teacher."
"The Yaegashi girl walked you home?" Mom asked, glancing up from the stove.
"Partway. We practiced together at a small park near her house. She's really good at explaining things."
Dad and Mom exchanged one of their meaningful looks. "It's good that you're making friends." Dad said carefully. "Just... be aware that some families have their own ways of doing things."
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing specific," Mom said quickly. "Just that every family has their own traditions and expectations. The Yaegashis take their martial arts very seriously."
[They're concerned about something,] Ddraig observed. [But trying not to alarm you.]
After dinner, I retreated to my room ostensibly to do homework, but actually to process everything I'd learned. Settling into my meditation position, I accessed my [Archive Magic] interface.
{Archive Magic Active. User Level: Novice. Multiple data inputs detected.}
'Create new file: Yaegashi Dojo Training Analysis,' I thought as I typed on a light profected keyboard.
{File created. Input data?}
I began organizing the day's observations: Master Yaegashi's teaching methods, Shizuku's advanced skills and perceptive comments, the other students' skill levels, and most importantly, the secluded park that could serve as a practice location.
As I worked, I heard voices from downstairs—my parents having a quiet conversation. I couldn't make out the words, but their tone suggested they were discussing something important. Probably me, and possibly the Yaegashi family.
[You should be careful Partner.] Ddraig warned. [Your parents are clearly more involved in the supernatural world than they let on. If they're concerned about the Yaegashis, there might be good reason.]
'Or they might just be overprotective. Either way, I need to be cautious about what I reveal and when.'
A soft knock on my door interrupted my thoughts. "Akira?" Mom's voice called. "You have visitors."
Visitors? I quickly dismissed the [Archive Magic] and opened my door to find Mom standing there with two familiar figures behind her—a brown-haired boy with an enthusiastic grin and a girl with chestnut hair and bright, curious eyes.
"Issei! Irina!" I exclaimed, genuinely delighted to see my friends.
"Akira!" Issei bounded forward with his usual energy. "We haven't seen you in days! Mom said you were doing martial arts now?"
"That's so cool!" Irina added, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Can you do any cool moves yet?"
Mom smiled at their enthusiasm. "Why don't you three play in the living room? I'll bring some snacks."
As we settled onto the floor with juice boxes and cookies, I found myself marveling at how normal this felt. Despite everything that had changed about my situation—the reincarnated memories, the supernatural powers, the growing awareness of hidden dangers—sitting with Issei and Irina felt completely natural.
"So tell us everything!" Irina demanded. "What's martial arts like? Is it scary?"
"It's not scary." I laughed. "It's actually really fun. There's this girl named Shizuku who's incredibly good at it—she's been training since she was three."
"A girl?" Issei's eyes lit up with interest. "Is she pretty?"
"Issei!" Irina smacked his arm. "That's not important!"
"It's a little important." Issei protested, rubbing his arm. "I mean, if Akira's going to be spending lots of time with her..."
I couldn't help but laugh at their dynamic. Even at six years old, Issei showed signs of his future... interests, while Irina displayed the protective instincts that would eventually make her such a formidable fighter.
"She's nice," I said diplomatically. "And really good at teaching. She helped me learn the basic stances today."
"Can you show us?" Irina asked eagerly.
I glanced toward the kitchen, where I could hear Mom moving around. "Maybe outside? I don't want to accidentally break anything."
The three of us headed to the small backyard, where I demonstrated some of the basic positions I'd learned. Issei and Irina tried to copy them, resulting in a lot of giggling and playful stumbling.
"This is harder than it looks." Issei complained, wobbling as he tried to maintain a proper stance.
"You have to keep your feet further apart." I instructed, unconsciously echoing Shizuku's teaching style. "And don't lean forward so much."
"Look at Akira being all teacher-like." Irina teased, but she adjusted her position according to my suggestions.
As we played around with the basic movements, I found myself thinking about how much my life had changed in just a few days. A week ago, I'd been struggling to understand my reincarnated situation. Now I had martial arts training, magical abilities I was learning to control, and friends who made everything feel grounded and real.
"Akira," Issei said during a break, "you seem different lately. More... I don't know, confident?"
I felt a moment of panic. If even Issei was noticing changes in my behavior, I needed to be more careful. "Different how?"
"Just... more sure of yourself, I guess. Like you know what you want to do."
Irina nodded in agreement. "You do seem more grown-up lately. Not in a bad way!" she added quickly. "Just... more thoughtful."
[They're observant for their age,] Ddraig noted. [You may need to be more conscious of how you present yourself.]
"Maybe it's the martial arts training." I suggested. "Master Yaegashi says it teaches you about yourself."
"That sounds very wise." Irina said solemnly, then giggled. "Listen to me being all serious!"
We continued playing until their parents came to collect them, at which point there were hugs and promises to get together again soon. As I watched them leave, waving enthusiastically from the sidewalk, I felt a warm contentment settle in my chest.
[You care about them.] Ddraig observed.
'Of course I do. They're my friends.'
[And when your supernatural nature becomes impossible to hide? When the dangers of this world threaten them? What then?]
The question sobered me. In my previous life's knowledge, both Issei and Irina eventually became involved in the supernatural world—Issei through his Sacred Gear and devil reincarnation, Irina through her work with the Church. But that was years in the future, and there was no guarantee events would unfold the same way with my presence changing things.
'Then I'll be strong enough to protect them.' I decided. 'Whatever it takes.'
[A noble goal. But strength alone may not be sufficient. You'll need allies, knowledge, and careful planning.]
'That's why I'm training. That's why I'm building these relationships. When the time comes, I want to be ready.'
After helping Mom with the dinner dishes—another opportunity to observe her unconscious combat-ready movements—I finally retreated to my room for some serious magical experimentation.
But this time, I was smarter about it. Instead of trying to practice in my room where Mom might detect magical traces, I quietly slipped out through my bedroom window. The tree outside my window provided easy access to the roof, and from there I could drop down into the backyard without being seen.
The night air was cool and quiet, perfect for focused practice. I settled into a cross-legged position in the shadow of Mom's garden shed, where I'd be hidden from view but still have room to work.
First, I accessed my [Archive Magic] interface, which had become almost second nature.
{Archive Magic Active. User Level: Novice. New practice location detected.}
'Note: Found secure practice area. Outdoor location reduces detection risk,' I thought as I continued to type on the keyboard.
{Data recorded. Recommend caution regarding ambient temperature changes and light emissions during magical practice.}
Smart advice. I made a mental note to be careful about any magical effects that might be visible or detectable.
Next, I reached for the deeper warmth I'd touched during my earlier [Fire Dragon Slayer Magic] attempt. This time, I approached it more cautiously, treating it like the dangerous force it was.
The warmth spread through my chest more slowly than before, but it felt more controlled. Instead of trying to produce flame immediately, I focused on understanding the sensation—the way the energy moved through my body, how it responded to my intentions.
[Excellent approach,] Ddraig approved. [You're learning to respect the power rather than simply using it.]
After several minutes of careful exploration, I attempted to channel a tiny amount of energy into my palm. This time, instead of a flickering flame, I managed to produce a steady warmth that lasted for nearly ten seconds before dissipating.
It wasn't dramatic, but it was progress. More importantly, it hadn't left me feeling drained the way my first attempt had.
Encouraged, I spent another hour practicing basic energy manipulation, gradually building my understanding of how [Fire Dragon Slayer Magic] worked. By the time I climbed back through my bedroom window, I'd made significant progress in both control and endurance.
[Well done,] Ddraig said as I settled back into bed. [You're beginning to understand that power without control is useless, and control without understanding is dangerous.]
'Tomorrow I'll try to work on [Jutsu Shiki]. The rune-based magic might be easier to practice safely.'
[A wise plan. Though I suggest you also focus on your physical training. Your martial arts instruction will serve you well in the trials ahead.]
As I drifted off to sleep, my mind was already planning the next day's activities. More training with Shizuku, continued magical experimentation, and always the careful balance of appearing normal while preparing for a supernatural future.
It was a complex game I was playing, but for the first time since my reincarnation, I felt like I was beginning to understand the rules.
[Sleep well, yound dragon emperor.] Ddraig murmured. [Tomorrow brings new challenges, and new opportunities.]