Here Comes the Swords doo-doo-doo-doo

Otoko woke up knowing today was going to be a long day, but the good news is that he did not wake up in a puddle of his own sweat or gasping for air trying to escape the same old nightmare. It was odd feeling well rested and not waking up exhausted or feeling that creeping doom at the back of his mind. He knew deep down that this wasn’t the start of something new, it was just a nice reprieve, a break from what had become a part of his every day routine. He would take what he could get though, and considering the training he had planned for himself today, this was definitely the best way he could have started his day.

The sunlight poked his eyes through his window shades, begging him to come out and enjoy the nice weather and to get his day started now. He walked over to the window and peeked out with a smile. He turned around and reached his arms up to the sky and took a deep breath as he stretched himself out to the ceiling. He dropped his arms down to his torso and patted his stomach.

“Well, let’s get some food in this here belly so we can continue on with this good day.”

Otoko went to the cabinet, grabbed the first bowl he could find, and slid it across the counter towards the fridge. He grabbed some cheerios as he passed the pantry and then opened the fridge to get some milk for his cereal bowl. He opened the drawer closest to the sink and took out what looked like a clean spoon, but he didn’t really know and would probably never be truly sure. He tossed the spoon in the sink and downed the leftover milk from the bowl before placing the bowl in the sink next to the spoon and rinsing them off.

WC - 318
TWC - 318

He turned from the sink and headed back to his bedroom, he grabbed his typical garb and put them on as quickly as possible followed by his katana on his left side for a right handed draw and his wakizashi on his right side for a left handed draw. If he was going to be training with both today this was his preferred set up as it currently allowed the quickest draw for both of his weapons. Last but definitely not least he grabbed his cowboy hat and placed it gently on his head, he slid his index finger across the brim as he took his hand off, something he always saw his father do. He never knew why he did it, but it gave Otoko a sense of comfort to emulate his father.

Otoko left his room as soon as he was ready to go and headed to the training grounds like he had done a hundred times before, he knew his body was almost ready for the technique he was going to practice today and he hoped that this would be the day that he had his breakthrough. The technique he had been training his body for was Shimi Daikon, a technique known as a high risk, high reward technique, but Otoko was willing to take whatever risk was necessary to ensure he could protect those that he cared about. Shimi Daikon was developed to work similarly to the infamous 8 Gates, in that it allows the user to unlock and tap into their chakra network and bring their physical capabilities to an overwhelming state. Otoko’s father always had a fascination with samurai and the art of wielding the katana. He would tell Otoko stories of the legendary samurai who created Shimi Daikon and would teach the techniques and style to other people. Otoko wanted to learn this style not only to become stronger and a better swordsman but to also remember his father and do something he thought would make his father proud.

WC - 336
TWC - 654

Thinking of his father brought a tear to Otoko’s eyes, his sadness quickly turned to determination though and before he knew it he had arrived at the training grounds. Otoko looked around and saw that no one was there yet, which was good as his training for Shimi Daikon regularly turned intense and was usually pretty dangerous even when he was by himself. He walked to the center of the training ground and drew his katana and wakizashi from their sheaths as he approached the middle. When he reached what he estimated was the center of the training grounds he took a seat, crossed his legs, and laid his katana and wakizashi across his lap while still holding onto them. He drew in a deep breath and held it for a few seconds before slowly releasing it until there was no air left in his lungs. He repeated this for about 10 minutes and he felt that his lungs were ready for the strain he was about to go through, for his last few breaths he did a second inhale right at the top of each breath to help release any tension he felt remained in his body. Otoko hopped up to his feet and was ready to begin.

He started by widening his stance and putting his feet just outside being shoulder width apart and dropped his rear to be in a half squatted position. He closed his eyes and focused on his chakra network. All the training he has been doing up to this point was for this moment. The countless number of push-ups he did until his arms felt like they would fall out of their sockets. The countless number of sit-ups he did until his abs felt like they were about to pop like bubble wrap. The countless number of miles he ran until the bottoms of his feet were bruised and bleeding.

WC - 317
TWC - 971

Otoko had broken his body so many times he could no longer remember what it was like before he started, all that mattered was the training. His swords had become an extension of himself, them being in his hands felt as if his arms had grown a little bit longer. He opened his eyes and an aura enveloped him, he had done it, all his hard work had paid off and this was the culmination of years of training. Otoko released his aura and let his arms drop to his side, he sheathed his swords and looked up to the sky with a smile.

“I did it. I have been preparing myself for this for so long now, I can’t believe I actually made it here. This is just the beginning though, now the true work begins, now I walk the path of the Shimi Daikon.”

Otoko knew no one was there, but he wasn’t talking to himself, although it may seem that way. He was talking to his parents, hoping they could hear him somehow and that they were as proud of him as he was in himself. Tears started streaming down his cheeks, but these weren't his usual tears like when he wakes up from one of his nightmares, these were happy tears, something he hadn't experienced in a long time. Otoko heard a grumble coming from his stomach. He looked down and placed his hand over his belly.

"Well i guess it's time to go grab some food. Hmm, where should I eat today? Ramen sounds good, let's go with that!"

Otoko turned to leave the training grounds and headed to the ramen shop that was near his house.

WC - 282
TWC -  1,253

[Training for Shimi Daikon Skill 1,253/2,000, claiming the remaining 747 from banked WC, leaving me with 253 remaining WC in my bank. Claiming 20 points for Vigor as well.]

Approved, but don't forget to list the banked WC expenditure on your stat page!