Whether Haru was reincarnated or not didn't matter to Omi. It was just a passing thought.
At his age, he no longer chased glory or rivalry. He'd agreed to take Taiga for Raiga's sake, not his own desire. Even Haru's potential didn't spark a need to teach.
He just wanted to refine his swordsmanship in peace.
Haru might have talent, but Omi wasn't the type to chase prodigies. At most, he found him interesting.
"My granddaughter can be a little handful. Please be patient with her," Raiga said, bowing deeply. Omi accepted it as an apology for Taiga.
"No worries. Seeing kids so lively makes this old man feel young," Omi said, waving it off.
Raiga straightened and nudged Taiga. "Come pay your respects!"
Taiga stepped forward, paused, then grabbed Haru's hand and pulled him along.
Haru flinched but didn't resist in such a setting.
"Hm?" The dojo disciples frowned, some nearly speaking up, but Omi's calm stopped them.
The Fujimura members found it funny yet worrisome. Taiga was loved, but her antics could upset the elders.
Raiga watched Omi closely, relieved to see him unbothered.
Taiga plopped onto a cushion, Haru sitting more properly beside her.
Now Haru saw the elders clearly. Raiga looked kind, like a friendly grandpa, hiding his underworld vibe. Omi was calm, almost unreadable, like nothing could shake him.
Both wore dark kimonos, but their presence differed. Raiga had a subtle sharpness, like a sheathed blade. Omi felt elusive, barely there unless you looked; like a reflection on water.
Facing these impressive men, Haru felt nervous but steady. He'd seen Heroic Spirits fight; he wouldn't freeze.
Raiga asked calmly, "Taiga, why'd you bring Haru?"
She puffed her chest, catching Haru's eye briefly before he looked away. "I found myself a junior brother. He'll keep me motivated!"
Raiga sighed, knowing her stubbornness. He turned to Omi. "What do you think?"
Omi studied them, nodding at Haru but focusing on Taiga. To him, Haru had skill but no passion for the sword, his growth would stall. Taiga, though, had talent, potential, and a pure heart. With focus, she could reach or exceed Omi's level.
He was happy with Taiga as a disciple. As for Haru… well, since he was breaking his rule, why not take both?
In his mind, Omi chose Taiga and took Haru as an extra. Haru would probably be thrilled to learn one or two things from him.
Omi nodded to Raiga. "I'll take two disciples today. Rest assured, I'll teach your granddaughter… and this Haru boy well."
Raiga quickly replied, "Thank you! I entrust her to you."
They didn't ask Haru, assuming he'd be glad. Haru was still processing when it was settled. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry, his apprenticeship was decided just like that.
'Maybe sticking with Taiga brings good luck?' he thought. 'If so, I'll stay close!'
At home, he'd cling to Gilgamesh; outside, to Taiga. Money and luck, both covered.
But something felt off; like he'd lost something.
'Where's my dignity?'
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------
That day was just a meeting. The formal ceremony would be grander.
When Haru told his parents, they were surprised but supportive, especially after recent events. They wanted him to learn self-defense.
Days later, with his parents, Haru officially became Master Omi's disciple alongside Taiga. Thus began Haru's real journey in swordsmanship, building strength steadily, dreaming of one day roaming the world with his blade, seeing all its wonders.
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------
{8 years Time Skip}
"It's a weekend, and you're still going to the dojo? You're dedicated, kid."
"No, it's because it's the weekend that I'm going. Unlike you, who's always free," Haru said, glancing at the blonde girl sprawled on the bed, glued to her screen.
She wore loose loungewear, her figure faintly visible, fully absorbed in her game. She'd played all night, clearing thirteen levels. A few more hours, and she'd beat the brutal game.
"Hmph, just a lowly mongrel's trash game. I can clear it easily if I try," she boasted.
Haru's look turned pitying. 'Wasn't she the one raging yesterday after failing? If I hadn't helped, she'd still be stuck.'
Gilgamesh had somehow fallen for games and anime, especially competitive ones. She was a hardcore fan, even building and racing ones.
But her skills… were terrible. Really terrible.
With her reflexes and mind, she should dominate. Yet she played recklessly, mashing buttons, spamming moves without timing.
Games often have traps needing specific items or help to pass. She ignored that, forcing her way through, spending money when stuck, then trying again.
Two years ago, crushed by a tough game, she bought the company, forcing them to make her "masterpieces".
Haru didn't help her out of boredom. She'd planted Ea by his bed. What choice did he have?
Yawning, Haru grabbed a suitcase. "Tired after just one night? We only did it a few dozen times. Weakling, are you even a man?" she taunted.
"You mean the game, right? Don't say it like that! What if someone hears?" Haru snapped. "Gil, keep this up, and I'll report you for harassing a minor!"
"By society's standards, I'm a minor too. Who'd win in public opinion?" she teased. "But this country's laws are absurd. At sixteen, humans are independent. Why set adulthood at twenty?"
"In my time, if you could hold a sword or a plow, you were an adult, ready for duty. Now, under twenty, crimes get lighter sentences. Under ten, 'didn't know better' lets them off. This softness toward youth is illogical. Wrongdoing deserves punishment; that's law. Coddling kids shows human weakness."
"Another lecture… Fine, you're right, but so what?" Haru packed his things. "I don't have time for this."
"…Where are you going with that suitcase?"
"Master goes to Ryuudou Temple monthly. He usually alone, but this time he's taking Taiga and me. I told the family yesterday. You were too busy gaming to hear."
"Taiga… the girl who'd look good in a cat maid outfit?" Gil mused.
Haru sighed. "Your way of remembering people is weird."
...
He left Gil's palace and returned home. When Gil settled at Rias's place, his mom switched sides instantly. His dad lasted two weeks before giving in. Only Haru held out, keeping some pride… though he ate there and had maids clean his house. He just slept at home.
How much pride did he have left?
Packing clothes and essentials, Haru was about to leave when his ahoge twitched; a rare warning. He hesitated, then pulled a box from under his bed. Inside were a dusty katana and an ornate pot.
Muramasa and the Golden Pot.
Seeing them, Haru paused. "Eight years… I almost forgot."
Unable to learn magecraft for a decade, he had focused on reinforcement magecraft and kendo at the Ganryu dojo. He used wooden or bamboo swords, rarely needing Muramasa, so it sat unused.
"Sorry for neglecting you," he said, wiping the sheath. He drew it; the blade gleamed darkly, unchanged.
He nodded, packed Muramasa, and glanced at the pot. He'd never figured out how to open it, and Gil hadn't helped. He cleaned it before putting it back.
The polished pot reflected his face; a slightly boyish teen with messy bangs, quiet yet sharp.
Haru was now fifteen.
....
Unlock 15 chapters ahead exclusively on Ko-fi 📚
ko-fi.com/darkness95