5 days prior

Swack

"Again..."

Swack

"Again..."

Swack

"Again!"

"Not good enough! We cannot afford for you to be weak. Son, keep going!" The stern voice of Crown Prince Ashikaga Ryohei echoed across the private training field. He turned to two guards standing nearby. "Do not allow him to quit until he can no longer lift his arms."

"As you command, Lord Ashikaga!" the guards replied, saluting with a slight bow.

Ezio lay on the ground, his muscles trembling with exhaustion. He watched as his father turned and walked away, leaving him to the grueling training that had only intensified in the days leading up to the inner court assessment at the Phoenix Academy.

Struggling to his feet, Ezio grabbed the wooden practice sword once more, a fire igniting in his eyes.

"Don't go hurting yourself now, little brother," came a rich, baritone voice from behind him. The sound of leather boots crunching on the dirt followed.

Ezio didn’t need to turn around to recognize the voice. Standing before him was a devilishly handsome man in his late twenties, with thick brows, a neatly pointed beard, and long black hair tied up in a clasp. Gin Ashikaga, the eldest son of Crown Prince Ryohei, had the looks of a hero straight out of the history books. His mother, the first wife of their father, was the closest thing to an empress after their grandmother’s death, giving Gin a strong claim to their father's title. In contrast, Ezio’s own mother was merely a concubine.

"Worry about yourself, Gin," Ezio huffed, knowing well his elder brother’s personality.

"Aww, don’t be like that! I’m heading to the frontlines soon—this could be the last time we see each other," Gin teased, clutching his chest in mock hurt.

Rolling his eyes, Ezio resumed hitting the practice board. "Just say... what’s on... your mind," he grunted between strikes.

Gin's expression grew more serious. "I know you're focused on the inner court, just like I was at your age. But remember, Kuro is at war. Kalaminra has been rallying minor powers against us. The military is stretched thin."

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Ezio paused mid-swing, turning to his brother with a curious look. "Why are you telling me this?"

Gin gazed fondly at his younger brother, who was just beginning to hit his growth spurt. "Father is too absorbed in international diplomacy and the war effort to pay attention to Ei'en. I’m hearing whispers of discontent. Taka, Hime, and I are all being sent to the front and to handle some of the political tensions abroad. In the meantime, you need to focus on getting stronger and keep an eye on Ei'en's internal affairs. If things go awry here, it could send shockwaves throughout Kuro."

He reached out, grabbing a practice javelin, and with a fluid motion, threw it across the field. It struck the target dead center. Gin turned back to Ezio, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We may be half-brothers, but we are still blood. Watch for any signs of discord. Don’t let your guard down."

Ezio nodded, unsure of what to say.

"Good," Gin said, handing him a small talisman. "If anything happens, break this. It will alert me to return to Ei'en quickly."

Ezio watched as Gin walked away, giving a final thumbs-up. He couldn't help but wonder—couldn’t their grandfather handle this crisis with a mere wave of his hand? With a sigh, he picked up his practice sword and resumed his strikes.

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Present

Ezio observed his master performing a series of precise attacks. Master Sada Yoshida moved like a whirlwind, his strikes so quick they seemed otherworldly. Even Ezio’s father might find him a formidable opponent. Ezio stood in awe, waiting for his master to finish the morning drills. The sun had yet to rise fully, casting a soft morning light that Ezio found particularly soothing.

"Ashikaga Ezio!"

Ezio’s attention snapped back to his master, who was drenched in sweat despite the cool morning breeze. Sada Yoshida, though not bulky, had a physique chiseled like granite, a testament to his years of dedication. He was a legendary figure—once the youngest master in the Phoenix Academy, until Master Umi Nagisa claimed that title.

"Take off your tunic and join me," Sada commanded, waving him over.

"Yes, Master!" Ezio replied, quickly stripping down to his training garb.

Side by side, they moved through the routines, mimicking each other’s motions as the sun began to climb above the horizon. Despite the burning in their muscles, there was a certain tranquility in the repetition, a peacefulness that Ezio cherished.

After nearly an hour, Master Sada broke the silence. "Ezio, physical conditioning is crucial. It sets your mind and body in the best state for cultivation. A well-conditioned body allows for longer cultivation sessions, enabling more Ki to flow through you. Never forget, no matter how sore you are, to prepare your body before anything else." He spun his katana, striking the practice board with precision.

"Thank you for the wisdom, Master," Ezio said, nodding. His father’s philosophy mirrored his master’s teachings, emphasizing the importance of physical discipline.

They continued until the sun was well above the horizon. Ezio’s sweat-soaked back glistened, his body still developing but already showing signs of strength well beyond his years. Master Sada tossed a washcloth at his student’s face.

"Second rule, young Ezio. Always start your day with a good breakfast."

Ezio chuckled, following his master into the main hall for their morning meal.