A longsword gleamed in the sun. Its edges were visibly sharp, catching the light with every shift of the blade. The hilt was sculpted into the shape of red phoenix wings, delicate and fierce in their curves. At the base, a polished ruby glimmered like an eye staring into the soul. The steel itself was tinted blood red, with a yellow streak running down the center, reminiscent of flame.

Master Sada had led him to a special blacksmith, one of the disciples of Throm, the god of smithing. It seemed the leader of their familia owed him a favor, and that meant Ezio received a high-tier weapon—one that could serve him for many years. Kasai was breathtaking, a weapon that would be worthy of nobility, truly a thing of beauty. Ezio couldn't have been happier with his choice. It felt like fate, an extension of his power and purpose.

Not even Master Sada could hide his envy, which made Ezio smirk. The blade was not just beautiful—it was a perfect fit for him. Its length was ideal, just enough for one-handed use but also perfect for two-handed power strikes. Encouraging wide, sweeping attacks. It was clear from the start that Kasai suited his style of combat well.

Ezio glanced over at his master, who was now unsheathing his own sword. His grin widened. There was no better teacher than the preeminent expert in swordplay. The fact that he, Ashikaga Ezio, had the chance to learn from such a legend was something to be grateful for.

"Let's get started, so we can make it to the hot springs tonight," Master Sada said, wrapping his hands in long, thin cloths.

Hot springs... The thought of the blue-eyed girl instantly clouded his mind. Her sharp tongue, her mocking gaze—it all replayed in his head. Her personality clashed with his in ways he couldn't stand. Everything about her irritated him. In the upcoming combat exhibition tournament, he was determined to show her who was superior. He'd make sure she remembered this encounter.

His eyes narrowed as the memory of her lingered in his mind, a constant frustration. Yet, just as quickly as he thought of her, her beauty flashed in his thoughts—a fleeting image that distracted him. For a moment, he almost forgot where he was.

“Ezio, are you ready to train, or are you going to stand there daydreaming?” Master Sada’s voice cut through the fog of frustration.

Ezio snapped back to the present, shaking off the distraction. His master was already charging him, a one-handed curved training sword in hand. "Defend yourself!" Sada shouted.

Ezio raised his blade, feeling the weight of Kasai in his grip. He steadied his breath, focusing on the fight. His master was a whirlwind of motion, his strikes sharp and calculated. Without a moment’s hesitation, Master Sada swung his blade in a powerful arc, using pure energy to amplify the strike. The downward blow was aimed at Ezio’s neck. It would hurt, even with Ki dulling the sword’s edge.

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Ezio reacted instinctively, bringing his blade up in a high guard to parry the strike. The force of the blow was enough to rattle his bones, but he rolled away, sweeping his blade at his master’s legs. The strike was fast, but Master Sada was quicker. With a swift leap, he avoided the blow and kicked Ezio square in the chest.

The impact sent Ezio flying backward, crashing into the dirt. His breath was knocked out of him, and for a moment, everything seemed blurry.

"Good instincts, young disciple," Sada said, his voice steady and almost approving. He extended a hand to help Ezio up. "But you need to learn to see beyond the immediate. You can’t just react—prepare for what comes next."

Ezio grabbed his master’s hand, pulling himself to his feet. The sting in his chest was a reminder of his weakness. He wiped the dirt off his face and looked at Sada, determination flashing in his eyes.

"Ten paces," Sada instructed, stepping back. "Let's go again."

Ezio took a moment to steady himself. His mind was still racing, trying to shake off the memory of the girl. The distraction had cost him, but he couldn’t afford to let that happen again. He was here to train, to become stronger. There was no time for that kind of weakness.

He thought of his father, the Crown Prince—his legacy. He was the youngest son, the one always in the shadow of his older siblings. But Ezio had no interest in staying in that shadow. He wanted to prove to his father, and to everyone, that he wasn’t just the youngest. He wasn’t just the son of the Crown Prince. He was the most talented.

And when the time came for him to take his place in history, they would see that.

Master Sada positioned himself again, his sword ready in his hands. His movements were precise, focused—no wasted energy, no flourishes. Every strike, every parry, was part of the form. His teaching style was simple, but brutal in its efficiency. There was no room for distractions, and there were no easy victories. It was repetition, discipline, and mastery of form.

Ezio took his stance, his hands gripping the hilt of Kasai. He would need to be quick, sharp, and in control. The next round would be different. He wouldn’t let his mind wander again.

Master Sada charged again, faster this time. His sword was a blur, cutting through the air with deadly precision. Ezio parried, blocking the strikes with all his strength. The exchange was quick, the sound of their blades ringing out in the quiet of the training ground.

Ezio’s breath quickened, his mind racing. It was not enough to defend. He had to strike, to take control. With a swift movement, he countered, sweeping low with Kasai in an attempt to trip his master.

Master Sada anticipated it, twisting his body with a fluid motion and dodging the strike with ease. Ezio was already preparing for the next move, his blade following Sada’s every motion.

The fight raged on, a blur of steel and movement. Master Sada was relentless, but Ezio’s resolve grew with every strike, every block, and every lesson. He wasn’t going to back down. He had made a choice—he would become stronger, no matter the cost.

For his father, for his legacy, and for the people who would one day see him as the greatest of them all.