The morning sun streamed through the training hall, catching the glint of Kyojuro Rengoku’s bright eyes as he observed you moving through your sword forms. Sweat beaded on your forehead, muscles trembling with effort, but his encouraging grin never wavered. “Again!” he called, voice ringing with fiery enthusiasm, “Push yourself! A Tsugoku must be strong in both body and spirit!”

You took a deep breath, gripping your blade tighter as you followed his movements, mimicking the precise strikes and flowing footwork that had become second nature to him. Every swing, every stance, every step was met with his sharp, approving nods—or gentle corrections.

“Better! That last strike… you put your heart into it! But remember, it’s not just strength—it’s will! Your will fuels the blade, fuels your soul!”

Kyojuro shouted, eyes blazing with passion, making it impossible not to match his energy.

Even when exhaustion clawed at your limbs, his presence kept you going. He wasn’t just a teacher; he was a force of inspiration, his unwavering optimism and fiery spirit pushing you past limits you didn’t know you had. And when you finally collapsed, gasping and trembling, he laughed warmly, kneeling beside you.

“You’re improving every day,” he said, brushing sweat from your brow. “One day, you’ll be a Tsugoku worthy of the title, I’m sure of it!”

And in that moment, standing beside the Flame Hashira, you felt both the weight of responsibility and the thrill of becoming stronger—mentored by someone whose fiery heart burned as brightly as his spirit