Kendo no Go
In the Language of Kendo:
A Fanfic in 100 Chapters
by Akai Kitsune
42: Sensei
~*~
When Kaoru first began teaching in
her father's dojo by herself, she wasn't sure what to expect. She
had taken care of the finances before - that was a woman's duty
in the household, after all, and despite her unique upbringing,
she had known that - but she had never been instructed to
actually bring that money into the budget. Her position had been,
since her father had taught her all the techniques and tested her
skills as was required, Assistant Master, and there she stayed
for many years.
She liked the feel of her title, more than she vocalized. It
gave her confidence - she had strength enough to impress her father,
critical and unyielding man that he was - yet humbleness - there
was still a position above her, waiting, and there would always
be someone better.
She had been teaching for only a few months when she received
word that her father had been killed. The lessons had stopped,
then, for some time... but she found that she could not escape
kendo - despite the pain, despite the memories it brought to her
mind - for very long before it thrust its way back into her life.
A little before she and Kenshin were
married, she decided it was time she became the official master
of the Kamiya dojo. Yahiko's skill was growing quickly, and his
mastery of the ougi was so startling, she knew he would not
remain as a simple student for long. She had known for a long
time that he was no ordinary pupil; he had a strength that came
with experience like none other she had seen before.
He deserved a true sensei of the Kamiya Kasshin style, with a
full title of mastery. The dojo - her father's dojo - had
been without a full master for too long.
Kenshin assisted her with the last trials - stumbling through
objections, laughing among protests at his teaching skills, but
finally recognizing her need as above his concern - and proved
himself to be very proficient as a teacher, despite his dismissal
of such abilities. She found it to be an interesting and
enjoyable change; herself as a student again, with Kenshin of all
people as instructor, helping her to realize the true meaning of
the Kamiya Kasshin style's final tests.
The sword that protects.
There was so much that was demanded of one who decided to bear
those four, small words.
She was prepared for the challenge, but she was not quite
prepared for the pride that would come with it. It was a healthy,
beautiful pride, and she found that it had stemmed mostly from
Kenshin, not herself. The glow in his eyes, warm and admiring, as
he looked at the newly decorated plaque bearing her name and
title. He had painted it himself, as a gift to her, and while she
was not impressed with his handwriting - it was odd, really, how
one so efficient with his hands in all other aspects could not
form his kanji delicately - she was so touched by the act of
sentiment that she hung it without complaint. Much
complaint, anyway. She could not bring herself to object at the
sight of her name against the wall, in the proper position of
master.
Master.
It brought a light flutter to her heart that she could not
describe, could not even begin to explain. It made her feel
closer to her father, more so than she had felt even when he had
been alive. It was a strange thought, and might have been
disturbing had it not brought her such delight.
Master.
His arm was around her shoulders, his head rested against her
hair, his soft whisper in her ear.
"Congratulations, Kaoru-chan."
And yes, it was Kenshin, and yes, he was so much better than
she was or could ever be, but for a moment - only for a moment -
she allowed herself to think that it was her father, proud,
stern, and exceedingly hard to please, who congratulated her and
held her close as she watched the small piece of her new life
hang upon the dojo wall.
~*~
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