“That’s no fair.” Kira muttered.

He was clearly annoyed but knew that it was far from out of character for Moto to use any means necessary to win.

“Fair, what does fair mean? Fair would mean that you shouldn’t have to fight at all.” Moto replied.

Kiramaru tilted his head with a confused expression and dismissed Moto's words.

“The difference was that I had a way to stop it, the only reason to take a hit when you can avoid it is when you have given up. Only a fool would lower themselves in the midst of battle.” Moto said gently as he put his blade away.

Even with his words gliding calmly out of his mouth, his eyes were displaying a much more intense level that resonated with Kira.

Kiramaru gritted his teeth as he silently cursed himself for being so weak.

‘The difference is worlds apart; forget about a few measly months. I would need a century to withstand him at full power.’ Kiramaru thought as he clenched his sword.

“That being said you should be able to barely survive out there now. Do you still plan on saving your sister and going after Ko- never mind, it’s clear from your eyes now.” Moto stated.

A simple glance into Kira's eyes were enough. The last few months had been only a stepping stone for him, the bigger picture laid ahead of him.

“I’ve done everything I said I would, the rest is on you now.” Moto stated.

“It’s over, just like that? Have I really improved that much though, I don’t feel all that much ahead.” Kira thought deeply.

“What are you an idiot? Of course you wouldn’t be able to feel any improvements until you’re put in a situation where it’s necessary to have improved.

‘He’s right…but why does he have to be such a kid about it?!’ Kira thought as he had to watch Moto gloat.

-

Moto prepped Kira for his trip and packed him a handful of supplies, carrying only the bare essentials as well as some food.

The next morning Kiramaru was ready to leave, he didn’t have much to say because it seemed kind of uncomfortable with him. He had no real experiences with saying goodbye.

“What's the matter Kira are you going to give me a snot filled goodbye and thank me for all I have done for you?” Moto said jokingly as he danced around Kiramaru.

Kira became visibly angry as he bared his teeth, stared down and trying to hold it in. He then let out a small sigh and shrugged it off.

“Thank you for what, punching me around for all this time? Face it this was more for you than me!” Kira replied with a confrontational demeanour.

He held up his fist with the back of his hand facing Moto and stared at him as if he were waiting for something.

“You are a kid through and through, but its good to see you acting a little more manly.” Moto said as he bumped his hand against Kira's.

‘Don’t die out there kid.’ Moto thought

-

For the next few days Kiramaru journeyed out of the overbearing forest and found the open plains. The fresh morning dew settled across a grassy field that stretched just outside his vision. Well grown trees shook passively as a cold breeze followed through.

“Finally out of that damn forest! Now then- let’s get started.”

Kiramaru approached a hilltop which he had scaled in order to cross over. He needed to continue heading as far as he could until the next sign of life could be seen. This had been one of the handfuls of hills he had to climb in order to continue.

A monstrous groan resonated from the other side of the hilltop, from out of his view. He desperately clawed at the grass and dirt as he tried to climb up faster. On the pique he looked down at a girl around his age cowering away from a massive bear.

The girl was dressed in white and blue robes that were in perfect condition, clearly some sort of holy figure or follower. Her long purple hair was tied up into a bun but as she cowered she let out a sharp stare that caught Kira's attention.

‘She’s waiting-’ He thought.

“Dammit what am I even spacing out for, if I don’t step in then that idiot will get eaten!” Kiramaru rushed down with an insane speed, using the downhill slope as a boost.

He charged the beast and grabbed hold of his sword for an attack, noticing strange red marking around the bear’s body.

The closer he got the more he noticed its abnormal figure, the bear had a somewhat glowing mane flowing down from its head to its lower back and carried large pulsating markings overs its limbs.

A familiar sharp sensation travelled through Kiramaru's head,

‘This thing isn't a bear; it has to be a demon!’

The demon noticed his advancement and turned around, striking the floor with its large claws. Kira jumped out of the direction of the attack and precisely avoided the massive claws.

A sizable chunk of dirt had been blown out of the ground from the attack. Kira stepped in and tried to slice the bear’s nape but was stopped by a loud scream.

“Stop, don’t!” the woman demanded.

She jumped towards him and tried to grab his shoulder but wasn’t fast enough to grab hold of his clothes. Kira had already closed the distance but the demon tried to turn back on to him, causing his blade to slice into its organs.

Due to the strange angle of his attack, the cut was not deep and only let out a bit of blood. Instead of killing it in one strike as he had hoped, he had angered the beast.

“It cut- how did he do that?” The girl muttered.

‘Damn what is she yelling for; making a fuss only turned its attention here! No I shouldn’t be so careless; this thing is just faster than I thought.’ Kira thought.

He gave off a cold shudder as he thought,

‘If Moto had seen that I would have had to practice swings for a week straight…Damn I can’t afford to be distracted by someone screaming. This is a real fight!’

He stood in his readied position with the katana held up in front of him while his dominant foot was planted beside his left one. It was a wide stance that allowed for a defensive approach to a larger enemy’s attacks.

‘Not only faster, this thing is built like a bear too. That hide of his was super tough; I could barely get my blade through it. Just keep a strong stance, don’t falter!’ Kira repeated.

The demon got on its hind legs and let out a bellowing roar which pushed Kira's hair back. Slobber and strands of spit was carried through the air along with a dense stench of human blood.

“Bring it.” Kira said with an excited grin.