Routine Training

It was quiet as Mamoru carefully leapt off a branch, still slick with morning dew. The sun was just cresting the horizon, it's rays casting a yellow orangish glow, clashing with the night sky, causing it to deep black to light purple. As Mamoru walked along the trees, through the thick mist, he reached out and pretended he could actually grab at the visible rays of sun as it reflected on each microscopic water vapor. But he knew he was being silly. Just admiring the beauty of the world with a smile on his face. Just as the sun was doing, he was just trying to shed some light on the darkness in his heart and mind. It had now been a few years since he lost his father and his brother fled, so coming here every day had become so relaxing. It truly gave him some peace. Even if he was now training alone

Mamoru sat against a thick tree trunk, crossing his legs, and placing the Bokken across his lap. Sure he could produce a long thick makeshift sword from his own body, but it was too taxing at the moment. That was practice for later. Right now he just wanted to keep his mind and body strong. Or get rusty with his kenjutsu. The sword was just becoming like an extension of himself. Plus, a bokken was relatable to his own bones, though they were more durable than the wood. They were both light in weight.

Before he shut his eyes, Mamore leaned his head back against the trees, staring at the deep gashes in the thick trunk, from all the others that also trained here, using the trees as makeshift targets. Whether they felt pain or not, they were just as scarred as everyone else.It was a bleak reminder, but Mamoru lowered his head, casting those thoughts aside, and shut his eyes. His breathing was calm. 'In...Out...In...Out' His heartbeat drummed at a steady pace. His mind was was as clear as the sky. Several peaceful minutes had passed, his hands calmly resting on the wooden shaft of the Bokken. Mamoru opened his eyes, took in one more big breath through his nose, and then opened his mouth to exhale, before standing to stretch the muscles of his body. It was just about time to begin.

Sweat dripped down Mamoru's face, onto the flat rock he was currently doing a plank on. Finding a rock this shape was tough, but he managed to get one that was flat on one end, while the other end was rounded, which was against the ground. Both hands rested on the flat of the rock, raising the upper portion of his body; while his legs extended, the tips of his feet were the only part touching the ground. It was a tough exercise, trying to balance on the rolling rock and keep his body in proper form. To turn up the heat, so to speak, Mamoru began a walking plank; lowering one forearm on the flat of the rock, raising and then shifting to the other forearm. After twenty-five seconds, he dropped, panting hard, fighting to catch his breath. Every muscle in his body burned, but it felt so good. Before this exercise, Mamoru ran several laps around the area, Several reps of Pushups, Chin-ups, Crunches, and Leg raises. With short breaks in between, of course. He sat up and took a swig of water. This time he was going to take a much longer break. He was working up a fierce appetite.

Mamoru reached in his pack, pulled out some food and ate; taking his time to let his muscles recuperate. The thickness of the mist had lessened a bit, since the sun rose higher. As he finished his food, Mamoru stood and stretched. It was about time to practice with the Bokken, and then the special training. Something that hurt even worse than sore muscles. He just had to get used to enduring the pain

Mamoru swung his Bokken a few times, but they half-hearted strikes. He lowered the wooden sword and looked around, totally feeling unmotivated. He was hoping barren muggy training grounds would liven up by now, but even with the sun out, it didn't get any better. He decided to just pack up to either find a new place or try another day

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