Volume 2 Chapter 37 Tenhou, Seirei, Ouka, And Touri Challenge The Secret Guidance Technique
With Seirei's declaration to join, it was decided that the 4 of us would practice the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique.'
When Shuu-sensei received the news, she was really happy.
I can understand why.
After all, the secret guidance technique created by Master Gyoun was about to happen.
The secret practice will take place 2 days later.
It's the day after Shuu-sensei reports the Bokou Tribe incident to Ryougen-kun.
The location is the hall in Shuu-sensei's mansion.
The participants are me, Seirei, Shouou, and Touri-san.
Shuu-sensei will give us instructions from outside the hall.
To help us concentrate, she said she would close the gates and refuse all visitors that day.
"Tenhou and the others should spend the day peacefully until then."
Shuu-sensei gave us that instruction.
"Make sure not to let in any unnecessary information, okay?"
"But, Shuu-sensei, you will report to His Royal Highness the King's younger brother tomorrow, right? I'm curious about that."
"I'll tell you after the secret practice is over. Until then, stay calm."
"...Understood."
I conveyed that instruction to Shouou and Seirei as well.
But... it's hard to keep my mind at ease and not think about unnecessary things.
I'm worried about Kai Shuujaku and the Golden Feather Syndicate, and I can't help but wonder if I'm really avoiding a bad ending.
Plus, I keep thinking about the Four Fiends Technique, chaos.
So, I decided to practice the Five Divine Swordsmanship and Five Divine Steps in my room.
I was lucky to win against Kai Shuujaku, but my skills are still lacking in precision.
I need to review everything properly before I meet Master Raikou again. I don't want anyone to think I slacked off on my training, only focusing on Pressure Point Technique and guidance.
While I was doing that, Seirei came into the room.
While sipping tea, I talked about my journey, and Seirei shared what happened while I was away. Before we knew it, we had started the Beast Body Guidance.
Well, Seirei kind of just jumped in with "I want to" and "meow."
I ended up going along with it because Shuu-sensei told me to "stay calm until the day." Doing Beast Body Guidance together helps Seirei relax.
...It seems like the mature Seirei has disappeared somewhere, though.
As we spent time like that, time passed──
Two days later, the day to perform the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique' had arrived.
On the morning of the event, we gathered in the mansion's large hall.
I, Seirei, Shouou, and Touri-san were all silent.
In the secret technique, to become one with heaven and earth, we must remove as much as possible of what is unnecessary.
This includes clothing and words.
So we quietly assembled and entered the hall.
Shuu-sensei silently pointed out the positions for each of us.
I stood on the east side of the hall, facing the wall, with my back to the center of the room.
I didn't know how the other 3 were arranged.
In front of me was a mat.
It seemed we were supposed to place our removed clothes here.
After a while, Shuu-sensei left the room.
With the sound of the door closing, I began to prepare myself.
The secret technique of 'Heaven-Earth Guidance' requires the 4 of us to position ourselves in the east, west, south, and north, symbolizing heaven and earth.
By performing the guidance in as natural a state as possible, we become one with heaven and earth.
As a result, the power of 'ki' increases, allowing us to control it freely.
It is said to be very effective in healing Touri-san's meridian injuries as well.
If I perform this secret technique, my 'ki' power will become even stronger.
I might even be able to stand up to users of the 'Four Fiends Technique.'
...The problem is... how much should I take off?
Shuu-sensei said to be in a state as 'natural as possible.'
I guess I really have to take everything off.
There's no helping it.
'To strengthen my 'ki' and counter the 'Four Fiends Technique.'
I will do everything I can.
This training is about getting rid of everything extra.
Words, distractions in the heart. Even clothes.
So... I placed everything I was wearing on the mat.
The other 3 might be wearing light clothing, but... well, everyone has their eyes closed, so it should be fine. Let's think that way.
*Knock, knock.*
I heard Shuu-sensei knock on the door.
It was a question asking, 'Are you ready?'
*Clap, clap.*
We clapped our hands.
It was a signal saying, 'We are ready.'
During the secret technique, the only words spoken are Shuu-sensei's instructions.
Just like trees, birds, and beasts don't speak, we also stop talking.
We simply become one with heaven and earth, refining our 'ki' and dissolving into it.
That is the secret of the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique.'
"Now, let's begin. 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique' form of the Tree."
Shuu-sensei's voice echoed.
And so, with our eyes still closed, we started the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique.'
"(Whoo~)" I exhaled.
"(Hoo~)" I inhaled.
With each breath, my body filled with dense 'ki.'
What swirled in the room was the combined 'ki' of the 4 of us.
That gentle and warm feeling filled my body──and eventually flowed through me.
It was as if my body had become transparent.
This was completely different from the usual 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique.'
(If I were to say something feels off... no, I can't. The words just won't come out.
I don't know how to explain it.)
The hall is silent.
The only sound is Shuu-sensei's instructions.
"Form of the tree, First."
"Form of the monkey, Fourth."
"Form of the bird, Second."
With my eyes closed, I follow the voice, repeating each form in order.
Each form has four movements, twelve in total.
As I move my body, the 'ki' filling the room shifts.
I can feel the others moving in the three remaining positions.
The swirling 'ki' in the room flows through our bodies.
It fills not just the meridians, but every single cell, flowing through us.
I can sense the overflowing 'ki' connecting me, Shouou, Seirei, and Touri-san.
It feels like we're immersed in a pool, not of water, but filled with 'ki.'
Whenever someone moves, the 'ki' ripples.
The ripples pass through someone's body.
The 'ki' makes a full circle around the room and returns to someone else.
Even though we're apart, I can clearly sense the movements of the other three.
It feels like the three of us have become a single living creature.
It's as if the boundaries of our bodies have disappeared.
...I understand why they said to keep things natural.
Maybe wrapping the body with cloth creates resistance against the flow of 'ki.'
It's such a subtle difference, but it might affect the guidance.
The others... yeah.
Their 'ki' is circulating without any resistance.
The 'Divine Energy' from me, Shouou, and Seirei is also blending into the room's 'ki.'
We occasionally shift our positions, as if chasing the flow of 'ki.'
I move from east to west.
In return, someone moves from west to east.
With my eyes closed, we pass each other.
We know each other's movements, so we don't bump into each other.
But, I can't tell who is there.
We are connected by 'ki'.
It's as if the boundaries of our bodies have disappeared.
It's as if the 4 of us have become one living creature.
Since I'm keeping my eyes closed in that state... I can't tell who is who anymore.
My heart is racing, but it feels good.
I can feel my body getting energized.
Strong 'ki' flows through my meridians.
Right now, even if walking in the air is impossible, I feel like I could walk on water.
I understand why Shuu-sensei wanted us to practice the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique'.
Of course, it's also for Touri-san's treatment... but Shuu-sensei probably wanted to give us the power to master the 'Four Fiends Technique: chaos'.
Also, if we use this secret technique, we can heal the wounds we received from the 'Four Fiends Technique'.
Even if we get hurt in the fight against the 'Golden Feather Syndicate', we can manage somehow.
That's why we needed the secret of the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique'.
──Such thoughts rise and fade away.
I respond to Shuu-sensei's voice and move north.
In return, I can tell someone starts walking south.
For a moment, I feel a drop of water under my feet.
It might be someone's sweat or 'condensation' created by the heat of 'ki'.
...I might slip if I step on it.
I avoid the water droplets and move forward. Just then, someone passes by me.
That person's foot steps on the wet part of the floor.
Their foot slips──losing balance.
I reach out my hand toward that person with my eyes still closed.
I catch their falling body──supporting them.
In my right hand, I feel a soft touch, their warmth, and the beat of their heart, before letting go of their hot body.
That person regains their balance and heads south.
The 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique' doesn't stop.
It flows without hesitation, moving on.
We become trees, monkeys, and migratory birds heading in different directions.
From north to south.
From south to east.
Feeling the 'ki' filling our bodies, the heat, and each other's presence, we keep moving.
I can't tell if I'm moving or if the 'ki' is pushing me along.
It just feels good to be like this.
With that strange sense of happiness, the guidance continues──
──Before I know it, I'm back in my original position.
*Bang, bang, bang.*
A signal from beyond the door rings out, signaling the end.
"Good job. Open your eyes and get ready."
In front of me were a mat and the clothes I had taken off.
Shuu-sensei's guidance was perfect.
We had returned to our original spots without a single mistake.
My body was drenched in sweat.
And... my body felt warm from the core.
I wiped the sweat with a cloth and quickly put on my clothes.
My skin was tingling.
It was like I had touched everyone's skin through the 'ki'.
So... it might have been like I was touched through 'ki' by Seirei, Shouou, and Touri-san. The tingling on my skin is probably because of that.
When I focus on my body... yeah. As I thought, 'ki' is overflowing.
Plus, I can completely control 'Divine Energy' now. I can tell where the strong 'Divine Energy' is in my body... and I can concentrate it in certain areas.
...I feel like I can change the 'Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water' attributes with my own will.
Amazing... as expected of Master Gyoun's secret technique.
Anyway, I'm glad it ended without any problems. This should heal Touri-san's wounds.
By the way... someone almost tripped along the way.
I quickly caught her, but... who was that?
The 4 of us were connected by 'ki' and felt almost like one.
So, I couldn't even tell who was next to me.
But I'm curious.
That warmth and heartbeat still linger.
Who was it that I caught back then?
"Are you all set?"
"Yes, Shuu-sensei."
"...I-I'm okay!"
"......Yes."
"T-Touri is also fine!"
"Good. With this, the secret of the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique' is complete."
The door opened, and Shuu-sensei showed her face.
She looked satisfied.
"Touri's meridian injury should be completely healed now. Your 'ki' must have gotten stronger too. You'll be able to sense your 'ki' in your body better than before, and you shouldn't lose to most opponents with your 'ki' anymore. I think you'll be able to release the Pressure Point Technique quickly."
"""Thank you very much!"""
"Take it easy today and calm your 'ki.' Good job."
With those words, today's training came to an end.
"Uh, can I ask you something, Shouou?"
"Eh!?"
When I called out, Shouou looked at me.
Maybe it was because of the guidance earlier; her ears were bright red.
"W-what is it? What is it, Tenhou?"
"It's about the guidance from earlier."
"S-sorry! Not now! S-sorry. I'm just a little..."
"Shouou?"
"I-I'll go home first!! Good job today──!!"
Shouou covered her face and ran away.
"Well then, brother. I'll take my leave first too."
"Huh? Seirei. Let's go home together."
"I'm sorry, brother. I'm... aiming to be a mature woman."
Seirei's face was bright red, and she looked down.
"I think it's better for us to go home separately today to keep our composure. Hakuyou-san should be here to pick me up. So..."
"O-okay. I understand."
"See you later, brother."
With that, Seirei also went home first.
...Both of them are acting strange.
Well, I guess it can't be helped.
Just a little while ago... they were completely relaxed during the guidance.
...Somehow, I started feeling more embarrassed.
"Um, Touri-san. About what happened earlier..."
"Y-yes! W-what is it, Tenhou-sama!"
"It's about what happened earlier..."
"Um, um... well..."
...Touri-san is all flustered.
Waving her hands and shaking her head, Touri-san looks at me and says,
"Y-yes. I will answer. What is it?"
"During the guidance, you see..."
"I'm sorry, Tenhou. Can we talk about it later?"
Suddenly, Shuu-sensei spoke up.
"I need to check Touri's condition now, but... I don't want to upset her first. I'm sorry..."
"Oh, right."
The secret of the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique' is also to heal Touri-san.
So, I have to check her condition after it's done.
"Got it. Then, I'll head home too."
"Thank you, Tenhou. I can't thank you enough."
"I should be the one thanking you, Shuu-sensei, for your help."
"See you another day, Tenhou-sama."
"Excuse me, Touri-san."
And so, I went home alone.
"Seirei-sama said she doesn't need dinner today."
When I got home, Hakuyou said that.
"She said her heart is uneasy today. She was apologizing to Hou-sama."
"I don't think she needs to apologize to me, though...?"
"'I think by tomorrow, I'll be able to face my brother,' she said."
"...Yeah. I'll talk to Mother about it."
For the shy Seirei, the secret of the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique' might have been too much to handle.
I'll leave her alone today.
But still, I'm really curious.
Whose body heat and heartbeat did I feel...?
Or maybe it's better to leave it unknown.
Seirei, Shouou, and Touri-san all seemed off.
It might be best not to touch on it until everyone calms down.
...But honestly, I'm really curious.
While I was lost in thought, resting quietly──
"There's a problem, Hou-sama! A messenger has arrived from the palace!"
──Hakuyou rushed into my room.
I hurried to the mansion's gate.
There stood a soldier.
I recognized him.
Wasn't he the one who traveled with Shouou in the northern lands?
I think he was among the soldiers with Kairyou-aniue.
"Are you Kou Tenhou-dono?"
The young soldier clasped his hands towards me.
"I'm Han Kei, one of the 'Wolf Cavalry' directly under His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"Thank you for your polite greeting. I am Kou Tenhou."
So he really is from the 'Wolf Cavalry.'
But why would someone from Crown Prince Rouen's direct unit need me?
"It is an honor to meet someone sent by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"Thank you. Actually, I have a message from His Royal Highness Rouen for you, Kou Tenhou-dono."
"From His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"
"Yes. He wants to hear about the incident in the Bokou Tribe's village. He would like you to come to the palace on a specified day, if possible."
"Me, reporting to His Royal Highness Rouen? That's fine, but I'm just a nobody, you know?"
"I understand. You will be more of an assistant for the report. Also, His Royal Highness the King's younger brother and Gen Shuuyoku-dono are expected to be present. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has asked that you also report to Kou Tenhou-dono."
"Is it a request? Not an order?"
"That is His Royal Highness Rouen's intention."
Saying that, Han Kei-san from the 'Wolf Cavalry' bowed.
"If you could give me your response by the morning of that day, it would be great. I look forward to a good reply, Kou Tenhou-dono."
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