Volume 2 Chapter 9 The Great Villain Of The World, Learns A New Guidance Technique
──Tenhou's Perspective──
Watching Touri-san's 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique' made me realize once again.
She is a master of guidance──no, a genius.
The 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique' is about becoming one with heaven and earth.
By fully embodying a creature that is deeply connected to 'heaven, earth, and humans,' you can efficiently absorb 'ki' energy into your body.
This allows you to clearly understand your body's condition and makes it easier to grasp the 'ki' energy inside you.
It seems you can also control 'Divine Energy.'
As I listened to Touri-san's explanation, I was left speechless along with Seirei.
Touri-san's figure while performing guidance was so beautiful and mysterious.
"──That's all. Descend from the heavens, take the form of a creature close to humans, and return to the earth. This is the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique.'."
After finishing her guidance, Touri-san quietly said.
"By becoming a creature that soars through the heavens, you can absorb 'ki' from a higher place, and by becoming one with the earth, you can absorb 'ki' from a deeper place. Now, please give it a try."
"......"
"......"
"Tenhou-sama, Seirei-sama? What's wrong?"
"N-no, it's nothing."
"I-it's really nothing."
I couldn't respond right away because I was captivated by Touri-san.
When she was using the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique,' she looked just like a celestial maiden.
Of course, I know she's human.
She was only wearing a thin robe. Her skin was flushed, and she was sweating on her forehead. Her long hair was sticking to her sweaty neck. She definitely looked human, but...
Still, while she was guiding, Touri-san seemed so mysterious, like she wasn't of this world at all.
It looked like she completely forgot that she was human.
It was the same feeling I had when I saw Master Raikou's technique.
The skills of a master are truly amazing. As an ordinary person, I was just so moved.
But Gen Touri-san doesn't appear in 'History of Swordmaster.'
Since Shuu-sensei is a non-player character, it makes sense that her daughter, Touri-san, wouldn't show up.
However... what concerns me is Touri-san's body.
Shuu-sensei said that a large amount of 'Divine Energy' is needed to heal her.
Master Raikou wrote in a letter that "only I have a body made entirely of 'Divine Energy.'"
So, in 'History of Swordmaster,' where there is no 'Kou Tenhou' who possesses 'ki' energy, what was Touri-san doing...?
"...Tenhou-sama. What happened?"
"...Brother?"
When I noticed, Touri-san and Seirei were staring at me.
I quickly shook my head.
I'm in training for guidance. I need to focus.
Thinking about Touri-san's future... there's no point in that right now.
But, I owe a debt to Shuu-sensei and Touri-san.
They took on the role of guiding me in 'ki' energy, putting my hopes into it. I will definitely repay that kindness.
I'm not like Kou Tenhou from 'History of Swordmaster.'
I will repay my debts and honor my obligations so I don't become a great villain.
Also, I want Touri-san to be healthy and alive in ten years.
"I'm sorry, Touri-san."
I bowed to Touri-san and said,
"Thank you for showing me an example. Please continue to guide me."
"I understand. Then, Tenhou-sama, Seirei-sama."
"Yes, Touri-san."
"Y-yes."
"While Touri is facing away, please become suitable for guidance. Yes, go ahead."
Touri-san said that and clapped her hands.
It was a bit strict, like a mentor's tone.
Seirei and I decided to follow her instructions.
"──First is 'Form of the Bird.' It represents a bird carrying a soul from the heavens to the earth."
Touri-san gently moved her arms.
She swayed her arms up and down, with 'ki' flowing to her fingertips, bending her body.
'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique', form of the bird.
Touri, shaped like that, really looked like a bird carrying souls to the ground.
"...That's amazing."
"Seirei-sama. Please focus!"
"Y-yes!"
"When you exhale, lower your left arm a bit. Yes, that's right."
Moreover, the way she teaches is great.
While showing us an example, she carefully checks our movements.
If we make a mistake, she corrects us step by step.
Following Touri's instructions, we repeat the bird shape.
In the end, we connect our hands in 'Unified Ascension' (Returning to Heaven with Joined Wings) to share our 'ki' and finish the bird shape.
"The souls carried by the bird from the heavens are received by the creatures on the ground."
Saying that, Touri-san bends down.
With her slender fingers, she scratches the heads of me and Seirei.
"Next, we will become the creatures on the ground that receive the souls from the bird. It's the 'form of the monkey' I showed you earlier. Ready, go 'Ooh-ooh!' "
"...Ooh-ooh."
"......Ooh-ooh!"
"You both are too stiff. First, let's do 'Grooming of the Monkeys (Monkeys Forming a Group and Grooming Each Other Harmoniously).' Ooh-ooh! Eek-eek!"
""Eek-eek!! ""
"Be more instinctive. Really become monkeys!!"
""Eek-eek!!""
Seirei and I, along with Touri, crouch down and start poking each other's backs.
"Ooh-ooh!" "Ooh-ooh!" "Ooh-ooh! Eek-eek!"
This is the monkey mountain. We are monkeys.
So Seirei clings to my back, pressing her face against my neck.
I walked in circles while keeping Seirei close, placing my hand on Touri-san's back.
It was the same thing over and over.
The 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique' represents 'Heaven, Earth, and Man.'
──Something that flies in the sky──a bird.
──Something that roots deep in the ground──a tree.
──A beast that resembles a human──a monkey.
These 3 types of creatures are represented.
The reason a monkey is used instead of a human is that, to become one with heaven and earth, "you need to forget being human." So, a beast that looks close to a human is used.
"Okay. Finally, let's take the form of the tree. The monkey that has died returns to the earth, nurturing the tree, and the fruits are born, which the bird pecks at and carries to the sky. First, we start with 'Tree Embrace of the Heaven' (The Great Tree Spreads Its Branches and Supports the Heaven)."
"Like this?"
"We'll back up against each other. Like this, brother!"
"Yes, just like that. Let's intertwine our legs and arms, forming roots and branches. While intertwined, please become the tree."
We stood back to back, stretching our arms to resemble the branches of a tree.
As we did this, I could feel 'ki' entering my body.
Maybe because our bodies were close, I could see the 'ki' inside Seirei and Touri.
It was a fluffy, soft thing.
──That seemed to be their 'ki' energy.
I could feel that I also had a dense 'ki' energy inside me.
It felt compressed, like it was boiled down, anyway, it was thick.
Could this be 'Divine Energy'?
I felt like I was almost able to reach it...
Thinking about that, I continued my training──
"Okay. Let's stop here for now."
Soon, Touri-san announced the end of the guidance.
Seirei and I sat down on the floor.
We were both drenched in sweat. Our bodies felt hot.
As expected, this is the secret guidance method.
I understand now why Touri-san said, "If possible, wear only your underwear."
The clothes sticking to my skin feel uncomfortable.
I feel like I could have moved better without them.
Actually... when doing the guidance, wearing clothes feels really unnatural. It's a strange feeling.
Seirei seems to be thinking the same thing, as she pinches the neckline of her shirt.
But well, I can't do guidance in my underwear with Seirei and Touri-san.
"After a short break, we will do 'Beast Body Guidance'."
Looking down at Seirei and me, Touri-san said.
"Once you finish the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique,' make sure to do 'Beast Body Guidance.' Think of the two as one guidance method."
"Yes, Touri-san."
"Okay!"
"Please call out to me when you feel calm."
Saying that, Touri-san walked to the corner of the room... and sat down behind the bed.
She spoke in a faint voice,
"...I'm embarrassed."
"Huh?"
"This is the first time I've shown this kind of appearance in front of anyone other than my family."
Sitting there, Touri-san's neck was bright red.
"You know, Touri is a bit strange. When I'm giving guidance, I don't feel embarrassment or fear at all. But once it's over, my emotions come rushing back..."
"Is that so, Touri-san?"
"Y-yeah, and since I've been traveling with my mother all this time, I've hardly talked to anyone else... Did I say anything weird? Did you think I was a strange girl?"
"It's okay. It's okay."
"Touri-sama guided us wonderfully!"
I and Seirei hurriedly replied.
Maybe Touri-san is a genius.
A genius at guidance, and she's really good at teaching. When she starts giving guidance, she forgets everything else.
But the difference between her on and off is huge.
Once the guidance is over, she turns back into a shy and reserved person.
"You're amazing, Touri-san."
I couldn't help but say those words.
"Even though you're shy, you still teach me and Seirei properly. The fact that you can't see anything else when you start guiding means you're really focused, right? That means you have a talent for it."
I think it's incredible that she can concentrate that much.
I can't immerse myself in training like Touri-san does.
Even during training, I can't forget about 'Kou Tenhou Destruction Ending.'
I don't think I can become a master like Master Raikou, Shuu-sensei, or Touri-san.
That's why I respect people like Touri-san, who strive to master one path.
Even if it's to heal the 'ki' energy wounds, I can honestly think it's amazing.
Moreover, I heard that Touri-san is also learning about medical techniques from Shuu-sensei.
Having knowledge of medical techniques and being able to provide guidance is really impressive.
If I could borrow Touri-san's power, I think it would be easier to avoid the 'Kou Tenhou Destruction ending'... but she has health issues. I can't push her too hard.
And if I force her to help and she ends up getting sick... I would make Shuu-sensei my enemy. That would be the worst.
Above all, using others is the way of Kou Tenhou from the 'History of Swordmaster.'
I don't want to do the same thing.
I'm just grateful that I can learn guidance from Touri-san like this.
"I believe Touri-san must have amazing talent."
I said.
"If Touri-san continues to master the skills, Touri-san might become a master who changes history. I hope that happens."
"...Tenhou-sama."
"Yes?"
"You are doing the same thing as Gyoun-sama──"
"Ah, um! How about we start the 'Beast Body Guidance' soon, brother?"
Suddenly, Seirei pulled my hand.
"I'm already calm now. You seem to have stopped sweating too."
Seirei stroked my arm to check that I wasn't sweating anymore.
"So, let's continue our training. We can't waste time."
"Y-Yeah. You're right."
"I understand. Then, let's start with 'form of the cat'──."
Touri-san, who had been curled up in the corner of the room, stood up.
On her back, which was damp with sweat, there was a scar.
It looked like a red mark from being hit by something.
Even during the guidance, it had been visible. I tried not to pay attention to it, but──
"This is an old scar. Please don't mind it."
Noticing my gaze, Touri-san said hurriedly.
Then, she took a slow, deep breath and continued,
"Alright. Now, Tenhou-sama, Seirei-sama. Let's continue the guidance."
Touri took my hand and Seirei's,
"If we do 'Beast Body Guidance' in this form, the effect should be stronger. Your 'Divine Energy' will also increase. I'll teach you better ways to use it later."
With that, we once again became fully immersed in our animal forms.
──A little while later──
"Thank you for your hard work. Hou-sama, Seirei-sama, Gen Touri-sama. The tea is ready."
As we finished the guidance and left the room, the maid Hakuyou was standing at the end of the hallway.
It seemed she had been waiting for us to come out.
"The water is also boiling. Madam said that Seirei-sama and Gen Touri-sama should wash off the sweat. However, for Hou-sama──"
"Is something wrong, Hakuyou?"
"A letter has arrived from the royal palace addressed to the Kou family. I would like you to respond to it."
"A letter from the royal palace?"
"Madam will explain the details. Please, come to your room."
"I understand."
I headed to my mother's room.
She was sitting in a chair. It seemed like she was feeling well today.
"You're doing great, Tenhou. I'm proud of you."
As soon as I entered the room, my mother said that.
"I admire your continuous effort."
"Thank you, Mother."
"The reason I called you here is not for anything else. I believe you've heard from Hakuyou, but a letter has arrived from the royal palace."
My mother opened the letter that was on the desk.
"It says, 'A meeting will be held at the royal palace, and members of the Kou family are requested to attend.'"
"A meeting, you say?"
"It's something that happens every year. It's a feast and tea party to wish for a good harvest. This year, it mentions that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will be hosting it."
I knew such events existed.
However, no one from the Kou family has ever attended.
My father and older brother are at the northern fortress during this time.
The royal family knows this, so they didn't send an invitation to the Kou family.
But the fact that we received an invitation this year means──
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince wants you to attend as a representative of the Kou family."
My mother said.
"Of course, you can refuse. You are still young, and you might feel out of place among the nobles. I won't force you. I respect your wishes."
With a gentle smile, my mother, Gyokushi, said that.
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