Swordplay [Lisa/Shiina SL Rank 2]

There was a kind of lull in the Seven Stars Academy's Gym as many of its students tended to be busy at class or with some particular activity at this time. But in no way is it empty as someone was swinging a katana blade in the midst of its spacious interior. Lisa was practicing drills with her sword just the way her brother taught her. Swings to the head and to the sides of varying angles were done with straight diligence. She could feel her muscles beginning to feel raw from the repetition, but that was when she was starting to get stronger for sure. Despite that... there was still something off that she couldn't quite get off her mind as she committed herself to practice.

She continued to devote herself to the slashes. They may hit empty air, but she was able to simulate the sensation of ripping flesh. There were several kenjutsu styles that wore protection during their kata in order to simulate the blow in order to fully complete the sequence for practice. The Cadet swordswoman was more focused on strength and speed rather than precision and finesse for today, focusing on the two characteristics to grow the endurance of her muscles.

Lisa never seemed to notice the newcomer at first with her straightforward training. But after spinning around to complete a form, it was only then she finally perceived Shiina's presence. It wasn't the first time she saw the Tsurinai come here for training and thankfully this time they didn't bring that cumbersome equipment. She found herself returning back to her swings and footwork. Practice came first, not gawking.

The path of perfection was a long one, after all.

If there was one thing that Lisa must admit, it was that her peer was physically fit. But certainly not as fit as Maria was, to her observations after seeing the nun doing very demanding exercises and hauling around that coffin without problems, but certainly more physically able than your average gym monkey. In fact, it pushed Lisa to abandon the swings for now to start adopting more strenuous practices.

Her feet began to jump-glide back and forth together in tandem with her swings. 速素振り or "haya suburi" was a standard kendo drill that relied on your speed, but also your endurance. It was a common drill that caused the many kendoka to have blisters on their feet for the amount of bad footwork. But Lisa didn't care enough for that as she continued the repetitions. Her last record was around 180 strikes without stopping. Now let's see if she could reach an even 200.

Her arms were far more soar and she could feel blisters beginning to form in her palms. It was a familiar sensation, but eventually she finally stopped after an impressive number of repetitions. But Lisa didn't feel quite satisfied with just 195, despite the sweat becoming sticky on her shirt and the weight of her blade likened to lead. The Cadet gave one last strike before finally swinging to the side to sheathe it. That was her limit for now, but thinking back, she was still pretty exhausted from last night's challenge. Even then, that was still no excuse to stop training, especially after seeing Shiina trying so hard.

Lisa didn't know a thing about the Tsurinai's or much outside of her family. She wasn't a savvy information-gatherer like Avaritia was. Nor did she have the brains or finesse of her siblings. But all she had was dedication and sometimes that's really all you need to get through life.

Lisa began to unsheathe her blade once more despite the exhaustion. She began slow and more precise movements. There was nothing truly repetitive, but it looked like she was beginning a sequence of movements, kata. The Princess remembered Julius' suggestion of trying these forms after putting herself to exhaustion. She was at first confused about it. But there's no reason not to take him seriously. After all, she wasn't really picky on what made her a better Cadet.

She frowned at the Tsurinai for bothering her in the midst of her movements. The Princess deigned to not answer, at least until she finished which didn't take as long since she was on the seventh and final form for the katana portion. Once her blade was sheathed, Lisa admitted, "It works better with both for the sake of timing and distance, but not impossible to do alone."

The Princess couldn't find herself appreciating Shiina's presence very much. Training alone was what she desired, but she was willing to make compromises when it best suited her progress. Like Maria, at least she was remarkably strong among the Cadets of her generation. But she had to acknowledge that Shiina was also physically capable unlike most. Despite her displeasure, a prideful smirk flitted across her features.


She had pride radiating off from her. The spoils goes to the victor and thus they shall boast of their glory. It was a victory she sorely desired after the failure of the last mission. The look on Alex's face was priceless. But something troubled her about it. There was something about Maria that she couldn't quite put her finger on, but who cares? She won and they lost, that's all that mattered. Unknown to her, it was starting to get to her head. "Don't waste your time. I'll win regardless of your efforts. But I suppose I can grant you that privilege if you want it so badly. I'm ready anytime."

She watched the Tsurinai continue her training. On the meanwhile, Lisa unsheathed her blade and took this time to inspect it before choosing to continue her exercises.

The Lamecia Princess furrowed her brow at the Tsurinai as she gnashed her teeth together into a grimace. A mixture of aggravation was apparent. She was so certain of herself that after beating a combination of First Class Cadets, the feat would easily put her way above a single Cadet of similar ranking to hers. And yet, Shiina managed to match her edge to edge and blow for blow, as if defiantly making a statement that the Princess still had a long way to go. But just as there was aggravation, so was the respect mixed into her expression. Then the explosion of cheering filled her ears as the spectators were indeed entertained, thus causing her to sigh deeply in barely hidden exasperation after sheathing her blade from ritualistic chiburi.

Even if she did say the crowd didn't bother her, if they went even further in the spar...


And with that, Lisa would give a nod towards Shiina before departing. The crowd would slowly part from seeing the fierce demeanor on her person until she left through the gym's exit...

SQ Gained: