Exertion [Akira, Tomoyo]

[Sakagami Tomoyo]

Date: Sunday, May 18th
Time: 11:15 AM

With one last glance to confirm the address, Tomoyo pocketed the slip of paper and beheld the dojo standing modestly before her. The building, situated at the top of a long flight of stairs, was everything she expected of a traditional martial arts center. It had pale wooden panels on its sides and a shingled roof with curved eaves. The dojo was surrounded by jade green trees, some designedly planted by human hands, but most planted by nature in years long past. While she couldn't exactly judge, she felt that the place glowed with an air of tranquility, the kind perfect for meditation.

As she approached closer, the peaceful stillness gave way to the sound of a single, mature, and clearly male voice.

How strange, she thought. She had expected to hear a multitude of labored voices and to smell the faint odor of sweat on the breeze, but to her surprise, there were neither.

She carefully peered inside and lingered at the doorway to watch. Lucky for her, it looked like class was only just beginning. The instructor stood at the front of the class in a white gi and black hakama while his pupils were dressed similarly, but instead, wore only white.

Tomoyo quickly bowed, stepped into the dojo quietly, and shuffled to the edge of the mat, hoping to remain inconspicuous until she could catch her friend’s attention. Despite having dressed prepared in a pair of black yoga pants and a light shirt, she felt overwhelmingly out of place as the only person not wearing an aikido uniform.

A pair of eyes stared curiously at her, then another, and another. Finally, the instructor's piercing gaze fell upon her too.

She opened her mouth in hesitation.

“Um—“

[/color]

How awkward…
Why was she even here again?

“I’m, uh, Sakagami Tomoyo."[/color] she said, her eyes finding and locking onto a young man with heavy brown hair. It was Narukami.

"... I was invited by him,“[/color] she gestured toward him with a slight lifting of her chin, hoping he would soon intervene with his own explanation. To be honest, she didn't even know what she was supposed to be doing here...
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[Narukami Akira]

Sunday. Training as usual.

The routine has been rather familiar to me. Most of our training regime actually focuses on physical fitness and dexterity, and they are the core requirements for performing the moves effectively. There are also basic move training, where the students are split up in pairs and take turns practicing counter moves on each other, emulating real-life self-defence scenarios. After all, like many other kinds of martial arts, personal well-being (both physically and mentally) plays the central role, not combat, as far as I've known. We are always reminded not to use force unless it's utterly necessary. Still, I have to admit, I'd like to apply the maneuvers in real life if there is an "opportunity", and people who displays extraordinary fighting skills while battling against evil-doers are still rather cool to me. Well, that's why Sakagami-san caught my attention in the first place. It'd be rather awesome to use my training to protect somebody in peril. Yep. Defender of the innocent, protector of the weak, or something like that, those "titles" just sound very enticing to me.

And... it'd be even more exciting if I manage to save a lovely girl from danger, as that's probably one of the most effective way to impress a member of the fair sex. I believe protecting women, alongside respecting them, are part of chivalry, and every man needs to be chivalrous.

To the matter at hand, Sakagami-san supposedly agreed to come to this dojo. Even though I suggested her to visit today, I still tried to offer her some flexibility. It doesn't matter when she is free, as long as she accepted my invitation. Even so, I can't wait to introduce her, who has tremendous talent, to Kawashima-sensei (the head of this dojo, an old friend of my dad, he actually makes me call him Yuji-san while not in training). I'm sure he will be thrilled.

Then suddenly the silver-haired warrior princess shows up. Once Sensei and the students finally notice her presence, I speak up for my guest:

"Well, let me introduce to Sensei and everyone here. This is Sakagami Tomoyo-san, a schoolmate of mine. I... invited her here so that she can have a glimpse of our aikido training. She's the one I talked to you about the other day, Sensei." Well. at least I informed Sensei beforehand about the potential visitor. He looks rather curious about this "friend" I brought in, but finally confirms with a light smile. "Sakagami-san will observe our training today as the dojo's guest, so everyone can continue from what we left off." I continued, then turn to the president. "Sakagami-san, you can make yourself comfortable on that side of the room. I'll bring you a mat."

[Sakagami Tomoyo]

Tomoyo breathed a small sigh of relief. Narukami took responsibility for introducing her; good thing too, because she had no idea what to say to a class of martial artist strangers. According to her classmate, her only task today was to watch and observe. She had a sinking feeling that wasn’t the only thing she was supposed to do, but there was no point in worrying about it. She already expected a hands-on learning activity.

Maybe it’ll be fun, she convinced herself as she took in the sight of the immediate room.

The room looked small now, but if she were to imagine it was empty without any students, it would probably look spacious and tranquil. The walls were of white paneled wood, and several darker wood planks hung from the connecting pieces of the wall. They bore beautifully written words of encouragement. Whoever had written them was clearly skilled in calligraphy.

”Sakagami-san will observe our training today as the dojo’s guest, so everyone can continue from what we left off,” her fellow second-year said before turning to address her.

I should look like I know what I'm doing. Tomoyo checked herself, making sure not to slouch or to put too much weight on one leg. This was how someone was supposed to behave at a dojo, right? With discipline. Yes, yes, this was good. Tomoyo gave herself a mental pat on the back for her foresight. She wasn’t trying to impress anybody, but she didn’t want to make a fool out of herself, either.

“Sakagami-san,” Narukami said, “you can make yourself comfortable on that side of the room. I’ll bring you a mat.”

Her bare feet made light little padding noises on the floor as she shuffled to the side of the room her schoolmate indicated.

”You were taking charge back there,”

[/color] Tomoyo remarked as the young man approached her, a mat bundled in his arms.

Telling the entire class to "continue from what you left off," made it seem like he was in some kind of authoritative position. Was he an assistant instructor of sorts? Her raised eyebrows formed what appeared to be an impressed expression. He hadn't mentioned anything about it when he invited her.

“So, should I just sit down here and watch? Do some stretches, maybe?”[/color] She stepped back to let him place the mat on the floor.

“… And is it okay if I wear this? Or am I going to have to borrow a uniform?[/color] she asked. Tomoyo mindfully tugged down the hem of her shirt to straighten it and smooth out any creases, although she figured it would just get messed up again later.[/blockquote][/size]

[Narukami Akira]

Taking charge? That sounds rather pleasant. I didn't really think of myself as such, though. Well, maybe because I am the closest to Sensei and have considerable experience before coming here that he tend to put me in charge whenever he has business to attend to. Being head of this dojo is his primary occupation, but not his only one.

Still, despite my "special" position, I prefer getting along with the other members of our group rather than commanding. There's also the fact that some of them are quite older than me, so despite technically being their senpai in skills, I still prefer giving them some respect as the younger in age.

"Well, only Sensei knew about your visit before today, so I have to take responsibility to make it known to the other guys. I'm the sole reason you set foot in here after all." I replied to her while laying out the mat I found in the back room.

Then Sakagami-san asks me what she should do for the time being and whether she should wear a uniform like us. Oh, right, almost forgot about that. I got caught up in the moment there.

"Oh, you can stay near the corner and do as you like. You're the guest. And... I think you should wear a uniform, just to... blend in, you know. There are quite a number of them in the storage locker. Let me show you."

I lead Sakagami-san to the back where the dressing room is. Thankfully enough, it have gender-specific sections due to the recent increase in female students, so she can at least be more comfortable while changing. Definitely can't make her do it in a room full of male scent.

"There are some spare uniforms in the storage locker at the corner. Choose whatever you prefer. I'll see you back in the training room."

After giving instructions to Sakagami-san, I turn away and head back to where Sensei and the other students are. I have to admit, I am very looking forward to see her in an aikido outfit. She would look awesome in it. And it will be necessary for her soon, if she accepts my request I plan to deliver to her later on.

[Sakagami Tomoyo]

She raised an eyebrow, hoping the other students weren’t expecting her to join their class. Tomoyo was here because of a guilty conscience, not because she liked martial arts. The only way to right her wrong was to yield to the young man’s simple request. All he wanted was for her to attend one of his aikido practices. After Wednesday’s events, it really was the least she could do. Tomoyo had left him waiting for who-knows-how-long, and if there was anything she hated, it was being unnecessarily cruel to someone who did not deserve it.

“Oh, you can stay near the corner and do as you like,” Narukami told her. She was the guest, and apparently they treated their guests with… complete and utter freedom? Too much freedom, perhaps. She had no idea what she was supposed to do in her little corner of the room. He said she could stretch, but would someone come over and give her further instructions? She assumed that would be the case.

Tomoyo nodded, carefully taking in the young man’s words and deciding not to ask questions. The form of his body was obscured by his loose hakama and kimono, but she assumed the body and muscles underneath reflected years of experience. Soon, she would be wearing the same uniform. Blend in, he said. It made sense. Despite her peers’ efforts to persuade her, Tomoyo never considered herself a martial artist; she was just a fighter. Maybe all she needed was a uniform.

What a thought, Tomoyo laughed inwardly. Martial arts were about discipline and respect, both of which were of little value to her until a few years ago. She had fought plenty of so-called martial artists in her past, all of whom had thought their little art and dance translated to fighting ability. Well, they were wrong. She respected them for their dedication and effort, though.

Tomoyo shuffled after Narukami to the women’s changing room.

“Is it really okay for me to borrow one? Won’t it get sweaty?” she worried aloud.

Apparently the dojo had no problem with it; again, she just hoped they didn’t expect her to sign a membership contract.

The young woman craned her neck and drank in the sight of her surroundings. It was a small, minimalistic room with a wooden bench and locker placed against one wall and a bathroom connected to the other. Once she was alone, Tomoyo drew open the locker, only to be enveloped in the aroma of freshly-cleaned laundry. Inside, white uniforms were folded and stacked neatly like soldiers in formation. She lifted one delicately, checked the tag, and took a medium-sized top and bottom.

Fwip! She unfurled the clothing with a quick flick of her wrists and held it in front of her with outstretched arms. It was perfectly clean and white – unused. Tomoyo shed her yoga pants and slipped into the loose, airy pants of the uniform and the equally airy top; she kept her shirt underneath of course, for the unisex neckline cut quite low. A while belt tied snugly around her waist finished the look.

She stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror and smiled. It suited her surprisingly well. The only problem was her unruly mane of hair – easily fixable. With a single hair tie, she tied back her long silver hair back into a low ponytail.

Perfect.

Tomoyo returned to the main room of the dojo and took her place in her designated corner. This wasn’t such a bad experience; in fact, she found it to be quite novel. Now… what to do? Tomoyo glanced about searchingly and finally settled onto the mat to stretch her legs.

[/size]

[Narukami Akira]

After returning to the training room, the exercises continue.

Being the benevolent president as she is, she was worried that the uniform she borrowed could get dirty. I had to assure her that the only thing she should do is being our guest, and besides, it's just one uniform. I won't even mind washing it myself if ordered to do so. Everything for the fair lady.

Even though this is the usual routine, somehow it feels really different today. My mind is filled with anticipation. I can't wait to see our lovely student council president in an aikido outfit. I heard she actually wore something similar before when being challenged by the school's karate club, but couldn't see it with my own eyes. A warrior princess like her will definitely look good in any kind of combat-related outfit. Even a kendo or archery uniform will probably suit her. Now I understand why every sports team in our school has tried to recruit her. Procuring a member with exceptional athleticism and beauty like her, their popularity alone can skyrocket and attract even more new members. And that's just one of many benefits of having that awesome girl in your group.

Guess I'm not so different from them... I'm technically doing the same thing. Even though I never explicitly stated that she should join this dojo, I am "advertising" this martial art to her.

And... here she comes. Perfect. Just perfect. A masterpiece. That ponytail she decided to put on, really gives the vibes of a bona fide action girl, just like in various works of fiction, especially the anime heroines I like. The uniform, while being quite loose, still manages to accentuate her athletic figure. She has truly exceeded my expectations. If she decides to become a martial-arts-oriented actor like Bruce Lee, her popularity will definitely be off the charts. She can even do her own stunts, given her inherent fearlessness, which I witnessed during that incredible battle with the biker gang.

After the exercise routine, it's time to split up in pairs for combat/self-defense training. One does various moves such as punching or kicking, the other has to counter accordingly. We only do it with our bare hands today. Other sessions also have weapons involved. This kind of training does not just help us familiarize with many possible combat situations in real life, but also make our bodies stronger, more flexible and our minds more alert. This makes me wonder. I have to go through lots of training like this to reach my current level, but Sakagami-san said she never had any. And yet she is so strong, and her techniques are nearly flawless. As if she was born with them. As if she is a superhuman. How on Earth did she manage to reach that kind of level?

[Sakagami Tomoyo]

Fwip! Shoop! Shwaaap!

Clenched fists, swift kicks, and skillfully timed counters. The class was in full motion! Tomoyo watched restlessly as the aikido practitioners drove their bodies forward, twisting their hips to snap a kick at their target. The other half of the pair would thrust a straightened arm down and out to block the kick, and at the same time, jab straight forward with the other fist, following it with a roundhouse kick.

It was an organized practice, and the pairs would switch roles after each successful counter. Drills. They practiced a variety of techniques and situations. One would lunge forward, and his partner would catch their punch mid-air. He would twist the assailant’s arm downward, using his opponent’s force against him to bring the attacked to his knees.

Tomoyo felt her body reacting on its own. She felt compelled to just… move! Each kick and punch felt as if it were aimed at her, and her instincts told her heart to beat a little faster, to sidestep, and counter with a flurry of kicks of her own. Instead, she merely sat there with her legs spread and her body leaning forward and her arms reaching out in front of her, palms on the mat. She felt the familiar tug in her thighs as she stretched down, farther and lower until her chest nearly reached the floor. She kept her head up and watched that disciplined way of teaching combat.

How effective could these exercises be?

Unlike martial arts, fighting is never organized. It is chaotic and filled with adrenaline.

Martial arts are respectable, Tomoyo thought. They exercise person’s body, mind, and spirit. Even Tomoyo, an outsider, could recognize that. But fighting? It only works the body. The mind isn’t involved; only animalistic instinct is at work. In the heat of action, a fighter doesn’t remember why he is fighting. Fighting kills the human spirit, and the fighter gives himself up to the blood coursing through his veins.

Clap!

“Yame. Otagai ni rei.” The instructor called the class to stop, and the students bowed to their partners and separated.

The silver-haired woman breathed out a long sigh and exhaled as she relaxed her arms and legs. She stood up and straightened her uniform. She was glad those days of hers were over, but it was undeniable that she still had some fighting instinct left in her. How long would it take to be normal? How much did it take to be normal? Hell, she was here because people knew she wasn’t normal. They’d call her extraordinary.

… Tomoyo needed a distraction. She didn’t like where her thoughts were running. Seeing that the class was taking a short break, Tomoyo strode across the mat, passing by the other tired students to meet Narukami. His brown hair was slightly ruffled from his activity.

“It was fun watching you,”

[/color] she said, as directly as ever. “Aikido’s all about countering and redirecting the force of your opponent, right? I had no idea until I saw your class today,”[/color] Tomoyo smiled. “It was nice.”[/color]

She was actually glad she came to the dojo today instead of skipping out. She didn’t think she’d like it, but it was somehow refreshing to watch. There was something about watching other people doing what they loved; something about it was absolutely fascinating.
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[Narukami Akira]

Whew, this feels great. For such a routine training, I feel more motivated than usual.

Maybe because of Sakagami-san's presence. It's like adding a new spice to a common dish. The excitement at the new elements.

On the other hand, I may also want to impress her a little bit here, to show off my skills a little, so that she may be more likely to accept my request later.

And then, it's break time.

Some of the guys already ask me who Sakagami-san is, and where I found her. I keep insisting that she's just a friend from school, who's also the student council president, amid suspicions about my relationship with her. Well, I don't blame them. It's a rather common reaction when a guy suddenly brings a beautiful girl with him. Furthermore, one will be very glad to have a girlfriend like her... or afraid to, if he thinks she's too good for him. She's the kind of person who can do just anything. She's already extremely powerful with that kind of... "self-taught" martial arts (probably), so how better can she be with just a little bit of formal training?

Then the president approaches me. From what she says, seems like she does dislike it. So far, so good.

"Well, it's just what we usually do. Training." I reply. "Still, this is the first time we have a visitor like you, so, thank you for coming again."

After the formalities, I decide to change the subject, get a bit closer to her, so I choose a subject high school students tend to discuss:

"I'm just wondering... From what you said at the election, you said you wanted to preserve those sakura trees. I didn't know anything about them until then. I think those trees are beautiful and should not be cut down, too. It's an admirable ambition. But this also makes me curious about one thing. After high school, what are you going to do? After all those businesses are over, what is your next destination? 'Cause you are like... a wild card, with lots of possibilities. You have the ability to do anything you want. To tell you the truth, one of the reason I decided to take up and follow through with my aikido training, because... I want to be a police officer. So that I can protect the people. Childish, isn't it?"

[Sakagami Tomoyo]

It was the first time they had a visitor like her. What did he mean by that? Was it the first time they had a girl, or—no, that couldn’t be it. Tomoyo quirked a curious, slender eyebrow at him, but she decided it wouldn’t be worth the effort to ask. The answer would likely be disappointing, with too much anticipation and not enough payout.

Instead, she focused her attention on the salty odor that hung in the warm air. A thin sheen of sweat covered Narukami’s brow, and the boy's brown locks clung loosely to his damp forehead. Despite all the activity from before, he only panted lightly, almost imperceptibly, and Tomoyo wondered if the sound was merely a product of her own imagination.

"I'm just wondering...” the male began, “From what you said at the election, you said you wanted to preserve those sakura trees. I didn't know anything about them until then. I think those trees are beautiful and should not be cut down, too. It's an admirable ambition,” he said.

Tomoyo’s eyes lit up and she nodded in full agreement. Being able to raise awareness about an issue, and then having people talk to you about your goal had a special lifting effect on the spirit. She never felt it before this year, but the feeling was, without a doubt, irreplaceable. Sharing one goal, one vision. That was her wish, and with enough support—

“But this also makes me curious about one thing.”

The girl tilted her head and blinked, pulled out of her reverie.

“After high school, what are you going to do? After all those businesses are over, what is your next destination? 'Cause you are like... a wild card, with lots of possibilities. You have the ability to do anything you want,” the boy said. “To tell you the truth, one of the reason I decided to take up and follow through with my aikido training, because... I want to be a police officer. So that I can protect the people. Childish, isn't it?"

“Don’t talk like I’m some kind of celebrity,”

[/color] Tomoyo frowned slightly, her lips forming a tight line. “That’s a bit too much praise!”[/color] She shook her head.

“But, I don’t think protecting people sounds childish at all. Maybe it’s a little idealistic… but I like that. Idealism is great,”[/color] she said simply. The corners of Tomoyo’s lips curved up into a smile. “Without idealists, we’d just have a bunch of people too afraid to chase their dreams. That’s what I think.”[/color]

Then, she folded her arms over her chest, propped one elbow up on her other hand, and rested her chin on her fist. “As for me…” the student president said slowly, “I don’t have a solid idea yet. I just know I’d like to help people, too. To be honest… I didn’t think much about my future until recently. It’s still somewhat of a blur to me,”[/color] she admitted plainly. “It’s distant. Far away. I’m just focusing on the here and now,” she said. In that sense, she felt different from her peers. They all had such far-reaching plans, and she… well, she only had an inkling of what she wanted to do in the future.
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[Narukami Akira]

The student council president is being humble again, saying she does not deserve the praise I gave her. Well, it was not undeserved in my opinion. The heroic actions I have witnessed, alongside the rumors of how she has bested the aces of various sport clubs in school has made her legendary. Then again, not being full of herself is one of her good points too, and gives everyone else one more reason to idolize her.

Turns out she is quite more of an idealist than I expected. Maybe because she has her own dreams too. She does have a point here, because many people succeed in their career because they keep chasing their dream, surpassing every obstacles in their way, never giving up. It feels great to have somebody acknowledges your ambition, no matter how simple it is.

At first, I never thought much about what I would do once I grew up, but ever since taking up aikido at my parents' request, I have realized that I could put my martial arts skills into good use. The real job may not be as glorious and exciting like in fiction, but being a police officer means that I can take part in defending the citizens from any kind of danger they can encounter in this society.

"Thanks, Sakagami-san, for hearing me out. You are one of the few people I divulge my personal dream to."

Then it turns out that Sakagami-san hasn't had a plan for the future yet. Considering her status as a wild card, it's not surprising she has to consider all the possible choices. She does have a point about focusing on the present. Indeed, the present is where our actions matter most. The place in time where we can determine our own fate, while the future is something that has not yet existed, and full of unknowns. What we do in the present will shape our future.

"Still, Sakagami-san, as you said before, we need people who are willing to chase their dreams. Those people have a goal in mind, no matter how far that goal can be. I just think that if one has his or her personal goal defined, it is easier for that person to focus and achieve what they want. I have been training both my skills and fitness so that I can join a police academy once I graduate. Besides, well, the teachers will ask us the next year about our career choices anyway, so maybe you can think about it?"

Hope I'm not being too pushy to her. I wonder when was the last time a give a "career advice" like this to somebody else? There is still time, however, so we can talk for a little more.