Warm sunlight spilled through the window of the dilapidated little house. The girl, who had slept soundly all night, opened her eyes and habitually turned her head. Uncle was already up, sitting at the wooden table in the room and wiping his blade with a cloth.
"Good morning, Uncle."
Su Mu, who was wiping his sword, turned to look at Kanao and smiled. "Good morning, Kanao."
The girl quickly got out of bed, washed up, and then went to find Uncle. "I'm going to practice swordsmanship!"
"I'll join you."
He handed the cleaned Nichirin Blade to the girl and followed her out the door, then picked up a wooden sword that had already been whittled into shape.
Cries soon rang out clearly in the little courtyard.
Before long, the Kamado family got up as well and saw the man and girl practicing outside the door.
Wisps of cooking smoke rose, then drifted away into the distance on the breeze.
"Whew-"
After another thrust, the girl stopped, panting. Su Mu dodged aside rather awkwardly. Looking at Kanao, who seemed to have checked her strength too late and was gently rubbing her arm, he shook his head helplessly. "You don't have to hold back on purpose. You know Uncle will be fine."
"I know, Uncle."
Kanao tilted her head up and gave him a sweet smile. "I won't hold back next time."
"Heh, I'm afraid next time will be just the same."
Su Mu shook his head. He had long since seen through Kanao's little trick.
"Come on, let's eat."
He reached out and took the girl's hand.
The Kamado family had already prepared a hearty lunch. With good ingredients to work with, Kie Kamado's cooking was excellent, and everyone enjoyed the meal.
Su Mu ate some food and drank a few