Chapter 3 • A condition
Sasaki Akimitsu wandered through the bustling town, his eyes looking all over the streets in hope of encountering the rival who had been seeking him. As he strolled, he spotted a cozy cherry tree, its branches adorned with delicate pink blossoms.
"I'll rest here for a while," Akimitsu murmured to himself, settling beneath the tree's shade. "Let's see if I get to face them today."
The wind whispered through the town, carrying petals from the cherry tree, which floated gently to the ground, disappearing in the golden sunlight. Akimitsu sighed, enjoying the peaceful evening. "Such a good evening," he mused. "Wish I had some Yamazaki."
Suddenly, the gentle rustle of the wind transformed into a tremor, as if the ground itself was shaking. Akimitsu opened his eyes slowly, his senses alert. Approaching him was a woman, her left hand bound by a chain and a sword clutched in her right hand. Her glowing white skin and long, shiny hair glistened in the fading light, and there wasn't a single scratch on her body, as if she had never fought a day in her life.
She came closer, her tired eyes locking onto his. "Are you Sasaki Akimitsu?" she asked.
Akimitsu stood up, meeting her gaze. "No doubt."
"I came all the way here to fight you," she said.
"Let's have a duel."
Akimitsu smirked. "I had hoped to meet someone stronger and more resilient. Guess I'll pass on this one."
Her expression softened. "I need your help, Sasaki. Please help me."
"What kind of help?" Akimitsu asked, skeptical. "I'm not sure I can be of much assistance."
"I’ve lost to a rival, and he has bound this chain to my left hand, limiting my abilities. I want you to help me break it."
Akimitsu shook his head. "It's your fate to deal with the consequences of your loss. I can't break a thick chain anyway."
He turned to walk away, but she called out, desperation in her voice. "I know your sword can break any curse."
Akimitsu paused, a stunned expression crossing his face.
"I have a condition," he said, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "If you win, I'll break the curse. But if I win, you'll become my servant."
She accepted the condition, her confidence in her healing abilities and skills unwavering.
