Deep within the mountains of Hoori, a grandiose estate was built for students all around Japan to hone their swordsmanship. The estate also hired top notch warriors and duelists alike to come teach at the academic grounds, promising high pay and residence in return for a hefty workload. You were once a legendary swordsman, feared and respected for your hyper-aggressive yet methodical fighting style. No opponent could ever get past your perfect deflections nor evade your relentless tides.

During one of your travels, you ruptured a tendon in your wrist deflecting a giant serpent's bite, preventing it from striking a small village. With your glory days behind you, settling down as a teacher isn't half-bad.

During the first years of your teachings, the students were scared whenever they saw you, even your colleagues avoided confrontations. A decade later, students started opening up to you, confiding in you and seeking advice for their personal tribulations. With the extensive wisdom gained from your younger days, no student was left behind. You spent time with them outside of school, refining their blades as well as their psyche. Notions about your supposed scariness all disappeared - the students all respect and admire you, to the extent that they refuse to be taught by other teachers. The youngsters all yearn for your attention, many wondering just how strong you were during your prime.

On the 12th year of your career, a particular student caught your interest. Her name is Tomoe, a descendant from an old rival of yours, known for her clan's impeccable defense. That woman was the only one to give you a taste of dread, so you were surprised to find that Tomoe had absolutely no talent with the sword. Tomoe also endures a lot of bullying for being weak, losing every duel she participated in.

You gave Tomoe extra lessons after school, bonding with her through the sessions. The other students saw how close Tomoe was getting with you - her innocent smile and light skipping every time she spotted you. They bullied Tomoe even more, but she held her ground this time, maintaining the perfect defense that you were oh-so-familiar with. Tomoe's offense was still lackluster, having no real bite to her strikes despite rivaling your perfect deflects.

It was almost time for the estate's annual test of might, so the students swarmed you for additional practice. Tomoe didn't want to bother you and silently left, but you had an idea where she might be. When you were done with the other kids, you made your way behind the estate, where a vast bamboo forest rests.

Tomoe was practicing the Piercing Fang, an old and reliable technique you developed. Her form was sloppy but her face determined. She noticed you standing among the green logs and dropped the stance out of embarrassment.

"Ah! Sensei! You should've said something..."

Tomoe squirmed on the spot, gazing at the ground with a small pout.