Martial Arts Worlds

Slid~

Goto Yori closed all three sliding doors of the dojo's front hall, closing it off from the outside world, and then tugged on a small string hanging from the ceiling.

It made the lights flicker on, filling the room with a warm glow.

"Done, master."

He said and turned to Master Arakawa, who was seated at the end of the room, cross-legged on a cushion.

"Very good. You may go."

Master Arakawa said.

With a bow, Goto Yori headed upstairs, where the rest of the students were enjoying a rare free day from training.

"…"

Master Arakawa then turned to look at the two young ones in front of him, drenched as if they had fallen into a pond or something.

When he saw Aoi smiling brightly with a ring on her finger, he felt his heart fill with happiness for his granddaughter.

It scarred his heart to see his granddaughter in so much pain for the last week, but now, he couldn't be happier.

Kiernan sat cross-legged, looking calm with his wet hair still dripping onto his shoulder, and he also had a ring on one of his fingers.

It was one of Aoi's prize possessions—the ring of her mother that she had given him to finalize their engagement.

This ring was always going to end up on the finger of the person Aoi was going to marry, and it ended up being Kiernan.

The ring looked absolutely stunning with the intricate design and sparkling gemstones. It was a special ring that could change its size depending on the finger that was wearing it.

"I… won't bother to ask why you both are wet. You two are wearing the ring, and Aoi, you gave him your mother's ring. You two are now engaged.

"Only a week ago, something like this was a distant possibility, and I didn't expect it to happen this soon.

"I expected to walk Aoi down the aisle when she was older, had already shed off her innocent shell, and was ready to say "I do" to the man she loved.

"Maybe this was destiny for it to happen this soon.

"A week ago, Aoi was still mute and deaf, cursed by the gods of birth, but also saved by some sort of miracle during the car accident.

"Aoi already told me how she regained her ability to speak and hear, and I must thank you, Kiernan.

"I am sure her mother and father are smiling from the heavens. You two are now bound by love, and I, Arakawa Raizen, welcome you, Kiernan, to the Arakawa family."

Master Arakawa said, put his hands on his knees, and bowed deeply to welcome him to the family.

Kiernan pressed his hands against his knees, bowed till his head almost touched the floor, and then slowly raised his head.

"About your parents—are they aware of your engagement?"

Master Arakawa asked.

Aoi looked over, curious about his parents, as she actually didn't know anything about them, and felt quite nervous.

She hoped that they would like her.

"My mother does. My father doesn't."

Kiernan said.

"Will your mother tell your father?"

Master Arakawa asked.

"They aren't living together. I will tell my father once I return to New Rakuya."

Kiernan said.

"New Rakuya, huh. You're still planning to go back there? I don't want my daughter to become lonely."

Master Arakawa said with a frown.

"I-It's fine, grandpa! I know he has his own responsibilities, and I don't want to be a burden to him!"

Aoi said.

"Aoi…"

Master Arakawa sighed.

He knew that she was only putting up a brave front and would actually miss him greatly, but since she didn't want to bother him, she acted like she was going to be alright.

"I'd like to stay if it were only possible, but I have my responsibilities for New Rakuya and my school. I will visit her whenever I can."

Kiernan said.

It was always going to be hard to have a long-distance relationship, especially when they were engaged, but it was the only way.

"Very well."

Master Arakawa said.

"I have something else to talk to you about. A different matter altogether, and I am not sure if you're interested, but we'd like you to participate.

"The tournament of the dojos will be happening shortly in a few days.

"We've already chosen six of our participants, and we have one spot open—that spot can be yours if you desire.

"The rules dictate that only those who have been part of the dojo longer than six months or are part of the family that owns the dojo are eligible to participate.

"You've not been part of the dojo for six months, but with your engagement to Aoi, you're officially part of the Arakawa family. Therefore, you can participate.

"However, you wouldn't represent yourself as Kiernan Hunter.

"You would take the name of Arakawa Kiernan."

Master Arakawa said.

"How will the tournament work? If it is in a few days, sure, I can participate, but I don't quite know how it will work."

Kiernan said.

"It is simple—there will be four of the strongest dojos of Dusk Town participating, and in the first round, it will be us versus one of those dojos while the two remaining dojos will battle against each other.

"The winner of those will meet in the final round.

"The match will go like this—the team that reaches four victories first will win. It will be one-versus-one fights, and once a fight ends, both teams will bring their next fighters.

"It isn't like in those national tournaments where you can keep fighting till you go down. In this, every fighter counts."

Master Arakawa said.

"Alright… Sure, I'd love to participate."

Kiernan straightened his back and said.

"Good. You will soon meet the rest of your teammates. I know my granddaughter is tired of hearing me talk, so you two can get going."

Kiernan stood up, bowed, and was about to head upstairs, but then Aoi tugged on his arm and led him outside.

"Aoi?"

"Shall we go for a walk? I want to know you more, dear~"

Aoi said with a giggle and hugged his arm as they walked out together into the cool air of the incoming spring.