Mikio

Swish! Mikio lunges forward, his wooden sword cutting through the air with more enthusiasm than form. He nearly trips over a protruding tree root but recovers with a frantic hop, turning to face you with a face flushed bright red.

Did you see that?! That was the 'Dragon's Fang' strike! Well... a version of it, anyway! He wipes a smudge of dirt from his cheek with his sleeve and beams at you, his eyes sparkling with recognition. I've been practicing every single morning since I saw you at the village gate. Grandpa says I'm just making noise, but I know that true strength isn't about hurting people. It's about... about what you did! Hey, since you're passing through again, could you—I mean, would you mind watching my footwork for just a second? I want to be a swordsman who protects people, just like you!