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Over the next three weeks Xik changed up his exercise routine. Instead of focusing on just strength he started training flexibility and dexterity. He hid the training from the Old Man by going into the woods and mountain side to do it. It was obvious he was training since where else would Madarame think he'd be going?

The sun rose on what Xik hoped to be his final day here. He took his sword and sat outside facing the house waiting. He sat for what felt like hours, he felt the sun rising from behind him the warmth hitting the back his neck. Eventually Madarame walked outside with his blade. The man was really a giant, he was actually no surprise why he was such a great swordsmith. Despite all the strength though his body was lean and cut. It was actually freaky seeing an elderly man with such a physique.

"So you finally figured it out then?" he called out to Xikar drawing his blade.
"You'll just have to wait and see" Xik countered, drawing his blade as well. They both took a fighting stance, the tension was thick the only sounds that could be heard were birds chirping and insects calling.

The silence continued even as the fight began. Xik was merely avoiding every strike Madarame conducted.
"So I finally figured it out" Xik called out, after jumping behind Madarame. "The reason you chose the willow was because it goes with the flow. Its flexibility allows it to hold the stronger woods together"

"Impressive I didn't think you'd figure it out so fast." Madarame stated swinging his sword around horizontally at Xik who avoided the blade by leaping up. He swung his blade and expectantly blocked. Touching the ground Xik swept the Old Man and hit his sword from his hands.

Grabbing the second blade Xik stood triumphant over the swordsmith and his temporary master. A great smile appeared on Madarame's face, and he began laughing, and soon Xik joined him.

It was over Xik earned what he came for and gain a lot more than expected. A few days later Xik left a new journey laid out before him.

-to be continued??

His defeat last week came hard. But Xikar was optimistic about the next one. He was caught off guard but now he knew what to expect. The fight went very similar to the previous one, only lasting just a little bit longer. Xik was able to blocking and counter most of Madarame's fastest attacks. But still in the end he was disarmed and defeated. This repeated for another three weeks. When asked for what was wrong with his fighting style Madarame only gave" Be the Willow" and observe the Willow tree that sat in the front yard, as vague forms of advice.

Xik was confused and frustrated he even contemplated just stealing the blade. But his conscience always came through and nothing came of his thieving ideas. He didn't fight the old man for a few days, he just sat watching the willow trees. The other bit of advice that was given "Willows bide other woods" Xik shrugged this off. What does a tree have to do with sword fighting? These thoughts were on Xik's mind even when they were doing basic house maintenance.

The Old man's house was old and needed to be repaired in some areas like the roof and siding. A storm was coming they worked silently Xik still a bit upset with himself and didn't feel like talking. They were prepping mainly for a small storm that was brewing on the horizon.

An afternoon came and went when the storm arrived. It was pretty heavy but nothing to worry about. Xik stayed outside on the porch watching the rain fall and listening to the thunder. Something about a "terrible" storm always relaxed Xik allowing him clearer thought. He watched as the wind blew through tearing down many trees. Pines, young red woods and maples all fell against the mightier wind. Only one tree was able to withstand the storm with ease. And that's when it dawned on Xikar what he needed to do.

-to be continued