Page 26 of Son of Shadows

“You don’t have to see. You only have to believe and trust yourself.”

That was what Koichi had told him. But that was easier said than done.

Normally, he’d have Masaru bound to him while fighting. Masaru saw things and had reactions that Ryuichi could only dream of possessing.

You can do it too.

Could he? His newfound confidence was actually annoying. Doubt was far more comfortable. He was good at that.

Probably his best skill.

“Ow!” he snapped as Katsu hit him again. “Do you mind?”

“Pay attention!”

Fine. He was paying attention.

“Close your eyes and try, lordling.”

Try . . . how easy he made it sound.

But Ryuichi obeyed. He closed his eyes and let his other senses take over. He became aware of the faint scent of moss carrying through the air. The buzzing sound of bizarre-looking insects that would frighten anyone in the human realm.

Then he felt it. A sudden movement in the energy around him. A release of pressure that let him know Katsu was near.

In his mind, Ryuichi could see the tengu lunge. He was still far faster than any opponent he’d ever fought. But Ryuichi was prepared for his lightning-fast attacks.

He parried Katsu’s blade to the side, then turned the blade around and struck Katsu on the shoulder. Instinctively, Ryuichi opened his eyes.

The tengu looked as shocked as he felt.

“I did it! I deflected your sword.”

Katsu scowled at him. “Why do you celebrate? A single point does not a defeated opponent make.”

Well, true.

“But it’s an improvement. Koichi taught me to celebrate even the smallest victories. He says it builds confidence.”

Katsu rolled his eyes. “Confidence comes from achievement. Which this was not. You managed to deflect my sword because I was going slower so you could learn.”

So much for building confidence.

Ryuichi had thought he’d accomplished something impressive.

Katsu saluted him with his sword. “Fear not, botchan. We’ll hold a proper funeral for you.”

Ryuichi groaned. “Great. What an honor.”

The old bird’s features softened. “You’re not hopeless. I’ll make a proper swordsman of you yet and teach you the sacred tengu style. You’ll be the only human to know it.”

“Truly?” Ryuichi felt some of his confidence come back.

Katsu nodded at Ryuichi.

“You’re sure?”

“I am.”