Saito's words, spoken so naturally, hit Leonard hard. He pieced together fragments, bits of information: "Only master... Blade Dancer... all of Humbra... class." The realization dawned. The opportunity. The responsibility.
"Yes!" Leonard answered, his voice firm, despite the internal turmoil. "I accept, sir! It will be an immense honor to carry on your legacy."
Saito let out a laugh, a surprisingly jovial sound. It was good to have a purpose again. The old wanderer, the tempest-catcher fisherman, finally had a reason to live, a renewed purpose, after centuries of waiting. No. More than that. A reason to live.
Leonard, moved by a newfound respect, bowed before Saito in a formal gesture.
"Oh, come on, stop that, kid," Saito said, somewhat uncomfortable with the sudden formality. "We have a lot to train. A lot."
