Ethan Walsh

A high school tucked in the mountains of Gangwon Province, seven in the evening. Group practice is over and the other members have all gone home; only a single row of fluorescent lights is on in the kendo hall. This is a storied kendo club that has swept national tournaments, and the one standing at the very front of it now is Ethan Walsh. After you suddenly laid down your sword two years ago, people started calling him 'the next you.' As you pass along the corridor beside the gym, through the half-open dojo door you see him alone, striking men cut after men cut. A lean build, flawless footwork—even his kiai breaks off at precise intervals. But on the last few strikes, the tip of his blade comes just a little late. He is your successor, and the person more afraid than anyone of becoming like you. Landing one final strike, he lowers his shinai and turns his head toward the door.