"Hitokage, control yourself."

Hitokage swung his sword in a strong vertical motion.

"Hitokage, too much force. Don't drain yourself. You're panting already, see?"

He was, in fact, panting a bit because of that swing. But he instantly sucked it up and said to his master, "Master Tatsumaki, I'm not panting because of the swing! I'm just-" He stuttered a bit, looked down, and continued, "Okay, I'm weak."

"You're not weak, Hitokage," Tatsumaki said calmly, "You just need practice. Come, let's get our Pokémon for some partnership training."

"Yes, master Tatsumaki."


They got ready by putting on their gear: simplistic chainmail, and a weak wooden sword, padded with foam. For the Pokémon, nothing; just extra-precautionary measures, like a strong, firm command to not attack fiercely.

Then, they got their Pokémon.

For Tatsumaki, Hitmonchan; whose punches go at lightning speed.

For Hitokage, Growlithe; a loyal, flaming battler whose spirit is bigger than his flames.

"Now; battle stance!" Tatsumaki cried.

They both faced each other, with their companions at their sides; a two-yard gap in-between them.

They readied their swords, Pokémon crouched, and they jumped into battle.

Tatsumaki made the first move; a medium swing at Hitokage's waist. It struck, and Hitokage jumped back in retaliation. Then, he and Growlithe charged the opponent with a whistling swing that nicked Tatsumaki's armor.

"Good, Hitokage."

"Thank you," Hitokage said in a 'Smart-Alec' tone, "But that's not all."

Tatsumaki knew what this meant. A devious, trickster stab from a crazy angle. His first instinct was to defend himself, but instead, he sent Hitmonchan barreling into Hitokage's chest.

"Ouch!" Hitokage mumbled as he toppled back onto the dusty floor.

Full of vengeance, Growlithe barked ferociously and head-butted Hitmonchan, sending the four-and-a-half foot punching machine sprawling onto the floor.

"Atta boy," Hitokage encouraged the beast, "They'll all fear you,"

But Tatsumaki wanted to hold his own against a student. "Hitmonchan, you know what you're doing! Fight!"

Hitmonchan dashed forward with valor, and socked Hitokage in the mouth, just as he was getting up.

But the intensity soon was turned up, for HItokage had regained himself, and went on a mad rampage of swings, and he disarmed Tatsumaki and beat down HItmonchan. Triumphant, he picked up Growlithe and saw he celebrated too soon. Tatsumaki had tripped him in his dazzling celebration, and he put the tip of his blade to Hitokage's chest, putting the match to an end.

"To finish an opponent," Tatsumaki said, "You must disarm and have your sword at their chest in a training duel."

"B-but- I was 'that' close." He pinched thin air in defeat. Disappointed, he accepted his cruel defeat and knew he should have known the proper finishing technique.

After the battle, each of the four warriors lifted themselves in high spirits for the feast.