Hwoarang tried to concentrate on his movements, on his patterns, forcing each move with lethal precision. However, he kept on finding his concentration slipping, his mind occupied with a tumult of thoughts.

Your problem is that you're too easily distracted. That is your major weakness.

He winced as he remembered Baek's words. How long ago was that? Over ten years, he realised. Now Baek was gone, one of the many victims of the God of Fighting'. Gone with him was the opportunity for Hwoarang to tell his mentor how much his teachings and guidance had meant to him; how Baek had been like the father he'd never known. Hwoarang hoped that Baek knew that, wherever his spirit was now.

Dai said softly, leaning against a wooden beam. Hwoarang breathed deeply, and turned to face her.

he replied, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. They looking at each other in uncomfortable silence, glancing from side to side. Eventually Hwoarang sighed.

Look, Dai, he began, I'm sorry about how I acted last night. Although I still think I have a right to know what's going on, I shouldn't tried to pressure you like that. Sorry.

To his relief, Dai smiled. Don't worry about it. You..,you're right. You do have a right to know, but I can't tell you, not yet. Her eyes dropped slightly, and added quietly. I wish I could.

She brightened slightly, closing that particular conversation. So...are you looking forward to your fight tonight?

I'm confident of success, he smirked, his familiar brash arrogance returning. I'm against a guy called Brian Fury - he was in the last tournament, but he got knocked out before...

-Before you did, Dai finished, a smile playing on her lips. That really bothers you, doesn't it?

Hwoarang looked riled. You could say that. I'm not used to losing. Ever.

Dai had to choke back her laughter. She had learnt long ago that it was impossible to win every battle; she had also learnt a valuable lesson with each defeat - what her weaknesses were, and how to overcome them. To be undefeated didn't mean that you had no weaknesses, it merely meant that no opponent had uncovered them yet. From the scowl on Hwoarang's face, she guessed that he didn't quite see it that way.

I will beat Kazama- he began, before noticing the slightly superior smirk that Dai was wearing. He crossed his arms irritably.

Why did you lose? she asked, tilting her head slightly, as if she could somehow gain a better insight of the man before her that way. Why did he beat you?

Hwoarang opened his mouth, then closed it again. How could he answer that, without sounding weak, or foolish, or, even worse, inferior.

He couldn't.

I don't know he muttered darkly. He just did.

Was he better than you?

You're enjoying this, aren't you? Hwoarang said accusingly, eyes narrowing. Yes, I suppose he had to have been. Happy?

Dai leaned back thoughtfully. Perhaps he had a better reason to fight. Perhaps you were having a bad day. But let me tell you what Yamada-sensei once told me-
Hwoarang rolled his eyes. Dai ignored him.

-To know your weaknesses is a strength; to deny your weaknesses is a weakness of its own. So do you try and eliminate your weaknesses, or do you add to them? Just a thought.

She began walking away, but not before favouring Hwoarang with a smile. Despite himself, he smiled back lopsidedly.

I'll bear it in mind, he sighed. She grinned.

You do that. I'll be back in a couple of hours in time for your fight.

Hwoarang watched her leave, a faint sense of confusion clouding his mind. He shook his head, then turned to continue training.

He was confronted by the diminutive form of Reiko, the smug ninja's wife. Evidently she had ninja training of her own, as Hwoarang jumped, startled by her presence.

I wish you people would stop doing that! he scowled, infuriated by her amused smile.

What are we people doing? she inquired politely.

Sneaking around, like-

Young man, she began with mock sternness. This is our home, and if we wish to sneak', then we will do so.

Hwoarang winced as it suddenly occurred to him that he was being abusive about a host in their own home. That was rude by any nation's standards, never mind in Japan. Hwoarang quickly tried to form an apology in his mind; it was something he was having to do far too often lately. His efforts were interrupted by Reiko's gentle laughter.

You are very direct, and speak from the heart. I admire that in you - although, she chuckled, that's no reason to not try to learn to be more...tactful. She looked at him, and for a moment Hwoarang felt as transparent as glass.

When is your fight? she asked.

Uh, nine o'clock tonight, Hwoarang answered, slightly thrown by the sudden change of subject. Are you planning on watching?

I may do, she smiled. However, I was hoping you would have time to help Dai. She's very stubborn, and won't ask.

Help her? Hwoarang frowned. Help her do what? She won't tell me who she works for, or what she does, never mind asking me for help.

Reiko said. Well, since won't tell you, I can't either. She shrugged. On a different note...if you were sent on a mission to infiltrate the Mishima Ziabatsu's data compound, how would you go about it?

Hwoarang stared at her, his jaw dropping. Is that what she's doing? Is she nuts?!

Again Reiko offered a noncommittal shrug. Just asking a question, that's all.

Hwoarang turned and headed for the door. As he started to slide it open, Reiko called.

she said, throwing something his way. His well honed reflexes allowed him to catch the object with ease. When he opened his hand he was surprised to see a set of car keys.

She'll have taken the bike, Reiko explained. The car is out the back.

Hwoarang nodded his silent thanks, and disappeared out of the door. Reiko listened to the sound of the engine starting, and winced slightly at the shriek as it pulled off at great speed.

Are you sure that was wise, dearest?

Reiko turned to face her husband. Breaking into anything owned by Heihachi Mishima is going to be dangerous, even for her. And, perhaps, especially for her.

Yamada nodded slowly, pondering the situation. Dai can take care of herself, he began, But that's not to say that she shouldn't be given a extra bit of help now and again.

Reiko grinned, her serious expression gone, When the help has such a cute behind!