Greetings everyone, Muk here with the next chapter of Makoto's Bizarre Adventure. Now this one actually took a while to do mainly because I had trouble coming up with one the new Stands in this chapter. But after some long thinking and getting opinions from others, I finally have it and am ready to get this chapter going.
Monokuma: Going to others for your own stories, how disappointing.
Oh shut up you! Don't you have anything better to do besides annoying me?
Monokuma: Eh, more fun to come on here and be a bother to you.
Yeah screw you too panda reject. Anyways, let's not delay this anymore. Without further ado, enjoy.
There are those classes that a majority of students can agree they don't like. If you were to ask a group of students what their least favorite subject was, a majority of them would say math. Others would likely say history or english as their least favorite. And then there were the select group of students who would agree that gym class was their least favorite.
Makoto Naegi happened to be one of those students.
"Is it just me... pant… or was today's class... pant… more tiring than usual?" Makoto asked alout, catching his breath as he spoke.
Class 78 was currently gathered inside the gymnasium for P.E., and almost everyone was panting from exhaustion. Normally they wouldn't get so tired after this class, but their instructor today had pushed the class more than they ever had and as such, they were on the brink of collapse. Thankfully this was their last class of the day, and they were given the last five minutes to rest up before they could leave.
"I know, this was hell," Leon complained.
"I have never felt this tired in my entire life," Hifumi, who was lying on his back, added.
"My legs feel like they're going to break off from all that running," Sayaka said as she chugged down some water she had.
"Thank god we're almost through here, the sooner we can leave the better," Mondo said.
"You guys complain too much," Aoi said, stretching her arms as she didn't seem the least bit tired at all.
"Everyone's just over exaggerating, it really wasn't that bad," Mukuro agreed, also looking completely fine.
Sakura stood beside them but didn't say anything, only nodding in agreement with their words. Her arms were crossed and her eyes were closed, as if she was in deep thought about something.
"I don't believe you three can just say that to the rest of us, considering you're the most fit out of everyone in our class," Kyoko informed.
"Yeah not all of us can handle as much as you athletic people can," Hiro added.
Makoto took a drink from his water bottle he got out after class. He was looking forward to relaxing in his dorm once they could leave. Putting down his water his eyes began to wander around the gym, observing the tired state of his fellow classmates. His eyes locked on with Byakuya's, who was glaring at him intensely. He had returned to classes shortly after Makoto had dealt with Celeste, and refused to answer any questions on his whereabouts. Since then, he's been himself mostly but has kept an eye on Makoto. He wasn't sure why, but Makoto made sure to be careful around him.
His eyes then laid on Kyoko who was resting on one of the bleachers, putting some of her hair behind her ear. The gym uniform she had on showed off her figure well, which Makoto couldn't help but watch. He didn't mean to stare, but he was lost at how stunning Kyoko looked. That was until Leon nudged his shoulder, getting Makoto to look at him.
"Hey Romeo, try not to get caught staring at her," Leon warned with a playful smirk, "Not gonna end well for you."
"Wh-what, I wasn't!" Makoto replied with a blush across his face.
"Dude you weren't even trying to hide it," Leon said.
Makoto just groaned as his face fell into his hands. Apparently he couldn't go a day without making himself look like a fool when it involves Kyoko, "Was it that obvious?"
"Oh badly," Leon replied. Makoto groaned louder as Leon put a hand on his shoulder in reassurance, "Chill out bro, it's all good."
Makoto just sighed as he lifted his head from his hands. He looked up, only to see Sakura standing before him. The sudden appearance of the martial artist startled Makoto, causing him to flinch upon seeing her. "Sakura?" he said questionably.
"Yo what's up, Ogre?" Leon asked.
At first, Sakura said nothing as she stared down at the luckster. She then pointed at Makoto with a serious expression on her face, "Makoto...fight me."
Sakura's request came as a great shock for not just Makoto, but for everyone in the gym. They all had heard what she had asked from the luckster and were watching with wide eyes at what was going down. Of everyone, Makoto was the one who was the most shocked. "Come again now?" he requested in confusion.
"I wish to fight you Makoto," Sakura repeated, just as serious as before, "A short spar between us. That is what I request."
"But… why me?" Makoto questioned.
"When I first met you, I deemed you inadequate as a training partner due to your physique," Sakura explained, "But lately, I sensed within you a strong fighting spirit. I have grown curious about this and wish to spar with you to see it in action."
"I'm not sure about that Sakura," Makoto replied, "Besides, you'll likely destroy me either way."
"You can decline if you wish," she assured, but kept her stern look, "But I insist you agree to this. Not just for my curiosity, but for your own benefit as well."
Before Makoto could ask what she meant, Sakura walked away towards the gym mats. Makoto was silent, unsure how to take in Sakura's request to him. His mind was racking on what Sakura said about his benefit. He was unsure what she meant by that, and how fighting her would help him as well.
His train of thought was interrupted when Kyoko, who had come up to him after Sakura left, gained his attention when she shook his shoulder, "You doing ok, Makoto?"
"Yeah I'm fine," he assured, "Just a lot on my mind given what happened."
Kyoko nodded in understanding as Leon spoke up, "You're not actually thinking of taking on Sakura are you?"
"I don't know, I don't even understand why she just challenged me out of the blue like that," Makoto answered, "But what do you think she meant when she said for my own benefit?"
"You think the Mastermind is controlling her as well?" Leon suggested.
"It seems unlikely," Kyoko answered, "Unlike the other times they used students as pawns, Sakura challenged you openly in public. It's unlikely the Mastermind would change their strategy so suddenly."
"Not to mention my little alert system isn't acting up," Makoto added, pointing to the ahoge on his head. Ever since they learned it moves on its own when Makoto is in trouble, he made sure to pay attention to any movements it gave. But right now, it just stood in place, "I don't think she's being controlled, Sakura must have her own reason to challenge me."
"If it's not from the Mastermind, perhaps you should accept her challenge," Kyoko suggested, much to Leon and Makoto's shock before she explained, "It's clear Sakura knows something about Makoto that even he is unaware of. It should be in our best interest to learn what she knows."
"Yeah, but would that really be worth Makoto getting clobbered by Ogre?!" Leon retaliated.
"It's not ideal but what she knows may be helpful," she added before looking at Makoto, "Of course, ultimately the decision is yours, Makoto."
Makoto was silent as he took into consideration Kyoko's suggestion. Kyoko was right in that regard, if Sakura did know something about him then he should find out. On the other hand though, if he agrees it would be less of a fight and more of a slaughter. Makoto stood no chance against Sakura, and the rational part that wants his bones intact is saying to just leave. He looked over to Sakura, who was standing in the center of the gym. She had already arranged the mats for them and was just waiting for Makoto.
"... I'll do it."
Leon looked at him as if he just agreed to jump off a cliff while Kyoko just looked at him with a soft expression. Makoto explained himself, "I'm honestly curious as to why she suddenly wants to fight me all of a sudden."
"Dude, are you a glutton for pain or something?" Leon asked, "I mean after all you've been through you really want to add a beatdown from Sakura to that list?"
"Believe me, I rather wish I could get out of this without a bruise," Makoto responded, "But if Sakura knows something, maybe we should find out what it is."
Leon sighed, seeing there was no way to convince Makoto, "Whatever you say dude." He patted Makoto on the back before heading to the rest of the class, "I'll be praying for you Makoto, you're gonna need it."
Makoto just chuckled awkwardly before looking at Kyoko. The detective was the first to speak, "I know this was my suggestion, but I honestly wish it didn't come to this."
"Yeah well, not much we can do now," Makoto responded.
"I… hope you won't get hurt too much," she said in a soft tone.
"I'll try," Makoto assured her with a smile. Kyoko walked over to the bleachers, where everyone else was sitting and were eager to see what was about to happen. Makoto just sighed as he walked over to where Sakura was waiting for him.
Sakura kept her eyes on him as he joined her on the mats and stood across from her. Makoto couldn't help but feel intimidated seeing how much she towered over him. He was already regretting this decision.
"I am glad you accepted my request," Sakura stated, "I will hold back as to not seriously hurt you Makoto, but don't expect this to be easy."
"Believe me, I won't."
At the bleachers, everyone had their eyes on the two interested in what was going to happen. "You guys think Makoto stands a chance?" Yasuhiro inquired.
"You're joking right?" Junko replied, "Makoto is going to get creamed! Ogre is gonna end this in one punch."
"Have to agree with Junko there," Aoi agreed, "Makoto doesn't stand a chance against Sakura."
"I believe it is quite clear that Makoto will lose this spar without a doubt," Celested noted, "However, it stands to ask how long he'll last. I reckon it'll be two minutes before he's finished."
"Two minutes! You have way too much faith in him," Junko exclaimed, "He'll be lucky to last one minute, and luck isn't exactly on his good side."
"Oh, care to put money on that claim?" Celeste asked, a smirk showing on her face.
"Oh it's on, eleven hundred yen on Makoto lasting a minute."
"Now hold it right there you two!" Taka scolded as he stood up to face them, "Gambling is strictly prohibited during school hours! You will cease this action at once!"
"Actually Taka," Sayaka said, getting his attention, "School just ended a minute ago. At this point we're just watching this going on after hours, so their bet is technically allowed."
"I... I see," Taka realized, "I apologize for my brash behavior."
"Does this mean you will be participating as well, Sayaka?" Celeste inquired.
Sayaka sheepishly looked away, "I… kind of want to see where this goes. Twelve hundred on Makoto lasting a minute and thirty seconds."
"Hey I want in on this bet too!" Leon exclaimed.
Soon everyone started putting their own bets on how long Makoto would last against Sakura. In total, the betting pool came up to 7000 yen. The only ones who didn't participate were Kyoko and Byakuya. But hearing that people were betting didn't help to calm Makoto's nerves. All they did was make him more nervous for the butt kicking he knew he was going to get.
"You should ignore what they are saying," Sakura advised, "It'll only hinder you. Only focus on the fight ahead."
"Believe me I am, and also focusing on the hospital room I'm gonna end up in." Makoto thought to himself, "So, how long are we doing this?"
"Until one of us is unable to fight or leaves the ring," Sakura answered, "Now then, let us begin."
Sakura put a foot out front and brought both her arms up, not looking away from Makoto as she took her stance. Makoto was unsure how to proceed so he just mimicked Sakura's movements, his stance seeming flimsier than Sakura's. Both of them just remained still while the others were watching with bated breath.
Sakura made the first move when she moved forward and threw the first punch towards Makoto. The punch was fast and would have hit Makoto, but he moved his head out of the way before it could land. Makoto moved out of the way from a second punch which was immediately followed by Sakura bringing her knee up. Makoto leaned back to only get grazed in the chin instead of a full brunt attack from it.
When Sakura made a move to swing right, Makoto ducked onto all fours. Seeing an opportunity, he spun and tried to sweep Sakura off her feet with his leg. But when it made contact, his leg wasn't able to budge her at all. "Uh oh," he said once he realized what he did. He looked up to see Sakura getting ready to bring her fist down. Makoto rolled out of the way just as it came down, her fist crashing with the mats below them.
Makoto sprawled back on his feet as Sakura looked over at him. He wasn't sure what to do seeing as he couldn't even hurt her. For a moment, Makoto figured on just hopping off the mat and throwing the fight, at least he wouldn't get hurt. But then Sakura spoke up to him, "You'll accomplish nothing by running. Stand your ground Makoto, show me what you are capable of."
Makoto quietly gasped when he saw how Sakura emphasized the word stand. "Does she know I have a Stand? Is she telling me to use it?" he thought to himself. Makoto was unsure if that was what Sakura meant, or if she was simply telling him not to run. But as she came towards him, he decided to take it as a hint, reaching into his pocket for Lucky Number.
He rolled out of the way from another punch and spoke just before he stood up, "I'll evade Sakura's next attack and counter with my own." He rolled the die away before facing Sakura. He wasn't able to see what landed as Sakura threw another punch at him. This time, Makoto actually looked serious as he leaned back far enough that the punch went over him. But he continued to lean back, his arms moving to the ground as he lifted his legs off the ground. In the midst of Makoto's Back Handspring, his legs came up and kicked Sakura's chin.
Everyone was surprised that Makoto was able to land a hit on the Ultimate Martial Artist, even Makoto was surprised when he got back up. Sakura felt her chin where Makoto had struck her, feeling the scratch that he managed to leave. She smirked at Makoto, "Not bad." Sakura retaliated with a quick jab towards Makoto, but he brought his arm up to block the attack which actually stopped her arm.
To most of everyone who was watching, Makoto blocking the punch seemed impossible to them. But to a select few, they saw how Makoto was able to. Lucky Number was out in its true form, blocking the attack just before it made contact with Makoto's arm so that it looked like he stopped it on his own. "Good thing I got a twenty from that roll," he thought to himself.
"It's as I thought, you do possess a Stand," Sakura said knowingly, quiet enough so only Makoto could hear.
"You're the one who told me to stand my ground," Makoto said, keeping quiet as well, "You sure you want to keep going?"
Sakura only nodded in agreement as her other fist came at Makoto. However, he brought his knee up and Lucky Number blocked the punch before Makoto threw his own punch, his arm covered as Lucky Number's arms appeared over it. Sakura managed to block it, but the force from the attack sent her back a bit and she was on the edge of the mat.
"I'll throw a flurry of punches right at you," Makoto commanded, Lucky Number proceeding to throw the D20. He then lunged towards Sakura, who brought her arms up to withstand the oncoming attack. As he proceeded to throw punch after punch on her, his Stand followed with stronger and faster punches.
"SAGA SAGA SAGA SAGA SAGA SAGA SAGA SAGA SAGA SAGA SAGA SAGA SAGA SAGA!"
With each hit, Sakura was slowly inching off the mat. Just as she was on the verge of a ring out, she shouted as she managed to catch one of Makoto's arms. Before he could have Lucky Number retaliate, Sakura landed a Palm Strike on his chest and knocked him back. Makoto had a hand on his chest as he felt the wind knocked out from the attack.
"You are a better fighter than you look, Makoto," Sakura said. Makoto noticed that she was breathing heavier than before, "It's time to end this."
Sakura started to get a handle on her breathing and breathed out rhythmically. Only after a few seconds of this breathing, Makoto saw sparks appearing on Sakura's right arm that seemed to move alongside her breathing. "Sparks? Could that be Sakura's Stand?" he inwardly spoke as he got ready for what was about to happen. Sakura moved forward as she threw her right arm towards Makoto.
"It's too risky to get hit by that, I don't know what her Stand can do," he thought as he saw the fist come closer, "I'll just move back far enough. She may have longer range because she's taller than me, but I can still get out of that punch's range."
Makoto took a step back to avoid the oncoming attack, thinking he successfully dodged it. However, an awful crunching noise could be heard from Sakura's arm as it extended out more than it should have and was going to hit Makoto. He tried to get Lucky Number to block it in time but was too late as her fist came in contact with his face. The force of the punch was so strong that it sent Makoto flying off the mat, where he ended up crashing just in front of the bleachers, where the onlookers winced at the blow he took.
"You alright man?" Mondo asked in concern.
"...Swell," Makoto replied, "Just can't feel my face right now."
"Good thing you can't, it's all super bloodied," Junko added, not bothering to hide the huge smile on her face.
Makoto put a hand on his face to feel the blood, only to wince in pain when he touched his nose. "I think that broke my nose," he said.
"Yeah, it looks really bad," Hina said, cringing at the twisted nose.
Sakura walked over to where Makoto was and offered a hand to him, which he accepted and was pulled up from the ground, "I apologize Makoto, it wasn't my intention to seriously hurt you."
"It's fine," Makoto assured, "It's not like I didn't expect this to happen."
"Will you be ok?" Mukuro asked, a small look of concern on her face.
"Yeah, I just need to go see Mikan… again," he groaned.
"I'll go with you," Kyoko suggested as she got off the bleachers, "Knowing your recent attraction of accidents, it's best not to risk you getting hurt more."
"You really don't need to," Makoto assured, "I'll be fine really."
"I insist," she said before she spoke quietly so that only Makoto could hear her, "We need to discuss what Sakura used against you."
Makoto realized what Kyoko meant and knew why she wanted to go with him. The sooner they discussed what they learned from this fight and of Sakura's Stand the better. He nodded in agreement, "Alright, if you say so."
"We'll see you two later," Leon said as the two of them exited the gymnasium, leaving the other students on their own.
"Well that was fun, I say this was a good day and it's time to hit the hay!" Junko exclaimed as she was prepared to leave.
"Aren't you forgetting to pay your debt?" Celeste stopped her.
Junko, along with everyone else who betted money, looked at Celeste as she had a stopwatch in her hand. She had an innocent smile on her face as she showed the time on the watch, two minutes flat. "I took the liberty of timing the fight for this very bet. Now, I do believe I've earned my winnings," she informed with a smug grin.
Junko tried to say something in retaliation, but in the end just groaned in annoyance, "You suck you know that." Everyone had similar reactions as they reluctantly paid the gambler.
"You know, I really wish I could go a week without something seriously hurting me," Makoto complained as he looked at a small hand mirror.
Him and Kyoko were currently waiting in the Nurse's office by themselves dressed back in their Hope's Peak uniforms. Mikan had been in earlier to clean up Makoto's face and put a splint on his nose. She had informed him that it would be another week for his nose to heal before she exited the room.
"I can't help but wonder if your Stand's real ability is to lead you to get injured," Kyoko commented.
"Wouldn't be surprised if it was," he agreed as he put down the mirror, "Still, it could be worse."
"Yes, but let's not think on how else you could've been injured even worse," she suggested, a serious look on her face, "Did you learn anything from that spar?"
He nodded in response, "Well for one, she knew that I had a Stand before I even used it."
"I see, that makes sense," Kyoko noted, "Based on what you've told me, Sakura having a Stand should have been clear."
"I don't know what exactly it does, but I did see it," he added, "I saw it briefly before she punched me, she had sparks on her arm. I think it made her arm extend, her punch sort of zoomed in on me before it hit."
"I saw that as well, but I don't believe that's her Stand."
Makoto looked at Kyoko confused, "Why not?"
"Because I saw those exact sparks before from you," Kyoko answered, "Back when we were fighting Syo, sparks came from your arm and disarmed Syo. Unless you and Sakura share a Stand, they have to be something else."
Makoto had completely forgotten that incident with Syo. He wasn't sure what he did to lead him to use those sparks, and he hadn't been able to use them again. He had moved past them, thinking it was probably some latent ability of Lucky Number. But now, he was reconsidering that idea, "You think that was what Sakura meant when she said this spar was for my benefit as well?"
"That is the likely situation," Kyoko answered, "We should meet up with her later and ask for more details."
Makoto nodded in agreement as he stood up, ready to leave the room to find Sakura. Just as they were about to leave, the door to the nurse's office opened and Mondo walked in, "Oh hey, I was hoping you were still in here."
"Mondo? What's up, did you need to see Mikan?" Makoto asked.
"Nah, came to see you actually," the biker responded, taking out a small paper and handing it to Makoto, "Had to give you this."
"What is it?" Makoto asked as he took the paper from him.
"The repair bill for my bike," Mondo answered, which made Makoto tense up, "You know, the one that you totaled."
"Oh right, that," Makoto said with a nervous smile, "You were actually serious when you said I owed you?"
"Of course I was serious! You really think I was joking around?" Mondo exclaimed, "You wrecked it, I expect you to pay up."
"Alright, no need to get worked up," Kyoko assured, sensing the tension in the room, "Makoto, how much does it say it cost?"
Makoto looked down at the bill to see the price for the bike's repairs, and the amount made his eyes widen, "Eighty thousand yen! Are you serious?!"
"I don't go for cheap repairs on my bike," Mondo explained, "It's a custom made, one of a kind piece of machinery. Only the best mechanics my gang has can touch it, and they ain't cheap."
"You do know it'll be nearly impossible for me to get this much, right?" Makoto inquired.
"Don't worry, I'm a reasonable guy," Mondo smiled, patting Makoto's shoulder, "I can knock down three thousand since you're a good friend, but I'm giving you six months to pay the rest."
"What would happen to him if he doesn't cover it by then?" Kyoko inquired.
"Well then he would have to pay in other ways, my gang could use a new lackey to boss around," Mondo smirked, which made Makoto tremble, "Nothing seriously bad, I ain't that messed up. But it won't be a walk in the park. Are we clear?"
"... crystal," Makoto responded with a shaky smile.
"Awesome, knew I could count on you Makoto," Mondo smiled and patted Makoto on the shoulder on the back before he exited the room.
Makoto just stood there as he stared at the bill in his hands, his face completely blank of emotion, "...what am I going to do?"
Kyoko took a look at the bill as she runned through her own thoughts, "I doubt any part time jobs will pay you enough by Mondo's appointed deadline."
"Not unless I do multiple jobs at once," Makoto said, "But that's probably not the best idea."
Kyoko nodded in agreement, hand on her chin as she came up with something, "I believe I have a solution. You can work for me."
Makoto had a confused look on his face as she continued, "Detective work isn't free. While I certainly don't do it for the money, there is a generous sum of payment."
"How much do you make?" Makoto asked.
"On average...three hundred sixty-four thousand yen a month," she answered nonchalantly.
"That much?!" Makoto exclaimed in shock. He never imagined Kyoko got paid so much, or that she got paid at all. And while this would help his debt, he didn't want to just launder off of Kyoko, "I don't want to just take money from you."
"You won't be, you would be earning it," Kyoko clarified, "You would be my assistant, working under me on any and all cases I am taking. I will be honest that it'll likely be very grueling for you, and there are some cases that would be too much for you. But I assure you, you would be earning any wages you earn fair and square."
From how Kyoko worded it, any worries Makoto had about laundering from her was blown away. She made sure that Makoto knew that he would be earning every last yen he got from her. Makoto figured it sounded like a great offer...and as a bonus, it meant being around Kyoko more. "That's uh, wow. Quite the offer."
"We can discuss the further details later," Kyoko responded, "Right now, we need to speak with Sakura."
Makoto nodded in agreement, putting aside the conversation for later, "She's probably in her dorm by now." Kyoko hummed in agreement as the both of them then exited the office.
*Knock, knock.*
Both Makoto and Kyoko didn't have to wait long after knocking on Sakura's door for a response to be heard, "You may come in." They opened the door and entered the dorm room, where Sakura was sitting on a mat in a meditation pose, eyes closed as she took in deep breaths. As she breathed out, her eyes opened and laid upon her classmates, "I had been expecting you to arrive."
"We have some questions regarding your spar with Makoto," Kyoko explained. Sakura nodded as she stood up, awaiting whatever questions the two had for her. Kyoko was the first one to say something, "Are you a Stand user?"
"I am," Sakura answered.
"But you didn't use it during your spar," Kyoko continued, "You used another power, didn't you?"
"Hmm, perceptive as always," Sakura smiled softly, "You are correct. While I never used my Stand against Makoto, I did use another skill against him."
"Those sparks, right?" Makoto inquired, "It made your punch go longer, what was that?"
"What you saw me use was an energy used in Sendo martial arts," Sakura explained, "It is called Hamon."
"Hamon?"
To emphasize her point, Sakura raised her arm to the both of them. Taking a deep breath in and slowly breathing out, electricity began to course across her arm as a golden aura flowed off of her arm, much to the surprise of the luckster and detective. As Sakura's breathing finished, the electricity diminished and she brought her arm down, "It is an energy that mimics that of the sun. It not only can be used to strengthen a person, but also can be used in many ways."
Kyoko, while still surprised, brought a hand to her chin as she mused over what she had just witnessed, "You said this was used in martial arts. Does that mean it can be used by anyone?"
"While it is true that anyone can use Hamon, there are very few who train to use it," Sakura explained, "When I was training in Sendo in Tibet, I was one of the few students who were trained to use Hamon."
Makoto thought back to his fight against Syo, and the sparks that he inadvertently used against her. After seeing it up close and personal, he had no doubt that those and Sakura's Hamon were one and the same. "Is it possible for someone to suddenly use Hamon without knowing?" he asked.
"It is a very rare case, but possible," Sakura answered, "In order to properly use Hamon, one must constantly control their breathing in a way to produce it from the oxygen in your blood. I suppose that, in cases where the body increases the rate of blood and oxygen with adrenaline, one could perform a short burst of Hamon if they are capable of it."
If there were any doubts that Makoto had, Sakura's explanation wiped them away. Against Syo, his body was certainly letting out lots of adrenaline. Kyoko had also reached the same conclusion, "So that explains it then." Sakura looked at Kyoko, motioning her to continue, "A while back Makoto released a short burst of electricity. We had assumed it was a latent power of his Stand, but I don't believe that is the case."
Sakura hummed in understanding, "It is certainly possible that Makoto used Hamon. That was why I had challenged him, I could feel there was potential to use it within him. However, there is one way to truly prove it."
"What's that?" Makoto asked before he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his gut. He let out a gasp of pain as Sakura had struck him right in the stomach, with only her right pinky.
"Makoto!" Kyoko exclaimed as she rushed to his side.
Makoto felt the air rush out of him as the shock of Sakura's blow left him out of breath. As Sakura pulled her hand away, he fell onto his knees still in pain. He had a hand where he was struck, the pain subsisting a bit but still hurting as Makoto tried to regain his breath. Just as he was able to breathe again, he felt his broken nose twitching as cracks and snaps could be heard as a golden aura began to radiate from it. Sparks just like what Sakura showed appeared as his splint fell off, and Makoto thought he could feel his nose being mended. He had also noticed the sparks appearing on his right arm as well.
When they had faded away, he brought a hand up to his nose. It was back in perfect shape, and there was no pain as if it was never broken at all. "My nose, it's fixed," he said in amazement. He then lifted his right sleeve to look at his arm. To his amazement, the stich line of blood that Syo did on his arm was gone, the flesh together and showing no signs of ever being severed off.
"You… you healed him?" Kyoko asked, just as stunned as Makoto was.
"Technically Makoto healed himself," Sakura explained, "I struck his diaphragm, causing all the air in his body to come out. This forced breathing was how his Hamon came out, healing his wounds."
"So when you did that, it was to see if I could use Hamon?" he asked, standing back up.
"Yes, but also to gauge your potential in its use," she clarified, "And just as I had thought, there is much within you, Makoto."
"There is?"
"Indeed, you have only barely scratched the surface of Hamon," Sakura explained.
"Then… can you teach me how to use it please?" Makoto requested. Both Sakura and Kyoko looked at him, curiosity in their eyes as Makoto continued, "There's someone causing trouble at Hope's Peak, and it's only getting worse. We need to be ready for their next move, and I think this Hamon could help with it."
"I understand, very well then. I will teach you," Sakura answered, "I must warn you, Hamon training is no simple matter. It will be extreme, are you prepared to handle it?"
"I am," Makoto said. He flashbacked to the nightmare he had gotten after his encounter with Despair Syndrome, the bodies of his friends sinking deep within his mind. 'I won't let that happen to them, I swear it.'
"We'll start tonight. Meet at the gym in four hours," Sakura directed.
Makoto nodded as he and Kyoko exited the dorm, everything they wanted to know now answered. "I see you're taking the initiative with this new ability of yours," Kyoko noted.
Makoto chuckled, "I guess. I figured I should learn more about Hamon. Besides, it seems useful. I mean it healed me, who knows what else it can do?"
"I suppose you will tonight," Kyoko answered, "I won't be able to join you, but I do wish you well on this training of yours." Makoto nodded in thanks as the two of them retreated into their respective dorms.
*Four hours later*
As there was no strict curfew in Hope's Peak, Makoto didn't encounter any trouble on his way to the gym. Once again dressed in his gym uniform, he entered the large doors to see Sakura already there waiting for him. Like him, she was also dressed in her gym uniform but had something in her hand that looked like a mask. He also noticed there were a few training dummies lined up.
"I am glad you arrived, it seems you are determined to go through this training," Sakura said. She held out her hand which held the mask, Makoto now seeing it looked like a breathing mask which would only cover the bottom half of his face.
"What's this?" he inquired, taking the mask from her.
"It's what you will be using during your training,' Sakura explained, "This breathing mask will prevent you from breathing improperly.."
"Whoa, that sounds like a bit much don't you think?" Makoto asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"I warned you this training will be extreme," Sakura reminded, "If you wish to learn how to use your Hamon, you must wear that mask during your training."
Makoto took one look at the mask in his hands. From how Sakura told it, he was unsure whether he should go through with this training or not. But then he considered what he had seen Hamon do, and could only imagine what more it's capable of. After thinking about it for a while longer, he took the mask up to his face and closed the straps around his head. Once it was on properly, Makoto could instantly feel it's effects as his air was sealed off.
He struggled to breath as he instinctively tried to tear the mask off his face, it being too strong to tear off. He felt like was gonna suffocate when Sakura spoke, "Control your breathing, Makoto. In order to breathe through the mask, your breathing must be done rhythmically and properly."
Makoto understood, but it would have been a lot easier without the pain in his chest from lack of air. Although, after getting over the initial shock of it, he started to take deep breaths. The mask allowed him to slowly breathe in oxygen and allowed him to breath out at the same speed. After a whole minute, Makoto was able to breath with minimum difficulty through the mask.
Sakura nodded in acknowledgement, "Well done. That mask will condition you to get used to breathing this way. With further training you'll be able to run several marathons with that mask. Now, we can begin."
"What exactly are we doing?" Makoto asked, his voice a bit strained through the mask.
"Getting you accustomed to Hamon breathing is only the first aspect. The next is to get situated with Hamon and how to use it. Watch as I demonstrate."
Sakura walked up to one of the training dummies. However, much to Makoto's confusion, she stood too far from it to land a hit as she got into a stance. Just as he was about to comment on that though, Sakura threw a punch towards the dummies. For a brief moment, Makoto could hear an awful cracking sound as her arm extended and her Hamon covered fist hit the dummy in the head. It fell to the floor as Sakura's arm seemed to snap back to place beside her.
"You're arm extended, you did that against me too," Makoto said in realization.
"That was the Zoom Punch," Sakura explained, "By using Hamon to dampen the pain, I am able to dislocate my arm to extend my punch further. However, that is only a brief example of what one can do Hamon."
"Just how much can you do with Hamon?" He inquired, both interested and amazed at this power.
"The list of its capabilities would be too long to say," Sakura answered, "If you are adamant about being trained in Hamon, you will learn these skills. But for today, you'll be learning the Zoom Punch."
"So I'll be learning how to dislocate my arm for longer punches?"
"There is more to this technique then simply extending your arm," Sakura corrected, "One thing to remember about Hamon is that it's a force of energy that flows through your body.
"Think of your body as a conductor, you are channeling the energy through your body outwards. It is important to keep a constant flow, in this case through your shoulder and arm. So long as you keep this flow, the Hamon will follow and do what it is supposed to."
Makoto took in what Sakura said and nodded in understanding, beginning to understand how it all works. "Now focus your breathing. Channel your Hamon through your arm and do a punch."
Makoto nodded as he closed his eyes and breathed. Due to the mask he was wearing, the way he breathed was different then how he usually does it. He continued to breath in the only way the mask allowed him when he felt something inside him. He couldn't exactly describe it, but it felt strong, warm, but also familiar.
Thinking this was his Hamon, Makoto focused on his breathing, trying to get it to flow. He felt it within his chest and could feel it travel through his veins into his right arm. He opened his eyes, seeing the golden aura around his arm. He brought his arm back before he threw it forward in a punch, the energy radiating stronger as it traveled when-
*SNAP*
Makoto groaned in pain as he held his arm, which was longer and looked painfully out of place. Makoto had to quickly get his breathing back in control through the mask, which wasn't easy given how much pain he was in.
"You were able to dislocate your shoulder, but didn't neutralize the pain," Sakura said as she walked over to him, "You were afraid of the pain, but Hamon will only work when you have no fear of it."
"Yeah well, it's not easy not being afraid of what might hurt," he said through gritted teeth.
"Perhaps now that you have felt it, you'll mind will be prepared for it next time," Sakura assured, holding Makoto's shoulder and placing a hand on his back, "Especially after something more painful."
"What are you talking ab-" *SNAP* "AHHHHH!"
An hour had passed since this training began, although to Makoto it felt more like torture. He wasn't sure how he still had feeling in his arm after the number of times it got dislocated. It was even worse when Sakura popped it back in place every time, his arm was seriously feeling sore after all that. What was even worse was trying to breath through the mask while dealing with all that pain, he nearly passed out three times from lack of air.
He was breathing raggedly after Sakura had just popped his arm back for the umpteenth time. "You think...we can...take a break," he said, gasping at the lingering pain, "Aren't there… side effects from dislocating your arm multiple times."
"In most circumstances yes, but I am using Hamon every time I fix your arm to prevent such things," she answered, "Perhaps it would be best to end this for now. But first I want to give one last demonstration."
Makoto was relieved that they were done with the torture on his arm, and he was curious on what Sakura wanted to show him. She grabbed one of the training dummies and brought it over to them, "Stand in front of this with your back touching the dummy."
Makoto immediately started to feel concerned for his own wellbeing, but did so anyway. His back was pressed against the training dummy as Sakura stood in front of him. She took a stance, her arm at her side with a fist as she looked ready to throw a punch, which immediately got Makoto worried. "Whoa whoa, Sakura what are you doing?!" he frantically asked.
"Be still Makoto," Sakura assured as Hamon started radiating around her fist. Before Makoto could respond or move out of the way, Sakura punched and her fist struck Makoto in the stomach. He felt her fist against his gut, but there was no pain. Instead, he felt the Hamon energy from Sakura going through him. He felt it flow through every vein in his body, every muscle, flowing through like a stream in a river. The energy moved towards his back onto the training dummy, making it break in two as it was launched away.
Makoto looked in shock at the dummy which was destroyed, yet he was perfectly fine despite just being punched in the stomach, "How did you…?"
"I used my Hamon to transfer it to the dummy through you without causing you any harm," Sakura explained, "Remember the feeling as it flowed through you, focus on it next time."
"Got it," he said still in awe, "Oh um Sakura, do I still need to wear this mask?"
"No, you aren't ready to wear that mask 24/7, you would likely pass out and suffocate in your sleep," Sakura answered, making Makoto pale in her answer. She removed the mask from him, which led to Makoto breathing in hard as he could finally breathe normally again, "Return here tomorrow at the same time."
"Right, looking forward to it," he said in a mild sarcastic tone. Rubbing his arm he walked out of the gym, leaving Sakura in thought.
"There is much for you to learn Makoto, but you have the potential," she said to herself. She looked over shoulder just in time to see someone peeking from the back entrance of the gym before they quickly left.
Ok, I know it has been a hell of a long time since I last worked on this. I am very sorry for this delay. And I'm also sorry that I couldn't give you guys the full chapter. There is still a lot more to go for this chapter, I don't even think this is the halfway point. I wanted to finish the whole chapter, but after talking to a friend I agreed with them that I should give you guys the first part.
But with the New Year, I am determined to make you all not wait this long again. I do not want to give up on this story, it is something I really want to write. So if you all have waited this long and are still reading, I thank you for the support.
As always, if you enjoyed this chapter please leave a review about what you think.
I'll see you guys soon with the next part.
Sain'ofu.
