one week later
Jaune hated to say it, but he feared Apachai's training above anyone else. He loved Apachai; he was a sweet man, the very definition of a gentle giant. But he couldn't control his strength when he got into a battle or sparing mode. He dragged his feet a little as he approached the dojo, only to notice Apachai looking intently at a row of statues. Jaune hid behind the door and watched the tan Mauy tai master.
"APAPAPAPAPAPAPAPAPA!" he yelled as he unleashed a flurry of punches Jaune couldn't keep up with. When Apachai finished his flurry of punches, Jaune saw the statues crumble under the sheer force of his strikes. He winced; he doubted his aura would withstand such a barrage if he were on the receiving end. Unsurprisingly jaune watched as each statue turned into dust.
Jaune watched as Apachai slumped on the floor, disappointment on his face. His heart went out to the gentle giant, who seemed genuinely disheartened by his inability to hold back his strength.
"look, look, Apachai! A statue is still standing!" Shigure said calmly, urging Apachai to look up.
"Really!?" Apachai looked up, and Jaune's head wiped back. Sure enough, one of the monk statues where still standing. "Apa! Apachai did it!"
Apachai's eyes shone with childlike happiness as he cheered before running towards the training ground, hoping to get ahead of Jaune.
Jaune's initial fears subsided as he witnessed Apachai's genuine excitement and confidence. He realized that he needed to put his trust in his master. Apachai may not be the best at controlling his strength, but he tried every day to get better for jaunes sake.
"I won't give up. I will become a master of controlling my strength, and then I'll be ready to teach Jaune Muay Thai!" The mauy tai master's voice could be heard shouting as he ran off.
As Apachai excitedly ran off to the training ground, Jaune kept hidden momentarily, observing the scene unfold. He understood the significance of this milestone for Apachai and wanted to let him relish his accomplishment.
With a smile, Jaune stepped out from behind the door and approached the training yard. He walked toward the training ground, his heart filled with optimism and anticipation for what lay ahead.
Unseen by Jaune and Apachai, however, was the Fatale crack that began to appear across the statue's neck. Shigure quickly catches it and ties it back together.
"Are you ready, Jaune?" Apachai asked as he watched Jaune finish wrapping his arms as he had shown him. JAune nodded, smiling as he stood there. Apachai insisted that Jaune wear sports shorts and wrappings during their spar; he said the sunlight would help him build tougher skin.
"Yeah, so master, will this help me fight against a boxer?" Jaune asked, and Apachai shrugged, his smile never leaving his face.
"Apachai don't know much about boxers or anything. But if you need killing, then Muay Tai, it's how Apachai learned." He said, gaining a confused look from Jaune.
"I'm not looking to kill anyone Apachai; I just want to be able to defend myself and others."
"Save that kinda hard thinking for after you kill. Your brain is in that skull to beat the other guy up!" Apachai said gruffly, pulling his eyebrows to squint his eyes menacingly. "that was an impression of my master. Is it close?"
"i...I wouldn't know." Jaune said, wondering where that came from. Akisame coughed as he sat on the patio to watch the training session.
"Apachai, it might help to tell Jaune a bit about the history of Muay Tai."
"it to kill people-"
"That's enough of that." Akisame cut the gentle giant off before he gave Jaune the basic history of May tai.
"Akisame right. Once, a long time ago, an ancient king was captured by his enemy's army. The general said he would free the king if he defeated their strongest warrior. The king defeated the champion and the rest of the army and used only Mauy tai!"
"First, Tan Gadre," Apachai began, his voice filled with passion.
Jaune followed Apachai's instructions, adjusting his stance accordingly. He could feel the stability in his position and the potential speed he could have.
"Now Ti Sok!" Apachai shouted, showing Jaune a good elbow strike. "Mauy tai uses elbow and knees a lot!"
"Ti Sok!" June shouted as he followed his master's lead
"That is because if you hit good, you will kill your opponent!" Apachai added, causing Jaune to pause. as he backed away, a bit hesitant to continue. He didn't want to kill anyone. Only to feel an affirming solid hand on jaunes back as the Elder stood behind him sucking on a lollipop.
"Jaune Martial arts, ultimately, no matter what type it is, is about efficiently destroying your opponent." The Elder looked down at Jaune, giving a reassuring pat. "It depends on the fighter's heart; using martial art for selfish gain becomes violence. But if you use it to protect yourself or help others in need, you have nothing to fear."
The young disciple nodded before he stepped back next to Apachai.
"Now, let's work on your punches," Apachai continued, raising the punching mitts to a suitable height. "In Muay Thai, we combine punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. But let's start with the basics. Jab, cross, hook, and uppercut. These are the basic punches you'll need to know."
As Apachai demonstrated each punch, Jaune carefully observed his technique. He mirrored Apachai's movements, focusing on form and accuracy. With each punch, he could feel the power and energy with each strike.
" Remember, it's not just about throwing punches. It's about generating power from your whole body," Apachai explained, his voice steady and encouraging. He threw a punch slowly, letting Jaune see how his body worked in tandem. "Use your core, rotate your hips, and punch! Imagine each punch like you are going through your opponent's skull!"
"Alright, it's time to hit mits!" Apachai said as he stood in front of Jaune. Despite Jaunes eagerness to learn, he instinctually tried to hide behind Akisame as he felt an oppressive aura wash over him. It was like his fight or flight took over. JAune blinked before remembering the sincere excitement Apachai had early when he held back. Jaune had an aura, even if the punch hurt. He could take it. Apachai was about to put the mitts down, looking dejected by Jaune's hesitation, before Jaune ran forward and punched a glove giving Apachai a hesitant smile.
"How was that, sensei!" Jaune said for a moment Apachai only looked down at Jaune, a little surprised before his eager smile returned to his face. He instructed Jaune on what strikes he wanted to see, jabs, cross-knee elbow. Slowly Jaunes fears began to alleviate before Apachai got this look in his eyes that Jaune couldn't put his finger on.
"Alright now dodge!"
"Dod-"
Jaune sat up with a jolt looking around his bedroom in the dojo, confused as he rubbed his head...when did he go to sleep?
the next day 11:45 am
As Jaune finished his lunch in the classroom closet, he couldn't help but sigh in frustration. The trio of Takeda, Koga, and Ukita were relentless in their pursuit of him. Thankfully, Jaune's hiding skills had been honed by Shigure's stealth training, allowing him to remain undetected. But he wondered why they were making such a big deal about his victory over Tsukuba. Was it worth all this trouble?
Jaune knew he had to bide his time and wait them out. They may grow bored or give up searching after a few more weeks. Jaune hoped he would become strong enough to face them if a confrontation became inevitable. He continued to train diligently, honing his skills and pushing himself to new limits.
In the meantime, Jaune kept his patience; this wasn't the first time he's had to deal with bullies after him.
He was even training more with Apachai; if he kept it up, he could beat Takeda. Hopefully. If only he remembers the entirety of his lesson with Apachai. It all blended for some reason.
He needed to take the training more seriously to stop hiding away during his breaks at school. It was already a week since he beat Tsakuba.
How much longer did he need to wait?
As the bell told for lunch to end, jaune stepped out of the closet and slid into his seat as he hadn't spent the period in the closet.
He was happy the gang didn't bother the gardening club; maybe it was because it was pretty well known that most people just signed up for the club but didn't bother attending.
Oh well, he had a spot he could relax, at least. ocassionaly he and miu would run into the stray delinquent on the way home but it was easy to deal with that.
Sakaki, the tall and muscular man with eggplant-colored hair and a scar on his nose, observed Jaune's karate training. Displeased with Jaune's technique, Sakaki approached him and sighed, the smell of alcohol all but staining his breath.
"Wrong, wrong," he said, coming up behind Jaune. "If you stick out your shoulders like that, you'll just be grabbed. Stay guarded and close your legs." Sakaki slapped Jaune's legs together as he spoke while delivering a punch.
"No matter how you look at it, it's pretty mediocre," Sakaki commented. Jaune let out a scream as he threw a punch, but Sakaki shook his head. "Idiot, what good will screaming louder do? Watch me," he instructed.
Sakaki assumed the same stance as Jaune and explained, "Imagine a rope and pulley connecting your arms." With a powerful strike, he punched the wall, causing it to explode into a cloud of dust. "Well, can you do that much?" Jaune expressed his disbelief, admitting, "I can't destroy an entire wall!"
"It's not about pure muscle, kid; in martial arts, punching techniques that rely on your weight and muscles are called Nahate. The other technique relies on arm rotation and speed, called Shurite. You don't have the mass or weight for Nahate, so I'm teaching you, Shurite."
Just as Sakaki was about to continue training, Kensei walked up, waving the clock as it rang.
"Hey, wait your turn, Kensei," Sakaki said grimly, clearly annoyed by the interruption.
"It is my turn now," Kensei insisted, seemingly eager to showcase his expertise.
"If it's about punching fast, I have just the exercise," Kensei said as he gestured for Miu to help demonstrate.
"No way Kensei always does something pervy!" she said, pouting as she walked off to tend to her chores.
"...suddenly, I don't feel like it anymore."
"Sensei, please show a little more discipline than that," Jaune pleaded, recognizing the need for a focused training environment. Kensei sighed, relenting to Jaune's request. "Raise your arms, give them a good shake, relax, and repeat," Kensei instructed as he and Jaune swung their arms.
"Do it slowly as your arms change position," Kensei added, lying on his side and pulling out a magazine that caught Jaune off guard. Sensing Jaune's confusion, Kensei clarified, "That's good. Keep doing it until you feel the fibers in your arms stretch, and it feels like you're flying."
Jaune, still trying to make sense of the exercise, asked, "So, is this some kind of unique Mistral punch or something?"
Kensei chuckled and replied, "Don't be silly. It's just an exercise to help you achieve faster punches. We are working on the fundamentals right now, Jaune. Don't rush it." He then gave Jaune an unexpected instruction. "Now, I want you to go ahead and walk around like that."
Jaune hesitated, questioning whether he should walk around the dojo or the neighborhood. Kensei's response left no room for negotiation. "...Ehh?"
"Did I stutter?" Kensei grinned, clearly amused by the situation.
Jaune sighed. He got changed into a t-shirt and jeans before Kensei sent him on his way. "Don't forget to twist your waist."
June sighed as he did as instructed, feeling a little embarrassed about the situation, but he still did it. As...unique as his masters, where he still respected their skill and experience.
"Hi JAune, " Miu said happily as she walked beside him, swinging her arms like him.
"Miu? What are you doing here?"
"You are still new to the area, and I want you to stay aware of the area. Shigure said she had something important to show you later."
"Oh, thanks, but you don't need to swing your arms with me."
"It's fine. This does help." jaune smiled, grateful for her company. His embarrassment died just a little.
"Well, aren't I lucky~?" Jaune paused as he heard those words as Koga walked out of a sandlot that looked like the construction job had been abandoned mid-set up. He was followed by eight other delinquents carrying some weapons, a pipe, a chain, a kendo stick, and even a ranch. "I didn't expect to run into you like this, so honest question: how does a guy like you score with a babe? Like her?"
"I take it your Ukita?" Jaune asked Koga, giving him an annoyed look before he pointed at himself.
"My name is Daichi Koga, and I need you to come with me. Takeda has been nagging me to find you all week."
"Kinda busy right now."
"I wasn't asking."
Jaune was tense as he slowly got ready; 9 against 2 were not good odds, and so many of them had weapons; all it would take was one mistake, even with aura.
"screw takes orders; I'm going to take you down right now."
"I was wondering where you were." Jaune perked up at the familiar voice of his master. Master Sakaki had a plastic grocery bag over his shoulder, no doubt returning from one of his many beers runs. "This is a pretty good atmosphere you got here."
"Master!" jaune said, happy to see him. There were some perks to working out around the neighborhood.
"beat it, old man!" jaune stared dumbfounded at the delinquent armed with a pipe as he tried to swing at Master Sakaki. He froze mid-swing as the martial arts master glanced back at him with a murderous glare. Pressure filled the area as the poor idiot felt the brunt of his killing intent and passed out.
"whoops, I forgot to hold back," he said sheepishly as he walked up to Jaune. He tapped Jaune's leg close and moved his arms into a better position, his right-hand palm up and his left arm tucked to his side in a fist. Sakaki looked Jaune over with a satisfied look before walking past the stunned delinquent, who didn't dare touch the man.
"Don't take too long; Shigure said she had something to show you."
"...your...just leaving?" Jaune asked, confused, as the karate master continued his day as if many teenagers weren't duking it out in public.
"huh...hehehehehe DIE!" koga laughed as he threw a surprisingly fast high kick. Jaune twisted his right hand and managed to catch kogas kick. He pulled it back and threw his left hand into a punch, his waist already turning to take advantage of the extra leverage that Sakaki had shown him. Koga was thrown off balance and was pulled into the blow as it sank into his solar plexus. The kicker's eyes went wide as the wind left his lungs before a deluge of his stomach's former contents spilled onto the pavement under them from the pain, much to Both of their surprise. Jaune didn't mean to hit him that hard.
"b-beat them both down. Kill these bastards!" he ordered as he looked to his men.
June quickly turned around, about to help Miu, when he saw most delinquents crumpled on the floor.
"t-they're monsters!" koga screamed as he ran away in fear at the display of vomit staining his shirt as he ran.
"wah!?" miu shouted in shock as she curled into a ball on the ground. "h-he called me a monster."
"Hey, I'm sure he didn't means it like that. You're not a monster, Miu." jaune tried to comfort her, a little surprised that such a comment would get to her like that. "come on, let's get home."
"Alright." she pouted as they walked back to Ryozanpaku.
When JAune finally returned to the dojo, Sakaki looked pleased as he boasted about how Jaune took out the boss with the technique he had learned today. HE didn't get a chance to listen too much as Sigure pulled him aside, leading him to her room." wait here," she said simply as she entered; there were a lot of clicking and rope sounds before she opened the door " it should be safe now."
"Today...I will teach you...about the Kosaka style...philosophy...so listen close." Shigure said Jaune wondered why she took so long to express her sentences; sometimes, she would take with slight pauses in between, and other times, she would talk slowly without pausing. He wasn't sure she was taking her time because she was in no hurry. Or if there was some other unseen reason for them.
"The core...of this style...is to become one with your weapons." Shigure unfurled the rolled-up matt, a wide variety of weapons laid out before Jaune, knives, shuriken, chains, rope darts, scimitars, Shotos, katanas, mornings stars, clubs, triangle ruler...ok, that one was strange. Jaune noticed many household items as well, even a towel.
"We...do not master just one weapon...a weapon must become... an extension of your body. The pinnacle of this style is called. Shinto Gorezan."
Shigure paused Jaune staring at her intently. Shigure quickly turned around and pumped her fist, causing Jaune to smirk before she turned back to look at Jaune calmly.
She gestured towards the collection before them. "Each weapon has its spirit, its energy...To become one with your weapons... you must learn to perceive... and channel that energy... It requires a connection that goes beyond... mere physicality."
Shigure picked up a towel from the assortment; Jaune was confused but didn't voice it. Instead, he watched intently as she cracker the towel and struck at the stature Akisame had donated. Her movements were graceful and precise. He didn't believe the towel would do much, but with a powerful flick of her wrist, its shoulder exploded from the impact of the towel. "You must learn to feel each weapon's weight...*crack!* balance...*CRACK!* and flow." June watched in stunned silence as the statue crumbled. Shigure turned to look at Jaune as she handed him the towel. He expected it to be some super special, high-grade combat material or something. But it was just a regular bath towel. "By doing so... Your body and the weapon become intertwined... moving as one."
She sat and continued, "But it is not just about physical mastery...The Kosaka style places great importance on the body... mind... and spirit harmony. Inner calmness... mental focus... and disciplined training are essential...hence the meditation."
"Meditation," Shigure continued, her voice serene and soothing. "It is through meditation that we... cultivate the harmony within ourselves... It is a practice that allows us to quiet the mind... find clarity... and connect with our innermost selves."
She closed her eyes briefly as if centering herself before continuing, "In the stillness of meditation, we learn to observe our thoughts and emotions without attachment. We become aware of distractions that can hinder our judgment and progress. It can even help you feel the flow of aura around you."
Shigure opened her eyes, her gaze gentle yet determined. "At least... that's what my father used to tell me."
Shigure gestured for Jaune to follow her to a table where two cushions waited. On the table, there were several manuscripts.
"Today...we will be learning...together" She put on a pair of rubber gloves before handing Jaune a couple. Jaune put them on as Shigure opened a truly ancient look manuscript. Jaune wondered where she had gotten it, sure the dojo looked outdated. But it didn't look old enough to house this. "My father...collected these manuscripts...they detail techniques called. Breathing styles." Jaune scooted closer to Shigure as they studied the manuscript; the diagrams of each form and technique looked beautiful, more like a work of art than a fighting style.
Jaune wondered if this was how ancient fighters used dust. Dust was an elemental substance that could be found across the planet and was quite commonly used in weaponry and technology. Infusing it in the blade to launch basic attacks. "These diagrams do not include the use of dust." Shigure pointed to some faded writing. "it seems the key to learning these techniques lay in. total concentration breathing. It says we must expand our lungs to breathe as much air as possible."
"Total concentration breathing," Jaune repeated softly, contemplating the possibilities. He understood that breath control was vital in many martial arts practices; hell, it was the first thing Master Sakaki had taught Jaune.
The blond boy carefully opened another manuscript, he didn't understand its ancient writing, but it detailed a swordsman using flowing attacks. Streams and waves of water follow the blade. He was cautious handling these as he moved on to another, noting that some techniques called for various weapons, axe flags, whips, belt swords, and even small firearms.
"My father... believed that these scrolls could...help the Kosaka style evolve...so we will be learning from these scrolls as we train the Kosaka Style," Shigure said
"Wait, you've never learned these techniques?"
"no...we will learn them...together." she said before she closed the manuscripts. "in each one, they talk about total concentration. We will practice while meditating. We will both listen to each other breathe to see if we are doing it right." she said, removing the gloves as she turned toward Jaune.
"Are you ready to begin?"
"Yes, I'm ready," Jaune responded, his voice filled with determination. He closed his eyes, focusing on his breath and imagining his lungs expanding with each inhalation. He tried to find a rhythm, syncing his breath with the calmness of his mind.
Jaune also listened attentively to Shigure's breath, hoping to discern the proper technique through the subtle nuances of her inhalations and exhalations. They relied on each other's guidance and intuition. Jaunes face began to feel a little warm as the practice seemed really...intimate for some reason. Maybe it was because he was focusing on the sound of each and every breath she took.
As they continued their meditation and breath practice, Jaune realized that establishing a frame of reference was challenging. They would need to trust their instincts, embracing the wisdom of the scrolls while allowing their unique interpretations to shape their training. Either that or try and learn more about the scrolls, where they came from, and the story behind the martial art.
Still, as Jaune inhaled and exhaled, he wasn't sure if he imagined it, but he was feeling hotter, and his heart was beating faster. He placed a hand on his heart, feeling its rhythm pick up.
"Shigure, it's ready," Akisame said, and Shigure stood up, walking over to a rack of practice wooden katanas before she handed one to Jaune. "Follow," she said, and Jaune obeyed. He was led to the dojo's main indoor training area, the tatami mats freshly cleaned. Usually, there was a throwing statue waiting for him. this time. However, he was greeted by a wooden puppet dressed in a similar training gi as his holding a practice Katana. "say hello to your new sparring partner I call it Battle Doll version 1. Beginner model."
As Jaune faced the wooden puppet, now activated and animated by some mechanism, he could feel the intensity of the training session escalating. The Doll moved with an agility and speed that caught him off guard, forcing him to react quickly to defend himself.
Jaune's instincts kicked in as he focused on the teachings of the Kosaka style. He tried anticipating the puppet's movements, aiming to dodge and counter with precise strikes. However, the Doll's relentless assault left him little room to counterattack effectively.
Each time Jaune thought he had an opening, the Doll swiftly maneuvered, stepping into his guard and nullifying his attempts. It was as if the Doll possessed an uncanny awareness of his movements, challenging him to elevate his skills and adapt to its relentless attacks.
Jaune groaned on the ground as the battle doll overcame his defenses; he was gasping hard before sitting up and reaching his feet.
"haa haaa Again," he said as he picked up the kendo stick
Shigure nodded and reset the battle doll as it began its barrage on Jaune again.
Frustration and determination welled up within Jaune. He winced in pain as it smacked into his shoulder, followed by another smack to his thigh. Jaune grunted with great effort as he successfully dodged and hit the Doll in the shoulder with a sloppy swing of his kendo stick. Only for it to be knocked out of his hand, and a cracking pain struck his head as he was knocked down. Shaking his head, he stood back up, grabbing his kendo stick as sweat poured down his brow.
"Again."
as the Doll returned to life, jaune didn't give it a chance to attack as he lunged forward.
Shigure and Akisame watched from the sidelines, their eyes filled with scrutiny and encouragement. Jaune needed to try something new, this Doll was quickly widdling away at his stamina, and he could barely keep up with his breath...Breath...breathing...concentrate, Jaune.
Taking a moment to regain his composure, Jaune steadied his breath, inhaling with his entire lung and core using the hint Sakaki had shared. He didn't have time to process the feeling coursing through his body as the Doll made another aggressive move raising its weapon high to deliver a painful blow to the blond boy's head; Jaune shifted his stance, his movements becoming more fluid and instinctual. His feet slid over the mat as he dodged the slash.
As Jaune took that spontaneous deep breath, his body instinctively tapped into the teachings of total concentration breathing. At that moment, a surge of energy coursed through him, and he felt a connection to his surroundings unlike anything before.
As he stepped forward, a peculiar sensation ran through his kendo stick. He could have sworn he heard the soft water trickling like a hidden current flowing within the wooden weapon. The stick carried a newfound weight and power, resonating with the depths of his breath and focus.
With a swift motion, Jaune brought the stick down upon the Doll's torso. The impact was far more potent than expected, sending vibrations through the air and up his arms. The Doll staggered back, momentarily disrupted by the unexpected force.
Shigure and Akisame exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting a mixture of surprise and intrigue. Jaune himself couldn't fully comprehend what had just transpired, but there was no denying the tangible results of his action.
As the Doll regained its footing and resumed its assault, Jaune continued to spar, now with a newfound awareness of what he just did. He focused on his breath, harnessing its energy with each inhalation and exhalation, and channeled it into his strikes.
The sound of water seemed to grow louder in his mind, and Jaune felt a surge of power accompanying each swing as if it was being infused with water. His attacks became more fluid, with an underlying strength and grace he had never experienced. It was like a wave crashing onto a beach.
The Doll struggled to keep up with his enhanced speed and strength, forced into a defensive position as Jaune pressed the advantage. Jaune wondered if this was just a second wind or in his head. But he pushed forward, feeling more energized in the spar as he willed his bruised arms to deliver another stroke to the Battle Doll.
"He seems to have grasped total concentration quite easily," Akisame said, stroking his chin as he watched Jaune smiling. "I always thought he had minimal talent, yet it seems his talent was breathing, hahahahaha!"
"I didn't expect him to use it naturally," Shigure said as well, looking quite pleased with herself as she gave herself a fist pump of triumph. She was better at this teaching thing than she thought. The two masters continued to watch Jaune as he spared, curious to see how far he could take this new style. It suited him.
Major Alex Louise Armstrong, an officer of the Atlas military and a concerned godfather, immediately took action upon hearing that Jaune had run away. He requested leave from his duties to search for his nephew. Determined to exhaust every possibility, Major Armstrong delved into a list of potential huntsmen Jaune might have turned to.
As he diligently followed the list, his search led him to the end of his inquiries, a place he had only heard of once from the late Roland Arc—an dojo known as Ryozanpaku. The fact that the Atlas military had classified files on this dojo raised concerns within the major. He couldn't ignore this potential lead, so he prepared to travel to Japan and investigate the dojo firsthand.
With his unwavering resolve, Major Armstrong boarded a bullhead bound for Japan, his mind filled with worry for Jaune's well-being. He carried the weight of his responsibilities as an officer and a godfather. as he travelled he gathered more information about Ryozanpaku, attempting to understand its connection to Jaune's disappearance.
As he delved deeper into his investigation, Major Armstrong reached out to his contacts within the Atlas military, attempting to gain access to the classified files regarding the dojo. However, he faced roadblocks and limited information due to the sensitive nature of the files.
The Atlas Major found himself perplexed by the presence of classified files about the Ryozanpaku dojo in the Atlas military's database. The notion seemed inappropriate, considering the dojo's location on a small neutral island. The lack of access to these files only heightened his concerns for Jaune's well-being.
Deeply troubled by his failure to be there for his godson, it was enough for the man to question himself. How could he have allowed Jaune to run off independently when he was more than willing to train and support him? He regretted not offering guidance and teaching Jaune the noble Armstrong family techniques.
In his heart, Major Armstrong believed that Jaune could have found strength and purpose with his guidance. As a highly skilled officer and a member of the esteemed Armstrong family, he had much to offer in training and mentorship.
Filled with determination, Major Armstrong resolved to rectify his mistake. He would do whatever it took to find Jaune and offer his unwavering support. The classified files concerning the dojo deepened his resolve to uncover the truth behind Jaune's sudden departure and ensure his godson's safety.
7:37 pm 2 miles from Ryozanpaku.
As Okamoto stood at the top of the signal tower, his heart raced with anticipation. He knew he was taking a significant risk by approaching the dojo. Still, the longing to see his daughter, Miu, had become unbearable. It had been years since he had seen her with his own eyes, and the ache of missing her had only grown stronger.
With his almost inhuman eyesight, a skill he had honed through years of training, he peered down at Ryozanpaku from the vantage point miles away. His gaze focused on the familiar building, his heart filled with love and sadness.
Okamoto was a tall man, his imposing figure emphasized by his impeccable posture. He had short dark hair in the back, neatly styled, with long bangs on the sides that framed his face. Despite the solemnity of the moment, he remained dressed in one of his signature nice suits, a testament to his usual formal appearance even in the most unexpected situations.
It was one of the many personas he employed; he got so engrossed in the identity that some days, he woke up and forgot he was living a lie. But right now, at this moment, he was Saiga Furinji.
.He yearned to hold her in his arms again, to tell her how much he loved her, but he knew the circumstances wouldn't allow it.
A mix of emotions surged within him: the bittersweet joy of catching a glimpse of his daughter, the sadness of their separation, and the realization that he had to remain hidden for their safety. Reluctantly, he tore his gaze away from the dojo and reentered his previous state of being.
Okamoto stepped off the tower calmly and calculatedly, plunging toward the ground. As he descended, he swiftly kicked off the side of the building, propelling himself to a nearby rooftop. His landing was silent and graceful, showcasing his honed skills and physical prowess.
Moving with purpose, Okamoto calmly walked along the rooftop; his gaze focused on his surroundings as he fixed his tie, ensuring he wasn't being sensed by the masters of Ryozanpaku. It was then that he caught sight of a distressing scene unfolding in the alley below. A young man, average in height, with medium-length spiky brown hair and brown eyes, was mercilessly beaten by four delinquents. Despite the boy's futile attempts to fight back, his punches had little effect on his attackers.
Okamoto's attention shifted to a young girl standing behind the boy. She wore a similar blue school uniform. The girl watched in fear as the boy, Kenichi, valiantly tried to defend her.
The girl's pleas, filled with desperation and concern, reverberated in the alley. "Please stop! Stop hurting Kenichi!" she cried out, desperately searching for a way to get help. The delinquents callously dismissed her cries, revealing their dominance over the situation.
Observing the determination in Kenichi's eyes, Okamoto recognized the spark of unwavering resolve. Though lacking in physical strength, the boy's spirit burned brightly with the desire to protect the girl behind him. It was a familiar sight to Okamoto.
Letting out a sigh, Okamoto knew he couldn't stand idly by. He dropped into the alley with swift and decisive action, positioning himself between Kenichi and the delinquents. His presence alone emanated a sense of authority, causing the assailants to pause momentarily.
Okamoto swiftly dealt with the delinquents without wasting words, utilizing his martial arts expertise to hinder them with precision and efficiency. His movements were fluid, his strikes calculated, ensuring the attackers posed no further threat.
Okamoto turned his attention to Kenichi and the young girl as the alley fell silent. His gaze softened, and he offered them a reassuring smile. "Are you both alright?" he asked, his voice calm and soothing.
Izumi, her glasses back in place, hurriedly made her way to Kenichi's side, her concern palpable in her plea for his well-being. "Kenichi! Please be alright!" she pleaded, her voice filled with worry and determination. Okamoto observed the scene before him, and a sense of familiarity washed over him. He couldn't help but recall when his wife would rush to his side, tending to his wounds after arduous battles.
Gazing down at Kenichi, Okamoto recognized the burning fire in the young boy's eyes, even as his body struggled to muster the strength to rise. The remnants of adrenaline slowly dissipated, leaving behind the harsh reality of Kenichi's battered state.
"You fought well, Kenichi," he acknowledged, his words filled with comfort for the beaten teen. "But for now, let's get you safley home."
Taking charge of the situation, Okamoto carefully supported Kenichi, mindful of his injuries, and guided him upright. It was clear that the boy's spirit remained intact, despite the physical toll he had endured.
. "I will make sure you reach home safely," he gently picked Kenichi up and easily carried him on his back.
"i-i don't live much further. Please get Kenichi to a clinic or a doctor!"
"he's in safe hands, young lady." the girl nodded before she ran out of the alley. Despite her claim, he followed her home before walking toward a clinic he knew about as far from Ryozanpaku as he could get. he looked over his shoulder at Kenichi, who was still fighting to stay conscious.
"...i... wasn't strong enough," he said, his voice filled with a hollow sadness. Glancing over his shoulder at Kenichi, who was bravely fighting to stay conscious, Okamoto felt a pang of empathy for the young fighter's anguish. Kenichi's words carried a weight of self-doubt and regret; his voice tinged with a hollow sadness as he expressed his perceived failure to protect Izumi.
Okamoto saw a bit of himself in the boy. So much so he couldn't leave him like this; he turned his attention fully to Kenichi and posed a question, his voice gentle yet determined. "Would you like to be?" he asked, his words hanging in the air, laden with possibility.
Confusion laced Kenichi's voice as he sought clarification. "What do you mean?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Okamoto paused for a moment, his gaze steady, before he elaborated. "Do you want to be strong enough to protect her?" he asked, reaffirming Kenichi's heartfelt desire.
Kenichi's response was immediate; his voice filled with sincerity. "Yes," he replied, his determination unwavering.
A faint smile played at the corners of Okamoto's lips. "How would you feel about becoming my disciple?"
Alright that is where i am ending the chapter. yes i know. im evil.
Regardless i hope you guys enjoyed the story. i had so much fun writing this chapter and yes i made the fight with koga short he doesnt deserve more then a footnote to me.
Anyways, i dont have too much to add at this point so ill send you guys on your way.
~Later Days~
-Wiseotaku.