I'd kept up my training for a whole month. Any spare time I had was put toward pushing my body to its limits. And when I needed to rest? I studied! I scoured the internet for powerful fighters, found footage of their bouts, and took lots of notes. It was a ton of fun! Thanks to all my research, I discovered some of the world's best martial artists, too. There're really tough ones like Balrog, the heavyweight boxing champion in America. He's strong, but… I think he's too arrogant. As far as big burly guys go, I think Zangief, the Red Cyclone, is way cooler! He's a pro wrestler from Russia, and he has the biggest muscles I've ever seen. I also love how he's always so cheerful in his interviews!
There's also Chun-Li, from China, who everyone calls the "strongest woman in the world." She's… everything I wish I could be… Beautiful… confident… and deadly. I tried to copy her lightning kicks attack, but I don't know how to move my legs that fast! It doesn't even feel possible! Maybe one day, when I become an accomplished fighter… I'll challenge her and take that title for myself. "Sakura Kasugano, the strongest woman in the world"… Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Hee hee!
One fighter that surprised me was this "Ken Masters." He didn't strike me as all that special at first, but once his hands started glowing, I realized… he fights like Ryu. He must be an Ansatsuken fighter too! Even though he acts like some young playboy, he's already become one of the strongest fighters in the U.S. Is it possible that he was inspired by Ryu just like I was? What if he's one of Ryu's disciples? Would he still take on another? There might not be room in Ryu's good graces for the both of us… Hmm… I'll have to write down another goal in my notes… "Destroy Ken Masters"… It's nothing personal, but I need Ryu's full attention on me. I don't plan on sharing it with a showoff like this guy.
Most exciting of all, though? I found a few more videos of Ryu fighting! His opponents weren't very good (or maybe he just made them look bad), but any new footage of my favorite fighter is extremely valuable! I even got to see a new attack of his; the Tatsumaki Senpukyaku.(Some people just call it the Hurricane Kick. That sounds cool too!) It's an awesome, spinning kick that allows you to glide across the ground and strike your enemy with all your momentum. When I saw it for the first time, I thought Ryu had said "I'd like some pound cake!" I was very confused, but I realized, no, he was just shouting the name of the technique like he always does! It just happens to be a long and weird name. Heh…
So, yeah, these other opponents didn't stand a chance. One of them was yet another Ansatsuken fighter, a goofy guy with a brown ponytail and a pink gi. He was… pretty sad to watch, honestly. I'm certain even I could defeat him. If I ever qualify for the World Warrior Tournament, I hope I have him as an opponent. That'd be a lucky break, wouldn't it?... Oh, and there was one more video I found of Ryu… It was a super important fight against a master of Muay Thai, this giant, intimidating goliath named Sagat. It only happened a week ago, and Ryu beat him! It was a huge story in the scene, apparently. I thought that I'd be ecstatic to watch this one, but… I don't know… When Ryu hit that guy with his Shoryuken, he looked… different? I don't really know how to describe it… It kinda scared me, to be honest… There was blood everywhere… I should feel happy that Ryu beat him, though, shouldn't I? Instead, I… just wanna forget what I saw… Fights are exciting, but they're scary sometimes too, I guess.
Well, enough about that. Even with all my efforts, I was no closer to discovering how to use my ki like Ryu does when he throws a fireball. Is it because I'm not shouting 'Hadoken' loud enough? I don't can't be too noisy or the neighbors will file a complaint, but what if invoking the name of the attack grants special powers or something? Gah! I just don't know… Getting stronger is one thing, but if he's ever gonna take me under his wing, I need to know how to perform his signature moves! That's a no brainer! The internet doesn't tell me anything helpful about how to use your ki, unfortunately… Lots of people don't even believe it exists. Weird, huh? So, yeah, on this front, I was stagnating hard. That's why I'm taking my next big step today! One that will surely reveal to me the secrets of ki control!
I'm seated quietly in the lunchroom. My bento box is on the table in front of me, but I'm not thinking about food at the moment. What has my attention is the flyer in my hand that I picked up while I was out jogging my dog the other day. "Searching for your strongest self? Trying to show up all your adversaries? Wanna become AWESOME?! Look no further! As a master of martial arts, a ki expert, and a famous beatdown deliverer, I will guide you there!"
I've read the words dozens of times over, but I'm still skeptical. "Saikyo-Style Dojo…" It's not Ansatsuken. Still, he says he's a ki expert. I can't afford to ignore this.
"Sakura… Are you seriously still considering that? I thought we agreed that it's too risky…"
*sigh* "I remember, Kei… but I'm running out of ideas. This might be the solution to my problem. The key to understanding… well… ki!"
"No! You can't go there! That place is on the other side of Aoharu City! And you want to make the trip all by yourself? You've never even met the guy who runs it. What if he's a creep? What if he… tries to hurt you?"
"Then I'll make him regret ever trying! I told you; I've been training for a whole month now. I can protect myself. I promise."
"…"
"Don't look at me like that, Kei… Do you not believe me? I'm not a defenseless little girl anymore. Can't you see that?"
"One month of training isn't very much, you know. I'm not calling you weak, but you are still fifteen. A high school freshman. You're far from invincible."
"Look, I'm not budging on this, Kei. I've made my decision. I'm going to chase my dream with everything I have, and right now, my heart's telling me that this is the right choice."
"…I don't get you anymore… Where did this dream of yours even come from? You used to be worried about grades and sports like everyone else, and now, out of the blue, you want to become a martial artist?"
"Yes, because I saw Ryu fight! We've been over this already…"
"I still don't get it. You're always talking about joining some fighting tournament and traveling the world… It's like you turned into a different person overnight…"
"I mean… I don't think that's entirely wrong. I feel like I've discovered a side of me that I never knew existed. I've always been spirited and outgoing, but this is the first time I've ever felt so driven. It'd be crazy difficult for me to turn my back on this stuff now, and I don't want to. I want to see where this path leads me."
*sigh* "…Alright, Sakura. I'll stop doubting you, then. It's frightening to imagine you trading blows with a bunch of dangerous brutes… We're besties, though. I'll support you in anything, because that's what friends do, right? Even if what you're doing scares me, I'll wish you the best."
"Awww, Kei! You're gonna have me bawling my eyes out in front of everyone… Thank you so much for understanding. And I'm sorry to stress you out so much. With you cheering me on, I'll be unbeatable!"
"Hmm… Well, this is definitely the place. For a dojo, I was expecting something more… professional?"
After the school day ended, I made my way to the east side of the city. It took me about an hour to reach my destination by foot, but I wasn't in a hurry. I'd already let my parents know that I'd be "staying after school to help as a math tutor," so I'm in the clear! And now, here I am… standing in front of the "Saikyo-Style Dojo." I settle my nerves with a deep breath and walk inside.
"Hello? Is anybody home?... I'm looking for the one in charge!"
It's a pretty big space they have here. While it looks old and lacks furniture or decorations, there's more than enough room to throw down. As I take it all in, I spot one lone man, huddled over in the corner, sleeping deeply, snoring loudly, and with a finger in his ear. Is… this the master of Saikyo? He almost seems… familiar… but why? I approach this strange man and attempt to get some answers.
"Excuse me, sir?... Hey, wakey-wakey! You've got a visitor!"
"Zzzzzz… Uhhh, huh? I-I… Wait, who… A kid? What are you doing here?"
"I heard about this place from your flyer. I'm looking for the Saikyo-Style master."
Ah! You aren't just a kid. You're a customer! It's about damn time! You must be an aspiring martial artist, am I right? Heh, that's a rhetorical question! Of course you are! Unless… you're here for an autograph?! Ah man, I've practiced this my whole life, and at long last I will sign and bestow my first autograph to an adoring fan! This is a monumental moment for-"
"Oh, I don't want an autograph, sir. I don't even know who you are. That's what I'm trying to figure out."
"Guh! S-So blunt! That was a devastating blow to my pride, but I think I can still salvage this… *ahem* So, kid, you're that curious, are you? Heh! Can't blame ya! All it takes is one glance at my powerful stature and, instantaneously, you're drawn to my strength. No need to feel awkward about it, though. Every living being reacts this way in my presence. Being as awesome as I am, I'm used to it!"
"Haha! Hey, you're pretty funny! I was feeling nervous about coming here, but you've helped settle my thoughts. Thanks for that!"
"Uh… Y-You're welcome! But I'm not sure what was so humorous about-"
"So, hey, do you know where the Saikyo master is? Is he out on an errand or something?"
"Wha… C'mon, kid! The Saikyo master?! Isn't it obvious?! You're looking at him!"
"Oh, it's you? Hmm… That's… interesting… Well, beggars can't be choosers… It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Saikyo master, sir! I've come here to ask for your help."
"Ah-ha! No need to elaborate any further, kid. I've already figured out what you want. Tell you what… you don't have much tact, but you've got energy! Even more crucial, you've got heart! You show great promise, and so, I will officially take you on as my student! Congratulations!"
"Oh… Oh, no. I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in the Saikyo-Style. I already have a style that I'm trying to replicate. I was only hoping you could help me with controlling my ki. Your flyer mentioned that… See, right here… It says you're a 'ki expert'."
"Interested in ki, huh? An admiral goal, to be sure! However, I only offer my teachings to students. If it's a lesson in ki control that you seek, then prove to me that you're capable by learning my most powerful techniques!"
Learn his most powerful techniques? Darn, I was hoping we could get right to the good stuff… Still, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to broaden my bag of tricks, right? This guy certainly doesn't inspire confidence, but maybe he's more capable than he looks. I'm already here, so I might as well give him a shot.
"Alright, Mr. Saikyo master, sir. I accept your terms. I am honored to be your student and to learn your techniques!"
"W-Wow, seriously?! Excellent! That's exactly what I wanted to hear! Haha! Saikyo is on the rise, baby! Yahoo!"
Geez… This guy is quite the character…
"Now then, my student… Watch these attacks closely! I will perform my three greatest techniques in quick succession. Your job will be to commit them to memory and then attempt to perform them. At first, you'll fail spectacularly, of course. Understand that these are legendary maneuvers we're dealing with. You must start somewhere, though, so let's get to it!"
"Got it, I'm ready."
"Heh… You'll want to stand back, kid… Things are about to get serious!... Try this! DANRETSUKEN!... DANKUKYAKU!… and finally… KORYUKEN!"
Wait… what? Those moves… They aren't identical, but the similarities are unmistakable!
"Hey, you said this is Saikyo-Style? Well, I've never heard of it, and yet, I know those attacks. In fact, I've been practicing some of them myself in my spare time!"
"Woah! Saikyo is even more popular than I realized?! *sniff* I always believed it'd catch on, but this is the greatest news I've ever received!"
"S-Stop crying… It's not your style I'm referring to. I'm talking about Ansatsuken martial arts. For the two to be so similar, you must know what I'm talking about, right?"
"No, no, no! That style is no good, kid! Trust me! I used to study under a master of Ansatsuken, and guess what? He kicked me out! Can you believe that? A fighter of my caliber? Clearly that old coot didn't know the first thing about martial arts if he turned me away!
"…Dare I ask why he kicked you out?"
"Wh-Why?! Well, cuz… uh… It's been a while, so I might've forgotten… Oh, right! He said 'Look, dude, you're too powerful to learn this style. If I teach you all that I know, your strength will exceed that of any living man, and it would offset the balance of nature. So, you'll have to leave and… do something else.' Yep, that's how it went down. He's not the brightest old man, is he? When Saikyo-Style takes off, he'll be regretting that decision of his."
"…"
"…What? I'm serious! That's what he said!... I'm tellin' ya, kid, Ansatsuken is for chumps. Stick with me and you'll reach your full potential!"
*gasp* "I remember now! I know you! You use Ansatsuken techniques!... or at least poor imitations of them… And you're wearing a pink gi! The brown ponytail! You fought against Ryu! I watched the video!"
"R-Ryu?! You know that jerk?"
"Hey, he's not a jerk!... Actually, I guess I don't know that for sure… I've never met him, but I'm absolutely going to one day! He's my hero! My inspiration! One of my dreams is for him to teach me!"
"Ugh, well that's awkward… You saw him thrash me, then, huh?... Alright, I get it, kid. If Ryu is who you want teaching you, then you probably want nothin' to do with me. *sigh* Just when I thought things were starting to turn around…"
"Now wait a minute! I didn't say any of that! I told you I'd be your student, and I refuse to leave you hanging, sir."
"R-Really?!"
"Yep! Really!"
"… Heh… You're alright, kid!"
"I'm Sakura, by the way! Sakura Kasugano!"
"Dan Hibiki, creator of the Saikyo-Style martial arts! But you can just call me 'Master'!... Oh, and hey… Before we start the lesson, I'm gonna need a sizable payment up front, alright kid? It's not cheap renting out this building!"
"…You're not very successful, are you Mr. Hibiki?"