Chapter 5: Training

The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon when Hideki found himself in the restaurant's backyard, alongside Kaori. The fresh morning air cleared his mind, although a slight nervousness lingered. This would be his first serious training since arriving in this world, and while excitement filled him, he knew that what he was about to learn was not something ordinary.

—"Today we're going to start with the basics," —Kaori said, crossing her arms as she surveyed the surroundings—. "Your arm is still in a cast, so we'll focus on the flow of your Ki. As I mentioned before, Ki is the energy that flows within you, and to control it, you first need to learn to feel it. It all begins with your breath and your ability to connect with that internal energy."

Hideki nodded, concentrating on her words. This was completely different from any type of physical training he had done before. Here, it wasn't just about strength or endurance, but something much deeper: an internal control that required calm and focus.

—"Sit down, close your eyes, and listen to your body," —Kaori instructed, pointing to a space on the ground—. "Inhale and exhale deeply. Feel how the air enters and leaves your lungs. Visualize your Ki as a river flowing within you, slow but steady."

With his casted arm resting on his lap, Hideki sat on the grass and closed his eyes. He inhaled deeply, letting the sound of his breathing fill his mind. At first, he could only focus on the dull pain of his broken arm and the discomfort of the cast, which began to frustrate him.

—"Don't rush," —Kaori said in her usual soft and serene voice—. "Ki is not something you can force. It's like a thread of silk: it moves gently, and if you pull it too hard, it will break. Just flow with it." She noticed how Hideki was starting to grow impatient and decided to intervene with a calming presence.

Hideki took a deep breath, trying to relax once more. Gradually, he began to perceive a slight vibration within his body. It was a faint yet present sensation, like a current he had until now ignored. Without resisting, he allowed that energy to flow through him, following Kaori's instructions. The feeling was strange, yet comforting, as if something inside him was awakening from a long sleep.

—"I feel it... a little," —he finally murmured, opening his eyes with a hint of uncertainty—. "But it's so faint... I don't know how to control it."

Kaori gave him a gentle smile, pleased with the progress he had made.

—"That's normal," —she replied confidently—. "Feeling your Ki is just the first step. Controlling it takes time, patience, and, above all, consistency. We'll continue like this until you can feel your Ki at all times, without having to concentrate solely on it."

Hideki nodded, although he still struggled to accept that something as abstract as Ki could take so long to master. He was used to intense physical training, where pain and immediate effort translated into tangible improvements. But this was different. It was subtler, more delicate.

—"Patience has never been my strong suit," —he admitted with a tired smile as he closed his eyes again, trying to refocus his mind on that internal current.

Kaori watched him with a mixture of understanding and determination. She knew that Hideki was used to pushing his physical limits, but this type of training required a different kind of discipline, one that was more introspective.

—"It's natural to want immediate results," —Kaori said as she sat beside him—. "But Ki doesn't respond to brute force. It requires you to listen to it, to feel it in every part of you. Don't rush it; just let it flow."

The silence between them settled once more, only interrupted by the soft whisper of the wind through the trees. Hideki tried to do what Kaori suggested, releasing his tensions and letting that faint vibration within him move freely.

With each passing minute, though the progress was slow, Hideki began to feel that energy flowing more clearly within him. It was no longer a vague or unreachable current; he could now perceive it in various parts of his body, as if every fiber of his being was recognizing, for the first time, something that had always been there, asleep.

—"I can feel it more clearly," —he whispered, almost fearing that speaking louder might break the fragile connection he had just established—. "But... it's still hard to control."

Kaori gave him a warm smile, her eyes radiating understanding and patience.

—"That's the next step," —she said in a soft but confident tone—. "Ki is not something you force. You need to learn to guide it, not impose your will upon it. It's a dance with the environment, not a battle against it."

Hideki opened his eyes, looking at her with a mix of curiosity and reflection. Her words struck him in a strange way, touching something deep within him. It was a different philosophy, almost contradictory to what he had grown to believe.

Then, a distant memory emerged in his mind: Vital Strike, a retired hero and one of his mentors at UA Academy. That old warrior, always strict and serious, had said something similar during their training.

Hideki had arrived in Osaka for his internship after the UA sports festival. The place where he would be training was an old dojo, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Upon entering, he was greeted by a heavy, almost suffocating atmosphere. As soon as he stepped into the dojo, he felt a murderous intent directed at him, so intense that he stumbled back, swearing he had been attacked.

—"A lot of bloodlust," —muttered the old hero upon seeing Hideki retreat—. "Young man, you carry a lot of aggression within you. For a moment, I thought you were a villain."

Nervous and bewildered, Hideki bowed in apology.

—"Please forgive me, Vital Strike-sensei, but I think you're mistaken," —he said respectfully, not fully understanding what was happening—. "I felt as if you were attacking me... or was I imagining it?"

The old hero snorted disdainfully, taking a step forward.

—"Your ears are still wet, kid. Tell me, what's your name?"

—"It's an honor to meet you, Vital Strike-sensei. I'm Hideki Saito," —Hideki replied, making a deep bow.

—"Hideki, huh? You lack any elegance," —grunted the retired hero with contempt.

—"What do you mean?" —Hideki asked, clearly confused and somewhat offended.

—"I mean how you act with me," —the old hero said, moving closer, his penetrating eyes locked onto Hideki—. "I saw you at the sports festival... you attack with aggression, with reckless violence. You try to dominate your opponents with a ferocity that almost makes it seem like you want to kill them. That... that is your own bloodlust, your own uncontrolled rage."

Hideki looked at him, stunned, unable to process what he was hearing.

—"Your murderous intent is clumsy and disastrous. Do you think I would attack you? What you felt was nothing more than a reflection of your own fury," —continued Vital Strike, his voice deep but firm—. "Your own bloodlust turns against you, making you weak. What you displayed at the festival was not true strength. Just uncontrolled brutality."

Hideki frowned, still processing what the hero was saying.

—"That is not true strength," —Vital Strike said harshly—. "You're only clumsy and disastrous when you allow your bloodlust to control you. If you want to be more than that, you must learn to master yourself before attempting to dominate others."

Vital Strike taught him that combat was not just a matter of brute strength. "You're like a wild beast," he had once said. "You only think about dominating your opponent with power. That is not true strength; you are just clumsy and disastrous. True strength doesn't come solely from your physical abilities. It comes from inner serenity, from the balance between mind and body."

During his time with him, Hideki learned that it wasn't just about improving his martial skills, but about finding harmony within himself. Vital Strike always insisted that a calm mind was as essential as a strong body, and that only when spirit and body were in sync could one unleash their full potential.

The memory of Vital Strike resonated in Hideki's mind, almost as if the old hero were present, watching his progress. That moment in the dojo, the harsh yet sincere words, now held more meaning. He had spent so long focusing on brute strength that he had forgotten the most important lessons: balance, calmness, serenity.

Now he understood those words better. He had been so focused on combat and aggression that he forgot that true strength was not just about physical power, but about balance and control.

Hideki opened his eyes, his breathing more controlled now. He could feel the Ki beginning to flow more consistently through his body. It was no longer a distant current; he now perceived its presence at different points within him. The tingling in his extremities was clearer, sharper, though still faint.

—"I feel it... better now," —he said quietly, almost as if he didn't want to break the calm surrounding him. "But it's hard to maintain control."

Kaori, watching him in silence, nodded slowly. She had noticed the change in his breathing and posture, small signs that he was beginning to understand what she was trying to teach him.

—"You're making progress," —she said gently—. "But remember, Ki is not something you control with force. It's about fluidity. You must allow it to align with your body and spirit."

Hideki nodded, recalling Vital Strike's words. "It's not about imposing your will, but about connecting with the world." That lesson was still a barrier for him, but he was starting to glimpse what it meant. He took another deep breath, this time trying not to force anything, just to feel.

Kaori stood up and walked slowly toward him. She stopped beside him and, with a kind gesture, indicated for him to extend his uninjured hand forward.

—"Close your eyes again. This time, try to feel the Ki around you, not just within you," —she instructed, her voice always calm and serene—. "The world is filled with energy. If you can perceive it, you'll begin to understand what it means to harmonize with your surroundings."

Hideki obeyed, closing his eyes and concentrating, searching for that connection he had only vaguely perceived until now. At first, everything remained dark and unclear. He only felt his own breath and the dull pain in his broken arm. But gradually, the atmosphere around him began to change. It was not a physical change, but a sensation, as if something invisible were surrounding him, like a gentle breeze barely brushing his skin.

—"I feel it..." —he murmured, almost surprised by what he was experiencing—. "It's... like a soft echo around me."

—"Exactly," —Kaori replied, with a reassuring smile—. "Ki not only flows within you but also through everything around you. With practice, you'll be able to guide that energy, tune into it, and use it to strengthen your body, mind, and spirit."

Hideki remained still, focused on that sensation. It was as if the world around him had taken on a new dimension, something he had never noticed before. Yet still, he couldn't help but wonder how this would help him in real battles against foes far beyond his physical capabilities.

—"But how... will this help me in a fight?" —he asked, without opening his eyes—. "I don't feel like this is making me stronger or faster. How am I supposed to face beings much more powerful than me with this?"

Kaori watched him silently for a few seconds before responding.

—"Ki is not just for battle," —she said calmly—. "It's to maintain peace within yourself, even in the most chaotic moments. In combat, those who are driven by despair or anger are the ones who lose, because they have lost control. True strength doesn't always lie in being stronger or faster, but in knowing when to act and how to do so."

Hideki reflected on those words. Perhaps that was the missing piece, the one he had always ignored in his pursuit of power. For him, strength had always been about overpowering others, surpassing his enemies through sheer determination and physical skill. But now he understood that he also had to learn to control himself.

—"We'll leave it here for today," —Kaori suddenly commented, surprising Hideki, who was so focused on feeling his Ki that he hadn't noticed her signal that the training was over. The abrupt interruption pulled him out of his concentration and caused him to stumble and fall to the ground.

—"Hmhm," —Kaori chuckled quietly upon seeing Hideki fall, a playful smile on her face—. "Hehe, you still have much to learn. You can't lose your focus so easily, hahaha."

Hideki got up, a slight blush on his cheeks as he tried to hide his embarrassment. Kaori, although she was trying to suppress her laughter, had warmth in her eyes.

—"But yes, we'll leave it here for today," —she finally said, regaining her composure—. "It's getting late, and you should prepare to go to the academy. Training can be exhausting, but you also have responsibilities to attend to."

Hideki nodded, still a bit flushed from the embarrassing moment. He dusted off his clothes and prepared to leave.

—"Thank you for today, Kaori-san," —he said with a grateful smile—. "I really appreciate everything you've taught me."

Kaori gave him a warm smile and nodded.

—"You're welcome, Hideki. Keep practicing and remember what we've talked about. It's not just about strength, but also about connecting with yourself and the world. See you later."

With one last smile, Kaori headed toward the restaurant door as Hideki prepared to leave. As he exited the restaurant, he couldn't help but reflect on the training session. Despite the fall and the unexpected interruption, he felt he had taken a small but significant step forward in his understanding of Ki.

He made his way to the academy with a clearer mind, aware that he still had a long journey ahead. But with each step, he felt he was closer to balancing his inner and outer strength, an important lesson not just in learning to control Ki, but in discovering his true purpose in this new world.

The walk to the academy felt unusually quick and pleasant. Although he was no longer focused on feeling his Ki, he noticed that his body had begun to adapt to the changes. His senses had sharpened subtly, allowing him to perceive his surroundings with renewed clarity. The breeze on his skin, the distant murmur of the city, and even the slight crunch of leaves underfoot seemed more vivid.

His mind also felt calmer, a state of tranquility he hadn't experienced in a long time. A small smile crept across his face as he walked, feeling a light optimism for the first time since he arrived in this world.

Upon arriving at the academy, Hideki quickly made his way to his classroom, aware that he was a little late. He entered just in time for the start of the lesson, breathing a sigh of relief. Despite the rush, his mind was in an unusually serene state, a remnant of his training with Kaori.

During class, Hideki appeared strangely distracted to his classmates. He maintained a slight smile on his face, his eyes often closed in an expression of calm that contrasted with his usual seriousness. His classmates had never seen him like this before, and for the girls, this new expression of tranquility and the gentle smile on his face made him seem even more attractive.

As the teacher explained the day's topic, Hideki tried to engage with the class actively, but he couldn't help but let his thoughts drift to the flow of his Ki. He decided that instead of merely attending the class, he would use this time to practice his concentration on Ki in a clever way. He focused on feeling the flow of energy within him while attempting to pay attention to the lessons.

He closed his eyes for brief moments, feeling how the Ki moved gently within his body, almost like a current intertwining with his breath. The sensation of the flowing energy became a mental exercise that helped him keep his mind focused, despite the distractions of his environment.

Although maintaining concentration on Ki required constant effort, Hideki felt a deep satisfaction in integrating this practice into his daily routine. Every moment, even the most mundane, became an opportunity to progress in his learning journey. The class, while not particularly challenging in terms of content, had transformed into a mental training ground for him.

In fact, Hideki had lost his concentration a total of 113 times during class and had taken the time to note each of those occasions. This meticulous record reflected his dedication and effort to improve.

Finally, lunchtime arrived. Many girls approached Hideki, drawn by his new attitude. During the break, his unusual behavior in class had caught the attention of his peers, and now, surrounded by a group of curious girls wanting to talk to him, Hideki felt both overwhelmed and flattered.

—"Your attitude is so different today! What happened to you?" —asked one of the girls, her curiosity evident.

—"Oh, I've just been taking care of some things," —Hideki replied, trying not to reveal too much. The truth was that the tranquility he felt was a direct result of his recent practice and the new perspective he had gained about his situation in this world.

Somewhat overwhelmed by the attention he was receiving and the fact that he hadn't eaten lunch yet, Hideki quickly left the classroom to avoid being followed. He headed to his usual spot to eat, a tree a little distance away from the classrooms. There, he leaned against the trunk, trying to regain some tranquility. However, when he opened his backpack to get his lunch, he realized he had forgotten to prepare it. The morning training with Kaori had made him overlook one of the most important details.

Disheartened, he thought about going to the cafeteria, but immediately dismissed the idea. At that moment, the cafeteria would be filled with students in a kind of free-for-all over lunches. He sighed in resignation and leaned back against the tree, closing his eyes in a desperate attempt to distract himself from his hunger while focusing on his Ki.

It was at that moment that he heard footsteps approaching. He looked up to see Koneko Toujou walking toward him. She looked at him with a mix of curiosity and concern as she saw him there, alone under the tree.

—"Hideki-senpai, what are you doing here by yourself?" —Koneko asked, noticing his resigned expression.

—"Oh, Koneko," —said Hideki, smiling weakly—. "I forgot my lunch and didn't want to face the battle in the cafeteria, so I came here to rest a bit."

Koneko raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the situation. She approached and sat down next to him.

—"If you're hungry, you should come with me," —suggested Koneko—. "I have some food I can share."

Hideki was taken aback by the gesture and looked at Koneko with gratitude. Although his stomach growled from hunger, his smile widened at Koneko's kindness.

—"I don't want to cause you any trouble," —Hideki said, trying to decline the offer.

—"It's not a problem," —Koneko insisted—. "Besides, it's more fun to eat together."

With a small smile, Hideki accepted and stood up. Koneko took a small lunchbox from her backpack and offered it to him. Together, they headed to a quiet corner near a tree, where they sat and began to share the food. As they ate, Koneko chatted animatedly, helping Hideki relax and enjoy the moment.

—"Thank you, Koneko," —Hideki said, taking a bite of the food she had offered. "I really needed this."

—"You're welcome," —Koneko replied with a smile—. "Sometimes, sharing a good lunch is just what you need to feel better."

As the conversation continued, Hideki realized how important these little moments of connection and support were. Though the road ahead was still uncertain, he felt grateful for the people by his side in this new world, and for the simple moments that could offer him comfort and companionship.

While they shared the food, Koneko noticed the faint smile on Hideki's face, something she hadn't seen before, at least not so casually. The expression of relaxation and the way he enjoyed the lunch seemed to indicate that he was happier and at peace.

—"Hideki-senpai," —Koneko began curiously—. "You seem more relaxed today. Has something changed?"

Hideki looked at Koneko, surprised by her observation. He realized that his positive mood hadn't gone unnoticed, even by his classmates. Although he had been lost in thought and training, he hadn't noticed how much his mood had shifted.

—"Well," —Hideki said, taking a sip of his drink—. "I'm just enjoying the day and what I'm learning." His tone tried to be moderate, but he couldn't hide the glimmer of excitement in his eyes. —"Today I was able to remember many things my teacher taught me. It's surprising how sometimes we can forget important lessons, but today's training was really special."

—"Your teacher?" —Koneko asked, intrigued. —"Do you practice any sports, Hideki-senpai?"

—"Ah, right, you don't know," —Hideki replied with a smile—. "Since I was little, I've been practicing martial arts. About two years ago, I met Ryuu-sensei, who taught me many valuable things. For… hmm, personal reasons, I had to move to this city," —he continued, pausing as he searched for a way to say he could no longer return to his teacher—. "Today, while I was training, I remembered many of those teachings."

Koneko looked at him attentively, interested in the story behind his training and its impact on him. The conversation flowed naturally, allowing Hideki to share a piece of his past while strengthening his connection with Koneko.

Koneko, intrigued, tilted her head slightly.

—"It must have been very important to you," she commented, a mix of curiosity and empathy in her voice. "It's impressive how what we learn in the past can influence our present so much."

Hideki nodded, his eyes reflecting a hint of nostalgia.

—"Yes, it definitely is. Sometimes, when I feel lost or confused, remembering those moments and teachings helps me find my way again, although it might take me some time to remember. Hahaha," he laughed joyfully, a bit embarrassed admitting he had forgotten certain things about his training and struggled to recall them.

Koneko smiled at him in understanding.

—"Tell me, what was your teacher like?" she asked, genuinely interested.

—"Ryuu-sensei was a wise and very strict man, direct in his words," Hideki replied with a small laugh, recalling how they met. "When I met him, we hadn't even spoken yet, and he had already pointed out all my mistakes. And I must admit he was right about everything, hahaha."

—"That sounds very comforting. I'm glad to see you finding something that makes you feel better. We all need those moments of clarity."

Hideki returned her smile, appreciating Koneko's support.

—"Thank you so much, Koneko. And speaking of support, I'm glad to have a friend like you to share these moments with."

Koneko blushed slightly, looking down before responding.

—"It's nothing, Hideki-senpai. I'm happy to be here for you. If you ever need to talk or someone to trust, I'm here."

Hideki felt warmth in his chest at Koneko's words. He realized how valuable her presence was in his life, especially in such an unknown world.

—"I really appreciate it," —Hideki said sincerely—. "And the same goes for you. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to tell me."

The silence was filled with a comfortable tranquility, and Hideki leaned back a bit against the tree, enjoying the moment of peace.

Without thinking too much, Hideki stretched out his hand toward Koneko's head, intending to pet her. At first, she didn't seem to notice, but upon feeling his hand brush her hair, she instinctively pulled away, avoiding his touch completely.

—"Ah! I'm so sorry, Koneko. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable," —Hideki immediately apologized, a mix of surprise and regret in his voice—. "I'd better go, forgive me, Koneko."

He was about to stand up and leave, fearing he had crossed a boundary. However, before he could do so, Koneko gently took his hand, her face turned away as if she wanted to hide something.

—"No… it's not that, Hideki-senpai. It was just very sudden and…" —Koneko whispered, her fingers tightening a bit more around Hideki's hand.

Feeling her touch, Koneko noticed how rough and calloused his hands were from years of training.

—"And… I didn't expect senpai's hand to be so worn," —she murmured, still avoiding looking directly at him.

Hideki was surprised by Koneko's reaction and her unexpected comment.

—"Well, I guess it's the result of my training," —he replied with a small nervous laugh, not pulling his hand away—. "Though I don't think it's something to admire."

Koneko gently shook her head, finally looking up to meet his gaze briefly.

—"That's not true. It says a lot about how hard you work," —she said, almost in a whisper, before releasing his hand delicately.

After a brief moment of silence, Koneko took a breath, trying to look directly at him this time, even though her eyes darted away whenever they met Hideki's.

—"If you want… you can try again," —she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she lowered her head slightly, giving him access.

Hideki blinked in surprise but smiled warmly before raising his hand once more. Gently and tenderly, he caressed Koneko's hair, enjoying its softness while she remained still.

Koneko slowly closed her eyes, relaxing under Hideki's touch.

—"Your hand... isn't as rough as I thought," —she said, her tone more tranquil.

As she felt the caresses, Koneko couldn't help but think, "Senpai's hand is very large and warm... It feels safe."

Hideki let out a small laugh, withdrawing his hand after a moment.

—"Thank you for everything, Koneko," —he said sincerely, appreciating the trust she had shown him.

Koneko nodded silently, her face slightly flushed but a small smile appearing on her lips.

The moment was brief, but charged with a deeper connection between them. Finally, Koneko glanced at the clock and stood up.

—"It's time to return to class. I don't want us to be late," —she said softly.

—"Yes, you're right," —Hideki replied, also standing up. —"Let's go."

Together, they walked back to the academy, each carrying with them a new understanding of the trust and bond they shared.

By the end of the day, Hideki felt satisfied with his ability to balance his concentration on Ki with his attention in class. The combination of practice and learning was providing him a new perspective on how to face challenges. The conversation with Koneko had been a comforting moment that accentuated that feeling of well-being. As he headed to his next class, the smile on his face remained, a reflection of the inner peace he had begun to find amidst his efforts to adapt to his new world. The connection he had made with Koneko and the progress in his training gave him a renewed sense of purpose and calm, making the day, despite its difficulties, end on a note of hope and satisfaction.

Koneko entered the Occult Club room with a small smile on her face. As always, Rias and Akeno were already there. The albino sat on one of the sofas and began eating her sweets accompanied by tea.

Noticing Koneko's unusually cheerful demeanor, Akeno approached with a mischievous expression on her face.

—"Wow, Koneko, you seem to be in a really good mood today," —Akeno said, grinning playfully—. "Has someone been giving you reasons to smile?"

Koneko looked up from her tea, her expression slightly flushed but maintaining her calm.

—"It's nothing in particular," —she replied, trying to keep the conversation neutral—. "I've just had a good day."

Rias, observing the interaction with interest, decided to intervene to change the focus.

—"Akeno, don't be so inquisitive," —Rias said, her tone softer—. "Koneko has the right to enjoy her day without being interrogated."

Akeno made a disappointed face but backed off with a playful smile.

—"Alright, alright. I'm just happy to see Koneko so cheerful," —she said as she returned to her seat.

Rias looked at Koneko with an understanding expression.

—"I'm glad to see you so lively, Koneko. Did something exciting happen today?"

Koneko nodded slightly, her smile growing a bit.

—"Yes, I had a good conversation with Hideki-senpai. I had always sensed some sadness in him, but today I saw him much happier and relaxed."

Rias nodded, her gaze reflecting understanding.

—"That's good to hear. Sometimes, finding little joys and connections in a new environment can make a big difference."

The group continued chatting, with the atmosphere relaxed and the conversation flowing between various topics. As Koneko enjoyed her time in the club, she was so happy that she forgot to mention to Rias that she had noticed an increase in Hideki's aura, sensing how his ki had become more present.

A week had passed, and thanks to Kaori's magic abilities, Hideki had fully recovered from his broken arm. At that moment, they were in the middle of a training session.

—"I can see how much your perception of Ki has improved, Hideki," —Kaori remarked, noticing that he could now maintain concentration on his own Ki even during his daily activities.

—"Thank you very much, Kaori-san. It's all thanks to your teachings," —Hideki replied with a slight bow.

—"Now that you've finally managed to keep your concentration on Ki consistently, it's time to learn how to direct it," —Kaori said as she stood up and assumed a combat stance, indicating for Hideki to do the same.

—"Ki can enhance your strength, speed, and even endurance, but first, you need to channel it correctly. Use your arm to give it a try. Pay attention to the internal flow of your Ki," —Kaori added, preparing for the practice.

Hideki stood up, took a deep breath, and tried to reconnect with the energy he had sensed before. He moved slowly, raising his arm to throw a punch, but Kaori easily dodged it.

—"Try again. Slower. Feel how the Ki moves within you," —Kaori said calmly.

Hideki attempted again, focusing on visualizing the energy flowing from his center to his arm. This time, his strike was more controlled, but Kaori blocked it effortlessly, nodding in approval.

—"Better. You're starting to use your Ki, but you still need more control," —she commented—. "Remember, Ki is not just strength. It's a balance between body and mind. You must allow your Ki to flow freely, without restrictions."

Hours passed as they trained, with Kaori guiding Hideki to concentrate on his breathing and that internal connection. Although he was still far from mastering the technique, Hideki noticed a difference in his movements. They were becoming more fluid and precise.

Finally, Kaori stopped and smiled at him.

—"That's enough for today. You've made good progress," —she said while offering him a bottle of water.

Hideki, sweaty and exhausted, gratefully took the bottle from Kaori.

—"This is harder than I imagined," —he admitted between gasps, still recovering from the effort.

—"That's normal," —Kaori replied with a calm smile as she sat beside him—. "Mastering Ki and Touki isn't something you achieve in a day. But you have potential. Your years of physical training give you an advantage; you just need to be patient."

Hideki took a sip of water and looked up at the sky, his mind wandering as his thoughts mixed. Since arriving in this world, he had made progress, but the road ahead still felt endless and full of challenges.

—"I... this..." —he stammered, struggling to find the right words.

Noticing his hesitation, Kaori looked at him with concern.

—"What's wrong, Hideki?" —she asked gently.

—"Before you found me, I didn't know if I wanted to go on... if I even had a reason to keep living," —he confessed, his voice tinged with deep melancholy—. "I felt powerless, as if everything I did was meaningless."

A silence filled with emotion stretched between them as Kaori gave him space to express himself.

—"But then... after I was given a home, after I was offered care..." —he continued, pausing as he sought the right way to express what he truly felt—. "I decided I wanted to keep living. You all gave me a reason to do so."

Hideki looked down for a moment before adding:

—"What I mean is... I'm very grateful to you. Without you, I'd probably be dead by now."

Kaori looked at him tenderly, understanding the weight of his confession. She remained silent for a few seconds, allowing Hideki's words to linger in the air, full of meaning. She recalled the state in which she had found him: emaciated from lack of food, covered in dirt after weeks without a place to wash, dressed in tattered and worn clothes. That day, seeing him so vulnerable, she understood that this young man had endured trials that would have broken anyone.

—"Hideki..." —she finally said, her voice warm—. "I'm glad you've found a reason to move forward. No matter how dark the path may be, there will always be light if we choose to seek it. And remember, you don't have to walk it alone."

Hideki looked at her, his eyes glistening slightly. He wasn't used to sharing those thoughts, to being vulnerable, but something about the way Kaori treated him made him feel safe, as if for the first time in a long while, he didn't have to carry everything alone.

—"Thank you, Kaori-san," —he said, his voice firmer—. "I don't know how I can repay you for everything you've done for me, but I want to try. I want to become stronger... not just for myself, but to protect the home you've given me."

Kaori smiled tenderly.

—"You don't need to repay us. The fact that you're moving forward, that you're here, is enough. And if protecting this home is what motivates you, then use that feeling to keep pushing forward. True power doesn't always come from being the strongest, but from protecting what you love."

Hideki nodded, feeling the weight of his emotions lift a little. His thoughts were still disordered, but now he had a clearer purpose. Life had given him another chance, and he wasn't going to waste it.

—"Alright," —he finally said, a new determination shining in his eyes—. "I'll keep training. Not just for myself, but for all of you."

Kaori gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder, her smile full of approval.

—"That's the attitude you need. Now, let's rest for a bit. Tomorrow will be another day of training, but today, you've already made great strides."

With that, they fell into silence, enjoying the moment under the sky, with Hideki feeling that, little by little, his path was clearing.

The End I hope you liked it.

The scene of Hideki meeting Vital Strike, is based on when Musashi Miyamoto meets In'ei Hozoin, in the Vagabond manga between chapters 37-38.

The reason why Hideki refers to Vital Strike as Ryuu-sensei, is because that's what he asked him to call him and two Vital Strike's real name is Ryutaro Yamamoto.