The masters of Ryozanpaku sat in the dojo's main hall, discussing their newest disciple's progress. With Jaune and Miu away at school, they took advantage of the opportunity to evaluate his development.
"Well, let us begin the first monthly meeting." the Elder said, looking between the masters before addressing Shigure and Askisame first," how effective has the battle doll been, Shigure?" the Elder asked, stroking his beard. Shigure nodded in response, her eyes focused on the Elder.
"He has shown... much better progress. He's able... to grasp how... and when to go... for openings now. He's also shown a surprising...talent for these breathing techniques... He has already learned two forms of water breathing."
Akisame, the judo master, chimed in, "His fundamentals are getting better each day. It's clear he has a sliver of talent for martial arts. It's not much, but it is enough that he's making far better progress than I anticipated" Sakaki took a big gulp from his bottle before he nodded in agreement.
"Kid's still sloppy in his guard, but his performance could be better overall. But ill give him credit where it's due. In a proper fight, the kid managed to properly utilize my technique the same day he learned it."
Apachai, the Muay Thai master, shared his thoughts, devouring a bag of chips. "Apa, Jaune is no longer dying to Apachai's punches. He's getting better and making it hard for me to hold back." He smiled, happy at Jaune's progress.
The Elder turned his attention to the masters, pleased with their assessments, before moving his Attention to Kenseis. He briefly glanced up from the magazine he was reading.
"As for myself, I've mostly been honing his reflexes. Now that he's no longer a stiff board, he can keep up with the techniques I've shown him thus far." He smiled in approval, the satisfaction evident in his eyes. The Elder smiled in anticipation as he heard the masters. "Then it sounds like we all agree. He is ready to advance to the next stage."
"As for the next stage," the Elder continued, "we shall guide Jaune in refining his existing skills and introducing him to more advanced techniques. He has shown a good affinity for water breathing, so we shall focus on further developing his proficiency in that area. Additionally, we will work on enhancing his defensive capabilities, particularly his guard and overall agility."
Shigure nodded, "We should also make a variety of training methods to ensure his adaptability in different combat situations. We can help him become a more well-rounded martial artist by exposing him to different styles and scenarios."
Akisame nodded in agreement. "Indeed, versatility is crucial. Jaune should learn to utilize techniques from various disciplines to broaden his arsenal and gain a deeper understanding of martial arts."
Apachai, with his mouth full of chips, chimed in, "Jaune needs more sparring experience against different opponents. HE needs more chances to use what we have taught."
"We could always pit him against a disciple from dojo hunters," Sakaki said. They got their fair share of challenges on occasion. All trying to take their sign as a trophy, proof they conquered the dojo.
"Those are far between, and there is no way to know their skill level until they arrive."
"We know he's got the attention of this local kid gang. We could always sit back and watch the fights play out. Maybe give him a little nudge into them." master ma said with a mischievous grin.
"He has a break coming up; we could always take him on a trip to change the training."
As the master discussed how to improve jaune training, the Elder smiled. It had been some time since he had seen all the masters present in such a good mood. Having Jaune around genuinely brought out the best within them and nurtured their growth.
Meanwhile
"Seriously!" Ukita shouted, his frustration boiling over as he paced on the empty school rooftop. Takeda, his partner in crime, lay under the water tanker, trying to keep cool under the shade. "Ukita, calm down," Takeda said, his voice steady. "Yelling won't solve anything."
Ukita glared at Takeda. "It's been a whole month, Takeda! And we still haven't found Jaune. Kisara won't be pleased with our progress."
Takeda sighed, adjusting his sunglasses. " losing our cool won't help."
Ukita continued to stomp around, frustration etched on his face. "Does Jaune even go to our school? I mean, it's not that big. How can he hide for an entire month?"
Takeda opened one eye to glance at Ukita. Maybe he's found a way to blend in, or perhaps he's a damn Ninja."
Ukita crossed his arms, the anger slowly subsiding. "I just can't believe Koga let this happen. He had the punk, and let him slip through our damn fingers! Now Kisara is questioning our abilities."
Takeda nodded, understanding Ukita's concerns. It was, by all means, a simple task, and a month later, they still needed to deliver. "We can't change what's already done. We need to focus on finding Jaune."
Ukita let out a frustrated sigh. "But how? We've looked everywhere, and still nothing."
Takeda remained calm, his mind working on a solution. "Just relax. I already have a plan. It's sure to bring Jaune right to us."
Ukita raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"
Takeda paused, choosing his words carefully in case they were being listened to. "We could try talking to his friends, classmates, or anyone who might know him well. Sometimes, the best way to find someone is through their connections."
Ukita nodded, the idea resonating with him. "It's about damn time you came up with a good idea. Should I call up the freak?"
"Not this time. this time we do this ourselves." Takeda said as he rolled out from under the water tankers and hopped to his feet.
that Afternoon
As Jaune sat on the edge of the wooden walkway, he couldn't help but reflect on how much he had grown at Ryozanpaku. His physical changes and newfound martial arts skills were evidence of his intense training. However, amidst all the progress and excitement, he couldn't shake the feeling of homesickness and nostalgia for his family and Malon, the redheaded farm girl he had feelings for.
He questioned his decision to leave home and train at Ryozanpaku, wondering if it was the right choice. Although he had found purpose and adventure in his journey, he couldn't help but miss the comfort and familiarity of his old Life. He pondered whether it was selfish to kiss Malon and then leave to pursue his dreams.
As Jaune looked out over the dojo's training yard, he noticed Master Ma Approaching.
"My, that's an expression I haven't seen on you before." the Chinese martial artist said as he sat next to Jaune. "seems to me your thinking quite hard on something...young love~."
"no...well, kinda," Jaune admitted blushing a bit. "I was just thinking about home and...Malon."
"...if I recall correctly, you're a runaway, correct?" Jaune nodded as Master Ma chuckled warmly, understanding the emotions that young love could evoke.
"Ah, young love indeed. It can be quite a powerful force, stirring up conflicting feelings," he said.
"Yes, exactly," Jaune replied. "I left home to train here, seeking growth and adventure. But now, I miss my family and Malon. I wonder if it was right to leave them behind."
Master Ma nodded thoughtfully. "It's natural to feel that way, Jaune. We often encounter moments of doubt and nostalgia when we embark on a new path. Remember, you decided to pursue your dreams and learn martial arts. It shows great courage and determination."
"But what if I'm being selfish?" Jaune questioned. "Is it fair to the people I left behind, especially the girl I care about? I kissed her and left without knowing if we'd ever see each other again."
Master Ma placed a reassuring hand on Jaune's shoulder. "It's not uncommon to feel conflicted in situations like these," he said gently. "Personal growth and following our dreams sometimes require tough choices. It may not be easy, but it's essential to understand that every person's journey is unique."
"Remember, Jaune," Master Ma continued, "Life is a continuous journey of self-discovery. Embrace the experiences that come your way, and trust that your heart will guide you to the right path."
Jaune took a deep breath, finding comfort in his master's words. "Thank you, Master Ma," he said gratefully.
the next Day
Jaune sat at his desk and reached for his notepad, only to see a slip of paper on top of it. While it was true, he had avoided Ragnorak all this time. this was the first time they had left him a message. 'come to the roof, or you two friends are going to pay dearly.' Jaune glanced around the classroom quickly, his eyes darting from Miu. His eyes looked towards Izumi and Kenichi's desk. They were empty.
Jaune's heart pounded in his chest as he read the threatening message on the slip of paper. The weight of the situation sank in; panic welled within him, urging him to take swift action.
His gaze darted around the classroom, searching for any signs of his friends. Miu, sitting nearby, noticed Jaune's anxious glances and furrowed her brow in concern. Their eyes briefly met, and Jaune silently pleaded for her understanding.
Without wasting another second, Jaune made a quick decision. He couldn't afford to wait or second-guess himself. The safety of his friends depended on his immediate response. With a sense of urgency, he rose from his seat.
"Sorry, ma'am, nasty stomach ache. Be back in a sec!" Jaune hastily muttered an excuse to the teacher, his voice laced with worry. He didn't wait for a response; his mind focused solely on reaching the rooftop.
He sprinted out of the classroom, his footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. The situation's urgency fueled his speed as he searched for the nearest stairway. Leaping up the steps two at a time, he propelled himself upward, driven by fear and determination.
It was just like when he heard Cardin was trying to bully Malon, how he ran head first into Cardin's side despite knowing he wasn't a match for the strong boy growing up. But this was different; he was different now; he could protect them!
"Takeda...do you really think Jaune will for a trick like this?" Ukita asked as Izumi and Kenichi sat on the ground between them. The Kenichi kid was already looking pretty banged up. "if his friends are held hostage, there's no way he'd be able to stop himself. Takeda said with some resolve that caused Ukita to pause. He had always gotten a different vibe from Takeda. He was just different from him for some reason. "yeah, but don't they typically run away?
Bursting through the door to the rooftop, Jaune's eyes scanned the area, searching desperately for any signs of his friends. And there, in the corner, he saw Kenichi, battered and bruised, his body covered with bandages with Ukita gripping him by the collar. Anguish mixed with fury surged through Jaune's veins.
His ordinarily gentle voice turned cold and hardened as he addressed Ukita. "Leave my friends alone," Jaune's words dripped with quiet rage, starkly contrasting his usual demeanor.
"Finally, it's about damn time you showed up!" Akita yelled, tossing Kenichi to the side before marching up to Jaune. Meanwhile, Takeda leaned against the tall chain fence that kept students from accidents.
"Told you he comes." Takeda said as his usually relaxed state seemed to change instantly. "guys like him strive to do the right thing. But they always end up losing in the end."
'What's up with this guy.' jaune thought as he stepped forward.
Jaune's instincts kicked in in a split second, and he didn't hesitate to take action. With Kenichi safely out of Ukita's grasp, Jaune lunged forward, his movements fluid and precise, seamlessly combining his judo and karate. He struck Ukita with a swift judo chop to the side of the head, momentarily stunning the delinquent. Before Ukita could recover, Jaune swiftly pulled back his arm and unleashed a devastating punch directly into Ukita's core, using the full force of his training.
"whoa, nice moves there, Jaune. you gonna take that Ukita?" Takeda said like a half-excited spectator, his hands in his pocket as he made no move to help Ukita.
Ukita growled and staggered from the decisive blow; Jaune's determination to protect Kenichi and Izumi grew stronger. With an agile leap, he shifted to a karate stance and leaped up, firmly grabbing the back of Ukita's head. Using his momentum, he forcefully drove his knee into Ukita's face, shattering his sunglasses. Knocking the large teen into the roof fence, denting it.
"Get out of here!" Jaune's voice resounded with authority as he yelled to Kenichi and Izumi. He wanted them to escape the dangerous situation and find safety. But in the heat of the moment, Kenichi's eyes filled with shame as Izumi pulled him towards the exit.
"fucking brat!" Ukita yelled as he charged at Jaune.
With Ukita's snarl echoing, Jaune knew he had to act swiftly to counter the delinquent's attack. As Ukita lunged, his hands clenched onto Jaune's shirt, ready to throw him forcefully to the ground. But Jaune was determined not to be overpowered.
In a display of quick thinking and resourcefulness, Jaune took advantage of the situation. With a rapid movement, he tore the top few buttons of his shirt, causing it to come loose from his body, slipping out of Ukita's grip in the process. It was a clever maneuver that caught Ukita off guard.
Seizing the opportunity, Jaune acted with precision and agility. He delivered a swift kick to Ukita's side, causing him to wince in pain. But Jaune didn't stop there. He swiftly grabbed hold of Ukita's shirt, using the kick's momentum to pivot and execute a judo throw.
Ukita's massive form crashed into the ground with a resounding thud, leaving him momentarily stunned and disoriented. The impact rattled him, and he struggled to regain his bearings. He didn't look like he would get up anytime soon.
Jaune stood firm, catching his breath. He knew that Ukita might not stay down for long, and he needed to be ready for any counterattack.
"Wow, our orders were to just bring you to Kisara, but now I have to rough you up for what you did to my pal Ukita," Takeda said, his voice tinged with anger as he pulled something out of his right pocket. Jaune's heart raced, expecting him to pull out a knife or worse, and he braced himself for an attack. However, he blinked in confusion as Takeda revealed a piece of white chalk and a bell.
His confusion deepened as he watched Takeda walk around the rooftop, dragging the chalk along the floor, sketching out the outline of a boxing ring. Jaune's mind raced, trying to make sense of Takeda's actions. Why was he setting up a boxing ring? Was he planning to fight Jaune formally?
As the lines of the makeshift ring took shape, Jaune's focus momentarily shifted to Ukita, who was lying unconscious off to the side. He wondered if Takeda's intentions had shifted after what happened to his friend. But instead of attacking him outright, Takeda seemed to be preparing for something else entirely.
With the chalk outline completed, Takeda stepped inside the ring he had created, tossing the remaining chalk into the air. Jaune's eyes followed the chalk's trajectory, and he couldn't help but feel perplexed as Takeda expertly obliterated it with a single punch from his right fist, turning it into a cloud of dust.
"What is this guy doing?" Jaune thought, unable to comprehend Takeda's intentions. His confusion grew as Takeda spoke again, announcing three-minute rounds with one-minute breaks. The situation felt surreal, like a puzzle with missing pieces.
"Alright, 3 minutes per round. A 1-minute break between rounds. Im sure you've heard by now, but I used to be quite the boxer; as such ill fight you with just my right hand."
Still maintaining his playful confidence, Takeda's voice carried a sense of challenge that Jaune couldn't ignore.
"Those two have run away, despite putting your body on the line." Takeda said as if reminiscing about something, "You know what id call you in this situation...stupid."
" Not everyone's a fighter. Up to guys like me to risk being stupid to defend them. It's called being brave." jaune countered as he stepped into the makeshift ring; he adopted a proper stance, recalling the teachings of Apachai. He knew he had to be prepared for whatever Takeda had in store. Takeda's taunting words didn't shake Jaune's focus; if anything, they only strengthened his determination to face this challenge head-on.
"is that so? Bet I'll change your mind during this fight."
Takeda's playful footwork caught Jaune's attention, and he analyzed his opponent's movements carefully. The bell rang again, signaling the start of their impromptu match. Jaune remained cautious as they circled each other, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
"punches, elbows, kicks, throws, everything is on the table in this match for you, so don't hold back; this is a 10-count 3 knockout fight!" Takeda said as he seemed to leap forward.
Takeda's first jab came fast, but Jaune's reflexes were sharp, and he managed to weave away from the punch. Despite the banter, Jaune knew he couldn't let his guard down; Takeda's confidence masked genuine skill.
When Jaune lunged forward, trying to exploit Takeda's left vulnerable side, the blue-haired boxer displayed remarkable agility, swiftly sidestepping and responding with three lightning-fast jabs to the side of Jaune's face using only his right hand. The punches landed with precision, causing Jaune to momentarily stagger.
Jaune blocked the final jab with quick thinking and countered by pivoting on his feet, delivering a decent cross punch that grazed Takeda's cheek. However, there was no time to celebrate his hit as another rapid jab approached his face, forcing him to tilt his head back to avoid being struck.
The exchange left Jaune on high alert. Takeda's boxing skills were formidable, and his ability to fight effectively using only his right hand was impressive. Jaune realized he needed to adapt his approach and consider his opponent's unorthodox style.
As Jaune continued to face off against Takeda, he quickly realized the truth behind his opponent's demeanor. Takeda wasn't just an angry delinquent with misplaced confidence but a skilled boxer who could match. Jaune's realization meant he could no longer afford to hold back or underestimate Takeda's capabilities.
With determination etched on his face, Jaune attempted to close the distance and get inside Takeda's guard, aiming to deliver a spinning knee strike to the boxer's stomach. However, before he could execute his move, Takeda struck with precision, landing a powerful body shot that rippled through Jaune's core.
The force of the blow caused Jaune to stagger, but his aura flared, absorbing the impact. While his aura protected him from the full brunt of the punch, the pain still managed to sear through him. Jaune gritted his teeth, refusing to let the discomfort slow him down. He knew he had to keep pushing forward.
But Takeda wasn't done yet. Like lightning, another jab came hurtling towards Jauneknocking him to the ground.
"one...two...three," Takeda said, counting on his fingers, still only using his right hand as Jaune got back to his feet, shaking off the hit. "Hey, you have some guts; that's the spirit."
"the taste of blood in your mouth, the air of tension. Boxing really is attractive, don't you think?"
'That was an incredibly heavy jab.' jaune thought as he wiped the blood from his lip. he hated to admit it, but he kinda agreed with Takeda; despite the circumstances, Jaune had begun to enjoy fighting.
As Takeda's flurry of lightning-fast jabs and hooks came at him, Jaune remained steadfast, bringing his arms up to defend. He knew he couldn't afford to let his guard down for even a moment, facing the barrage with focus and determination.
Then, he noticed a subtle change in Takeda's footwork, slightly slowing down. Jaune recognized this as the opening he awaited, just like Apachai had taught him. Jaune seized the opportunity in that split second, quickly pivoting and unleashing a low kick with his left foot, aiming precisely behind Takeda's knee.
The kick struck precisely, hitting the vulnerable spot just behind the knee, causing Takeda to stagger and lose his balance. Jaune's follow-through was relentless. He twisted with the change in footing, utilizing the momentum to deliver a punishing elbow strike to Takeda's temple, only for the blue-haired teen to pull his head out of the way in time. Only for a cry of pain to escape the boxer's lips as Jaune kicked the other legs this time. Takeda struggled to react in time to the left cook struck across his chine, sending the blue-haired teen crashing to the ground.
As Takeda lay there, Jaune started to count, his voice firm and focused, "One... two... three..." But to his surprise, Takeda managed to rise back to his feet before Jaune could complete the count.
'this bastard, I thought he was some harmless nice guy!' the thought was interrupted as Jaune lept, grabbing the back of Takeda's head and guiding it to the knee, coming to make its acquaintance with his face. Grunting loudly, he managed to capture the knee and stop the stroke jaune released his head. Takeda lashed out as Jaune landed back down, trying to deliver a powerful jab again, the strike hitting Jaune square in the jaw. he watched as Jaune's body tilted back. Still, his ankles held him up. 'his ankles are strong!' another thought interpreted as Jaune righted himself and kicked Takeda in the legs again, causing him to fall to a knee as he felt jaunes hand against his head quickly being pulled into a spinning knee.
*Ding!* the bell rang, and Jaune's attack stopped.
"W-what? Why'd you stop?"
Jaune, still catching his breath, pointed at the clock. "We have a minute break, don't we?" he asked, walking towards his corner to take advantage of the short rest. He tapped the clock to start the countdown for the break.
Takeda followed suit, making his way to his corner, but to Jaune's surprise, he still kept his left hand in his pocket. Jaune couldn't help but wonder why Takeda refused to use his left hand, but he didn't press the issue further.
Seated in his corner, Jaune curled his legs up to his chest, taking deep breaths to regain strength. The intensity of the fight had taken a toll on him, and he now realized how demanding a battle could be.
Takeda responded to Jaune's suggestion that he should sit and rest with a hint of arrogance, claiming he was a pro and didn't need to sit like a beginner. But the unsteadiness in his legs gave away the truth. Jaune knew that Takeda was pushing himself to the limit.
Curiosity got the better of Jaune during the brief respite, and he asked a question that seemed to catch Takeda off guard. "Hey... I have a question. Why did you give up boxing?"
"if you ask stuff like that so casually, your friends aren't going to like you very much," Takeda warned defensively. Still, after a moment, he sighed, opening up a bit. "Oh well... it doesn't matter if they like you. Suppose they're the kind of bastards who abandon their friend who came to save them. In that case, you're better off without any friends," Takeda said, a hint of bitterness and pain in his voice. "at least that way, you won't lose anything, like I did."
Takeda's breaths were heavy, and he looked at Jaune with vulnerability and anger. "You wanna know why I gave up boxing?" he asked, his voice tinged with bitterness.
Curiosity and concern sparked in Jaune's eyes. "Yeah, I do. I mean, your boxing incredibly well. What happened?"
"I don't mean to pat myself on the back, but I was a prized rookie boxer. I had a friend named Akeshita; we were close, and he was almost like a brother; we shared the same dream of fighting our way to the top, to be champs. We were always in each other's corners when we had a big match," Takeda said bitterly as he remembered some painful memories. "one night, I got a call from him; he was in front of a convenience store surrounded by delinquents. Asked for my help...honestly, I debated whether or not I should go; I had an important match the next day and wasn't in a position to risk causing trouble." the bell rang, interrupting takes the story. "My back to the match!" he shouted as he rushed to Jaune, who was still getting back to his feet. "wait to continue the story." jaune yelled as he dodged a jab, his arm stinging from the abuse he had been taking defending against his thrusts. "so I take it you went to help him didn't you?" jaune asked as he delivered another solid low kick only to feel a powerful suitable hook land that nearly knocked him into the fence. "cant ignore a friend in trouble right? But that was a naive way of thinking." Takeda's words dripped with venom.
"But... is that why you're doing this?" Jaune asked, a glimmer of hope in his voice. "To prove something to yourself, to your friend?"
Takeda's eyes locked with Jaune's, his expression resolute. "Maybe," he replied, "but right now, I just want to show you that I'm not someone you can pity or underestimate."
"as a professional license holder, street fights were strictly prohibited. But I still went to help him. For my friend, I unleashed my lethal left like it was going outta style." he said, punching the air to loosen his tired muscles. "we won, of course. Still, I didn't get to go to the next match...or any match after." Takeda said bitterly, "My career ended with my injury. And Akeshi...that bastard smoothly advanced in his boxing career. So how is it? Pretty stupid story, right!" Takeda yelled as he rushed Jaune, assaulting him.
Takeda continued his relentless assault, shouting with frustration and anger, "That's why! Whenever I see idiots like you fantasizing about friendships, I don't feel relieved until they realize the bull they're eating!"
He delivered a powerful punch to Jaune's stomach, causing him to wince in pain. But Jaune refused to be swayed by Takeda's words. Determinedly, he countered with an elbow strike, their blows colliding as emotions ran high.
"Those two ran away to protect themselves, making everything you're doing now completely and utterly worthless!" Takeda yelled, his voice filled with bitterness.
But Jaune caught Takeda's fist, stopping his next strike. Pulling Takeda to the side, Jaune pushed him against the corner instead. Jaune spoke defiantly through the pain and exhaustion, "You're wrong. I came because of me. I chose to come here and fight because I refuse to abandon any of my friends like that!"
Takeda yelled in denial, urging Jaune to shut up, but Jaune refused to back down. "I don't care if they thank me as long as they are both safe. Because that's the kind of Huntsman I want to become!" Jaune roared, his determination shining through.
Takeda's denial and anger intensified, but his attacks slowed down. Jaune's words had struck a chord, exposing the cracks in his bitter facade.
In a decisive moment, Jaune grabbed Takeda by the back of the head, his grip firm. "Because my friendship isn't for sale!" Jaune shouted, delivering a powerful knee strike to Takeda's head. The impact sent Takeda stumbling, and he crashed into the weakened chainlink fence, causing it to collapse under his weight.
Takeda felt the world pulling him towards the roof's edge, his body teetering on the brink of a dangerous fall. But Jaune reacted quickly, diving to catch Takeda's right hand just in time. Jaune's body slid across the rooftop as he struggled to maintain his grip, both fighters panting heavily from the intense battle.
"Takeda, the fight's over! Use your left hand and climb up!" Jaune shouted with great effort, his voice filled with urgency and determination.
Takeda squirmed and shifted until his left hand fell limply out of his pocket, surprising Jaune. A look of resignation washed over Takeda's face. "Sorry, I can't. My arm's paralyzed. It's why my boxing career went up in smoke. I didn't quit; I couldn't box anymore... Kuh! You'll only regret it if you sacrifice your body to save someone else!"
Jaune continued to hold on tightly, his muscles straining, as the two teetered on the edge. Jaune took deep, concentrated breaths, focusing on gathering all the strength he had left.
"What the hell are you doing? This is no time for deep breaths! Let go and save yourself!" Takeda shouted, his voice filled with desperation and concern.
But Jaune remained resolute, ignoring Takeda's pleas. "That's enough. Don't waste your energy on stupid crap, and let go!" Jaune's yelling was fervent, almost begging Jaune not to go down the same path he had.
"I refuse!" Jaune shouted, gritting his teeth. He utilized every ounce of his strength, invoking the training he had received from Ryozanpaku. His body trembled as he pushed beyond his limits, defying everything Takeda believed.
Takeda could only watch in amazement as Jaune defied the odds, lifting Takeda's lifeless weight against all odds from a position that seemed impossible. "Don't...underestimate...Ryozanpaku's training!" Jaune gritted out, defying the limits of his own physicality.
Takeda's fingers finally found the edge of the building and then the rooftop floor until almost his entire torso was safely over the edge. But Jaune's grip began to slip, causing panic within Takeda. "No!"
Takeda watched Jaune fly forward, his limbs finally giving out as he fell over the edge. His horror was only interrupted by three pairs of arms dragging them both onto solid ground. Takeda looked around at Ukita, Kenichi, and Izumi.
Exhausted but safe, their friends surrounded them as they lay on the roof.
Takeda's breaths were heavy as he listened to his friend's words, shock evident in his eyes. He couldn't believe Kenichi, Izumi, and even Ukita hadn't abandoned Jaune. Their loyalty and dedication were evident in their presence on the rooftop.
"They... didn't run away," Takeda said.
"Don't lump everyone in with your bad friend," Kenichi's words struck a chord with Takeda. He realized that his own experiences had clouded his judgment, leading him to assume the worst in others.
"We just didn't know how to help, so we waited," Kenichi continued, his expression unwavering. Holding a first aid kit, Izumi said, "I-I can't fight, but I can patch you both up."
Takeda's eyes softened as he took in their words, realizing the strength of their bonds with Jaune. He had underestimated the depth of their friendship and genuine care for one another.
As Takeda looked at Jaune, his eye swollen shut from the intense battle, he couldn't understand why Jaune had risked so much to save him. "You damn idiot, why? Why did you try to save me? We aren't even friends," Takeda asked, confusion evident in his voice.
But Jaune, despite his exhaustion and injuries, grinned weakly and spoke with a determined voice, "My parents…always said...strangers are just friends…you haven't met yet."
Takeda stared at Jaune, the words sinking in, and a surprising feeling washed over him. He felt a mix of emotions—amusement, appreciation, and something deeper he couldn't quite explain.
He couldn't help but laugh, even though it hurt his bruised and battered body. "Hahahah AHHHH, I shouldn't laugh, but that was just too funny to me," Takeda said, his laughter mixing with pain but also a newfound sense of camaraderie.
It was funny indeed. Here was having just fought Jaune with so much bitterness, yet Jaune had risked everything to save him, simply because they hadn't been friends yet. It challenged everything Takeda had believed about friendship and opened his eyes to a new perspective.
As Takeda sat up, using his right arm for support, he gave Jaune a weak but genuine smile. The walls he had built around himself were slowly crumbling, and he appreciated Jaune's tenacity and belief in the power of connections.
They were interrupted by the door being kicked open by Miu, who lept in to attack Ukita. "Ah, what the hell, lady!"
"h-hey, who the heck are you."
"m-miss Furinji, stop t-they're injured enough!"
one missunderstanding later.
Jaune, Miu, Ukita, and Takeda stumbled into Akisame's clinic, greeted by the judo master's warm welcome. Akisame wasted no time tending to their injuries, starting with Ukita and moving on to Jaune.
"Now, onto this boxing fellow here," Akisame said, examining Takeda with a critical eye. However, Takeda waved him off, trying to downplay his injuries. "Thanks, doc, but I'm used to these injuries. I'll be fine," Takeda said, tapping his bruised face gently.
Akisame, unfazed by Takeda's attempt at brushing it off, continued with his thorough examination. "I wasn't talking about your face," he replied calmly, making Takeda flinch.
Takeda protested, "I never said anything about my left arm!" But Akisame got behind him, pinching the back of his neck, causing Takeda to recoil in pain. "You were treated by a quack. Your doctor set the fracture in your arm, but you can't move it because your spine is bent, putting pressure on the nerves," Akisame explained.
With disbelief and amazement, Takeda lashed out at Akisame with his left hand. Everyone in the room, including Takeda, watched in astonishment as his left arm responded momentarily before going limp again.
"It moved, right? Please tell me I wasn't dreaming or that Jaune hit me too hard on the head," Takeda pleaded, seeking confirmation. Akisame nodded reassuringly. "It moved," he confirmed, bringing hope to Takeda's face.
Takeda couldn't contain his joy. "It can be healed, right?" he asked, and Akisame responded confidently, "Of course. It's a fairly simple treatment for me. It can be healed."
With a hopeful smile, Takeda asked if boxing was still too much for him. Akisame scoffed at the idea. "Don't fool yourself. When I'm through with you, you'll be able to arm wrestle an Ursa," he said, giving Takeda a kind and confident smile.
Takeda beamed happily, filled with renewed determination to get back into boxing. "I'm up for it, Doc," he declared, ready to undergo the treatment.
Akisame had Takeda sit down, warning him that the treatment would be painful and advising him to do it in small sessions. When Takeda asked how many sessions it would take, Akisame's answer stunned him. "Oh... 783," he replied.
Takeda yelled out in pain as Akisame applied pressure, counting each time. "782," Akisame calmly counted, causing Takeda to grimace and scream in agony. Jaune couldn't help but feel happy for Takeda, cheering him on. "You've got this, Takeda! You'll return to the ring with just a few more treatments!"
But Takeda, caught amid the painful treatment, interrupted with a pained yell, "The hell do you mean a few... Argh!" The road to recovery seemed daunting, but Jaunes' encouragement fueled Takeda's determination.
As Jaune pushed his body up and down, his feet spread far apart on top of the wooden stalks; he could feel the strain in his muscles. The weight of Shigure sitting on his back added an extra challenge, but he refused to give up. With each repetition, he focused on his breathing, inhaling on the way up and exhaling as he descended.
"145…146…147…148…149…150," Shigure counted, and Jaune finally stopped, feeling the burn in his muscles. Shigure got off his back and rolled his stiff shoulders, relieved to have completed the set. The towel and water bottle Shigure tossed at him were a welcome respite.
Taking a break, Jaune sat down, feeling the sweat trickle down his body. He drank some water, his breaths still heavy, and wiped his forehead with the towel. Sitting there, he couldn't help but reflect on his progress.
In just a month of intense training at Ryozanpaku, Jaune had witnessed significant changes in his physique. His muscles had become more defined, and he had shed the last remnants of baby fat, giving his face a more mature appearance. It was a testament to his dedication and the grueling workouts he had endured.
But it wasn't just the physical transformation that struck him. Jaune also recognized the mental and emotional growth he had experienced. His challenges during training tested his limits, forcing him to confront his weaknesses and push through self-doubt. Each day, he found himself becoming more resilient, determined and focused.
"Continue...your training...ill be back...in a bit," Shigure said as she suddenly disappeared. He sometimes wondered where she was always going. Sometimes she would be gone for days at a time. Unaware to the presence of a giant man approaching the gates of the Dojo.
The Muscular man stood outside the dojo, his determination unwavering as he knocked on the large doors. The sound reverberated through the building, echoing in the silence. Moments later, a young blond girl in her teens opened the door, her curious eyes meeting Major Armstrong's.
"Pardon me, miss," Major Armstrong spoke politely, his voice hinting urgency. "I'm looking for my nephew Jaune. You wouldn't happen to have seen him, would you?" He saw Jaune attempting to hide as he spoke, but his uncle's sharp eyes didn't miss the sight.
"Jaune, I see you trying to hide," Major Armstrong addressed his nephew firmly, his voice filled with concern and authority. With a determined motion, he placed his hand on the heavy doors, swinging them open before striding inside, past the young girl named Miu.
He looked around the dojo as the boy disappeared before he sniffed the air and noticed a faint dust footprint on the dojo floor.
Major Armstrong followed the faint trail left by Jaune's dust, leading him to a room filled with giant stone Buddha statues. Sensing his nephew's presence, he called out sternly, knowing Jaune's hiding skills had improved.
"Jaune, come out. I know you're here," he declared firmly, but his words were met with silence. Undeterred, Major Armstrong continued, "Hmm, I'll admit you've gotten exceptionally skilled at hiding, but you still need to learn..."
As Jaune cautiously peered over a statue, he was met with what appeared to be an empty room. However, before he could react, a firm hand gripped his shoulder, sending a jolt of surprise through him.
"How to hide your fear." Major Armstrong's voice resonated, cutting off Jaune's attempt to flee.
"Gryyyhaaaa!" Jaune let out a startled yelp, unable to escape the bone-crushing hug that enveloped him.
Major Armstrong held his nephew tightly, spinning him around in an exuberant display of affection. "Jaune, it's so very great to see you, boy! You have no idea how much everyone worried about you."
"U-Uncle, can't breathe," Jaune managed to gasp out, the tightness of the hug constricting his words. Yet, his plea went unheard as Major Armstrong continued his unyielding embrace. If Jaune had to compare it to Apachai, it was just as deadly, if not more so.
Another solid minute passed before Major Armstrong finally released Jaune from his crushing grip. "Truly, the tracking skills passed down the Armstrong line have led me to you, my boy," he declared proudly, seemingly unaware of the discomfort he had caused. Jaune couldn't help but sigh at his uncle's over-the-top antics.
"...It's good to see you, Uncle Alex," Jaune managed to say, stepping back to avoid another potential death hug.
Major Armstrong's enthusiasm didn't wane as he lunged forward, only to have Jaune nimbly evade his embrace.
As Jaune and his uncle sat down after their training session, they engaged in a heartfelt conversation. Jaune couldn't help but feel nervous and uncertain about his uncle's intentions for visiting the dojo.
"So, Jaune, when will your masters arrive?" Major Armstrong inquired, his curiosity evident in his voice.
"Akisame and Master Ma run the clinic in the back; they're busy with some patients. The Elder is on a trip up north, Shigure Sensei is out of town for the next few days, and Master Sakaki and Apachai took Kenichi to a horse track for some reason," Jaune explained, taking a sip of his green tea.
"I see. And you study under all of them?" Major Armstrong queried further.
"Yes. The training is usually challenging, but it's worth it," Jaune replied, his nerves palpable. He couldn't help but wonder why his uncle had come to visit.
"Why are you here, Uncle?" Jaune finally mustered the courage to ask. His uncle, Alex, emitted a deep hum before standing up and flexing his muscles, a trademark move that always made Jaune raise an eyebrow.
"I want to teach you the Armstrong Techniques," Alex said firmly, looking Jaune over with a determined expression. "Jaune, you know you can't stay at the dojo. You ran halfway across the world to train, of all the irresponsible things you could have done."
Jaune crossed his arms defiantly. "I didn't come all this way just to return home, Uncle. Ryozanpaku is legendary, and I want to learn their martial arts techniques. My dream is to become the best Huntsman I can be, and this is where I can achieve it."
Alex merely let out a worried sigh before he clasped both of jaunes shoulders in his hands, forcing Jaune to look into his concerned eyes, tears swelling inside them.
"We were worried something had happened, dear boy. It's time to come home."
"I'm sorry, but I'm not a kid anymore," Jaune replied, trying to maintain his resolve. "Ryozanpaku's masters are the best in the world. They've agreed to train me, and I can't let this opportunity slip away."
"Uncle, I understand that I'm still a minor, but please trust me," Jaune pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation. "I've made my decision and believe in my chosen path. Bringing my parents into this will only complicate things."
Alex's face softened, but he remained firm. "Jaune, your parents deserve to know where you are. They're worried sick about you, just like I was. It's my responsibility to inform them and ensure your safety."
Jaune's gaze turned resolute. "I know you're concerned, but my masters will return soon. Once they're back, you can see what they can do. They'll vouch for my training and the potential I have."
A moment of hesitation in Alex's eyes as he considered Jaune's words. He understood the weight of Jaune's determination and the impact his masters could have on his training. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Alright, Jaune. I'll give you a chance to prove yourself. But remember, if I am not satisfied with their methods. You're joining me on the first bullhead home. understand."
Jaune nodded gratefully, his heart pounding the danger still present. "Thank you, Uncle. They won't let you down."
Alright thats where im ending the story. I hope you all enjoyed it. and to answer some questions ive been getting. Yes, Jaune is progressing. quicky. mostly due to his own eagerness to train, aura, and small talent. I had a lot of fun writing this fight and look forward to writing more to come.
As always, i hope you enjoyed and look forward to the next chapter.
until next time
~Later Days~
-Wiseotaku.