The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange glow over the training grounds, where the air crackled with anticipation. Ryju stood at the edge of the clearing, his heart pounding like a war drum. The memory of Uzuki's cold, mocking smile haunted him, igniting a fierce resolve within. He would not be weak again. Not after what had happened. Training was going to begin.
Now I've waited to get stronger this is my time.
Across from him, the others gathered in a wide circle as the Spiritual King stepped forward, his gaze firm yet calm.
"Today, you'll learn to harness your full-body Spiritual Force—and how to channel it into your weapons." His voice resonated with authority."This will strengthen your body, extend your stamina, and enhance your combat abilities."
The group nodded.
"Now... concentrate. Focus on your spiritual energy. Let it out."
A moment of silence fell.
Rei closed her eyes. "I can try..."
Ryju steadied his breathing. Focus...
"This shouldn't be too hard... I hope," Shun muttered.
"Go deep down and find it. Let it all out," Goro encouraged.
"I can do this," Kuroyami whispered to himself.
And then—
Kenshiro stood lazily behind them. "This is easy. I did it."
Everyone froze.
"HUH?!" the group shouted in unison.
They turned, stunned. Kenshiro's body glowed faintly with a black aura shimmering with tiny, star-like specks.
"Whoa... you have black Spiritual Force… with stars!" Rei gasped.
"How did you do it?!" Ryju demanded.
"Impossible," Goro muttered.
"How…?" Shun asked.
"Well, at least I know it's possible," Kuroyami said, still focusing.
"How did this lazy bastard do it first?!" Rei snapped.
The Spiritual King chuckled, clearly surprised."Impressive. You can rest, Kenshiro. The rest of you, keep focusing."
He watched in quiet amusement.
Moments passed. Then—
"Done," Shun said calmly, his body now glowing with a rich green aura.
"What?!" the Spiritual King blinked.
"Done," Kuroyami followed, his Spiritual Force dark and sleek—pure black.
Ryju gritted his teeth. Why is everyone finishing before me?!
"Done! Yes!" Rei exclaimed, silver light radiating from her frame.
Now only Ryju remained.
This is really pissing me off... Come on, think!
He shut his eyes tightly.
Uzuki…
That smug grin. That overwhelming strength.
He's my rival… I have to surpass him. No matter what. I can't lose. I'll give up everything—even emotion—if I have to.
His breath caught in his throat. Something ignited within.
"AHHHH!!"
A surge of crimson erupted from Ryju's body. His aura flared into the sky, blazing red like a raging storm.
"You did it!" the others exclaimed, eyes wide.
"Yours is red!" Rei added, amazed.
The Spiritual King took a step back, shielding his eyes."Whoa... that's a lot of energy. I keep forgetting who you all are..."
Ryju grinned. "I did it…"
The Spiritual King smiled."That concludes part one. Now for part two: physical training. Run the entire field, then sit-ups, push-ups, and lifting. Let's go!"
"Okay!" the group replied, already breaking into a jog.
They ran for what felt like hours. By the time they collapsed onto the grass, their bodies screamed for mercy.
"I'm… so tired... ah, ah…" Ryju panted.
"So many exercises…" Rei groaned.
"Why didn't I just stay home?" Kenshiro complained, flopping over.
"It feels like I'm gonna die," Kuroyami added.
"I love training… but this was a lot," Goro admitted.
Ryju sat up. Still, full-body Spiritual Force made it all easier… I just need more time.
"Right?" Rei nodded. "But it's still exhausting…"
"That was fun though," Shun said with a smile.
The Spiritual King clapped his hands once more."Great work today. You're all dismissed… except Kuroyami and Kenshiro."
"Why me?!" Kenshiro cried.
"It's sword training," Kuroyami explained, stepping forward. "We're learning to channel Spiritual Force through weapons."
As the rest of the group walked off, Ryju glanced back.
"I wonder what kind of training they're doing?"
"Sword training," Shun replied plainly.
"Kenshiro's gonna be crying," Goro added with a chuckle.
Training Grounds - Later
The Spiritual King stood before the two remaining students, a sword in each hand.
"Now, let me show you something. When you channel Spiritual Force into your sword, its power multiplies."
He lifted his blade and casually slashed. The strike carved a trench in the ground like butter.
"You won't be able to do that," he added, smiling. "I'm not a sword user. That was just one percent of my power."
"One percent?!" Kuroyami's eyes widened. "If he used ten percent… he could probably destroy the earth!"
"So strong..." Kenshiro whispered.
The Spiritual King handed them each a blade.
"First, try it without any Spiritual Force."
Kuroyami swung.
Nothing.
"That was... depressing," he muttered.
Kenshiro followed. His blade barely sliced the air.
"See? Without Spiritual Force, a blade is just metal. Now… try with it."
Kuroyami closed his eyes. Focus. Feel the energy. Push it into the blade…
He slashed.
BOOM—!
Several trees fell at once, cut clean through.
"I can do more," Kuroyami said quietly. "I know I can."
"Now you, Kenshiro."
"Quick and easy. That's it."
He swung—and the arc of energy extended farther than Kuroyami's.
"I did great," Kenshiro said with a yawn. "But I'm tired… and sleepy."
The Spiritual King laughed."Just keep practicing. Soon you'll know how to wield a sword at full power. That's it for today. Tomorrow… sparring. You'll fight each other for combat experience."
With a burst of light, he vanished.
"I'm going home. Shower. Sleep," Kenshiro said, waving lazily. "See you later, Kuroyami."
"Later… but tomorrow," Kuroyami murmured, gripping his blade tightly, "I'll show my strength. I'll find out if I'm truly worthless… or not."