The sound of my continuous kicks against the tree rang out through the forest. I kicked relentlessly, not caring how bruised my legs were.
"I-If I can't break off a h-huge chunk of bark, then I'll have to s-start punching instead!" I told myself, my voice quivering, soft shimmering tears sliding down my cheek.
"How much good is that training doing for you?" Came a familiar voice.
I slowly turned to see who it was. Mr. Toruga sat high in the branches of a tree.
"M-Mr Toruga..?" I stammered.
His expression was as blank as usual. He hopped down and approached me. I turned away and continued to swing my bruised leg against the side of the tree.
"What do you want...?" I muttered.
"I can tell you've been working hard," He nodded with his hands crossed, "but it's not benefiting you very much. You're just tiring yourself out."
I ignored him and kept swinging.
"It's true you can't use your Technique, and your combat needs work, but you have a gift that no one else in your class has." He continued.
"Stop trying to make me feel better..."
"Is that what you think this is? No, that's not it. What I'm saying is, you have the gift of perseverance. That's what makes you so strong."
I stopped kicking and hugged myself. I could feel my tears forcing themselves out of my quivering eyes.
"Even after getting beat up by Doron, and told that you're useless by everyone. You keep on trying your hardest. Tell me, why do you do it?"
My body was shaking, I clung to the tree with my shuddering hands and tried to make out the words. My lip trembled so much I could barely speak.
"I do it, b-because I keep t-thinking m-my efforts will pay off, b-but it's always the same!" I cried out, trying to hold back the seething torrent of tears.
He didn't try to stop me, he stood there and let me vent through my sobbing.
"S-Sometimes I think it's just pointless, like I'm a loser and I-I'll always be a loser!" I finally shouted tearfully, my voice cracking in misery.
It was silent, except for the sound of my sniffs and soft quivering noises.
"You're right, it is pointless. Unless you believe in yourself. You and I, we're a lot alike."
I shifted to face him.
"H-How so...?"
"That's none of your concern. If you won't believe in yourself, then I will."
I looked up with widened eyes. What was he saying?
"I'm offering to help you. Come here every day after school as you usually would. I'll train you and teach you everything I know, if you wish."
"I-Is that allowed...?" I asked.
"The rules of the institution say no, but that's why we'll keep this a secret."
"But why? Why do you care all of a sudden? Why go so far...?"
"Once again, that's none of your concern. Maybe I'll tell you one day, but for now, I'll tell you this."
There was a pause. The wind blew and shook the trees.
"I believe in you."
No one had ever said this to me. His words hit me like a hammer. My avalanching tears returned. After being told I was useless, and a loser, and that I would never fulfill my dream, I was told that I was believed in by the man I never would have expected. I fell to my knees and sobbed with the force of someone vomiting on all fours. I know it's a gross example, but that describes how hard I cried.
"Come on, quit crying.." He rolled his eyes.
"S-Sorry..." I stood up and rubbed my eyes
I still don't understand his motive for helping me, so I'll ask him another time when he feels ready to tell me.
"Your training begins now." Mr. Toruga nodded.
"What am I learning first?"
He thought for a bit and closed his eyes, then sighed.
"You should start with the easiest thing to learn." He said suddenly, "You're struggling with your Technique and your swordplay, so I suggest you work on your hand to hand combat."
This was smart. Especially because Mr. Toruga knows a powerful fighting style. He's from the Kaburo Region, who's warrior's specialize in Martial Arts. The rest of the day was spent listening to Mr. Toruga and imitating his movements.
Things finally might be getting better.