With Ryo now officially embracing his role as a teacher, the days turned into a routine filled with sarcasm-laden instruction and relentless training. As he helped Issei refine his techniques, he also discovered something surprising: teaching gave him a sense of purpose beyond the battlefield. It was empowering to see Issei improving, even if he often had to navigate the rookie's stubbornness.
---
A Few Days Later
The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the training ground. Ryo was demonstrating advanced footwork techniques to Issei, who was still trying to grasp the basics.
"Issei," Ryo said, dodging to the side with effortless grace, "you've got to move your feet faster. It's like you're trying to wade through molasses! I'm starting to think you've confused dodging with an elaborate dance routine."
Issei huffed, glancing at his feet as if they were suddenly foreign objects. "I'm trying, okay? It's not easy to keep up with you!"
"Yeah, well, maybe you should try imagining that a pack of hungry werewolves is chasing you. That ought to speed things up," Ryo replied, feigning seriousness. "Or, you know, just pretend Riser is in front of you. That should do the trick."
With a new determination, Issei nodded and refocused. "Okay, I can do this! I'll pretend I'm dodging Riser!"
Ryo chuckled, shaking his head as he watched Issei put more energy into his footwork. It was clear the thought of facing Riser made his friend a little more motivated. "Now you're getting it! Just remember to keep your balance, or you'll end up kissing the ground—and I'm not sure if the ground wants that kind of attention!"
Just then, Sona and Ophis arrived, watching the training session unfold. Sona crossed her arms, leaning against a nearby tree. "You've certainly taken to this teaching thing with enthusiasm," she commented, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Ryo turned, his trademark smirk in place. "What can I say? I'm a natural. Besides, it's not every day you get to mold the future's biggest underdog into a somewhat competent fighter."
Ophis tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. "Issei is not an underdog. He is the main character."
"Right, and I'm the sidekick who gets all the best lines," Ryo replied, rolling his eyes. "But in all seriousness, I'm just trying to help him find his footing. Literally."
They watched as Issei finally began to get the hang of his footwork, a flicker of confidence returning to his expression. "See? It's working!" Issei exclaimed, throwing a punch at the training dummy.
"Look at that! A punch that doesn't scream 'I'm about to trip over my own feet!' Progress!" Ryo called out, fist-pumping dramatically.
Sona chuckled, shaking her head at Ryo's antics. "I suppose you really are good at this. Maybe you should consider making it a permanent gig instead of just a side job."
"Who knows?" Ryo replied with a grin. "I could be the next big thing in the teaching world. 'Ryo Uchiha: Master of Sarcastic Combat Instruction!' It'll be a bestseller."
---
Later That Evening
After a long day of training, Ryo returned to the clubhouse, feeling a strange sense of fulfillment. He checked his status again, eager to see if his Teaching skill had gained any levels from all the sessions with Issei.
---
Status
Name: Ryo Uchiha
Race: Human
Level: 110
Bloodline: Uchiha (Awakened)
Title: Ouroboros Dragon God's Mate, Werewolf Slayer, Silent Killer
HP: 200,000/200,000 (+25,000 per min)
Chakra capacity: 244,000/234,000 (+89,000 per min)
EXP: 8,900/57,400
STR: 730
END: 540
INT: 910
AGI: 700
CHR: 82
Points: 102
Money: [∞]
Skills:
Fireball Jutsu [97/100]
Swordsmanship [98/100]
Void Manipulation [78/100]
Ice Style: Twin Dragon Blizzard [25/100]
Lightning Blade [45/100]
Sharingan [3 Tomoe]
Perception Enhancement
Copy Technique
Teaching [5/100]
Partners: Sona, Ophis
---
Ryo grinned, noting the slight increase in his Teaching skill. Five out of one hundred wasn't much, but it was a start. He could almost hear the voices of future students, filling the halls of some imaginary classroom, all gathered to hear his infamous sarcasm mixed with combat advice.
He leaned back in his chair, contemplating what to do next. "Okay, Teaching skill… I see you. Now, let's see if I can turn this into a quest." He mused, recalling how his newfound abilities had led him to previous quests.
Suddenly, a notification flashed in front of him:
---
Quest Received: "Mastering the Craft"
Objective: Train a partner (Issei) to Level 5 in any skill.
Reward: 10,000 EXP, +10 to Teaching Skill.
Time Limit: One month.
---
"Bingo!" Ryo exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Looks like I have a reason to be even more sarcastic now! Time to up my game and help Issei become a powerhouse. Plus, a little extra experience never hurt anyone!"
With newfound motivation, Ryo hurried to the training area where Issei, Sona, and Ophis were still gathered, discussing plans for the upcoming day.
"Hey, Issei!" Ryo called out, a grin spreading across his face. "I've just received a quest, and guess what? You're my main focus! Get ready for some serious training, my friend. We've got a level to grind!"
Issei turned, his enthusiasm infectious. "Really? What's the quest about?"
"Something about mastering my teaching craft. So prepare for endless sarcasm and some light-hearted torture," Ryo replied, crossing his arms. "I hope you're ready, because I'm about to unleash a wave of knowledge on you like you've never experienced."
"Bring it on!" Issei shouted, pumping his fist in the air. "I'm ready for anything!"
Sona smiled knowingly. "Just remember, Issei, sarcasm can be a weapon just as powerful as any spell. Use it wisely."
Ryo chuckled, reveling in the camaraderie and banter. With every quip, every bit of training, he felt his purpose solidify further. He was not just an Uchiha with extraordinary power; he was a teacher, a friend, and a fierce ally ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead—especially if it meant keeping Riser and other threats at bay.
Together, they would become stronger, and with Ryo's sarcasm leading the charge, they would face any challenge that dared cross their paths.