Ji-Hoon's encounter with Kimura Takeshi had left him shaken, his determination tested. He realized that his personal quest for revenge required more than just raw determination; he needed guidance and honed skills to match the cunning of his adversaries. Determined to strengthen himself, Ji-Hoon set out in search of a mentor—a wise warrior who could shape him into a formidable force.
His inquiries led him to a remote village nestled amidst mist-covered mountains. It was there that he found Kang Tae-Sik, a seasoned warrior with a reputation that preceded him. Tae-Sik's gaze was intense, his features weathered by years of battle and loss. Ji-Hoon sensed a hidden depth to the man and knew that he had found the mentor he sought.
With a respectful bow, Ji-Hoon introduced himself and shared his purpose. Tae-Sik's piercing eyes studied him for a moment before he nodded, acknowledging the young man's determination. It was a silent agreement that sealed their bond.
Under Tae-Sik's tutelage, Ji-Hoon's training began. The days were grueling, with rigorous martial arts exercises that pushed Ji-Hoon's physical limits. Tae-Sik's methods were unyielding, demanding perfection and unwavering discipline. But amidst the sweat and fatigue, Ji-Hoon found solace. He knew that this was the path he needed to walk to achieve his vengeance.
As they trained, Tae-Sik imparted invaluable knowledge about the Kimura family—insights that only someone with firsthand experience could possess. He revealed their vulnerabilities, their darkest secrets, and the hidden alliances that allowed them to maintain their grip on power. Tae-Sik's guidance provided Ji-Hoon with a strategic edge, enabling him to navigate the intricate web that the Kimuras had woven.
But it wasn't only martial skills and intelligence that Tae-Sik shared with Ji-Hoon. As their bond grew, Tae-Sik opened up about his own tragic past. Through poignant flashbacks, Ji-Hoon witnessed the loss and pain that had shaped his mentor. He learned that Tae-Sik had once been a noble warrior, serving the kingdom with unwavering loyalty. However, the Kimuras' reach had extended even into the ranks of the kingdom's defenders, leading to the downfall of Tae-Sik's family and the shattering of his once-idealistic beliefs.
The shared experiences of loss and betrayal forged an unbreakable connection between mentor and apprentice. Tae-Sik became more than a teacher to Ji-Hoon—he became a guiding light, a source of wisdom and strength that propelled Ji-Hoon forward on his path of revenge.
Through Tae-Sik's training and the revelation of his tragic backstory, Ji-Hoon developed not only his physical prowess but also a deeper understanding of the forces they were up against. With each passing day, his intellect sharpened, and his determination solidified. He was no longer just a weak and intelligent boy seeking revenge; he had transformed into a force to be reckoned with—a formidable adversary for the Kimuras.
As the mist enveloped the mountaintop village, Ji-Hoon stood tall and resolute, his training under Tae-Sik nearing its completion. The time had come to leave the sanctuary of the mountains and face the treacherous world that awaited him. With Tae-Sik's words of wisdom echoing in his mind, Ji-Hoon stepped forward, ready to unleash the full extent of his newfound power upon the Kimura family.