Meili and Ryou squared up to Sifu Kaede, their bodies taut with anticipation. The morning sun glinted off their freshly sharpened weapons, a stark reminder of the challenge that lay ahead.
Kaede's smile was sharp as a blade. "You're here to prove you're not the runts of the litter, am I right?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Ryou opened his mouth to reply, but Kaede cut him off with a single finger. "You don't need to say a thing."
Kaede stood before Meili and Ryou, her eyes gleaming with intensity. "Alright, 'Dynamic Duo'! Let's review your... impressive track records. Meili, your impulsiveness is only rivaled by your ability to trip over your own feet. And Ryou, your combat skills are as dull as your wit."
Meili's face flushed, while Ryou's eyes dropped.
Kaede continued, "You both have potential, but potential doesn't win battles. Results do. That's why I've crafted a special challenge for you. Say hello to 'Shared Burden'!"
She gestured to the training area, where four pedestals stood, each holding a small, intricately carved stone.
"Here's the game: each of you gets two stones to babysit. Your goal is to steal my stone while protecting yours. Simple, right? Oh, and if I steal one of your stones and return it to my pedestal, you lose. Loser stays back, winner moves forward."
Meili's eyes narrowed. "What's the point of this, Sifu Kaede?"
Kaede smirked. "The point, 'Impulsive Ivy,' is to teach you strategy and come up with better decisions. Or, in Ryou's case, basic combat competence."
Ryou's face reddened.
Kaede's grin widened. "Don't worry, 'Rookie Ryou.' You might just surprise me. But I doubt it."
Meili grasped her katana, its familiar weight reassuring in her hand. Beside her, Ryou held a sturdy, three-sectioned staff, its segments connected by flexible chain links. The staff, adorned with small, intricate bells, seemed an extension of Ryou's fluid movements.
Kaede sneered, eyeing their weapons. "How quaint. You think those toys will help you?" She drew her own sword, a sleek, curved blade etched with ancient runes.
"Let's make this interesting," Kaede said, her eyes glinting. She focused her ki energy, and a vibrant, blue aura enveloped her sword. The runes began to glow, as she fused her energy into the blade.
Meili's eyes widened. "Ki Infusion!"
Ryou's gaze locked onto Kaede's sword. "She's amplifying her weapon!"
Kaede smirked. "You're not the only ones with tricks, Zino Clan. Sukuna Clan's ki manipulation has its perks."
The air around Kaede's sword rippled, as if reality itself was bending to accommodate the infused energy. Meili and Ryou exchanged a wary glance.
"Remember, 'Dynamic Duo,'" Kaede said, "steal my stone, and you win. But if I claim one of yours... Well, let's just say you won't be leaving this training yard anytime soon."
With a flourish, Kaede activated the challenge. The training yard's obstacles shifted, and the stones on the pedestals began to glow.
Meili charged forward, katana flashing in the sunlight. Ryou followed, his staff weaving intricate patterns as he sought to disrupt Kaede's ki flow.
Kaede laughed, her sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. "Let's see how long you last."
She paused, surveying the training area.
"Ready, set, let's get this farce started! You have 10 minutes. Begin!"
Meili and Ryou exchanged a hesitant glance before assuming their positions beside their pedestals.
The air crackled with the friction of their movements, every thrust and parry sending ripples of energy through the air.
ZIP!
Kaede's sword sliced and diced, its blade singing a deadly melody.
But Meili and Ryou remained agile, their limbs moving in a calculated dance of evasion.
Ryou feinted left, but Kaede anticipated the move and struck low, forcing Ryou to block with his staff.
CLANG!
The metallic echo resonated across the training yard, but Kaede's eyes were already fixed on Meili.
Meili lunged forward, aiming for Kaede's undefended side—WHOOSH!
But Kaede, quick as lightning, shifted her footing and blocked the attack with a swift backhand swing of her blade—THWIP!
Meili, anticipating the counter, rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding a strike that would have cut deep into her torso.
Kaede smiled, impressed by Meili's quick reflexes. "Not bad, Ivy," she said, "but you're not the only one with speed." As if to prove her point, Kaede's blade became a blur, a flurry of silver arcs striking towards Ryou—
ZIP!
Ryou pivoted, his staff spinning in a rhythmic pattern, deflecting each strike with calculated precision—TAT-TAT-TAT!
Yet, Kaede pressed on, the ki-infused blade hissing through the air like a viper—SSSSSS!
Suddenly, Ryou ducked low, his staff whistling as he swept towards Kaede's legs. Kaede jumped nimbly over the attack, but in that moment, Meili saw an opening.
Like a hawk descending on its prey, Meili leaped towards Kaede with blinding speed—WHOOSH!
Kaede, caught off guard, barely managed to twist her sword to block Meili's katana—CLASH!
The weapons locked, their wielders straining against each other in a test of strength.
Ryou, seizing the opportunity, dashed forward, as he aimed for Kaede's back. But Kaede, using her ki energy, released a burst of force—KA-BOOM! that sent Meili stumbling back and shattered Ryou's staff into splinters.
Meili stumbled back, her vision blurring from the force of Kaede's ki release. Ryou's staff lay shattered, its remnants scattered across the training yard.
Kaede, still holding her glowing sword in front of her, looked at Meili and Ryou with a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You're getting closer, Ivy," she said, her voice tinged with approval. "But 'Rookie Ryou' needs to work on actually utilizing a weapon. You two need to focus your energy, channel your rage into raw power. You were too predictable anyways, too weak."
Meili glared at Kaede, her grip on the katana tightening. "Weak? We're just getting started."
Ryou's face reddened as he gathered the splintered remains of his staff. Meili shot him a reassuring glance.
Kaede chuckled. "I'm counting on it. Resume the challenge!"
Meili charged forward, her katana flashing in the sunlight. She employed the Wind Sword Style, unleashing swift, agile strikes—SWISH—that forced Kaede to dance back.
Ryou followed, his movements fluid as he adapted to fighting without his staff. He focused on evasive maneuvers, buying time for Meili to land a decisive blow.
Kaede countered with her ki-infused sword, its energy crackling through the air. Meili shifted to the Water Sword Style, using fluid motions to deflect and redirect Kaede's attacks—GENTLE LAP.
The trio clashed, their movements a blur of steel and ki energy. Meili seamlessly transitioned to the Iron Sword Style, unleashing powerful strikes—THUNDEROUS CLANGS—that sent Kaede stumbling back.
Ryou seized the opening, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks that further pressured Kaede.
"Yes!" Meili exclaimed, as they gained ground.
But Kaede's recovery was swift. With a fierce cry, bujutsu, "Primal Fury", she transformed into a towering, muscular gorilla. Her sword merged with her transformed body, its energy coursing through her veins.
Meili and Ryou stumbled back, awestruck by Kaede's sudden transformation.
"What...what's happening?" Meili stammered.
"Kaede's using her Sukuna Clan's Shape-Shifting technique!" Ryou exclaimed.
The gorilla-Kaede pounded its chest, unleashing a thunderous roar. Meili responded by invoking the Void Sword Style, creating a vacuum around herself that absorbed the gorilla's crushing blows.
The vacuum's calmness enveloped Meili, allowing her to recharge and refocus. She burst forth, katana flashing with renewed intensity. She signaled for Ryou to be ready.
Ryou, inspired by Meili's display, stood with renewed determination.
Kaede's gaze narrowed, her gorilla form radiating intense energy. "Well done, Meili. Your sword styles are impressive. Ryou, your adaptability is commendable. I had to make this more fun. " Her voice rumbled, low and menacing.
"But don't think you've won yet. Time's running out. Protect your items, and be cautious. The challenge isn't over."
Meili's confidence wavered. Uncertainty crept in, her mind racing with strategies. "Should we continue pressing Kaede together, or try to snatch her item, leaving one of us behind to take her alone? But that might be vulnerable."
Sweat beaded on her forehead as she glanced at Ryou. They needed to think of something fast.
Meili reached out with her mind, trying to establish a silent connection with Ryou. She sensed his determination, his focus on their shared goal.
Ryou's eyes met hers, a flicker of understanding passing between them.
Without words, Meili conveyed her concerns: Kaede's overwhelming power, their vulnerability if separated.
Ryou's gaze steadied, his thoughts aligning with Meili's. Together, they formed a new plan.
"Meili, follow my lead this time," Ryou whispered, his voice barely audible over the gorilla-Kaede's heavy breathing.
Meili nodded, trusting Ryou's instincts.
The gorilla-Kaede took a step closer, its massive fist swinging through the air.
"Now, let's do this. " Ryou whispered.
Ryou's eyes locked onto Kaede's gorilla form, his mind racing with strategies. "Meili, follow my lead," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the gorilla's heavy breathing.
Meili nodded, trusting Ryou's instincts. She sensed his thoughts, focusing on the patterns he'd observed during their battle.
"Kaede's ki manipulation is tied to her emotions," Ryou thought, analyzing their encounter. "Her sword's energy resonates with her inner state. When she's amused, her ki flows smoothly, but when angered, it becomes chaotic."
Meili's mind connected the dots. "That means her gorilla form amplifies her emotions, making her more unpredictable."
Ryou's thoughts continued, "Her shape-shifting technique also affects her combat style. She's stronger, but less agile. We can exploit that."
Meili formed a strategy, weaving Ryou's insights into a cohesive plan. "Let's try to make her tense, maybe try to make our moves even more unpredictable. Her chaotic ki will create openings for us."
Ryou's eyes sparkled with understanding. "I'll lure her away from our stones, create distance. You take advantage of her emotional turmoil, strike when her ki is most unstable."
Without words, Meili and Ryou synchronized their movements. Ryou charged forward, dodging the gorilla's swipe with ease. Kaede's roar shook the training yard as Ryou danced around her, taunting her with quick jabs.
Meili seized the opportunity, dashing toward Kaede's pedestal. The gorilla-Kaede spun, its eyes blazing with fury. Meili timed her strike perfectly, aiming for the moment when Kaede's ki was most chaotic.
With a swift, precise motion, Meili struck, her katana slicing through the air—WHOOSH! The blade bit into the pedestal's base, mere inches from Kaede's stone.
Kaede's rage boiled over, her ki surging wildly. The training yard trembled as she transformed further, her gorilla form growing more massive.
Ryou exploited the distraction, snatching a moment to glance at the pedestals. Meili's stone remained safe, but Kaede's stone...
"Meili, now!" Ryou shouted, his eyes locking onto Kaede's stone.
Meili sprinted toward the pedestal, katana at the ready.
The gorilla-Kaede, enraged, swung its massive fists wildly. Ryou dodged and weaved, using his agility to evade the attacks.
"Now, Meili!" Ryou shouted, creating a brief opening.
Meili seized the moment, leaping onto the pedestal. Her katana flashed in the sunlight as she struck the stone's pedestal—CLANG! The force of the blow sent Kaede's stone teetering.
The gorilla-Kaede roared, charging toward Meili. Ryou intercepted, his movements fluid as he parried the gorilla's attacks.
Meili grasped Kaede's stone, pulling it from the pedestal. "Yes!" she exclaimed, holding the stone aloft.
But Kaede's transformation intensified, her ki surging. The training yard shook as she unleashed a primal scream.
"Meili, watch out!" Ryou warned.
A blast of chaotic ki energy hurtled toward Meili. She raised her katana, channeling her own energy to deflect the attack.
The ki clash sent Meili stumbling back. Kaede's stone flew from her grasp, soaring through the air.
Ryou, anticipating the stone's trajectory, sprinted forward. He snatched the stone in mid-air, securing it in his pouch.
"Time's running out!" Kaede shouted, her voice barely human. "Protect your stones!"
Meili and Ryou exchanged a swift glance. They had Kaede's stone, but their own stones remained vulnerable.
"Split up, protect our stones!" Ryou called out.
Meili nodded, dashing toward her pedestal. Ryou sprinted toward his.
The gorilla-Kaede, still seething, targeted Meili's pedestal. "You won't leave this yard victorious!"
Meili stood firm, katana at the ready. "I'll protect my stone!"
The final showdown began.
Meili parried each blow, her movements precise. Ryou, meanwhile, guarded his pedestal, his eyes locked onto Kaede's furious form. "Wow, Meili's actually keeping up. This is amazing to watch!"
Twenty seconds remained.
Kaede's ki surged, amplifying her strength. Meili stumbled back, her katana trembling under the onslaught.
"Meili, hold on!" Ryou shouted.
Meili gritted her teeth, channeling her energy. Her katana shimmered, its blade glowing with a faint blue light. "Wow, did I just do this?"
Ten seconds.
Kaede unleashed a devastating combination, striking Meili's pedestal repeatedly. Meili countered each blow, her movements a blur.
Five seconds.
Ryou dashed toward Meili, his eyes locked onto Kaede's stone-filled pouch.
"Time's up!" Kaede bellowed, her transformation dissipating.
The training yard fell silent.
Meili and Ryou stood panting, their stones still intact. Kaede's stone, secured in Ryou's pouch, gleamed triumphantly.
Sifu Kaede approached, a hint of a smile on her face.
"Ah, 'Dynamic Duo'—more like 'Dysfunctional Duo'—you've managed to stumble through the 'Shared Burden' challenge. Congratulations, you've proven you're not completely useless... yet."
Meili and Ryou exchanged relieved glances, but Kaede's expression remained stern.
"Don't get too comfortable, 'Impulsive Ivy' and 'Rookie Ryou.' Your teamwork was passable, but I've seen better coordination from a pair of drunken elephants. You're still a far cry from true synergy."
Kaede's gaze pierced them, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Meili, your Wind Sword Style was lovely—lovely like a gentle breeze on a summer day. But when faced with real adversity, it'll be as effective as a feather duster against a hurricane. Work on your Iron Sword Style, or you'll remain a fragile flower in the battlefield."
She turned to Ryou.
"And you, Ryou, your staff work was... awful. That kind of staff work won't keep you alive. Your analytical mind is useful, but it's not a substitute for raw power and instinct. Don't think too much, or you'll end up dead before you can say 'I've got a plan.'"
Kaede's tone shifted, her words taking on a hint of irony.
"Remember, a true warrior always stands resilient in the face of uncertainty, and strikes with honor in the heat of battle. Not that either of you has shown me much honor or resilience yet. Also remember this, Meili and Ryou: adaptability is key, but it's equally crucial to balance flexibility with decisive action. Don't let hesitation cripple your potential. Continue to trust your instincts, trust each other, and strike with conviction."
Meili and Ryou nodded, their faces set with determination.
"Now, don't waste my time celebrating. Your growth is impressive, but there's still much to learn. No time for slacking; proceed to the next course of your training. Your teammates are waiting, and they're not getting any stronger while you're busy patting yourselves on the back."
Kaede's parting shot was laced with sarcasm.
"Keep up the mediocre work, 'Dynamic Duo.' I'm thrilled to see if you can manage to not embarrass yourselves in the next challenge."
As they left the training yard, Ryou chuckled, shaking his head. "You know, Sifu Kaede's idea of encouragement is... unique."
Meili grinned, rolling her eyes. "That's one way to put it. 'Don't embarrass yourselves'—motivational speech of the year."
Meili turned to Ryou with a grin. "Thanks again, Ryou. Your plan worked perfectly."
Ryou chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "Your execution was flawless. We make a great team."
Meili's gaze lingered on Ryou, her expression soft. Ryou's cheeks flushed.
"Really," Meili said, her voice gentle.
Ryou's words tumbled out in a rush. "I mean, we complement each other well... Not that I want you to switch squads or anything... I just think we work together seamlessly."
Meili's smile faltered, her thoughts drifting to Fuse and Kai. "I understand, Ryou. I wish I could connect with Fuse and Kai like we do. I want Kai to accept us as teammates and most importantly... His friends."
Ryou's expression turned stoic. "Meili, the truth is, I don't know much about Kai, but one thing's certain: he doesn't regard any of us highly. You shouldn't pay to much attention to that good for nothing bastard."
Meili attempted to interject, "No, Ryou, it's not like that—"
Ryou pressed on, his voice firm. "It is, Meili. And I think you're trying to ignore it. You've been his teammate for months, yet he remains guarded, refusing to open up or engage with anyone. To him, we're either threats or stepping stones for his own dumb ambitions. We'll inevitably part ways, and we won't have to deal with him anymore. But you don't have to be disheartened by his behavior all the time."
Meili tried to speak, "But, Ryou—"
However, her words trailed off as she collapsed. Ryou swiftly caught her.
"Meili! What's wrong? Stay with me; I'll get Sifu Kaede!" Ryou exclaimed, concern etched on his face.
Meili grasped Ryou's arm, reassuring him, "Don't worry, I'm okay. Let's catch up with the others; we can't afford to fall behind."
Ryou protested, "But—"
Meili firmly interrupted, "Ryou, don't worry about me! I'm alright."
Ryou's gaze lingered, searching for assurance. "Alright, Let's go join the others!"
'Y–Yeah'