Chereads / Beyond Lives and Horizons / 15. Pov ( Kaiden vs Aoyama Hiroshi )

15. Pov ( Kaiden vs Aoyama Hiroshi )

Kaiden was completely excited, with his irrepressible smile and contagious energy, as always. Hiroshi, on the other hand, stood with a rigid posture, wearing a look of disdain as he regarded Kaiden as nothing more than a distraction. He didn't see Kaiden as a true rival, especially since he didn't come from an influential clan.

Kaiden (with a playful smile, approaching Hiroshi): "Hey, Hiroshi! Did you know that even without a clan, I'm pretty popular? If you don't mind, I can even give you some tips on how to make friends, but... I guess you prefer to fight, right?"

Hiroshi furrowed his brow, clearly annoyed by Kaiden's irreverent attitude. To him, Kaiden was just a nobody ninja, and his playful demeanor seemed like a challenge to the seriousness of the fight.

Hiroshi (with a cynical smile, looking down at Kaiden): "I don't have time for jokes, Kaiden. If you think this attitude is going to save you, you're very mistaken. But I might just give you a chance to have some fun before I defeat you."

Kaiden laughed at the comment, not losing his rhythm, clearly more interested in provoking Hiroshi than anything else.

Kaiden (in a challenging tone, snapping his fingers): "Ah, Hiroshi, do you really think you could intimidate me with that? I'm the guy who isn't afraid to fall, just afraid of not trying! But... hang on, I'll even give you some time to concentrate. There's no point in trying to beat me if you're nervous, right?"

The provocation seemed to hit Hiroshi squarely. He narrowed his eyes, starting to realize that Kaiden's attitude was more than mere playfulness—it was a deliberate attempt to get under his skin. Hiroshi didn't like being disrespected, especially by someone like Kaiden, who he viewed as a ninja without a noteworthy name behind him.

Hiroshi (in a cutting tone, narrowing his eyes): "Do you really think you can get under my skin with your jokes? That will only cost you later."

Kaiden simply smiled even wider, his relaxed demeanor mixed with a glint in his eyes. He wasn't just joking around with Hiroshi; he was testing his limits, wanting to see how far he could push him.

Kaiden (with a challenging smile, moving around Hiroshi): "You're right, my friend. I'm not here for jokes, but for action! Look at what you can learn from someone without a clan, huh?"

With that, Kaiden dashed towards Hiroshi, starting with a quick punch, but with such an open motion that it was clear he was just trying to provoke Hiroshi into reacting. Hiroshi effortlessly dodged it, but Kaiden, rather than getting frustrated, let out a light laugh.

Kaiden (laughing and tossing his hair back): "Wow, Hiroshi, you're good at that! I bet your family must be proud of you... or maybe no one cares that much? You seem so alone here."

The provocation was enough to finally push Hiroshi over the edge. He attacked with a direct punch, faster and calculated, aiming for Kaiden's face. Kaiden, still smiling, dodged smoothly, laughing again.

Kaiden (still chuckling, easily evading): "That was a good punch, but not enough! Is that all you know how to do, or do you have anything more in you? Let's see!"

Hiroshi, now clearly irritated, gritted his teeth. He was beginning to realize that Kaiden wasn't just playing with him; Kaiden was mentally challenging him, toying with his patience. Each provocation made Hiroshi lose a bit more of his self-control.

Hiroshi (shouting, his anger evident): "This is a fight, Kaiden, not a circus! I'll show you how someone truly wins!"

Kaiden, however, seemed increasingly energized by Hiroshi's growing anger. He began jumping from side to side, making unpredictable movements, all while wearing a playful expression.

Kaiden (with a mischievous smile, as he hopped next to Hiroshi): "Now you're starting to show a little personality! I knew you had something more inside. Don't make me wait too long to see your best, Hiroshi!"

Kaiden's irreverent behavior was clearly affecting Hiroshi, and he was beginning to make small mistakes, launching attacks that were quicker and more reckless than calculated. Kaiden was subtly provoking Hiroshi, effectively making him lose his focus. This was leaving Hiroshi furious, and he increasingly attempted to throw more aggressive punches, all without the cool strategy he was known for.

Kaiden (keeping a close watch on Hiroshi while laughing): "That's it, Hiroshi! Show me who the guy is who's going to win this fight! I just want to see more of your tricks... or do you have nothing else to show me?"

Hiroshi was now completely out of control, his anger taking the place of strategy. He lunged at Kaiden with an impetuous movement, but Kaiden was ready. With a quick and skillful spin, Kaiden dropped to the ground and used his feet to push Hiroshi back, throwing him away.

Kaiden (smiling ear to ear, still playful): "Slow down, Hiroshi! I'm just starting to have fun!"

The smile on Kaiden's face seemed to incite Hiroshi's anger even more as he got back up, clearly furious. He had fallen into Kaiden's game, and the fight was now more evenly matched than ever. Kaiden, with his provocative and playful nature, was showing that behind all that irreverence was a strategic and well-controlled fight—and Hiroshi was beginning to realize he had underestimated him.

As the fight wore on, Hiroshi's advantage became increasingly evident. He had started calmly, controlling the situation and absorbing Kaiden's provocations, but now, with Kaiden's rhythm beginning to slow, Hiroshi felt the tide of the battle turning in his favor. He was starting to feel more comfortable, and his contempt for Kaiden grew with each passing second.

Kaiden (attempting a punch towards Hiroshi): "Come on, Hiroshi! Don't tell me you're going to let me win again!"

Kaiden lunged forward, but now his movements were noticeably slower, giving Hiroshi more time to calculate his response. He easily dodged the blow and replied with a strong punch aimed at Kaiden's face, forcing Kaiden to quickly dodge, but without much energy.

Hiroshi (with a nearly scornful smile): "Do you really think you can catch me with those tricks, Kaiden? It seems you have nothing left to offer."

Hiroshi's contempt intensified as Kaiden continued to try more and more impulsive attacks. Each one was more predictable than the last, easier to evade or block. Hiroshi was no longer holding back; he started to apply stronger attacks, seeking to make Kaiden feel the weight of his superior technique.

Hiroshi (in an ironic tone while dodging a strike from Kaiden): "Is this how someone without a clan fights? What a shame... It seems you're more interested in laughing than fighting."

Kaiden tried to regain his composure, but Hiroshi's words were starting to get to him. He didn't like being treated as inferior, but fatigue was starting to take its toll. He wouldn't give up, but frustration was mounting as his attacks grew more erratic.

Kaiden (gasping but still trying to maintain his confidence): "I'm not just some nobody, Hiroshi... I'll show you what I'm capable of!"

Kaiden attempted a bolder move, a rapid series of punches, but Hiroshi only smiled, moving with his usual precision. When Kaiden finished his attack, Hiroshi surprised him with a quick and precise punch, a direct hit to Kaiden's abdomen that made him lose his breath, forcing him back a step, dazed.

Hiroshi (with a dry, emotionless laugh): "Really? Is this your big play? It seems you lack any real strategy, Kaiden. This isn't going to work."

Hiroshi's disdain no longer concealed his irritation. He was starting to feel superior, and with that, the fight became even harder for Kaiden. Hiroshi began to increase the strength of his strikes, each one more merciless than the last. When Kaiden tried a spinning kick, Hiroshi easily blocked it and quickly pushed him away, causing Kaiden to drop to his knees.

Hiroshi (laughing with a hint of sarcasm): "Is this your fighting technique? Don't make me laugh. You don't even have the agility to reach me."

Kaiden, already tired, tried to get up quickly, but Hiroshi's words and the weight of his strikes were starting to wear him down. He was still trying to keep his composure, but it was clear that the fight was slipping out of his control. Hiroshi took advantage of this, delivering a precise blow to Kaiden's shoulder, making him stagger back.

Hiroshi (with contempt, as Kaiden recovered): "Do you really think you have a chance against someone like me? You don't have the power of a true warrior."

Now fully in control of the fight, Hiroshi continued to ramp up the pace of his attacks. He had set aside the provocations and was now solely focused on finishing the battle once and for all. Kaiden, despite his persistence, was visibly exhausted, and Hiroshi knew victory was within his grasp.

Kaiden tried one last dive, but his body was starting to give in. He was visibly frustrated, his energy nearly spent, but his confidence still pushed him to move toward Hiroshi, ignoring the signs of fatigue.

Kaiden (gasping but still with a smile on his face): "You... will... see... I won't stop!"

However, Hiroshi wouldn't let Kaiden continue. He approached quickly, blocking all of Kaiden's attacks with precision, and finished with a powerful punch to Kaiden's chest, making him fall to the ground hard. Kaiden tried to rise again, but his body wasn't responding like it once did.

Hiroshi (looking down at Kaiden with a cold, disdainful gaze): "This fight is over. You no longer have a chance of winning."

Now with complete control of the situation, Hiroshi looked at Kaiden, who was down on the ground, with a frigid stare. His contempt for his opponent overflowed, and he didn't hesitate to deliver the final blow. Stepping over Kaiden, striking a commanding posture, he raised his right arm, ready to deliver the finishing move.

Hiroshi (with a sadistic grin): "This is for underestimating me, Kaiden. Especially as someone unworthy of being here."

The punch was swift and strong, aiming for Kaiden's face, but just before the impact could be felt, Kaiden, fueled by growing rage and the last bit of strength he had left, raised his arms to protect himself. The punch hit his arm, causing him intense pain, but at least his head was saved.

Kaiden (through clenched teeth, feeling the blow but not conceding): "You... will pay... for this..."

Hiroshi, not satisfied, continued to attack, delivering merciless punches to Kaiden's defense. Each blow came with more force and more contempt, and Kaiden felt his arms burning with each strike. The sounds of impacts echoed as the pain escalated, but still, Kaiden wouldn't back down. Rage surged within him, but he knew he couldn't do anything now. His body was no longer responding as he wished, and pain began to cloud his thoughts.

Hiroshi (laughing, enjoying Kaiden's futile resistance): "Is this all? I expected more from you. What you have in courage, you lack in skill."

The punches kept coming, relentless, until the sound of the teacher's voice interrupted everything.

Teacher (firmly): "The fight is over!"

The teacher appeared between the two, and Hiroshi, with an irritated expression, immediately stepped back from Kaiden. He was clearly frustrated at not being able to finish what he started, but he knew he couldn't disobey authority.

Kaiden, now lying on the ground, was breathing heavily. His arms were bruised and painful, but he couldn't shake off the defiant smile on his face despite everything. He had lost, but he wouldn't feel defeated.

Kaiden (with difficulty, still smiling): "This... isn't... over..."

Hiroshi, still with his cold gaze, looked at Kaiden one last time before walking away, feeling a bitter satisfaction for having won, but also recognizing the strength Kaiden could still muster, even when weak.

Hiroshi (muttering to himself with a dry laugh): "No matter how hard you fight, Kaiden. You will never be a true rival."

The teacher looked at them both, sensing the exhaustion in both of them, but she knew that Kaiden still had an indomitable spirit. She stepped closer to Kaiden, gently helping him get up.

Teacher (with a slight smile): "You fought well, Kaiden. But for now, it's best to rest."

Kaiden, despite all the pain and the defeat, still tried to keep his spirits high. He wouldn't let himself be beaten down, but he knew that this battle had been a valuable lesson. He would rise again. He always did.