movements and careless openings emerged frequently, allowing Zack to dodge and counterattack with greater ease.
He considered making verbal provocations, something that might further test Kaede's emotional balance. However, upon reflection, he abandoned the idea. If she lost focus completely, the fight would become uninteresting, he thought, opting to maintain the pace and observe how she would deal with her own frustration.
Still, there was something about Kaede that grabbed his attention. Despite her tactical and technical errors, she did not back down. Each missed strike seemed to only motivate her to try again. To Zack's surprise, as time passed, she began to gain ground. Her movements, though less refined than Zack's, showed an increasing vigor, while he began to feel the weight of exhaustion.
She is persistent… Zack thought as he evaded a direct punch that came perilously close to his head. But I have to admit, prolonged fights aren't my strong point.
He adjusted his stance, taking a deep breath to regain his breath. The battle was starting to push his physical limits, something he knew he needed to improve. Kaede, on the other hand, seemed to be adapting to the pace, albeit in a disordered way. Her determined gaze, now mixed with a hint of stubbornness, made it clear that she would not give up easily.
Zack took a step back, analyzing his opponent again. If I don't end this soon, she'll start to gain more ground. I need to find the right opportunity. Despite everything, he felt a hint of respect growing for Kaede. She might not be as technical, but her determination was undeniable.
But before he could take any more decisive action, the teacher's voice cut through the air, interrupting the rhythm of the fight.
Teacher (firmly): "The fight is over!"
Zack, panting, stepped back, breathing deeply to compose himself. He looked at Kaede, who was still standing but clearly exhausted. The combat had been tough, but Zack felt it had been a valuable experience. He was about to smile and try to talk to Kaede about what had happened when something strange caught his attention.
Zack turned his head and saw Kaiden. But what surprised him the most was the look Kaiden was directing at Hiroshi. It was a look filled with rage and contempt, something Zack had never seen before. The tension between the two was palpable.
Before he could think too much about it, Zack quickly approached Kaiden, paying no attention to anything else around him. He didn't usually see Kaiden that way. His gaze was filled with an unusual anger, as if something had broken inside him. Zack didn't hesitate, going up to him with a more serious expression.
Zack (in a low, direct voice): "What happened, Kaiden? Why the long face?"
Kaiden stood there, still with clenched fists and heavy breathing, his eyes fixed on Hiroshi as if he were ready to step forward. Rage overflowed in his gaze, and he was so focused on Hiroshi that he didn't even notice Zack standing next to him. When he heard the question, Kaiden glanced his way, his expression hardening even further.
Kaiden (in a low voice, but filled with emotion): "He… he provoked me too much. And not just me. I won't let it slide. He thinks he's better than everyone just because he has a clan behind him."
Zack, still with his hand on Kaiden's shoulder, looked at him with a worried expression. He didn't know what had happened between Kaiden and Hiroshi, but the anger in Kaiden's eyes was unmistakable. He knew something deeper was at play, something beyond just a fight.
Zack (trying to understand the situation, in a softer tone): "Kaiden... What happened? You were in the middle of the fight, but now... you're like this. It doesn't seem like it's just because of the fight, right?"
Kaiden took a deep breath, trying to control the anger still burning inside him. He still didn't know how to articulate everything he felt, but the pressure was too great. He looked at Zack, a little reluctant, but he knew the other was just trying to help.
Kaiden (in a lower voice, almost murmuring): "It's not just about the fight, Zack. Hiroshi… he doesn't see me as an opponent, or even as someone worthy to be here. He has a clan, a whole family behind him, and it seems that makes him better than others, you know? I've always fought to be recognized for who I am, not where I come from, but he... he doesn't see that."
Zack fell silent for a moment, processing Kaiden's words. He had no idea what had happened between the two during the fight, but now he understood how much Hiroshi's words and the contempt he showed had affected Kaiden. It wasn't just a matter of strength, but of respect. Kaiden was being dismissed for something he had no control over.
Zack (trying to be more understanding): "So that's it... Hiroshi disrespected you for not having a clan. He thinks he's better because of that?"
Kaiden nodded, still with clenched fists, but now trying to keep control of his emotions.
Kaiden (with contained anger): "Yes. He looked at me like I was just another nobody. 'This is how someone without a clan fights,' he said. As if my worth depended on having a lineage behind me. But I'm not that, Zack! I'm more than that!"
Zack felt the weight of Kaiden's words. He knew Kaiden wasn't just fighting Hiroshi but was battling the pressure and judgment he carried with him, constantly being compared to those who had more than he did. A lineage, a name, a legacy.
Zack (in a firm tone, trying to offer support): "Kaiden, you are so much more than that. It doesn't matter what he thinks or what anyone else says. What you are, what you achieve, comes from you, and no one can take that from you. Hiroshi might have a clan, but you have something he'll never understand—your own strength, which doesn't depend on anyone else."
Kaiden looked at Zack, the anger in his eyes starting to dissipate a bit, but the pain was still there. He wanted to believe what Zack was saying, but Hiroshi's words still echoed in his mind. He felt small in the face of all those who had more privileges than he did.
Kaiden (with a deep sigh, still unsure): "I know… But sometimes, it feels like no matter how hard I fight. I need to prove that I'm good, that I can be more than what they think."
Zack stepped forward, placing his hand again on Kaiden's shoulder in a way that conveyed reassurance.
Zack (with a calm and sincere smile): "Prove it to yourself, Kaiden. That's all that matters. You don't need to prove anything to Hiroshi or anyone else. What you've achieved so far is already enough."
Kaiden was silent for a moment, absorbing Zack's words. He still had a lot to deal with, but with Zack's support, he felt that maybe he could start to find a way to overcome the weight of external judgment. The fight against Hiroshi was still fresh in his mind, but at least for now, he felt he had taken a step forward.
Kaiden (with a slight smile, calmer): "Thank you, Zack. I… I'll try to remember that."
Zack, seeing that Kaiden was beginning to calm down, looked at him with a conspiratorial smile.
Zack (trying to lighten the mood with a playful tone): "But hey, if you need help finding a new rival, just let me know. Just give me a heads-up before you start getting too excited, okay?"
Kaiden chuckled softly, feeling some of the weight lifting. Although Hiroshi's words were still in his mind, he was now beginning to understand that his fight was more about himself than anyone else.
Zack and Kaiden continued to talk for a few more moments, the atmosphere becoming a little lighter after Zack's words of support. Kaiden seemed to be starting to process his emotions in a calmer way, which was a relief for Zack. However, as this happened, both noticed Hiroshi's gaze, watching them from a distance. The contempt in his eyes was almost palpable, as if he wanted to belittle any effort from Kaiden or even Zack.
Zack, noticing Hiroshi's gaze, felt a slight irritation wash over him. He knew that this wasn't the most appropriate moment to confront someone like Hiroshi, but the other's attitude still bothered him. He tried to ignore what he felt, focusing on Kaiden's well-being and on what they had just discussed.
Zack (murmuring to Kaiden, still looking at Hiroshi): "That guy... he just doesn't learn."
Kaiden glanced quickly at Hiroshi, feeling the same anger rise again, but he tried to focus on Zack's words.
Kaiden (with a tone of disdain but trying to remain calm): "Let it go, Zack. It's not worth it. I'll deal with it my way."
Zack nodded, aware that Kaiden still had a long way to go in overcoming Hiroshi's provocation. But for now, he knew that the best course of action was not to escalate the situation any further.
At that moment, the teacher's voice echoed, interrupting the tension between the two.
Teacher (in a firm and direct tone): "Everyone to the classroom now! The break is over."
With that, Zack and Kaiden exchanged brief glances, one last exchange of looks before they started walking back to the classroom. Kaiden was still agitated, but now, with Zack's support, he seemed more centered. As they moved away, Zack could not help but send one last look at Hiroshi, who was still watching them from a distance with the same contemptuous expression.
Zack (thinking to himself as they moved away): No matter how hard he tries… I won't let him affect Kaiden any more than this.
Kaiden, on the other hand, felt a little lighter after talking to Zack. He knew he would still face many challenges, but for now, the support of his friend gave him the strength he needed to move forward.
The teacher watched each of her students closely, her eyes passing over Zack, Kaiden, and the other combatants as she spoke. Her expression was serious, but there was a shine of approval in her look. She was pleased with everyone's performance, even though, as always, she had an important lesson to share.
Teacher (in a serious but encouraging tone): "Very well, I really enjoyed today's interactions in your combat. I see that each of you expressed your combat style with your personalities, but remember that being prepared is what matters. You don't know what kind of enemy you will encounter ahead."
She paused, allowing her words to sink into the students' minds before continuing.
Teacher (with more emphasis): "Combat is not just about physical strength, skills, or clans. Every movement, every decision, every choice you make determines the outcome of a fight. The mind is as important as the body. Prepare yourselves mentally for the challenges, because in the end, what will make a difference is not what you have, but what you can do with what you have."
Zack and Kaiden, upon hearing her words, exchanged glances. Kaiden, still processing the conversation he had with Zack, felt a lesser weight upon his shoulders. He was starting to understand that the battle he faced was not just against Hiroshi or anyone else, but against himself—his insecurities, doubts, and frustrations. Now he began to have a clearer vision of what he needed to improve.
Zack, on the other hand, reflected on the teacher's lesson. He had always been good at analyzing his opponents' behavior and adjusting his tactics during the fight, but the mental and emotional aspects of combat were something he knew he also needed to refine, especially in situations like the one he faced with Kaede.
Teacher (looking at each one with more attention): "Now, remember what I said. Training is constant, and it's not just physical. I want to see all of you leaving here more prepared, more centered, stronger."
She gave a brief smile as if she were satisfied with their progress but also made it clear that she intended to keep the pressure on her students.
Teacher (concluding with a firm tone): "Now, let's move on to today's content. Take a seat and prepare yourselves, for we will learn not just in fights. Are you all ready for more?"
Zack, with his relaxed posture, nodded affirmatively, but Kaiden, still regrouping from his conversation with Zack and the tensions of the fight with Hiroshi, only nodded, still somewhat distant in his mind. He knew the teacher's words were important, but for now, his internal battle still demanded his attention.