The tension in the air was thick as Haruto struggled to control his chi, his determination to win burning brighter than ever. His mind raced with thoughts of strategy and preparation, knowing that his success in the upcoming battle would hinge on his ability to harness his inner energy.
Across the arena, the other students continued to gather their chi, each one channeling their energy in their unique way. Haruto watched them closely, his eyes darting from one opponent to the next as he assessed their strengths and weaknesses.
The girl with jet-black hair caught his attention once again, her mastery over chi evident in how she effortlessly drew energy from the environment. Haruto knew facing her would be a formidable challenge, but he refused to let doubt cloud his mind.
Drawing upon his years of training and experience, Haruto focused his thoughts, willing his chi to obey his commands. Slowly but surely, he felt the energy coalescing within him, forming a reservoir of power that pulsed with potential.
With a deep breath, Haruto centered himself, his mind clear and his resolve unshakable. He knew he couldn't afford to hold back, not when victory was within his grasp.
'The way Chi works is the same as mana from my previous life to such can be fatal and too little can leave you vulnerable, I can't control it, this energy is thicker than mana, I have to create a strong reserve before I can hope to master it.'
"When it comes to fighting I won't lose," Haruto said out loud, this provocation serving as a distraction to his opponents and causing two of them to lose concentration.
Haruto knew there was no use trying to master the use of Chi this late in the game, 'It's like a passing breeze on a scorching day, it's pleasant but ultimately meaningless, it gives me the illusion that I'm doing something when in reality I'm not..' Haruto thought to himself as he stood up on the arena, dusting the sand off his clothes.
The instructor's eyes narrowed as he glared at Haruto and murmurs filled the area around the raised platform, while everyone was trying to recharge and gather Chi to their core. he was stretching, hoping not to suffer any further injuries.
"THAT IS ENOUGH! THE FIRST MATCH WILL BEGIN NOW! Kazema against Hiruko, Fu against Haruto, and Mango against Yu, the matches will be in that order. Those not in the first match step out of the arena."
Vibrant roars erupted as the groupings were mentioned, Haruto wasn't the subject of these cheers and he knew it, most of them were routing for the two up stars Hiruko mizuka and Yu kizuna. the two upstairs in the entire course, they excelled in martial arts and Chi manipulation and were rumoured to be the closest to unlocking their jigoku.
First match Kazema vs Hiruko!
As the signal to begin the match sounded, Kazema and Hiruko stepped forward onto the elevated platform, their gazes locking in a silent exchange of determination and resolve. Kazema's expression was defiant, his stance tense and ready for action, while Hiruko's demeanor remained calm and composed, his eyes reflecting a quiet confidence.
"Ready to lose, Kazema?" Hiruko's voice was calm but laced with an underlying determination as he spoke, his tone betraying no hint of arrogance.
Kazema scoffed, a smirk playing on his lips as he adopted a mocking tone. "I wouldn't be so sure of yourself, Hiruko. You might be a prodigy, but even prodigies have their weaknesses."
Hiruko's brow furrowed slightly at the taunt, but he maintained his composure, refusing to be drawn into Kazema's mind games. "We'll see about that," he replied evenly, his voice carrying a note of steely resolve.
With a nod from the instructor, the match began, and the two opponents circled each other warily, their movements fluid and precise. Kazema launched the first attack, a series of rapid strikes aimed at Hiruko's defenses, but his blows were deftly blocked and parried by his skilled opponent.
Hiruko countered with grace and precision, his movements a testament to his mastery of martial arts. Each strike landed with calculated accuracy, wearing down Kazema's defenses and forcing him to retreat.
"You're fast, I'll give you that," Kazema remarked, his voice strained with exertion as he dodged another flurry of blows from Hiruko. "But speed won't save you from defeat."
Hiruko's response was measured, his voice calm but firm. "It's not just about speed, Kazema. It's about skill, technique, and strategy. And in those regards, I have the advantage."
With a sudden burst of speed, Hiruko closed the distance between them, launching a devastating combination of strikes that left Kazema reeling. Despite his best efforts, Kazema found himself struggling to keep up, his movements growing sluggish as fatigue began to set in.
"You talk a big game, Kazema," Hiruko said, his voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. "But words mean nothing without action."
Determined to prove himself, Kazema gritted his teeth and redoubled his efforts, launching a desperate counterattack in a last-ditch attempt to turn the tide of the battle. But Hiruko remained steadfast, his focus unwavering as he deflected each blow with ease.
In the end, it was clear that Kazema was outmatched. With a final, decisive strike, Hiruko brought the match to a close, his victory absolute, without ever needing to use his Chi reserve.
As Kazema lay defeated on the ground, his breaths coming in ragged gasps, Hiruko offered him a hand up, his expression one of genuine concern. "You fought well, Kazema," he said, his voice soft but sincere. "But there's still much for you to learn."
"It seems his saving up his energy incase he fights against Yu, smart move" Haruto said, his cheek resting on his hand, his words had a reaction from the fan girls of Hiruko, as they puffed their chest, proud of the handsome guy winning and knowing that others acknowledged him.
"Of course he would win, he isn't you" One of the girls said, and laughter erupted from the girls around him, but Haruto seemed to be in a world of his own.
The next match Fu against Haruto.
Getting up, Haruto tok his time dusting off his pants as he observed his opponent, a girl with a rather slender build, tall for her age, with puffy pink hair, unlike the previous match, this one didn't have that much of an uproar.
The distance clutter of swordfrom another training session nearby rang as Hauto and Fu went up the arena, the mountain wind kicking up dust and dusk had begun to set, as darkness slowly filled the sky.
"Begin!"
Without a moments hesitation Fu, charged Haruto her hand glowing as she thrust it forward aiming for Haruto's mid section, pivoting against his foot, he rotated to get out of the way, butquickly realised this was a trap, his opponent caught him by the collar of his uniform and used he speed gainst him to slam his body on the hard ground.
The blow was devastating, like getting hit with a block of earth, the air left his lungs as he coughed up saliva. Not wanting to ease up on the attack. She channeled her Chi to her hand again and summoned another mini tempest as she slammed the fist down.
Dust kicked up, as the audience gasp in horror and shock, Fu wasn't much of fighter and this was the first time they had seen her display such mastery of Chi.
"YEAH!, SHOW THEM THE FRUITS OF OUR TRAINING!!" One of her friends cheered at the top of her lungs her voices threatening to damage her vocal cord.
As the dust settled everyone could see, Haruto was fine, the attack had narrowly missed his head, he gritted hid teeth and spun, his feet wide and strong as he created room between him and his opponent. his breath looked labored, like he was trying to puke out a soccer ball, he looked in severe agony.
Now his body off the ground, and using his hand to stand, his feet in the air, Haruto had created room between the two of them.
'That blow was dangerous, I need to force air into my lungs! otherwise I'm going to pass out' Haruto thought to himself, as if unbloacking a drain he finally took in air.
As Haruto struggled to catch his breath, Fu wasted no time in pressing her advantage, her eyes gleaming with determination as she launched another swift attack. But Haruto was ready this time, his mind racing as he assessed his options and formulated a plan.
"Is that all you've got?" Haruto taunted, his voice strained but defiant as he regained his footing. "I expected more from someone who talks so big."
Fu's expression darkened at the taunt, her resolve hardening as she renewed her assault with renewed ferocity. But Haruto remained unfazed, his focus laser-sharp as he dodged and parried her blows with calculated precision.
With each passing moment, Haruto's confidence grew, his movements becoming more fluid and controlled as he adapted to Fu's fighting style. He could feel the rhythm of the battle shifting in his favor, his determination burning brightly despite the odds stacked against him.
As Fu launched another barrage of attacks, Haruto saw his opening. With a swift motion, he sidestepped her strike and countered with a well-placed kick to her side, sending her stumbling backward.