Previously on Unknown: Matsumoto, a Martial God, enlightened Akishima and Hisashi about his Martial Mastery and the concept of a Martial God, culminating in the revelation that they were on an isolated island known as Garton, distinct from the rest of Japan, as their understanding of their world expanded.
(Continuing)
*The Trio Reaches Matsumoto's Hideout*
"We're here," Matsumoto announced as they arrived at a makeshift shelter. It's a large amount of land that is roofed with large bending beams and logs, they are spaced out so sunlight is coming through. It's like a Colosseum with only the arena and a roof. At the center of this place is a table with one foot that's embedded in the ground and seems to be made of the same dirt material as the ground, maybe clay. The sunlight is shining brightly over the table and the place is surrounded by piles of discarded junk.
The two boys' eyes were amazed at the size of the shelter. Taking in the sight, the shelter looked more like a training ground rather than a settlement.
Hisashi was a little confused, "Matsumoto, you're a Martial God, right? So why are you hiding from the enemy? You could defeat them easily, and they might already know you're here." he couldn't help but inquire.
Matsumoto grinned and asked, "Why would they know I'm here?"
Akishima, with his arms crossed and who had a keen sense of the situation, replied, "They have scouts all over the place." Matsumoto nodded in understanding, acknowledging the boys' knowledge of Yuji and his gang.
Matsumoto mused, "These boys know more than I expected. When I revealed my strength, they didn't immediately push me to confront Yuji. Instead, they were intrigued by how I acquired such power. These kids, independence, and pride for their age, are exceptional."
Akishima cut to the chase, "Let's get to business, old man." now in front of the table with his hands on it.
Confused, Hisashi asked, "What's Akishima talking about?" looking at Matsumoto as he awaits a response
Matsumoto sighed, "Don't tell me you haven't figured it out yet."
"What do you mean?" Hisashi inquired, still puzzled.
Matsumoto grinned and revealed the purpose behind their gathering, "I didn't invite you boys here just because we spent too long at the standpipe. There's another reason: to train you for your upcoming assault on Yuji's Palace."
Hisashi's eyes lit up with excitement, "Really?" he exclaimed with a wide smile.
Akishima shared the enthusiasm, "So, shall we begin?" with his hands on the table, his eyes filled with determination and a smirk on his face.
*Six Months Later…*
"Alright, it's time to take on Yuji," Akishima declared, hitting his fist against his hand with a proud smirk, after an intense six-month training regimen.
*Garton The Junkyard, December 31st, 2039, 5:00 pm, 7 Hrs Before Midnight, Inside Matsumoto's Hideout…*
"I can't believe it's been six months," Hisashi said as he gazed through a hole in the hideout at a towering mound of trash.
Matsumoto, reflecting on his past, remarked, "To me, time passes differently. This period means little compared to what I've experienced."
Hisashi attempted humor, "Alright, we get it, you're ancient. But I can't tell if you're boasting or sharing your dreadful past."
Akishima cut straight to the point, "Either way, it doesn't matter."
Hisashi jokes, "Feels like a sudden chill in the air,"
But Akishima steers the conversation back, "Let's focus; we need to reach Yuji's as fast as possible. Or have you forgotten?" crossing his arms as usual whilst staring at Hisashi with a not-so-good gaze.
"No, I remember," Hisashi replied nervously, scratching his head and turning his face away to not get pierced by Akishima's gaze.
Akishima sighed, "We have 7 hours."
Hisashi laughed nervously, "Yeah, I remember."
As they left the hideout, Matsumoto turned serious and asked Akishima, "Where exactly is Yuji's HQ from here?"
Akishima considered the complex layout of the island and explained, "From the island's perspective, it's straight North. But since your hideout is Southeast Of the island, and it's challenging to distinguish left from right in this maze, we should head Northwest, toward that hill." with his right hand on his chin as he thinks.
If You Don't Understand How North Doesn't Stay North On This Island, let me explain:
On Garton, the cardinal directions like North, South, East, and West are often irrelevant because the landscape is so complex and confusing. To avoid getting lost or worse, people create their reference points and directions based on their surroundings. For example, Akishima initially marked Yuji's Palace as Northeast of the standpipe. Coincidentally, his tent was situated directly south of Yuji's Palace. So, without realizing it, he already had a reliable sense of direction, reinforced by the prominent hill in front of him that concealed the key to escaping Garton.
Matsumoto inquired with a smirk, "Northwest, huh? How long do you think it'll take to reach there?"
Akishima provided a historical perspective, "Originally, barefoot, navigating through trash, enduring the scorching sun, with no food, health issues, and long distances, it would take 7-8 hours. Most who tried died."
Hisashi interrupted, "You're remarkably composed, even talking about it."
Akishima continued, "But now, with the gear you've given us, no more barefoot, no more brutal sun. With food and medical care, no more hunger or health concerns. Junk and distance are our only challenges, but…"
Akishima's voice brimmed with excitement, "Over the past six months, we've mastered the basics of Martial Arts and begun exploring the intermediate level. We've learned how our bodies work, optimizing our power and discovering our potential."
Akishima beamed, "Crossing long distances will be a breeze. And navigating through the junk is even easier!"
As if defying gravity, they leaped into the air, their voices echoing across the island. At this height, they seemed to be… Flying?!
They're not flying. It's just a simple Martial Arts Technique called Glide that both Hisashi and Akishima learned during their training. This technique allows them to jump higher than normal and glide along the air.
"This technique you taught us is very useful," Hisashi said joyfully, unaware that the wind was blowing into his mouth as he spoke, making him look silly.
Matsumoto scolded him, "Yes, this technique is very useful, but I would advise you to keep your mouth shut and stay focused."
"Huh? And why is that?" Hisashi asked, puzzled, still not realizing how he looked.
"Well, for one, if you were to lose focus, this technique, easy as it may seem, could kill you," Matsumoto explained in a serious, ominous tone. "The other reason is that when you're talking, the breeze blows into your mouth and puffs it up, making you look like a total idiot," Matsumoto added with a slight smirk.
"What?!" Hisashi exclaimed, embarrassed and angry, then lost focus and started falling toward the ground. Fortunately, he managed to catch himself just a few centimeters above the ground.
That aside, they both continued toward the Palace. "Oh my God, that was close; any closer, and I would have been done for," Hisashi exclaimed in relief.
Hisashi then realized that Akishima wasn't with them. "Wait, hold on a sec, where's Akishima?" he inquired.
"He's gone ahead of us a long time ago," Matsumoto answered.
"Unlike you, he's been keeping focus, so he sped up. He's probably already at the Palace; if not, he's close," Matsumoto told the boy.
"If that's the case, I've got to hurry up!" Hisashi exclaimed, not wanting to feel left behind or be a letdown.
"Remember, focus is key; if you don't stay focused and let your emotions take over, you'll never go any faster," Matsumoto advised him.
"Okay, Matsumoto-sensei," Hisashi replied as he started to stay focused, reflecting on his master's words, and soon he began to pick up speed.
The Glide technique works by letting go of your tension and becoming as light as a feather, allowing you to be as free as the wind. This results in longer airtime and faster gliding, making it easier to travel long distances.
(To Be Continued)
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