Previously On Unknown: Amid intense battles, Akishima emerges victorious against Kaori, while Hisashi and Shiden engage in a fierce confrontation. Meanwhile, Tsukikage awakens in a strange dimension, plotting his escape. As the clashes escalate, revelations and memories surface, hinting at deeper connections and hidden truths.
(Continuing)
Akishima won the battle he had with Kaori but it came at a cost with his stamina. He sits on the stairs for a break, he knows that he can't fight in a state like this but he also knows of what the devil told him.
While thinking, Akishima mutters, "He gave me an hour but I don't even know how much time I have left. All I know is that I've wasted too much time here because I wanted to conserve my stamina." he continues, "That attack I used to defeat her takes a lot out of me which is why I restrain from using it, however, because I didn't show my true capabilities I made what I didn't want to happen, happen." he reflected.
"Well I can't change the past, I can only set my future so I might as well carry on." He says, getting up and walking up the stairs.
As Akishima goes up the stairs step by step he can't help but think about all the training he and Hisashi had gone through and how he formed the technique he used to defeat Kaori.
*Just A Few Weeks After Hisashi And Akishima's Training Began With Matsumoto…*
The sun had just settled on the line of the horizon signaling the dusk. In an open area that was relatively close to Matsumoto's hideout, the burning hot sun shone brightly upon the open field of dust and dirt, a complete wasteland.
Within the middle of this field were Akishima and Hisashi both sparring. They were both drenched in sweat and had bruises here and there, their faces swollen each with a black and blue eye. Their battle had a momentary stop had they both caught their breaths.
Matsumoto was watching their battle from afar, he had a serious expression on his face as he evaluated the clash between the two boys.
After a while, Matsumoto called out to the boys signaling the end of their spar. Both the boys began walking towards Matsumoto, each of them putting an arm around the other's shoulder to support each other.
Once they arrived at where Matsumoto was standing they instantly fell to the ground exhausted.
*After A While Off Cleaning Up And Resting To Restore Their Stamina And Reduce Their Fatigue…*
Within Matsumoto's hideout, they all rested, eating to regain their strength. While consuming a hearty meal, Hisashi voices, "That was some hella good training, uh Aki?" awaiting a response.
Akishima replied with a drumstick in his mouth, "So you've brought back that name again," he sighed, "and here I thought that you'd change." He continued, "In any case, it was very fruitful." he turned and faced Hisashi as he spoke.
Hisashi then asks Akishima, not even paying any attention to Akishima's complaints, "So Aki, how long do you think it'll take before you can use that technique fully?"
Akishima paused for a moment, reflecting on what his companion had just asked. He didn't know how long it would take for him to fully grasp this technique. All he knew was that he'd have to master it before the end of their training.
Abruptly, whilst Akishima was in his thoughts, Matsumoto commented, sharing his thoughts on the topic. "At the pace you're going I'd say another year or two would be sufficient."
Hisashi, who was still eating, almost choked on his food due to his shock. "What?! A year or two? Are you serious!?" Hisashi shouted in shock. "We don't have that much time. Garton will be destroyed before Aki can master his technique," he explained in worry.
"I understand your concern but Akishima is incapable of learning any faster regardless of his potential." Matsumoto bluntly stated.
Akishima, who was listening, asked "And why is that?"
Matsumoto turned at him, "Huh?!"
Akishima elaborated, "Why can't I master the technique any faster than one or two years?"
Matsumoto, now understanding what the boy was asking, proceeded to explain. "Mana control."
Akishima was confused for a second, "Hmm?"
Matsumoto continued, "The reason it will take so long for you to master this technique is because of your lack of mana understanding. Magic is vast and complex and no magic can simply be learned right off the bat."
As he continued to explain, the boys' gaze turned serious as they listened, "This is also the reason that I mostly focus on improving both of your martial arts prowess. Improved physical strength, defense, agility, and perception."
As he continued he held up his walking stick into the sky and then little sparks and greenish orbs floated around, swirling around the old man's walking stick like little fairies. "Since martial arts are easier to learn than magic, it also has a lot more versatility than magic because martial arts is the art of using one's self and surroundings as a weapon." The green orbs of light made different shapes and sizes as a form of illustration to further make the boys understand their master's words.
The boys gazed upon the illustrations, fully immersed in their master's explanation. "In summary, you cannot simply just create a whole new technique that uses magic without understanding magic in the first place but as for martial arts you can practically create any martial arts you want," Matsumoto concluded his explanation and at the same time, the orbs of greenish lights dissipated.
Akishima, after digesting the information, said with a determined smirk. "Well, if I can't create a new magical technique then I'll just focus on creating a martial art that uses mana." he continued, "But not formulated mana, but pure, vibrant, blue mana."
Matsumoto smiled slightly, saying, "Ah, I see. Using pure mana as a way of enhancing the speed and power of the martial arts." he chuckled slightly, "You sure know how to bargain. Cheating the system like that."
Akishima had a cheeky smile on his face, "Of course. I'm not just gonna give up just because the law says so. I'm going to create a whole new martial art, one that doesn't require any specialty to learn and I know the perfect name that symbolizes it… Kai."
*Back To The Present, Within Matsumoto's Temporal Gate…*
Tsukikage is sitting cross-legged on the floor thinking of a way to escape. Ironically he doesn't know how long he's been in here for. In his head, it could be days, weeks even months.
"Damn it. I can't think of anything and these walls are impenetrable. Then again even if I did manage to break these walls, who knows what would happen to me." he voices in frustration.
"I guess I'll just have to stay in here even though I want my revenge and I must serve Master Yuji. But the only way to escape this place is if that old man takes me out so I just have to wait." He accepts his shortcomings but remains resolute.
"Well, whatever happens, one thing's for sure… When I get outta here I swear I'll do everything in my power to kill that old man." he asserted, veins bulging from his face as he grits his teeth with indescribable anger.
(To Be Continued)