The next day, Kei arrived at military training visibly exhausted, but everything proceeded as the instructor had planned: five long runs of 10 kilometers each with exercise gear, pushing to exhaustion. This was followed by strength exercises ranging from numerous squats, jumps, and floor movements, to quick side-to-side movements.
-Make sure you plant your feet firmly on the ground. If you want to react, bend your knees and focus your energy on the jump, - said Kovac.
-I'm trying, but my legs aren't responding, - said Kei. His leg muscles were inflamed after so much exercise.
Kovac quickly assessed him and led him back to the ice water tanks. Enough time for his body to cramp from the cold.
-Don't come out, - said Kovac.
-I'm trying, - Kei said.
-Keep going, - said Kovac, placing his hands on Kei's shoulders. - We'll do this until you've used up all your energy. Master Takemoto mentioned giving you standard military training; well, live with the consequences, - Kovac grumbled.
Kovac let go, and Kei emerged from the ice barrel. - I'm freezing, - he said.
-Let's go, we have another 10 kilometers to run, - said Kovac, looking tired himself. It was the fifth time he had said these words, and even for him, this training was tough.
-Sure, - Kei ran as best he could, but his eyes closed, and he collapsed from exhaustion. For a moment, he felt consciousness slipping away, but his body didn't respond—only his mind spoke and sent multiple signals to his recovering body from the cold, pain, and exhaustion, in an instant like an accumulation a lightning strike hit his entire body, leaving him unconscious.
-I think his body no longer works, - said Roshi, checking the boy's pulse. - You finish your training; I'll take him to the infirmary, - he told Kovac.
-Very well, Mr. Roshi. He needs painkillers to speed up his recovery; his body has reached its limit. In two days, he'll be as good as new to continue training, - Kovac said.
-Come, I'll take him to the doctor. Master Takemoto just returned from service after his training; you can go greet the master, - Roshi said, his long white hair and serene gaze always a myth to Kovac.
-Agreed, - Kovac prepared for a 20-kilometer run. The most important thing for a soldier is endurance; the soldier's equipment is enough to exhaust anyone—the heavy rifle, provisions, water bottles, and survival gear bag, totaling at least 40 kilograms.
Roshi watched Kovac run tirelessly across the area, amazed at the superhuman training he was undertaking. Little Kei was like a light feather. He needed more food; he would put some vitamins in the boy's oatmeal. After all, his life as a soldier wouldn't be very kind in the future.
-Good afternoon, Doctor Rukawa. This is young Kei; he needs painkillers for muscle overtraining, - Roshi said to the young doctor at the dojo.
-Very well, according to his data, he weighs 43 kilograms and is 149 cm tall. I think a 30-milligram dose would be sufficient, - Rukawa said, reviewing Kei's collected data. - The injection is enough; within nine hours, the effects will begin to show. He may sleep like a log all night and wake up needing a lot of water tomorrow. -
-Thank you, Doctor, - Roshi said appreciatively.
-Tomorrow, the boy can learn from the great philosopher Roshi, the master of the dojo Takemoto's knowledge, - Rukawa said.
-Hahaha, you flatter me. I'll see what can be done tomorrow, - said Roshi, who was not only a scholar of social sciences but also a powerful mathematician.
He saw Kei sleeping on the hospital cot and decided to leave him there; the boy wouldn't do anything beyond bursting through the doors and asking for information.
Roshi walked to the main hall, where regular disciples received some training, from skill handling to physical exercise. Master Takemoto was sitting in the front in a lotus position, barking out orders and shouting at others, while senior members, some retired special forces men, assisted with the training of the place.
-Master Takemoto, the boy collapsed from exhaustion after 43 kilometers and a full day of exercise, - said Roshi.
-Ohhhh, Kovac surely wasn't gentle with the boy, - remarked Takemoto.
-That's true, but the boy has the will to continue. He's a good seedling; if guided well, he could be a great disciple, - added Roshi.
Takemoto adjusted his beard with his hands. - Let's wait three months; I want to see what he's capable of, - said Takemoto with satisfaction. - It's amusing to see young seedlings shouting about life; the affection that comes from naivety and innocence is the most beautiful of all. -
-With pleasure, Master Takemoto. I'll give him some philosophy lessons so he can learn about the art of Zen. He has much to learn, - said Roshi.
-Old friend, you're one of the best teachers I know. Under your care, there's no doubt the young one will find harmony and peace of mind. I've always been impressed by your gift for teaching, - praised Takemoto.
Unraveling his yukata at the top, revealing his powerful physique honed in the depths of the Chinese jungle, he rose from his seat. With a whip-like motion of his hands, he caused a leaf to flutter through the hall, performing a swift dance. His extended hands moved with rigid and strong steps derived from the tiger style, incorporating elements of American boxing he had learned through observation and refined post-war.
-Calmness is crucial when attacking. Everyone should aim to strike with strength, never forgetting the next move. If you strike with your strength, ensure the blow is the last, using your entire body's momentum, - instructed Takemoto to his disciples. The Takemoto style featured no special maneuvers, only basic katas emphasizing strength and adaptability, utilizing fists, palms, and low kicks.
-Focus on all your strength, from hip movement to arm movement. These are short movements powered by the body or long movements with minimal physical effort, - continued Takemoto, demonstrating his powerful techniques—a deep blend of tiger kata and Japanese-American boxing, incorporating swift military-style strikes targeting vital points or utilizing daggers, pistols, or short swords.
Takemoto returned to his lotus position, observing all the dojo members resuming their activities—discipline, strength, and willpower. Many of these disciples only scratched the surface of his style. After learning Chinese arts, perhaps they would grasp the fundamental principles. After a long time, he returned to China and mastered the tiger style, derived from Wunshu, aimed at toughening the body to the level of a tiger with strong joints, bones, and muscles.
-An intriguing practice, - commented Roshi, observing Takemoto's movements.
-Something I've learned over the years—the tiger kata is marvelous, - mused Takemoto, reminiscing about his youthful incredulity and surprise—a young man who had seen a master of the style and dedicated his life to learning it, blending it with boxing.
-Indeed, sir. It still amazes me. How did your match with the Nogi group fighter go? - asked Roshi.
-He didn't show up. It's regrettable. I was hoping for a bout with the powerful Sen Hatsumi, but it seems he slept through it, and the match ended in a play-off, - said Takemoto, irritation evident in his voice. - Sen Hatsumi considers it not worth fighting against him. -
-I see. It's better that way. I don't like you participating in those fights; they tend to be very dangerous, - replied Roshi.
-There's nothing like forging oneself through a tough fight that pushes you to your limit, - declared Hisayisu Takemoto.
-You fighters are all crazy. I hope you visit the boy; it's been ten days, much longer than initially predicted. Now he's on vacation, and if he practices the Wanshu art, these two months could be beneficial, - said Roshi.
-Do as you wish, but if he practices Wunshu, call Akihabara to facilitate the training, - instructed Takemoto.
-Don't worry; I'm familiar with the initial exercises of the practice, - assured Roshi. The recipes required are an infusion of herbs and bones. These must be ground finely to powder and consumed regularly, akin to cow's milk, abas, and white beans. A special diet
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