Ohma Tokita was a primitive teenager who responded with shouts and punches to any movement. He respected Niko but disliked anyone unfamiliar with his reality, territory, and way of living. The first time he saw Kei, he hated him. Ohma greeted Kei with a growl while ignoring everyone else's existence. Niko ignored this fact. Now, Ohma could see that Kei's body was built for combat, genetically chosen to perform at his best. However, it was all a matter of perspective because, throughout his life, Ohma had fought like a madman.
-Let's rest; tomorrow we'll start training. You're getting a basic idea of the Water Kata and redirection, - Niko commented with a smile as he left Billy in a house. Billy fell asleep after the intense journey, an intensity never before seen.
Ohma observed Kei from a distance with a look of distrust. But Kei was someone brought by Niko, an important part of Niko's life. On numerous occasions, Niko had demonstrated a kind of power unknown to Ohma—stopping projectiles with his fists, defeating men with minimal movement, or taking down an army of yakuza.
-He's your brother, - Niko commented. Behind Ohma, who jumped at Niko's sudden appearance from behind his back, Niko positioned himself in a way that even Ohma could break all his instincts. Niko's approach was caused by the Water Kata, moving with the wind and using it to his advantage.
-Ohma, he's your brother. Both of you are my disciples. You must know that as brothers, you must protect each other. That's why you should take care of each other in every sense. As brothers, you'll live your own adventures, - Niko said, extending the daily wisdom he always imparted to Ohma.
-Brother, - Ohma muttered.
-Yes, he is. Come on, I brought some delicious food from the block below, - Niko said, handing two large bowls of soup. As he left one for Kei with a smile, perhaps this would be good for Ohma. He would have to see how things developed. For now, he understood the transparency of Kei's actions; each act of Kei was essentially his way of being.
***
Kovac was training, blending his movements from Chinese Kenpo to boxing, following his usual training routine. He had a new scar crossing from his eye to his chin, alongside others hidden beneath. He had encountered a man who nearly killed him. If not for the shadow, he would have died under the mercenary Rolon, a young man with skills and talent surpassed by his own.
The psychological shadow began to carve its mark on his forehead when Roshi arrived with a letter—a letter from Kei, in a cheap blue envelope that postal services gave away. Only Kei would send a letter in such a state. The notebook paper contained only a short message: "Take care of my family. I'm on a training journey, found a master who will teach me to surpass what Master Takemoto once spoke about. I believe as a martial arts competitor, I will break any limits and surpass you. Take care, Kovac." The mercenary felt an urge to smack the brazen brat who always opened his mouth to challenge or burden him—it was a favor.
-Well, what does our boy say? - Roshi asked.
-A training journey, - Kovac replied.
Roshi sighed heavily, with some sadness. Kei's whereabouts were not sustainable. He wanted to conceal the absence of Master Takemoto and, similarly, Kovac, who was one of the best options to gather information about Kei's status.
-Master Takemoto placed a small radar on Kei's right ear since he had issues with the Kure Clan gang member. It causes me anxiety to know that a day ago, Kei Kazama headed west without our knowledge, illegally entering the Interior. You're familiar, but the Interior isn't a gas zone—it's an illegal area where anything goes, including hiding crimes and even crimes against humanity. Ten years ago, a squad of thirty martial arts experts, armed to the teeth and battle-tested, entered. It was a disaster—a dangerous, cancerous place that shouldn't exist, - said Roshi, unusually serious.
-Do you think he'll be in danger? - Kovac asked.
-That kid has more lives than a cat. He'll surely live, but who will return? The young man we know or the consequence of his actions, - replied Roshi, his voice mysterious.
Kovac sighed heavily, mentally overwhelmed. It was Roshi's worried demeanor that couldn't be avoided; he always feels sad in these situations.
***
Ragnarok's movements began to unravel among the populace. In the last ten days, they had taken over all secondary schools in the sector, with numerous clashes between disciples, fighters, and hoodlums. The atmosphere was tense as machinery began moving in the shadows. Why did Yami reach the point of attack? It was the constant defeats, and cornering of great fighters like Jenazad's death, that led Senzui to launch atomic bombs—a plan of a madman, not yet fully conceived, starting when Senzui met Kenichi. It was Kenichi who awakened Saiga's will, pushing everything to the limit, and Senzui's fear of weakness that forced such a decision.
They continued their work, selecting disciples and providing training; every part of the world moved accordingly, but perhaps Ogata's plan, summoning everyone and issuing the challenge, stood out. This sociopath wanted only one thing: to fight.
-Odin, - Freya said as the first punch landed, her staff moving forcefully. Her loss to Berserker was a painful blot on her honor.
-Freya, you don't have to be so angry. Everything will fall into place. I've come to congratulate you; your Valkyries assault team has been making waves, starting to gain a certain reputation, - commented Odin, aware of the division between unarmed combat and Yami's armed combat. He wanted to create an obsessive allegory, a portrait of the organization to which his master belonged.
The staff blows continued to break the silence. Both shared this moment, Freya moving her staff, Odin deciding to follow the fighter's rhythm—a short-haired brunette in blue leggings and a lighter blue shirt with an orange biker jacket.
Members of Ragnarok began to arrive one by one. Freya wanted to taunt Odin; this hall was personal to her, but she decided to remain silent. It was another way for her to act, but she didn't want to fight—for now. Even in battle, Berserker defeated her, and Kei defeated Shogo.
-Where's Fenrir? - Odin asked.
-I haven't found him, - Loki replied.
Berserker's voice rang out clearly.
-He's in a place known as the Interior, apparently so illegal it can't be traced, - Shogo commented.
...