A little four-year-old girl was running all around the dojo, exploring the hallways while a mouse scurried alongside her, both chasing after an orange cat. The shouts were something new for the Ryzampaku dojo, but the situation of the two women was dire, and the elder had promised a debt that was neither risky nor dangerous.
- Excuse me, Master Akisame, I've brought you the afternoon tea and some cookies. - Chia Kazama entered, her appearance so sweet and gentle that no one dared to confront the lady who smiled at everyone with a concerning submission. Sakaki was teaching Kenichi various movements; for now, there were no obvious changes, but a shadow lingered over Yami's words.
- I didn't expect young Kazama to have such intentions; he is certainly unpredictable. - Akisame remarked to Ma Kensei, both of whom were the closest in relation due to years of work, years of camaraderie, and being the first members of the Ryozampaku.
- There's something strange about that boy; his spirit when he fights is like that of a demon, but this time it was much lighter, somewhat cordial. His rebelliousness persists, but it's more contained, even friendly; his smile is pure, not very different from what I've seen in any normal person. It's as if he has two personalities, but unlike Ogata, this one is much more malevolent, like an activation, like a chained beast that is unleashed. - Ma Kensei commented, perplexed by the child's personality.
- A young man who is evil by nature, or a young man led down a dark path. - Akisame murmured.
- Soon we will know; something tells me this young man will play a more significant role in Kenichi's life, almost like an eternal rival. It's similar to the relationship I have with my brother, a clash of ideologies, an enemy, a friend, and many other elements that give meaning to a rivalry, except now Kei's strength is far superior to Kenichi's. - Ma Kensei remarked.
Both were completely absorbed in thought.
- We need to teach him some tricks; I believe that if we teach him to defend himself, it could be the best idea. Although his style is curious and very complex due to his free-form attacks, it is quite flexible, and he has experience... I think if he learns the secret of the flickering step along with how to avoid the palm of Rakasha... - Akisame responded.
- Sakaki is doing that. - Ma Kensei commented, teaching him the karate blocking techniques, uki socio, and soto uki... a technique that moves the arms in a quick rotation. This movement adapts to the enemy's tempo to block their attack, directing the impact outward while absorbing some of the enemy's power. It is the best technique for blocking the palm of Rakasha; in Chinese kempo, there are similar techniques with less impact, strikes that act like whips. Thus, the best approach is redirecting the power rather than simply blocking it.
- OH MOM! - Kenichi shouted as he was struck by Sakaki.
Little Runna cried out, - Oh Mom! Oh, mom! - as she mimicked Sakaki's punch, along with Tochomaru. Following the chase of the cat was Apachai, who was forbidden from running faster than Runna.
- I think the shouts are amusing. - Akisame commented, watching the children's chaotic scene: a cat, a mouse, and a hyperactive girl who was quite inconsistent. She knew how to win people over; she already had Shigure, Tochomaru, Miu, and Apachai wrapped around her little finger, and she brought beers to Sakaki while praising him for his strength... she was a very clever girl who could easily charm those around her.
***
- You have one task: I have some business with Yami's masters. I need you to be a weapon, a killer, ruthless. If they ask you to kill, you kill and smile while doing it. - The Other Niko replied, his only requirement being to commit evil deeds. His purposes in Worn depended on Yami, and thus he played a role; once he fulfilled it, he would leave. However, Worn's purpose was the evolution of humanity.
- I'll do it. Stop crying. I will kill, torture, and do everything possible... When is our next training session? I believe that with a bit more of your wisdom, I can improve my formless boxing style. - Kei commented.
- Ahhhh, I will teach you things, but you must make a good impression. - The Other Niko remarked, using Yami's support to test new experiments, but he needed the backing of the great shadow, Senzui, to conduct more experiments with drugs and their possible reactions in the human body. It was a pity he didn't know Akihabakra, the doctor of bone hardening, although he had experimented on Kei; he was one of the most skilled.
- Of course, but... I think I killed one of the students. - Kei replied, raising an eyebrow at the Other Niko. - It's not much; the other tried to kill me, thinking I was just normal fodder, and the other master tried to take me as a disciple... try to sound surprised; the other side took it with amusement.
The Other Niko did not respond and continued with his work. The boy was clever... he was not loyal; he was his own image, carrying the scent of betrayal, something that both intrigued and annoyed him. However, he would also cooperate; he had no principles, and he would need to eliminate him when he was no longer useful. It would be dangerous to leave him alive.
They entered a hallway illuminated in the center, where only two lights shone. There stood a man in a white cloak and another in dark glasses, wearing a black bodysuit. Both were powerful. Niko's outfit, with a skeleton shirt and jeans, was entirely different, but they were all formidable. Among the instincts in his mind, the one with glasses was at the top of the list, but with how slippery and treacherous Niko was, the battle was uncertain. However, Akira Hongo was like a sharp knife, ready to cut through anything in his path.
The cameras began to turn on, and the shadows gathered for the call of Ogata, the Holy Fist, who wore a mocking expression that caused some annoyance among the masters. However, his wisdom was above average; the Holy Fist came from his ability to teach and create techniques, art, and conspiracies. His skills were highly regarded, as he dedicated himself to studying all ancient arts and their roots, reconstructing some techniques from Hayato Furinji.
- How impressive, two meetings in one month. - Commented Agarrad Jum Sai.
The grunts of multiple masters echoed, something common among these masters with their curious characteristics or extravagant behaviors. The first shadow heard the news that dealt a significant blow to their martial arts because the ideologies of the killing fist and the saving fist, a disciple, might be a declaration of war. Someone who would carry the torch of the saving fist; yes, the phrase "the strongest disciple in history" becoming a reality could jeopardize their control and methods, leading them down a path of ruin... for that and other reasons, the masters were agitated.
- Kei recently fought against Kenichi Shiharama, but his methods did not sit well with the RyuZampaku masters after he killed someone, and the boy withdrew. If more time had passed, he would have killed him. - Ogata commented, with a hint of laughter...
This was almost a way of saying he forgave a rival, but there was Hayato's behavior; a small apprentice could not compare.
- Why didn't you kill him? - Kushinada asked.
- It's my fault; I taught Kei to play with his prey... the boy first drains the martial arts from his opponent and then kills them. - The Other Niko replied, with a sinister smile.
- Don't be so hard on the boy; it was RyuZampaku's fault. A tiger cub is still a cub; even I would shy away from a confrontation with the invincible Superman. - Ogata commented. - Besides, among all the disciples, who better embodies the killing fist than Kei Kazama?
The jab struck the Satsujiken masters completely. The disdain from some was immediate; even the wisest did not hesitate to express their disagreement... everyone had a lot of affection for the boy. For now, Kei's work was to set traps in a sinister manner. So far, the previously calm students seemed somewhat shaken, especially Boris, who, as a soldier, found questioning his strength a sacrilege against his training and master.
Kokin merely narrowed his eyes, while Kazama, who was the next most cunning, wore a smile of understanding different from before. For a long time, he had wanted to take the lead of the Yomi group and be part of all the masters' training. Kokin's pride in Muay Thai was well-known; he would never practice another training regimen.
- We could stage a fight, given the discontent of all the masters, allowing the little ones to have a friendly match. - Ogata suggested.
Kei couldn't help but smile, a reaction noted by the disciples observing the new member of Yami, but also by the true Saiga Furinji, who watched the boy with a glint of cunning in his eyes. After all, it was the second time he had observed him; it was no secret that Senzui took on his identity, and even now, he didn't know Kei's past very well.
A heavy hand rested on Kei's neck; the boy was somewhat broken - he thought - the Other Niko did not have the time to temper himself like the others, like Lu Tian. Now the practice to dominate the demon could vary in many ways; he hated and loved the boy who reminded him of his youth, so bloodthirsty yet intelligent, individualistic, and crafty.
- I don't like the way you smile. - Kano Sho's voice broke through.
Kano Sho's interruption was timely; as the leader of Yomi, and with his master's permission, who nodded at his discomfort, he could make the point that so many others held back.
- I'm sorry, my fault; I just remembered something funny. - Kei commented.
- Is the meeting funny? - Saiga Furinji asked, somewhat confused by the boy. The silence froze the room; Saiga, with his blonde hair and lazy gaze, was entirely focused on the boy, something strange, something foreboding about him, an essence.
The nine shadows were fully alert; Saiga was the strongest, similar to Senzui's level, but the latter did not dare to go against the son of the invincible Superman.
- It's the boy's self-control; I trained him to be a true fighter. - The Other Niko commented, - that's something you already know, of course; you encouraged me to do so; it couldn't be any other way. -
An open secret among all the members. The Other Niko was also completely unpleasant, tossing the ball into his court.
'Bad time to make so many enemies,' - Kei thought, as he continued to encourage his beast. It was impossible not to be fully alert, and for that reason, he used it as practice; the great masters would understand his bestial side.
- I don't think he mocks with pleasure; he just has a thirst for battle... - Ogata said.
Closing the meeting completely, the appearance of Yomi was anticipated; soon, great fighters would arrive in Japan, becoming a headache for Kenichi and his masters.
...