Hiroki Takeda trudged through the crowded halls of Hoshizaki High, his head down, trying to avoid the jeers and taunts of his classmates. Day after day, the shy, scrawny teenager endured the bullying, unable to stand up for himself against the school's social hierarchy.
"Hey, look! It's the ghost!" one of the bullies shouted, causing laughter to erupt around him. Hiroki clenched his fists, wishing he could disappear.
At home, Hiroki's situation wasn't much better. He lived alone with his distant, workaholic father, Bill Takeda, who provided little emotional support. Hiroki's mother, Dr. Keiko Miura, had disappeared years ago under mysterious circumstances, leaving him feeling even more isolated. The absence of her warmth left a void that Bill's stern demeanor could never fill.
"Why can't he just talk to me?" Hiroki thought as he sat alone at the dinner table, staring at the uneaten food. "It's like I'm invisible."
One day, as Hiroki was passing by the school courtyard, he noticed a group of students practicing martial arts. Mesmerized, he watched their fluid movements and powerful strikes, a spark of inspiration igniting within him.
"That's it!" Hiroki thought, his eyes widening with determination. "If I learn martial arts, maybe I can finally stand up to my bullies and change my life."
Gathering his courage, Hiroki sought out the local dojo, Asahi Dojo, and approached the sensei, pleading to be taken on as a student. The sensei, a grizzled man with a stern face and wise eyes, initially looked skeptical.
"You? You want to learn martial arts?" the sensei asked, raising an eyebrow. "You don't look like much."
"I know I may not seem strong," Hiroki replied, his voice trembling but resolute. "But I'm willing to work harder than anyone. I need to become stronger, to be able to defend myself."
The sensei studied Hiroki for a moment, seeing the fire in his eyes. "Very well," he finally said. "I'll give you a chance. But be warned, this path is not easy. You must commit yourself fully."