He took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind. This was the perfect chance to train without distractions.
He pulled out a strange looking small orb from his pocket, a magic tool given to everyone in the faction that could materialize any weapon they wanted, limited only by their mana reserves. He imagined a katana and activated the tool. The tool stretched an elongated to the shape of a katana and a basic katana materialized in his hand.
Izanagi took a few test swings, but the katana felt awkward and strange to him. The weapon didn't feel right in his hands at all. With a sigh, he reversed the tool's activation, and the katana dissolved back into a small orb.
He decided to practice hand to hand combat. His hands clenched into fists and he practiced some punches and kicks, this felt much more natural to him than any sort of weapon. The movements felt more fluid, and he was able to utilize his speed more effectively. The lack of the weapon made his techniques feel more natural and precise.
As he continued to practice, a strange feeling rose in the back of his mind. He glanced towards a distant building and noticed a faint, ominous presence. It was as though someone had been watching him for a while, their presence almost assertive. He knew that the observer was atleast somewhat strong.
Determined to confront them and use this as a chance to practice in actual real combat situations, Izanagi gathered his strength. He picked up a rock from the ground, preparing to throw it at the opening of the building where he sensed the person. Just as he was about to release the rock, until he felt a hand clamp firmly onto his forearm, stopping him mid throw.
Izanagi's eyes widened as he turned to the right. Standing there was a man with striking blonde hair, dressed in a simple white singlet and joggers. The man radiated a pressure that was almost palpable and matched the same presence or pressure he detected from earlier. His presence was incredibly unsettling, causing Izanagi to hesitate.
The stranger's grip on his forearm was firm but not threatening. Izanagi's muscles relaxed, he was unsure whether to attack or retreat. The man's intimidating aura made him reconsider his initial thought. Feeling a wave of fear pass over him, Izanagi's defenses dropped. He then felt the terrifying presence dissipate, replaced by a more neutral and friendly energy.
The man observed him with an amused expression. "You're quite the observant one," he said, with a calm tone. "I'm Hitori."
Izanagi hesitated before extending his hand for a handshake. Hitori's grip was firm.
Hitori looked Izanagi up and down, clearly thinking about something or analysing him. "Your strength is pretty impressive, but your flow of mana is unusually chaotic and unstable. You have a lot of potential though."
Izanagi frowned, still planning his next actions. "And you are…?"
"I'm just someone who happens to be passing by," Hitori said with a smirk. "Now, let's see what you've got."
Izanagi complied, his mind racing as he tried to remember where he might have seen Hitori before. He got into a basic fighting stance. Hitori observed him carefully.
"Your form needs some adjustments," Hitori noted. "Let's start with the basics. Try to hit me."
Izanagi threw a series of punches, focusing on perfecting his form. Despite his best efforts, Hitori effortlessly redirected and blocked each attack with ease. Izanagi put more effort into his strikes but this made no difference at all, however he was prepared to keep going all day until he hit him.