Isamu felt a sense of understanding from her words, but he knew that the road ahead was still long to achieve complete mastery of the principle.
Months had passed since he began his training under Mikumo's guidance, and despite his progress, he realized that he still lacked much, especially in terms of inspiration and comprehension of ideas.
After all, he had the understanding level of an ordinary person, not a genius; otherwise, he would have been a scholar in his previous life.
Of course, it was true that he was inferior to geniuses like Neji in "Naruto," who could master complex techniques just by watching others use them. Similarly, Chikage, Mikumo's primary student, was considered a miracle in the martial arts world in terms of understanding and high intelligence.
Yet, at his core, he remained an adult in spirit, with years of study behind him and decades of experience, allowing him to solve some comprehension problems. Additionally, he could compensate for his lack of understanding talent compared to ninja talents like Neji by spending more time training.
As for geniuses like Chikage, with her physical talent brought from the ninja world, the final result was clear.
With a clear future path, he continued to contemplate his movements and teachings, trying to imagine the moment he would achieve complete control over his body.
After that, Mikumo continued, "Now that you've proven you understand the basics, it's time to move on to the next phase."
Isamu felt a surge of joy upon hearing that he would advance to the second stage. "Finally, it seems I'm going to start learning combat techniques!" His heart raced, and his excitement soared, but he couldn't ignore the anxiety that began to creep into his mind.
He knew well that combat techniques required a high level of focus and discipline, and he feared he would fail to prove himself.
"After the allocated training time is over, come to the main dojo room," Mikumo concluded, then turned and left the arena quickly, which heightened both his excitement and anxiety.
Those words served as a challenge, and Isamu felt tense, but he was also looking forward to the opportunity that would grant him the chance to learn new skills.
"Yes, Master," Isamu replied with a respectful bow to Mikumo, then returned to continue his current training until the end of his allocated time.
Each strike and movement he recorded in his mind, as he attempted to master everything he had learned in the previous weeks.
...…
When he arrived at the main dojo room, he found Mikumo standing in the center of the arena, but this time she wasn't alone. Beside her was Chikage, the little girl he attended evening classes with.
She looked at him with a gaze he had never experienced before—a serious look, as if something important was about to happen.
Isamu had always regarded Chikage as just a training partner and had not attempted to get closer to her or strengthen their relationship.
He knew she was the focus of his teacher's attention, and that she had set goals and future plans for her growth, seeking to become her tool.
This was what Isamu remembered from the story, which kept him at a distance from her, avoiding interference in his teacher's plans. His situation was not better than hers; he was also just an extra pawn chosen by Mikumo for development.
In reality, Chikage was far superior to him; she was the adopted daughter and the true heir of the Kouchinada-style jujutsu.
Now, this little girl before him carried a strength and confidence in her eyes.
Mikumo looked at him slowly, taking a deep breath before saying, "Isamu, the next training will be different from the previous one. Today, we will test your true progress." Her words flowed like water, but her tone was calm and firm, carrying a sense of seriousness as was her custom. "It's time to apply what you've learned."
Isamu felt a wave of anxiety seep into his heart, as if each of Mikumo's words heightened the beats of his heart. This wasn't just an ordinary training session; it was a true test of his skills. "A martial arts teacher is like a schoolteacher; when they spend time teaching you something, they will ultimately test you. I really hate tests!" He uttered these words in his mind, acknowledging his deep-seated worries.
He looked at Chikage and wondered if she would be part of this challenge or somehow related to the test. She appeared ready and determined, having prepared for this day for a while.
There was something strange in her eyes, as if she knew something he didn't. "Jujutsu is not just about using your body; it requires the ability to read your opponent, understand their weaknesses, and exploit them without wasting energy. Fighting is a mental endeavor before it becomes physical," Mikumo said in a calm yet assertive tone.
"Today, you will face Chikage," Mikumo continued.
Isamu was taken aback by his teacher's words, then looked at his little training partner and thought, "Poor thing, she has become a test subject while still a child. Wait a minute, maybe I'm the test for her?"
In a moment, he tried to engage his mind in active thinking, but he quickly regained his focus and began to move steadily toward the battle.
In reality, Isamu hadn't expected to fight a girl who was almost four years old, but he understood very well that things in this world were not as they seemed. Despite the size and age difference, that did not deter him from getting ready.
Isamu had studied the art of jujutsu carefully, aware that true strength does not only come from the body, but also from the mind and the ability to understand and adapt. Furthermore, he was still wearing weights on his body, which significantly reduced his physical capabilities.
And we cannot overlook that Chikage, despite her small appearance, carried in the original story the title of "the miracle."
Isamu thought about everything he had learned so far. His training had been rigorous, but it was also inspiring and built his self-confidence.
"Perhaps this will be my chance to showcase what I've learned," he thought to himself. And when he looked at Chikage again, he saw a childlike passion for competition in her eyes.
"Of course, no matter how talented you are, you're just a four-year-old girl. So, I'm sorry, little one, but Uncle will try not to hurt you," Isamu thought with a proud smile to himself, preparing to win.
The confrontation began without any preamble. Chikage was the first to attack, with incredible speed. She moved lightly and gracefully, using her small body to achieve perfect balance in every movement.
Her steps were calculated, shifting her weight fluidly, making it difficult for Isamu to predict her movements. Isamu barely managed to block her first strike, and he began to feel the mounting pressure seeping into his heart.
"How can a little girl be this strong?" Isamu wondered internally as Chikage darted forward like an arrow, delivering quick and precise strikes. He hadn't expected this kind of challenge, especially with everything he had learned about speed and agility.
True, he was restrained from using his energy and carrying heavy weights, which made it impossible for him to utilize his full strength, but he didn't imagine that just a little girl would be able to press him so hard.
Chikage didn't stop; she continued her assault with precision and skill, as if she were watching every move Isamu made. She employed an aggressive style that combined speed and flexibility, keeping Isamu in a defensive position the entire time. He had to gather his strength and prepare to deal with this unexpected challenge.
Isamu stood ready, his eyes focused on Chikage's movements. His heart raced, but he tried to control his breathing, recalling everything he had learned over the past months of rigorous training. His experiences with Mikumo echoed in his mind, reminding him that fighting is more than just physical strength; it is also a mental endeavor that requires quick thinking.
The duel began with a swift strike from Chikage as she attempted to hit him on his right side. But Isamu, thinking quickly, bent down and dodged the attack.
Seizing the opportunity, he executed a quick strike toward Chikage's knee, a blow he hoped would be enough to unsettle her. It was a well-aimed strike, but Chikage managed to evade it with agility, showcasing her skill and speed.
The duel continued for several minutes, with strikes coming and going rapidly. Isamu relied on his strength and endurance, while Chikage depended on her speed and agility, her high balance giving her an added advantage.
There was a clear struggle between strength and endurance on one side, and speed, focus, and balance on the other. Every move highlighted the gap between them.
Thoughts began to swirl in his mind. "Is this the test? Do I have to use all my strength against a little girl?" But he quickly realized that if he didn't take the situation seriously, he could face a humiliating defeat.
Isamu decided to focus all his energy and apply the skills he had learned from Mikumo to control his power and regulate the rhythm of his movements. He began to retreat slightly, waiting for the right moment to counterattack.
As time passed, Isamu managed to organize his breathing and analyze Chikage's movements. He started to see a pattern in her attacks and eventually succeeded in blocking one of her strikes, halting her advance.
In that moment, Isamu realized this was not just a physical test; it was a mental one as well. He had to control his mind before he could control his body. With this realization, he began to turn the tide.
He moved with speed and precision, utilizing the results of the training he had undergone in the past months. He focused on precise strikes rather than brute force. Chikage was fast, but Isamu was more patient, allowing him to finally deliver well-aimed blows.
After several minutes of fierce fighting, Chikage retreated slightly, and Isamu recognized that he had managed to balance the fight. Victory wasn't guaranteed, but he now knew he had the ability to face her.
At this point, Mikumo stopped watching and stepped into the arena. She spoke in a calm yet strong voice, "That's enough."
Chikage also halted, taking a deep breath. There was no resentment or anger on her face; instead, she looked at Isamu with respect.
Mikumo turned to Isamu and said, "You have proven yourself today. Not just in physical strength, but in control and mastery. This is the true key to the art of jujutsu. From this day forward, you will begin more advanced training."