Kai trudged down the path behind Master Senju, trying to keep his eyes open. His feet ached, his shoulders were sore, and he was convinced he could feel every muscle in his body protesting against the mere idea of another day of training.He'd always imagined training to be something grand and exciting. Something that would make for epic stories to tell when he eventually returned to Eldoria's royal court. He pictured fighting dragons, wielding magic to save people, or at the very least, something thrilling that didn't involve standing in one spot for hours.Instead, here he was, dragging his feet in the middle of nowhere, hoping that today would finally be different."Are we going to learn something useful today?" Kai asked, his voice a mixture of hope and sarcasm.Master Senju, walking with his usual rigid posture and steely gaze, didn't even look back. "If you cannot control yourself, then you will never be able to control your power."Kai groaned. "I thought heroes were supposed to get cool powers just handed to them. Can't you just, I don't know, give me a shortcut? Some sort of 'instant hero' package?"Senju shot him a look that could've frozen lava. "Only those who truly understand their abilities can awaken their full potential. If you're not willing to work for it, then you will remain nothing more than a shadow of your potential."Kai sighed, muttering under his breath. "I don't mind being a shadow as long as I can go back to bed."Master Senju ignored him, stopping in a small clearing in the forest. The morning mist curled around them, and the trees cast long shadows across the ground."Today, we're going to work on channeling your shadow energy into basic attacks," Senju said, his tone cold and matter-of-fact. "No more standing around. You're going to learn how to hit with purpose."Kai perked up slightly. Finally, something interesting. "So, I get to punch things?""If you can do it correctly, yes."A smirk played on Kai's lips as he cracked his knuckles. "Finally, something I can get behind."Senju watched him, unmoved. "It's not as simple as throwing punches. You must learn to focus your energy. Without control, your power will be scattered and ineffective."He raised his hand, and a faint, dark glow began to form around it, his shadow energy pulsing slightly. In a swift, controlled motion, he struck a nearby tree. The impact was subtle, but the tree shook, leaves raining down from its branches.Kai's eyes widened. "Whoa... I want to do that!"Senju gave him a small nod. "Then focus. Close your eyes and feel the energy within you. Direct it from your core into your fists. This is about precision, not brute strength."Kai closed his eyes, trying to concentrate. He imagined his energy as a shadowy mist inside him, flowing down from his chest and into his arms. When he felt ready, he opened his eyes, drew back his fist, and punched a nearby rock.Nothing happened.The rock remained exactly where it was, unscathed, while Kai's knuckles throbbed from the impact."Great. Now I know what a rock feels like," Kai muttered, rubbing his hand."Focus," Senju said sharply. "Don't rush it. Power comes from control, not haste."Kai took a deep breath, calming himself. This time, he tried to feel the energy gathering in his hand, pooling in his knuckles. He focused on the idea of his shadow energy empowering his punch.When he punched the rock again, it cracked slightly. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make Kai's eyes light up."Did you see that?" Kai grinned, glancing at Senju. "I cracked it!"Senju nodded, his face still expressionless. "It's a start. Now, do it again. And this time, don't let your mind wander."Kai rolled his eyes, but repeated the exercise. Punching the rock over and over, he practiced focusing his energy with each strike. Gradually, his punches became stronger and more controlled. It felt strange—draining, even—but he could feel the energy flowing more naturally with each attempt.Hours passed, and Kai was covered in sweat. Just as he was about to collapse, Senju decided it was time to teach him something new."Your shadow energy can do more than just empower your attacks," Senju explained. "You can also channel it into objects, turning them into weapons."Kai raised an eyebrow. "Like... a stick?"Senju handed him a wooden stick, his expression serious. "Try it."Skeptical, Kai held the stick in his hand, focusing on channeling his shadow energy into it. He felt the familiar pull of his energy, though this time, it was directed outward, into the object he held.The stick took on a faint shadowy aura, and when Kai struck a nearby tree with it, the impact was stronger than a normal swing. He grinned, excitement bubbling within him."So... I can just pick up anything and make it stronger?"Senju nodded. "A rock, a branch—anything. But remember, the energy you transfer is limited. Don't waste it."Kai picked up a small rock, channeling his energy into it, and tossed it at another tree. The rock hit with a satisfying thud, leaving a small dent in the bark."Oh, this is way better than just punching things," Kai said, grinning like a kid with a new toy.But as he continued practicing, he noticed something else—the more he channeled his energy, the more exhausted he felt. His breaths came quicker, and his movements grew sluggish."Why am I... so tired?" he panted, stumbling slightly.Senju watched him, arms crossed. "Control takes energy. Overuse it, and you'll drain yourself. You must learn to use it sparingly, especially in a real fight."Kai slumped against a tree, panting. "So... I'm just supposed to save it? What's the point of having power if I can't use it all the time?"Senju's gaze was as sharp as ever. "A true warrior knows restraint. Strength isn't about using your power constantly. It's about using it effectively."Kai mulled over his words, frowning. It made sense, in a way, though it wasn't nearly as exciting as he'd hoped.Taking a deep breath, he straightened up and prepared himself for another attempt. He picked up a larger rock this time, focusing as he channeled his energy into it. When he threw it at a tree, it hit with a satisfying crack.He couldn't help but smile. It was a small victory, but it felt good—really good.Master Senju gave a rare nod of approval. "You're starting to understand."Kai smirked, brushing the dirt off his hands. "Oh yeah, I'm getting the hang of it. Watch out, trees—I'm coming for you."As they headed back to camp, Kai couldn't resist making one last comment. "So, when do I get to punch something more exciting than rocks and trees?"Senju glanced at him, his face as unamused as ever. "When you can punch without asking such foolish questions."Kai chuckled, despite his exhaustion. He knew there was a long road ahead, but for the first time, he felt like he was making real progress. The idea of actually controlling his power—of channeling it at will—was exhilarating.And although he wouldn't admit it, a part of him was even looking forward to tomorrow's training.Kai leaned back, panting, his face smeared with dirt. "Note to self... mastering powers is exhausting."Master Senju raised an eyebrow. "If only you mastered listening half as well."Kai smirked. "Maybe next chapter, Master. Maybe next chapter..."To Be Continued... (if Kai doesn't nap through it)