Chapter 25: Forging the Path Forward
Kakashi paused mid-step, glancing at the small cut Nicolas had managed to land on his arm. A smile tugged at the corner of his masked face. "Not bad," he said. "You're starting to get it."
Nicolas took a deep breath, steadying his shaking hands. His muscles ached, and his stamina was nearly spent, but the faint praise spurred him on. "You're holding back, aren't you?" he asked.
Kakashi tilted his head. "Of course. If I went all out, you wouldn't last more than a minute. But that doesn't mean this isn't valuable."
Nicolas grinned despite his exhaustion. "Then let's keep going."
"Alright," Kakashi said, assuming a defensive stance. "But if you collapse, it's on you."
---
Pushing the Limits
The training continued, with Kakashi gradually increasing the intensity of his attacks. Each strike was a lesson, each dodge an opportunity to grow. Nicolas found himself tapping into reserves of energy he didn't know he had, his movements becoming faster, sharper.
Kakashi eventually called for a halt, raising a hand. "That's enough for today," he said. "Any more, and you'll burn yourself out."
Nicolas reluctantly lowered his blade. His breathing was heavy, his body drenched in sweat, but he felt a sense of accomplishment. "I'll get better," he said, more to himself than to Kakashi.
"You will," Kakashi agreed. "But strength isn't just about how hard you can fight. It's about control, strategy, and knowing when to act."
Nicolas nodded, filing away the advice.
---
A Moment of Reflection
That evening, Nicolas sat alone at the edge of the village, overlooking the distant forest. The stars were beginning to appear, their light faint but steady. He couldn't help but think of his past life—the mistakes he'd made, the dreams he'd left unfulfilled.
"Why me?" he wondered. The entity had chosen him, thrusting him into a role he barely understood. Yet, for all his doubts, he couldn't deny the thrill of this new life.
As he stared at the sky, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "You're pushing yourself too hard."
Nicolas turned to see Rina approaching, her expression softer than usual. She sat beside him, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
"I have to," Nicolas said. "If I don't, people will get hurt. You saw what happened today."
Rina was silent for a moment. Then she said, "You're not wrong, but you're also not alone. You have a team now. Let us help you carry the burden."
Nicolas glanced at her, surprised by the sincerity in her tone