"So," Kai-sensei began.
The man looked at us grimly.
We lined up in front of him—or rather, those of us who had passed the physical training. The rest would have to wait until next month.
"You are here for my Hakuda Basics class," he said. "Hakuda is the art of hand-to-hand combat: capable of weakening, incapacitating, or killing an opponent. With highest techniques, you can even destroy them entirely. Those destroyed in this way disappear completely, rather than being reborn, as after a Zanpakuto strike. For this reason, Hakuda is not as widespread as Zanjutsu. It is also many times more difficult, and not many people ever master its full power. Techniques that destroy the soul can only be used by captains."
"For now, Hakuda is simply a way to strengthen and protect yourselves. In my Basic classes, I will teach you the basic movements, how to concentrate your reiatsu for a strike, and self-defense techniques. Those who prove themselves and show aptitude will be recommended for the Advanced course. But we'll see how you do here first."
"The general Hakuda Basic course lasts six months. During that time, you will learn everything you need. And next year, if you choose this elective, you will study far more interesting things." He finally concluded his lecture. "For now, let's see what you're made of. Two of our students have expressed a desire to duel, and I see no point in forbidding them." The teacher smiled. "Kuroki, Sakamoto—step onto the tatami!"
"Yes, sir!"
I rose and stepped forward.
He stepped forward too.
We stood facing each other.
The teacher stood between us.
"You will fight until one of you cannot continue, until one of you surrenders, or until I decide the fight is over. Is that clear?"
"Yes," I nodded.
"Yes," Kano smirked.
"Get ready!" We took our stances. "Hajime!"
The teacher stepped back, and neither of us rushed to attack.
A sidestep. Another.
We didn't speak. We'd talked enough before the lesson. The loser would ask Doe for extra lessons. Well—he wanted me to admit he was better than me in everything, but I'm more cruel, so I set my own conditions. Think for yourself which one of us is the tyrant.
We froze. The tension grew heavier.
He's not stupid. He won't rush in mindlessly.
The sounds around us faded. The world narrowed until only he and I remained.
A small step forward.
Another. He approached as well.
A lunge!
I dodged his fist.
A sweeping kick!
He pulled his leg back and struck at my knee.
A rebound with a counterblow.
He blocked it.
We broke the distance again.
This time, he attacked first.
He closed in quickly and unleashed a barrage of blows.
Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch!
I dodged.
Counterattack.
He evaded.
I grabbed his arm and tried to throw him. He broke free easily and punched me in the stomach—only to receive a forehead straight to the nose.
We both fell.
We scrambled up and jumped back.
1:1.
His punch was strong, but he was bleeding too.
He was angry.
I smiled at him. Yes, it hurt like hell, but pretended everything was fine.
He lunged.
I braced myself—
Then he vanished.
Damn! Shunpo!
Jump forward!
A crater formed where I'd been standing.
"Now do you see the difference between us?" he smirked.
"No," I smiled back.
Shunpo!
I appeared to his left. I immediately used it again and shifted slightly to the right. He didn't expect that and missed the kick to his back. He flew forward.
Shunpo!
Above him.
Strike!
He rolled away.
He moved again.
Repeated my trick—but not quite successfully.
A blow to the body.
But he didn't dodge. He took it head-on, grabbed my arm, and hurled me upward—straight into the ceiling. I am slammed against a support beam. He leapt after me, trying to smash me again.
I miraculously slipped out of the way.
My toes hooked onto a crack in the ceiling, and I hung there for a split second.
I pushed off with my feet—
Shunpo!
I slammed into him at full speed, knocking him off his feet. We tumbled out of the dojo and straight into the street.
He landed on his back in the mud, and I landed on top of him.
I climbed off, shaking my head. Everything was spinning a little.
He lay there, not getting up. At least it wasn't raining today, but there were still puddles and plenty of mud. Fortunately, the Academy had many paved paths—but not near the dojo.
I stood up and walked toward him.
He lay still, breathing heavily, just like me.
His eyes opened and looked at me.
I snorted.
"Know your place," I said, and walked back toward the dojo.
Victory is mine…