The hideout of the Stray Dogs wasn't exactly what Kaito had expected. It was more like a half-abandoned warehouse stacked with crates, punching bags, and random gym equipment stolen or borrowed from who-knows-where. The walls were covered in graffiti, some motivational, some… creative. One said: "Punch first, ask questions later."
"Charming," Kaito muttered.
Riku bounced beside him. "This is your life now, bro! Welcome to chaos central. Jin said today's all about training, so let's see how much fun you can have!"
Kaito let out a deep breath, surveying the improvised ring in the middle. "Fun is not the word I'd use."
"Yeah, yeah," Riku said, waving him off. "Just follow my lead, and I'll teach you the ropes—literally. Watch out for stray cats, though. They're fierce here."
Kaito didn't say anything. He knew the problem wasn't that of stray cats.
Jin emerged from the darkness, arms folded. "Alright, everyone, listen up!"
The Stray Dogs fell silent, and dozens of teenagers and young adults lined up, some confident, some less.
"Today," Jin continued, "we test new members, and everyone trains like they're actually going to survive Raiden Koga showing up. Yes, I know, the last guy you fought was fast. But faster doesn't always mean better. Strategy counts. Technique counts. And, most importantly, attitude counts."
Riku whispered to Kaito, "See? Fun already! They're giving speeches. Big scary speeches!"
Kaito looked at him, "I didn't come here for pep talks."
"Shh! Listen, they're inspiring!
Jin's eyes fell on Kaito. "You," he said, his voice even but razor-sharp. "Step forward."
Kaito walked to the center, hands in pockets. The Tempest Aura shimmered faintly around him, enough for some of the younger gang members to flinch.
"You're strong," Jin said, voice casual. "But strength without control is a liability. Let's see your form."
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Form?"
Jin nodded. "Fighting form. Balance, precision, timing. Even instinct has limits.
"Limits, huh?" Kaito muttered, rolling his shoulders. "Interesting."
"Riku, partner up," Jin said. "You're the target. Make him move."
Riku's eyes widened. "Wait. me?!"
"Yes, you. Move!
Kaito sighed. "This is ridiculous."
Riku smiled wryly. "Bring it on, bro! I won't hold back!"
---
They faced off, and Riku charged at him with melodramatic zeal, swinging wildly.
Kaito moved aside lazily, avoiding each strike. "Predictable," he grumbled.
Riku yelped, nearly tripping. "PREDICTABLE!? Bro, I'M TRYING here!"
"You're swinging like a fan, not a fighter," Kaito said flatly, flicking his wrist to send a small gust of wind that made Riku stumble back.
"Whoa! Whoa! Did you just—?!"
"You moved too slow," Kaito interrupted. "Try again."
Riku shook his head. "No way! Okay… maybe just a little faster?"
Kaito's aura flared slightly. "Faster isn't always better."
Riku puffed his chest out. "I can do better! Watch THIS!"
He lunged dramatically. Kaito sidestepped, caught his wrist in mid-air and turned him around like a rag-doll. Riku landed on his knees, dizzy.
"Okay… maybe I overdid it," Riku admitted. "But seriously, bro! That's amazing!"
Yuna Sato, leaning against a crate nearby, slowly clapped. "Not bad, wind demon. But you need to loosen up. Fighting isn't just blocking punches and looking serious. You need flair. Style. Panache."
Kaito looked at her. "I don't need style. I need efficiency."
"Efficiency is boring," shot back Yuna. "You need showmanship! People remember the fighter who's fun to watch!"
"Fun?" Kaito muttered, expression deadpan. "I fight to survive, not entertain."
Yuna grinned. "Exactly why I like you already. You're going to be entertaining whether you like it or not."
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Jin clapped his hands. "Enough warm-up. Time for something real."
As the gang fanned out, a full obstacle course became visible: wooden platforms, ropes, punching dummies, and a series of swinging chains.
"This is your combat agility and control test," Jin explained. "Move fast, don't break anything too expensive, and impress me."
Riku groaned. "Impress him? I just want to survive."
Kaito calmly approached the start line, aura flickering faintly. "I don't need to impress. I need to learn."
Yuna tilted her head. "Same difference. Just don't make it boring."
And so, the test started. Kaito moved fluidly, like water, literally flowing over obstacles, flipping over chains, landing light. Every step calculated, every motion precise. Riku tried to follow but kept tripping over ropes and bouncing off platforms or nearly knocking himself out.
"Dude, are you even trying?" Kaito exclaimed while dodging a swinging chain.
"I am trying!" Riku shouted. "You just make it look too easy!"
"Easy isn't the same as effortless," Kaito replied.
Yuna laughed. "Finally, a team that actually balances each other out. You're calm and strong; he's chaotic and loud. This is perfect."
Jin nodded in approval. "Good observation. That's what I want to see. Strength isn't just power, it's knowing how to use it and knowing when to fight alongside allies."
As he continued along the obstacle course, the face of Raiden Koga flashed in his mind. That fight wasn't over. This wasn't just training to impress Jin; this was training to survive.
By the end of the session, Riku was panting on the floor while Kaito barely looked winded; he stood tall with a faint blue glow surrounding his fists.
Yuna smirked. "Not bad. But don't think that training alone will prepare you for Raiden. That guy… is trouble."
Kaito's lips held a slight curve. "I know. And I'll be ready."
Riku groaned. "Ready…for more chaos! Yay!"
Jin clapped his hands. "Good work today. You all survived without major injuries. Tomorrow, we add real combat drills. I want your instincts sharp and your brains faster than your fists."
Kaito muttered under his breath, "Brains… faster than fists… I can handle that."
Yuna winked at him. "We'll see, wind demon. We'll see."
As night fell, the warehouse was silent. Neon light from outside cast a glow over the relaxed expression of Kaito as he stretched slightly, Tempest Aura faded.
Riku flopped down beside him. "Bro. training is exhausting. But also. kinda fun?"
Kaito looked over at him. "Fun isn't the point. Survival is."
"Yeah, yeah… sure. But admit it, it's fun seeing people impressed with your wind powers." Kaito didn't reply, letting the wind ripple around his fists.
Outside, city lights shimmered; shadows stretched long. Somewhere out there, Raiden Koga was watching.
And Kaito smiled faintly. Not because of the fight-but because he knew the real games were just beginning.