Morning light filtered softly through the shoji screens, painting faint streaks of gold across the floor of Kenji Watanabe's small room. He stirred, rubbing his eyes and letting out a long yawn. Today, like every other, was a day for training—but today carried a new sense of anticipation.
He had successfully reached Level 4 in both Block Palms and Invisible. The techniques flowed more naturally now; his movements were faster, stronger, and more precise. Yet, despite the progress, a wall had appeared.
No matter how hard he pushed, how long he practiced, he could not unlock Level 5 in either book. Every attempt left him frustrated, his body exhausted, and his mind questioning whether he was even capable of advancing further.Morning Training
Kenji began his day with his usual morning routine: stretching, light meditation, and reviewing the Level 4 techniques he had mastered. His punches landed solidly, his kicks precise, and his movement fluid. But when he attempted the Level 5 techniques—moves requiring faster reflexes, more coordinated evasion, and stronger power—he stumbled repeatedly.
Blocks failed to absorb the simulated impact properly. Spins and feints were clumsy, throwing off his balance. Even when he tried breaking the new combinations into smaller segments, the precision required eluded him.
Frustration welled within him, a familiar and unwelcome companion. He slammed his fist against the soft earth of the training garden. "Why… why is this so difficult?" he muttered. Sweat dripped from his brow as he forced himself to calm down, taking deep breaths.
His grandfather, Hiroshi, appeared quietly on the porch. "Kenji," he said softly, "you've reached a plateau. It is natural. Every practitioner hits one. The difference between those who succeed and those who fail is patience and adaptation. You must analyze, refine, and continue."
Kenji exhaled, nodding. "I understand. But… it's frustrating. I can feel the techniques… almost. But not enough to unlock them."
Hiroshi smiled faintly. "Then perhaps you need perspective, not more force. You are strong. You are disciplined. But sometimes, you must take a step back before taking the next step forward."School — A New Friend
After breakfast, Kenji prepared for school, pulling on his uniform and adjusting his tie. He moved with quiet determination, carrying the weight of his frustrations but also the resolve to continue improving.
As he entered Hoshino Public School, the familiar murmurs and whispers began. He ignored them, moving to his seat at the back. Today, however, something unusual happened.
A boy approached him—a classmate Kenji had seen occasionally in the hallways but never spoken to. The boy had a confident, yet relaxed air about him. His hair was black and slightly tousled, and his eyes carried a spark of mischief and determination.
"Hey," the boy said, leaning casually against the edge of Kenji's desk. "You're Kenji Watanabe, right? I've seen you training in the garden after school. Not bad."
Kenji blinked in surprise. "Uh… yeah. I'm Kenji. And you are?"
"I'm Riku Kobayashi," the boy said with a grin. "Kobayashi family. Don't let the casual look fool you—I train seriously. Thought we could spar sometime, see how your Block Palms and Invisible techniques are holding up."
Kenji hesitated. Sparring with someone new was always risky, especially when he was stuck at Level 4. Yet, something in Riku's confident tone suggested a challenge worth facing.
"Sure," Kenji said cautiously. "But don't expect me to hold back."
Riku laughed. "Neither will I."The School Day
Classroom lessons passed as usual. Kenji found himself occasionally glancing at Riku, noting his easy interactions with classmates, his confident smile, and the subtle glances he cast toward a girl in the corner.
Her name, Kenji learned during a brief hallway exchange, was Yua Fujiwara. A member of the Fujiwara family, she carried herself with pride, confidence, and an air that made even the bravest students hesitate. Her black hair was neatly tied back, and her eyes were sharp, observing everything around her with precision.
Riku's demeanor changed whenever Yua was near. He straightened up, his voice slightly higher in pitch when speaking, and occasionally stumbled over simple words. Kenji noted this quietly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Lunch arrived quickly, and Kenji ate quietly at the back of the cafeteria, observing the lively interactions around him. Riku sat nearby, still casting subtle glances toward Yua, while Kenji focused on the energy he could harness from observing movements, posture, and coordination in others.After School — Library Discovery
Once the final bell rang, Kenji and Riku made their way to the library. The building was quiet, filled with the faint scent of old books and polished wood. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, illuminating rows of bookshelves stretching far into the distance.
Kenji carefully retrieved his two martial arts books—Block Palms and Invisible—from his bag. He planned to focus on refining his Level 4 techniques, hoping to find the subtle details that might allow him to reach Level 5.
Riku, curious, peered over his shoulder. "Block Palms… huh? I've heard of that one. It's a brute-force technique, right? Focuses on strength and deflecting attacks?"
Kenji nodded. "Yeah. And Invisible focuses on movement and evasion. Together, they're supposed to complement each other, but… I can't get past Level 4. Something's missing."
Riku grinned. "Then let's figure it out together. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all you need."First Attempt at Level 5
Back in the small garden behind his house, Kenji prepared for his training. The evening air was cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth. Riku watched from a short distance, observing Kenji's posture and movements.
Kenji began with Block Palms Level 4 techniques, moving through punches, blocks, and evasions. The sequence flowed well, his body reacting smoothly. He took a deep breath and attempted the Level 5 sequence.
The results were discouraging. His balance faltered, his fists landed off-target, and his movements were slower than required. He stumbled, landing roughly on the ground, breathing heavily.
Riku clapped him on the back, laughing. "Not bad! But you're overthinking it. Focus on your flow. Force isn't everything."
Kenji shook his head, frustration clear. "I'm trying. But… it's too difficult. I can't feel it, not fully."
Riku shrugged. "Then maybe it's not about feeling it. Maybe it's about doing it until your body remembers, until your muscles know before your mind does."
Kenji nodded slowly, absorbing the advice. He repeated the sequence dozens of times, sweat soaking his uniform, muscles trembling, but with small improvements visible with each repetition.Meeting Yua Fujiwara
The next day at school, Kenji observed Riku again. The boy's fascination with Yua was clear—he followed her subtly, attempting to strike conversations, but each attempt ended with playful rejection.
Yua, for her part, was sharp, confident, and quick to respond. During one hallway interaction, Riku stepped forward with a shy grin.
"Yua… would you like to—"
Before he could finish, Yua gave him a sharp tap across the shoulder. Not painfully hard, but precise. Riku staggered back, holding his shoulder with a dramatic gasp.
"Hey! That hurt!" he exclaimed, eyes wide.
Yua raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Maybe next time, speak clearly before you try to annoy me."
Riku laughed loudly, clutching his shoulder but grinning. "Ouch! That's brutal! I've been beaten by a goddess! Everyone, look! I'm dead! Send my epitaph!"
Kenji watched in disbelief as Riku bowed theatrically to the empty hallway, pretending to collapse, while other students passing by gave him confused or amused glances.
Riku continued his antics, spinning imaginary swords, making silly faces, and joking loudly. Even though he had just been beaten, he laughed and made everyone around him smile.Riku's Personality
Kenji quickly realized that Riku's strength was not just in martial skill. It was in personality. The boy had a way of turning embarrassment into laughter, tension into amusement, and frustration into energy.
"Why do you do that?" Kenji asked quietly, after the hallway cleared.
Riku shrugged. "Life's too short to sulk over a slap from a girl I like. If I can laugh, so can everyone else. Besides, Yua's strength gives me something to strive for."
Kenji shook his head, unable to suppress a small smile. "You're crazy."
Riku grinned. "Maybe. But being crazy beats being dull any day."Evening — Training and Reflection
That evening, Kenji returned home, tired from the day's events. He set up his training space in the garden, opening Block Palms and Invisible.
He attempted the Level 5 techniques again, this time focusing on flow rather than brute force, following Riku's advice. His movements were hesitant, but small adjustments made them slightly smoother. Progress was slow, almost imperceptible, but it existed.
Kenji moved through sequences repeatedly, sweat soaking his body, muscles aching, and yet each repetition felt like a small victory. He began to see subtle patterns he had missed before, the tiny shifts in balance and weight distribution necessary to succeed at the next level.
As night fell, Kenji finally stopped, leaning on his knees, breathing heavily. The garden was quiet, bathed in moonlight. His body was exhausted, but his mind was sharp.
For the first time, he felt a small spark of optimism. Level 5 would not come easily—but he was learning, refining, and growing. And with friends like Riku, even the hardest challenges became bearable.
He placed the books by his bedside, silently promising himself:
"I will reach Level 5. I will master this. I will get stronger. And nothing—no teasing, no failure, no wall—will stop me."
Kenji Watanabe's path was still long, filled with struggle and effort, but for the first time, he could see the road ahead clearly. And he would walk it with laughter, determination, and strength.