The morning sun cut through the thin veil of mist that hung over Hoshino City. Its warmth brushed against Kenji Watanabe's face as he sat cross-legged in the quiet courtyard behind the school. Dew clung to the grass and stone, each droplet reflecting the early light like a miniature sun.
Kenji's fists were tight.
He had made a decision last night.
No more aimless training.No more wasted effort.
He was going to push toward Body Refining Level 5:
The book Elder Tetsuo had shown at the Kobayashi Gate, the discussions with Riku, the reality of Life Spirit gates—all of it changed how Kenji viewed cultivation. He realized that rushing for a War Spirit would be meaningless without a solid foundation.
Level 4—Strengthened Tendons—had given him explosive power and sharp reflexes, but Level 5 required harmony between his body, organs, and consciousness.
He exhaled slowly.
"Focus," he muttered to himself. "Body. Breath. Blood. Organs. Flow."
Kenji shifted into a low stance, feeling the pull of his own weight. Every joint, tendon, and bone felt awake. He rolled his shoulders slowly, flexed his fingers, and began to run through controlled sequences: punches, kicks, stances, and rolls.
Each movement was deliberate. Each motion aimed to integrate his internal energy into his bones and blood vessels, not just his muscles.
Sweat poured down his back, stinging his eyes, but he didn't stop.Training
Kenji moved like a flowing river, slow and steady at first, then quick and precise as his body began to respond. He imagined his organs humming in unison, resonating with every breath.
He pressed his palms to the ground, pushing his body forward, then backward. He balanced his weight on one leg, twisting his torso with each step, trying to feel the flow inside him.
"Level 5… it's not just power," Kenji whispered. "It's control. Stability. Integration."
He felt fatigue beginning to creep in, a subtle warning that he was pushing past comfort. He smiled faintly.
"Good," he said. "Pain means growth.
By the time Kenji arrived at school, his hair was damp with sweat, and his uniform bore faint streaks of mud from his courtyard practice.
Riku was waiting near the gate, casually leaning against the stone wall. His hands were tucked in his pockets, a half-smile on his face.
"You've been at it early," Riku said. "Looks like someone's serious about Level 5."
Kenji grinned faintly, though inwardly he felt nervous. Pushing this hard for the first time was unfamiliar.
"I'm tired of being stuck at Level 4," Kenji admitted. "I need this foundation."
Riku nodded. "Good. Focus on it. Don't rush the results."
The day passed slowly. Lectures droned on about theoretical cultivation principles, yet Kenji's mind was elsewhere. Every idle moment in class, every stretch in his seat, he subtly practiced alignment—flexing tendons, breathing deliberately, imagining the resonance inside him.
His classmates didn't notice. To them, he was just another student, quiet and studious.
Riku, however, kept an eye on him from across the room, smirking occasionally.
The courtyard was crowded with students. Kenji and Riku sat beneath their usual tree, sharing a simple meal.
"You know," Riku said casually, "some people have started noticing Yua again."
Kenji raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because she's showing off in training. And the guys who like her are acting… predictable," Riku said, shaking his head. "It's annoying."
Kenji nodded slowly. "I see."
Riku leaned back, tossing a piece of bread into his mouth. "You still pushing toward Level 5?"
"Yeah," Kenji admitted. "Trying to feel my organs resonate properly. It's not easy."
Riku laughed softly. "Good. Keep at it. You'll get there soon
The school announced a combat assessment that afternoon. Students were paired randomly to test their martial progress. Kenji felt a mix of anticipation and unease.
He didn't know who he'd be paired with, and he didn't care much for winning—but it was an opportunity to measure his body against others.
Riku was paired with someone else: a boy named Hayato, a brash student who had openly tried to get Yua's attention multiple times.
Hayato smirked at Riku as they faced off. "Ready to lose?" he taunted.
Riku's expression remained calm. "Do your best.
Hayato lunged immediately, swinging a punch aimed at Riku's head. It was fast, aggressive, but poorly measured.
Riku didn't dodge—he didn't even flinch.
Instead, he subtly shifted his weight, absorbed the impact, and countered with a gentle push that sent Hayato staggering back.
The courtyard went silent. Students whispered.
Kenji watched carefully. His eyes widened. Riku's body was fluid, controlled, precise—the subtle signs of sixth-layer Body Refining were unmistakable.
Hayato recovered, anger flashing across his face. He attacked again, more carefully this time.
Riku continued to defend effortlessly, redirecting Hayato's momentum, countering with precise strikes that didn't look powerful, yet pushed Hayato farther and farther back.
Kenji's mind raced.
This… this is Body Refining Level 6?
Riku's movements were elegant, restrained, yet devastating in effect. Every joint, tendon, and bone worked in harmony. No wasted motion. No sloppy attacks. Total integration.
Students began murmuring.
"Did you see that? Riku just… blocked everything!""Isn't he… Level 6 or something?""Wait… is that even possible for his age?"
Hayato's frustration grew. He attacked recklessly now, trying to overwhelm Riku with sheer force.
Riku simply smiled faintly and sidestepped, using minimal effort to deflect and unbalance him. Finally, a subtle twist of Riku's body sent Hayato tumbling to the ground.
The courtyard erupted with whispers and astonished laughter.
Riku helped him up with a faint smile. "Don't let it discourage you. Keep training."
Hayato could only scowl, breathing heavily, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
Kenji's fists clenched.
He realized something important.
Strength wasn't always flashy. Sometimes, it was hidden. Measured. Controlled. Integrated.
Riku had hidden his true strength all along. And yet, now that it was revealed, it carried no arrogance. Just calm, effortless control.
Kenji felt inspired—and envious, in a good way.
I want to reach that level, he thought. Not just to show power—but to truly control it.
The assessment ended. Students returned to their classes, chattering about Riku's unexpected display.
Kenji and Riku walked together afterward.
"You didn't show off," Kenji said quietly. "Even when it was obvious."
Riku shrugged. "No point. Some people think the loudest wins. I'd rather be steady."
Kenji nodded, absorbing the lesson.
"I'll reach Level 5 soon," he said. "Then maybe… I can see what Level 6 feels like."
Riku glanced at him. "Don't rush. Level 5 itself has walls."
Kenji smiled faintly. "I know. But I'm not scared of walls.
That night, Kenji trained in the backyard.
The courtyard was quiet. The moon hung low, silver light bathing his body.
He focused inward, feeling his organs, blood flow, tendons, and bones. Every breath, every motion aimed to integrate his foundation into something stronger.
Pain flared. Fatigue tugged at him.
But he smiled.
Level 5 is coming. Step by step, I'll break through. Sooner
Kenji had learned two things that day:
Strength is more than raw power.
Some people hide mastery until the right moment.
And he realized: his own journey toward Body Refining Level 5 would not just be about brute force, but control, patience, and understanding himself.
He clenched his fists under the moonlight, silently promising himself:
I will reach Level 5. And I will do it properly.