Rin: [White: Beast Synthesis- APE]
Rin's technique allows him to tap into the strength of the APE, gaining power that far surpasses a normal human's. With this connection, his physical strength is doubled, putting most opponents at a disadvantage—but…
Rin and Takimo charged at John, attacking with everything they had. But John deflected and blocked each of their moves with ease. The two realized that while it wasn't necessary to defeat their opponent to pass this exam, both had resolved to win.
They needed this victory to prove their worth. Yet, no matter what they tried, John continued to evade and counter their strikes. With a single push, he sent them both sprawling backward.
Takimo:He pushed us back without even using his technique? Incredible!
Rin: TSK!! He's not using his technique. He's not taking this seriously at all!
Takimo: We need to figure out what his technique is if we want any chance of beating him. (eyes lighting up) Rin, I've got an idea.
John watched them from afar as he caressed his hair once more.
John: What are they planning now?
In an instant, he received his answer.
Takimo: [White: Flaming Arrow]
Rin: [White: Beast Synthesis- WOLF]
Takimo's plan was simple: he would fire an arrow at John while Rin rushed in to attack at the same time. John would have to block one of them, and if his technique could protect him from both, it would likely be revealed. If not, Takimo had reduced the flames on his arrow to avoid causing serious harm.
John of course figured out their plan right away.
John: (to himself) Two attacks at once, huh? Smart move. They're coming at me with such determination in their eyes. (smirks) Exciting. They're forcing my hand so it's only right if I respond accordingly…
As both the fire arrow and Rin closed in on John, something unexpected happened. Just before they reached him, both Rin and the arrow were slammed to the ground. In that instant, Rin and Takimo understood John's technique.
John: [WHITE: GRAVITY DISTORTION]
Takimo: Gravity?!
Rin struggled to rise.
Rin: Your technique is gravity?!
John: Yep. I've been holding it back so you two could have a fighting chance. But now you've forced my hand. So, what are you going to do?
John Leachson's technique, Gravity Distortion, grants him precise control over the gravitational forces in the space around him. Though its range is limited, anything caught within it is irresistibly pulled to the ground, leaving enemies powerless to resist.
A deceptively simple yet devastating ability, it showcases John's mastery over one of nature's most fundamental forces.
Rin realized that the force that pulled him to the ground was suddenly and then he finally stood up.
Rin: I'm working on it.
Takimo tried moving towards catching his teammate but Rin saw him coming and gestured for him to stop.
Rin: Stay back, Takimo! If you get any closer, you'll get caught in his gravitational field!
Takimo: I know that! But…
Rin: (to himself) I counted 19 seconds before I could move again. That means he can only maintain the gravitational pull for a limited time before needing to reset. I've got a window.
Rin resumed his assault, exchanging blows with John, who continued to block effortlessly. Takimo joined in, trying to support Rin as they attempted to gauge how long it would take for John to use his technique again.
John suddenly smirked.
John: (to himself) It's about time now.
Rin realized this a little too late.
Rin: Takimo, back away!
John: [WHITE: GRAVITY DISTORTION]
Both Rin and Takimo were caught in the gravitational pull once more, slammed toward the ground. But something strange happened.
While Rin was pinned, Takimo wasn't fully affected and it didn't take long to know why. The heat he radiated from his body, creating turbulence in the air around him.
As a result, the intense heat made the air dense, disrupting John's concentration. Since John's gravity control required focus, he couldn't fully pin Takimo.
Takimo, sensing this, generated a smokescreen,blinding John temporarily and grabbing Rin in the confusion as they went back to regroup.
Rin: (catching his breath) What just happened?
Takimo: The heat from my body interfered with his technique. He couldn't concentrate enough to slam me down like you.
Rin: That's... insane.
Takimo: It is. But it also gave me an idea on how to beat him.
Rin; Let's hear it.
Meanwhile, John realized that the heat was his weakness.
John: Damn... the heat from that kid is messing with my focus and my breathing. I never thought I'd run into a counter like this.
Suddenly, the smoke screen came up once more, this time more darker and thicker than the previous screen.
John: (to himself) More smoke? Are they trying to blind me again? I'll just use my technique—
John tried to activate his technique but the heat began to mess with his head and his vision began to blur.
John: What? I can't concentrate... It's the smoke... It's causing heat fatigue. If I'm exhausted, I can't use my gravity technique. Damn it!
Suddenly, Rin appeared from behind. John, sensing him, tried to defend and counter, but Rin grabbed him and used the NIKYO AIKIDO technique to lock him in a pin. As the smoke cleared, it was clear John had been caught.
Rin: (panting) This is our win.
John smirked.
John: Looks like I underestimated you two. You did great. Especially the fire kid, without him, you would've lost.
Rin: Yeah…
Rin then glanced at Takimo, who was lying on the ground from exhaustion.
John: You can let me go now.
Rin: Sorry.
Rin released John from the lock and then moved to Takimo who slowly sat up. Then he reluctantly offered to give him a hand.
Rin: You okay?
Takimo: I used too much of my Light energy, but I'll be fine.
Rin: I guess I should thank you. Your technique helped us win... So... thanks.
Takimo's eyes shone in surprise.
Takimo: Did you just thank me?
Rin: Shut up.
Takimo: Why are you embarrassed?
Rin: Shut up.
The spectators were thoroughly impressed by Rin and Takimo's performance. Many praised their teachers, Jason and Lisa.
Koichi: Your students are really impressive, Lisa.
Lisa: (playfully) Oh, stop! You're making me blush. All I did was talk to them. Jason did most of the work.
Koichi: Really?
Jason recalled Rin and Takimo's rocky start and couldn't help but smile.
Jason: I didn't think those two would ever get along. But I wanted them to, which is why I paired them for this exam. For someone who claims to hate kids, I did a pretty good job training them, huh?