---
That evening, the team celebrated their victory back at the clubhouse, the air filled with a mix of relief and excitement. Issei had finally proven himself against Riser, and the taste of accomplishment was sweet.
As they gathered around, Sona poured drinks for everyone, raising her glass in a quiet toast. "To teamwork, and to overcoming obstacles," she said, her voice calm but laced with pride.
Issei grinned, raising his glass high. "And to Ryo, for his... uh, unique brand of training!"
Everyone laughed, and Ryo rolled his eyes, though a hint of pride softened his expression. "Cheers to me, huh? You'd better remember this the next time you're cursing me out during training, Issei."
"Oh, I will," Issei shot back. "But for tonight, I'm just glad I can finally hold my own against someone like Riser."
Ryo took a sip of his drink, leaning back with a rare look of satisfaction. "It's about time you gave me something to be proud of, considering all the bruises I've accumulated teaching you."
"Ryo," Ophis interjected, her gaze calm but curious, "are you ever going to admit you actually like being a mentor?"
Ryo scoffed, crossing his arms with a mock scowl. "Me? Enjoying this? You must be losing your grip, Ophis. I only do this for the endless amusement of watching Issei struggle. It's purely entertainment, nothing more."
Sona raised an eyebrow. "Oh, come on, Ryo. We all see how invested you've become. Admit it—you've gone soft."
Ryo groaned, throwing up his hands in mock defeat. "Alright, fine! I admit I… slightly enjoy seeing Issei not fall flat on his face every five seconds. But don't get used to this sappy side of me—it's strictly a one-time occurrence."
Issei laughed, his eyes gleaming with newfound confidence. "You know, Ryo, for someone who's 'strictly sarcastic,' you're actually not too bad of a mentor."
Ryo rolled his eyes, though a grin crept up on his face. "Don't push it, kid. Tomorrow, it's back to fifty push-ups if you so much as stumble."
As the night went on, they continued to share stories, jokes, and future plans. It was a rare moment of relaxation, one that reminded each of them why they fought so hard, and the bonds they shared.
---
The Next Day
Ryo arrived at the training grounds early, leaning against a tree and sipping his coffee as he waited for the others. The sun was barely up, casting a soft glow over the dew-covered grass. He didn't usually enjoy early mornings, but today felt different—more purposeful.
As Issei and the others joined him, Ryo smirked. "Alright, you've had your fun. Now, back to work. Today, we're moving on to endurance training. I hope you all enjoyed last night because from here on out, it's going to be brutal."
Issei groaned but took his place on the training field, determination etched across his face. "Bring it on. After facing Riser, I'm ready for anything."
Ryo chuckled, amused by the rookie's newfound confidence. "Oh, really? Let's see if you feel that way after running twenty laps. And just so you know, each stumble means an extra lap."
Issei's face fell slightly, but he nodded, taking off at a determined sprint. Sona and Ophis watched, amusement dancing in their eyes.
"Think he'll make it without collapsing?" Sona asked, glancing at Ryo.
Ryo shrugged, though his smirk never faltered. "We'll see. The kid's tougher than he looks, but that doesn't mean I'll make it easy for him. Improvement comes from discomfort, after all."
They watched Issei power through lap after lap, his resolve unwavering despite the sweat and exhaustion that began to show. Ryo's guidance had given him a new level of confidence, and each step he took was a testament to his growth.
---
Weeks turned into months, and Issei's progress was undeniable. He could now hold his own in sparring matches, his skills sharpened by Ryo's relentless (and sarcastic) training. Ryo's Teaching skill steadily climbed, reaching [20/100] as he refined his approach, learning to balance sarcasm with constructive feedback.
Yet, as their bond grew, so did the looming threats. Riser was only one of many enemies who saw Ryo and his friends as a challenge to be reckoned with. They'd become stronger, but the dangers had multiplied, and Ryo knew their next battle would be far more formidable.
One day, as they finished a particularly grueling training session, a shadowy figure appeared at the edge of the training grounds. Ryo's senses went on high alert as he stepped forward, his eyes narrowing.
The figure smirked, eyes gleaming with an unsettling familiarity. "Ryo Uchiha," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I've been waiting a long time to meet you."
Ryo crossed his arms, his face set in a grim expression as his hand instinctively rested on his weapon. "Sorry, but I don't usually do meet-and-greets with anyone who lurks in shadows. Who are you?"
The man chuckled, unfazed. "Let's just say I'm someone who has a score to settle with you—and a vested interest in taking down your little protege."
Issei tensed, standing beside Ryo, his fists clenched. "You'll have to get through both of us, then."
Ryo's smirk returned, a hint of anticipation sparking in his eyes. "Looks like you're in for a disappointment, then. Because if you think I'll let some two-bit villain ruin my student's hard work, you're more delusional than Riser."
With that, he shifted into a ready stance, his Sharingan flashing to life. "Alright, then—let's see what you've got. And I'll make sure to give my student here a front-row seat to the show."
The stage was set for a new battle, one that would test not only Ryo's strength but the resolve he'd instilled in Issei. Together, mentor and student stood ready, facing down a new enemy with the confidence they'd built over months of training. And with a final exchange of smirks, they charged forward, united by the bond of a teacher and his apprentice, ready to conquer whatever lay ahead.