---
The next day arrived with the scent of fresh dew on the training grounds, the air humming with anticipation. Ryo had gathered the team early, knowing they had little time left to prepare for Riser's inevitable challenge. Today, he planned to test everything Issei had learned, pushing him beyond his limits to ensure he was ready for any trick Riser might throw at them.
Issei stood across from him, fists clenched, his face set in fierce determination. Sona and Ophis watched from the sidelines, their gazes equally focused. Ryo knew this would be no ordinary session-it was a make-or-break moment for Issei.
"Alright, Issei," Ryo called, his voice carrying a mixture of encouragement and challenge. "Today's the final test. You're going to come at me with everything you've got. No holding back. If you can land a solid hit, we'll consider you battle-ready. Fail, and, well... let's just say I hope you've got a plan B."
Issei took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he settled into his fighting stance. "I'm ready. You're not going to go easy on me, are you?"
Ryo's smirk was all the answer he needed. "You wish."
---
The Final Test Begins
Ryo shifted into a defensive stance, allowing Issei to make the first move. Issei dashed forward, his movements faster and more precise than they'd been weeks ago. His fist aimed directly for Ryo's jaw, and for a split second, Ryo allowed himself to feel proud. But he wasn't about to let Issei get the upper hand so easily.
With a swift movement, Ryo sidestepped, grabbing Issei's arm and using his momentum to throw him off balance. Issei staggered but quickly recovered, coming back with a spinning kick aimed at Ryo's midsection.
"Not bad," Ryo taunted, blocking the kick with ease. "But you're still leaving yourself wide open. Come on, put some heart into it!"
Issei gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing with determination. He adjusted his stance and launched a rapid series of jabs, each one faster and more controlled. Ryo deflected them, smirking all the while, but even he noticed that Issei was getting dangerously close.
"That's it, Issei! Keep going!" Sona called from the sidelines, her voice filled with encouragement.
Ryo saw an opening and took it, sweeping Issei's leg out from under him. Issei hit the ground but rolled back onto his feet, determination undeterred. "You think a little trip like that's going to stop me?" he panted, fire in his eyes.
Ryo chuckled, clearly pleased. "Good. You're learning." He shifted, lowering his stance, and beckoned for Issei to come at him again. "One more time. Show me what you've got!"
---
A Moment of Breakthrough
Issei took a steadying breath, his gaze fierce. This time, he approached with a mix of caution and confidence, carefully watching Ryo's movements. He feigned a punch to Ryo's left, then quickly changed direction, aiming a low kick to his right side.
Ryo's eyes widened ever so slightly as he realized Issei was finally learning to anticipate his movements. The kick connected, forcing Ryo back a step. Issei didn't waste the opportunity, following up with a powerful punch that grazed Ryo's shoulder.
"Look at that! A hit!" Ryo exclaimed, grinning widely. "Didn't think you had it in you, but here we are."
Issei beamed, his chest heaving from the effort. "Told you I could do it!"
Ryo clapped him on the shoulder, the pride in his eyes unmistakable. "Well done, rookie. You're finally getting the hang of it. Keep this up, and Riser won't know what hit him."
Sona and Ophis applauded from the sidelines, their faces glowing with approval. Issei basked in their praise, his confidence clearly soaring. Ryo felt a strange warmth in his chest as he watched the younger fighter-a feeling that reminded him of the bonds he'd once cherished before his journey began.
"Alright," Ryo said, his voice a bit softer. "Take a break. You've earned it. But don't get too comfortable. We still have plenty of work to do."
---
Quest Completion
As they settled down for a well-deserved rest, a notification flashed in front of Ryo's vision.
---
Quest Complete: "Mastering the Craft"
Objective: Train a partner (Issei) to Level 5 in any skill.
Reward: 10,000 EXP, +10 to Teaching Skill.
Time Limit: One month.
---
Ryo grinned as he felt a surge of energy run through him. Opening his status screen, he was eager to see how his progress had paid off.
---
Status
Name: Ryo Uchiha
Race: Human
Level: 114
Bloodline: Uchiha (Awakened)
Title: Ouroboros Dragon God's Mate, Werewolf Slayer, Silent Killer
HP: 220,000 / 220,000 (+28,000 per min)
Chakra Capacity: 265,000 / 265,000 (+97,000 per min)
EXP: 2,800 / 75,000
STR: 765
END: 580
INT: 935
AGI: 735
CHR: 87
Points: 118
Money: [∞]
---
Skills
Fireball Jutsu [100 / 100]
Swordsmanship [100 / 100]
Void Manipulation [81 / 100]
Ice Style: Twin Dragon Blizzard [30 / 100]
Lightning Blade [50 / 100]
Sharingan [3 Tomoe]
Perception Enhancement
Copy Technique
Teaching [30 / 100]
Partners: Sona, Ophis
---
Ryo smirked, noting his Teaching skill's increase. He looked over at Issei, who was currently busy explaining his hard-won battle strategies to a very amused Sona. The progress he'd made wasn't just a number on a status screen-it was tangible, real, and part of something greater than himself.
---
The Calm Before the Storm
As they packed up for the day, Ryo pulled Sona and Ophis aside. "We're close," he said, his voice serious. "Issei's improved a lot, but we can't afford to let our guard down. Riser won't play fair."
Sona nodded, her expression resolute. "We'll be ready. Whatever Riser brings, we'll face it together."
Ophis gave Ryo a rare smile. "You've changed, Ryo. You're not just a fighter anymore. You're... a leader."
Ryo rolled his eyes, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Yeah, yeah, don't get sentimental on me. Let's just focus on what's coming."
But as they left the training grounds, he couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. The bonds he'd built, the trust he'd earned-it was worth every sarcastic remark, every moment of training, and every step he'd taken to get here.
Whatever the future held, Ryo knew they would face it together, stronger and more united than ever before. And this time, he wasn't just a lone warrior; he was part of a team-a family.
With a final glance at his friends, he felt a fierce determination ignite within him. Riser didn't stand a chance.