As Zodiac trains with Jun, Akira and Haruka continue their practice. Suddenly, Akira is punched in the face and falls to the ground.
Akira: Ahh!
Fuming, Akira's anger flares.
Akira: THIS IS STUPID! I CAN'T EVEN HIT YOU! THIS TRAINING IS DUMB!
Haruka: GET UP! I'm not finished training you yet.
Akira punches the ground and rises.
Akira: Forget this training! I'm going to beat your ass!
Akira charges at Haruka, who looks shocked.
Haruka: H-hey, what are you doing?
Akira: Showing you how to really punch!
Just as Akira is about to strike Haruka, Rito appears in front of her.
Akira: (Shocked) UHHH!
Her punch lands squarely on Rito's face. A moment later, Rito takes a sip of his beer and locks eyes with her.
Rito: Training is done for today. (Smiles)
Akira: What!? Done!?
Haruka: We're done for the day?
Rito looks at her.
Rito: Yes, you can take a break.
He turns his gaze to Akira.
Rito: Are you going to take your fist off my face now?
Akira: It depends; are you going to make me do this stupid training tomorrow?
Rito: Yep, you have to do the same thing tomorrow.
Fuming, Akira swings at Rito, but he steps back, causing her to fall to the ground.
Akira: Hmpf!
Rito: As I said, you're done. Go get something to eat.
Akira: (Angry) No, I'm not going in to eat! I hate your dumb training! She was beating me up, and (with a fiery aura) all I could do was block!
Rito: Hit me.
Akira: What!?
Rito: Are you deaf? I said hit me.
Without hesitation, Akira attempts to strike him. Rito dodges again and kicks her in the stomach.
Akira: Agh!
She recovers and swings again. Rito catches her hands and bends them in a way that could break her grip.
Akira: AHHH!
Furious, Akira breaks free and attempts a leg sweep, but Rito remains unmoved. He then knees her in the face while still seated.
Rito: You see, Akira? You don't know how to block attacks because you let your anger take control!
Akira looks a bit shocked as she gets back up.
Rito: Akira, you're strong, but you fight like a wild animal. Your anger fuels you, which is good, but you can't let it control you. You become predictable. Once it takes over, you leave yourself wide open for someone to finish you off.
Akira: (Sighs) I don't know how to control it…
Rito: Yeah, no kidding.
Akira: Then how the hell do I control it?
Rito: Have you ever tried breathing?
Akira: Are you an idiot? I'm breathing right now!
Rito: No, not that kind of breathing. Have you ever tried calming yourself through breathing?
Akira: Well… no, I don't think so.
Rito: Okay then, that's what you need to work on.
Akira: How?
Rito: Like this.
Rito closes his eyes.
Rito: Strike me again.
Akira: Okay...
As Akira moves to strike, Rito inhales deeply. Time seems to slow as he senses Akira's fist approaching. He then sidesteps and deflects her hand, exhaling simultaneously.
Akira: What the heck! You had your eyes closed.
Rito: (Opening his eyes) It's called "Calming Pond." I learned this technique during my journey through the dimensions.
Akira: Calming Pond?
Rito: Yes, it's a technique where you move with each breath, but you must be completely calm and focused.
Akira: So how do you master it? Just by staying calm and breathing?
Rito: Of course not, you idiot. You master it by remaining calm, breathing, and staying focused.
Akira grows increasingly frustrated.
Rito: Now, like I said last time, go take a break or something. We'll continue this tomorrow.
Akira: Fine.
Akira begins to walk away.
Rito: Hey, can you tell the others I'm too tired?
Akira: No, that's your responsibility.
Rito: (Irritated) Asshole…
The scene shifts to Kono training with the monk, practicing Tai Chi. Rito observes Kono struggling to maintain his balance.
Kono: Damn it!
Monk: It's alright, just keep persevering.
Rito: You don't know how to keep your balance?
Kono: Huh? Oh, hey Rito… No, I'm not very good at it.
Rito: Do you see that rock beside you on the ground?
Kono looks down and notices the rock.
Kono: (Picking it up) Yeah, this one?
Rito: Yes. Is it heavy?
Kono: It's not heavy, but it does have some weight.
Rito: Good. Now, I want you to stand on one leg and hold the rock above your head.
Kono: Umm… alright.
Kono follows Rito's instructions.
Kono: What is the next step?
Rito: Maintain your grip and do not let it fall.
Kono: That doesn't sound too hard.
Rito: The monk is going to try to knock it from your hand.
Kono glances in the direction Rito is indicating and spots the monk.
Kono: Him?
Rito: Yes.
Kono: Okay, that shouldn't be too difficult!
The monk employs a sudoshi step and knocks the rock from Kono's hand.
Kono: Ugh! Hey! He used an ability!
Rito: Try again.
Kono: Hmm!
Kono retrieves the rock and holds it above her head, scanning her surroundings for the monk.
Kono: Where is he?
The monk appears behind her, prompting her to jump away.
Kono: Haha! I outmaneuvered you!
Another monk knocks the rock from her hand.
Kono: What!
Kono turns to see another monk.
Kono: That's not fair!
Rito: Many things are not fair, Kono. You need to learn balance, and this is one of the most effective methods to teach you. Now, pick it up again.
Kono picks up the rock once more and holds it above her head.
Kono: Let's try this again!
The monks attempt to knock the rock off as Kono hops around, dodging them.
Rito: There you go. Keep it up.
Rito walks away, revealing Daru, who is panting, sweating, and has blood dripping from his hands.
Rito: (sipping his beer) Ahhh! So, you only moved this thing a few inches?
Daru looks at Rito.
Daru: I can't do this in this stupid tracksuit!
Rito: Sure you can; it's not hard.
Daru: Rito! I'm not as strong as you! This is too freaking heavy!
Rito: Well, it's training; I don't know what you want me to say.
Daru: You don't need to say anything because I can't do this! I can't even relax my muscles; when I do, the weight pins me to the ground. Not to mention, this thing squeezes the life out of me!
Rito: Oh, right! I forgot that if you relax, it constricts you.
Daru: Yeah, I figured that out pretty quickly.
Rito: Well, you can't eat until you move all of these.
Daru: Wait, wait, wait! I can't eat! Rito, I can't go on like this! I'll die!
Rito: Then I guess you better start moving those boulders.
Daru: Ahhh! This is so dumb!
Rito begins to walk away.
Rito: Remember, strength shows itself in different ways.
Daru: What the hell does that mean?!
He gazes at the boulder.
Daru: Strength shows itself in different ways...
He begins to contemplate.
Daru: (Sighs) I'm going to regret this.
Daru relaxes as the tracksuit constricts him tighter, and blood drips from his hands as he starts to feel the pain.
Daru: Ah! Ahhh!
Daru positions his hands on the boulder and shouts, attempting to lift it.
Daru: AHHHHH! RAAROOOOHHHH!
Daru successfully lifts the boulder off the ground and begins to walk forward, aiming to cover 60 meters.
Daru: AHHHH! COME ON, DARU!
Daru continues pushing as his legs start to weaken.
Daru: NO, NO, NO! STOP! COME ON!
The boulder begins to lower slowly as Daru releases it and sets it down.
Daru: I can't even walk 10 meters! And this tracksuit is causing me to bleed more.
Zenshi: Daru?
Daru: Zenshi? What are you doing here?
Zenshi: I heard yelling and knew it was your voice.
Zenshi looks down and sees Daru's bloodied hands.
Zenshi: Oh my goodness! You're bleeding!
Daru: Huh? No, it's fine, really.
Zenshi: Are you sure?
Daru: Yes, don't worry.
Zenshi: Is this part of your training?
Daru: Yes, this stupid thing! I swear, he's the worst teacher!
Zenshi: (Chuckles) Listen, Daru, I know Rito isn't the best teacher, but one thing he excels at is pushing you. I've watched you train in the village every day!
Daru: Zenshi, I'm not sure I understand.
Zenshi: What I mean is that whatever he is putting you through, he wouldn't do it unless he knows you can handle it.
Daru's eyes widen slightly.
Daru: Hmm… Thanks, Zenshi.
Zenshi: You're welcome. Well, I need to get back to cooking dinner.
Daru: Yes… Okay.
As Daru resumes his training, Rito notices Himitsu struggling with his sword, which he drops to the ground. Rito approaches him.
Himitsu: Dang! This is so heavy!
Rito: Having a hard time?
Himitsu looks up and sees Rito.
Himitsu: Oh, Rito!
Rito: How is the sword treating you?
Himitsu: Not well. This sword you gave me is heavy, especially when I try to swing it.
Rito: As I mentioned before, the sword is made from a special mineral that makes it heavier than others.
Himitsu picks up the sword again, his arm trembling.
Himitsu: You said this sword has special abilities. Can you explain that?
Rito: (Sighs) I dislike explaining things, but sure. The sword Amitoi has several capabilities. It can absorb blood from anyone you cut and store it. The sword already contains vampire DNA that enhances its blood-absorbing ability. When you collect enough blood, you can activate Amitoi's abilities, which boost your speed, senses, and strength.
Himitsu: (Shocked) Really!? It can do that!?
Rito: Calm down. And yes, it's all due to the vampire blood in the sword.
Himitsu: (Eyes sparkling) Wow!
Rito: But since you're still getting used to the sword, I'll bring someone in to spar with you.
Himitsu: Wait, you are?
Rito uses Sudoshi and vanishes from Himitsu's sight, reappearing where Zodiac is training on the dummy, while Jun observes. Rito's sudden appearance causes Jun and Zodiac to turn their attention towards him.
Zodiac: Rito?
Rito approaches Jun and shares a special handshake.
Rito: How's it going, big man?
Jun: It's alright, just training this weakling over here.
Rito: (Laughing) Ah, I see.
Rito glances at Zodiac and notices the Wing Chun dummy positioned behind him.
Rito: So you're learning Wing Chun?
Zodiac: Yes, and?
Rito: (Shakes his head) You do realize you picked one of the hardest martial arts to learn, right?
Zodiac: You don't have to tell me twice. I know…
Rito: Just saying, kid.
Jun: Surprisingly, he is learning quite fast.
Rito: Oh really? How was your training with the other monk?
Zodiac: I hated it with every fiber of my being. But I feel a bit more durable than before.
Rito: Hmm. Let's put that to the test.
Rito swiftly approaches Zodiac and delivers a punch to his chest, sending him a few feet back. However, Zodiac remains steady, absorbing the impact better than he did previously.
Rito: (Clapping) Well, look at that. You managed to take a normal punch from me. What kind of training have you been doing?
Zodiac: That other monk had me lifting boulders, performing push-ups with weights on my back, and throwing punches at my body without blocking or dodging.
Rito: (To himself) Zatarians adapt quickly.
Zodiac: Umm?
Rito: Yeah, relax. Anyway, I need you for something. Come on.
Zodiac: For what?
Rito: Just come on.
Zodiac approaches Rito, who then glances at Jun.
Rito: I can take it from here, Jun.
Jun: Go right ahead.
Rito places a hand on Zodiac's shoulder and activates Sudoshi, causing both to vanish. Moments later, they reappear in front of Himitsu, who is taken aback.
Himitsu: What the...? Zodiac?
Zodiac: Why did you bring me to Himitsu?
Rito: (Smiling) You're going to be his sparring partner.
Zodiac: And what is the reason for that?
Rito: I gave Himitsu my old weapon, a blood sword called Amitoi.
Zodiac: You gave him a blood sword?
Himitsu: Yeah, Zodiac! Take a look!
Himitsu presents the sword to Zodiac, who steps forward to take it from him.
Himitsu: H-hey!
Rito: What do you think? I know you're into weapons yourself.
Zodiac: (Examining the sword) This sword has some weight for its size. Why is that?
Rito: That's because of the material it's made from.
Himitsu: And guess what! Rito told me it has special abilities!
Zodiac: Oh, really?
Himitsu: Yes! However, I must draw blood from others to activate its powers.
Zodiac: I see.
Zodiac begins to swing the sword at a moderate pace, performing various maneuvers.
Himitsu: How can you swing it that fast?
Zodiac: (Stops swinging) I don't know, maybe because you're weak.
Himitsu: What!?
Zodiac tosses the sword back to Himitsu, who catches it but nearly loses grip due to its weight.
Rito: (Laughing) Man, you're something else. But let's get to the point. As I said before, you guys will be sparring, and I want to see how Himitsu handles the sword. Just know that Zodiac won't hold back.
Himitsu: (Nervously) Huh!?
Zodiac: Fine by me.
Rito: However, Zodiac, you will not be using your weapons or powers.
Zodiac: What?
Rito: Yep. You'll rely on the martial arts skills you've been learning from Jun.
Zodiac: You're joking, right?
Himitsu: Wait, Zodiac was learning a martial art? That's new.
Rito: Yes. Now stop talking and face each other.
Zodiac and Himitsu stand opposite one another, preparing to engage, while Himitsu's body trembles nervously.
Rito: The goal is for Himitsu to land a strike on Zodiac. If you do that, the sparring match is over.
Himitsu: (Muttering to himself) I have to land a hit on Zodiac?
Zodiac: (Muttering to himself) Of course he would handicap me.
Rito: Now, let the battle begin!
Himitsu rushes forward as Zodiac assumes his fighting stance. Himitsu swings his sword, but Zodiac deflects it with his hands and arms. Himitsu attempts another slash, but Zodiac blocks it and responds with a quick punch to Himitsu's chest, pushing him back.
Rito: Excellent work. Keep it up!
Himitsu: Ugh! Come on!
Himitsu charges again, aiming for an overhead slash. Zodiac steps back to evade, causing the sword to strike the ground.
Himitsu: (Exhausted) This sword is too heavy!
As Himitsu struggles to lift it, Zodiac utilizes Sudoshi, appearing in front of him and delivering a punch to his face.
Himitsu: Argh!
Zodiac unleashes a rapid series of punches, compelling Himitsu to scramble to block them. Frustrated, Himitsu swings again, but Zodiac swiftly kicks his leg, causing Himitsu to lose his balance and miss the strike.
Zodiac: (To himself) He's swinging that sword so slowly. It makes him too predictable.
Himitsu: (To himself) How am I going to hit him if I can't swing faster?
Zodiac retreats a few feet.
Zodiac: You might as well give up. You're not going to hit me.
Himitsu: (To himself) Rito said the sword needs blood, right?
Himitsu extends his sword and grips the blade.
Rito: What is that kid doing?
As he grips the blade tightly, he pulls back, cutting himself, and his blood is absorbed into the sword.
Zodiac: What the hell?
The sword activates as Himitsu's pupils change and his teeth elongate. Moments later, Himitsu charges at Zodiac, moving swiftly, and slashes at Zodiac's chest, landing the blow before Zodiac can react.
Zodiac: Argh! What!
Rito: You finally did it.
Himitsu: I—I did it!
Himitsu's eyes and teeth return to normal as he begins coughing up blood.
Himitsu: (Coughing) What's happening to me?
Rito: You're experiencing withdrawals.
Zodiac's wound on his chest begins to fade.
Zodiac: Withdrawals?
Rito: When Himitsu activates the sword, the blood infuses his body, enhancing his speed. That's also why his appearance changed. The downside is that, since Himitsu is human, it can take a significant toll on his body, especially if he's not cautious.
Himitsu starts to smile joyfully.
Himitsu: That means I can finally use powers!
Rito: In a sense… yes.
Himitsu runs around, jumping with excitement.
Zodiac: What a weirdo.
Rito: (Looking at Zodiac) You not using your own weapons and fighting with your hands—not bad.
Zodiac: Yeah, whatever. If you hadn't held me back, I would have ended the fight before it even started.
Rito: (Laughing) I'm sure you would have, Zodiac.