BAM!
The sound of the impact flew through the dojo, spreading among those watching around the tatami.
Asuka and Lili locked mid-strike — leg against arm — firm and focused.
Their muscles trembled from the effort, their eyes clashed in silence, and the respect between them spoke louder than any words.
Both stepped back almost at the same time, pushing off with leg and arm as if testing each other's strength and balance.
A satisfied smile curved their lips — defiant, yet full of admiration.
Then, almost in perfect sync, they dashed forward again. This time there were no feints — every attack met with a precise block or counter, a rhythm so fluid it seemed choreographed. The crowd was left speechless. Each blow shook the air, every impact sharp and measured, every motion a display of mastery and discipline.
Kaido stood motionless… fascinated. His eyes followed every detail, analyzing every strike, every reaction, absorbing it all with genuine awe.
That was when a deep voice drew everyone's attention.
"Excuse me…"
A man was walking slowly forward, leaning on a cane. The rhythmic tap of metal against the wooden floor spread through the hall.
As he approached, the dojo members bowed respectfully:
"Master!" shouted a young man to the right.
"Sensei!" came a woman's firm, respectful voice.
"Shichō!" said an elder practitioner, bowing deeply.
"Shihan!" echoed another, low and solemn.
"Mestre…" others repeated in unison — a wave of reverence sweeping through the dojo.
Kaido, noticing the man's presence, also bowed, his expression softening with genuine respect.
The two girls continued exchanging blows — swift, sharp, and precise — their footsteps marking a rhythmic pattern across the tatami.
Lili threw a straight punch toward Asuka's face, but Asuka sidestepped swiftly, extending her arm for a Mist Palm Thrust.
The blonde reacted instantly, spinning into her Feisty Rabbit — as if she had predicted the counter.
And then, mid-motion, something behind Lili caught Asuka's eye.
Her focus vanished in a blink.
Lili froze mid-attack the moment she noticed. The change in Asuka's face wasn't distraction — it was shock.
The man leaned slightly on his cane and spoke, his tone firm yet warm.
"Go on, my daughter… don't stop."
Her heart skipped.
Asuka stumbled forward, dropped her stance and ran, the quick patter of bare feet carrying urgency.
"Otousan!"[1] she cried, grabbing his shoulders, her voice trembling. "You shouldn't be standing! You need to rest!"
"Bah…" he replied, adjusting the cane with a calm smile. "I've spent too much time sitting. And with all this excitement? There's no way I could stay still."
Asuka took a deep breath, trying to contain her emotions, and hugged him gently, as if afraid to hurt him. But she couldn't hold back — tears began to fall.
Mr. Kazama placed a hand on her head, stroking her hair softly.
"There, there, my dear… no need to cry."
She sniffled and lifted her face.
"But, Father…" she began, but he hushed her, wiping her tears away with his thumb.
"Shh… it's all right, Asuka." He breathed deeply, his gaze calm but heavy with memories. "Forgive me… after my leg ended up like this, I let myself drift. I should've been there for you."
She shook her head quickly, guilt tightening her chest.
"No, Father… it's my fault! If I had won… none of this would've happened!"
The man gently raised her chin, his touch firm but tender.
"Asuka, this isn't your burden to carry," he said with conviction. "Even the strongest fall. What matters is what they do after."
He brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, his eyes calm and full of affection.
"Do you see it, my daughter?" he murmured. "You're still here… standing tall."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"You've grown stronger," he said softly, proud. "And more and more like your mother… determined and beautiful."
His words wrapped her in paternal warmth.
She lowered her gaze, breathing deeply, and let out a trembling laugh — a mix of emotion and shy relief.
"Tousan…" she murmured, unable to say more.
He rested his hand on her head again, just as he used to when she was a child, then nodded silently, letting the gesture speak for him.
For a moment he kept his eyes on her… then slowly turned to Lili. The weight of the moment seemed to still him.
When he spoke, his tone carried paternal recognition.
"Miss Rochefort," he said gently. "You've given my daughter the chance to show how much she's grown. You have my gratitude. You're a fighter worthy of respect."
The dojo fell silent. Everyone turned to Lili.
The blonde kept her expression serene, though her gaze faltered for an instant.
Then, in an unexpected gesture, she bowed gracefully before Master Kazama.
"It's an honor to hear such words from a master," she said low, but firm.
The entire dojo seemed to hold its breath.
Few could have imagined Lili Rochefort — proud and imperious — bowing to anyone, let alone Asuka's father.
Kaido, standing behind them, watched quietly.
His eyes followed Lili, curious, but without judgment.
For a fleeting moment, her unusual demeanor made him recall something.
Is that why she asked me that favor…?
He frowned slightly, lost in thought.
Asuka hugged her father again, squeezing tightly, her heart overflowing.
Mr. Kazama, catching his breath, looked around and noticed the dojo crowded with students.
"Asuka… why are there so many people here?" he asked, surprised. "It's been years since I've seen the hall this full."
One of the assistant instructors scratched his head.
"Ahem… it seems someone's been spreading word about some special training sessions."
"Special… training?" the master repeated, frowning as he turned toward his daughter.
Asuka blushed — embarrassed and annoyed — then turned around, scanning the room for the culprit.
"It's that boke's fault!" she yelled, pointing straight at Kaido.
"Eheheh… I can explain!" he stammered, breaking into a cold sweat.
Mr. Kazama chuckled softly.
"Hm… I should've known." He straightened, leaning on his cane. "Our little agent of chaos."
Kaido laughed nervously, scratching his neck.
"Hey, that's not fair, Master! I just… keep things lively, you know?"
"'Master?'" Mr. Kazama raised an eyebrow. "Since when did we get back to formality?"
Kaido straightened up, smiling genuinely.
"You're right, Kazama-jii-san."
"'Jii-san,' huh? You brat, do I look that old? Asuka?"
The master laughed quietly, and even Asuka couldn't hide her smile.
Lili, watching the scene with her usual composed elegance, took a small step back.
"Well… I suppose it's time for me to go."
Asuka turned immediately.
"Matte!"[2] she said, frowning. "What about our duel?"
Lili glanced over her shoulder, golden hair cascading like silk.
"Hmph… I can always slap you around another day, ma chérie."
"Smug…" Asuka grumbled, crossing her arms.
Mr. Kazama looked at Lili and gave a slight nod.
"Thank you… for being such a good friend to my daughter."
Lili froze mid-step. Those simple, sincere words struck deeper than she expected.
Kaido and Asuka watched, waiting for her usual irony reaction — but Lili simply turned toward the master, bowed quietly, and walked away.
The crowd parted, and for a moment, as she crossed the hall, silence followed her steps.
Kaido and Asuka exchanged a look of surprise.
Then realization hit Asuka — her father's last words echoing in her mind. Her face turned crimson.
"Otōsan!" she shouted, blushing to her ears. "Tomodachi nanka janain dakara! (She's not my friend or anything!)"
Kaido tried to hold back a laugh but failed — a small "pfft!" escaped.
Asuka turned around in a flash, eyes blazing.
"Oh, you think that's funny?" she snapped, walking forward, hands on her hips.
"N-no, of course not…" Kaido coughed, turning his face aside while Mr. Kazama shook his head, amused.
"Ahh, Asuka…" the master chuckled. "You're just like your mother."
A faint blush crept up her cheeks.
"B-baka…" she muttered under her breath.
Her father's calm laughter filled the dojo.
The assistant instructor approached him, hesitant.
"Master… what should we do with all these people? Some of them said there'd be a special training with Miss Asuka."
The master raised his eyebrows, amused.
"Hm?" he murmured, glancing at Kaido — who was already trying to slip away.
Asuka grabbed him by the collar.
"Don't even think about it! You're going to explain your mess properly!"
- - -
A few minutes later, Kaido finished his rambling, gesticulated explanation — and Mr. Kazama burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha! That's unbelievable!"
"Tousan!" Asuka frowned. "This isn't funny!"
Still smiling, the master lowered his voice so only those nearby could hear.
"Well… since we're already here, we can't exactly send everyone away, can we?" he said, thoughtfully, adjusting his cane.
He looked around, observing the attentive faces.
"Perhaps we should run a few tests. That way we'll see who truly has the spirit to learn… and the dojo can grow again, slowly and properly."
He turned to his daughter, his gaze serene.
"And you, my dear… can focus on yourself, without worrying so much about me."
Kaido and the senior instructor nodded enthusiastically, while Asuka sighed — already imagining the work ahead.
"If anyone saw all these people," Kaido said, trying to lighten the mood, "they'd think the Kazamas were building an army."
One of the younger students laughed.
"He's right! It really looks like it!"
Asuka elbowed Kaido and glared at the other boy.
"Even you, Isoshi?!"
Mr. Kazama raised his hand, calling for silence. The hall quieted almost instantly.
"Thank you all for coming," he began, his voice steady yet gentle. "It's good to see the dojo full once more."
He looked around, meeting every pair of eyes.
"But unfortunately, we can't accept everyone. It would be selfish of me to try. The dojo doesn't have the space or the structure… and it would only hold back those who truly wish to grow."
Some exchanged uneasy looks, but the master's tone remained calm.
"This isn't rejection," he said firmly. "It's opportunity. If you truly wish to learn to defend yourselves, show your determination. The dojo will always have room for those who fight with heart."
The crowd murmured in approval, soft applause spreading.
Beside Asuka, Kaido leaned in, whispering:
"See? In the end, it all kinda worked out."
Asuka rolled her eyes, sighed, then pinched his ear.
"One day, I swear I'll kill you for these crazy ideas, kono baka!" she grumbled angry and embarrassed.
Mr. Kazama chuckled quietly, leaning on his cane.
"Asuka… be kinder to him," he said with a teasing smile. "Keep it up and he might just fall for you. That's how I fell for your mother, you know."
The dojo erupted in laughter.
Kaido turned bright red, hiding his face, while Asuka choked in embarrassment.
"O-OTŌSAN!" she cried, blushing to her ears.
[1] Father!
[2] Wait!