Morning at Shizuoka High felt normal.
Too normal.
Students chatted in the halls. Some rushed to class. Others slept on their desks like the world didn't exist.
But in the courtyard behind the gym…
Things were different.
Kaito stood across from Takumi, sweat already forming on his forehead.
Today was different.
Today wasn't basic drills.
Today was real sparring.
The First Lesson: Martial Arts Matter
Takumi stretched his shoulders.
"You've been training randomly," he said.
Kaito blinked.
"Randomly?"
Hiroki leaned against the fence.
"Yeah. Punching and kicking without a system is just street fighting."
Keisuke adjusted his glasses.
"Real fighters train with styles."
Shun grinned.
"And today, we introduce you to the world of martial arts."
Kaito's eyes widened.
"Wait… you guys actually use martial arts?"
Takumi smirked.
"Of course."
He raised his stance.
Feet light.
Guard tight.
"This is Kyokushin Karate."
Takumi's Style — Kyokushin Karate
Takumi demonstrated.
A short step forward.
Then—
BOOM.
A fast body punch slammed into the air with terrifying force.
"Kyokushin focuses on power and durability," Takumi explained.
"Hard strikes. Tough bodies. Straightforward fighting."
Hiroki pointed at him.
"This idiot once broke a training bag."
Takumi ignored him.
"Technique name: Iron Body Strike."
Kaito's jaw dropped.
"You guys have technique names?!"
Shun laughed.
"Of course. Makes fights cooler."
Hiroki's Style — Muay Thai
Hiroki stepped forward next.
He cracked his neck.
"My turn."
He raised his stance.
Different.
Loose shoulders.
Weight forward.
"This is Muay Thai."
He threw a quick combo.
Punch.
Elbow.
Then—
WHACK.
A devastating low kick.
Kaito flinched.
"That sounded painful!"
Hiroki grinned.
"Muay Thai is called the Art of Eight Limbs."
He lifted his elbow slightly.
"Technique: Thunder Elbow."
Keisuke's Style — Judo
Keisuke stepped forward calmly.
"My style is different."
He grabbed Shun's sleeve.
Before Shun could react—
WHOOSH.
Shun was flipped onto the ground.
"HEY!"
Keisuke adjusted his glasses.
"This is Judo."
"Instead of punches, I use throws and control."
He extended a hand.
"Technique name: Heaven Flip Throw."
Shun groaned from the ground.
"Yeah yeah… very heavenly…"
Shun's Style — Taekwondo
Shun jumped up dramatically.
"My turn!"
He spun.
WHOOOSH.
A fast spinning kick sliced through the air.
"This is Taekwondo."
Kaito blinked.
"That was fast…"
Shun grinned proudly.
"Speed and kicking power."
He pointed to his foot.
"Technique: Cyclone Kick."
Kaito's Realization
Kaito looked at all of them.
Different styles.
Different strengths.
Different techniques.
"…I don't have a style."
Takumi crossed his arms.
"Exactly."
James suddenly appeared behind them.
"Which means it's time to build one."
Kaito turned quickly.
"You're finally teaching me a style?"
James nodded.
"But not just one."
Everyone looked confused.
James smiled slightly.
"You're going to learn multiple foundations."
He pointed at each fighter.
"Power from Kyokushin."
"Striking from Muay Thai."
"Control from Judo."
"Speed from Taekwondo."
Takumi raised an eyebrow.
"You're creating a hybrid fighter."
James nodded.
"Exactly."
Important Fighters of Shizuoka
Hiroki suddenly smirked.
"Speaking of fighters… Kaito should know the real monsters here."
Takumi nodded.
"There are five names you should remember."
He raised his fingers one by one.
1. Ren Ishikawa — The Silent Wall
Third-year. Strategic fighter. Unknown full style.
2. Takumi Hayato — The Iron Fist
Kyokushin powerhouse.
3. Hiroki Sato — The Storm Striker
Muay Thai specialist.
4. Keisuke Tanaka — The Gravity Master
Judo throw expert.
5. Shun Mori — The Cyclone Kick
Shun bowed dramatically.
"Thank you, thank you."
Kaito laughed.
"But… what about that guy from yesterday?"
Hiroki's smile disappeared.
"You mean Shiro Kurogane."
Takumi nodded.
"Yeah."
James crossed his arms.
"That guy…"
"…is a real problem."
Kaito swallowed.
"What style does he use?"
James answered quietly.
"Nobody knows."
The courtyard went silent.
The First Real Fight
Suddenly—
A voice shouted from the entrance.
"HEY!"
Everyone turned.
A second-year delinquent stormed into the yard with two friends.
His face was bruised and angry.
"Hoshino!"
Kaito froze.
"Me?"
The boy pointed.
"You embarrassed my friend yesterday in the hallway!"
Oh no.
Takumi stepped aside.
Hiroki smirked.
"Well Kaito…"
"…looks like your first real fight is here."
Kaito's heart started racing.
This wasn't training.
This was real.
The second-year cracked his knuckles.
"Let's see if you're actually tough."
Kaito slowly raised his guard.
Hands shaking.
But this time…
He didn't run.