Morning didn't feel like morning.
It felt like punishment.
Benji's eyes opened slowly.
A groan escaped his lips as he tried to move.
Pain surged through his arms.
His legs felt heavy.
Bruised.
Sore.
He pushed himself up—
And nearly collapsed.
"Pain means yesterday worked."
The mentor's voice came from outside.
Calm.
Unbothered.
Benji stepped out of the dojo.
Before he could fully adjust—
Cold water crashed over him
"Cold wakes instincts."
Benji was angry but still he nodded.
The mentor dropped a heavy sack in front of him.
"Carry this up to the city's mountain. "
Benji bent down.
Lifted it—
His body shook instantly.
Heavy.
Too heavy.
The mentor had already started walking.
Not even looking back.
Benji followed.
The mountain path was rough.
Steep.
Each step felt heavier than the last.
Sweat ran down his face.
His breathing became uneven.
His shoulders burned under the weight.
Suddenly—
The mentor stopped.
Raised his hand slightly.
"Listen."
Benji froze.
His breath slowed.
A faint sound—
Rustling.
From the bushes nearby.
His body tensed.
Eyes sharp.
Ready—
A bird burst out.
Flying away.
Benji exhaled.
Relief.
"Fear sharpens you."
The mentor's voice remained steady.
A pause.
"But panic kills you."
They continued walking.
Back at the dojo—
No rest.
A sudden impact.
The mentor's hand struck Benji's shoulder.
Benji stumbled.
Lost balance.
"In real fights—no warning."
A punch came next.
Slow.
Controlled.
Benji tried to block—
Too late.
A light hit landed on his ribs.
Pain spread instantly.
He coughed.
"Blocking isn't enough , try to attack me."
The mentor stepped to the side.
Effortless.
Precise.
"Position wins fights."
Benji watched closely.
Then—
Tried to copy.
Another strike came.
This time—
He moved.
Not perfect.
But enough.
The attack missed.
The mentor nodded slightly.
Later, they walked through the town.
The streets were quieter now.
But something felt different.
From an alley—
Three men watched.
Silent.
Still.
Benji noticed them.
Their eyes.
Their intent.
Before he could react—
The mentor gripped Benji's wrist lightly.
"Don't stare."
Benji looked forward.
Calm.
Controlled.
Behind them—
The men whispered among themselves.
One spat on the ground.
The mentor's jaw tightened.
Just slightly.
Night fell.
Candles lit the dojo.
Soft light flickered across the wooden floor.
A cloth covered Benji's eyes.
Darkness.
"Feel movement."
The mentor stepped silently.
No sound.
No warning.
Benji turned—
Wrong direction.
A light hit on his head.
Tap.
"Again."
Second attempt.
Benji slowed his breathing.
Focused.
A shift in air.
A faint presence.
He moved—
Closer.
Better.
The mentor stopped inches away from him.
He learns fast.
The blindfold was removed.
Benji's chest rose and fell rapidly.
Sweat covered his face.
The mentor sat down.
Serious now.
"Fighters like you can have a fight or trouble anytime"
Benji listened.
Carefully.
"If danger comes…"
A pause.
"…you don't freeze."
"…you don't run blindly."
"…you think."
Benji nodded.
Firm.
Certain.
The mentor looked at him.
"Tomorrow, is your final and real test."
Benji clenched his fist.
Night deepened.
Silence covered the dojo.
Outside—
Shadows moved.
Quiet.
Careful.
Figures approached slowly.
Hidden in darkness.
"Old man lives here."
A whisper.
"And the kid."
A faint, dangerous smile.
Inside—
Benji slept.
Unaware.
Storm approaching.