The morning sky burned a bright gold, clouds drifting lazily as if unaware of the intensity about to unfold on the training grounds. The air buzzed with anticipation, every step Ryju took crackling with adrenaline.
It's finally today... The sparring matches.
He looked around at his companions—some stretching, others meditating. All of them preparing in their own way.
"What's the training today, Spiritual King?" Ryju asked, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear it aloud.
The old master stood with his arms crossed, his presence as still and commanding as a mountain.
"Today's training is sparring."
"Between us?" Rei asked, eyes narrowing.
"Yep," he confirmed. "You'll be matched up against each other. Here's the lineup: Rei vs. Shun, Goro vs. Kenshiro, and last but not least—Ryju vs. Kuroyami."
Ryju cracked his knuckles, a slow grin spreading across his face. So I battle last... Good. I get to watch first.
"Matches start in ten minutes. Warm up and focus," the Spiritual King ordered.
Rei tied her hair back. "Don't go easy on me just 'cause I'm a girl."
"Believe me," Shun said with a smirk, "I'm not."
Kuroyami crossed his arms. "Going against Ryju… this is perfect. I can finally prove my strength."
"Man... I wanna go home," Kenshiro muttered, already regretting his existence.
"I'm fighting him?" Goro blinked. "Great..."
The ten minutes passed in a heartbeat.
The Spiritual King raised his voice."Time's up. First match—Rei vs. Shun!"
The crowd took their places in a wide field of grass. The wind had calmed, as if the world itself was watching.
"Let me explain the rules," the Spiritual King announced. "All battles take place within this open area. If you're down for more than ten seconds, you lose. That's it. Now... Begin!"
Rei grinned. "Ready?"
"When you are," Shun replied.
They bolted forward at the same time.
"AHHH!""AHHH!"
"Full Body Spiritual Force!" they shouted in unison, their auras flaring to life—silver and green clashing midair.
Shun lashed out with a swift kick.CLACK! Rei blocked with her forearm.
"Not bad," she said, steadying herself.
"I know," he replied, his tone cocky.
"Then take this!" Rei shouted. "Full-body punch!"
Shun ducked and sidestepped."Too slow. Even a baby could dodge that. Let me show you real speed."
"Huh?!" Rei blinked. "Where'd he go—"
"Up top! Speed Kick!"
THWACK! The blow landed squarely on her shoulder, knocking her back.
"Oof—that one hurt," she admitted.
From the sidelines, the Spiritual King narrowed his eyes.She could've dodged that… What is she planning?
"Come here!" Shun shouted, charging again.
But Rei didn't move.
She smiled.
"Have you noticed something?"
Shun hesitated, his instincts screaming."What are you talking about...?"
And then—
"Got you."
A second Rei exploded out from beneath the ground, her fist flying straight into Shun's chin.
"Uppercut!"
"W-What?!" Shun staggered. "Who's the real one?!"
"A true ninja never shares her techniques," Rei said cheekily.
Shun growled, wiping blood from his lip. "That's funny. Because I'm ending this now."
They sprinted toward each other again.
"Full-body punch!"
"Full-body punch!"
BOOM!A shockwave rippled across the field from their clash.
Rei skidded back, eyes darting."Not bad—"
But Shun vanished again.
"Behind you."
Rei spun, smirking."Think you can land the same trick twice?"
WHAM!
A clone dropped from above, smashing Shun into the ground.
"Ugh—these clones... are so annoying!" Shun grunted.
"Still standing?" Rei teased. "Then try this—Spiritual Clones!"
POOF! Three more copies of Rei appeared, encircling Shun.
"Secret Attack—Four Clone Style: All-Around Punch!"
Shun's eyes darted wildly."One from the top… one from below… one in front… one behind—I'm trapped!"
He roared."I'm not going out without a fight! SPIRITUAL PUNCH!"
Fists flew. Rei and her clones surged in, fists striking like thunder.
Shun fought back, but the numbers overwhelmed him.
"Gah!""AHHH!"
His knees gave out.
The Spiritual King counted."1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... 9... 10."
Silence fell.
"Winner: Rei!"
The others clapped and cheered. Rei stood tall, panting, but smiling wide.
"Let's go! I won!"
Ryju jogged over."Shun, you good?"
"I think so..." he groaned, still catching his breath.
The Spiritual King nodded, satisfied."Well done, Rei. You fought smart—trapped your opponent and took advantage of his overconfidence. That was impressive."
"Thank you," Rei replied, beaming.
The master stepped forward again."Now prepare yourselves... The second match is about to begin. Goro vs. Kenshiro!"