Chapter 3: Dynamite Flaw

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In the heart of a vast training arena, surrounded by towering walls adorned with ancient tapestries, an aura of anticipation hung heavy in the air. A circle had been cleared in the centre of the room, and in its midst stood me, poised for battle. Flanking me on either side were Inueo and Ryuji.

The first rays of dawn streamed through the high windows, casting a warm light that danced across the polished stone floor. The echo of leather boots against the ground signalled the commencement of the duel. The energy in the room shifted, electric with the promise of a fierce contest.

With a nod, the fight began. Inueo lunged forward with a swift combination of strikes. But my reaction was faster, my movements a harmonious blend of fluidity and precision. I deftly parried his blows, countering with a calculated strike that found its mark.

On the other side, Ryuji unleashed a flurry of attacks with his knife. Each swing was a testament to his agility and mastery, yet I navigated the storm of steel with ease. My reflexes were uncanny, my body moving with an innate understanding of the weapons' trajectory. With a deft twist, I disarmed Ryuji and left him momentarily defenceless.

The dance of combat continued my movements a symphony of calculated strategy and innate talent. It was as if I could predict every move they made, my instincts guiding me with impeccable accuracy. Inueo and Ryuji exchanged glances, a mix of surprise and admiration evident in their expressions.

As the minutes passed, my dominance became more pronounced. I seamlessly transitioned from defence to offence, my strikes calculated and impactful. Inueo attempted to grapple, but I smoothly twisted out of his hold, delivering a swift counter that left him off balance. Ryuji's attacks grew more desperate, yet I evaded his strikes with an air of unruffled confidence.

With a calculated sequence of moves, I disarmed Ryuji once more, his knife clattering to the ground. Inueo attempted to mount a final stand, but his stamina waned, and his defences faltered. With a fluid combination of strikes, I left him sprawled on the ground, his defeat evident.

Ryuji, catching his breath, gazed at me with a mixture of exhaustion and a begrudging smile. "You're on a whole other level," I admitted, his respect undeniable.

Inueo chuckled, rubbing his shoulder with a grin. "Yeah, it's like you have eyes in the back of your head."

I stepped back, my chest rising and falling with controlled breaths. "It's not about being better. It's about knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses."

"That was amazing Dad!" Hiro said tugging onto my sleeve. "How did you make it so easy?" He bombarded me with such a heavy question.

"Your father is the best fighter in the world. The world is just lucky that he never went pro." Ryuji ruffled Hiro's hair. Inueo added more confirmation to that as he nodded his head.

"The best fighter? Huh." Hiro chuckled tapping his chin. "How about I fight you?" He pointed at me.

Ryuji was the first to let out a whistle, as I obviously knew that he was curious to see how the fight would turn out. Though Inueo didn't show it, he wanted to see that fight happen as well. I too was curious to see how the fight would unfold.

Hiro was a young and determined fighter, eager to prove himself. It was about what had been long-awaited, a passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

"Alright then, let's begin shall we?" I grinned.

As the duel began, a playful grin tugged at the corner of my lips. I had sparred countless times before, each instance filled with a sense of mentorship and guidance. Today was no different – I would provide a challenge, but not one that would overwhelm my son. As the first moves were exchanged, I went easy, a calculated decision to gauge his abilities.

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