Raiyokan and the Fibonacci Sequence

Chapter 3: Martial Arts, a Connection Between Diego and Kenzo

One way I found to cope with this unusual life was by creating a bridge between my life as a student and that of a warrior from another universe. I forged this connection by starting to practice martial arts, which I had begun about a year ago.

The Raiyokans mastered a fighting style very similar to Kung Fu. When I invoked my powers, it wasn't just supersonic strength and speed that manifested—I also gained mastery in martial arts skills I hadn't possessed as Diego. That was why I chose Kung Fu. This time, it wasn't just about being different; I could have chosen Jiu-Jitsu or Capoeira, more common fights here in Brazil, but Kung Fu recalled my former life.

Another significant aspect that helped me in practicing this martial art was the spirituality cultivated during my training. My master, a Buddhist, provided an environment where interacting with spiritual individuals helped me deal with my skepticism regarding the supernatural. This is an incoherence that escapes me in terms of explanation.

Upon entering Master Nakamura's academy, I left behind my identity as a Raiyokan; now, I was simply a novice martial artist, albeit with remarkable talent. I absorbed the movements easily, and my progress was above average. These skills did not stem from my origins as a reincarnated warrior, as I didn't use any extraordinary powers. Moreover, even if I could invoke my powers, I didn't, because when I transformed into a Raiyokan, my hair turned silver, as did my eyes.

Now, I shared something meaningful with Kenzo, understanding that Kung Fu represented not only a link between my two lives but also a tool to overcome the loss of my powers. I dedicated myself to training with renewed effort, especially since meeting Mariana; her presence inspired me even when she wasn't by my side.

My master noticed my performance and issued a challenge: a fight against Cris, a Muay Thai practitioner with a year and a half of training. In sparring sessions, I always lost to him, after all, I was about to complete only one year of practice. Although Cris was more experienced, refusing the challenge wasn't an option. Following Kenzo's footsteps meant not taking a stance contrary to the bond between the two phases of my life.

— You look confident — Cris commented as we prepared for the fight. — Has something changed?

— Maybe — I answered, thinking of Mariana. — I'm just more focused, I guess.

— Ready to take another beating? — Cris asked challengingly.

— We'll see who takes the beating today — I replied, staying calm.

The bell rang, marking the start of the fight. Even before I assumed my fighting stance, Cris advanced with a series of blows, unpredictably alternating between jabs and crosses.

— Scared? — he taunted as he threw the punches.

— Not at all — I replied, defending against the attack sequence while trying to recover from the surprise of the sudden assault.

Despite the surprise, I kept a determined expression, refusing to show any sign of weakness.

At that moment, Cris briefly paused his attacks, realizing he needed to act more cautiously to overcome my resistance.

— You're tougher than usual — he said, surprised. — Have you finally decided to train seriously?

I ignored the provocation, focused on the fight. His expression made it clear he understood the victory wouldn't be as easy and quick as he initially thought. Now, I wasn't the only one feeling fear.

The battle persisted, and Cris managed to connect a jab on me. In the next moment, he threw another punch without interruption, trying to hit me twice in a row. However, this time I reacted quickly, grabbing his fist with my hand and simultaneously delivering a precise kick to his stomach. This technique, characteristic of Wing Chun, allowed me to defend while counterattacking, giving the opponent no chance to block.

The clash was intense, both of us giving our best, and the competition remained balanced. Then, surprisingly, Master Nakamura shouted at us: "I want to see full power in every kick and punch! You're not using all your strength!" After this command, Cris seemed to find new energy. A series of crosses, jabs, and straights began connecting on my face.

Even delivering my blows, I noticed they no longer had the same effect. I channeled all my strength, but Cris seemed to anticipate every move. Confused, I didn't understand what had happened. Why had I started losing ground after my master's command? I felt I had a good chance of winning the fight, but something paralyzed me.

When I could no longer defend myself, he was free to deliver a solid punch to my chin, leaving me no chance, and I was knocked out. However, what happened next was revealing.

In my unconscious state, through a dream, I began recalling my former universe. It was a conversation I had with Mei, a spiritual guide for whom I had deep feelings. However, due to Raiyokan traditions, she could not marry, like all spiritual guides.

In the conversation, we discussed our spirituality. Mei expressed appreciation for my faith, highlighting that there weren't many warriors with devotion as remarkable as mine.

— Raiyokans are showing less and less interest in Tatsuya's principles, Kenzo.

— I've noticed that too, we're placing too much trust in our strength.

— Kenzo, never trust only your power. It creates a false sense of security.

— I know that, Mei. We know little about our universe, and I know there may be enemies more powerful than us.

— I want to share a concern that haunts me. — Mei paused worriedly before continuing. — The social turmoil we face... I can't explain it, but I feel we will have problems with it.

— Why do you say that? — I asked scared.

— I had a vision of a threat more powerful than any Raiyokan who has ever existed.

— More powerful than Tatsuya?

— Exactly. I'm sharing this only with you.

— If true, Mei, only the Fibonacci prophecy can save us.

— But Kenzo, except for you, I doubt anyone else believes in that prophecy. — Then she finished saying: — I don't want you to share this vision with anyone else. Promise me, please. It's our secret.

When Mei turned to leave, she looked back at me, somewhat embarrassed, blushing slightly. Then she said:

— Kenzo, there's something else I wanted to tell you, I... I...

She then fell silent as we exchanged glances, her face turning rosy. I felt my heart race, but she stepped back shyly saying, — I'm sorry, I don't know what I'm doing.

After revisiting these memories, I realized Mei also had feelings for me. However, I couldn't recall what the Fibonacci prophecy was. I was intrigued, wondering how someone as skeptical as I was could be the reincarnation of someone so full of faith as Kenzo.

After reliving these memories, I woke up on the tatami, already in the darkness of night, with about 20 minutes left before the academy closed. My master called me for a talk and explained that it was crucial I understood the reason behind my defeat against Cris. He concluded by stating that once I discovered why I lost, I would be able to unleash my full potential.

He then made an invitation, handing me a flyer, which I began reading immediately. The material said:

"Participate in the exciting Kung Fu Championship in December at the Invictus event, where challenging your own limits and conquering your fears is the key to victory. On this stage of skill and respect, the competition is with an opponent, not an enemy. Join us to elevate your fighting spirit and celebrate the true essence of Kung Fu."

After finishing the reading, Nakamura said I should participate, as this championship would help me maintain focus and develop my skills. By accepting the tournament challenge, I understood that, just as I had done with Cris, I should restrict the use of my powers solely to human abilities.

My master then said goodbye with one last imperative: "When you get home, your first mission is to discover why you lost today's battle."