underground fights.

Fighting against Kei was like facing off with a predator. His style was driven more by a relentless urge to improve. Sometimes his arms moved with thunderous force, other times his approach was solid and adaptable, always shifting to suit the moment. Adaptation wasn't about conforming to any single style—it was his way of making every strike count. His fists flew in a rapid blur.

The young fighter's clothes were torn, and he bled from one eyebrow, blurring his vision. His body was littered with wounds, which had become normal every time he trained with Ogata or others, pushing himself to the limit. It was in those extreme moments that he grew stronger. But the more he unleashed his inner beast, the more his bloodlust surfaced, reflected in his unsettling calm.

This bloodlust was what drew Ogata to train Kei. That dual nature—Ogata called it the true face of Kei. The blows were like lightning; Kei could barely see them, yet they only inflicted controlled damage. Kei dodged or blocked some, gradually adjusting to the speed.

Before sunset, Kei would take injections designed to enhance recovery and physical resilience. Kei's bones were like medieval armor, each one capable of withstanding Ogata's crushing strength.

-I've got an underground fight in two hours,- Kei mentioned.

-Two hours? You're fighting in this condition? - Ogata asked, more excited than concerned. Fighting in such conditions… the path to greatness was unforgiving.

-It's better this way. During combat, I learn the most about myself. Besides, I want to push your Seido Gou technique to its limit by using it in ten-second bursts. I can take it further during a real fight, - Kei replied.

Ogata laughed heartily, thrilled by the prospect.

-Let's call it a day. In just three days, you've made huge progress. Now you need to master what you've learned, and then we'll talk about your training again—if you survive, that is, - Ogata added playfully. The man was relentless, always plotting new challenges and tests to push Kei's limits.

-Whatever, - Kei muttered, heading toward the city, his expression hard.

...

As a rule, Kei would fight and then connect with people who led him to more high-stakes underground matches. So far, the highest level he'd reached was the Kengan Arena fights, and he had a match tonight. The trials kept coming.

-I'll be there in half an hour, - Kei said, sprinting at high speed. Tonight, he'd be up against a Sentory fighter, a well-established company within the Kengan Association. He'd be facing an older man who practiced Bartitsu.

It could be Mokichi Robinson, or maybe another fighter from the clan. The Robinsons were a dedicated clan who had represented Sentory for generations—each a skilled fighter. Their Bartitsu was a unique blend of classical Japanese martial arts, jujutsu, and bare-knuckle boxing, developed to absorb the techniques of their opponents.

-I'll pick you up. This time, your opponent is dangerously skilled. He's fought 35 matches and lost only two. This isn't a test, but we're negotiating a piece of land; I want an assembly plant, and they want a brewery. Winning would help, but it's not essential, - Houro Tomari explained, laying out the stakes. He assured Kei that victory wasn't a must, but he knew Kei's pride wouldn't let him lose easily.

Kei nodded as he reached the city, his feet, and hands wrapped in rough bandages. Blood spattered his training uniform, and he slipped into the metro, leaping the turnstile. Within twenty minutes, he'd be at the location.

His inner fire burned brightly. Thoughts of Miu flooded his mind again—how much he loved her. Everything reminded him of her, from a child running by to fruits, cats, the color violet. She was wonderful; his strength stemmed from the silly blonde who held his heart in her hands. Beside her, the beast within was just a tamed tiger. She was one of the most beautiful women he knew.

He fought for her, for his freedom, for power, for survival, and to face the troubles that seemed to tighten around his neck.

...

Runna felt sad because she hadn't seen her favorite brother in a long time, though she tried to hide it. For now, she was determined to act smart, taking Apachai to the park, so he'd later take her to get sweets. That way, she'd gain the most.

-Runna, time to do your homework, - Miu said, dressed in a cute outfit.

Runna clutched her head, realizing her great plan had failed. Now she'd have to do her homework. She didn't want to do homework—she hated literature. She tried to refuse, but Miu lifted her and took her to work.

-Come on, I'll help you with your homework, - Miu said, taking Runna's hands. Her red hair was similar to Kei's, and being with Runna was like being close to him.

They began working on her assignments, with Miu helping her with kanji practice while Runna focused on improving her handwriting. They shared a tender sisterly moment, and the blonde couldn't resist hugging her sweet little sister.

-I'm choking, Imoto-chan, - Runna gasped.

-You're so adorable, sometimes I just have to love you with all my heart, - Miu laughed, hugging her again.

-So, you're going to do my homework then?-

-No… Runna has to learn to do her kanji on her own, - Miu replied.

-Runna doesn't want to learn dumb kanji! I had plans to play with Apachai and my cat, - Runna insisted, crossing her arms with all the seriousness of a child who believes they're wise. Miu smiled but made her finish all her work. Runna's grades were the highest in her class, averaging between 92 and 95, a testament to her brilliance. The cost of her education and materials was high, all paid for by Kei, a thought that gave Miu butterflies. Everything in Runna's room was new—from her stuffed animals to her bed and dresses.

Runna insisted it was all thanks to her older brother's fondness for her, but she only shared this with Miu and Apachai when they played in the sandbox.

-You're free to go play now, - Miu said, closing Runna's bag and organizing her things for tomorrow, making the girl happy to be done with her chores.

-Apachai, let's go play!- Runna cheered.

-Apa! -

The little redhead dashed down the hall where Apachai, the giant, swept her up in a single leap and took her to the park. As Chia Kazama prepared dinner, Miu felt a sense of freedom from all the responsibilities. Her recent training sessions had reignited her passion, and her grandfather looked on with renewed interest in her determination to improve.

-Oh, mother! - Kenichi shouted, falling into one of Akisame's traps, designed to improve his physical condition. It always made him yelp as he practiced, jumping between posts and water-filled pots, darting from side to side in quick kicks and different stances.

The logs were two meters off the ground, and the Furinji style had some ninja-like qualities.

"Be strong! For my future kids!"

She blushed so hard she nearly dropped the ceramic jars. Grabbing her cheeks in embarrassment, she twisted mid-air, caught the jars, and resumed her training.

...