Two weeks had passed since the teamThe Echo of Zukio's Lessons
Two weeks had passed since the team began their training. The process was grueling, but despite the hardships, they were improving—growing stronger, faster, and more refined with each passing day.
Renjiro watched from a distance, perched high in a tree. He didn't engage much with the others, except for Mira. He had been training her to be brave and confident, helping her overcome her doubts. Though she was still trembling with uncertainty at times, Renjiro could see the progress she was making. He couldn't help but remember the words Zukio had shared with him long ago.
Zukio's voice echoed in his mind:
"You should be strong, but calm. Control your power, or it will control you."
Renjiro turned his gaze toward Seth, who was in the middle of a training session. The force behind each of his strikes was immense, yet Zukio's voice continued to ring in Renjiro's mind.
Zukio's voice:
"You must know when to discern what is wrong and right. Precision matters. Your strength must be calculated, not reckless."
Seth was learning to control his wild power, and Renjiro could see the progress. His strikes were becoming more measured, more precise. Zukio's words were helping him evolve, helping him grow.
Renjiro's attention shifted to Yor. She was swinging her sword fiercely, swearing under her breath as she struggled to perfect each swing. Zukio's voice echoed once again.
Zukio's voice:
"Be precise in your actions. Your technique must always be refined. The sword is an extension of your will."
Yor was fiery in her movements, but Renjiro knew the importance of precision. She would get there with time, mastering each stroke until her form was flawless.
Renjiro's eyes moved to Lira, who was deep in the lava pit. The heat was unbearable, but Lira didn't falter. She was using the heat around her to fuel her strength. Zukio's words continued to guide Renjiro.
Zukio's voice:
"Even in the most intense heat, you must ignite your heart. Let it burn brightly, fueling your actions."
Lira's movements were deliberate, each one growing stronger as she pushed herself through the molten environment. Her heart, filled with determination, was the true source of her power.
Renjiro couldn't help but chuckle as his gaze shifted to Dante. Dante was in the middle of a playful skirmish with a deer. The two were circling each other, the deer making little snorts while Dante waved his arms as if having an argument with the animal. Every time the deer lunged, Dante would sidestep, only to stop and turn to lecture the creature as though it understood.
Zukio's voice echoed once more:
"Even if you are strong, always be kind. Your strength is not just for yourself. Let it shine for others."
Dante was laughing, and the deer seemed to be following his rhythm, trying to mimic his movements. Renjiro couldn't help but chuckle as he watched the absurdity of it all—two beings, seemingly in a playful duel, each trying to outwit the other. They were having an argument without words, but the energy between them was real.
Finally, Renjiro's gaze returned to Mira. She was still shaking, still uncertain, but her determination was growing. She was trying her best, just as Zukio had always encouraged.
Zukio's voice:
"And if the world is on your back, even if they are against you, be brave. Fight for what is right."
Renjiro smiled softly as he looked at Mira, who was slowly standing taller, trying to master her own fear and doubts. His heart swelled with pride as she made progress, fighting for herself, just as Zukio had taught him to fight for what is right.
Zukio's voice continued:
"Renjiro, even if you are strong, always be kind. Your strength is not just for yourself. Let it shine for others."
Renjiro looked down at his sword, his fingers brushing lightly against the hilt. He missed Zukio. The lessons had never left him, and he knew they would continue to guide him as he watched his comrades grow.
Renjiro: "I really miss you, Zukio."
As he sat silently, watching the others, Renjiro knew that the journey they were on was only beginning. Each lesson, each struggle, was part of their transformation into the heroes they were meant to become.
---
Renjiro walked toward Seth, who had his eyes closed, standing still. As Renjiro approached, Seth smiled, his demeanor calm but confident.
Seth:"Hey there"
Renjiro: "I guess you mastered it."
Seth, a bit confused, smiled back. He could sense the change in Renjiro.
Seth: "I guess so."
Renjiro smiled, still sensing Seth's growth.
He could see the amount of force he was releasing lighting surrounding him.
Renjiro: "Well, that should be enough. Let's go."
Seth nodded, a smile crossing his face.
Seth: "Okay, sir."
Renjiro chuckled softly.
Renjiro: "Just call me Renjiro, Seth. It's okay."
Seth blinked and then nodded with a smile.
Seth: "Yeah, I will. Renjiro."
They walked together, their path leading them toward what used to be a beautiful waterfall and lake. Now, it was nothing but a massive crater. Renjiro paused for a moment, gazing at the damage. To his left, he saw Yor, her eyes closed as she swung her sword through the air, splitting the clouds above.
Renjiro tapped her shoulder, and she turned, her eyes glowing a brief, brilliant blue before they returned to their normal color. She smiled when she saw him.
Yor: "Oh, hey!"
Renjiro gave a small, knowing smile.
Renjiro: "Let's go. You've done enough."
Yor looked confused, but as she glanced over at Seth, her eyes narrowed with recognition. She could sense it—Seth had gotten stronger, far stronger than the 11th and 10th Dark Moons they had faced before. She nodded in understanding.
They continued walking, moving toward a nearby cave. As they entered, the heat hit them instantly. The temperature was unbearable, and smoke filled the air. The further they went into the cave, the hotter it became. Eventually, they reached the center, where Lira was sleeping on top of a pool of lava. The heat radiating off her was so intense that the rocks beneath her were melting.
Renjiro called out to her, and Lira woke with a start, her body releasing waves of heat as she jumped up. She smiled, clearly happy to see them.
Lira: "Hey, sir!"
Renjiro smiled back.
Renjiro: "You can just call me Renjiro, Lira."
Lira grinned.
Lira: "Okay, Renjiro!"
With that, they continued their journey. They walked into a dense forest, filled with wildlife. Lira's heat was burning the trees around them, but they were too focused on their destination. Suddenly, a fast kick sent Lira flying out of the forest.
It was Dante.
Dante: "The hell, you bird brain? You trying to burn down the forest?"
Seth and Yor both looked shocked. Dante was faster than they had ever seen before. Lira quickly blocked the kick, landing with a growl.
Lira: "What'd you say to me, you bighead?"
The two locked eyes, glaring at each other. Dante didn't back down as he walked toward where Lira had been standing earlier. With a single motion, he extinguished the flame she had caused. Renjiro smiled at the efficiency of Dante's actions.
Just as Dante was about to leave, a deer ran up and kicked him in the shin. Dante looked down at the deer, clearly irritated.
Dante: "Hey! What was that for?"
The deer made noises as if trying to communicate with him. Dante stared at it for a moment before raising an eyebrow.
Dante: "The hell was that for you bustard ".
The deer, seemingly understanding him, continued making noises, causing everyone to laugh. Even Lira cracked a smile. Renjiro smiled as well, watching the group become closer.
Renjiro: "It seems you've become friends."
Dante groaned.
Dante: "Me? Friends with this thing? No way."
As the deer made more noises, Dante stood up, ready to leave.
Dante: "Alright, you guys are here to pick me up, right?"
Renjiro nodded, smiling.
Renjiro: "Good, let's go."
But before Dante walked away, he turned to the deer.
Dante: "You better live a good and happy life."
With a grumpy look on his face, Dante turned and walked off, ignoring the deer's loud cries.
Renjiro chuckled at the whole situation. As they walked on, they eventually came across Mira. Lira was about to greet her, but Mira, seemingly on instinct, tried to kick Renjiro.
He dodged the kick with ease, looking at her in with a smile. Mira then performed a backflip using the wind, sending a blast of air in Renjiro's direction. The wind was powerful enough to blow some trees back and send boulders tumbling.
Renjiro calmly blocked the wind punch with his hand, smiling as he did so.
Renjiro: "Very good, Mira."
Mira smiled, happy with the praise.
Mira: "Thank you, Renjiro."
Seth and the others were shocked by Mira's sudden attack. The shy girl had just struck at Renjiro, and they couldn't believe it.
Renjiro smiled warmly, seeing how much everyone had grown.
Renjiro: "Well, it's been a while. We should get something to eat."
The others' stomachs grumbled in response, and they all laughed.
Lira: "You know what sounds great? Pizza!"
Dante: "Yeah, pizza sounds amazing."
Renjiro smiled and nodded.
Renjiro: "Okay, you, Dante and Yor, go get the pizza. The rest of us will be waiting."
Seth spoke up.
Seth: "We should find a hotel and shower first."
Mira agreed, and the group split up. Seth, Mira, Renjiro went to find a hotel while Dante and Yor , and Lira went to the restaurant for the pizza.
After splitting up, Lira, Yor, and Dante headed to the restaurant to grab pizza while the others waited. When they arrived, they walked up to the counter.
Lira: "Hey, we'll take some pizzas."
The man behind the counter looked apologetic.
Waiter: "I'm sorry, but we're out of pizza."
Dante blinked in confusion.
Dante: "Huh?"
Lira crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow.
Lira: "How? Ain't this a restaurant?"
The waiter sighed and pointed toward a corner of the restaurant.
Waiter: "Well... that lady over there bought all the pizzas."
The three turned their heads and saw an unknown woman stuffing her face, eating at an insane speed. She barely paused between bites, devouring slice after slice like she hadn't eaten in days.
Around her, empty pizza boxes were stacked in a mess on the floor, at least sixteen of them. Despite all that, there were still a few untouched boxes left beside her.
Dante stared in shock.
Dante: "You gotta be kidding me..."
Lira sighed, rubbing her forehead.
Lira: "Well, looks like we've got a problem."
Yor, amused, watched as the mystery woman continued eating.
Yor: "Maybe we should just ask her for some?"
Dante crossed his arms.
Dante: "Or we fight for them."
Lira smirked.
Lira: "That might be fun."
began their training. The process was grueling, but despite the hardships, they were improving—growing stronger, faster, and more refined with each passing day.
Renjiro watched from a distance, perched high in a tree. He didn't engage much with the others, except for Mira. He had been training her to be brave and confident, helping her overcome her doubts. Though she was still trembling with uncertainty at times, Renjiro could see the progress she was making. He couldn't help but remember the words Zukio had shared with him long ago.
Zukio's voice echoed in his mind:
"You should be strong, but calm. Control your power, or it will control you."
Renjiro turned his gaze toward Seth, who was in the middle of a training session. The force behind each of his strikes was immense, yet Zukio's voice continued to ring in Renjiro's mind.
Zukio's voice:
"You must know when to discern what is wrong and right. Precision matters. Your strength must be calculated, not reckless."
Seth was learning to control his wild power, and Renjiro could see the progress. His strikes were becoming more measured, more precise. Zukio's words were helping him evolve, helping him grow.
Renjiro's attention shifted to Yor. She was swinging her sword fiercely, swearing under her breath as she struggled to perfect each swing. Zukio's voice echoed once again.
Zukio's voice:
"Be precise in your actions. Your technique must always be refined. The sword is an extension of your will."
Yor was fiery in her movements, but Renjiro knew the importance of precision. She would get there with time, mastering each stroke until her form was flawless.
Renjiro's eyes moved to Lira, who was deep in the lava pit. The heat was unbearable, but Lira didn't falter. She was using the heat around her to fuel her strength. Zukio's words continued to guide Renjiro.
Zukio's voice:
"Even in the most intense heat, you must ignite your heart. Let it burn brightly, fueling your actions."
Lira's movements were deliberate, each one growing stronger as she pushed herself through the molten environment. Her heart, filled with determination, was the true source of her power.
Renjiro couldn't help but chuckle as his gaze shifted to Dante. Dante was in the middle of a playful skirmish with a deer. The two were circling each other, the deer making little snorts while Dante waved his arms as if having an argument with the animal. Every time the deer lunged, Dante would sidestep, only to stop and turn to lecture the creature as though it understood.
Zukio's voice echoed once more:
"Even if you are strong, always be kind. Your strength is not just for yourself. Let it shine for others."
Dante was laughing, and the deer seemed to be following his rhythm, trying to mimic his movements. Renjiro couldn't help but chuckle as he watched the absurdity of it all—two beings, seemingly in a playful duel, each trying to outwit the other. They were having an argument without words, but the energy between them was real.
Finally, Renjiro's gaze returned to Mira. She was still shaking, still uncertain, but her determination was growing. She was trying her best, just as Zukio had always encouraged.
Zukio's voice:
"And if the world is on your back, even if they are against you, be brave. Fight for what is right."
Renjiro smiled softly as he looked at Mira, who was slowly standing taller, trying to master her own fear and doubts. His heart swelled with pride as she made progress, fighting for herself, just as Zukio had taught him to fight for what is right.
Zukio's voice continued:
"Renjiro, even if you are strong, always be kind. Your strength is not just for yourself. Let it shine for others."
Renjiro looked down at his sword, his fingers brushing lightly against the hilt. He missed Zukio. The lessons had never left him, and he knew they would continue to guide him as he watched his comrades grow.
Renjiro: "I really miss you, Zukio."
As he sat silently, watching the others, Renjiro knew that the journey they were on was only beginning. Each lesson, each struggle, was part of their transformation into the heroes they were meant to become.
Renjiro walked toward Seth, who had his eyes closed, standing still. As Renjiro approached, Seth smiled, his demeanor calm but confident.
Seth:"Hey there"
Renjiro: "I guess you mastered it."
Seth, a bit confused, smiled back. He could sense the change in Renjiro.
Seth: "I guess so."
Renjiro smiled, still sensing Seth's growth.
He could see the amount of force he was releasing lighting surrounding him.
Renjiro: "Well, that should be enough. Let's go."
Seth nodded, a smile crossing his face.
Seth: "Okay, sir."
Renjiro chuckled softly.
Renjiro: "Just call me Renjiro, Seth. It's okay."
Seth blinked and then nodded with a smile.
Seth: "Yeah, I will. Renjiro."
They walked together, their path leading them toward what used to be a beautiful waterfall and lake. Now, it was nothing but a massive crater. Renjiro paused for a moment, gazing at the damage. To his left, he saw Yor, her eyes closed as she swung her sword through the air, splitting the clouds above.
Renjiro tapped her shoulder, and she turned, her eyes glowing a brief, brilliant blue before they returned to their normal color. She smiled when she saw him.
Yor: "Oh, hey!"
Renjiro gave a small, knowing smile.
Renjiro: "Let's go. You've done enough."
Yor looked confused, but as she glanced over at Seth, her eyes narrowed with recognition. She could sense it—Seth had gotten stronger, far stronger than the 11th and 10th Dark Moons they had faced before. She nodded in understanding.
They continued walking, moving toward a nearby cave. As they entered, the heat hit them instantly. The temperature was unbearable, and smoke filled the air. The further they went into the cave, the hotter it became. Eventually, they reached the center, where Lira was sleeping on top of a pool of lava. The heat radiating off her was so intense that the rocks beneath her were melting.
Renjiro called out to her, and Lira woke with a start, her body releasing waves of heat as she jumped up. She smiled, clearly happy to see them.
Lira: "Hey, sir!"
Renjiro smiled back.
Renjiro: "You can just call me Renjiro, Lira."
Lira grinned.
Lira: "Okay, Renjiro!"
With that, they continued their journey. They walked into a dense forest, filled with wildlife. Lira's heat was burning the trees around them, but they were too focused on their destination. Suddenly, a fast kick sent Lira flying out of the forest.
It was Dante.
Dante: "The hell, you bird brain? You trying to burn down the forest?"
Seth and Yor both looked shocked. Dante was faster than they had ever seen before. Lira quickly blocked the kick, landing with a growl.
Lira: "What'd you say to me, you bighead?"
The two locked eyes, glaring at each other. Dante didn't back down as he walked toward where Lira had been standing earlier. With a single motion, he extinguished the flame she had caused. Renjiro smiled at the efficiency of Dante's actions.
Just as Dante was about to leave, a deer ran up and kicked him in the shin. Dante looked down at the deer, clearly irritated.
Dante: "Hey! What was that for?"
The deer made noises as if trying to communicate with him. Dante stared at it for a moment before raising an eyebrow.
Dante: "The hell was that for you bustard ".
The deer, seemingly understanding him, continued making noises, causing everyone to laugh. Even Lira cracked a smile. Renjiro smiled as well, watching the group become closer.
Renjiro: "It seems you've become friends."
Dante groaned.
Dante: "Me? Friends with this thing? No way."
As the deer made more noises, Dante stood up, ready to leave.
Dante: "Alright, you guys are here to pick me up, right?"
Renjiro nodded, smiling.
Renjiro: "Good, let's go."
But before Dante walked away, he turned to the deer.
Dante: "You better live a good and happy life."
With a grumpy look on his face, Dante turned and walked off, ignoring the deer's loud cries.
Renjiro chuckled at the whole situation. As they walked on, they eventually came across Mira. Lira was about to greet her, but Mira, seemingly on instinct, tried to kick Renjiro.
He dodged the kick with ease, looking at her in with a smile. Mira then performed a backflip using the wind, sending a blast of air in Renjiro's direction. The wind was powerful enough to blow some trees back and send boulders tumbling.
Renjiro calmly blocked the wind punch with his hand, smiling as he did so.
Renjiro: "Very good, Mira."
Mira smiled, happy with the praise.
Mira: "Thank you, Renjiro."
Seth and the others were shocked by Mira's sudden attack. The shy girl had just struck at Renjiro, and they couldn't believe it.
Renjiro smiled warmly, seeing how much everyone had grown.
Renjiro: "Well, it's been a while. We should get something to eat."
The others' stomachs grumbled in response, and they all laughed.
Lira: "You know what sounds great? Pizza!"
Dante: "Yeah, pizza sounds amazing."
Renjiro smiled and nodded.
Renjiro: "Okay, you, Dante and Yor, go get the pizza. The rest of us will be waiting."
Seth spoke up.
Seth: "We should find a hotel and shower first."
Mira agreed, and the group split up. Seth, Mira, Renjiro went to find a hotel while Dante and Yor , and Lira went to the restaurant for the pizza.
After splitting up, Lira, Yor, and Dante headed to the restaurant to grab pizza while the others waited. When they arrived, they walked up to the counter.
Lira: "Hey, we'll take some pizzas."
The man behind the counter looked apologetic.
Waiter: "I'm sorry, but we're out of pizza."
Dante blinked in confusion.
Dante: "Huh?"
Lira crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow.
Lira: "How? Ain't this a restaurant?"
The waiter sighed and pointed toward a corner of the restaurant.
Waiter: "Well... that lady over there bought all the pizzas."
The three turned their heads and saw an unknown woman stuffing her face, eating at an insane speed. She barely paused between bites, devouring slice after slice like she hadn't eaten in days.
Around her, empty pizza boxes were stacked in a mess on the floor, at least sixteen of them. Despite all that, there were still a few untouched boxes left beside her.
Dante stared in shock.
Dante: "You gotta be kidding me..."
Lira sighed, rubbing her forehead.
Lira: "Well, looks like we've got a problem."
Yor, amused, watched as the mystery woman continued eating.
Yor: "Maybe we should just ask her for some?"
Dante crossed his arms.
Dante: "Or we fight for them."
Lira smirked.
Lira: "That might be fun."