Chapter 141: The Sparring Partner
"What are you all standing around for? Go train!" Kaito roared at the dejected apprentices before turning on his heel and departing. The students scrambled to their feet and dispersed.
Giovanni watched him go and shook his head. "Master Kaito's temper is not the best."
Kenji looked shocked. How could this stranger be so bold? Didn't he see the Hitmonchan standing right there? If it overheard, he would be in for it. Fortunately, Beedrill's intimidating presence kept the Fighting-type at a distance, and it didn't seem to hear the comment.
Kenji, however, did not dare to speak so freely. He gestured politely. "This way, please, sir."
Giovanni took a step forward and gently placed a hand on Kenji's head. "Kid, you don't have to pretend— speak for who you truly are."
Kenji was stunned, a flicker of unexpected warmth touching him. He still didn't show it, merely nodding. "You are joking, sir."
Giovanni ruffled his hair. "Suit yourself. And you don't need to call me sir. If you wish, you can call me Brother Giovanni."
Kenji didn't respond, simply leading the way to the dojo's guest quarters. The room was small but had all the necessities—except for a bed— only a simple tatami mat lay on the floor.
Giovanni was not pleased; he preferred a proper bed. The one advantage was a door that opened into a small, enclosed training yard.
After showing Giovanni the room, Kenji was about to leave. "Sir, if there is nothing else, I will wait outside. Please call if you need anything."
Giovanni caught his arm. "Why are you running? Did you not wish to train? You may use the yard."
Kenji was taken aback; he had assumed Giovanni was only being polite earlier. He glanced toward the main door, where Hitmonchan was being kept at bay by Beedrill, and still didn't dare to speak.
Noticing his apprehension, Giovanni stepped outside. "Wait," he said to the Hitmonchan. "Once my Machoke has recovered, it will begin its training with you."
The Hitmonchan nodded, sitting down with its arms crossed. Giovanni then slid the door shut.
"Aren't you in a hurry for your Machoke to learn the move?" Kenji asked, worried. "You only have one week!"
Giovanni waved a dismissive hand. "I have confidence in my Machoke."
At that moment, the Poké Ball at his waist trembled. Despite its injuries, Machoke couldn't help but emerge. The moment Kenji saw it, his eyes lit up with fervor. "It's Machoke!" he whispered, glancing outside before adding, "It's so powerful."
Machoke grinned, flexing its brawny arm and offering it to the boy.
A flicker of childlike wonder finally broke through Kenji's serious facade. "Can I?" he asked, his voice filled with awe.
Machoke nodded, bringing its arm closer. Kenji reached out, a little embarrassed, and touched the hard muscle, his eyes sparkling.
Giovanni sat on a cushion. "Kenji, do you not have a Pokémon of your own?"
The boy's expression dimmed. "Fighting-types are too expensive. My family cannot afford one. My mother said I should learn the skills first. Then, when I have the confidence and can earn money, I can buy one."
Giovanni nodded, his eyes flickering as he thought of the bank cards in his pocket. "Tell me about your family."
"It's my mother, me, and... my brother," Kenji replied.
"Your brother? Was he among the apprentices today?"
Kenji thought for a moment before answering. "No. My mother said my brother was "adopted" by someone very powerful." His expression shifted to one of intense pride. "My brother is very strong. He will become a powerful man, and then he will come back."
The pieces clicked into place. "What is your brother's name?" Giovanni asked, his voice even.
"Everyone calls him Katsu," Kenji said, his eyes shining.
Machoke's fists clenched.
"I always feel like I'm letting him down," Kenji continued, his voice dropping. "He sacrificed so much just so I could have this chance to learn, but I'm still not good enough."
Giovanni gently patted his shoulder. "Do not think that way. Your brother is proud of you. I am sure he would be proud of you."
Machoke placed its large, warm hand on the boy's head. For the first time, Kenji felt a sense of peace settle over him.
After a brief rest, Giovanni let Hitmonchan into the yard to begin training Machoke. His Pokémon was, as always, diligent. As it trained, every punch it threw whistled through the air, thrown with its full, unrestrained might.
From his seat on the cushion, Giovanni watched Kenji out of the corner of his eye. The boy was secretly watching the two Pokémon, his own hands mimicking their movements.
"Go, if you wish," Giovanni said. "Do not be constrained."
Kenji tentatively stood. Seeing that Giovanni was serious, he ran out and began to train alongside them. Though humans could not replicate the powerful moves of Pokémon, the fighting arts of this world were all derived from them.
To train with them was to achieve twice the results with half the effort.
Giovanni did not move. He simply watched the boy train, his eyes flickering with emotion.
The money Katsu had earned by selling himself into service was merely a ticket to enter this dojo. In the end, Kenji still had to fight desperately for a single opportunity, one he might still fail to seize.
And if he did fail, what then of Katsu's sacrifice? It was only thanks to his Madame Boss that the two brothers had any hope at all.
Giovanni rose, walking slowly out of the room. He beckoned to the training boy.
Kenji looked at him, confused. "What is it, Brother Giovanni?"
Giovanni took off his jacket, revealing his own powerful physique. He stepped barefoot onto the soft grass. "Come. Let me test your skill."
Kenji had witnessed Giovanni's strength. He knew the man was powerful, but he did not shrink back. He clenched his fists, let out a sharp cry to steel himself, and charged.
Giovanni did not hold back. He sent the boy sprawling with a single kick.
"Too slow. Too many wasted movements."
Kenji clutched his chest, rising to his feet with a grunt of determination. He charged again.
Bang! He was on the ground again.
"All flash and no substance. Your legs are weak."
Bang! Another fall.
"What are you thinking about? Focus. Again."