Morning sunlight filtered through the dojo's paper windows, casting golden lines across the tatami. The disciples gathered in the courtyard, stretching, sparring, preparing for another day of training. But Kaizen felt none of their calm.
His fists were sore, his ribs bruised, his mind heavy. All night, Garou's words had stalked him like wolves circling in the dark.You want to cut loose… you want to feel it…
Kaizen tried to bury the voice, but it echoed with every breath.
"Oi, Kaizen."
The call snapped him back. Renji stood across the courtyard, arms crossed, smirking. His bandages from yesterday's reckless fight peeked from beneath his gi, but his eyes burned with restless fire.
"You're looking off your game," Renji said. "Didn't sleep?"
Kaizen shook his head. "I'm fine."
"Liar." Renji stepped closer, grinning like a predator himself. "You've got that same look Bang gives when he's holding something back. Except you don't pull it off as well."
Before Kaizen could reply, Bang's voice cut through the courtyard."Pair up for drills!"
The disciples split into pairs. Renji immediately moved toward Kaizen, ignoring the others.
"Come on. Let's see what's eating you."
Kaizen sighed inwardly but complied, falling into stance. They circled each other, the murmurs of other sparring pairs fading into background noise.
Renji struck first a quick jab. Kaizen blocked without thought. Renji followed with a sweeping kick, forcing Kaizen to hop back. Their movements were sharp, controlled, but Renji's grin widened with every exchange.
"You're stiff," Renji taunted. "Where's that flow? Yesterday you were sharp. Today you're like a statue."
Kaizen countered with a low strike to Renji's midsection. Renji caught it on his forearm, laughing. "See? No fire."
Kaizen clenched his jaw, trying to drown out the gnawing voice in his head. You're fighting not to lose… not to win…
Renji pressed harder, throwing a barrage of strikes, forcing Kaizen onto the defensive. Finally, Renji feinted left and slammed a kick into Kaizen's ribs the same spot Garou had grazed the night before. Pain exploded. Kaizen staggered back.
Renji's eyes narrowed. He hadn't expected Kaizen to fold like that. "What the hell? That wasn't even full strength."
Kaizen caught his breath, hands trembling. "I'm fine."
"No, you're not." Renji dropped his stance, stepping closer. "You're hiding something."
Other disciples glanced their way, sensing the tension. Kaizen straightened, forcing his voice steady. "I said I'm fine. Focus on your own training."
Renji's smirk faded into a scowl. "You think you can brush me off like some rookie? Don't forget I was here before you." His voice rose, drawing more eyes. "Bang may favor you now, but you're not untouchable."
Kaizen met his gaze, silent but unyielding.
For a moment, the courtyard hung heavy with the weight of a challenge. Then Bang's voice thundered across the space."Enough!"
Both snapped to attention. The old master's sharp eyes scanned them. "Training is for sharpening discipline, not pride. If your hearts waver, your fists will betray you."
Renji bowed stiffly, hiding his glare. Kaizen lowered his head, but inside, his thoughts churned.
He saw it. He felt it. My weakness is showing.
Later, after drills ended, Kaizen retreated to the back of the dojo to tend to his ribs. He wrapped them in fresh cloth, the sting of each tug reminding him of Garou's speed, Garou's grin.
Footsteps approached. He expected Renji again, but instead it was Sayaka, one of the quieter disciples. She carried a basket of supplies, her expression gentle but firm.
"You should rest," she said. "You're pushing yourself too hard."
Kaizen gave a faint shake of his head. "If I stop, I fall behind."
Sayaka placed the basket down, kneeling beside him. "Behind who? Renji? Or the shadow you keep chasing?"
Kaizen stiffened. She noticed.
"You're not as unreadable as you think," she said softly. "Your eyes are different. Like you're fighting something none of us can see."
Kaizen didn't answer. He couldn't.
Sayaka sighed, gathering her basket. "Whatever it is… don't let it consume you. We've seen enough people lose themselves to anger. Don't join them."
She left, her words lingering like incense smoke.
That evening, Renji sat on the rooftop of the dormitory, legs dangling, frustration burning in his chest. He replayed Kaizen's falter over and over. The so-called disciplined prodigy, shaken by a simple strike? Something wasn't right.
"Secrets," Renji muttered, scowling at the city lights. "He's hiding something, and Bang doesn't see it. But I will."
Unseen, a figure crouched in the shadows of a neighboring roof, silver hair catching the moonlight. Garou listened, amused.
"Well, well," he whispered to himself. "The cracks are already showing."
His grin widened. "Push him, Renji. Push him harder. Break him for me."
Garou melted back into the night, leaving Renji alone with his growing suspicion.
Back in the dojo, Kaizen sat awake on his futon, staring at the ceiling. The room was quiet, disciples breathing in sleep around him, but his mind was a storm.
Renji's words echoed. Sayaka's concern lingered. But louder than all was Garou's voice, curling in his skull like smoke.
You're restraining what you really are… you want to feel it…
Kaizen pressed his fists against his forehead, trembling. "No. I won't be like him. I won't."
But deep in his chest, beneath all his denials, a part of him whispered back.What if he's right?