Mikey's Uncle – The Boxer Who Walked Away
The gym was silent except for the squeak of Mikey's shoes on the mat. His uncle sat on a stool, eyes lost in memories as Mikey wrapped his hands.
"Kid, you think I was just some washed-up boxer running a gym? No. I had my shot at glory… and I lost it because of the Phantom."
Mikey paused, surprised. His uncle rarely spoke about his past.
"I was young, like you. Hungry. I climbed the ranks fast, breaking men twice my size with that technique. Reporters called me the 'Hurricane.' But one fight changed everything. I used the Phantom too recklessly."
His uncle clenched his fists, knuckles white. "The other man… he never walked again. One storm of punches shattered his ribs and spine. They banned me from boxing, said I was a monster."
He looked at Mikey, his expression torn between pride and fear."That's why I swore never to teach it. Until now. Because you'll face monsters worse than me. And if you don't learn this, Kang will kill you."
Mikey's chest tightened. His uncle's past wasn't a glory story. It was a warning.
Jin's Master – The Taekwondo Ghost
Meanwhile, in the quiet dojang, Jin's master lit incense before the old family shrine. The air smelled of smoke and ash. Jin leaned against the wall, pretending not to care, but he was listening.
"My grandfather… was the last to fully master the Heavenly Triple Kick. He fought during the war, when martial arts weren't sport, but survival. With one technique, he cut down enemies like wheat."
Jin smirked. "Sounds like my kind of guy."
But his master's gaze hardened. "No. He was feared, even by his allies. They said when he fought, his eyes bled. The strain of pushing the body beyond its limit… it ruined him. By the time the war ended, he was blind. Broken. Yet he said the technique chose its wielder."
The master turned toward Jin, sharp as a blade."And now it has chosen you. But mark this—every kick you throw, every time you use that Copy ability, the darkness will creep closer. One day, you may not see the faces of those you protect."
Jin's smirk twisted into something darker. "Heh. Then I'll just make sure I end fights before that happens."
But deep inside, a spark of unease flickered.
The chapter closes with the two masters in silence—one haunted by the lives he destroyed, the other by the legacy of a man who fought until he was blind.
And in the middle of it all… Jin and Mikey, their fists and feet carrying both hope and damnation.