The gym smelled of sweat and leather. Mikey's fists pounded the heavy bag, each strike faster and harder than the last. His uncle watched silently, analyzing every movement, correcting posture, perfecting the rhythm.
"Faster. Not just speed—precision. You need to make every punch a threat," his uncle instructed.
Mikey wiped the sweat from his brow, adjusting his stance. "Like the Phantom Jab?"
"Yes," his uncle said, voice low. "But now, combine it with the Dempsey Phantom sequence. Make it a storm. Overwhelm your opponent. Hit, weave, strike again before they can react. And remember—control, always control. Too much power without discipline and you'll destroy yourself before him."
Mikey nodded, fists flying in a blur, his vision narrowing, feeling the raw force of the technique ripple through his body.
Jin's Training
Across town, in the quiet dojang, Jin moved barefoot across the polished wood floor. His master watched silently, a shadow of intensity.
"You think speed alone will save you?" the master asked.
Jin smirked, shifting into a stance. "Don't worry, I've got something better."
The air seemed to crack as Jin began his Heavenly Triple Kick sequence.
The first kick smashed through a wooden post, shattering it into splinters.
The second hit a punching bag suspended in the air, swinging it like a pendulum.
The third, the finishing strike, made the floor tremble beneath his feet.
His eyes flickered dangerously as the strain of using his Copy ability combined with the speed of the kicks tugged at his vision. Everything blurred slightly. He shook his head, forcing clarity, a grimace crossing his face.
"You have to control it," his master said. "The more you copy and push the Heavenly Triple Kick, the closer you are to losing your sight—even temporarily. Use it wisely, or it will betray you."
Jin smirked through the pain, adjusting his stance, cocky as ever. "Then I'll make sure I end fights before it even matters."
Sparring and Synergy
Later, Mikey and Jin met in a secluded training area. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the mats.
"Ready to test your Phantom Jab against my Heavenly Triple Kick?" Jin asked, a dangerous grin spreading across his face.
Mikey clenched his fists. "Let's see if you can handle a storm."
The two clashed. Fists and kicks flew faster than the eye could follow. Mikey weaved and struck, the Dempsey Phantom flowing in unstoppable waves. Jin countered with precise, deadly kicks, using his Copy ability to anticipate some of Mikey's patterns.
Neither held back. Sweat poured, muscles screamed, and yet, every strike brought respect.
When the fight ended, neither had fallen. They stood panting, grinning, knowing they were ready… but Kang's shadow loomed larger than ever in their minds.