Hunnt stood barefoot on the soft earth, fists clenched, sweat already beading on his brow. Pyro crouched a few meters away, tail flicking, eyes sharp with alertness and curiosity.
"Pyro," Hunnt said, his voice steady but serious, "today we start learning the second technique of Rokushiki—Tekkai."
Pyro's ears twitched. "Tekkai…What's that, nyaah?"
Hunnt nodded, eyes scanning the ground for any loose stones or uneven spots. "It hardens your body, makes you almost impervious to attacks. But it's not just strength—it's control. You need to brace every muscle, focus every bone. And… you'll need someone to help. You strike, and the other withstands the impact. That's how it begins."
Pyro's tail flicked in understanding. So… I hit him… and he withstands it… nyaah…
"Right," Hunnt replied. "I'll go first. Watch closely. Feel how I balance, how I tighten everything. Then you'll try it."
He positioned himself, knees slightly bent, core tight, fists ready. Focus… imagine my body turning iron… every muscle, every joint… unyielding…
Pyro crouched low, eyes locked on Hunnt, claws flexed slightly, tail coiled like a spring. Here goes… nyaah…
Boom! Thud!
Pyro's first strike hit Hunnt's shoulder. The impact made him stagger slightly, but Hunnt adjusted instantly, muscles tensing and absorbing the force. Each strike was deliberate, testing his endurance and balance, pushing him to hold firm despite pain and fatigue.
Again… again… every blow must make me stronger… body and mind together… Hunnt thought.
The training continued, the rhythm of strike and brace filling the clearing. Hunnt gritted his teeth as Pyro's strikes became sharper, faster, and heavier. Sweat soaked his shirt, dust clinging to his skin, yet he refused to yield.
Pyro, landed another strike. "Nyaah… he's holding it… stronger… must hit harder…"
Day after day, Hunnt repeated the process, adjusting his stance, refining his posture, and locking his muscles in perfect coordination. Pyro's strikes tested every angle—shoulders, torso, arms—while Hunnt focused on absorbing, controlling, and returning to balance after each hit.
By the third week, Hunnt could feel a subtle difference. His body wasn't just resisting the blows—it was becoming firm, responsive, almost like solid iron under his skin. He flexed an arm experimentally. Yes… this is it… almost perfect…
By the end of the month, Hunnt reached the point he had aimed for. Pyro launched a full series of strikes with his paws, landing them with all the force he could muster. Hunnt's body absorbed each blow, unyielding, his stance grounded, muscles locked in perfect harmony.
Pyro stepped back, tail twitching, eyes wide. Nyaah… he did it… he's really done it… he's unshakable…
Hunnt exhaled slowly, a satisfied smile forming. "See that, Pyro? That's what Tekkai feels like. Your body becomes a single, immovable unit. But it's not just toughness—it's control. Control first, then strength."
Pyro's ears flicked, and he crouched low, tail swishing with determination. I'll get there… nyaah… I'll learn it just like master…
Hunnt crouched beside him, placing a hand lightly on Pyro's shoulder. "Tomorrow, you try. But remember, it's not just about hitting or blocking. It's about knowing how your body works, understanding every movement, every reaction. Patience, Pyro. One step at a time."