Stronger

What causes people to desire, to strive, for more power. A want to stand far above all the rest? A passion to create change in a stale world? Or, is it simply Fear? Fear of losing loved ones. Fear of losing freedom. Or simply, Fear of death.....

Gao ducked under Neji's fist, and skipped back. The two of them circled slowly in front of each other, Neji's stance square, and Gao's side on. Neji jumped forward, and Gao simultaneously spun, kicking Neji's side. Neji grunted slightly, before unleashing a jab followed by a swift cross at Gao. Gao just dodged the jab, but the cross hit him on the side of his face. Gao spun back into his previous stance, before performing a leg kick swiftly. Neji replied to this with a strong sidekick to the body, whispers of resonance infused inside of it.

Kurenai opened his eyes and appeared in between the two combatants.

"No resonance Neji." Kurenai stated.

Neji slowly nodded.

Kurenai retreated, as their bout continued.

Yue flipped through the pages in her notepad before contemplating for a moment. The taps of fingers from a controller was the only sound to fill the room.

"You alright Yue?" Astrid asked, while still fully focused on the screen in front of her.

"Yeah, you kinda seem to be out of it," Himari continued, just as serious in her vigour.

Yue slightly chuckled. A few moments later, she settled on a page which simply dictated the word, "How?", with the five abilities of resonance dictated beside it.

Yue rubbed her head and walked to the training hall. After waving at Gao and Neji, who nodded and smiled in reply, she walked towards Hirokoshi, who sat with two bokkens laid in front of him, seeming surprisingly focused.

Yue was going to open her mouth to speak, but was cut off by her master.

"I've taught you the basics of each weapon that I'd figured you might need. However, your weapon is a bit special."

Hirokoshi threw the bokkens at Yue, who snatched them out of the air.

Hirokoshi then stood up.

"Show me how you plan to utilize the two blades in combat."

Yue sharpened her gaze before suddenly starting and saying "I have a ques-"

Hirokoshi appeared in front of her and kicked both of her hands. One stayed in her hand, the other fell straight to the ground.

"As thought. Your weaker hand isn't gonna do you too many favours. Also, the two swords could get tangled as you fight. If you have to go to weapons, use one sword and the staff for now."

Yue nodded. She opened her mouth again, but her master immediately disappeared.

She turned to Kurenai, who shook his head.

"Ask your own master the difficult questions."

She rolled her eyes and rubbed her head.

A minute later though, her master reappeared with a person wearing all black, with their face covered.

"Yue, this is one of the ten pillars. Got them to give you some advice on your two sword situation."

"Don't use two swords. Use a sword and dagger instead. Come find me near the Cuiu room if you need help."

The man disappeared.

"Dark and edgy always." Hirokoshi giggled.

Roshi and Vadik watched intently, as Greta and Xander circled around Vadik's greatsword.

"What do you plan to improve with your weapon? Balance? Weight? Cutting capability?" Greta asked.

"I'm not exactly sure."

"Well that's helpful isn't it." Xander murmured.

"Sorry."

"Don't mind him Vadik. He just hasn't had coffee today."

"How would you increase Cutting capability?"

Greta smiled. "Glad you asked."

Greta walked over to a box. After placing her hand on the box it opened to reveal a glove. She slipped it on while walking back, and placed her palm in the center of the blade. A golden red flame burst forth, and the blade separated into two parts.

"Throw the glove over," Xander said, standing in front of a wall.

Greta smiled. Her arm came back, and it rocketed towards Xander.

Xander slightly chuckled, and stopped it just before his head. Then, he moved its palm to the bottom left area of the wall. A golden red flame appeared, and the wall opened up to reveal loads of varied sword edges. He threw one back, and Greta caught it in her hands. She took the original double edge of the table, and then placed the single curved edge at its side. Xander directed the palm to the center of the blade once again, and the parts of the blade came together.

"Though it may be single edged, this is how we improved what you proposed. Our whole system of weapons are modular, at least in tiers of weapons. The tiers of weapons coincide with resonance ranking, Frost, flame, Inferno, etc."

Roshi and Vadik nodded intently.

Something in Gao's pocket buzzed as he was throwing a kick. He fell, to the laughs of Haru and Neji. He glared at them, before grabbing a buzzing spheroid from his pocket, with the simple word "Mom" projected on top of it. Gao whistled as he ran to his room.

"Hi Mom." Gao mumbled nervously.

"Hello Gao. How have you been?" His mum asked.

"I've been good Ma."

"What've you been doing recently?"

Gao paused for a moment.

"Martial training with Hirokoshi. We have a really nice community of martial arts teachers here to help us out with learning. Our accommodations are great as well."

"Oh that's good. Have you made any new friends?"

"Nope."

"Ah, you three will be a trio for eternity. Happy to know your doing well. Make sure to study, even if it's not your perceived end route. Stay safe dear."

Gao grimaced as he replied with a yes.

For a moment, two scenes flashed in his head. Roshi on the floor, bruised and out cold, and the chaos that enrapt his home town, unable to find Aichi.

"I'm gonna need some fresh air," he thought.