CHAPTER 36- Fists That Seek Power

Hataki let out a small chuckle, gazing at the moonlit sky. "Idiot... just shut up and sleep already."

He looked up at the sky, his expression softening. "Thank you, my brother... Thank God you haven't changed."

Morning arrived, and the sun shone brighter than ever. The village was full of energy as everyone began their day. Hena busied herself with morning chores, preparing breakfast for the household, while Souta ran around, eagerly helping his sister. The peaceful routine was suddenly interrupted when Yoto entered the house, his face downcast.

Hataki, noticing his troubled expression, furrowed his brows and asked, "Oye, Yoto. Where have you been all night?"

Yoto met his gaze and answered plainly, "I was training, Sensei."

Hataki crossed his arms. "Training? At that late hour?" His voice held a mix of concern and skepticism.

"Every minute is an opportunity to grow stronger. That's what I'm doing," Yoto replied with quiet determination.

Hataki sighed, shaking his head. "You're as stubborn as ever, huh?" He then softened his tone. "Alright, but after all that training, you must be starving. Go take a bath and have breakfast."

"Yes, Sensei." Yoto nodded before turning to Hena. "Hena, where's the bathroom?"

Hena, wiping her hands on her apron, pointed down the hall. "Turn left. The right-side door is the bathroom."

Yoto thanked her and started walking in that direction but suddenly bumped into Yushin. She blushed slightly and greeted him, "Good morning, Yoto."

Yoto felt a momentary warmth at her words but hesitated. Remembering what Kaito had told him on the ship, he kept his face straight and replied, "Good morning."

He tried to walk past her, but Yushin's eyes caught something unusual—his hands were wrapped in bandages. Concern filled her face as she instinctively grabbed his arm. "Yoto, what happened? Why are your hands bandaged?"

Yoto met her gaze and calmly replied, "I was training with my fists, so I wrapped them for support. There's nothing wrong with my arms. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to take a bath."

Yushin, however, did not let go. Her grip tightened as she pressed further, "Yoto, did you hurt yourself again? I can see red on the bandages."

Yoto hesitated before replying, "No, it's nothing. The red paint was already there before I wrapped them."

Yushin didn't believe him. She quickly unwrapped his hands to see for herself. Yoto's hands were completely alright, not a single bruise in sight.

"See? Nothing happened to my arms. You're just overreacting, Yushin."

Her expression fell. Sadness settled in her heart as she watched him walk away in silence. Yoto... have I done something wrong? Why are you suddenly acting so cold? Why? Do you not know that I care about you more than anything?

Meanwhile, Yoto soaked in the bathtub, letting his body relax. His thoughts drifted. Nishi worked hard last night. I think he's exhausted... Even when I call for him, he's still sleeping in my body. Maybe I should let him rest today.

Raising his right arm, he stared at his hand and murmured to himself, "It's not enough. I need to become stronger—much stronger."

The Previous Night,

Souta had broken down, sobbing, his tears falling freely. "That monster beheaded my father for opposing him."

Yoto's heart pounded, anger boiling inside him. He gently placed a hand on Souta's head. "Souta, go back to sleep," he said softly. Without another word, he turned and left the house.

Souta sensed something was wrong. "Yoto, where are you going?" he called out, but Yoto had already vanished into the night.

Walking through the dark path, Yoto suddenly felt something land on his shoulders—a hooded cloak. He turned sharply, but no one was there. Then, out of nowhere, Nishi appeared in front of him.

"AAAAAAAAAAAA!" Yoto screamed, falling to the ground in shock.

Nishi burst into laughter, clutching his sides. His eyes even watered as he gasped between laughs. "HAHAHAHA! Yoto... you... you got scared just from seeing my face!"

Yoto's temper flared. "You idiot! What do you think you're doing?! Any normal human would be scared in that situation. A parasite like you wouldn't understand that!"

"I AM NOT A PARASITE!" Nishi retorted. "You just got scared by your own reflection! I didn't know your face was that terrifying. No wonder you don't have a girlfriend—anyone who sees your face must run away! HAHAHAHAHA!"

Yoto's patience snapped. With all his strength, he delivered a brutal chop to Nishi's head.

"OW!" Nishi fell to the ground, rubbing his head. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I was just kidding! Please don't kill me, Yoto!"

Ignoring him, Yoto turned and walked away.

"Oye! Where are you going?" Nishi called after him.

Without answering, Yoto made his way to the bamboo forest on the outskirts of the village. As he reached the depths of the forest, he stopped and dropped his cloak on the ground.

Taking a fighting stance, he began punching and kicking a bamboo tree with relentless force.

Watching him, Nishi thought, He's furious after hearing about the kid's father. It can't be helped. Even I'm getting mad... If Yoto tries to do anything, I'll support him with everything I have because I am him. No one understands him better than me.

Yoto broke several bamboo stalks, peeling them to tie into a bundle—creating a makeshift punching bag. They were even harder to break together, making them a perfect test of strength.

Despite his hands bleeding, Yoto continued, refusing to stop.

Nishi appeared beside him. "Oye, you idiot. Show me your hands."

Surprised, Yoto asked, "What are you doing here, Nishi? Did you follow me?"

"What if I did? Let me help you." Nishi grabbed Yoto's injured hands, and a dark substance spread from his palms, covering Yoto's wounds. Within moments, his hands were completely healed.

Yoto continued his fierce training, over and over, with Nishi healing him repeatedly. As the morning light finally broke through the trees, Nishi—exhausted—merged back into Yoto's body.

Back in the Bathroom,

Yoto leaned back in the bathtub, closing his eyes. You stayed with me all night, huh? Because of you, I can become much stronger. Thank you, Nishi.

He finished his bath and returned to have breakfast. But just as he sat down, a sudden knock came at the door.

Souta, full of energy, jumped up. "I'll see who it is!"

As he opened the door, his face turned pale.

Standing at the doorstep were the guards of the village speaker.