Kūryūken – The Sky Dragon’s Resolve

The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the thin paper windows of Kaito's room, casting a warm glow on the boy as he lay motionless on his futon. His body ached from the battle against Taro, and every muscle felt like it was weighed down by stones. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open, and he tried to sit up, only for dizziness to wash over him.

As he swung his legs over the edge of the futon, his strength gave out, and he collapsed to the floor with a thud.

"Kaito!" a small voice cried out.

It was Rina, his five-year-old sister, peeking through the door with wide, worried eyes. She immediately rushed to his side, trying to lift him despite her tiny frame. "Onii-chan, are you okay? Mama! Papa! Kaito fell!"

Aoi and Ryuto hurried in moments later. Ryuto bent down and lifted Kaito with ease, his face stern but laced with concern. "You're still not fully recovered," Ryuto said, carrying him toward the dining room.

Aoi prepared a bowl of rice porridge, setting it on the table alongside pickled vegetables and tea. "Sit and eat," she said softly, helping Kaito into a chair.

Kaito, still groggy, glanced around the room. "What… happened last night? Did we stop Taro? Did he escape?"

Ryuto sat across from him, his expression darkening. "He escaped again. His army retreated before we could corner him."

Kaito's hand clenched into a fist, frustration surging within him. "I should've done more…"

Before Ryuto could reply, the sound of footsteps echoed through the house. Haruto and Ayame appeared in the doorway, their faces bright with relief upon seeing Kaito awake.

"You're alive and kicking," Haruto said with a grin. "We were worried you wouldn't make it."

Ayame placed a hand on Kaito's shoulder. "It's good to see you up. You fought well last night."

Ryuto gestured to the table. "You're here just in time. Sit and eat with us."

The group settled around the table, the mood gradually lightening as breakfast was shared. Between bites of food, Ryuto turned to Kaito, his tone serious. "I have to ask you something. You've mentioned wanting to train under Ren. Are you certain that's what you want?"

Kaito set down his chopsticks, meeting his father's gaze with unwavering determination. "I want to protect this village and everyone in it. To do that, I have to get stronger. I have to go with Ren."

Ryuto nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "Very well. But before I give you my blessing, you'll need to prove that you're ready."

After breakfast, Haruto and Ayame said their goodbyes, leaving Kaito with Ryuto in the backyard. The training area was serene, but the air was charged with purpose.

"Show me what you've learned so far," Ryuto said, crossing his arms.

Kaito nodded, stepping forward. He started with his Kazekiri (Wind Cutter), the blade of air slicing cleanly through a wooden post. Then, he unleashed a small but concentrated Reppū Shōkyū (Gale Rising Sphere), sending it hurtling into a practice dummy. Finally, he summoned a swirling Kazeryoku Tatsumaki (Wind Spirit Typhoon), its gusts scattering leaves and debris around the yard.

When the demonstration ended, Kaito turned to his father, chest heaving from exertion. "What do you think?"

Ryuto's expression remained neutral. "You've come far. But if you think this is enough to train under Ren, you're mistaken."

"What else do I need?" Kaito asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

Ryuto stepped forward, the breeze around them intensifying as if responding to his presence. "Let me teach you a technique that will push you beyond your limits. A move that embodies the true strength of wind. It's called Kūryūken (Sky Dragon Fist)."

Kaito's eyes widened. "Sky Dragon Fist?"

Ryuto raised his hand, the wind coiling around his arm like a living serpent. "This is no ordinary attack. It combines the speed and ferocity of wind with your physical strength, creating a devastating strike. Few can master it, and fewer still can use it effectively in battle."

He stepped into a fighting stance, his muscles tensing as the wind around him roared to life. "Watch closely."

Ryuto took a deep breath, then punched forward with incredible force. "Kūryūken!"

A colossal dragon formed from the spiraling wind erupted from his fist, its translucent body shimmering as it twisted through the air. The ground trembled under its might as it surged forward, tearing through the practice dummies in its path. The dragon's roar echoed like thunder before it dissipated into the sky.

Kaito stood frozen, awe-struck. "That's… amazing."

Ryuto turned to him, his stern gaze meeting Kaito's. "This will be your next challenge. But don't think you'll master it in a single day."

Kaito nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I'm ready."

Ryuto guided him through the initial steps, showing him how to focus his wind energy and channel it into his strikes. For hours, Kaito practiced, sweat pouring down his face as he tried to summon even a fraction of the power his father had demonstrated.

By the time the sun dipped low in the sky, Kaito managed to create a faint outline of the dragon, but it dissipated before it could take full form.

Ryuto placed a hand on his shoulder. "That's enough for today. One move is enough to learn at a time. Focus on perfecting it. And remember, strength alone isn't enough. You'll also need endurance. From tomorrow, you'll begin daily drills—running, lifting, and refining your form."

Kaito wiped his brow, his exhaustion tempered by excitement. "I'll do whatever it takes."

Ryuto smiled faintly. "Good. Then prove it to me, Kaito. Show me you're ready to stand among the strongest."

As they walked back to the house, the faint cries of cicadas filled the air. Kaito's steps were heavy, but his resolve burned brighter than ever. The path to protecting his village was long, but with each step, he grew closer to mastering the Kūryūken—and his destiny.