Chapter 4 "A Spark of Potential''

Scene 1: The Secluded Forest:

 Along the southern river that runs east of Kaidara, branches a little west before heading back south toward Ryunoshi and the ocean , is a village called Blossom Grove, known for its cherry blossom trees, and even one mighty mystical cherry blossom tree that sits on the western side of the village far into the forest hidden. 

It is near here where we find Sakura.

Sakura is training alone, facing several wooden dummies she's set up for practice.

Sakura tightened her gloves, her violet eyes narrowed in focus. Her short spiky pink hair glistened with sweat as she darted forward, delivering a sharp series of punches and kicks to one of the dummies. Splinters flew into the air as she finished with a spinning roundhouse kick, knocking the dummy over.

Sakura (inner monologue): "It's not enough. If Akuma's back, I need to be stronger. Strong enough to protect everyone... strong enough to stand beside them."

She turned to the next dummy, her fiery determination unshaken despite her heavy breaths. She leapt forward, fists glowing faintly with pinkish energy, and landed a punch that sent the dummy flying into a tree. It splintered on impact.

Sakura stumbled slightly as she landed, panting. "Still not perfect," she muttered, wiping her brow.

Suddenly, a slow clap echoed through the clearing. She spun around, fists raised, only to see a familiar figure stepping out from the trees.

Scene 2: Yuka Arrives:

Yuka emerged from the shadows, arms crossed and a faint smile on her face.

Yuka: "Still rushing your strikes, Sakura. You'll never perfect your technique like that."

Sakura's expression shifted from alarm to joy. "Yuka!" she exclaimed, lowering her guard. "What are you doing here?"

Yuka stepped into the clearing, her blue qipao flowing lightly in the breeze. "I could ask you the same thing," she replied, glancing at the scattered remains of the dummies. "Looks like you've been busy."

Sakura crossed her arms, pouting. "I'm training. What else would I be doing?"

Yuka: "Impatient as ever, I see."

Sakura (huffing): "I'm not impatient! I'm focused."

Before Yuka could respond, two more figures stepped into the clearing—Ryu and Kenshi. Ryu's calm presence contrasted sharply with Kenshi's wide grin.

Kenshi: "Well, well. The kid's got fire. I like her already."

Sakura (narrowing her eyes): "Kenshi. Still as obnoxious as ever, I see."

Kenshi: "Obnoxious? No. Confident? Absolutely."

Scene 3: The Test of Strength

Yuka turned to Sakura, her expression turning serious.

Yuka: "Sakura, I need to see how far you've come. Before you join us, you'll need to prove you're ready for what's ahead."

Sakura blinked in surprise. "Wait… you want me to fight you?"

Yuka gave a small nod, stepping into a battle stance. "Not a fight. A test. You rely too much on brute force, but in a real battle, technique and precision matter more than power."

Sakura clenched her fists. "Alright, then. I'll show you what I've got!"

The others stepped back as the two women faced off. Sakura took the initiative, dashing forward with a quick jab. Yuka dodged with ease, shifting to the side with a graceful step.

Yuka: "Predictable."

Sakura growled in frustration and launched into a flurry of punches and kicks, her movements fast but reckless. Yuka weaved through the strikes effortlessly, her eyes analyzing every movement.

With a swift motion, Yuka countered, catching Sakura's wrist mid-strike and flipping her onto the ground.

Yuka: "You're strong, but you're wasting energy. Again."

Sakura pushed herself up, gritting her teeth. "Fine! But I won't hold back this time!"

She activated her Petal Step, vanishing in a blur of motion and appearing behind Yuka. She swung her leg in a sweeping kick, but Yuka reacted just in time, blocking with her forearm.

A faint smile crossed Yuka's lips. "That's more like it."

The two exchanged blows, Sakura adapting her movements mid-fight. She wasn't just attacking blindly anymore—she was learning. Yuka saw the shift in her technique and nodded in approval.

Finally, Yuka stepped back, raising a hand. "That's enough."

Sakura was panting but stood her ground. "Did I… pass?"

Yuka's expression softened. "You've improved. But you still have much to learn."

Sakura smirked. "Then I'll just have to learn along the way."

Yuka extended her hand, and Sakura took it, sealing the agreement.

Scene 4: Convincing Sakura:

As the tension settled, Denki entered the clearing, arms crossed.

Denki: "Well, that was fun to watch. But we're wasting time."

Sakura turned, her eyes widening at the sight of him. "Who… who are you?"

Denki smirked, sparks crackling around his fingertips. "Denki. Lightning specialist. Resident wildcard. You must be the rookie."

Sakura bristled. "I am NOT a rookie!"

Ryu chuckled. "You two will get along just fine."

Yuka stepped forward, her expression turning serious once more.

Yuka: "Sakura, we need you. Akuma has returned."

Sakura's playful defiance faded. Her violet eyes darkened with concern. "He's back? Are you serious?"

Ryu (nodding): "We've already seen his minions. He's stronger than ever."

Sakura looked down, her fists trembling. "Then… it's true. I knew it wasn't just a rumor."

Yuka placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "That's why we're here. We can't do this alone. You've grown stronger, Sakura, but this is bigger than any of us."

Sakura took a deep breath, then met Yuka's gaze with fierce determination. "If you're asking me to join, you don't even need to ask. I've been waiting for this chance."

Scene 5: The Team Unites

The group prepared to leave the forest, their mission now clear.

As they walked, Kenshi glanced at Sakura. "You know, you've got potential, kid. But don't think I'm going to go easy on you."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Denki smirked from behind them. "Let's just hope you can keep up."

Sakura turned to glare at him. "You'll see just how much I can keep up when the time comes."

Ryu walked ahead of them all, his voice cutting through their banter. "Focus. Akuma's not going to wait for us to be ready."

The group fell into a quiet rhythm as they exited the forest, their journey taking them toward the next battle. Sakura looks back towards the forest as a tuff of wind knocked down some petals from cherry blossom trees, the petals swirl in the air, glowing faintly as if whispering to Sakura… hinting at a deeper power yet to be unlocked.

Closing Scene: Akuma's Lair

In the depths of the Abyssal Fortress, shadowy figures knelt before the towering Demon Lord. His crimson eyes burned with malice as he spoke.

Akuma: "The pieces are moving into place. Soon, the warriors will come to me… and they will fall."