15. Competition

Joon-hyuk's middle school years were significantly different from his chaotic elementary school days. After transferring to his new school, he made a promise to himself to avoid unnecessary fights. His past had been filled with violence, but now, he wanted to focus on refining his skills in a structured and disciplined environment.

From the moment he stepped into middle school, Joon-hyuk was determined to change. He still possessed immense strength and battle experience, but he restrained himself from engaging in meaningless brawls. However, he knew he needed an outlet to channel his abilities, and that's when he found the Judo club.

At first, many doubted his ability to adapt to Judo's disciplined and structured nature. His past fights had been brutal and unrestrained, a stark contrast to the technical and strategic aspects of Judo. However, Joon-hyuk surprised everyone, including his coach, with his adaptability. His years of fighting had given him an intuitive understanding of body mechanics, leverage, and balance—skills essential to Judo.

His first few months were challenging. He had to unlearn his old habits and replace them with the precision required for Judo. His instinct was to strike back when attacked, but in Judo, brute force was not the key—control and technique were. With each practice session, he honed his skills, learning how to redirect an opponent's momentum instead of resisting it.

Rapid Growth and Mastery

Over the next three years, Joon-hyuk trained relentlessly, sharpening his techniques and refining his mental control. He studied the fundamental throws, counters, and grappling techniques, quickly rising through the ranks of his peers. What set him apart was not just his physical talent but his ability to read his opponent's movements and react instantly.

His training wasn't limited to the dojo. He studied professional matches, analyzing every movement of top-tier judokas. He trained his body rigorously, improving his flexibility and endurance. He pushed himself to his limits, often staying late after practice, perfecting each throw until it became second nature.

By his third year, Joon-hyuk had become one of the most formidable judokas in his school. His ability to combine traditional Judo with his own fighting instincts made him unpredictable. His throws were not just precise but also powerful, and his counters were nearly impossible to escape from. His coach, recognizing his potential, urged him to participate in an official tournament—a decision that would eventually lead him to face the undefeated legend, Mary Kim.

The Tournament Begins

Joon-hyuk's first official competition was a highly anticipated event. Many were skeptical of a first-time competitor reaching the finals, but Joon-hyuk crushed every opponent he faced. His matches rarely lasted long, as he utilized a mix of fluid movement and explosive power to overwhelm his opponents. Some even whispered that he could be the one to finally challenge Mary Kim's reign.

He took down his first opponent in under a minute with a clean Seoi Nage. The second match ended just as swiftly with an Uchi Mata that left his opponent gasping for breath. By the semifinals, his reputation had spread through the tournament. Coaches, competitors, and spectators alike were in awe. Who was this newcomer who moved like a seasoned professional?

Mary Kim, on the other hand, was already a legend in the world of middle school Judo. At 15, she had never lost a match. Her skill was beyond what most could comprehend. She was given the title "Queen of Two Seconds," a nickname earned from her ability to defeat her opponents almost instantly.

Her matches were terrifyingly efficient. One second, she would close the distance, and in the next, her opponent would be crashing onto the mat, unable to react. Unlike Joon-hyuk, who relied on adaptability, Mary relied on absolute mastery of Judo's principles. Her throws were executed with such perfect timing that countering them was nearly impossible.

Physically, Mary Kim was an imposing figure. Standing tall and broad, she had a large yet powerful frame that made her presence even more intimidating. She wore glasses and had short, wavy blonde hair, giving her an air of intelligence and confidence. Despite her size, her movements were fluid and precise, making her a terrifying opponent to face on the mat.

As the final match drew closer, excitement filled the air. Joon-hyuk knew that this was his biggest challenge yet. Mary Kim was not just a skilled judoka—she was a prodigy, someone who had mastered the art to near perfection.

The tournament hall was filled with whispers. "Can he really stand a chance against her?" "She's undefeated. There's no way he'll win." "I heard he's different, though. He doesn't fight like the others."

Joon-hyuk ignored the noise. His focus was on one thing—victory.

Mary's piercing blue eyes locked onto Joon-hyuk the moment they stepped onto the mat, an unspoken challenge passing between them.

Before the match, Joon-hyuk's coach placed a hand on his shoulder. "She's fast. If you let her control the pace, it's over."

Joon-hyuk nodded. He had studied her fights. He knew exactly what to expect. The key wasn't just countering her—he needed to force her into unfamiliar territory.

The final match was about to begin. The entire stadium buzzed with anticipation. Would Joon-hyuk's raw power and adaptability be enough to overcome Mary Kim's absolute dominance?

As the referee signaled for the match to start, Joon-hyuk took a deep breath. He was ready.

The answer would soon be revealed.