Talent Reborn – Season 2
Episode 12: The Pain of Growth
The sharp sting of sweat and blood filled the air as Haruto gasped for breath, his arms trembling from exhaustion. Takeshi Arata stood in front of him, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
"Again," Takeshi ordered.
Haruto groaned but didn't hesitate. His body was sore, but he forced himself to his feet. Pain was temporary. He had to push through.
He launched forward, throwing a jab. Takeshi sidestepped effortlessly, his movements as fluid as water.
Before Haruto could react, a fist slammed into his ribs, sending him sprawling onto the mat.
"That's the problem," Takeshi muttered. "You're still thinking. By the time you make a decision, you're already on the ground."*
Haruto gritted his teeth, forcing himself up once more.
Renji, leaning against the ropes, smirked. "I warned you. Takeshi doesn't go easy on anyone."*
"Shut up, Kujo," Haruto muttered, wiping blood from his lip.
Takeshi's eyes sharpened. "You want to fight real monsters, kid? Then stop relying on borrowed talent. Build something of your own."*
Haruto exhaled. He needed to change.
Over the next week, Haruto trained relentlessly.
Takeshi stripped him of all copied fighting techniques, forcing him to start from the ground up.
At dawn, they worked on footwork. Balance, movement, weight distribution.
At midday, they drilled punches, forcing Haruto to land thousands of repetitions until his knuckles bled.
At night, he sparred against fighters twice his size, forced to react under pressure.
It was brutal.
By the fifth day, Haruto collapsed outside the gym, completely drained.
"You're improving," Takeshi said, handing him a bottle of water.
Haruto barely had the energy to drink. "Doesn't feel like it…"
"That's because real skill takes time," Takeshi replied. "Talent can only take you so far. The rest is pure work."*
Haruto clenched his fist. He understood now.
That night, Haruto sat outside the gym, staring up at the sky. His entire body ached, but his mind felt clearer than ever.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed behind him.
"Still alive?" Renji's voice called out.
Haruto scoffed. "Barely."*
Renji chuckled, sitting beside him. "You're getting stronger. But be careful, Haruto."*
Haruto frowned. "What do you mean?"
Renji's expression darkened. "Word is spreading about you. The organization isn't the only one watching anymore."*
Haruto tensed. "Who else?"
Renji sighed. "Other talent users. Some who might not want you around."*
Haruto's grip tightened. He was being hunted.
And this time, he might not get a second chance.
To Be Continued…