Pain is Key

As Zodiac is rushed home for treatment, Daru trains rigorously with Rito, learning to punch and kick through various martial arts, including Japanese kickboxing, Lethwei, Sanda, and Savate.

Rito: Just like this, Daru; follow my movements.

Daru: Okay!

Rito performs shadow fighting while Daru attempts to keep pace.

Daru: (Stops) Can you slow down a bit? You're moving too quickly.

Rito: (Still shadow fighting) Daru, the objective is to keep up with me. Now, come on.

Daru: Alright, alright.

Daru resumes following Rito but struggles to maintain the tempo. After three hours, shirtless and sweating, Daru notices Rito is completely dry.

Daru: (Looking at Rito) How are you not sweating? It makes no sense.

Rito: I told you before, Daru, I don't sweat.

Daru: That's impossible! There's no way you don't sweat.

Rito: Stop talking; more training.

Daru continues to follow Rito for another hour.

Rito: Okay, we're done.

Daru: (Sits down) AHHHH!! FINALLY!!

Rito: I didn't say you were finished training. Now get up.

Daru: Come on, man, just five minutes.

Rito: Daru, get UP!

Daru: AHHH!! RITO, I'VE BEEN TRAINING FOR FOUR HOURS! MY BODY HURTS. THIS HEAT IS INTENSE; IT FEELS LIKE I'M SITTING UNDER A CAMPFIRE.

Rito: Not my problem. Now show me what you've learned. But aim for me.

Daru: Wait, on you?

Rito: Yes, come punch me!

Daru: (Laughs) Okay, just don't get mad if you get hurt.

Rito: (Laughs) We'll see; now hit me.

Daru gets up and punches Rito in the face as hard as he can. Rito looks at Daru, still smiling with his fist on his face.

Rito: Really? That's it? Come on! Harder!

Daru, momentarily shocked, begins throwing punches and kicks rapidly at Rito's face and chest. Rito stands there, absorbing the hits. A few minutes pass.

Rito: Come on!

Daru: (Stops fighting) What the hell, man! This isn't working. I'm not even hurting you.

Rito: Daru, let me ask you something.

Daru: Ugh, what?

Rito: What makes you mad?

Daru: What makes me mad?

Rito: Yes, like really… mad!

Daru: Well, I guess… When you asked me to think of something that makes me mad from before, I just thought of the bullies.

Rito: Think harder.

Daru concentrates and arrives at an answer.

Daru: I guess what makes me mad is when people call me weak and call me names.

Rito: Then use that.

Daru: What, use the names?

Rito: No, you idiot. Anger! Use it as fuel to unleash your true self and become a loose cannon.

Daru: Become a loose cannon?

Rito: (Begins yelling with an intense smile) Yes! NEVER STAY ON THE GROUND, NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER BACK DOWN! IF YOU GET KNOCKED DOWN, RISE AGAIN AND SHOW THEM WHO THE REAL WEAKLING IS! Daru, I WANT YOU TO BECOME SOMETHING THAT CAN'T BE TAMED—BECOME A MONSTER, BECOME PAIN ITSELF!!!

Daru: Become pain itself?

Rito: Yes, pain itself.

Daru: Uhh… Alright! Let's try it again.

Daru assumes a fighting stance while Rito observes intently.

Rito: Now… STRIKE ME!!

Daru reflects on the bullies taunting him, recalling moments of solitude in a garbage can, feeling powerless. Driven by anger, Daru charges at Rito and delivers a powerful punch!

Rito: COME ON, Daru! HARDER, HARDER, HARDER!!!

Daru: AHH!! AHH!! AHH!

Daru remembers the insults from the bullies (Flashback).

Bully 3: Stand tall, you coward!

Bully 2: YEAH!! TAKE THAT!

Bully: Do you enjoy this? I want to hear you admit that I own you. SAY IT!!

The bully pauses his assault.

Daru: (Lifts his head slowly) Why? I have no desire to say that.

Bully: (Punches him again in the stomach) SAY IT!! (Punches him in the face) SAY IT! (Punches him in the face) SAY IT!!!!

Daru: (Under his breath) You own me.

With renewed determination, Daru strikes Rito even harder!

Rito: THAT'S IT, Daru!! KEEP IT UP!!

Daru's hair shifts from purple to black once more.

Rito: (To himself) There it is. Now it's time to see what you can truly achieve, Daru (smiles).

Daru: AHH!! AHHH!! AHHH!! AHH!!

Daru punches Rito with intensified force, causing Rito to bleed, blood splattering onto Daru's fists.

Rito: THAT'S IT, Daru. CONTINUE!!

Daru's veins bulge and turn purple around his neck, arms, and legs. He begins to smile menacingly.

Rito: (To himself) His veins are bulging and turning purple? That's unprecedented.

Daru: HARDER!! HARDER!! HARDER!! (starts smiling).

Rito begins to spit blood. Moments later, Daru collapses and loses consciousness as the veins recede and his hair returns to its original state. Rito falls to the ground, clutching his stomach and spitting out blood.

Rito: (Talking to himself and laughing) Remarkable! If he had continued, I believe he truly would have caused me greater injury than I currently have (laughs). This young man is extraordinary. Daru, you're impressive.

Rito gazes at Daru, who is unconscious on the ground.

Rito: Hey, young man, please get up.

Daru lies still, unresponsive.

Rito: Young man, please get up!

Daru still does not respond.

Rito: Daru!!!

Daru: (Jumps up in a fighting stance) Ahhh!! YES, I'M AWAKE!!

Daru turns around and sees Rito bleeding and spitting out blood while holding his chest.

Daru: Rito!! (runs to him) Are you alright!?

Rito: (Laughs) I'm fine, don't worry about me, young man. I'll be okay. You accomplished what I intended for you to do.

Daru: Wait, I did this to you?

Rito: Yes (laughs), you're quite strong.

Daru: I feel guilty for hurting you.

Rito: (Laughs and rises) No, you did exactly what I wanted. Use that pain as fuel and transform it into strength. When you engage in combat, every punch and kick must embody your pain. Daru, do not give your opponent a moment to think; always apply pressure to assert dominance in the fight. Pain is key to combat.

Daru: Pain is key?

Rito: Individuals do not fight to find happiness, Daru. They fight to escape pain. Often, pain is all we understand. We do not engage in battle seeking rest and relief from discomfort; we fight to cease feeling it. That's why pain is merely an illusion.

Daru: Wow, I never considered it that way. Rito, it sounds like you've been through a lot. I mentioned it to Zenshi, but if you ever need to talk, I'm a good listener. (smiles)

Rito: I have no doubt you are, Daru. (laughs)

Daru: Why do you all always laugh? I'm being serious.

Rito: Do not be concerned; it's a positive thing. However, I have endured more pain than you realize. (laughs) Now, let's proceed with the training.

Daru: Yes, sir!

Rito: The training is about to become more intense.

Daru: I'm ready for anything, Rito—Master Rito.

Rito: Master! (laughs) Ah, you're quite amusing. Now, do you see those two rocks in the lava? (points)

Daru: Yes. Let me guess, I have to stand on them.

Rito: Not quite; you need to remove them from the lava.

Daru: How am I supposed to do that?

Rito: The decision is yours, Daru. You cannot use ropes or tools; only your body is available to you.

Daru: I would call that crazy, but I've done some crazy things before.

Rito: Very well. Whenever you feel prepared, proceed.

Rito positions himself against the wall, retrieves his book, and begins to read. Meanwhile, Daru contemplates how to retrieve the two rocks from the lava. Thirty minutes pass, and Rito drifts off to sleep. He awakens to find Daru approaching the lava, stopping at the edge.

Rito: (muttering) Come on, Daru, you can do this.

Daru takes a deep breath and steps into the lava.

Daru: Ahh! That's incredibly hot! Come on, Daru, remember that pain is merely an illusion. Pain is just an illusion. Pain is just an illusion.

Rito: That's it, Daru! Keep pushing forward!

Daru fully submerges his feet in the lava and walks toward the two rocks. He closes his eyes to distract himself from the intense heat. As he continues, he accidentally bumps his head. Upon opening his eyes, he finds himself standing beside the two rocks.

Daru: (exultantly) I did it!!

Rito: YES!! YOU DID IT! (laughs)

Daru picks up the rocks and makes his way back to Rito, carrying them in his hands. He finally exits the lava and sets the rocks down.

Rito: (approaches Daru) Excellent work, young man! I'm proud of you. (slaps Daru on the back)

Daru: OUCH! THAT HURT!

Rito: My apologies! (laughs) Now, back to training.

Daru: Yes, sir!

Daru stands in position with his hands raised while Rito delivers a series of kicks and punches.

Daru: More, more, more! MORE! (smiles)

The scene transitions to Zodiac and Mizuda at the house at midnight. Mizuda is tending to Zodiac with medical supplies as he winces in pain.

Mizuda: Try to remain still; I don't want to accidentally prick you.

She takes a cloth and wraps it around his chest, covering the wound.

Mizuda: There you go, all set now.

Zodiac: Hmm.

As Zodiac prepares to go to bed, Mizuda stops him by wiggling her finger.

Mizuda: What do you think you're doing, mister? You need to explain why you and Himitsu went there.

Zodiac: Why don't you ask him yourself? (rudely)

Mizuda: He's already on his way home; I need you to explain. Share the details now, or you're not getting any sleep.

Zodiac sits up on the bed, visibly annoyed.

Zodiac: It was Himitsu's idea to go. Are you satisfied now?

Mizuda shakes her head.

Mizuda: I can sense when you're not being entirely truthful. Does sleep truly not matter to you?

Zodiac: Fine. The only reason we went is that he mentioned it was a venue for dueling others with swordsmanship skills. I wanted to see what it entailed.

Mizuda: Because you were seeking formidable opponents, correct? I know you all too well, Zodiac.

Zodiac: What, are you going to punish me now? If so, just get it over with.

Mizuda stands and gazes out the window.

Mizuda: You know that guy you fought?

Zodiac: Sure, he was clearly stronger than me.

Mizuda: Indeed, but there is more to it. He was an ex-assassin and one of my classmates from years past. While other students were competent, his growth was exceptional. He never failed a mission, always eliminated his targets, and never lost a fight.

Zodiac: Really? Have you ever faced him in combat?

Mizuda: Yes, I was the only person he couldn't defeat in sparring, even when he exerted his full effort.

Zodiac: So you must be on par with him, then.

Mizuda: If you mean currently, I cannot say. It has been so long since I fought him or even encountered him. He eventually resigned from the guild and stepped away from being an assassin. I have not seen him since.

Zodiac: (to himself) That does not clarify why he would go to that place and start duels. And why did he choose to fight me?

Mizuda notices Zodiac lost in thought.

Mizuda: Is something troubling you?

Zodiac: It's nothing; please do not concern yourself with it.

Mizuda: Are you certain? You can confide in me about anything, Zodiac.

Zodiac: Yes, I'm certain.

She sighs.

Mizuda: In any case, you need to rest for tomorrow.

Zodiac: Finally, I can sleep.

Mizuda: Of course, I wasn't serious about keeping you awake all night.

A few seconds later, they hear a knock at the front door.

Zodiac: Who could be knocking at this hour? Never mind, it's probably Himitsu again.

Mizuda: That would not make sense; he just departed a little while ago.

Zodiac: Perhaps he wishes to train.

Mizuda: Who knows. I will check to see who it is. I'll be right back.

Zodiac: Are you sure you don't want me to come?

Mizuda: Do not worry; just ensure you get some rest.

She exits Zodiac's room and proceeds to the living room. Grabbing her sword from the wall, she approaches the front door. Upon opening it, she finds no one outside.

Mizuda: (to herself) Strange. Is someone attempting a prank? If so, that was pretty lame.

She notices a bush rustling as Zodek emerges, rushing toward Mizuda with his dual blades. She quickly raises her sword and blocks the attack just in time, his blade narrowly missing her face.

Mizuda: What the hell!?

Dark Zodek: I'm impressed you still possess your skills, Mizuda. After all these years, I would have expected you to have lost your touch.

Mizuda attempts to strike him, but Zodek performs a backflip to evade.

Mizuda: I should have known it was you all along.

Zodek chuckles.

Dark Zodek: Naturally! It would be remiss of you not to remember me.

Mizuda: In that case, I won't hold back against you.

Dark Zodek: Very well. (smiling)

She steels herself and charges at him, aiming for another strike. Zodek blocks it again, and they exchange blows, each trying to land a hit. Mizuda then shifts her form and executes a quick pike attack. Zodek weaves his head side to side, evading her moves. He deflects her final attack and delivers a side strike to her stomach. Just as he closes in, she vanishes and reappears directly behind him, launching a downward strike.

Mizuda: I've got you now.

Zodek blocks her attack with his blade, still facing away from her.

Dark Zodek: I believe you made an error there, heh.

He swiftly turns around and performs a quick slash, sending a wind projectile hurtling toward her. Mizuda reacts promptly, blocking it but is pushed back a few feet. She begins to breathe heavily.

Mizuda: You nearly had me, I must admit.

Dark Zodek: Excellent! It would be unfortunate if this fight concluded quickly.

Zodek charges at her again, swinging his blades while she counters with her sword. They continue to exchange blows, increasing their speed and power, slicing down trees one after another. As they fight, they find themselves near the house again, neither managing to land a hit on the other.

Mizuda: Still the same as ever. You've likely improved even further, Crumpy.

Dark Zodek: Pardon? Could you repeat that?

Mizuda: I mentioned that you still possess considerable skill, Crumpy.

Crumpy begins to grasp his head, visibly upset.

Crumpy: PLEASE STOP CALLING ME CRUMPY!!!

Mizuda then laughs.

Mizuda: Oh, is Crumpy starting to feel grumpy?

He covers his ears.

Crumpy: LALALALA, I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!! I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE SAYING!!!

She points into the distance.

Mizuda: Look over there.

He uncovers his ears.

Crumpy: Huh? What is it?

Mizuda: Oh, nothing. I just wanted to say Crumpy, hahaha.

Crumpy: PLEASE STOP!!!

Zodiac then opens the door, noticing the commotion between Mizuda and Crumpy.

Zodiac: Wait, isn't that Zodek? What is he doing here?

Mizuda: Ah, my dear Zodiac. Zodek is his last name; his first name is Crumpy. (Smiling)

Zodiac is taken aback by the unusual name.

Zodiac: For someone strong like you, you definitely have a stupid name. (Blank face)

Crumpy: YOU LITTLE BASTARD!!!

As Mizuda continues to tease Crumpy for several minutes, she eventually stops. Crumpy lies on the ground, exhausted and in tears.

Mizuda: Alright, I'll start calling you Zodek again. Are you satisfied?

He rises from the ground, relieved.

Crumpy: Finally! I was about to lose my composure with that name.

Zodiac: But that is your name.

Crumpy then regards Zodiac with a serious expression.

Crumpy: Do you wish for me to crush you once more?

Mizuda: If you lay a finger on him again, it will be you who gets crushed. Now, tell us why you are here and why you followed us home!

Crumpy: The reason I followed you here pertains to one individual, Zodiac.

Both Mizuda and Zodiac look confused.

Mizuda: Zodiac? Why him?

Crumpy smirks.

Crumpy: Let's just say I have been observing him the entire time, even during his training. I like to assess individuals to gauge their potential and determine if they possess what it takes. But this kid—no, he is certainly not average. He is far beyond just an assassin.