Strengths and Weaknesses

Zodiac rises, still clutching his stomach.

Zodiac: So why did you tell me not to rely on myself before, huh!?

Crumpy: I never said that. If you had been listening, you would have heard me mention that you rely on yourself too much.

Zodiac: I don't understand. What point are you trying to make?

Crumpy: As I mentioned before, Zodiac, I've been observing you since you began your training with Mizuda. You possess talent with weapons; I acknowledge that. However, your attitude and independence present a significant issue. Take the raid you conducted earlier: when you and that other individual collaborated, there was a complete lack of communication. You charged into battle without considering the consequences. What would you do if the enemy you faced was immune to swords?

Zodiac: Trust me, I'll ensure my weapon is effective.

Crumpy: Why, Zodiac? Why must you approach it this way? Ignorance will only take you so far.

Zodiac raises his voice.

Zodiac: DO YOU THINK I CARE!? I ONLY TRUST MYSELF, AND THAT'S IT!

Crumpy: And therein lies your greatest weakness.

Zodiac looks taken aback.

Crumpy: Being weak means relying solely on yourself; being strong means seeking assistance from others. When you lack in a particular area, someone else can fill that gap and elevate you. If you remain solely focused on yourself, you will never recognize your weaknesses. As my old master used to say: "iron sharpens iron," and so do people.

Zodiac remains silent for a few moments.

Mizuda: Wow, I never knew you were capable of delivering speeches like that, Crumpy.

Crumpy: HEY, WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT SAYING THAT?

Mizuda: Oops, my apologies, haha. (Laughs)

Crumpy: So, Zodiac, do you grasp what I've conveyed or not?

Zodiac: Yes, I do, but I'm still going to do what I want.

Mizuda sighs.

Mizuda: He's a challenging one to reach. Even I've attempted many times.

Crumpy smiles.

Crumpy: It's all good; as long as he comprehends the message, that's sufficient for me. In any case, I believe it's time we proceed to the next step.

Zodiac: I'm surprised you still want to train me after everything I've done.

Crumpy: Certainly. Since you prefer not to focus on building your physical strength, we will concentrate on enhancing your speed. Your training will involve improving your awareness, agility, perception, stamina, and, of course, speed. However, I want to emphasize that this will not be an easy process.

Zodiac crossed his arms.

Zodiac: I can handle it; you need not worry about me.

Mizuda: That's encouraging to hear. I must return to my classes with my other students, so I will leave Zodiac in your capable hands.

Zodiac: Your first class is today?

Mizuda: Yes, indeed. Their program is not yet complete, so I must continue my instruction. I will return by noon, so I will see you all later!

She began to walk away, waving back at them.

Crumpy: Very well, let's get started, kid.

Crumpy and Zodiac commenced their next training session. Crumpy had Zodiac running around the field for an hour, dodging arrows from all angles, including his blind spots, climbing buildings, jumping from roof to roof, and pinpointing sounds with his eyes closed, among other activities. Crumpy kept him engaged for 3-4 hours straight. They returned to the field as Zodiac collapsed, utterly exhausted.

Crumpy: Are you already feeling fatigued?

Zodiac: No, I can keep going.

Crumpy looked up at the sky and noted that it was nearly noon.

Crumpy: It seems our training session is approaching its conclusion. I had planned to save this for tomorrow, but we can begin now.

Zodiac: What do you mean?

Crumpy: This…

Crumpy vanished and reappeared right behind Zodiac within seconds.

Zodiac: What just happened?

Crumpy: Do you recall this move? It's the same one Zuda and I often employ.

Zodiac: Yes, I remember Mizuda using it on that orc.

Crumpy: Correct. We refer to this move as "Sudoshi," or simply, vanish. It enables you to teleport from one location to another. This will be an invaluable tool for you to evade attacks. However, keep in mind that the more frequently you utilize it, the more energy it will consume.

Zodiac: Hmm, that seems manageable.

Crumpy: Indeed, this is not a technique suited for young children. Typically, adults begin training for it, and even for them, it is challenging. However, given the potential I observe in you, you may have a real chance.

Zodiac: Alright, well, that's unfortunate for them. How do we begin?

Crumpy: (Speaking to himself) This tone presents quite a challenge. First, you must concentrate all your energy into a single focal point. This will enable your body to move more fluidly and react more quickly. Close your eyes and focus, gathering your energy in one location. Observe.

Crumpy closes his eyes, concentrating. As he does, his body begins to dissipate, leaving behind a smoky effect.

Crumpy: Now, strike me.

Zodiac grabs a sword and swings it as Crumpy vanishes, reappearing behind him.

Zodiac: How is that possible? My sword passed through you as if you were smoke.

Crumpy: Precisely. When you observed my body exhibiting that effect, it indicated that my physical form was disassembling into particles, becoming non-physical. I simply envisioned my next location and chose to appear behind you. That's the essence of Sudoshi.

Zodiac: How far can you vanish?

Crumpy: It varies depending on the individual and their energy levels. Some can traverse great distances, while others cannot. Now, give it a try.

Zodiac assumes a stance, closes his eyes, and attempts to concentrate his energy into one point. His hair begins to flicker rapidly.

Crumpy: (Speaking to himself) There it is, the flicker again. Could it be true?

Zodiac struggles to maintain his energy and collapses to the ground, breathless.

Zodiac: This is incredibly difficult.

Crumpy chuckles softly.

Crumpy: I warned you this wouldn't be easy. Mastery of this technique often requires months or even years. However, persistence is key.

At that moment, Mizuda returns with food.

Mizuda: I'm back!

Both Zodiac and Crumpy turn to see Mizuda.

Crumpy: Well, would you look at that! It seems she's returned already. Let's conclude our training for today and resume tomorrow.

Zodiac: As you wish.

Both walk over to her.

Crumpy: How were your lessons today, Mizuda?

Mizuda: They went well! The children are certainly improving day by day. How about you two?

Crumpy: Oh, Zodiac is making significant progress; we're just wrapping up for today. By the way, what did you bring us?

Mizuda: Oh, this? I stopped by the bakery and picked up a treat for you. Please, take it!

Zodiac and Crumpy take the fruit tarts from her hands. Zodiac selects the blueberry tart, while Crumpy chooses the cherry. As they take a bite, their eyes widen in surprise.

Crumpy: These are exceptional!

Mizuda: I know, right? That's exactly what I thought the first time I tried one. Do you enjoy it as well, Zodiac?

Zodiac: Yes, it's quite good.

Mizuda: Excellent! So, you both completed your training today, correct?

Crumpy: He did everything he could today, so yes.

After a moment, a strong gust of wind rushes by.

Mizuda: Oh wow, it's really starting to get windy! With this much force, it would be challenging for anyone to stand, let alone run.

As Crumpy hears this, an idea sparks for Zodiac.

Crumpy: Wait, that's perfect!

Mizuda and Zodiac look at him, puzzled.

Mizuda: Huh? What are you referring to?

Crumpy: I've been focusing on improving Zodiac's speed since he prefers not to train his physical strength, and this wind just inspired an idea. Zuda, do you recall that valley that experiences strong winds?

She thinks for a moment.

Mizuda: Yes, I do. However, most people avoid it because the wind is too intense.

Crumpy: Exactly! Consider this—running through a wind current would be impossible for the average person, right? But what if Zodiac underwent training that enabled him to run within a wind current at full speed?

Mizuda: That sounds promising, but it would require significant time for him to achieve that.

Crumpy smiles.

Crumpy: Trust me, given how much Zodiac has been improving, I have no doubt he will be able to accomplish it. I'm confident.

Meanwhile, as Zodiac, Mizuda, and Crumpy strategize, Daru, Zenshi, and Rito are engaged in a fierce battle against the Nitharian guards.

Rito: (fighting the Nitharians) Come on, is this really all you have?

Zenshi: (running from the guards) Ahhh! Get away from me!

Daru punches a guard, knocking him out cold.

Daru: Holy crap! I knocked him out with one punch. I didn't even hit that hard.

Zenshi's Dad: (to himself) That kid just knocked out a guard with one punch.

Daru: THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN! COME ON! (grins menacingly)

Daru and Rito begin yelling in unison, punching the guards one by one in the face and sending them flying.

Daru: Amazing! I've truly become stronger!

While Daru is speaking, a guard approaches from behind, swinging his sword toward Daru's neck. The blade makes contact, leaving a small cut.

Daru: (laughs maniacally) Oh man, that tickles!

Daru seizes the guard's sword and swings it, decapitating him.

Daru: Come on, man! I need more of a challenge!

Rito delivers a powerful punch to a guard, sending him crashing into four others, incapacitating them.

Rito: You're right; we definitely need a greater challenge.

Shortly thereafter, Daru and Rito hear footsteps approaching.

Rito: What the—

Zenshi: (pausing to listen) What is that sound?

Zenshi's Dad: Yes, I hear it as well. Zenshi, please untie me and the others.

Zenshi: Of course!

Zenshi swiftly frees her father, and they begin untying the other villagers, urging them to return to the village. Meanwhile, Daru and Rito continue to hear the footsteps drawing nearer. They turn to see three imposing Nitharians charging toward them, wielding enormous swords.

Daru: What the heck? Those guys are so ugly. (laughs) But I want to fight them to see how much stronger I am.

Rito: Alright, remain calm. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

As the Nitharians approach, they notice all their guards on the ground, injured, with one deceased.

Nitharian Guard: What?! DID YOU KILL GLEM?!

Daru: Who the hell is Glem?

The guard points to the body of the decapitated guard.

Daru: Oh, that guy. Yeah, I killed him; he tried to kill me.

Nitharian Guard: YOU KILLED GLEM!! GLEM!!!

The Nitharian drops his sword and angrily advances toward Daru. Rito moves to intervene, but the other two Nitharian guards restrain him.

Nitharian Guard 2: You don't want to do that unless you wish to be killed.

Nitharian Guard 3: Indeed… If I release you, he will eliminate you instantly. He's the strongest among us.

Rito: Only among your group? That's quite unfortunate. But I am concerned about him.

Nitharian Guard 2: (laughs) I would be too if I were that young man.

Rito: No, I'm not referring to the young man; I'm talking about your comrade approaching him.

Nitharian Guard 3: What do you mean?!

The two guards, shocked, turn to see their comrade advancing toward Daru.

Zenshi: (shouting at Daru) Daru! Don't just stand there!

Zenshi's Dad: Yes! KID, RUN!!

Daru remains in place, smiling. As the guard nears, he looks furious.

Nitharian Guard 1: (furious) You won't keep that smile for long, you bastard.

Daru: I think I will. (smiles)

The guard lunges at Daru, delivering a punch that sends him crashing to the ground. The guard then begins to ground-and-pound Daru, striking him in the face and chest, causing vibrations to ripple through the ground.

Nitharian Guard 1: YOU LIKE THAT?! GETTING PUMMELED INTO THE GROUND? YOU'RE PATHETIC, HUMAN!!

Zenshi: NO, Daru!! PLEASE STOP! (begins to run)

Zenshi's Father: That child is finished, Zenshi. (restrains Zenshi)

Guards 2 and 3: Oh man, that kid is getting wrecked; he's done for! (laughs)

Rito lowers his head.

Rito: (under his breath) Come on, kid…

Guard 3: Look, he even put his head down because he knows that kid is finished.

As the Nitharian Guard continues to strike Daru, the blows become increasingly forceful. In the chaos, Zenshi manages to wriggle free from her father's grip and rushes toward Daru and the Nitharian Guard.

Zenshi's Father: NO, ZENSHI!! COME BACK! ZENSHI!!

Zenshi calls out Daru's name, pleading with the guard to stop. She reaches the guard and begins to strike him.

Guard 2: HA! LOOK AT THIS. THE GIRL IS RUNNING TOWARD HIM.

Guard 3: SHE'S GOING TO GET HURT, MAN. THIS IS GOING TO BE A SLAUGHTER FEST.

Zenshi strikes the guard with all her strength, desperate for him to relent.

Zenshi: (crying) STOP, PLEASE STOP!!

The Nitharian Guards pause their assault on Daru as he turns to look at Zenshi.

Nitharian Guard: DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH TOO, GIRL?!

Zenshi: (crying and continuing to hit him) JUST STOP!! STOP HURTING Daru, PLEASE!!

Frustrated by her cries and blows, the Nitharian Guard backhands Zenshi, sending her two feet away and crashing onto a rock.

Zenshi's Father: ZENSHI!! OH NO, ZENSHI!!

Guard 2: Wow, he really went easy on her.

Guard 3: Yeah, I expected him to finish her right there.

Nitharian Guard: (pointing at Zenshi) That was a warning; if you strike me again, I will kill you too.

As the Nitharian Guard turns back to Daru, Zenshi cries out.

Zenshi: (crying, raising her hand) Daru… get… up… please…

Zenshi collapses on the ground, and her father rushes to her side.

Zenshi's Father: (cradling her head) Zenshi! Zenshi! ZENSHI!!

As Zenshi's Father attempts to revive her, the Nitharian Guard aims a punch at Daru, but his fist halts midway.

Nitharian Guard: Wh—

Rito lifts his head and begins to laugh, gradually increasing in volume.

Guard 2: What in the world— Why are you laughing?

Guard 3: He must be so frightened that he's laughing. This is typical human behavior when they are scared (laughs).

As the Nitharian Guard observed Daru, his hair shifted from purple to black. His veins bulged around his neck, legs, and arms, while his eyes changed to a bright purple. The Guard watched as Daru clenched his fist.

Nitharian Guard: (seeing Daru's clenched fist) Wh-What is happening? This shouldn't be possible! You shouldn't even be able to move!

Daru tightened his grip, crushing the Nitharian's fingers.

Nitharian Guard: AHH! MY HAND!

Guard 2: WHAT IS GOING ON?!

Guard 3: HOW IS HE EVEN ABLE TO MOVE? HE WAS PUNCHED SO HARD?!

Rito: (laughs) I told you. Are you frightened now? (smiles)

Zenshi's Father: Who is this child?

Daru: (laughs and smiles) Does that hurt?

Daru chuckled as he applied more pressure, ripping the Nitharian's arm clean off.

Nitharian Guard: MY ARM! MY ARM!

The Nitharian Guard recoiled and fled, shouting for the other guards to escape.

Nitharian Guard: RUN! GET OUT OF HERE!

Daru: (holding the Nitharian's arm) Come on, we were just starting to have fun.

After saying this, Daru collapsed to the ground as his veins and other changes reverted.

Rito: (runs to Daru) Daru!

Daru regained consciousness to find Rito beside him.

Daru: Oh, hello, Rito (smiles).

Rito: Kid, you really scared me for a moment there.

Daru: I'm fine, don't worry.

Rito: Are you hurt?

Daru: No, actually, I'm not. Even when he was punching me, I hardly felt a thing.

Rito: I suppose the training is paying off.

Daru: (laughs) Yes, it seems that way.

Zenshi's Father: We should return to the village and get Zenshi some assistance. (holding Zenshi in his arms)

Daru: (concerned) Is she going to be alright?

Rito: (glancing at Zenshi on the ground) I'm sure she will be.

Zenshi's Father: Yes, I believe so too, but we need to get back to the village.

Zenshi's Father, Rito, and Daru made their way back to the village to seek help for Zenshi.