Chapter 23: The Challenge after training

After several days of intense training, Riku felt ready to take on the second objective of his quest: defeating a Baki fighter. Jack introduced him to a skilled opponent named Retsu, a master of Chinese Kenpo.

"Retsu is tough, but he's a great teacher," Jack said, clapping Riku on the back. "If you can beat him, you'll learn a lot."

Riku nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "I'm ready!" he declared, stepping onto the mat where Retsu awaited.

Retsu regarded Riku with a calm expression. "You've trained hard, but remember, this is a fight. Don't hold back," he said, his voice steady.

The referee signaled the start of the match, and Riku charged forward, throwing a series of punches. Retsu dodged effortlessly, countering with a swift kick that caught Riku off guard.

"Focus on your movements!" Retsu called out, his voice calm. "You need to anticipate your opponent's actions."

Riku took a deep breath, recalling Jack's advice about footwork. He adjusted his stance, moving in and out of range as he engaged Retsu. The two exchanged blows, each one testing the other's skill.

The Turning Point As the fight progressed, Riku felt himself growing more confident. He began to incorporate the techniques he had learned from Jack, using his energy manipulation to enhance his strikes.

"Good! Keep it up!" Jack shouted from the sidelines, cheering him on.

Riku focused on Retsu's movements, trying to anticipate his next attack. He dodged a powerful punch and countered with a swift kick to Retsu's side. The impact sent Retsu staggering back, and Riku seized the opportunity.

"Now's my chance!" he thought, channeling his energy. "Kamehameha!" he shouted, unleashing a wave of energy toward Retsu.

Retsu reacted quickly, but Riku's attack caught him off guard. The energy blast struck him, sending him crashing to the ground. Riku stood tall, breathing heavily but exhilarated.