Chapter 70: Training the Future

Riku stood in the center of the expansive training ground, watching as Renji, Takumi, and Reina geared up for their practice session. The air was heavy with anticipation, and the sound of distant thunder rumbled in the background, though it didn't faze Riku. He had already become accustomed to the unpredictability of the skies after hours of flying.

Renji, ever the focused one, was the first to step forward. He adjusted his gloves and cracked his neck, ready to face whatever challenge Riku had in store for him today. Takumi followed closely behind, his usual confident grin plastered on his face, while Reina lagged slightly, clearly a bit more nervous than the others.

"Alright," Riku began, his tone calm but authoritative, "today, we're focusing on control—specifically your Essence output. You all have the potential to be A-rank, but you need to master your powers if you're going to reach that level."

Renji nodded, his usual serious expression in place. Takumi cracked his knuckles, clearly eager to show off, while Reina simply gave Riku a small, shy smile. She was the youngest of the group, and though she'd shown great promise with her wind-based Essence, she still struggled with maintaining control.

"Let's start with you, Reina," Riku said, his gaze softening. "I want you to focus on manipulating the wind around you. Don't try to force it. Let it come naturally."

Reina flushed slightly, clearly caught off guard by the direct attention. She hesitated for a moment, but then she nodded, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. She raised her hands, palms open, as a soft breeze swirled around her. The wind began to build, gradually becoming more powerful as her confidence grew.

Riku watched, his gaze sharp as he monitored her every movement. He was impressed by how quickly she had learned to harness the wind, but there was still a lot of work to be done in refining her control. He took a step forward.

"Good, but focus on the precision," he advised. "Feel the currents. Don't just push them. You need to make them flow with purpose, like you're weaving through the air."

Reina nodded, her cheeks still faintly pink from his praise. As she concentrated, the wind grew more controlled, swirling in a tight circle around her. She looked up at Riku, catching his gaze for a moment, her blush deepening.

Riku didn't seem to notice, or at least, he didn't acknowledge it. He turned his attention to Takumi and Renji.

"Renji," he said, "let's see what you've got today. You've got great power, but your control is lacking."

Renji grinned and immediately leapt into action. His Essence flared brightly, forming a glowing, solid blade in his hand. He dashed forward, slashing at the air in a series of rapid attacks, his strikes sharp and precise but lacking finesse.

Riku watched carefully before stepping forward to intercept Renji. With a swift move, he raised his hand, and the air around Renji shifted, blocking his strike mid-swing.

"Your attacks are powerful, Renji, but they're a little too wild," Riku said calmly. "You need to focus on using your power with purpose, not just speed. Every move should be deliberate. Control your Essence and your strikes will be unstoppable."

Renji grunted, clearly not happy with his performance but acknowledging Riku's point. He adjusted his stance, taking a deep breath to regain his focus.

Takumi stepped forward with a smirk, his fire Essence flickering around his hands. "Alright, I'm ready. Let's see if I can take you down this time."

Riku turned to face him, his expression unchanging. "You've improved, Takumi. But let's see how much."

Takumi launched forward, flames swirling around him as he darted toward Riku. His strikes were fast, his movements fluid, but Riku easily dodged each one with precision, sidestepping and using his clone technique to keep Takumi on his toes.

"You're fast, but not fast enough," Riku said as one of his clones appeared beside him, blocking Takumi's next attack with ease. "You need to use your fire Essence more strategically. Speed alone won't win you battles."

Takumi huffed, clearly frustrated, but he nodded, determined to push harder. Riku was a tough teacher, but that was the point—he was pushing them to be their best.

As the training session continued, Reina's blush faded, but her focus remained sharp. She had made noticeable progress in refining her control over the wind. Takumi and Renji were improving too, though they still had a long way to go before they could reach the level Riku wanted them to achieve.

"Alright, take a break," Riku finally said after what felt like hours of intense training. "I know you're all pushing hard, but don't burn yourselves out."

Renji and Takumi immediately sat down, drenched in sweat but grinning from the challenge. Reina, on the other hand, lingered a bit longer, catching her breath as she approached Riku.

"Um, Riku... thanks for everything today," she said softly, her voice a little shy. "I know I still have a long way to go, but... I'm really grateful for your help."

Riku gave her a small, reassuring smile. "No need to thank me. You're doing great. Just keep working on controlling your Essence, and you'll get there."

Reina's heart skipped a beat at his smile. She turned away quickly, hoping her blush wasn't too obvious.

As the sun began to set, casting an orange glow across the sky, Riku watched his students. They were still far from their goals, but he knew they had potential. They just needed time, patience, and the right guidance. And he was more than willing to give them that.