Chapter 198: Unyielding Spirits

The training hall was bathed in the golden light of late afternoon, dust motes dancing in the beams filtering through the high windows. The polished floor gleamed beneath the feet of the Hayashi family.

Riku stood centered, arms relaxed but ready. Across from him, Kazuki and Kazumi mirrored his stance, their eyes bright with determination and excitement.

"Remember," Riku said calmly, "This isn't just about strength. It's about control, timing, and reading each other's moves."

Kazumi smirked. "We're ready, Dad."

Kazuki nodded, fists clenched. "Show us what you've got."

Without hesitation, Kazuki surged forward like a bolt of lightning, fists blazing in a rapid flurry. Riku danced backward, parrying and weaving, barely touching him but letting the force roll off like waves on a rock.

Kazumi moved with fluid grace, her strikes precise and calculating, always probing for openings.

Riku smiled under his breath. These weren't just kids playing at fighting — they moved with the instinct and precision of seasoned warriors.

The twins worked in tandem, coordinating their attacks seamlessly. Kazuki drew Riku's focus with relentless speed, while Kazumi circled, her strikes unpredictable and swift.

Riku found himself pushed back, the pressure mounting. His muscles burned pleasantly as he increased his tempo, keeping up with their combined assault.

He blocked a spinning kick from Kazuki, then felt Kazumi's palm strike aimed at his ribs. He twisted, barely dodging.

His eyes narrowed. They're not just strong — they're faster than I expected.

He delivered a controlled palm strike to Kazuki's chest, sending the boy stumbling back, but Kazuki recovered instantly, eyes blazing with a grin.

"You're slowing down, Dad!"

Kazumi laughed softly, darting in to land a glancing blow to Riku's side.

Riku wiped a thin bead of sweat from his brow, breathing steady. He looked at them—his children—and a rush of pride swelled inside him.

"They have the strength to surpass me."

More than that, their synergy was uncanny. Together, their powers could be unstoppable.

But they still had much to learn.

He stepped forward, readying himself to match their relentless drive.

"Keep pushing," he said, voice steady but fierce. "I won't go easy on you."

Kazuki and Kazumi exchanged a quick glance, then launched forward again — their combined assault renewed and stronger than before.

The sparring match raged on.