Chapter 14: A Warm Dinner at Home

Someplace called Home.

The soft clatter of chopsticks and warm laughter filled the Takeda household as Ren Takeda sat at the low dining table, fresh from training at Muteki Dojo.

His gi was still draped over a chair, and a towel hung around his neck, his hair still damp from a quick shower.

Hana Takeda, Ren's little sister, peeked from the kitchen doorway with a grin. "Ren-nii, did you finally lose today? You look tired!"

Ren shot her a playful glare. "Hey, I didn't lose, okay? Sho-sensei just made me run around the park with Batu-sensei on a tire."

Hana burst out laughing, almost dropping the bowl of rice she was carrying. "You dragged Batu-sensei? Isn't he like, super heavy?!"

"One hundred twenty kilos, to be exact," Ren sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

Their mother, Yukiko Takeda, came in with a warm smile, setting down a bowl of steaming miso soup. "Ren, you need to build your stamina if you want to get stronger, right?"

"That's right, Mom," Ren said, trying to hide his exhaustion as he picked up his chopsticks.

Their father, Hiroshi Takeda, sat down with a hearty laugh, placing a hand on Ren's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, son. But maybe next time, don't let your sensei turn you into a donkey."

"Not funny, Dad," Ren muttered, but a small smile tugged at his lips.

The table was filled with grilled mackerel, fluffy rice, pickled vegetables, and a small cake with "Stay hard, Ren!" written in chocolate on top. The warm smell of home cooked food made Ren's stomach growl loudly.

"Hana, did you help Mom with the cake?" Ren asked, taking a bite of the fish.

Hana puffed her cheeks, "Of course! I wrote the chocolate message, and it's not messy this time!"

Ren glanced at the cake, noticing the slightly crooked letters but smiled anyway. "Yeah, it looks great. Thanks, little sis."

Hana beamed, "Next time, I'll write 'Invincible Ren!' on it!"

Yukiko laughed softly. "Only if Ren keeps training hard and eating well. You need to take care of your body, Ren."

"I know, I know," Ren said, taking another big bite.

As they ate, Hiroshi shared stories from his day at work, while Hana excitedly talked about her school club and how she wanted to try karate someday to protect herself like her big brother.

Ren found himself laughing along, the exhaustion from training slowly melting away in the warmth of family chatter.

After dinner, they gathered around the small cake, and Hana clapped her hands. "Let's light the candle!"

"Hana, it's not my birthday," Ren said, raising an eyebrow.

"But it's a celebration because you're working hard!" Hana insisted, her eyes bright.

With a resigned chuckle, Ren let her light a small candle on top of the cake, and they all clapped as he blew it out.

"Make a wish, Ren," Yukiko said softly.

Ren closed his eyes for a moment, a small smile on his lips. "I wish... to get stronger so I can protect you all."

Hana grinned, "And become the strongest fighter in the world!"

Ren ruffled her hair, "Yeah, that too."

As they cleaned up, Ren glanced at the photo of their family on the shelf, feeling the warmth of the moment settle in his heart.

No matter how tough the training will get at Muteki Dojo, these quiet moments at home reminded him why he trained so hard.

"Alright, I'm off to bed," Ren said, stretching with a yawn.

"Rest well, Ren," Yukiko said.

"Don't dream of getting beaten up by your sensei!" Hana teased.

"Very funny," Ren shot back, rolling his eyes.

As Ren headed to his room, he felt ready to face tomorrow's challenges with a full stomach and a full heart.