Another day went by, then it was time to go to the academy. While I was on my way to the academy, I stopped to get a doughnut. Then, I continued walking. Once I made it there, I saw a familiar face. I then heard one of the school bullies say, “Yooo, what’s up Kabatamashi.” I soon realized that Kabatamashi had joined this academy. I thought I would never see him so soon. I was happy, but I remembered what he said last time. All I wanted to do was make friends with Kabatamashi, but it seemed he was more serious than I thought. I tried hiding from him, but he quickly spotted me. I then heard him say something. “Yo, wait here guys. There’s someone I need to give a big welcome to, that kid right there, Tsuyoi.” One of the bullies then said, “Are you friends with him?” Kabatamashi then replied saying, “No, kind of the opposite. He thinks he is my rival or something, but he will never become as powerful as I am.” He walked up to me and said “Wow, it is really you. I never thought in a million years I would see you anytime soon. Just do not get in my way during training, or you’ll regret it.” I just nodded my head, not wanting to say anything. 30 minutes into training, I bumped into Kabatamashi. “Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn't mean to do that!” He then shouted, “Fireball!” I jumped up at the last second to dodge it. I wanted to attack him so badly, but I am a good person, so I walked away. Plus, even if I tried to hit him, the teacher would have stopped the fight immediately. Nothing really happened between me and Kabatamshi after that. I was still kind of surprised that he coincidently joined the academy I am in after I left the academy we were both in. When I got home, I told Mom that Kabatamashi is in my current academy. "Hey Mom. Um, do you remember Kabatamashi?" "Hmm, let me think. Oh, yes! That very powerful student, correct?" I was kind of mad that my mom said ‘That very powerful student.’ I then replied saying, "Yes, that's him." My mom then asked, "So, why do you ask honey?" I said, "Well, he is in my academy again." My mom was surprised, just like me. Who would expect that to happen? And it was just out of nowhere. Next day at the academy would be an extended lesson. I wondered why it would be extended. Mr. Kamatoski told us it would be extended for reasons he cannot tell the whole class. He also said that all lessons from now on would be extended. So instead of 3 hours, it would be 4 hours and 30 minutes. “Come with me Mr. Potamaki, I need to talk to you,” Mr. Kamatoski said to me. I wonder what he could be calling me for. “Okay, coming,” I responded. We then went outside to talk. “Tsuyoi, your parents told me what happened and how they were about to get kidnapped. They told me how you stepped up and saved both of them using your two special eyes. Your parents asked me to make lessons longer and a little bit harder so you can get some more training in order for you to control your powers.” I cannot believe it. This means that soon I may be able to control my powers. I then say with an excited expression, “REALLY? Now I may be able to control my powers soon!” “Ha, I am glad to see you’re happy. Also, one more thing, your parents told me about the mysterious energy nature you have. I cannot help you control that, as it has a mind of its own,” Mr. Kamatoski told me. I was still happy, just worried that one day I might go out of control and destroy my village. “Anyways, let's go back to the training room and finish the academy session for the day.” So me and Mr. Kamatoski went back to the training room and continued our day at the academy. Surprisingly, Kabatamashi did not start any problems today. Though, I do fear he might try to… do something horrible in the near future. Mr. Kamatoski then said, “Alright class, it's time to leave! Also, in the back of the class is a sheet of paper. If you wish to participate in the fighting tournament exactly a month from now, write your name using the ink feather I left there.” I never knew there was going to be a fighting tournament, and I was excited when Mr. Kamatoski said there was going to be one. “Also, whoever wins will go home with 500,000 Yen and a lifetime supply of free ramen!” As soon as I heard that, I knew I HAD to win that competition (500,000 Yen = $4,395 USD). And I could not resist not having free ramen forever. I went to register, then Kabatamashi started talking to me. “Are you really going to sign up knowing you may have to fight me, Tsuyoi? Oh, or maybe you do not remember that absolute butt-whooping I gave you last time?” The bullies laughed then walked out, following Kabatamashi. I then said“I will show them that I can beat Kabatamashi. I will, you just wait and see!” Of course, they could not hear me because they had already walked away. I went home then got ready to start training. My mom then said, “Tsuyoi, before you go train, wait here.” I was confused why my mother needed me to wait. She then explained. “So, I called one of my old friends who is very powerful to be your sensei and train you hard so you can control your eyes and learn how to use the powers of your energy nature. His name is Kuzime Ikumado. He does not mind if you call him by his first name, though.” I was very excited. I then replied saying, “Yes, now I can train hard and beat everyone in the fighting competition next month!” My mom was confused. SHe asked, “What competition are you talking about Tsuyoi?” I then said, “Well, there is going to be a fighting tournament next month at the academy and whoever wins gets a huge cash prize of 500,000 Yen and a lifetime supply of free ramen.” My mom was very excited to hear that. She then said, “Wow, well then you’ve got to win! Oh, and perfect timing for telling me this because Kuzime is right outside waiting for you so you guys can train.” I then said, “Okay, see you later mom!” I ran outside and saw Kuzime. “Hey Tsuyoi, I assume your mother told you about me,” Kuzime said. I replied, “Yeah she did, you’re Mr. Ikumado, right?” “Yes, that's me. Please, just call me Kuzime, I don’t mind.” I knew instantly that we were going to have a good bond in weeks to come. He took me to a road that was a circle, and to go around the whole circle, it would take 5 miles. “Now, I want you to run around this whole circle in 15 minutes.” As soon as Kuzime said that, I took in a big gasp. 5 miles in just 15 minutes? Is this guy a God or something? I then protested saying, “But Kuzime, I am just 13 years old. A 13 year old cannot do that. In fact, not even a 35 year old man can do that! How do you expect me to run 5 miles in just 15 minutes?” Kuzime then replied saying, “It is impossible you say? Very well then. Watch me do it with a blink of the eye.” I laughed. “You really are funny Kuzime. Anyways, what do you REALLY want me to do?” He looked at me and said, “Run 5 miles in 15 minutes.” I then said again, “I cannot do that. It's impossible.” He then ran that 5 miles in less than .1 of a second and ended up right behind me. He then asked, “So, it is impossible, you say?” I was shocked. “Now, run 5 miles in 15 minutes as I said.” I then started running. Just 10 minutes into running, I only got through .8 of a mile. I was extremely tired. It took me 50 minutes to run around the whole circle. “Kuzime, I am back. It took me 50 minutes.” Kuzime then replied saying, “Not good enough, run again. If it takes you over 25 minutes to get back, run again, then we pick up tomorrow.” “But Kuzime-” Before I could finish talking, he silenced me. I ran again and made it back in 45 minutes this time, which meant I had to run AGAIN. I then finished my final lap and walked back home with Kuzime. He then said, “Alright, bye Tsuyoi. I cannot wait to continue training with you tomorrow!” “Yeah, I totally cannot wait either,” I replied sarcastically. As soon as I went home, I went to bed. “Tsuyoi!” I hear a voice. I am in some type of black, dark void. I cannot speak or even open my mouth. I started to suffocate, then when it felt like I was about to die, I woke up, gasping for air. “What the hell was that…?” I still hear my voice being called, but it sounds like the sound is coming from my head. “Tsuyoi, listen to me.” The voice then stops talking for the rest of the night. I was pretty scared to go back to sleep after that near-death experience, but I had to sleep to get energy for tomorrow’s training. So I fell asleep. The next day, I woke up early to start my training. Kuzime was already waiting for me at the circle road. “Ah, you're finally here, Tsuyoi. I thought I would have to come to your house and wake you up. Anyways, start running,” Kuzime said, following with a little chuckle from him. I started running. I was improving, but still had a long way to go ‘till I could run 5 miles in 15 minutes. Kuzime then said with an impressed expression, “Wow Tsuyoi, I see you have been improving. Well done. Your fastest time was 25 minutes. Just 10 minutes less and you will be at your goal.” I then asked, “Can we just start doing other training? I already ran 4 times today.” Kuzime then replied saying, “No, I am afraid not.” I then said, “I do not want to do this anymore.” He then said, “Welp, I guess you do not want to control your very strong powers.” I then said, “Wait, fine. But can you at least explain to me why we are doing this.” Kuzime then explained. “You must be a fast guardian, or else you may be caught slacking by your opponent. You also need the reaction time to react to the opponents attacks, which is what our next training session is going to be helping you with. In fact, you can wait with with the running. Let us start on your reflexes and reaction time.” I agreed. Kuzime then shouted,“Wind-Fire Wheel!” I dodged it. It became a fist-to-fist fight. “Ah, you hit me in the face,” I said to Kuzime. Kuzime replied saying, “Too slow! Come on, try again.” So we did it again, and again, and again. I then said, “Kuzime, I am starting to think you are doing this to beat me up for fun. This is my 24th attempt and I have not dodged your punches or kicks yet.” Kuzime then laughed and said, “I guess you can go back to running 5 miles.” I then said “Wait no, let's do this instead.” Kuzime then said, “On a serious note, focus ALL your energy on my movements, and anticipate my attacks.” So, we continued. “Huh, ah, uh, hya, nya.” I was really doing it. I was dodging his attacks. “Good, that is all the training for today. Let’s go, I will take you to get some ramen then take you home.” So we got some ramen then I went home. 3 weeks passed, and we continued training just like that. “So Tsuyoi, I see you have grown in strength and reaction time over the past 3 weeks. Are you ready for that fighting competition at the academy tomorrow?” I then responded saying, “OH YEAH, I FORGOT ABOUT THAT! I am very excited for tomorrow, and I am very ready.” Kuzime then said, “Good to hear. Well, we will end here early today so you can get some extra rest for tomorrow.” So I went home and went to bed after eating dinner. It was only 7:35 PM, but I had to get some EXTRA REST so that I would not feel tired tomorrow during the fighting competition. I also could just not wait for tomorrow and I had to sleep so the day would come by sooner. The competition was also held at 7:45 AM so I needed rest to wake up early tomorrow. The day passed, and I woke up late. It was 7:40 AM, so I only had 5 minutes to take in a shower, brush my teeth, AND eat breakfast. So I did all of that, which took me 15 minutes. I then ran to the academy, which took me 5 minutes. So I wasted a total of 20 minutes, and I was sure that I had missed the event. Luckily, Mr. Kamatoski was late too, so I was spared this time. I took a sigh of relief. “Sorry class, there was a… problem on the route I took here. ANYWAYS, let’s get started with today's tournament! Now, follow me into the fighting arena!” So, we all followed him into the fighting arena. I was surprised when I saw it. It was a huge arena, the design was purple, blue, and red patterns on the wall. “Okay, the first matchup is Yakima up against… Kabatamashi.” A voice was heard on the overcome. “3, 2, 1, FIGHT!” Yakima started the fight off using her mind control powers, a rare sight for many. It seemed as if she was giving Kabatamashi a massive headache. Kabatamashi was screaming in pain. “AHHH, MY HEAD!” He was sweating, and it looked like he was about to give up. “Ha, looks like I won’t be fighting you Kabatamashi,” I said to myself. Just then, he started walking towards her, but he still looked like he was having a massive headache. Yakima then did a backflip to kick Kabatamashi right on the chin and back away from him. She then started doing something that seemed like teleporting around Kabatamashi. Kabatamashi then shouted, “Wind-Wheel Fire-Wheel!” With one hand, he was making a wind-wheel, and with the other hand a fire-wheel. That caused the fire to become HUGE, and Yakima was forced to stop teleporting in the fire. She came out and could not see where Kabatamashi was, and then he popped up right behind Yamika. Everyone was shocked. He then kicked Yamika in the air. Then right when she was about to fall down, Kabatamashi punched her really hard. She tried getting up, but Kabatamashi just round-house kicked her, then she lost the battle. It was at that moment that everyone started to fear Kabatamashi. A voice on the overcome was heard. “KABATAMASHI ADVANCES!” Yamika then got up, and took a seat right next to me. I then asked, “Yamika, are you okay?” She replied saying, “Not really, Tsuyoi. But I will manage.” Mr. Kamatoski then said, “Alrighty, that was a good but short fight. Great job Kabatamashi, just try not to be so brutal next time, alright.” Kabatamashi then said, “Alright, sure, whatever.” Mr. Kamatoski then continued talking. “Now, the next matchup is Demeon against… Tsuyoi!” Demeon is the new bully that enrolled in our academy. Everyone was cheering for me as soon as they heard my name, but Dameon quickly shut everyone up. The voice on the overcome was heard. “3, 2, 1, FIGHT!” I start it off with making 2 clones. Demeon then said, “Ha, so you want to use clones, eh? Alright then.” After he said that, he drank some purple liquid inside a slim container. He then started to become muscular, and he looked very different. He then let a nothing-but-menacing roar. “RAAAAAAAAAAAA.” He was also very fast, so I could barely see his movement. He then came to my side and gave me a very hard punch in my stomach, then kicked me down. I blacked out. I then heard my voice being called. “Tsuyoi, I’m in your head. I will explain after I win this thing for you.” I then felt my body moving, but as soon as I felt my body get up, I got smashed right back down to the ground. I then felt myself teleporting. I felt my eyes active too, then I realized that not only does the energy source fight while I am blacked out, it fully controls my body.