Chapter 15: Chapter 14 - Consultation
----------------YANG'S PERSPECTIVE----------------
"And that is the situation. So please, I need some advice from you Master Akisame. You are the thinker and philosophical one of Ryozanpaku. I seriously need your advice." I remember the profound moments spent in the presence of Master Akisame, the revered Jujitsu master, as he fixed his gaze upon me. His contemplative demeanor would envelop us in a tranquil silence that seemed to stretch on for an eternity, though in reality, only ten minutes had passed. When he finally broke the silence, his words resonated with unwavering clarity and intent, leaving a lasting impact on my understanding and appreciation of the art of Jujitsu.
"Well Yang. This is definitely not a standard master and disciple situation. Normally one waits till they reach Master Level to begin taking on a disciple. However, I do not see a problem with you taking on Shōgo. From what you have told me, his training will mostly be focused on developing that style of his with ancient martial arts exercises. So you won't actually be teaching him too much, mostly guiding him. And at your current level I don't see a problem with that. I would actually argue within the next year or so you may achieve the level of master with your progression. So do not feel frightened, for fear is only as deep as the mind allows." Akisame's profound words resonated deeply within me, his wisdom slowly permeating my thoughts. His insight proved to be incredibly accurate, highlighting the realization that my role in teaching Berserker was not merely about imparting knowledge but guiding him on a path of self-discovery and mastery. While I could share some ancient martial arts techniques inherited from my esteemed master, the true growth and progress rested heavily on Shōgo's dedication and effort. The journey ahead was not just about instruction but a symbiotic exchange where mentorship intertwined with individual commitment to forge a formidable warrior.
"I see. You are wise Master Akisame." In a serene setting, I found myself in the presence of the insightful Philosophical Jujitsu Master. With a gentle chuckle, he received my words as we were graciously served tea by Miu, whose kindness I gratefully acknowledged. Engaging in profound discussions with Master Akisame, we delved into intricate strategies for guiding Shōgo's training journey. Our conversation intricately wove together ancient martial arts exercises and the art of honing combat techniques to empower Shōgo's growth. The reassurance from Master Akisame instilled a sense of confidence within me, dispelling any lingering doubts about the upcoming training sessions. As our dialogue unfolded, enriched by wisdom and camaraderie, the time came to bid farewell to Akisame and depart from Ryozanpaku. Anticipation filled the air as I embarked on planning meticulously for Shōgo's inaugural day of training, eager to witness his transformation through dedicated mentorship and guidance.
----------------THE NEXT DAY, YANG'S PERSPECTIVE----------------
I let out a soft sigh as I sat patiently, anxiously awaiting Shōgo's arrival at my home after the conclusion of his school day. The young disciple had assured me that he would be coming over immediately following the end of his classes, which he had stated concluded promptly at 3 pm. Yet, here I was, glancing at the clock which now read 3:30 pm, with no sign of him. Perhaps he had simply become delayed on his way, a forgivable transgression that we would need to address moving forward. However, the prolonged wait was beginning to test my patience, as I struggled to tame my growing unease over his unexplained tardiness.
However, it wasn't until 3:45pm that I finally heard the long-awaited knock on my door, signaling the arrival of Shōgo. When I opened the door, I couldn't help but notice a slight look of worry on his face. This expression of concern was likely due to the fact that he had taken nearly an entire hour to make his way here after getting out of school. While the delay in his arrival was somewhat puzzling, the reasons behind it were ultimately inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.
"Apologies Master. I got lost on my way here." With a warm smile, he would simply say as I shrugged and welcomed him into my home. He would briefly chat, his friendly demeanor putting me at ease, before heading outside into the back yard. As he stepped outside, I noticed the presence of some strange devices and equipment set up in the yard, causing Shōgo to look at me with a confused expression, silently wondering what purpose they might serve.
"Alright Shōgo. Today will start your training in the art of combat. Now I will not be directly teaching you any techniques at the moment as you first need to develop your style and your body. So we will be using these pieces of equipment that I got from a friend of mine." As I got Shōgo set up, it involved placing a strange wooden hooked device on each arm, with the hook having a sharpened metal point. The way it was set up, it would prick the side to force the arms to raise back up should they fall below a certain level, though the actual hooks were not large enough to cause serious damage to Shōgo.
Then I restrained Shōgo's legs in a semi-crouched position, securing them to a wooden plank. Although the flame was placed far enough away to avoid directly burning him, it was positioned close enough that he could still feel the intense radiating heat. This precarious setup was designed to instill a sense of danger and discomfort, exerting psychological pressure on Shōgo even if no physical harm was immediately inflicted. The combination of physical restraint and the looming threat of the flame created an environment of heightened tension and duress.
I then had him hold two large, heavy jugs filled with lead using just his fingers, while also balancing three cups of water precariously on his knees and head. This physically demanding training method was one that the martial arts master Akisame had described to me and even demonstrated in person. Based on the accounts I had heard, this was an exceptionally challenging and rigorous training technique designed to develop incredible full-body strength, balance, and control.
"M-master. Isn't t-this a little extreme?" I heard Shōgo ask, though his voice sounded rather strained and labored due to the intense and physically demanding training regimen he was currently enduring. Despite his evident exertion, I simply looked at him and responded with a casual shrug of my shoulders, conveying a nonchalant demeanor in the face of his strenuous efforts.
"This exercise is meant to help you with overall body strength and for the specific muscles you need in a fight. Besides, you wanted to train under me so this is what that is like." As the young man, Shōgo, had explicitly requested to train under my tutelage, I felt it necessary to firmly remind him of the demanding and unconventional nature of my training regimens. The rigorous, and some might even say borderline insane, exercises and routines that I would subject him to were simply what he would have to become accustomed to if he truly desired to be accepted as my student. I made it clear that my training methods were not for the faint of heart, and that he would need to be prepared to push himself to the absolute limits if he hoped to meet my exacting standards and expectations. This was not a decision to be made lightly, as my training programs were designed to forge the most disciplined and capable students through an intense crucible of mental and physical challenges.
The grueling training regimen continued for the next hour, and from my observations, it appeared to push Shōgo to the brink of physical exhaustion on multiple occasions. Many of these workout routines were devised by my own master, which I had been forced to endure myself. Witnessing someone else struggle through these demanding exercises was a peculiar experience. Despite the immense strain, however, Shōgo exhibited a steadfast determination, refusing to give up on me and tackling the training with unwavering resolve.
The grueling training session had clearly taken a significant toll on Shōgo, leaving him utterly exhausted by the time it concluded. Observing his depleted state, I decided it would be best to let him rest and recover on my couch for a couple of hours, rather than immediately sending him on his way. This brief respite allowed him to regain some of his strength and composure. Recognizing his need for nourishment, I then took it upon myself to prepare a meal for Shōgo, hoping that the sustenance would further aid in his recovery. However, despite my offer to personally escort him home, Shōgo declined, insisting that he would return the following day. This resolute determination, exhibited by such a young individual, was undoubtedly a testament to his dedication and resilience, though it also raised concerns about the intensity and demands of the training regimen he was undertaking.
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