Kapitel 29: Victory
Ryuki Arata… A child who was taken in by his family, a family that nurtured him with tales of valor and heroism. Every night, a middle-aged man would sit by his bedside, recounting the stories of legendary heroes. Heroes who protected their families with unwavering courage. Heroes who stood by their friends in times of need. Heroes who safeguarded the people of their world, rising above all villains to restore peace. These tales ignited a spark in the young Arata, filling his heart with a burning desire to embody these virtues.
As a boy, Arata's eyes would shine with determination as he listened to those stories. He didn't want to follow the path of an ordinary worker, living a routine life. No, he aspired to something far greater. He wanted to be the hero who would save people, no matter the cost. This deep-seated ambition shaped every decision he made, guiding him through the tumultuous events of his life.
It was this unyielding resolve that set him apart when Carly proposed their plan to save Elio. While others debated and wavered, Arata's conviction never faltered. His hero instincts surged to the forefront, pushing him to act decisively, to protect and save.
His fight against Luke was another testament to his indomitable spirit. Not because he sought glory, but because he believed in the cause of justice and protection. Each battle, each confrontation, only strengthened his resolve.
Arata stands amidst the chaos of battle, the clang of swords and the roar of his adversary echoing around him. The pain from his injuries is sharp, a constant reminder of the ferocity of his opponent, Thronjaw. Despite the relentless assault, Arata's resolve remains unwavering. His mind races, not just with the strategies for survival but with the deeper, more profound realization of what this battle means to him.
He's always seen himself as a wolf, a solitary guardian of his pack. The thought of his friends and family as his pack, those he is sworn to protect, has been a driving force behind his every action. In his mind's eye, he envisions each of them—his sister Miyako, his comrades, his family—all members of this sacred pack that he must shield from harm.
The feeling of inadequacy that had haunted him for so long now fuels a different kind of fire. He had always been driven by the fear of his own weakness, the thought that he couldn't protect those he cared about. This fear had been a burden, a dark shadow that loomed over his every decision and action. But now, as he faces Thronjaw, a new clarity emerges.
The injuries, the exhaustion, the overwhelming odds—all of these fade into the background as Arata's focus sharpens. His determination to protect his pack eclipses all other thoughts. Every time Thronjaw's sword crashes against his own, Arata's grip tightens around the katana his sister forged. The sword, though unremarkable in appearance, becomes a symbol of his unbreakable will.
In his mind, Arata recalls every moment of doubt, every instance where he felt powerless. He thinks of the promises he made to himself and to those he loves. "I will protect them!" This mantra becomes his battle cry, his inner strength crystallizing into a singular purpose.
Despite the wounds that mar his body—deep cuts, bruises, and the searing pain of a stab wound in his shoulder—Arata stands firm. The blood that trickles down his face and the sweat that mingles with his tears are testament to his resolve. His breath comes in ragged gasps, but each breath fuels his determination.
As Arata clashes swords with Thronjaw, each strike and block brings a flood of memories rushing back. The intense focus required for the battle contrasts sharply with the serene moments of his training. Every movement in this fight is a testament to the rigorous training he underwent with Hiro, his foster father, whose lessons shaped him into the warrior he is today.
In the midst of the fierce battle, Arata's thoughts drift to those formative years spent training under Hiro's watchful eye. The training was grueling, but each lesson left an indelible mark on him.
Arata remembers the early mornings in the dojo, the scent of polished wood and the sound of wooden swords clashing. Kendo, the traditional Japanese martial art of swordsmanship, was more than just physical training—it was a lesson in discipline and mental fortitude. Hiro taught him to harness the power of the sword with precision and grace. Arata's every movement had to be deliberate, every strike a perfect blend of strength and technique. The basic kata were more than mere routines; they were practices in achieving harmony between body and mind. The relentless drills, the shouting commands, and the rigorous sparring sessions ingrained in him a fighting spirit that now guides his every move.
Hiro's training extended beyond the confines of the dojo into the ancient traditions of the samurai. Arata learned the art of bushido, the way of the warrior, focusing on honor, courage, and loyalty. The physical aspects of samurai training included the mastery of techniques with both katana and wakizashi. Hiro emphasized the importance of stance, balance, and fluidity in combat. Every movement was steeped in the samurai's philosophy of efficiency and effectiveness. Hiro's lessons in this style taught Arata to approach combat with a sense of purpose and precision, embodying the essence of a true warrior.
The stealth and agility required in ninja training added another layer to Arata's combat skills. Hiro introduced him to techniques of evasion, infiltration, and surprise attacks. The training involved practicing quiet movements, blending into the environment, and using the shadows to his advantage. Hiro's instruction was not just about physical prowess but also about strategic thinking. Arata learned to anticipate and outmaneuver his opponents, skills that are now crucial in his fight against Thronjaw. The ninja training taught him to be unpredictable and to use every advantage the environment offered.
Alongside these specialized skills, Hiro ensured that Arata's training was rounded out with hand-to-hand combat techniques. Arata learned various martial arts disciplines, including judo, jiu-jitsu, and muay thai. The training was intense, focusing on powerful strikes, grappling techniques, and submissions. Hiro pushed Arata to understand the importance of leverage, timing, and the ability to adapt in close-quarters combat. These lessons in physicality and resilience now serve him well as he battles Thronjaw, each punch and kick a reflection of the countless hours spent honing his skills.
As Arata engages with Thronjaw, the culmination of all these lessons becomes apparent. His swordplay is not just a series of attacks but a symphony of techniques learned through years of dedication. His movements are fluid, each parry and counter reflecting the principles of kendo and samurai training. Even as Thronjaw's relentless assault pushes him to the brink, Arata's training in hand-to-hand combat and ninja stealth allows him to adapt and respond with remarkable agility.
The pain from his wounds is a distant echo compared to the strength drawn from his memories and the lessons learned. Hiro's words, "Because you want to be a hero," resonate deeply with him. They are a source of unwavering motivation, pushing him to fight with everything he has. Arata's determination is fueled by a profound sense of duty, not only to himself but to the ideals Hiro instilled in him.
Arata and Thronjaw face each other in a tense, charged atmosphere. Arata, visibly battered and bruised, his clothes tattered from the relentless battle, takes slow, deliberate steps toward Thronjaw. His torn clothing flutters in the cold wind, exposing the wounds that mark his body. Each breath he takes is labored, a testament to the brutal fight he's endured. His eyes, however, remain unwavering, locked on Thronjaw's grotesque face with a fiery resolve.
Thronjaw, equally formidable, mirrors Arata's movements with a menacing calm. His expression, a mask of sadistic pleasure, reveals no trace of fatigue or fear. As the two enemies close the distance between them, the intensity of their stares creates a palpable tension. The silence is broken by the sharp clank of their swords meeting, an audible testament to the ferocity of their clash.
Arata, though severely beaten, doesn't waver. He grips the katana tightly, each swing a display of sheer willpower. His body is a canvas of pain, but his resolve is unshaken. "You know, Thronjaw," he says through gritted teeth, each word punctuated by the clash of their swords, "I fight to be a hero. A hero who yearns to protect people."
Thronjaw's eyes narrow, his enjoyment evident in the way he continues to taunt Arata. "So what do you fight for, Thronjaw?" Arata demands, his voice rising over the sound of their swords colliding. Thronjaw's response is mocking, his voice dripping with disdain. "Isn't it obvious?! I fight for entertainment!"
The brutal exchange continues, with Arata's sword clashing against Thronjaw's with relentless determination. Each strike sends a shiver through the air, the intensity of their battle reaching new heights. In a sudden burst of energy, Arata manages to knock Thronjaw's sword from his hand, sending it flying through the air.
"You're lying!" Arata's voice is filled with anguish and anger as he faces Thronjaw. "You have a reason to fight as well, don't you?! I know for a fact that Undergrounders have feelings!" His words are a desperate attempt to unearth the deeper motivation behind Thronjaw's ruthless behavior.
Thronjaw's laughter is dark and unyielding. "Bullshit! I only fight to find a strong opponent! Someone… who can kill me!" His words echo with a chilling sense of nihilism.
Arata's breath comes in ragged gasps as he holds his sword menacingly close to Thronjaw's neck. "So, what you're saying is… you want to die?" His voice is a mixture of disbelief and sympathy. Despite the severe pain and exhaustion, Arata's eyes remain sharp and defiant.
"You're just an upset Undergrounder because you have no one to play with… Right?" Arata's question is a sharp, piercing insight into Thronjaw's psyche. The accusation lands with surprising accuracy, catching Thronjaw off-guard. For a brief moment, his usual taunting demeanor falters, revealing a flicker of something deeper—perhaps loneliness or frustration.
Suddenly, something shifts within Thronjaw. His fierce demeanor momentarily softens as he recalls fragmented memories from his past. "God damn it, Sheena, what the hell is with this King and Queen stuff?" Thronjaw's voice is filled with frustration and confusion. He addresses a shadowy figure, the face of a woman whose identity remains shrouded in mystery. "I don't want to follow anybody. I just want to have fun."
A young boy's voice, light and innocent, cuts through Thronjaw's reverie. "Come on, Thronjaw, you're just upset you don't have anyone to play with." The boy's smile is visible but his face is obscured, his words echoing with a sense of lost innocence.
The clash between his past and present selves leaves Thronjaw visibly shaken. "SHUT UP!" he roars, the echo of both his past frustrations and present conflicts merging into a single, anguished cry.
As Arata's vision blurs and his consciousness wanes, he manages a weak smile. "You're just like a child," he says again, his voice barely a whisper. His body finally succumbs to the toll of the battle, and he collapses, unconscious, still gripping the sword with the last remnants of his strength.
Thronjaw looks down at the fallen Arata, a single tear escaping from his eye and falling to the ground. "It's my loss... Wolf... No... Ryuki Arata..." Thronjaw's voice is subdued, filled with an unexpected sorrow.
Frustrated and emotionally conflicted, Thronjaw mutters, "Tsch! Emotions are the worst thing to have..." He turns off the livestream, his shoulders slumped with a mix of resignation and reflection. As he walks away, the world outside falls into a stunned silence, the unprecedented sight of an Undergrounder shedding a tear marking a profound moment of vulnerability and change.
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