Capítulo 70: Sparring Session

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Morning]

[Location: Home - Sanctuary City]

The morning sun streamed through the large windows of the training room, casting long, golden shadows across the mats where Jessica, Baylee, Melissa, and Faith were sparring. Their movements were fluid but intense, each punch and kick a testament to their dedication. Ani and Chloe stood nearby, their eyes sharp and focused as they observed the session, ready to offer guidance.

I stood at the edge of the training area, my arms crossed over my chest, observing their techniques with a critical eye. I watched as Jessica ducked under Baylee's punch, countering with a swift kick that Baylee barely managed to block. On the other side of the room, Melissa and Faith were locked in a fierce grapple, each trying to gain the upper hand through sheer determination and skill.

"Remember, balance and control," I instructed, my voice calm but authoritative. "Focus on your opponent's movements and anticipate their next move. Don't worry about getting hit, you will get hit in a real fight. Just focus on feeling out your opponent."

Melissa shifted her stance, keeping her balance low as she tried to overpower Faith.

"Good, Melissa. Keep your stance low and Faith, don't let her get the upper hand. Try to reverse her grapple into a nice headlock," Chloe encouraged from the sidelines.

Ani nodded in agreement, her gaze never wavering from the trainees."They are doing so good..~"

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket, breaking my concentration. I pulled it out, glancing at the screen. The number was unfamiliar, and I hesitated for a moment before answering. "Hello?"

A slurred voice came through the line, catching me off guard. "Sh-Shiro? Is that you?"

"Ui? How did you get my number?" I asked, my eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

"My sis..ter, uh...Akira! She... gave it to me," Ui replied, her words slightly jumbled. "I… I need your help. I might've had a bit too much to drink last night and now I'm suffering."

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. I could hear the discomfort in Ui's voice and knew she was in no shape to handle her situation alone. "Geez, you're nearly as bad as Akira when it comes to drinking... Alright, Ui. I'll come over. Where are you?"

She gave him her address, and I ended the call, turning back to the girls. "Take a break, ladies. Ani, Chloe, keep an eye on them."

The girls nodded, wiping sweat from their brows as they took their seats by the wall.

Jessica grabbed a water bottle, taking a long sip as she watched me with curious eyes. "Everything okay, babe?"

"Yeah," I replied, slipping on his jacket. "Just need to help a wasted friend. Keep up the good work here. I'll be back soon."

Jessica nodded, her gaze following me as he headed towards the door. The room was filled with the sounds of heavy breathing and the rustling of gear as the girls took their much-needed break. Ani and Chloe moved to the center of the room, discussing the trainees' progress and planning the next set of drills.

I stepped out into the crisp morning air, my mind already on the task ahead. I got in my car then navigated through the bustling streets of Sanctuary City, my thoughts occupied with concern for Ui. She rarely asked for help, and the fact that she had reached out to me in such a state spoke volumes about her current predicament.

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Morning]

[Location: Ui's Home]

I arrived at Ui's apartment complex, a modest building nestled in a quiet, leafy part of Sanctuary City. The air was still, and the late morning light cast soft shadows on the pavement as I approached her door. I knocked gently, waiting a moment before the door swung open to reveal Ui. Her usually immaculate appearance was gone; she looked disheveled, her hair tousled and her eyes slightly bloodshot, clearly feeling the effects of her hangover.

"Shiro, you made it," Ui mumbled, stepping aside to let me in. Her voice was hoarse, a mix of relief and embarrassment.

"Yeah, I did. You look terrible," I said, half-joking as he entered the apartment. The nice scent of Ui's lavender-scented candles mixed with the stale air of a long night. "Let's get you some water and something to eat."

Ui groaned, collapsing onto her couch. She buried her face in her hands, letting out a weary sigh. "Why did I drink so much?"

I found my way to the kitchen, navigating the clutter of empty bottles and disarrayed furniture. I filled a glass with water and made a simple breakfast sandwich for her.

Returning to the living room, I handed her the glass of water. "Here, drink this," I said, my tone gentle but firm. "And eat something. It'll help."

{Empathy EXP +11,000}

{Ui's Attraction Meter rose to 60%}

Ui took the glass, sipping it slowly. She looked at the breakfast sandwich, then nibbled on it reluctantly. "Thanks, Shiro. I just… had a long night."

I sat down across from her, my eyes filled with concern. "Want to talk about it?"

She shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Not really. Just needed some company."

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound being the ticking of a clock on the wall. The stillness of the apartment, combined with the warmth of the morning sun streaming through the windows, created a peaceful atmosphere. Ui gradually began to look more like herself, the color returning to her cheeks as she sipped the water and finished the sandwich.

"You know," Ui began, breaking the silence, "I've been so focused on work and everything that I forgot how to just… relax. Last night was the first time I've ever let go in a while... It's nice to have someone like you around."

I nodded, understanding her sentiment deeply. "Sometimes we all need a break. Even you, Miss Perfectionist."

{Charm EXP +15,000}

{Ui's Attraction Meter rose to 70%}

Ui chuckled softly, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "I guess you're right, Mr. Hero. Thanks for coming over, Shiro."

"Anytime, Ui. Just don't make a habit of getting drunk alone," I teased lightly, hoping to lift her spirits.

{Ui's Attraction Meter rose to 100%}

{You can now Date Ui!}

Ui smiled, her eyes softening with gratitude. "I won't. I promise."

As the morning turned into afternoon, we settled into a more relaxed conversation, me talking about my time at this college and Ui sharing light-hearted stories about her students. The room filled with laughter and warmth, a stark contrast to the earlier tension. I realized that even though Ui was my professor and mentor, she was also someone I could call a friend now, someone who needed support just as much as anyone else.

The ticking clock marked the passage of time, but neither of us seemed to notice. We were lost in our shared memories and easy camaraderie. I felt a sense of contentment, knowing that I had been able to help Ui when she needed it most.

"I remember one time in my college days when Akira and I stayed up all night studying for a dumb advanced physics exam," Ui began, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. "And Akira fell asleep in the middle of the library!"

Shiro laughed, shaking his head. "That sounds exactly like Akira. How did you wake her up?"

Ui grinned. "I balanced books on the top of her head. It was funny but she was so pissed off that next morning~"

We both laughed, the sound echoing through the apartment. The earlier gloom had lifted, replaced by a lightheartedness that only true friends could share.

As the afternoon sun cast long shadows through the windows, I knew it was time to leave. "Take care of yourself, Ui. And remember, I'm always just a phone call away."

Ui nodded, her smile warm and sincere. "Thanks, Shiro. I'll remember that. Oh yeah, Akira wanted me to give you this."

I watched as Ui stood up and make her way toward me. She gently grabbed my hand, opening it and placing an item in my hand. I looked at the item, noticing it was a golden ring she got from Majesty Casino.

"It's one of Majesty's Rings. She said that Majesty misses her little fox friend that used to hang out there and wanted you to give it to her," Ui said, a soft smile playing on her face as she locked eyes with me.

I smiled at her, making a mental note to give this ring to Luckie. "I'll make sure her fox friend receives such a thoughtful gift.."

Ui and I shared a moment of silence as we gazed into each other's eyes. Soon, Ui cleared her throat and let go of my hand.

"Well it was nice hanging out with you, and I hope we can hang out again like this. Outside of classes," Ui said, her tone hopeful and sincere.

"Of course, I'll be glad to hang out with you any time. Remember, I'm now always a phone call away," I said, gently tapping her forehead.

{Ui's Affection Meter rose to 20%}

{Bond with Ui increased!}

Ui giggled softly, her smile warm and sincere. "I'll remember that..~"

I gave Ui one more glance before heading out the door. I made my way back to my car and looked at the ring in my hand, studying its properties. It was beautiful and shone brightly in the sunlight. It looked similar the Ring of Talent that I obtained from Vance and I knew it would be important. With that, I got into my car and returned back to the share house and continue training the girls.

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Afternoon]

[Location: Home - Sanctuary City]

I returned to the training room feeling refreshed after my morning with Ui. The girls were taking another break from their second session of sparring, chatting amongst themselves as Ani and Chloe kept a watchful eye on them. As I entered, their conversation dwindled, and they looked up expectantly.

"Alright, everyone," I announced, clapping my hands to get their attention. "Break's over. Jessica, Baylee, you're up now."

Jessica and Baylee exchanged glances, both of them eager to prove their skills. They stepped onto the mat, positioning themselves opposite each other.

"The rules are simple," I began. "The first one to knock the other down wins the sparring match. Remember to control your power and use the techniques we've been practicing."

Jessica and Baylee nodded, taking their stances. Ani and Chloe moved to the sides, ready to intervene if necessary.

"Ready? Begin!" I called out, stepping back to observe.

Jessica moved first, her body low and quick as she aimed a punch at Baylee's midsection. Baylee sidestepped, countering with a swift kick that Jessica blocked with her forearm. The two girls circled each other, searching for openings.

"Good footwork, Jessica. Stay light on your feet," Chloe advised from the sidelines.

Baylee feinted to the left, then lunged to the right, catching Jessica off guard. She aimed a punch at Jessica's shoulder, but Jessica ducked just in time, sweeping Baylee's legs out from under her. Baylee was about hit the mat but recovered back onto her feet quickly, her eyes focused and determined.

"Nice recovery, Baylee. Don't lose your balance," Ani encouraged.

Jessica launched a series of rapid punches, forcing Baylee to retreat. Baylee blocked and parried, waiting for the right moment to strike. When Jessica overextended on a punch, Baylee seized the opportunity. She grabbed Jessica's arm and twisted, using her momentum to throw Jessica off balance.

Jessica stumbled but didn't fall. She recovered quickly, countering with a powerful kick that caught Baylee in the side. Baylee winced but held her ground, retaliating with a flurry of punches that pushed Jessica back.

"Remember your training, both of you," I reminded. "Use your surroundings and your instincts."

The sparring intensified, with both girls pushing themselves to their limits. Sweat dripped from their brows, and their breaths came in sharp gasps, but neither showed any sign of giving up. Jessica's punches were strong and precise, while Baylee's agility and speed kept her just out of reach.

In a final, desperate move, Jessica feinted high and then swept low, catching Baylee off guard. Baylee tried to jump back, but Jessica's kick connected with her ankle, sending her sprawling to the mat.

I stepped forward, raising my hand. "Match over. Jessica wins."

Jessica helped Baylee up, both of them smiling despite their exhaustion. "Good match," Jessica said, clapping Baylee on the back.

"You too," Baylee replied, catching her breath.

"Excellent work, both of you," I praised. "You showed great improvement. Keep that up, and you'll be ready for anything."

The rest of the group clapped, showing their support. Ani and Chloe nodded approvingly, satisfied with the progress the girls had made.

"Alright, let's take a short break," Shiro said. "Then we'll continue with the next part of the training."

As Jessica and Baylee joined the others to rest, I couldn't help but feel proud of their dedication. I knew that with time and effort, they would all become formidable fighters, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

---------------------------------

The atmosphere in the training room buzzed with anticipation as Melissa and Faith stepped onto the mat, ready for their turn to spar. Chloe, Ani, and I stood nearby, watching closely.

"Alright, Melissa and Faith, it's your turn," I announced, my voice carrying an encouraging tone. "Just like Jessica and Baylee, the first to knock the other down wins. Remember to apply what you've learned and keep your cool."

Melissa and Faith exchanged determined glances, each eager to showcase their skills. They took their stances, ready to begin.

"Ready? Begin!" I called out, stepping back to give them space.

Melissa started off with a defensive approach, her eyes trained on Faith's movements. Faith, on the other hand, took a more aggressive stance, eager to make the first move. She lunged forward with a series of quick jabs, testing Melissa's defenses.

"Stay focused, Melissa," Ani advised from the sidelines. "Watch her movements and anticipate her attacks."

Melissa parried Faith's jabs, her movements precise and controlled. She waited for an opening, her eyes never leaving Faith's. When Faith aimed a punch at her midsection, Melissa deflected it with her forearm and countered with a swift kick aimed at Faith's legs.

Faith jumped back, narrowly avoiding the kick. She responded with a spinning kick, aiming for Melissa's side. Melissa ducked and rolled to the side, quickly getting back on her feet.

"Nice dodge, Melissa. Keep moving," Chloe encouraged.

Faith circled Melissa, looking for another opening. She feinted left, then quickly spun to the right, aiming a kick at Melissa's shoulder. Melissa blocked the kick with her arm, but the force pushed her back a few steps. She regained her balance and retaliated with a series of punches that forced Faith to retreat.

"Good job, Faith. Use your agility," I coached. "Don't let her corner you."

The sparring match continued with increasing intensity. Melissa's strikes were powerful and deliberate, while Faith's agility and speed allowed her to dodge and counter with quick, precise attacks. Both girls pushed themselves, their movements becoming a blur of action as they fought for dominance.

Melissa managed to land a solid punch on Faith's shoulder, making her stumble. Faith quickly recovered and swept low, attempting to take Melissa's legs out from under her. Melissa jumped back just in time, avoiding the sweep.

"Excellent, both of you," I praised, my eyes following their every move. "Keep up the energy and focus."

In a final, decisive move, Faith executed a feint, drawing Melissa's attention to her upper body. Then, with lightning speed, she dropped low and swept Melissa's legs out from under her. Melissa fell to the mat with a thud, and I stepped forward, raising my hand.

"Match over. Faith wins."

Faith extended a hand to Melissa, helping her up. "Great match, Melissa," she said, smiling through her heavy breaths.

"Yeah, you too," Melissa replied, brushing herself off and returning the smile.

"Well done, both of you," I said, my pride evident. "You showed great technique and resilience. Keep practicing, and you'll continue to improve."

The rest of the group clapped, showing their support. Jessica and Baylee offered their congratulations, and Ani and Chloe nodded approvingly.

"Alright, let's call it a day," Shiro said. "Tomorrow we'll start on to the next part of the training."

As Melissa and Faith joined the others to rest, Shiro felt a sense of accomplishment. The girls were progressing well, and he knew that with continued effort and dedication, they would become strong and capable fighters, ready to support Naomi and Karma in the battles to come.

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Evening]

[Location: Home - Sanctuary City]

Naomi watched as I walked up the stairs, a soft smile playing on her lips. "There goes my handsome mentor~ How did it feel teaching someone how to fight?"

I chuckled softly at Naomi, giving her a soft kiss on her lips. "Surprisingly well. They all show a lot of promise."

Naomi smiled at the praise I gave them, a soft twinkle showing in her eyes. "Good~ I heard of their plans to rob the Central Division Bank in a few days, can't believe you're letting them go through with it."

"Well, Raymond charges high and double charges it seems, and I wanted to help, but this bad influence here wants to see a story be told," I said half-jokingly, gesturing at Lustie.

"Hey! These girls need experience and what better experience than on the field itself! That's how you learned basically," Lustie argued, puffing her chest out and placing her hands on her hips.

I rolled my eyes and chuckled softly, returning my gaze back to Naomi. "Are you planning on helping us out?"

Naomi nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "Yeah, can't let those four girlies endanger themselves without a proper plan. I already contacted Phoenix about it and she's willing to help out. She used to work at the bank their planning to rob so once she comes back with information, I'll tell you."

"Gotcha. Well I'm gonna go lounge around for a bit. If you need me, I'll be in my room," I said, gently patting Naomi's cheek before walking off.

Naomi smiled as she watched me walk off. She decided to go check up on the girls, making her way downstairs to the training room.

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