Black Sheep of the Yamazaki

The third day of Ren's training arrived with a biting morning breeze. His muscles ached, his reflexes felt sharper, but the exhaustion of the past two days weighed heavily on him. Despite this, he stood in the arena once more, ready for whatever Hiroshi had in store.

Hiroshi Yamazaki was already there, standing beside a tall, imposing figure draped in a dark gi. The man's presence alone sent a chill through the air—his posture was relaxed, but his eyes held the sharpness of a predator.

Today's trial is different, Hiroshi announced. Reflexes mean little without adaptability. No two battles are the same, and no opponent will attack the way you expect.

Ren's gaze flickered to the stranger. Who is he?

Hiroshi smirked. Your test. Kaito Yamazaki. One of the best in our clan when it comes to unpredictable combat. You will fight him… and you must land a single clean hit.

Ren's breath hitched. Land a hit? That sounded simple, but the way Hiroshi said it made it clear—it wouldn't be.

Kaito rolled his shoulders, his voice as smooth as silk. Don't hold back, kid. If you think too much, you'll never touch me.

[System Update]

[Trial: Unpredictable Combat]

[Objective: Land a clean hit on Kaito Yamazaki within 30 minutes.]

[Reward: 3,000 Points, Skill Enhancement: Adaptive Reflex Lv. 1]

Ren's fists tightened. He had no time to hesitate. The moment Hiroshi signaled the start, Kaito blurred forward.

Ren barely had time to react. He sidestepped, his instincts from the previous trial kicking in, but Kaito's movements were chaotic. His strikes came from unpredictable angles—faint jabs that turned into sharp elbows, steps that disguised sudden kicks.

Ren barely dodged a sweeping kick, rolling away before springing to his feet. He watched, analyzing. Kaito wasn't just fast—he was unreadable.

Thinking too much again? Kaito taunted, smirking as he flicked his fingers, inviting Ren to attack.

Ren gritted his teeth and rushed forward, feinting a right punch before twisting into a kick. Kaito was already gone before Ren's foot even moved through the air. The older fighter countered with a sudden palm strike, hitting Ren's shoulder and sending him skidding back.

Again.

Ren pushed forward, attempting a series of rapid jabs. Kaito weaved between them effortlessly, twisting his body in ways Ren couldn't predict. It was like trying to hit smoke.

Fifteen minutes passed.

Ren was breathing hard, sweat dripping from his forehead. No matter what he tried, Kaito was always a step ahead, his attacks unreadable.

This isn't working.

The System pulsed in his mind.

You are relying too much on reaction. Adapt. Stop expecting patterns. Flow with the fight.

Ren's eyes narrowed. He took a deep breath, loosening his stance. Instead of planning his next move, he let himself move naturally.

Kaito dashed in, his fist shooting toward Ren's ribs. Instead of dodging the way he normally would, Ren twisted the other way, brushing past the strike and pivoting on instinct.

Kaito's expression flickered with amusement.

Better.

Ren exhaled sharply and launched forward again. This time, he didn't commit to a single attack. He kept his movements fluid, his fists shifting mid-motion, his body reacting in the moment. He didn't think—he flowed.

Twenty-five minutes had passed.

Ren lunged in, faking a punch before abruptly stopping. Kaito sidestepped, but this time, Ren didn't chase. He readjusted at the last second, pivoting into a spinning kick aimed right where Kaito was moving.

Kaito's eyes widened slightly.

Ren's foot connected—just barely—but it was enough.

[Trial Completed]

[Reward Unlocked: 3,000 Points, Adaptive Reflex Lv. 1]

Kaito rubbed his chin, laughing softly. Not bad. Took you long enough, though.

Ren collapsed onto one knee, panting. His entire body ached, but he felt something shift within him. His movements had changed.

Hiroshi stepped forward, nodding. You're improving. But remember—true combat is never predictable. The moment you believe you understand your opponent, they will surprise you.

Ren bowed slightly, determination burning in his chest.

That night, as he lay beneath the sky once more, the System chimed in his mind.

[Stats Updated: Reflexes +8, Adaptability +5]

[Skill Acquired: Adaptive Reflex Lv. 1]

Ren clenched his fists. He was growing stronger. And this was only the beginning.

--END--