Chapter 32: Ch 31 - Training
Liam nodded, understanding the weight of Toji's words. He had faced overwhelming odds and had come out the other side stronger. With the burning determination to improve and the knowledge that he had the potential to become something great, Liam felt ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead.
As the sun set behind them, casting long shadows on the ground, Liam knew this was just the beginning of his journey.
The following day dawned bright and clear over the training grounds of Jujutsu High. Liam stood in the center of the arena, his heart pounding with excitement and determination. Today, he had two full days to train with Toji Fushiguro, and he intended to use every ability at his disposal to grow stronger.
Across from him, Toji leaned against a nearby tree, arms crossed, a relaxed smile on his face. The legendary sorcerer was ready to test Liam's skills and see just how far the young sorcerer could push himself.
Liam took a deep breath and said. "Okay, let's make this count!"
Toji grinned, very pleased with Liam's potential.
"I wouldn't have it any other way. Show me what you've got." He said as he crossed his arms in front of his chest...
Liam activated his Haki, feeling the energy surge through him. He knew he had a lot to prove, not just to Toji, but to himself. With his abilities and limitless potential, he was determined to show that he could stand up against one of the strongest sorcerers in the world.
Toji charged at Liam, a blur of motion. This time, Liam was ready. He focused his energy and used Telekinesis to lift a nearby boulder, hurling it at Toji to distract him.
Toji sidestepped effortlessly, but Liam wasn't done. He initiated his Time-Skip, momentarily freezing the flow of time around him. In that brief moment, he closed the distance between himself and Toji, landing a surprise punch to the sorcerer's side.
Toji grinned. "Not bad! But you can do better."
Liam's confidence surged, and he pressed the attack, launching a series of punches enhanced by his Haki. Toji, however, was quick to respond. He parried Liam's attacks, using his superior speed to dodge and counter.
Realizing he needed to employ more than just brute force, Liam shifted tactics. He used his Telekinesis to create multiple illusions of himself, making it appear as though he was attacking from several angles at once.
Liam grinned and asked back with confidence. "Can you keep up with this?"
Toji smirked, recognizing the technique. He began to dismantle the illusions with swift, decisive strikes.
But Liam used this as a distraction, focusing his Telekinesis on manipulating the terrain, lifting debris, and creating obstacles between himself and Toji.
As Toji cleared the illusions, Liam sent a surge of cursed energy through the ground, causing the earth to shift beneath Toji's feet.
Toji stumbled slightly, surprised by the tactic. Liam seized the moment to launch another barrage of punches, channeling all his energy into each strike.
After their initial exchanges, Toji was clearly impressed but still held the upper hand. Recognizing that he needed a more formidable strategy, Liam decided to call upon the infamous Ten Shadows Technique.
He focused his cursed energy, summoning one of the shikigami—a massive wolf-like creature that loomed over Toji.
Liam smirked and said with open arms. "Meet my partner!"
Toji regarded the shikigami with a raised eyebrow, unfazed.
Toji replied with amusement. "That's cute. Let's see what it can do."
Liam commanded the shikigami to attack, and it lunged at Toji, fangs bared.
Toji dodged with effortless agility, but Liam quickly followed up by summoning another shikigami—this time a formidable serpent—to constrict Toji's movements.
Liam asked with a cheeky grin. "Can you handle two at once?"
Toji smirked, clearly enjoying the challenge. He ducked beneath the serpent, dodging its strike, and countered with a swift kick that sent the wolf crashing to the ground.
With the initial surprise fading, Toji stepped into the rhythm of the fight. He moved with an ease that belied his strength, countering each shikigami with well-placed strikes.
Liam, recognizing the need to adapt, entered his Time-Skip again, observing Toji's movements in slow motion. This allowed him to see the openings in Toji's defenses.
Emerging from the Time-Skip, Liam launched a powerful kick aimed at Toji's side.
Toji, having anticipated the move, countered with a palm strike that sent Liam sprawling backward.
Toji said with a hint of respect. "You're learning. But you need to think faster."
...
Despite the setbacks, Liam felt the surge of power within him. Each time he was knocked down, he felt stronger and more determined.
He used his unlimited Reverse Cursed Techniques to heal quickly, bouncing back with renewed vigor.
Liam was breathless but determined.
"I can't give up now!"
Liam summoned his remaining shikigami, weaving them into a complex series of attacks.
With the serpent and wolf flanking Toji, he aimed to catch the sorcerer off guard.
This time, Liam unleashed a combination of his Telekinesis and the Ten Shadows Technique, manipulating the battlefield itself. Debris flew, creating a chaotic environment that Toji had to navigate.
Toji nodded his head in acknowledgment. "Impressive! But let's see if you can keep up this time."
With renewed determination, Liam focused all of his energy on one final assault. He combined his Haki with the Ten Shadows Technique, creating a barrage of cursed energy that erupted around him.
Liam yelled and stepped forward. "Here I come!"
Toji was momentarily taken aback by the sheer volume of energy surrounding Liam. He quickly adjusted, entering a low stance as he prepared to counter.
Liam launched himself forward, channeling everything he had learned in their brief time together. The power radiating from him felt palpable as he charged at Toji with the shikigami at his side.
Toji met Liam's charge head-on, the two colliding in a breathtaking display of strength and technique. The ground beneath them cracked as their energies clashed, sending shockwaves through the training area.
As the dust settled, both Liam and Toji stood panting, exhaustion evident on their faces. Toji smiled, a genuine look of approval gracing his features.
Toji took some deep breaths to catch his breath. "You've improved drastically in just two days. Your creativity in combat is impressive."
Liam smiled, slightly winded. "Thanks! I didn't hold back. I wanted to push myself."
Toji nodded his head. He was proud of Liam and interested in his future achievements. After all, Liam was only 13 years old now.
"You have the talent, Liam. Just remember that it's not just about power. Adaptation and strategy are key."
Liam nodded, understanding the weight of Toji's words. He felt a sense of accomplishment and growth.
The training had not only tested his abilities but had also solidified his resolve to become stronger.
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