The night was restless.
Wind moved through the trees, carrying a quiet unease toward the wooden dojo.
Something was wrong.
Inside—
Benji slept on the floor.
Exhausted.
Unaware.
Outside—
Shadows moved between the trees.
Silent.
Careful.
Watching.
A hand tightened around a knife.
Another figure signaled.
Wait.
Now.
Inside a nearby room—
The old man's eyes opened suddenly.
Sharp.
Alert.
"…They're here."
A violent sound shattered the silence.
BANG!
The dojo door burst open.
Benji's eyes snapped open.
His body jolted upright.
Confusion.
But the mentor—
Was already standing.
Calm.
Still.
"Stay behind me."
His voice was low.
Controlled.
Two men rushed inside.
Fast.
Aggressive.
The mentor moved instantly.
He slipped past the first strike—
And hit the man's throat.
A dull sound echoed.
The man dropped.
Another attacker swung a metal rod.
The mentor blocked—
But pain cut through him.
His arm split slightly.
Blood.
Benji froze.
His eyes widened.
The mentor countered—
A sharp kick sent the attacker crashing into the wall.
More footsteps.
Outside.
Closing in.
The mentor looked toward the door.
He glanced at Benji.
"Remember what I taught you."
Outside—
The old man stepped forward.
A flashlight in hand.
"Leave this place!"
A thief struck him.
Hard.
He fell.
"GRAMPS!"
Benji's voice broke.
The mentor rushed forward.
His fist connected—
One attacker fell instantly.
Another came from the side—
A blade flashed.
It pierced the mentor's side.
Blood dripped.
Dark.
Heavy.
Benji's body froze.
His mind—
Blank.
Still—
The mentor kept moving.
Fighting.
Ignoring the pain.
Benji stepped forward—
Trying—
"DON'T!" shouted by the mentor
The shout stopped him.
Two men grabbed Benji.
Dragged him.
He struggled—
Threw a punch.
Weak.
Useless.
A kick slammed into his stomach.
Air vanished from his lungs.
He collapsed.
Coughing violently.
Nearby—
The mentor dropped two more attackers.
But his movements slowed.
Breathing heavy.
Unstable.
Then—
One man stepped forward.
Different.
Calm.
Cold.
"This is your end."
A flash of movement—
A blade struck from behind.
The mentor froze.
"SENSEI!!"
Benji screamed.
The mentor dropped to his knees.
Tears streamed down Benji's face as he struggled.
Powerless.
Helpless.
Laughter filled the air.
Cold.
Cruel.
"Clean this place."
The leader's voice was quiet.
The mentor collapsed.
Benji broke free just enough—
Crawled toward him.
"Get out of here Benji."
The mentor's voice was barely there.
"I won't… ever…"
Benji's voice trembled.
Broken.
Ropes tightened around his wrists.
They tied the mentor too.
Roughly.
Carelessly.
Both were thrown inside a small cabin.
The door slammed shut.
Darkness swallowed everything.
Benji's breathing shook.
Silent sobs escaped him.
Then—
A faint movement.
The mentor's eyes opened slightly.
"…I'm not dead…"
Benji froze.
Shocked.
"Listen carefully…"
The mentor's voice was weak.
But sharp.
Focused.
"…Phone… pocket…"
Benji moved slowly.
Carefully.
His fingers searched—
Found it.
"…Call… Gramps.."
Benji nodded.
Even in the dark.
Outside—
Footsteps faded.
The attackers moved away.
His hands trembled as he dialed.
A voice answered.
Weak.
Familiar.
The old man.
Alive.
Inside the darkness—
The mentor's eyes sharpened.
Even with blood soaking through his clothes.
The fear—
Was gone.
Only focus remained.
He was ready to fight again