The two stood in the center of the dojo, the air almost solid with tension.
Suddenly, Katsumi lunged forward, his right fist launching like a cannonball, aimed at Sol's head, intending to end the fight in a single strike.
Thanks to Combat Intuition, Sol saw the punch's trajectory clearly. He tilted his head just enough for the fist to graze his hair, while his right hand struck out like a precise blade.
"So fast!" Katsumi gasped, retreating but still grazed on the chest by Sol's strike, staggering five steps before regaining balance.
Before Katsumi could recover, Sol appeared behind him like a shadow, driving an elbow into his back.
Bang!
Katsumi felt as if his back would split apart; even with muscles ten times stronger than most, the strike stunned him, his vision momentarily darkening.
"What terrifying power," Katsumi thought, his respect growing despite the pain.
The students in the dojo stared in disbelief. This seemingly frail newcomer was pushing back Curator Katsumi, even gaining the upper hand.
"Continue," Katsumi said, his fighting spirit igniting as he assumed the Shinshinkai stance, every muscle tensed.
Shinshinkai karate emphasized the decisive power of a single blow; one critical strike could end the battle.
The duel escalated into a dazzling display of offense and defense. Katsumi's strikes were fierce and loud, each accompanied by a whoosh, while Sol weaved through gaps effortlessly, occasionally countering with precise blows.
What shocked Katsumi most was how Sol's movements evolved in real time. At first slightly unpolished, his strikes grew fluid and natural, even beginning to echo Shinshinkai's style.
Katsumi, impressed and exhilarated, realized that if Sol joined Shinshinkai, the dojo itself would benefit from his growth.
Finally, Katsumi decided the test had gone far enough. The young man's talent was overwhelming, and he no longer wanted to endure a one-sided exchange.
"Stop!" Katsumi shouted, jumping back. Sweat dripped from his forehead. "Is this really your first time touching Karate?"
Sol nodded calmly, catching his breath. "Yes, but my learning ability is strong."
A glance at the progress bar confirmed it—Fighting Genius had reached 15%.
Katsumi's eyes sparkled. "Genius. You are a born Fighting Genius! From today, you are a special member of Shinshinkai."
The students gasped in admiration.
"Special member? That's basically the curator's personal disciple!"
"What is his background?"
"Why does it feel like the curator just lost a match?"
"Shh! Don't say it out loud!"
Despite just joining, Sol's strength was undeniable. In Japan, respect for the strong bordered on reverence; he had earned his position instantly.
Sol smiled slightly. Joining Shinshinkai meant faster evolution for Fighting Genius and access to even stronger fighters.
"Thank you. I will train diligently," he said.
Katsumi nodded and addressed the dojo. "Training ends here, everyone dismissed."
After the students left, Katsumi led Sol to a private training room.
"Your reaction speed and fitness are excellent," Katsumi said, "but you lack systematic fighting techniques." He handed Sol a thick notebook.
"This is 'Shinshin-ryu Okugi,' compiled by my father. Start with the basics. It's old, but invaluable."
Sol opened it to the first page, densely packed with essential techniques and applications.
"Thank you. I'll study it carefully," he said.
Katsumi smiled, relieved. Such talent, clearly a blank slate, couldn't be wasted. "Tomorrow, I'll personally guide your training."
Sol left Shinshinkai, replaying the day's combat in his mind. He felt Fighting Genius subtly reshaping his body.
Fighting Genius Evolution Progress: 17%
"Faster than expected. Intensity of talent really accelerates evolution," Sol thought, clenching his fist as the changes coursed through his muscles.
The next day, a Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly rolled up to Tokyo Den High School, drawing all eyes.
"A luxury car!"
"Bodyguards? Are they CIA?"
"A big shot has arrived."
The car door opened, revealing a bald elderly man in a dark blue kimono. Mitsunari Tokugawa, thirteenth head of the Tokugawa Zaibatsu and manager of the Underground Arena, stepped out. Known for his passion for fighters, he was a legendary figure.
Inside the classroom, Baki's homeroom teacher burst in.
"Baki! Come with me to the principal's office immediately!"
Baki's eyes lit up. Without hesitation, he shook Sol awake.
"Huh? What—?" Sol blinked, groggy.
"Sol, come with me!" Baki's excitement was contagious; he had to bring his friend along.
Because Baki had no ill intentions, Sol's Combat Intuition didn't activate. Groggily, he followed as Baki led him out.
Sol rubbed his eyes. "Baki, what's going on?"
"Underground fighting. Someone wants us to join," Baki whispered.
Sol's expression hardened. Mitsunari Tokugawa's invitation meant they would face fighters from all over the world.
The two walked out under curious stares, while the homeroom teacher watched anxiously.
Sol's mind raced. He knew this was the perfect opportunity to advance Fighting Genius while facing real-world combat challenges.
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