The two arrived at an old fashioned restaurant tucked away on a quiet street. The sign above the entrance was simple and weathered, giving the place an understated charm.
The moment they stepped inside, a rich aroma filled the air, making Sol Mirek pause for a brief moment before moving forward.
Retsu Kaioh was clearly a regular. As soon as he entered, the owner greeted him warmly, wiping his hands on his apron before shaking Retsu's hand.
"Mr. Retsu, good to see you again. The usual table?"
"Yes," Retsu replied with a smile. "And bring out your signature dishes. One of everything."
After they were seated, Retsu poured Sol a cup of tea. "Drink this first. It helps settle the body before eating."
Sol took a sip, then looked up. "Earlier, you mentioned flexible techniques. What exactly did you mean?"
Retsu set his cup down, his expression turning serious. "There is a technique called Energy Dissipation. It allows the user to neutralize an opponent's force by guiding it rather than opposing it."
"In skilled hands, it can even return the opponent's power back to them. But it demands extreme control over one's body."
"Energy Dissipation…" Sol repeated softly, interest flashing in his eyes.
Retsu nodded. "If you want, I can teach you the basics."
He paused, studying Sol carefully. "But understand this. Mastering it requires real combat experience. Theory alone is not enough."
Sol did not hesitate. "Please teach me."
The first dishes arrived shortly after. The food was rich, well prepared, and balanced. As they ate, the conversation flowed naturally.
Retsu found himself increasingly impressed. Sol was talented, sharp, and surprisingly grounded. There was no arrogance in him, only curiosity and drive.
After the meal, Retsu led Sol to an open space behind the restaurant. The area was quiet and secluded, ideal for training.
"We start from the fundamentals," Retsu said, assuming a stance. "Energy Dissipation begins with sensing the direction of force, then moving with it."
Sol watched closely, memorizing every detail.
"Attack me," Retsu said. "I'll show you."
Sol inhaled and threw a straight punch toward Retsu's chest.
Retsu did not dodge. The moment the punch made contact, his body shifted subtly, light and fluid.
Sol felt his power drain away, as if it had been swallowed.
"Did you feel it?" Retsu asked.
Sol nodded slowly. "You moved along the path of my force, instead of stopping it."
He tried again, deliberately slowing his punch. Retsu neutralized it just as easily, explaining each motion in detail.
Sol closed his eyes, replaying every movement in his mind. His Combat Intuition synced naturally with what he had seen.
"Let me try," Sol said, opening his eyes and taking a defensive stance.
Retsu smiled faintly. He knew how difficult this technique was, but impatience was common among the young.
Retsu focused and struck.
At the instant of impact, Sol's body shifted. His movement was light, almost weightless, as the force slid past him instead of crashing into him.
Retsu froze.
His eyes widened.
"You did it?" he said in disbelief. "You grasped the basics already?"
Even for him, Energy Dissipation had taken years to stabilize. Yet Sol had managed it after only watching twice.
Sol shook his head. "Barely. I just touched the edge of it."
Retsu exhaled slowly, calming himself. "Good. Then we continue."
They trained continuously. Retsu adjusted his strength and angles, pushing Sol further each time.
With every exchange, Sol improved visibly. His movements grew smoother, more controlled. Within half an hour, he was neutralizing attacks using nearly seventy percent force.
A notification flashed across Sol's system panel.
Fighting Genius Evolution Progress: 82%
Retsu wiped sweat from his forehead. "That's enough for today."
Training someone like Sol was exhausting.
"Your growth rate is absurd," he added honestly.
Sol gave a respectful salute. "Thank you for your guidance."
Just then, Retsu's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his expression tightening.
Mitsunari Tokugawa.
"Love Fighting: Midnight. Underground Arena. A surface versus underground match."
Retsu put the phone away, thoughtful.
It would have been a perfect opportunity for Sol. But the opponents would be death row inmates, and Sol was still a student.
After a moment, he decided against it.
"I have something to handle tonight," Retsu said, patting Sol's shoulder. "We continue tomorrow. Eat properly. Nutrition matters."
Retsu left quickly.
Sol walked alone through the streets of Tokyo, hands in his pockets.
Then his phone rang.
Another message from Mitsunari Tokugawa.
"Love Fighting: Sol Mirek, I heard you sent Dorian to the hospital."
"Interested in fighting tonight at midnight?"
"They are strong. They should meet your standards."
Sol read the message, a slow smile forming.
"Looks like tonight won't be boring," he muttered.