Sai reached the edge of the ocean, staring at the vast expanse of water. The waves crashed rhythmically against the shore, both soothing and intimidating. As he considered how to cross, a movement behind him caught his eye. A snake, its scales shimmering in the sunlight, slithered toward him with calm purpose.
"You can talk?" Sai asked, eyes wide.
"Yessss," the snake hissed.
"Why didn't you talk before?" Sai pressed, recalling the creature's earlier attempt to eat him.
"I don't talk to food, yessss," the snake replied, flicking its tongue. "And you caused that wound. Now, I need your cooperation, yessss."
Sai hesitated. "Climb in your mouth? Are you serious?"
"Yessss. You cannot breathe underwater like I can. I will move fast, and you will be safe inside, yessss," the snake explained patiently.
Still uneasy, Sai finally agreed, warning, "If you eat me, remember—I have a spear. You'll regret it."
The snake chuckled, a low rumble echoing. "Humans have so many trust iss-sues, yessss."
Moments later, Sai felt the rush of water around him as the snake moved with astonishing speed. In no time, the lush island appeared. The snake opened its mouth, and Sai stepped out, amazed by the swift journey.
"Wait, that was fast?" Sai said sheepishly.
"Stop calling me snake. My name is Tai, yessss," it replied, transforming into a human.
An old man with a long white beard and flowing robes approached. "Sai Velarion?" he asked. "I am Master Shi, your mother's stepfather."
Sai explained the destruction of his village by the King of Pride, the loss of his family, and the burning of his home. Shi's expression darkened, but he softened at the sight of Sai's determination. "I can train you, but first, you must pass a test," Shi said.
Tai reverted to his snake form. "Yessss, you must strike me, yessss," he hissed. Sai had one minute to land a punch, but despite his efforts, Tai dodged with ease. Shi observed quietly, noting Sai's potential and perseverance.
Satisfied, Shi imposed a rigorous training routine. Push-ups, island sprints, and endurance drills tested both strength and mental fortitude. Tai executed them with ease, while Sai struggled at first but gradually improved, learning the value of effort and persistence.
During breaks, Sai asked Tai about his abilities. "How can you transform like that?"
"I trained with monks, yessss, and discovered a secret method to become a snake, yessss," Tai replied. "It gives speed, strength, and agility, yessss."
Weeks passed with relentless training. Shi pushed both warriors to expand their limits, emphasizing that true strength required body and mind. Sai endured exhaustion and repeated failure, but his resolve never wavered. Tai, though faster and stronger, learned balance and discipline under Shi's guidance.
Finally, Shi declared Sai ready for advanced training. "Strength alone is not enough. Discipline, focus, and persistence are just as important." Tai protested, claiming he was already ready. "No, yessss," Shi said. "Mastery is a journey, yessss, and both of you still have much to learn."
Exhausted yet determined, Sai reflected on the month's trials. He had crossed the ocean with an unlikely ally, faced his first test, and endured the demanding guidance of a powerful mentor. The loss of his village and family weighed on him, fueling his drive to grow stronger.
With Shi's guidance and Tai's companionship, Sai's journey toward strength, vengeance, and restoring his village had truly begun. Ahead lay danger, trials, and victories earned through perseverance—but Sai was ready to face them all, armed with determination, skill, and a heart set on justice.