Ron sat in front of the grave, silent and still, lost in deep thought.
His mind drifted back to that night — the night he had thrown away the wooden sword and walked into the darkness.
A cold breath escaped his lips.
"This damn life… Why did I even wake up here? Why?" Ron muttered to himself.
Suddenly, his fist shot out.
BAM.
His punch tore straight through the trunk of a nearby tree, splintering wood flying in every direction.
He kicked the broken tree, his anger boiling over.
"I'll do something myself. I don't need this training. Why should I train? When I get stronger, I'll just kill everyone who stands in my way!" he shouted into the empty forest.
Ron unleashed his fury, striking tree after tree until his body trembled from exhaustion.
Finally, he collapsed beneath a large tree, his breathing heavy. The night air slowly cooled his rage as his eyes grew droopy.
Before long… he fell asleep.
After a while…
A calm, familiar voice broke the silence.
"You have woken up."
Ron stirred, rubbing the back of his head as he slowly sat up.
"Sorry, Master… for how I acted earlier," he said quietly.
Old Man Shiba stood before him, his expression unreadable.
"Don't worry about it," Shiba replied gently.
Ron looked at him with respect. "Master… you are strict, and yet so caring."
Shiba smiled faintly.
"Ron… what do you think of yourself?"
Ron hesitated. Then, he answered honestly.
"Well… to be truthful, I don't know. I remember nothing except my name. But after spending time here, I realized something… I'm useless. I give up too easily, and I take my frustration out on others."
Shiba studied him silently for a moment.
"Ron… you have potential," he said firmly.
Ron looked up, surprised.
"You can achieve greatness — if you put your heart into it."
Ron frowned slightly. "But Master… how do I put my heart into it?"
Shiba's gaze softened.
"By loving it."
Ron blinked. "Master… please explain."
Shiba clasped his hands behind his back and spoke slowly.
"To truly excel, you must fall in love with what you do. The human heart is strange — it always seeks joy and enjoyment. If you can convince your heart that your training is enjoyable, then it will never resist you."
Ron's eyes widened as realization began to dawn on him.
Shiba continued, "Once your heart is convinced, no one will be able to stand against you. Others may train for money, fear, or duty — but you will train because you love it. That is why you will surpass them."
Ron lowered his head. "But Master… I am scared. This world is still new to me."
Shiba smiled calmly.
"That is natural. People fear what they cannot control. But do not waste your energy worrying about the uncontrollable. Focus only on what you can control — and make sure those things do not become your weakness."
Ron slowly nodded, absorbing every word.
Back in the present
Kneeling before the grave, tears welled in Ron's eyes.
His voice trembled, filled with gratitude and regret.
"Thank you, Master… for your guidance."
Ron stood up, his boots crunching on the gravel. His bike sat a short distance away, gleaming under the dim light. He turned toward it, ready to leave, when a voice cut through the quiet evening.
"Ron."
He spun around and saw someone he hadn't expected.
"Dr. Thomas?" Ron asked, surprised.
"Yes. What's with that face? Were you expecting a beautiful woman?" Dr. Thomas teased, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"No," Ron replied, frowning. "I'm married. I have a kid."
"Hahaha, I know," Dr. Thomas laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Ron's gaze sharpened. He doesn't know I'm from the future. I'll have to be careful—this man is sharp.
"What?" Dr. Thomas asked, sensing his scrutiny.
"No—nothing. What are you doing here?" Ron asked, masking his thoughts.
"I came looking for you. But what are you doing here?" Dr. Thomas replied.
"I came to visit my mentor," Ron said cautiously.
"Your mentor? Tell me about him," Dr. Thomas pressed.
"I explained a little in the previous chapter. Anyway… what do you want?" Ron asked.
"Come with me," Dr. Thomas said, rising into the air.