"One, two! One, two!"
She sang as she jogged.
Hori wore her black and white tracksuit.
The time was 5 in the morning with Haruki still asleep.
Narrator - This is 3 days after their hot pot meal....your up early.
"Good morning Narrator! Ah, yes, the Sabbath Exams are tomorrow. Haruki and I have worked on hand to hand combat 3 days back, some simple exercise 2 days back and another sparing yesterday. Now I must perfect everything I have learned so far!"
Hori was jogging back and forth. From the house, to the Fukui Prefecture Dinosaur Museum.
The distance between the two locations is about 5 miles.
THIS WAS HER 5TH LAP.
Hori ran through the old shrine she initially passed during her disappearance.
When she was attacked by a-
"For the wages of sin is death!!"
A cry came from behind.
Hori instinctively dodged, causing it to plummet through the wall of the shrine.
The bell rang. Swaying left to right as the dust settled.
She sneezed from the dust as she rubbed her eyes.
That was close! It must've been a sinner, I heard the phrase...
Hori's eyes scanned the damaged shrine slowly.
"For the wages of sin is death..."
The phrase again, this time louder.
"A Sinner of Sloth!"
Indeed it was, their iconic poko-dot covered shell was easily recognizable.
"Ahhh, what a coincidence."
She said with excitement as she dusted her track suit.
"I needed to fight something today!"
Her hands motioned into a stance as she faced the Sinner with zero fear.
The Sinner folded its giant fists staring at Hori.
The dust completely settled leaving the two facing each other. Deja Vu.
Hori sauntered with a calm expression approaching the Sinner casually....
It however swung quickly as soon as Hori entered its arm range.
She ducked falling back and raised her leg, giving it an upper-cut kick.
Disoriented. It recklessly produced multiple random blows. Hori dodged with relative ease.
After its tenth punch to the left, Hori raised her leg up and struck with immense force, severing the bones in its arm.
The Sinners eyes widened in pain as tears gushed out.
"For the wages of sin is death!!"
It cried in frustration and annoyance as Hori's leg still held it in place.
It swung its free right arm at her. She blinked twice and stepped back, leaned in forward and returned the blow. Both their right hands connected for a split second, until Hori's passed through tearing through any flesh or bone!
She fetched her hand back and wiped the blood away.
Both the Sinner's arms dangled in its front as it bent its head to look at Hori.
"Hmmmph!"
She landed a second blow through its stomach, eyes widened veins popped and its back shell shattered from the residue force.
Its innards stained the wall with its slime mixed with blood.
"For.... the wages..."
It said before it came to rest. Not dead but incapable of further harm.
"Aaaaand stay down!"
She pointed at its half dead corpse with a playful look. Hori had won.
It twitched with blood still gushing out.
Narrator - Unlike Sins, Sinners are immensely weaker, incapable of regeneration. Meaning when they get damaged enough they stop moving. Not necessarily dead, as that is a feat only capable of priests.
Narrator - But as already seen, if one is strong enough, they can certainly handle themselves in their presence.
"Hehe, I'm strong"
Hori grinned.
She victoriously skipped to a nearby river to clean the blood from her sleeves. Shivering from the cold present at the time.
"I have to continue!"
She continued her jog to the house as if nothing happened.
----------
"phew~Finally done!"
She had arrived at their inn and drank a bottle of water.
"On to the next one!"
Narrator - Wait, your not tired?
"A little bit.... But the Sabbath Exams is tomorrow, Haruki-san said he's done with my training. Now its time for self improvement!"
Hori stated, this was time to grind at her best.
As much as she could.
Narrator - Sooo kinda like a quick revision before a test?
"EXACTLY! Now, time to train my hands! I want to recreate that punch Haruki-san gave me during our first time sparring."
Hori faced a tree and stared at its center, then traced her eyes to the top. About 10 meters in height.
"If I remember correctly, he placed his fingers accordingly like this."
Hori placed her fingers on the tree about to deliver a one inch punch.
"Ehm....and then~"
Her fists turned heavy as they accelerated quickly.
Hori split the entire tree in 2.
She staggered back and looked at her hand, uninjured, not even a single splinter.
"I did it! Narrator did you see that?!"
Hori asked in excitement like a little girl.
Narrator -.... It seems the more dark frames you get the harder it is to recreate it. That was quite impressive but you didn't get a Dark Frame.
"Oooh, your right! It's been a while since I've gotten one of those....enough about that!"
Hori ran to another tree.
She surprisingly recreated the feat and split this one as well.
"Hehehe~ This is fun!"
She went about splitting more trees, about 5 of average height before stumbling upon a giant boulder.
"Ah, it's so big! Why haven't I seen this before?"
Her palm touched its surfa. Cold, with a glistening finish.
She leaned back and struck the giant boulder with all her strength!
"....hm?"
Surprised, Hori had only made a deep dent in it. Rather than splitting it in half.
Narrator - Your hands are extremely dense, so you probably won't be able to break it completely... rather, you'll just make a dent as deep as you punched.
"Oh, that's good to know. It's very convenient having you explain things Narrator!"
Hori dusted her hands and walked to the front of the house. A clear field of grass with enough space for outdoor excersise.
"Now. Time for pushups!"
With zero hesitation. She got down to it. Quite the adrenaline rush she was having.
-----------
Ten minutes later.
45,46,47,48,49,50!
Her usual set completed. Her body constantly adapting to fatigue, Hori could still keep on going.
"Hyiup!"
She stood up breathing heavily.
"Next, I'll do 50 more pushups carrying a tree i broke!! Let's gooo!!!"
She ran towards the piles of wood.
Her hands slowly dragged them to the center, after which she ran to carry some rope.
Obvious enough, Hori tied the broken tree, now a large piece of wood to her back and began more pushups.
----------------
20 minutes later.
45,46, 47,48,49,50!!!!!!
She immediately dropped to the floor.
She rolled over and untied the log from her back.
Hori stood up and wiped her sweat.
She shouted with surprise.
"Incredible! I can keep on going!!"
Her voice loud, she stared at her body with astonishment, as if gaining super human stamina.
Narrator - Hori has gained a stupid amount of strength. Just like any human, her body is constantly adapting to the strain received. She will progressively get stronger provided she exercises
"Okay! Now I have to run from here to that tree under 2 seconds!"
She pointed a large cedar tree in her front.
About 20 meters away.
"Narrator, can you keep time for me?!"
Narrator - Sure.
She took a running stance and calmed her breathing.
Boom!
Such an enormous release of kinetic energy. No shockwaves produced but definitely super human.
She tapped the tree she had set out to.
Hori turned breathing heavily.
"How did I do?!"
Narrator - That was 4 seconds. I think.
"Ehhh?! Are you sure? It felt really short tho!"
She cleaned her sweat and walked back to the starting point.
Narrator - You want me to keep time for you or not?!
"I'm not accusing you, sheesh. Don't worry, I'll try again."
She took a running stance and sprung forward with more speed than before.
She tapped the tree again and faced the starting point.
"How about now?!"
She asked with confidence.
Narrator - Hmmm, 3.5 seconds.
Hori stared at the sky.
"...your not lying are you?!"
Narrator - No I'm not.
Hori hesitated but took another running stance. She leaned to the back a bit more with annoyance on her face.
Dark Frame
It's classic 0 saturation filled the area as Hori lunged forward with immense force.
As she reached the tree. Her hand simply grazed its bark but the whole timber flung forward. Hori had uprooted it with a single push.
She staggered to slow her self down then finally stopped. The tree now 20 meters away rolled down hill.
"Woah...how about that Narrator?! That was definitely less than 2 seconds!!"
She turned with excitement.
Narrator - Yeah, yeah 1 second.
Hori jumped to the air. She was getting more and more super human. Passing the Sabbath Exams was certain with this level of strength.
"Now the only thing left is sparing with Haruki-san! Should I wake him up?"
She turned to face the inn. Surprised he was still sleeping despite all the ruckus her training caused.
The time was now 6 in the morning.
Hori faced back and took a long look at the area she just trained in.
Multiple trees broken and grazed trails from her speed alone.
A normal person would believe a priest exterminated a Sinner just now.
A smile appeared on her face. Her training almost completed, she muttered.
"I've definitely gotten stronger"
Her fists clenched from excitement and confidence.
Now to just impress SHO with even more strength and a meeting with the Prime Minister could be attainable.
She turned back and marched to go wake Haruki up.
-----------
Haruki rested on his futon with a surprisingly good sleeping posture.
Hori crept silently and bent down.
"Haruki-san!!!"
She yelled at the the top of her voice.
"Jesus Christ!"
Haruki stood up and immediately looked left and right for the source of the sound.
Hori faced him and greeted "Good morning Haruki-san!"
Her excitement visible, she was ready for todays sparing.
Haruki stared then blinked.
"I'm going back to sleep."
He curled back into his futon.
"Ehhh?! Haruki-san, wake up! It's time to train!!"
"Yeah just give me like 30 minutes."
He waved and told her to leave.
Hori pouted. Suddenly a devilish smile grew on her face.
"Wait what are you-
hahahahahahaha!!!!!
Hori mercilessly tickled Haruki!
"Heeha!!! Wait hahhahaah!!!! H— Hori hahahaha!!!! Wait hahahahahahahahaha!!!!"
She didn't stop.
"Wow, Haruki-san your surprisingly ticklish!"
She grinned.
"Fuck! Hori!! Okay! I'm awake! hahahahahahahaha!!!!!"
She finally stopped and stood up.
Haruki had an embarrassed face because of laughing so much, he almost farted.
20 minutes later Hori and Haruki took their bath and got dressed.
They were now standing outside the inn.
Hori wore black jeans and a blue shirt. Haruki, black jeans and a red shirt.
He scratched his hair and looked at Hori.
"I really don't know what you want to train for anymore! y
Your practically super human now!!"
"But I still need more experience in fighting, Haruki-san!"
She insisted.
"Nahhh, I'm thinking of something different for today."
He said walking in a circle.
Narrator - Yeah, I think readers might be tired of you guys sparring.
"Narrator, there are no readers!"
Hori nagged.
Haruki snapped his fingers after about 2 minutes of contemplating.
"We're doing parkour today!"
He concluded.
Hori parroted his words, she had never heard of such a thing.
"It's really simple, I'm just gonna run around. So catch me as fast as you can!"
Haruki suddenly ran away!
"W— wait seriously!?"
Hori quickly chased after him.
Narrator - It's on! A game of police and thief! Catcher-Catcher.
Haruki moved fast. Maneuvering his way through the forest like a monkey on 2 feets.
Hori as well was quite agile. Her speed was more refined, not making unnecessary movements.
Whilst chasing, she thought to herself.
Wait, this reminds me of something...
She looked up trying to remember.
Hehe...! It's just like the first time we met!
A smile ran through her face. About 9 days since their encounter.
I guess I'm the one chasing him this time!
Hori increased her speed and leaped from tree to tree!
Haruki looked and saw she took to the skies.
"Here I come!"
She dropped from a tree just above Haruki.
Just about to pin him down on her descent, Haruki just barely escaped!
That was close.
He staggered back, and scratched his eyes because of debri.
"Achoo!"
Hori sneezed from the dust.
Haruki stared and admired her adorable sneeze.
Hori suddenly turned to a blue and seemed to materialize at his front. Her hand was just at his collar, almost grabbing him!
When did she get this fast?!
Sweat fell as he was almost caught.
Haruki immediately performed a perfect split, dodging downwards.
"Woooow~ Ugh!"
She slammed against a tree because he dodged her.
Hori stood up and turned in astonishment.
"Haruki-san! You can split?!"
She was impressed.
"Yup, I'm really flexible."
He boasted as he stood up.
"Let's keep going!"
He gestured and resumed running.
"Ah! Wait up!"
She chased after him.
They finally left the small forest and entered the busy street.
Cars drove in uniform motion. The time was 6:30 so the streets weren't too filled.
Haruki suddenly stopped right in the middle of the road.
An incoming car horned and tried drifting away.
Hori attempted catching him again only for him to slide under her legs.
"Oh c'mon-
Bam!!
She got hit by a freaking car!
The driver yelled in panic as he immediately came out.
Other cars also slowed down at the accident.
Hori stood up slowly and rubbed her head.
"Argh! That hurt!!"
She continued chasing after him leaving the drivers shocked.
"What kind of crazy kids are those?!"
The man said seeing her scurry away.
"Hahaha! I don't know about you Hori but this is fun!"
Haruki enjoyed good old police and thief.
They were headed towards a construction site, filled with multiple men and building vehicles.
Haruki grabbed a manhole cover. Completely removed it and threw it at Hori
"How did he aim it so well despite running forward?!"
Hori bent down and dodged. About standing up.
Boom!
The manhole cover shattered an entire wall.
Without giving her any time to even feel fear.
Haruki picked up random pieces of metal and began throwing them at Hori.
"Oh no! Haruki-san, this is reckless! People are here!"
She immediately ran to cover a construction worker passing by.
Her hands shaped in a palm, she swung it forward like a sword.
Hori began slicing threw the projectiles with her hands.
Narrator - Diamonds are usually used in cutting hard materials. Garbage metal was basically paper.
Every last one, sliced and deflected with 0 casualties.
"Please forgive my friend!"
Hori bowed to the workers who didn't even notice what had happened.
She turned back and searched for her prey.
Where did Haruk-
The scent of metal suddenly appeared on her nose.
Haruki threw an entire run down car.
Not even a blink from Hori time slowed down.
DARK FRAME
Within half a second. Hori placed her fingers on the car before it contacted her face.
She recreated her tree training and split the vehicle in 2.
"Niceeee!!"
Haruki dusted his hands, he was sure that would have killed one of the nearby workers but knew Hori wouldn't allow it.
He continued running.
Hori stood there in shock, her hands trembled
"That was so dangerous!!"
She was furious, Haruki was too reckless.
"Hey what was that?! Kid, what are doing here?!"
A worker yelled, thinking Hori must've fallen some pieces of metal.
The workers only seemed to hear a loud crash, then saw rubble surrounding Hori. No one saw her split a car.
"I—I'm sorry!"
She bowed and quickly ran away.
Hori finally caught up with Haruki.
He was in a corner!
A dead end! I'll Grab him now!!
Hori tremendously increased her speed and launched herself at Haruki. About the same force she applied to uproot that morning tree.
Krak!
He stuck his fingers in the concrete and rose himself up like they were climbing gear.
Hori was in disbelief! She quickly copied what he did and climbed up the wall as well.
She landed, quickly caught her breath and kept chasing.
Hori glanced and saw there weren't any corners.
"Haha! Were in a straight road! there's no room for any tricks Haruki-san!!"
It's just a matter of speed now!!
Haruki immediately turned and threw a devastating punch.
As his fist hurtled towards Hori. She seized the opportunity to counterattack.
With lightning-fast reflexes, Hori reached out and grasped Haruki's wrist, using his momentum against him.
In a fluid motion, she climbed up his arm, rotating his body in a 180-degree arc before leveraging his weight to pin Haruki to the ground.
The sudden movement left Haruki speechless, his arm twisted in an unnatural position as Hori's grip remained firm.
She grinned and yelled.
"I win!"
That was some very impressive Judo.
Hori released his arm and squatted in front.
Haruki was still stunned,he never taught her such complex movements.
"Yeah, you win"
He smiled and stood. Extending his hand to Hori he lifted her up as well.
"That was so much fun, Haruki-san! Can we do it again?!"
Hori was pumped, she had never played such a game before.
Haruki stared and asked how she knew he was going to punch her face.
"I've already told you, I get goosebumps! Their my Hori-Senses!"
She grinned.
"Your really amazing Hori...."
He stared spellbound.
"Awwn~ Stop it!"
She smiled covering her face in embarrassment from his compliments.
Haruki's stomach growled, they both hadn't eaten breakfast.
They both casually walked back to Tengokyu's store and bought sweets and snacks.
They ate while sitting on the floor, in front of the store. Greeting customers as they walked in and out.
"Hahhhh! Tomorrow is the Sabbath Exams huh?"
He stretched.
"That is correct. But I am certain we both shall pass!"
She said with confidence extending her hand in a fist bump.
"Hehe....yeah!"
He bumped her fist.
They went back home and took their bath because of the sweat from running.
-----------
Hori and Haruki were seated outside on a rickety bench.
They had arrived home hours ago, the time now night fall.
"....Hori..... like, when you get back with your dad. What's gonna happen then?"
He asked staring at the stars.
"Hmm?"
Hori faced him and titled her head.
Haruki tried increasing his voice.
"I mean... you gonna... visit or something?"
He faced his side, embarrassed.
Hori furrowed her brows and pouted.
"What are you talking about silly?! Your literally the only friend I have! Of course I'll visit!"
She yelled with zero embarrassment. Angry Haruki thought she would just disappear after meeting with her father.
Hori placed her hand on Haruki's face which he hid.
"Haruki-san, I won't just up and vanish. Permit me to say this..... but I think by now.... you and I are best friends!"
Hori said with a grin still holding Haruki's face with her hands.
His heart pounded upon seeing Hori's smile.
A beautiful beam contrasted with her short boyish hair style, despite looking so serious and strong.
Without a single shadow of doubt.... Haruki was slowly developing feelings for her.
He tried hiding his embarrassment.
"Best friends sound kinda lame don't you think?!"
He teased.
"Ehhh?! It's not lame!"
She stood up in embarrassment.
"Hmph! Haruki-san, It's getting a bit late, shall we go to bed?"
She started walking to the inn.
Haruki went silent then muttered.
".... Hori....I think after the Sabbath Exams.... I'll talk to my mom."
Hori immediately ran to hug him!
"Really?! I'm so happy to hear that! She must be so worried about you!!"
She released him.
"Why the sudden decision Haruki-san?!"
She asked excited.
"...to be honest... it's because I want to introduce you to her..."
Hori gasped
"Really?!"
"Yeah... I'm sure she'll love you. Besides I can't ignore her forever, it's been one year now."
He stood up.
"O—one year??!!!!?"
Hori couldn't believe it. How could a person fight with their parent for one year?!
She shook haruki back and forth in surprise.
"I'm honestly a coward... Should've gone back months ago.
Just never had the courage to apologize or do shit..."
He admitted with a sad face, the long malice had been eating him up.
Hori slowly released him.
She tried telling him it wasn't true, Haruki was no coward.
"Nah, it is..."
He interjected.
"But you've thought me something Hori!
He rose his head.
"You're brave! You've got the most balls I've ever seen! And your a girl!!
Balls?
She was confused.
Narrator - He means testicles.
Her eyes widened.
Haruki continued.
"That's why, after we pass the Sabbath Exams! I'm gonna apologize to her! I'm gonna kneel down and say I'm sorry for ruining away!"
Haruki yelled at the top of his voice with tears coming from his eyes, he really missed his mom.
"Hehe! you better!"
Hori playfully encouraged him.
They both laughed.
"Alrighty! Now let's go sleep!"
Haruki marched.
"Sir yes sir!"
She jumped on his back and they both went inside.
Narrator - We have come a long way. TOMORROW IS THE SABBATH EXAMS!!!!!!!!!!!