Present.
Zen's gaze locks on the floor. He shivers.
"What happened to my eyes" he gasps, lifting his hand, staring at the strange brightness. He freezes.
"I'm right here" Karu mutters.
Zen doesn't flinch.
"What the…" the chief gasps as he rises from his seat. Sensei sighs, already walking toward the dojo. But the chief grabs his shoulder, grinding his teeth.
"Answers. Now."
"Don't got time" Sensei mutters, glancing eyes fixed on the dojo.
The chief's grip tightens. His aura is s flamimg red.
"Don't test me boy" Sensei mutters, his eyes flashing yellow, a thunder scar slashing through the right one.
The chief twitches his breath hitches when he feels the weight of that gaze.
Meanwhile…
Karu's eyes widen. His strike didn't even make Zen flinch.
Zen chuckles.
"This power. It feels so good. Don't you think Karu."
Finally he looks up, a grin spreading. His eyes purple.
Karu glares, shaken. Zen leans forward, pressing a hand to his face, laughing.
"It's interesting. But how interesting will it be when I release something just as exciting" Karu smirks, fire sparking around him.
A leaf drifts between them and burns to ash before touching the ground.
"Not even my own father could compete with me. So if you're really unleashing this power Zen…" Karu grins wider, closing his eyes. "Then I'll do the same" his eyes a flaming red.
Zen's smirk holds, his stare clinging to Karu's.
Sensei's glowing eyes lock on the chief. The chief stiffens, then lowers his gaze.
"Apologies" he mutters.
Sensei looks away, stepping toward the dojo. He stops once, glances back, face stone-cold.
"Be careful of that power flowing inside Zen."
In a blink of an eye, he's gone. Dust stirs in his wake.
The chief twitches, then laughs low as he turns.
"That old fools thinks my son. Karu of Flames would lose to a peasant? What an insult." the chief thinks to himself.
Karu laughs, flames spilling off him as the surrounding trees ignite.
"Zen. Show me this demonic power of yours."
He rushes forward. Zen charges too. Their fists pull back. Clash. Shockwaves ripple the air.
They grin.
Karu slips past Zen's punch, his foot slamming into Zen's ribs. Zen blocks with his elbow. counter-kicking toward his face. Karu ducks low, sweeping for Zen's legs. Zen chuckles— then cracks Karu's jaw with his knee.
Boom. Zen snickers. "You really think I'd fall for that pathetic sweep move, don't mock me."
Karu crashes back, spitting blood. Birds scatter.
The chief gasps, trembling as he watches. His fist clenching.
"Impressive" a voice echoes.
The chief spins, eyes wide. No one. The wind rustles.
"So Zen can keep up with the famous Karu of Flames at this speed… now that's interesting" the mocking voice repeats.
The chief growls, snapping his head back— and gasps.
A boy with black hair and purple eyes sits on the cliff, grinning down at the fight. "My brother truly became strong, buts its only cuz im here of course, but hes improving" the boy mutters putting a finger to his mouth.
The chief's eyes widen. His lips part.
"Ze—"
In a blink, the boy vanishes. The chief's body drops to the dirt, lifeless.
But at the same time...
Zen and Karu blur forward, fists colliding at lightning speed. Until the once demonic spark in Zen's eyes vanish. Same for his strength.
Clap.