Renzo wiped the sweat off his forehead as he finished another round of strikes against the thick wooden post Jack had buried deep into the earth. His fists were red, his breathing heavy, but his stance was steady. Jack watched from a distance, arms crossed, his sharp eyes silently weighing every movement.
"Better," Jack finally said. "Your breathing is aligning with your strikes. You're learning to flow. But you still lean too far forward. Fix that before it becomes a habit."
Renzo straightened, rolling his shoulders. "Got it, Jack."
The old master gave a grunt of approval, then turned his back and walked toward the small hut at the edge of the clearing. "Tomorrow, we'll go deeper into Ren. For today, keep the rhythm steady and end with Zetsu practice. A warrior's silence is as important as his roar."
Renzo nodded, watching his teacher disappear into the hut. The forest grew quiet again, save for the sound of leaves swaying in the wind.
Not long after, a familiar voice called out.
"Renzo! You done training?"
Renzo looked over his shoulder and saw Gon running toward him, his fishing rod bouncing on his back. The boy's usual wide grin was plastered across his face, a bundle of energy as always.
Renzo allowed himself a small smile. "Yeah, more or less. What brings you here?"
"I was at the river catching fish, then thought you might be around here. Want to come back with me? Aunt Mito cooked something good tonight."
Renzo chuckled. "Food, huh? That's one way to tempt me."
The two started walking together, the forest path familiar under their feet. Gon skipped a few steps ahead, turning around as if unable to contain himself.
"Renzo, I've been thinking," Gon said suddenly, "one day, I'm going to be a Hunter. That way, I can find out why my dad left and what makes being a Hunter so amazing. Aunt Mito gave me a challenge before she'll let me go, but I'm going to pass it."
Renzo stopped for a moment, his eyes fixed on Gon's determined expression. The younger boy's words carried no hesitation, no doubt. Pure resolve radiated from him like sunlight.
"You really believe you can do it?" Renzo asked quietly.
"Of course," Gon answered, his grin never fading. "If I give it everything, I can do anything."
Renzo stared at him, then let out a soft laugh. "You're crazy, you know that?"
"Maybe," Gon said, scratching his cheek sheepishly. "But isn't it better to try than never know?"
Renzo's heart tightened. The words echoed something deep within him, a reminder of his past life when he pushed through limits for medals, for honor, for something greater than himself. He clenched his fist.
"I'll go too," Renzo said firmly.
Gon blinked. "Huh?"
"When the time comes for the exam. I'll take it too. I want to see what's out there. And if you're aiming to be a Hunter, then I'll be right there chasing after the same goal."
Gon's eyes widened, then lit up like fireworks. "Really? You mean it?"
"Yeah," Renzo said with a nod. "I'll wait until you're ready. When you leave for the exam, I'll be there."
The two boys stopped walking, the weight of that promise lingering in the air. Gon extended his hand, his smile as bright as ever. "Then let's both become Hunters."
Renzo looked at the offered hand, then grasped it firmly.
"Deal."
As their hands locked together under the fading light of the forest, Renzo felt a spark of something he hadn't felt since waking up in this world. Not just determination, but connection. A bond.
He glanced toward the treetops where the sky bled orange into purple. "Jack's right," he muttered softly, almost to himself. "The flame only grows brighter when shared."
Gon tilted his head. "What was that?"
"Nothing," Renzo said with a grin. "Let's hurry before your aunt eats all the food herself."
Gon laughed, and together they ran down the forest path, two boys chasing different pasts but the same future.