The battle circle was drawn. On one side, Makoho. On the other, Ryojin, full of confidence. The gong sounded.
Ryojin lunged, his fist ignited. Makoho glided away with a gust, feeling the heat. He found himself meters away, his eyes wide with astonishment. "Did I move that fast?" he thought, disbelieving. The crowd exclaimed. He attempted a counter-attack. His wind-accelerated fist hit Ryojin's guard, forcing him to step back. "Not bad…" Ryojin murmured. "… but not enough."
Ryojin spewed a jet of fire, creating a barrier of flames. Makoho was forced to move again and again. A flame burned his side, a searing pain. "Hang in there!" Tensei shouted from the crowd. Makoho gritted his teeth. He managed to hit Ryojin's cheek, who winced for the first time.
Stung, Ryojin unleashed his heat. Flames erupted around him like armor. "That's the difference between you and me! You have a breath. I have an inferno!" He charged again. Makoho, exhausted, tried to dodge, but his legs gave out. A flaming knee hit his stomach. A fiery uppercut sent him to the ground. Ryojin placed his foot on his chest, immobilizing him. "It's over."
Silence. Master Ragan raised his hand. "Victory... goes to Ryojin." The crowd erupted. Lying on the ground, Makoho looked up at the sky. He had lost. But deep down, a certainty burned: the wind had answered his call, and this was just the beginning. Ryojin turned away, but his fists were still trembling. He knew he had won… but not without fear.