Morning came wrapped in mist.
The wooden dojo stood silent, surrounded by still air and pale light.
Inside—
Benji's eyes opened.
For a second, he lay still.
Then suddenly—
He sat up.
Outside, the mentor was already there.
Stretching.
Calm.
Prepared.
Benji rushed out and bowed deeply.
"I'm ready."
The mentor glanced at him.
"You're late."
Benji looked up, confused. He glanced at the sky.
The sun had barely risen.
Before he could speak—
"A fighter wakes before excuses." said by the mentor
Benji straightened.
"…Yes."
The mentor turned away.
"Run."
The dirt road stretched ahead.
Benji ran.
The air was cold.
His steps uneven.
Beside him, the mentor walked calmly.
Not even breathing hard.
Benji's breathing grew heavy quickly.
His chest tightened.
His legs slowed.
"You don't need strength yet," the mentor said casually.
Benji looked at him, confused.
"You need lungs." said by mentor.
Benji foot slipped.
He stumbled—
And dropped to one knee.
Dust rose around him.
His teeth clenched.
Pain spread through his body.
For a moment—
He stayed there.
Then—
He pushed himself up.
And ran again.
The mentor watched silently.
Benji doesn't quit.
Back at the dojo—
"Push-ups." next task for Benji given by the mentor
Benji dropped to the floor immediately.
One.
Two.
Three—
By five, his arms trembled.
By ten—
He collapsed.
Breathing hard against the wooden floor.
"Again." ordered by mentor
No hesitation.
No sympathy.
Benji forced himself up.
Started again.
Sweat dripped onto the floor beneath him.
His arms shook violently.
The mentor shifted slightly—
Then pressed his foot lightly against Benji's back.
Adjusting.
"Bad form breaks bones."
Benji corrected his posture.
Tighter.
More stable.
This time—
He lasted longer.
Not by much.
But enough.
The mentor stood in front of him.
Silent.
Then—
He raised his fist slowly.
Benji tensed.
Watching carefully.
A sudden movement—
A light tap on his forehead.
Too fast.
Benji flinched late.
"You react after danger."
The words were calm.
But sharp.
The mentor stepped back.
"Again."
This time—
Another feint.
Benji moved slightly.
Not perfect.
But earlier.
The mentor nodded.
"See danger before it moves."
They sat quietly during lunch.
Simple food.
No conversation.
From a distance, the old man watched them.
A faint smile on his face.
The mentor finally spoke.
"Why do you become a fighter ?"
Benji froze.
The question lingered in the air.
Slowly—
He looked up.
His eyes darkened.
And He said everything to him.
"Why do you told this personal information to me ?" asked by the mentor
"I don't know. But I think I can believe the person who is training me without any cost " replied by Benji
The mentor has a little smile on his face.
Later—
The mentor placed several small stones on the floor.
"Count them."
Benji nodded and began silently.
One.
Two.
Three—
Suddenly—
A kick.
One stone slid away.
Benji stopped.
Confused.
"A fight never stays the same."
The mentor's voice was steady.
He rearranged the stones randomly.
"Adapt or lose."
Benji looked carefully this time.
Focused deeper.
Then began counting again.
Slow.
Precise.
A small smile appeared on the mentor's face.
Night fell.
Benji lay down on the futon.
His body ached.
Every muscle burned.
But his breathing was calm.
Outside—
The mentor stood alone again.
Silent.
Still.
A memory surfaced—
Him holding his son.
Lifeless.
Gone.
Back to the present—
His hand gripped his chest tightly.
Pain.
Not physical.
Don't get attached.
He looked toward the dojo.
Toward Benji—
Sleeping peacefully.
A pause.
Long.
Heavy.
…but I already am.
His voice broke the silence.
Soft.
Barely audible.
"Tomorrow… pain increases."
Inside—
Benji shifted slightly.
A weak smile on his face.
Even in sleep.