Chapter 1: The Champion and the Challenger
The gym buzzed with energy. People shouted around the ring as two fighters traded punches, sweat flying under the bright lights. Outside the ropes, a man leaned on the railing and asked, "So… who's going to win this match?"
An old man beside him sighed. "You know it will always be Ren."
The boy furrowed his brow in confusion. "And why him?"
The old man sighed again, exasperated. "Don't you know who the champion is?"
The boy's eyes widened. He turned back to the ring. Ren, a young man with sharp eyes and steady form, dodged a wild hook from his opponent and dropped low, causing the other fighter to stumble in surprise. Ren came back up, delivering a perfect uppercut. The man flew across the ring. The referee began the count. Time passed, and the bell rang. The match was over.
Ren let out a quiet sigh and walked to the corner, grabbing a bottle of water.
The man's eyes went wide. "Wow… he's not that bad."
The old man smirked. "See what I told you? Ren never loses a match."
"Never?" the man asked, astonished.
The old man nodded. "Nobody can beat him. He's not just the champion of boxing—he's also the champion of kickboxing."
The man blinked, his jaw slackening. "Kickboxing too?"
The old man's eyes glinted. "Look closely. He's just warming up."
"No one in the world can beat him," the old man continued, "not even in a street fight."
The man frowned. "Is that so?"
Suddenly, another old man spoke from behind them. "He's the strongest, right? But what about martial arts?"
The first old man looked up, his gaze steady. "Of course he can beat them. Boxing and kickboxing are stronger than any martial art."
The second old man smiled. "Are you sure?"
"Are you saying there's someone in your dojo stronger than my guy Ren?"
The old man nodded. "Yes. His name is Sora."
The first old man raised an eyebrow. "Let's make a deal—to see who stands at the top. I'll wager a hundred hands for my guy."
The other man laughed. "We'll see."
Far away, in a quiet karate dojo, shouts echoed as students practiced, throwing punches into the air. Sora sat cross-legged, eyes closed, focusing. His master watched him.
Suddenly, Sora opened his eyes.
"Master…?"
"Why are your eyes open?"
"I'm hungry," Sora admitted. His master's eyebrows twitched.
"Really now? You can't focus?"
Sora got up and stretched. "I should get going, or I'll be late."
"Your training isn't over yet," his master called.
Sora waved back lazily. "Sure, sure." He yawned, glancing at the sky. "What a drag."
At school, students walked and laughed in the hallways. A girl with brown hair tapped her feet impatiently. Hiyori, Sora's childhood friend, waited for him.
Sora finally arrived. "Oh, morning, Hiyori."
She glared. "Why are you late?"
Sora sighed. "You know my routine."
Hiyori rolled her eyes. "Ah… right. Doesn't matter. Let's go."
They walked together. Sora glanced out the window, watching Hiyori chat with her friends.
He raised his hand. "Uh… Mrs. Hiyori?"
She looked up. "Yes?"
"Do you have something to eat? I'm hungry."
Hiyori sighed, digging into her bag. She handed him a sandwich. Sora grabbed it and devoured it in seconds. "You're a lifesaver."
The bell rang, and the teacher entered. "Quickly, take your seats. We have a new student today."
The students whispered excitedly. "I hope it's a hot guy!" "Maybe a hot girl!"
Sora sighed, leaning back in his chair, uninterested.
The door slammed open. A tall young man walked in. "My name is Ren, and I'm looking for the strongest one here."
The classroom fell silent. Sora's eyes flicked up, mildly curious.
The teacher frowned. "Take your seat, please."
Ren ignored him. He walked to a desk already occupied by a boy.
"Uh… can I help you?" the boy asked nervously.
"Move," Ren said coldly.
The boy's friends laughed nervously. "What's your deal, Ren?"
Ren clenched his teeth, punching the boy squarely in the stomach. He flew backward, landing hard on the floor. Everyone's eyes widened in shock.
Hiyori gasped. Sora watched silently, unflinching.
Ren plopped down in the seat, resting his feet on the desk. "I want something to eat." He glanced toward Hiyori. "You. Make me something to eat."
Hiyori froze. "This isn't your house!"
Ren's eyes narrowed. "What did you say?"
"I said—this isn't your house!" she stammered, terrified.
Ren stood up, stepping close. "Say that again."
"I… I said—" Hiyori's voice trembled.
Ren threw a punch. Hiyori shut her eyes—but Sora caught it effortlessly.
Everyone gasped.
"Who do you think you are, giving orders here?" Sora said calmly, standing up.
Ren's eyes widened. "You don't know who I am? I'm the champion of boxing… and kickboxing."
Sora smiled faintly. "I've never heard of you. But in this area, the Tenryu Dojo is the strongest in martial arts… and I'm the strongest there." He pointed to himself.
Ren grinned. "You must be the one I've heard rumors about. Do you want to test it?"
Sora's smile widened. "Of course."