The dojo fell into stunned silence as Ren Takeda landed lightly on a tree branch, the heavy thud from his dropped anklets echoing through the yard.
Each anklet weighed over sixty kilograms, and Ren had worn them since he was ten, taking them off only to add more weight. When he jumped down, the masters gathered around, eyes wide.
Ryoga whistled, lifting one of the weights. "You've been wearing these since you were a kid?"
Ren nodded. "I didn't want to stunt my growth, so I only wore them on my ankles."
Yumi, still pale, asked, "But how did taking them off help you dodge Batu's kick?"
Sho adjusted his glasses. "You missed it because you were half-closing your eyes. The moment Ren dropped the weights, he flipped in the air and used Batu's leg as a step to launch himself to the tree."
Ryoga barked a laugh. "Never seen someone use Batu's Chai Kick like a step before."
"Batu is happy!" Batu exclaimed, grinning. "Now Batu is Ren's teacher!"
Everyone's lips twitched. They all knew Batu hadn't taught Ren a thing—Ren had simply learned by watching during the fight.
Sho cleared his throat. "So, Ren, are we good enough to teach you, or do you want to fight someone else now?"
Ren shook his head with a wry smile. "No thanks. I'm done getting beaten up for today. I'll be in your care."
"Follow me inside," Sho said. "You've already experienced Batu's techniques firsthand, so any more fighting would be pointless."
Ren strapped his weights back on and followed. Inside, Sho asked, "Why do you want to learn martial arts? I can tell you learn fast just by watching."
Ren's expression turned serious. "I'm strong—too strong. If I fight without holding back, someone could die. I want to learn martial arts so I can control my strength, so I can protect people without killing anyone."
Sho's eyes softened, and the others shared a knowing look. "That's Katsujinken," he said.
Ren blinked. "Katsu... what?"
"Katsujinken," Sho repeated, "the 'Life Giving Sword.' It means a martial artist should fight to protect life, even if it risks their own."
Shin nodded. "It's the belief that life is sacred, that we fight to preserve it, not take it."
Ren rubbed the back of his neck, grinning faintly. "Well, if I'm always stronger, I won't have to risk my life."
Ryoga burst out laughing. "Kid's got confidence, I'll give him that."
Sho smirked. "Then let's explain the fighter classes so you know what you're getting into."
Ren leaned in, eyes sharp. "Fighter classes?"
Sho began, "First, there's Third rate Disciple, personally trained by a master. Next is Second rate Disciple, stronger and showing above-average skill. Then comes First rate Disciple, who can easily defeat lower disciples."
Shin continued, "Above them is Expert Class, stronger than disciples but not yet a master. This is where martial artists are most vulnerable as they're finding their own path."
Ryoga picked up, "Next is Initial stage Master, who has mastered their art to some extent, but isn't at the level of a true master. Then comes Master Class, powerful and respected, each master's strength varying."
Rei added, "After that is Grandmaster Class, where a martial artist has perfected their art, reaching the peak of human ability and Ki control. Everyone here is at this level."
Ren glanced around, raising an eyebrow as they puffed themselves up, trying to look impressive.
Batu raised his hand. "Then comes Advanced Grandmaster! Stronger than Grandmasters but below Legendary Masters. Only three are known, and they're feared across the martial arts world."
Ren's eyes widened. "So Legendary Masters are above that?"
Genzou, who had been silent, finally spoke, his voice calm but carrying weight. "Legendary Master, the highest level a martial artist can reach. And Ren, just so you know, I am one."
Ren's eyes shone with quiet determination as he looked around at the people who would become his teachers, ready to begin his true journey into martial arts with the goal of mastering strength while protecting life.
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