Beyond Lives and Horizons

Zack was completely immersed in his thoughts, intently observing the kunai in his hands. He pondered the physics of throwing, the weight of the weapons, and how to compensate for his limited strength with technique. "If I can't rely on my natural strength, then my technique must be impeccable," he concluded.

He decided to conduct an experiment. He stepped back slightly to ensure no one would be disturbed and began to throw a kunai with moderate force, visually tracking its trajectory. As expected, it dipped slightly before hitting the target. Then, he threw another one, reducing the force and adjusting the angle of launch. This time, the kunai described a smoother curve but still lodged itself off-center.

As Zack mentally noted the differences in results, Kaiden watched from a distance, frowning. Although he said nothing, he felt bothered by not receiving the same attention as Hiroshi and Renji, who were now the center of attention due to their precise throws. He muttered to himself before launching another kunai, putting in a bit more force and trying to improve.

On the other side, Kaede, always reserved, kept her own training pace. Her movements were precise but hesitant, as if lacking confidence. From time to time, she glanced in Zack's direction, curious. He seemed so focused, so methodical, that it sparked a twinge of admiration within her. "Is he really thinking that much about the throw?" she wondered as she returned to her own practice.

Hiroshi and Renji, on the other hand, were having fun as they competed playfully.

— Hey, Hiroshi! Let's see if you can hit that moving target! — Ren teased, pointing at one of the sliding targets.

Hiroshi readied himself, adjusted his stance, and threw the kunai confidently, hitting the target close to the center. The other students around applauded, excited.

Kaiden, hearing the praise, gritted his teeth and threw his next kunai with more force, but it missed the target and fell to the ground. He sighed in frustration and kicked at the sand.

Zack, ignoring the commotion around him, remained focused. He adjusted his stance again and threw another kunai, this time with a bit more force and a completely different angle. To his surprise, the weapon struck closer to the center of the target. He felt a sense of satisfaction with the progress.

Akemi-sensei, who had been observing discreetly, walked over to Zack.

— Zack, I see you're thinking a lot about the process. That's good. However, remember: practice must also be instinctive. The brain and body need to work together. Make the necessary adjustments, but don't forget to feel the movement instead of just analyzing it.

Zack nodded, absorbing the advice. "Feeling the movement, huh? That's going to be a challenge."

Kaede, overhearing the sensei's words, threw another glance at Zack before focusing on her own training. She appeared more determined now, trying to incorporate the same ideas.

Meanwhile, Kaiden muttered to himself:

— I'm not going to fall behind. Not at all.

The training continued, each student dealing with their own challenges and progress as the afternoon went on in the training field.

Zack took a deep breath, adjusting his posture while holding another kunai. He knew that following the instinctive method Akemi-sensei suggested wasn't necessarily what worked for him. Although he had managed to speed up his throws for a time, he felt that wasn't how he truly learned. "I'm analytical, not impulsive," he thought, studying each movement again.

He planted his feet on the ground, testing different positions and balances. "The legs... are the foundation of everything. If they're not stable, my body loses stability. And furthermore... the adversary's posture can also indicate which leg is his dominant one. This may indicate where the next attack will come from."

Zack bent his knees slightly, slowly rotating his hips. "The hips... that's where the power comes from. If the rotation is efficient, the force transfers to the rest of the body. It's like the main gear in a machine."

With that in mind, he leaned his torso, synchronizing the movement with the twist. "The torso connects everything. Without it, the power from the hips is lost. It's the link that unites stability and technique."

He raised his arm, adjusting his shoulder. "The shoulders... are the control point. If I move them firmly and precisely, I can direct the throw. But any rigidity here can break the flow."

Zack swung his arm a few times, rehearsing the motion. "And the arm... it executes the throw. But I can't rely solely on it. It's the last piece, not the main one."

He looked at the tip of the kunai, slightly moving his wrist to adjust the direction. "The wrist is where everything is refined. Small adjustments here can make the difference between hitting the target or missing completely."

Finally, he lifted his gaze, focusing on the target ahead. "And the eyes... the focus. They not only direct the throw but also anticipate the trajectory. I need to keep my gaze fixed on the target, even before I throw."

Zack threw the kunai with precision, following the trajectory with his eyes. It lodged closer to the center, better than all his previous attempts. He smiled slightly, pleased with his progress.

Around him, training continued. Kaiden still tried to hide his frustration while Kaede cast furtive glances at Zack, admiring his concentration. Akemi-sensei, observing from afar, smiled discreetly. Zack, in his own way, was making progress.

Hiroshi, watching Zack's progress from afar, frowned in discontent. He pressed his lips together, releasing a sound of indignation: "Tss." A mischievous smile formed on his face as he thought of something. Without hesitation, he began walking toward Zack, an air of arrogance evident in every step.

The other students immediately sensed that something was about to happen. The low murmuring ceased, and everyone turned their gazes toward Hiroshi. Even Akemi-sensei, who had witnessed many similar situations, recognized the escalating tension. Nevertheless, she chose to observe from a distance, as long as the situation didn't spiral out of control.

Zack, on the other hand, was completely immersed in his own thoughts, mentally refining the details of his throws. He didn't notice Hiroshi approaching until he heard his sharp, provocative voice:

— You think you're so good, huh? How about a throwing contest? Just you and me.

Zack blinked, confused, breaking his concentration. When he focused intensely on something, he usually tuned out the world around him. He saw Hiroshi standing there, with a challenging glare that seemed to want to swallow him whole, but he wasn't entirely sure what he had just said. Still, Hiroshi's demeanor made it clear it wasn't anything good.

Deciding to respond as neutrally as possible, Zack tilted his head slightly and said in a calm, almost indifferent tone:

— What do you desire from this humble person?

The comment sent the atmosphere into a buzz. Many students watching the scene thought Zack was intentionally provoking Hiroshi, and muffled laughter began to echo. The general perception was that he was mocking Hiroshi, making him look foolish.

Hiroshi, already frustrated with the attention Zack had been receiving, was now furious. The laughter hit him like thorns, and he gritted his teeth, firmly believing that Zack had intentionally humiliated him.

Realizing Zack's calmness, Hiroshi didn't let the opportunity slip. He straightened his stance, an arrogant smile forming on his lips as his frustration at the situation grew. His eyes sparkled with a malicious challenge. He knew he had to be smarter, more subtle if he truly wanted to put Zack in his place.

He stepped forward, keeping his eyes fixed on Zack, and spoke with a tone that combined disdain and provocation:

— Oh, so you didn't hear me correctly? — Hiroshi said with a mischievous smirk. — I'm inviting you to a contest. But, of course, maybe you'll need a moment to realize you're dealing with someone far more qualified, someone who really knows what they're doing.

He paused, as if waiting for Zack to become flustered by his own response. The confidence in Hiroshi's tone was undeniable, and he knew that his provocation would make Zack hesitate or at least react in a way that would put him at a disadvantage.

— I know you think you have some technique, — Hiroshi continued with an almost imperceptible laugh. — But the truth is that up until now, you've just been throwing kunai. You have no idea how to truly control the precision of a throw. A real contest isn't just about making the best throw. You must have realized that by now, right? Or are you so focused on your failed practice that you don't see that, in the end, what matters is who's the best?

He crossed his arms, waiting for Zack's reaction. He wanted to force his opponent to doubt his own confidence, to make him realize this was a matter of posture and control, not just technique, since he had a better starting point than anyone else there.

— Let's see, then. You might have even learned a few things here and there, but I doubt you can keep up with me. What do you think, Zack? Want to give it a try? Or would you prefer to hide behind your "humility"? — Hiroshi finished with a look that knew exactly how to annoy someone, not giving them space to think and not allowing time to escape the provocation.

The tension was palpable in the air, and everyone around awaited Zack's response now that Hiroshi had crafted it in such a way that he was attempting, on purpose, to express his humility.

Zack frowned, contemplating the situation he found himself in. From what he could gather, his friendship with Kaiden appeared to be causing Hiroshi to extend his hatred toward him as well. And if he did nothing, he could become an impediment to a peaceful learning experience at school. It was clear to him that Hiroshi was provoking him and leading others to say that this contest would be for the "best."

With a brief sigh, he adjusted his stance and decided that, for now, a direct confrontation wouldn't be beneficial for him, but he also couldn't appear to be running away. Looking directly into Hiroshi's eyes and with a gentle yet firm tone, he said:

— I understand. A contest, right? But before I accept your invitation, tell me, Hiroshi... Do you really believe that it's necessary to humiliate others to prove what we all already know? — Zack paused, his tone softened as if he were honored by the invitation. — Everyone could see that I'm no match for you in throwing, how could I possibly be provoking you when I haven't approached you; it's you who has come to provoke me?

He gave a slight smile, not one of mockery but of serene self-confidence, as if he were speaking to someone who still hadn't understood the lesson.

— If you want to teach me something, I am absolutely willing to hear your advice, but wouldn't it be more honorable to try to compete with me, rather than trying to disparage me as someone unworthy?

Hiroshi, initially surprised by Zack's calm and composed response, didn't react immediately, but his smile turned into a more tense expression, as if trying to process the words. He clearly expected something more rash, more aggressive, but Zack had managed to turn the tables, leaving Hiroshi uncomfortable with his serene and intelligent demeanor.

Zack, looking at Hiroshi, maintained a strong posture as if he were in control of the situation, showing no signs of weakness. His words weren't those of someone evading the issue but rather of someone who was being cautious, wisely choosing his battles.

— I don't need to humiliate anyone to prove my worth, — Hiroshi replied, trying to regain confidence. — But you're wrong to think that you're "below" me. Here, we are all equal, and the contest is just a way to show who's the best, and that's something that everyone can see.

He crossed his arms, trying to maintain an appearance of superiority, but Zack could sense the latent anger behind his facade of arrogance.

Zack then gave a slight nod, in a gesture that was not submission but acknowledgment. He knew that Hiroshi still hadn't fully grasped what he was trying to convey.

— I'm not here to measure strength over something as trivial as throwing kunai. — Zack said calmly but with a firmness that made it clear he wasn't backing down from the situation, but rather refusing for a different reason. — However, if you really desire for me to accept your challenge, you will need to understand that there are things more important than simply proving who is the best at something so... superficial.

Zack looked at the other students around, who were silently watching the exchange. Some started murmuring, realizing that Zack was indeed trying to show that Hiroshi's challenge was a foolish attempt to prove superiority over others.

Hiroshi, now visibly irritated by Zack's response, attempted to disguise his frustration with a forced smile.

— You might be trying to play word games, but everyone knows what the goal is here, Zack. And in the end, who has more value, who is truly the best, is not the one who speaks nicely, but the one who has the skills. And I... — Hiroshi paused for a dramatic touch. — I am the one who truly has the skills.

Zack smiled softly, but without arrogance, just a light confidence that seemed peaceful, yet was far from submissive.

— Then prove it. — he said in a tone that was not a direct challenge but rather someone who understood that true skill did not come from words. — Prove that you are worthy of a contest with someone like me, and perhaps after some time, I'll accept your challenge.

Hiroshi, realizing he couldn't continue, stomped away in frustration as the silence took over the training field for a moment. His response had been calm, and he knew it wasn't necessary to continue the discussion. In fact, it was more important to keep the focus on what really mattered: his training.

With a slight smile, Zack resumed his position and picked up another kunai. He was at ease, absorbing each movement, focused on his technique. The sound of the blade slicing through the air and the impact with the target were the only sounds around for a moment, until suddenly, loud laughter and contagious joy began to fill the environment.

Zack raised his eyes, surprised to see Kaiden standing in the middle of the field, laughing uncontrollably. His shoulders shook, and he seemed to be having the time of his life over something. Everyone around turned to look, their eyes curious and a bit bewildered by Kaiden's reaction.

— What's going on, Kaiden? — someone shouted, drawn to the sound of laughter.

Kaiden, with a mischievous smile on his face, raised his hand and pointed directly at Hiroshi, who was walking away, trying to hide his anger. "Oh, nothing much," Kaiden said between laughs, still visibly amused. "I just found it interesting to see how he reacted after hearing Zack's response. I think he was really surprised. No one's ever answered him that way... It's like he didn't know how to react when someone doesn't accept a provocation!"

The other students began to laugh too, some exchanging glances while others squirmed in curiosity about the interaction between Zack and Hiroshi. Kaiden continued, in a playful tone:

— I think our dear Hiroshi isn't used to seeing someone keep calm in a provocation like Zack did. That was... delicious!