Path to Strength

When I'm inspired, I can reach my peak. Rereading this chapter, I realize that it was the best-written chapter of this story.

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Respect came in many forms.

You could be respected for your strength, intelligence, or character.

There were countless ways to earn respect from others, from simple things like age to individual achievements.

A construction worker was respected for their effort in building the very foundations of modern society, a doctor for studying many years to save lives, a police officer for risking their life to protect others.

But… what about a martial artist? Why would they be respected?

Many might respect a martial artist for their conviction in mastering their fighting style, or for their years of effort.

But the real answer wasn't just about the martial artist's dedication.

A true martial artist was only truly respected when they showed what they were capable of, when they shattered all expectations.

This was the case for Katsumi Orochi.

He should have been dead; his body should have served as a meal for Pickle. Yet here he was, staring at a white ceiling while the familiar hospital smell filled his nostrils.

Why was he alive? Why hadn't Pickle claimed him as his prey?

The answer was quite simple and obvious.

Respect.

Pickle may not have been a martial artist, but upon seeing this small creature that had molded its body to overcome even the greatest adversaries of his Jurassic era, Pickle found himself fascinated.

With powerful strikes, so strong that they even made Pickle question whether he was dreaming, the prehistoric man was mesmerized.

Without the tail of a T-Rex, without a massive body or the horns of a triceratops, this small creature had managed to show hands as powerful as the weapons of those enormous beasts.

This impressed Pickle so much that he refused to take this as his prey.

Katsumi Orochi was someone worthy of his respect, an invaluable treasure that Pickle didn't want to devour. That day, he decided he would go to sleep with an empty stomach, but… with immense satisfaction filling his soul.

He wanted to meet Katsumi again someday.

"You impressed me, Katsumi."

Blinking as a voice sounded next to him, Katsumi turned to see Yuji sitting comfortably in a chair beside his bed.

"To be honest, I didn't expect you'd end up using that in the end… But I guess, in the end, it was for the best, even if it cost you your arm," Yuji said with little regard for the lost limb of the karateka, a sigh escaping his lips. "It was truly an incredible fight."

Katsumi stared at him for several seconds, and sitting up in bed, he blinked as he noticed his body completely bandaged, his eyes shifting to the side to see the absence of his right arm.

This made him realize the gravity of the situation, his heart racing for a moment before his face softened into an understanding expression.

The consequences of his own choices—this was just one of them.

"But don't get too excited just because Pickle respected you enough to leave you alive. You still lost." Yuji declared sternly. "But I believe you achieved what you wanted."

Katsumi pressed his lips together. Harsh words, but someone had to say them.

And indeed, even in defeat, he had achieved something beyond victory. He had earned respect by breaking all expectations. He had surpassed himself.

That alone was worth the lost arm.

"..."

Yuji observed Katsumi's thoughtful expression in silence, and standing up, he patted the man's shoulder, making him turn to look at him. "You did well, Katsumi. After my fight with Pickle, let's fight for real."

With a sincere smile, Yuji turned toward the exit, leaving Katsumi staring at his back with a complicated expression.

"Yuji…" And before Yuji could leave, Katsumi called out, the younger man turning to face him. "I lost, but I gave it my all, so… Now I pass the torch to you."

His words were filled with pure sincerity, and Yuji could see it clearly, leaving him genuinely grateful.

"To receive the blessing of the one who earned the beast's respect… I appreciate that, Katsumi." With a thankful smile, Yuji gave him one last look.

"Just watch me."

.

As Yuji walked calmly through the bustling streets of the city, he couldn't help but recall Katsumi's fight.

The karateka had surpassed his limits, and yet, it hadn't been enough for someone like Pickle. The prehistoric man was truly something else.

His strength, his speed, his durability—every one of his attributes was on a different level.

Just imagining facing Pickle made Yuji's fingers tremble with excitement. Pickle wasn't just an opponent to defeat; he was someone who would push him to a completely different level.

He could no longer contain himself; he wanted to meet Pickle, he wanted to exchange blows until one of them could no longer stand.

An arm, a leg, or even his eyes—it didn't matter what he had to sacrifice to win.

He would stand face-to-face with the strongest creature of prehistory and demonstrate the strength of modern humans.

His martial arts, his techniques, Yuji would use everything at his disposal, just as Pickle would use everything as if he were hunting.

He wanted to defeat Pickle with what had given him everything—martial arts. He wouldn't neglect them just to measure his strength against the prehistoric man.

He was proud, but not foolish.

"..." Stopping when he noticed a familiar scent, Yuji pretended not to notice as two figures approached him from behind.

"Surprise!"

And raising his arms when two pairs of hands grabbed his waist, Yuji smiled sweetly, his eyes glancing down to see Elena and Senju hugging him.

"Oh, I didn't even see you two coming…" He spoke playfully and stroked both their hair. "I thought you were still in exam week."

As the two pulled away from his arms, Senju spoke while puffing out her cheeks in irritation. "We still are, but you could've at least visited us."

Elena, standing beside her, though not wanting to scold him, conveyed through her gaze that she agreed with her friend.

"I've been a bit busy these last few days, sorry about that." Yuji scratched his neck, and holding both their hands, he gave a sweet smile. "How about I take you out to make it up to you?"

A blush appeared on both their faces, Senju rolling her eyes while Elena gave a bright smile before saying, "We'll accept!"

"Great! Let's go!" He said enthusiastically, gently guiding them down the street, still holding their hands, completely ignoring the stares of the people around them. "I'll cover everything, so don't worry. What kind of idiot would I be if I didn't do that for my girlfriends?"

Senju pouted, looking embarrassed by the attention. "You really like declaring that in public."

"Of course, why would I be ashamed of saying I'm dating two beautiful women?"

"Stop flattering us, you idiot."

Yuji laughed, and pulling them in tighter, he kissed both their lips with a proud smile, only deepening the blush on their faces.

He didn't mind showing affection for the women in his life.