Path to Strength

Yuji watched the two with interest, but to the more attentive, it was noticeable that the commander had his attention mainly on Shiki. Akira and Osanai noticed this, and wondered why Yuji was paying attention to the skinny boy.

"My name is Seishiro Itadaki!"

"Mine is Shiki Makunouchi!"

Seishiro, a boy of medium height with muscles visible through his clothes, had a proud smile on his face, a trait that left him below the list for some of the gang members. His expression showed superiority, as if he was better than most of those in the place, and this irritated Akira especially, not leaving him with a good impression for the captain of the third division.

Other than these traits, nothing else caught the boy's attention. Yuji was able to tell when someone was strong, or at least had a strong determination. This started to happen a few days ago, before he faced Osanai. It was as if he was able to see someone's aura, and by observing people for some time to understand what each aura meant, he concluded.

For strong people, the aura is big, and the stronger the person is, the aura becomes bigger and bigger, sometimes with different shapes, as in one time when he went to a boxing gym, where he observed the aura of the fighters. They all had slightly larger auras than ordinary people, but after a few minutes, Yuji couldn't help but notice an old man approaching, his eyes widening as he passed by the door of the gym.

His aura was unlike any he had ever seen. Around his body, the aura was huge and shaped like a fortress, and for a moment, Yuji felt like an ant in front of this man.

This is how the boy discovered that the greater the aura, the more powerful the opponent.

In the matter of a strong determination, the boy realized this more quickly, since a strong determination doesn't really have a connection with combat. From becoming a doctor, or a professional in the fighting world, an unshakable determination goes for both.

Focused students seemed to have a denser aura than ordinary people, who seemed to have no goal in life yet. It was not difficult to find people with dense auras, since people determined to follow their dreams could be found everywhere.

But standing there in front, Shiki Makunouchi, had an aura that puzzled Yuji. It wasn't big, even one of the weaker fighters in the gang had an aura bigger than the boy's, no, it wasn't his size that drew attention.

But rather its sharpness, its density, even though it was small, its aura was so dense that Yuji found himself able to observe every detail clearly. It was the densest and sharpest aura Yuji had ever seen, and it made him curious to know how the frail boy would do to win in the voting, since his body did not pass confidence to his companions.

"Most of you know me, I'm from the 1988 generation, when Osanai over there, was still the leader, so I already have a good track record." Seishiro spoke proudly, causing Osanai to look away with a mocking expression. "If you vote me for captain of the second division, I will live up to the position!"

Seishiro spoke no more. This was due to the man believing that because he was of the old generation of Moebius, it would already earn him a high position in the gang, and due to his pride, he was unable to realize that the other gang members were not convinced by his words, even though they were more inclined to choose him as captain.

Shiki, who at every moment had his head down, took a deep breath, preparing for his turn to speak.

All the members turned their attention to the boy, who seemed a little anxious, but he was able to muster enough courage to raise his head.

'Well, what are you going to talk about?' Yuji wondered.

'As I said before, my name is Shiki Makunouchi! I'm not as physically capable, but I intend to improve! And as captain of the second division, I will make my entire division improve together! We will become strong together!" Shiki spoke, his words arresting part of the members, while the rest seemed disinterested. He realized this, and gritting his teeth in frustration, he shouted in a voice full of determination. "If you can't trust my strength, trust my mind! I will make my division one of the best! Then allow me to take over as captain!"

To some, it sounded like a cry of despair, but to those who had their full attention on the boy, they realized that his face showed no trace of despair.

. . .

The voting was over, and Yuji found himself staring at the board in surprise. It was time to announce the captain of the second division, but the Yggdrasil leader couldn't help but stare at the board for a few seconds before finally speaking.

"With a single extra vote, the captain of the second division has been decided." Spoke Yuji as he turned the board over to the members.

"Shiki Makunouchi, one step forward!"

The skinny boy's eyes widened, anxiety on his face as he stumbled to stand in front of Yuji, a silly expression of nervousness and joy stamped on his face.

"Like the rest of the captains, today you become a pinnacle of this gang, an example to follow, so don't act irresponsibly!"

Shiki shook his head in agreement and stood beside Yuji. It was time for the appointment of the captain of the first division, the one who would be considered the closest to the leader of the gang. Everyone was anxious to know who it would be, although some already had a vague idea.

But even those who already had a vague idea couldn't stop their shock.

"Captain of the first division, step forward!"

A tall, blond figure with a scar on his forehead slowly rose from the crowd and began walking toward Yuji's. The members watched with wide eyes, trying to understand what the hell was going on.

"Commander!" The figure exclaimed and bowed in front of Yuji, this left the members dumbfounded.

This figure was none other than Osanai.

"As most of you may know, this is Osanai, the former leader of Moebius, which was recently disbanded by me. After a conversation, I found out that he was not responsible for ordering the family murder of a few days ago." Much of it seemed unconvinced, but Yuji didn't seem to mind. "I know you are afraid, but trust your commander, even if he was up to something, he couldn't do anything, after all, your leader is not just anyone." Yuji smiled childishly. "But well, I hope you treat your captains with respect, after all, they are at the top of the hierarchy, below only me and my future vice commander."

He turned his gaze to Osanai. "Remember, you are no longer the leader, treat your members with respect as well, or I may remove you from office." The blond man nodded in agreement.

"That's good! Now that the appointment is made, let's get to today's activities!" Yuji smiled and walked over to a pile of what looked like many tatamis. "Let's put them all over the center of the shed!"

The members, although confused, did not question and nodded.

. . .

Bam!

Most of the floor of the shed was covered with tatami, and dozens of teenagers could be seen in what looked like training, commonly seen in dojos and gyms. Why was this? Well, Yuji didn't lie when he said he would turn his gang members into the elite of the elite, so he needed to start soon.

Thus, after the ground was completely covered, Yuji gathered everyone together and explained that from that day on, they would be learning to fight.

"Commander, no disrespect intended, but we already know how to fight."

"You may know how to fight, but you are far from knowing how to fight. I can count on my fingers who among you has the slightest notion of combat just by looking at you." Yuji explained. "Starting today, I'm going to teach you how to really fight. Strikes, knockdowns, keys and finishes, I'm going to teach you everything, so that even the strongest will think twice about facing each of you." They nodded in agreement, a little cheerful as they listened to their leader's words. "All right, let's go."

After those words, a few hours passed, Yuji teaching the basics of stances, punches, kicks, and a few falls. After a while, it was possible to see dozens of teenagers in sparring sessions with each other, putting into practice the basics they had just learned. Yuji was happy when those who showed more difficulty received support from those who absorbed the teachings with ease, after all, he wasn't creating a gang to go out dominating territories, Yuji had plans to transform Yggdrasil more like a company, and if all went well, like a family, then everyone should help each other.

"Don't forget to breathe, Shiki."

Yuji turned his attention to two teenagers, who were repeating basic punching sequences. These were Shiki Makunouchi and Akira Suekichi, the two captains seemed to get along well, so they quickly formed a duo. Osanai, meanwhile, although proud, was repeating the punch sequences over and over again. Yuji didn't know what made the man put his pride aside and follow his teachings to the letter, but if he kept it up, the gang would only gain, so he didn't mind wanting to know.

. . .

The sun could no longer be seen, no sign of life on the streets, with only the sound of cars in the distance.

Yuji was alone in the shed, he stood with a basic boxing stance. His breathing was calm, his expression tranquil, he felt every muscle in his body, as if he could control them at will, although this was not true.

His body was incredible, but his mind was extraordinary. Just a few weeks of training had given him an inhuman sense of space and of his own body. His body was constantly evolving, and this made Yuji curious and excited to know the limit he could reach, since at that moment, the feeling was that he was still miles away from his maximum potential.

Strength, endurance, agility, and reflexes. Yuji's body was able to improve these attributes several times over in a matter of weeks. If the boy had to compare this, it would be like training in a hyperbolic chamber, where one day is equivalent to one year. If this was a way for the universe to balance him against the dangers of this world, Yuji could only lament for these dangers, since analyzing his growth, in at least two months, he would probably be as strong as Mikey, who as far as Yuji knew, was the pinnacle of strength in the world of Tokyo Revengers.

"Uhm?"

Yuji, with his eyes closed, slowly turned toward the entrance of the shed when he heard the sound of the gate being opened. He was curious who would come to him, since he clearly remembered asking everyone else to leave.

"Are you Yuji Shinakawa?" A female voice asked, and that left Yuji confused.

'A girl?" Yuji wondered. The only girl he knew was Hina, and Yuji knew that the girl didn't know the location of the shed, besides it wouldn't make sense for her to suddenly decide to meet him.

'Stopping to think about it, that seems a bit pathetic.... Maybe I should start dating some girl.'

Wondering who this was about, Yuji opened his eyes and set his gaze on the visitor. His expression was soon taken over by confusion and curiosity.

"This is me, but who are you?"

The girl had light pink hair, white skin with signs of tanning, and green eyes. She was wearing a black overcoat, with white designs on the fabric, and this served to enhance her charm.

With a quick glance, the girl in front of him could easily be mistaken for a boy, but Yuji realized immediately, no boy could be that eye-catching.

'And besides, her aura is incredible.'

The girl's aura was huge and sharp, a magnificent sight, even if it had no form at all. Seeing this aura, the boy couldn't help but wonder. 'This aura... How strong is it?'

"My name is Senju Kawaragi, and I have a proposition for you."