Bruised and Battered

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After just one week, Rai had made considerable progress in mastering the Shadow Paralysis Jutsu. His relentless dedication and his father's guidance had paid off as he had become quite proficient in the technique. Rai had spent hours practicing the jutsu, perfecting his chakra control, and becoming familiar with the technique's subtleties.

He was able to effortlessly extend his shadow and immobilize his target, leaving them unable to move any part of their body. However, he was still facing challenges in sustaining the jutsu for an extended duration. After a few seconds of using the technique, he would begin to feel drained and his chakra reserves depleted.

Shikaku ensured that Rai's training was well-rounded by including taijutsu in his routine. He was aware that relying only on ninjutsu would limit Rai's fighting abilities, leaving him vulnerable in certain situations. Therefore, in addition to practicing his Shadow Paralysis Jutsu, Rai also focused on improving his physical strength and agility.

Rai devoted considerable time and effort to his taijutsu training, often practicing his katas all morning. Though he felt confident in his physical abilities, he was aware of the importance of testing his skills against an actual opponent.

He understood that training and actual combat were two entirely different things, and he needed to experience real fights to sharpen his abilities. Despite this, he allowed himself to daydream about defeating even the most formidable adversaries with his enhanced strength.

Rai had been deep in thought, reflecting on the progress he had made over the past year. He had been so absorbed that he didn't even notice his father approaching until he was almost behind him. Rai spun around to face him, but as he looked into his father's eyes, a sudden sense of unease overtook him.

"What's wrong, Dad?" Rai asked, his voice filled with concern.

Shikaku didn't respond immediately. Instead, he stood in front of Rai, his eyes fixed on him, as if he was trying to read his thoughts. Rai could feel the weight of his father's gaze upon him, and it made him feel uneasy and self-conscious.

Shikaku finally spoke, his voice measured and serious. "You've made great progress in your training, Rai," he began. "But the only way to truly test your skills is to face a live opponent. And that's why it's time for you to spar with me."

Rai's heart started beating faster as soon as he heard the word "spar". He had been looking forward to this moment, but now that it was actually happening, he began to feel nervous. As he looked at his father's face, he could see the determination etched on it, and he knew that his father was not going to go easy on him.

Rai's mind was in a state of chaos as he tried to figure out a way to handle the situation. He was aware that he had trained hard and gained experience, but he also understood that his father was a seasoned shinobi with years of experience in the field.

Rai took a moment to compose himself, mentally reviewing his skills and techniques. He knew that sparring with his father would be a significant challenge, but he was determined to do his best. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, bouncing on the balls of his feet to warm up.

He took a deep breath, centering himself, and then nodded his head, trying to exude confidence. "I'm ready," he said firmly, trying to reassure himself as much as his father.

Shikaku could sense the anxiety in Rai's eyes, so he placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder to calm him down. "I understand you're nervous, but remember that this is just a spar. I'll challenge you, but I won't put you in a completely unwinnable situation," he said in a firm yet reassuring tone.

Rai braced himself as he took in his father's fighting stance, feeling his nerves heighten with each passing moment. He knew that he had to keep his wits about him if he wanted to hold his own against his father. Despite his attempts to calm himself down, his nerves got the best of him, and he found himself struggling to keep his breathing steady.

His palms were clammy with sweat, and his mind raced as he tried to anticipate his father's next move. Rai reminded himself of all the training he had done, all the practice sessions he had endured, and all the lessons his father had taught him. Rai tried to remember all of the techniques that he had learned in his training, but his mind was a jumbled mess of nerves and excitement.

Ultimately, Shikaku lunged forward, his fist aimed at Rai's face like a speeding bullet. Rai instinctively ducked and sidestepped with cat-like reflexes, barely evading the powerful strike. He scrambled to his feet, but before he could react, his father had closed the distance and launched a crushing blow towards his abdomen. Rai raised his arms in defense, his muscles tensing, but the impact still left him gasping for breath.

The young boy staggered back, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath, while Shikaku relentlessly advanced with a flurry of swift and precise strikes. Each move was calculated and sharp, like a finely choreographed dance.

Rai did his utmost to protect himself, his arms and legs moving in a blur as he blocked and dodged as many attacks as possible. Despite his valiant efforts, he felt cornered, his back pressed against an invisible wall with no room to maneuver.

Shikaku's eyes narrowed as he continued with a lightning-fast jab aimed at Rai's chest. Rai, his eyes widening in surprise, dodged once more and tried to counter with a punch of his own. However, Shikaku easily deflected the strike with a fluid motion of his arm and executed a graceful leg sweep, causing Rai to lose balance and stumble.

Rai quickly returned to his feet, beads of sweat dripping from his brow. He recognized the need for composure and took a deep, calming breath, focusing on his father's every move, anticipating the next attack.

This time, Rai opted for a more defensive stance, his body poised and ready, waiting for Shikaku to initiate. Noticing the change in his son's approach, Shikaku's lips curled into a slight smile as he altered tactics. He feigned a punch, his fist stopping just short of its target, and then delivered a powerful kick to Rai's side. Caught off guard, Rai's body twisted from the impact as he stumbled back, his balance thrown off.

Seizing the opportunity, Shikaku charged at Rai like a predator, targeting a powerful punch at his face. Rai's eyes locked onto the incoming fist, and with a swift duck, he managed to avoid the attack. However, as he evaded the punch, he felt a sharp, searing pain in his ribs. Shikaku had landed a glancing blow, and Rai knew he'd be feeling its effects for some time.

Despite the pain radiating through his body, Rai refused to surrender. Gritting his teeth, he mustered a burst of speed and darted toward his father, feinting left and causing Shikaku to shift his weight in that direction. Rai exploited the opening, his eyes filled with determination as he drove his fist into his father's side with all his strength.

Just as it appeared Rai might emerge victorious, his father abruptly shifted his weight, his elbow connecting with Rai's stomach like a sledgehammer. The impact sent Rai crashing to the ground, the air forcefully expelled from his lungs.

For a moment, Rai lay there, his vision blurred and his head spinning, before he slowly pushed himself to his feet. His body was battered and bruised, but he remained standing. He could feel his father's piercing gaze, watching intently for his next move. Rai knew he couldn't just endure the beating – he had to find a way to reverse the situation.

Quickly assessing his surroundings, Rai identified an opportunity. He spotted a large rock within the training area, its rough surface glinting in the sunlight. It could be the key to turning the tide of the battle.

As Shikaku initiated another attack, Rai sidestepped the punch and lunged toward the rock, seizing it with both hands and swinging it at his father's right shoulder.

Taken aback by Rai's sudden change in tactics, Shikaku retreated several steps. In that split second, Rai threw himself to the ground and rolled toward his father's feet, grabbing his ankles as he went.

Rai used his smaller stature to slip between his father's legs. Rather than stopping and capitalizing on his position, Rai released his grip and continued sliding further. He reached a spot where sunlight streamed through the trees, illuminating a small patch of ground.

Rai acted decisively, forming hand seals for the Shadow Paralysis Jutsu and extending his shadow toward his father. A sense of triumph washed over him as he observed his father's shadow becoming entangled in his own. Rai could hardly believe he had accomplished it.

However, before he could fully relish his success, he felt a sudden, sharp impact at the back of his head. The blow left him dazed and disoriented, and he lurched forward, almost losing his balance.

Rai's mind was in disarray as he turned to face his father, who now stood at a safe distance, a cunning grin playing on his lips. It was only then that Rai's eyes registered the small wisp of smoke rising from the spot where his father had previously stood, leaving behind a wooden log.

Shikaku chuckled at Rai's frustration and raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter, son? Did you think I would just stand there and let you catch me with that jutsu?"

"Well done, though," Shikaku said, dusting the dirt off his clothes. "However, you'll need to up your game if you want to catch me off guard."

Rai's eyes narrowed, and he clenched his fists. "That's not fair! You shouldn't be allowed to use jutsu like that!" he protested.

Shikaku's grin faded slightly as he regarded his son. "And why not? We are shinobi, Rai. We don't fight fair. We use every tool at our disposal to achieve victory," he explained.

Rai sighed, feeling defeated. "I know, I just...I...."

Rai took a deep breath, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He knew that his father was right, but he still felt like a sore loser. "I know, Dad. I'm sorry. It's just...I thought I had you," he said, his voice trailing off.

Shikaku walked over to Rai and placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's alright, Rai. Everyone loses sometimes. The important thing is that you learn from your mistakes and keep pushing yourself to improve."

Shikaku stood there, his stern expression concealing the astonishment he felt deep within, as he couldn't help but be impressed by his son's prowess. He had never witnessed Rai displaying such agility and precision before. Shikaku had always recognized Rai's potential, but he hadn't anticipated such remarkable skill. The accuracy and speed with which Rai executed his jutsu were truly extraordinary.

As they continued their training, Shikaku attentively observed his son, marveling at the progress he had already achieved. Rai was becoming a formidable force, and Shikaku eagerly anticipated the promising future that lay ahead for him.

The pair continued to trade blows, each attempting to gain an advantage. However, unsurprisingly, it was Shikaku who emerged victorious in the end. Despite Rai's best efforts, his father's strength had proven too great.

As he stood there, catching his breath, Rai couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. He had given his all, and while he may not have won the fight, he had certainly gained a valuable lesson. He knew he still had a long way to go, but he was determined to persist in his training and grow even stronger.

Rai understood that he couldn't let this setback defeat him. He would continue to hone his skills so that one day, he could surpass his father and become an exceptional shinobi in his own right.