Kei set out for a two-hour jog to Mr. Takemoto's house. He knew that only by becoming a direct disciple under his tutelage could he progress effectively. If he could surpass this effectiveness, all his problems would be solved.
During the journey, he thought about checking all the bridges with wooden houses; he might find James Shiba there. Even though Shiba wasn't the most powerful man in the world with his boxing system, he could do some interesting things, as he was one of the strongest in the program, at least at a master's level.
-I just need to keep pushing further than I can, and my goals will be even further away. -Kei said aloud. After fighting Hiyo Kure, he understood a few things he could keep improving day by day.
First, being hit hurts like hell; it hurts so much, even sleeping after being hit. Second, the fear of battles doesn't go away even after being beaten by someone, so this exercise can only lead to new possibilities, which as fighting more people.
But if it helps him improve, after being hit, a vein seems to surge in his heart.
He arrived at a large dojo, with multiple people dressed in white yukata and large blue pants. He needed to gather possible information about where to find Master Takemoto.
He watched the training: one-two, one-two, repetitive movements without rest, combining the arts of Takemoto-style kempo. This Takemoto style is not just any style; it's the style of a military master, learned during the war.
-Good morning, little one. How can I help you? -someone said.
-I'm Kei Kazama. I'm looking for Master Takemoto for a request. -Kei said.
-Nice to meet you, Kei Kazama. I'm Roshi. - The man gave him a strange look. -Master Takemoto is a busy man; he can't just have special meetings with anyone. -Roshi said.
-I need a meeting with Master Takemoto. I'll wait every day until Master Takemoto grants me an audience. -Kei said.
With strong resolve, there was something addictive in the air.
-Go ahead, little one, you can wait as long as you like. -Roshi said calmly.
-Just let him know I'll be waiting at the entrance for a special meeting with Master Takemoto. -Kei said.
And so he did on the first day, waiting from 9 AM to 6 PM. The next day he waited for twelve hours without a response, and the following day he waited another twelve hours. Only on the fourth day did he see Roshi again, who took his stance.
-You're quite a precocious young man. Come, I'll take you to eat something so you can go home. Master Takemoto is a busy man; not just anyone can see him. -Roshi said, carrying a black container with a delicious smell.
-It's not my intention to be a bother, but I won't leave the entrance until I have a special meeting with Master Takemoto. -Kei said resolutely, receiving the food that Roshi brought.
Kei's eyes lit up. It had been a long time since he had tasted meat. The plate was large and filled with food, the best meal he had had since coming here. He finished his plate as quickly as he could. The steamed meat was something to enjoy when he started earning some money.
-Ahhh, delicious. Thank you, Roshi. I haven't eaten something this good in a long time. -Kei said.
-My pleasure, boy.-Roshi said, with care and simplicity.
Kei returned to his spot at the entrance, waiting for the master to arrive and hear his words. The waiting time continued, with Mr. Roshi serving him delicious food.
-Tell me, boy, why do you want to talk to Master Takemoto?-Roshi said.
-Well, because he is a master of his style, I want to be his direct disciple. Only by being his direct disciple can I achieve the plans I desire. - Kei said.
-Plans? You're too young to worry about plans, - said Roshi.
-Yes, I know. Only the best master can teach me the best way. My goal isn't to play like those guys. I want to surpass the limits of normal people, as well as the limits of normal fighters. I know there are different ranks of martial artists. My goal is to surpass the common limit. Those who walk the path of martial arts need to surpass the human range considered by others as the only one, - said Kei.
- Well, what you're talking about is difficult to achieve, - said Roshi, stroking his beard.
-"I'm willing to reach my human limits, which is why I need the best master, someone who can take me there, where I would be unable to reach quickly without proper guidance, - said Kei.
-Do you think you can reach human limits on your own? - asked Roshi.
-I could, but it would take a long time, - said Kei.
-Oh, if you didn't have a master, how would you consider breaking that human barrier you speak of? - asked Roshi, curious.
-Well, I would enroll in a common dojo, perhaps one with fundamentals that are easy to learn like boxing. I would take the common training a step further. If a professional does a thousand shadow punches a day, I would do 5000 with weights on my shoulders. I would take boxing to a higher level, as much as I could, but along the way, I would encounter many setbacks. That's just one plan, but only those who master a martial art to the extreme can be the best. Now, if you master a style, you can take it a step further and create your techniques or combine it with another style, - said Kei.
-Sounds like you've thought about this a lot, boy, - said Roshi.
-I have, - said Kei, leaving the area. Roshi observed him for some time. Seven days. If the boy waits three more days, he will call Master Takemoto to have a chat with the boy.
Kei, I hope you can fulfill your words, thought Roshi, who had seen the fang of Metsudo in action, one of the most formidable fighters in the Kengan tournaments, who had become one of the most fearsome players in the Kengan tournament.
Kei waited for the next three days. Each day, he continued to have conversations with Roshi about various details, from his age to his grade, as well as some random questions he couldn't fully understand.
Roshi was a highly respected philosopher in the community. The enlightenment he had achieved was due to his deep study of various branches of knowledge, such as religion, history, politics, and philosophy. These were expressions that Roshi used to gauge the young Kei's goals. The ambition on his face might be a good point. Mr. Takemoto, as an active agent, fulfilled many risky missions for the nation, and the Kengan fights he participated in. It's good to have a replacement.
On the eighth day, an old man with a military uniform, somewhat similar to Roshi in his bald appearance and long beard, came out.
-Follow me, young one, - said Takemoto Hisayasu.
...