Trial by Determination

Fuji decided to put Izumi to the test, a test of his determination and his potential to uncover the truth about his father, Amane Fujimiya. He led Izumi to a quiet, secluded area and spoke with a determined tone.

  **Fuji:** If you want to discover your answers, you'll need to prove to me that you're ready. Amane Fujimiya's history is not something you can easily uncover. Are you prepared for the journey ahead?

Izumi was bewildered by Fuji's words. He couldn't comprehend how physical combat related to finding answers about his father. Fuji then issued a surprising challenge – to attack him.

  **Izumi (confused):** Attack you? Why?

  **Fuji:** Sometimes, understanding the past requires more than just knowledge. It requires strength and determination. If you want to learn about Amane Fujimiya, you must show me that you have what it takes.

Izumi hesitated but agreed to Fuji's challenge. With his larger frame, he attempted to strike Fuji, but his movements were sluggish and predictable. Fuji used his exceptional combat skills to effortlessly evade Izumi's attacks and, with precise movements, subdued him, causing Izumi to crash to the ground.

**Fuji (standing over Izumi):** Do you want to give up already?

  Despite the blood trickling from his nose, Izumi mustered a determined look and did something that caught Fuji completely off guard. He managed to replicate one of Fuji's own techniques, even though he had only seen it once. Fuji was astonished.

  **Fuji (surprised):** You copied my move?

  **Izumi:** I just watched and did what I saw. I may not be skilled, but I'm willing to push myself to the limit to find my answers.

Fuji couldn't help but see a reflection of Amane in Izumi – the determination, the potential, and the tenacity to overcome odds. He decided to continue testing Izumi's abilities and knocked him out. As he carried the unconscious young man away, he couldn't help but think about Izumi's untapped potential.

**Fuji (in his thoughts):** His eyes are filled with struggles. I don't know what he's been through, but that determination… It's just like I'm seeing Amane. That talent for mimicry... He believes he's good for nothing, but I can see the potential for him to surpass even Amane and me.

Fuji was intrigued and determined to guide Izumi toward his goal, recognizing the spark of greatness within the young man.

Fuji sat beside the unconscious Izumi in the large scrapyard, contemplating the situation. His thoughts raced as he considered the young boy before him.

**Fuji's thoughts**: What does this kid want to know about amane, and why is he so determined? It's almost as if I'm watching a young amane.*

As he watched over Izumi, he hoped that this encounter would help the boy find the answers he sought.

Fuji looked at the awakening Izumi and greeted him with a chuckle.

**Fuji**: "Looks like you've woken up."

Izumi, still trying to gather his thoughts, asked about his whereabouts and questioned Fuji's identity.

**Izumi**: "Where am I? And who are you?"

Fuji couldn't help but chuckle again and decided to address Izumi's curiosity.

  **Fuji**: "We've already introduced ourselves, but trust me, I want to help you. You saw my moves, right? You can clearly see I'm not just a regular guy. And, you mentioned you're not good enough, but I can clearly see that you're something special. I have an offer for you."

  Izumi couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity at Fuji's offer, wondering what exactly he had in mind. Fuji then laid out his proposal, making it clear what he was willing to provide.

  **Fuji**: "I will train you for six months. We'll work on your body, combat skills, and much more."

  Izumi was shocked by this unexpected offer and couldn't help but ask Fuji for his reasons.

  **Izumi**: "Why do you want to help me? What's your reason?"

  With a serious yet slightly smiling expression, Fuji responded.

  **Fuji**: "I saw the struggle in your eyes, and it was like I was seeing Amane. Except, your eyes are yellow."

  The mention of his father's name struck a chord within Izumi. He desperately wanted answers about Amane's death and his connection to the Legend of 1st generation. He hesitated for a moment before earnestly asking Fuji for his assistance.

  **Izumi**: "Amane Fujimiya, please, if you can help me, then do it."

  Fuji couldn't help but chuckle a bit and delivered words that were like a lifeline to Izumi.

  **Fuji**: "You have a special talent – the ability to copy. You copied my move. Let me tell you, young man, you're truly capable of anything. Just believe in yourself."

  These words were something Izumi had longed to hear from someone other than his family. Fuji's belief and encouragement gave him newfound hope. Fuji extended his hand as a symbol of support and explained the location's significance.

**Fuji**: "This place is where you'll be reborn after six months. Once you're ready for your journey, you can do it."

  Izumi agreed to Fuji's plan and inquired about his training focus.

  **Izumi**: "What should I focus on, punching, grappling, or something else?"

  Fuji chuckled again and clarified his training regimen.

**Fuji**: "I've already planned your daily routine for the next six months. For now..."

  With a swift punch to Izumi's gut, he knocked him down, demonstrating what the training entailed.

  **Fuji**: "In the evenings, this will be your endurance training. Survive my punches and kicks and try to copy my moves as much as you can."

  Izumi, filled with determination, got back on his feet, assuming a fighting stance.

  **Izumi**: "I'm ready for this, Gun Sensei."

  With the determination shining in his eyes, Fuji was genuinely impressed. They were both ready to begin their evening training, setting the stage for Izumi's transformation.