We're on a quest to reach 10 Power Stones! When we get there, I'll unlock a special bonus chapter just for you! If you liked this chapter, please cast your vote and let's hit that goal together! The path ahead is long and filled with challenges—but your Power Stone vote can light the way. If you want to see what happens next in Kiro's journey, please lend your support and keep the story alive.
The Strongest Transcendent In History Is The Strongest
Chapter 8: Make Up?
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the neighborhood, I made my way home, my thoughts swirling with the events of the day. Each step felt heavier with anticipation as I imagined the welcoming embrace of my little sister, Katsume, waiting for me.
As I stroll down the familiar path leading to my home, a sudden instinct urges me to halt and glance back over my shoulder. I know you're there, lurking in the shadows—so, why not reveal yourself?
At that moment, a figure emerges, stepping into the faint glow of the streetlights. He is clad in a long black coat that flutters slightly in the cool evening breeze, paired with a fitted black shirt and gray trousers that lend an air of casual mystery to his appearance. His hair is a tousled shade of brown, and his piercing green eyes seem to shine with a mischievous glint.
He grins, names Midori.
Midori greets with a playful grin, "So you've finally noticed, huh?"
Unphased by his cockiness, I maintain my composure and respond in a calm tone, "Just tell me who sent you." I can feel the tension building between us as we engage in this silent standoff.
His grin widens, betraying a hint of defiance.
"Just answer me," I insist, keeping my voice steady.
"Make me," Midori taunts back, his confidence radiating from him like a shield.
In a split second, with no room for games, I execute a swift movement—a well-practiced palm strike to his stomach. The force of my strike sends him hurtling through the air, crashing against the concrete wall of the alleyway with a solid thud.
I fixate on him, my gaze steady and unyielding. "Last chance. Just answer me," I reiterate, my patience wearing thin.
-Meanwhile-
Unbeknownst to us, a few paces away, Katsume is making her way through the narrow alley when she spots her older brother engaged in a confrontation with the mysterious man. Alarmed, she quickly ducks behind a nearby trash bin, her heart racing. "Isn't that big bro? But more importantly, who's he fighting?" she wonders to herself, confusion clouding her mind as she observes.
-Back to the fight-
I can see the hint of a smirk still plastered on his face, despite the impact. "You know I won't tell you that," he replies defiantly, the bravado returning to his voice.
In response to his insolence, I decide to escalate the confrontation. I unleash a powerful martial arts move, executing a precise spinning back kick, known as the "roundhouse." This technique is characterized by its swift and powerful rotation of the body, allowing me to utilize the full strength of my leg as I target Midori again. The kick follows through in a beautiful arc, aiming squarely for his torso.
With the strike, I blend agility and force, and as my foot connects, a satisfying thud reverberates through the alley, resonating with the tension in the air as I prepare for whatever Midori's next move might be.
Midori rises to his feet, shaking off the dust and dirt that has accumulated on his clothing. A broad grin spreads across his face as he playfully challenges his opponent, exclaiming, "You'll have to come up with something better than that!" With no time to spare, Midori springs into action, his instincts kicking in as he prepares to demonstrate his impressive skills.
In a fluid motion that showcases his years of training, he employs an advanced technique known as the "Tiger Claw Strike." This particular move, rooted in the traditions of Kung Fu, symbolizes both strength and agility, allowing the practitioner to deliver a powerful, slashing attack that resembles the claw of a tiger pouncing on its prey. Midori's execution of the Tiger Claw is both precise and fluid, as he channels his focus and energy into the strike, demonstrating not only his mastery of the martial art but also his deep respect for its heritage. With each movement, his strike becomes stronger and stronger, making it clear that he is not to be underestimated.
The impact was so immense that I felt my entire body propelled backward, crashing violently against the rigid surface of the wall. The force of the blow resonated through my bones, leaving me stunned and gasping for breath.
Midori, standing confidently amidst the chaos, flashed a mischievous grin and taunted, "Is that all you've got?" Despite the pain coursing through my body, I pushed myself up from the debris, feeling warm blood trickle from my mouth as I coughed—each cough reminding me that my resolve was far from broken. "Not even close," I challenged, my voice rough yet determined.
In that moment of rising defiance, I shifted my stance, moving away from the typical martial arts positions that many relied upon, including the common front stance or horse stance. Instead, I adopted a more unique posture known as the X-stance, where my feet were positioned in an 'X' formation, allowing for maximum mobility and balance while remaining ready to strike or evade. My left leg angled backward while my right leg was firmly planted forward, providing strength and stability, and my arms were poised near my center, ready to react.
Midori's brow furrowed with confusion as he gazed at my unusual stance. "Just what is this?" he inquired, his voice edged with curiosity and skepticism. Seizing the moment to taunt him further, I waved my hand back and forth, challenging him to bring it on. "Come at me!" I dared, a fire igniting within me.
His grin widened, as if my defiance only fueled his excitement. "Very well!" he declared, and with astonishing speed, he surged toward me, vanishing from sight momentarily. The sheer velocity at which he moved created a vortex of wind that swept past me, blurring my surroundings.
In that instant, I closed my eyes, tuning into the subtle sounds around me. I allowed my other senses to awaken, attuning myself to the vibrations of the ground and the slightest shifts in the air. I could feel his approach as if he were an extension of the environment, and I gathered my focus.
Before he could reach me, I pivoted sharply, opening my eyes just in time to see him re-materialize behind me. Without hesitation, I employed a signature martial arts technique known as the 'Knee Strike,' which I executed with precision. This powerful move, originating from traditional Muay Thai, required me to bend low, striking upward with my knee into Midori's gut. The force behind my strike was not merely physical; it was a culmination of swift movement and concentrated energy designed to land a debilitating blow.
As my knee connected, the impact ricocheted through both our bodies, sending him hurtling backward. He crashed through the walls with a tremendous crash, each barrier fracturing under the weight of his flight. It was a testament to the ferocity of our clash, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. The thrill of the confrontation coursed through me, and as I braced for what would come next, I could only wonder how he would respond to my unorthodox techniques.
I fixed my gaze firmly on his bloodied and bruised face, the intensity of my stare piercing through the tension-filled air. "Now, tell me, who sent you?" I demanded, my voice steady and unwavering, a mixture of curiosity and determination lacing my words.
Midori responded with a mischievous grin that seemed to taunt me, but the expression quickly faded as he suddenly lost consciousness, collapsing right before my eyes. "Kage... No... Soshiki…don't..think this...is..over...infact....this...is...just..the.. beginning..." he murmured incoherently, with a grin, his voice barely a whisper, as though he was lost in a realm of darkness and confusion.
Taking a deep breath, I composed myself, my mind racing with suggestions of what this could all mean. "I see," I replied calmly to myself before rising from my position and beginning the trek back home, each step grounding me in the reality of my surroundings.
Upon my arrival at Katsume's place, I found him standing there, momentarily frozen in place, as if he was replaying the earlier events in his head. I couldn't help but observe him, thinking about how effortlessly cool his moves had been during the confrontation. A thought crossed my mind: I should definitely ask my older brother to teach me those techniques someday. That level of skill would be invaluable and a source of immense pride.
-Back to Katsume-
Katsume spoke from the silence, her tone relaxed yet urgent. "Oh, I better hurry back before big bro comes home." With that, she quickly gathered her belongings, a slight smile returning to her face as she darted toward the door, the excitement of our shared adventure lingering in the air like the fading echoes of a thrilling escape.
-Timeskip a hour later-
As I slowly turn the doorknob and push the door open for what feels like the umpteenth time, I instantly catch sight of my sister standing patiently just outside, her face lit up with a bright smile filled with anticipation. I can't help but raise an eyebrow and reflect aloud, "Am I late again?" The words escape my lips, laced with a hint of playful concern, knowing full well our history of timekeeping mishaps.
With a spark of enthusiasm in her voice, Katsume replies, "No, not this time! It seems like you were genuinely serious about keeping your promises, and I have to admit, I underestimated that!" Her excitement is contagious, and I can't help but feel a warm rush of pride at the thought that I might have surprised her this time
Feeling a surge of affection, I reach out to pat her head gently, a small gesture that has always seemed to bring her comfort. I smile, realizing how much I appreciate her unwavering support and optimism. "I see now," I say softly, "that's really good to know." It's moments like these that remind me of the importance of our bond and the little victories that come with fulfilling the promises we make to each other. "I have a special plan for you today," I said, patting her head affectionately, which prompted her to look up at me with wide, curious eyes.
Her brow furrowed slightly as she contemplated my words. "And what is that?" she asked, a hint of intrigue and excitement creeping into her tone. I could see her excitement bubbling just on the surface.
"Let's go out and have some fun!" I replied nonchalantly, my voice laced with enthusiasm. Her face instantly lit up like a thousand fireworks exploding in the night sky. "Sure thing!" she squealed, practically bouncing on her toes at the prospect of an adventure.
Without wasting any time, I grabbed my keys, and we headed out the door, the evening air refreshing against our skins. The destination was a sprawling amusement park that was brimming with lights, laughter, and the sweet aroma of popcorn and cotton candy. As we approached the park, the energy was palpable; I could see families gathering, friends laughing, and children running wild with joy.
Once inside, we were greeted by the sight of colorful rides towering against the night sky. The lights twinkled like stars, and the sounds of joyful screams and the cheerful music filled the air. I turned to Katsume and asked calmly, "Which ride do you want to do first?"
She paused, deep in thought, her eyes scanning the array of thrilling attractions surrounding us. "How about… all of the rides?" she suggested enthusiastically, her voice rising with excitement. Her suggestion sent a wave of giddiness through me—I could hardly wait to experience each ride alongside her.
First up was the roller coaster, a towering giant that twisted and turned with dizzying speed. As we climbed aboard and strapped ourselves in, I could see the thrill on Katsume's face. The ride began with a slow ascent, creaking as we climbed higher and higher, and then—whoosh!—we plummeted downwards, the world blurring around us. Katsume's delighted screams filled the air, and I couldn't help but laugh with joy as the wind whipped through our hair.
Next, we ventured to the Ferris wheel, where we were lifted high above the park. As we rose slowly, we took in the breathtaking view of the entire fairgrounds below, shimmering brightly with lights and bustling with people. Katsume's eyes sparkled with wonder as she pointed out various attractions, her laughter echoing in the crisp night air.
After that, we headed to the bumper cars, where we both donned our competitive spirits. The sound of laughter and playful shouts filled our ears as we crashed into others, our joy only heightened by the friendly chaos around us. Katsume maneuvered her car with impressive agility, and for a moment, it felt as if we were children again, free from worries and responsibilities.
Later on, we found ourselves in front of a spinning teacup ride, brightly colored and inviting. I held on tightly as the cups twirled and spun, and Katsume was in my ear, laughing uncontrollably while urging me to spin faster. She was fearless, letting the thrill of each ride wash over her, and I was grateful to share these moments of pure bliss with her.
As the night went on, we continued to explore the park, dashing from one attraction to the next. Each ride brought a new rush of adrenaline, excitement, and laughter. We indulged in sugary treats, shared stories, and let our spirits soar amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the amusement park.
By the end of the night, we were both breathless and beaming, memories already being etched into our hearts. It was more than just a day out; it was a reminder of the bond we shared—one filled with love, laughter, and lightness that would carry us through whatever challenges awaited us in the days to come.
As Katsume and I approached the car, she paused for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "You know something, big bro?" she said, her voice filled with a sense of contemplation.
I looked at her, taking in the sincere glint in her eyes, and replied in a calm, encouraging tone, "What's on your mind?"
Katsume turned to me, her smile lighting up her face like the first rays of morning sunshine. "Today, I had a lot of fun," she said, her words spilling out with genuine appreciation. "Thank you for spending time with me."
As I saw her smile, a warm wave of emotion washed over me, and in that moment, I realized the depth of our connection. The laughter, the shared experiences, and the little moments we enjoyed together had rekindled our sibling bond, which had felt strained for a while. It was as if, in acknowledging her gratitude, we were both reaffirming the strength of our relationship, sealing it with unspoken understanding.
Katsume and I get into the car, the familiar scent of the interior wrapping around us like a warm embrace. As we pull out of the driveway, the gentle hum of the engine fills the space between us, and we exchange a few light-hearted remarks about our day. The evening sky begins to darken, painted in hues of deep blue and hints of purple, while streetlights flicker to life one by one as we make our way home.
After what feels like a brief journey, we finally pull into the driveway, the tires crunching lightly over the gravel as I shift the car into park. With a soft sigh of relief, we both unbuckle our seat belts, the sound echoing in the stillness of the car. Katsume and I step out into the crisp evening air, the cool breeze brushing against our skin as we make our way toward the front door.
I can feel the comforting familiarity of home surrounding us as we navigate through the dimly lit hallway. Katsume and I separate momentarily, each heading to our respective rooms. Once inside my room, a sense of tranquility washes over me. I shed the day's worries and let my body sink into the soft embrace of my bed, the sheets cool and inviting. With a contented sigh, I close my eyes and allow the soothing pull of sleep to envelop me, falling into a deep slumber, my mind drifting away to peaceful dreams.
To be continued...