Untold Part 1: The Strength Within

Chapter 4: The Obstacles

The Katsamata Sekai. The martial arts owner is a well-known heavyweight champion, Cole Katsamata. Iteijyu and Mabaru wear the same workout clothes from their first training day—red tank top with loose shorts and a blank tank top with gray joggers. Upon arrival, Iteijyu finds Cole while Mabaru watches many boxers train. He couldn't grasp how they could commit to such a fear. After reminiscing unwanted memories, he sits down and wonders if all of his training is worth it. The split between growth and dead-end progress blends into the point of no improvement. Countless trials to reclaim his past isn't sufficient for him. But, he wants to challenge it. Mabaru is going to try.

"Yo. Good to see ya' again." Cole walks in with a sweaty white shirt, black shorts and low cut shoes.

"Hi coach. It's good to see you." Mabaru bows in respect.

"Alright. Iteijyu, find a locker for him. You guys meet me at the mirror once you're ready."

Mabaru gets out of the locker room and follows Iteijyu to a line of guys talking together in front of the mirror. From what he knows, Iteijyu knows his way around the place. He started training during his semester but to Mabaru, he feels out of place. He stops for a moment. It's happening the same thing again. He's reluctant to try something new. He has to get out of his shell in some way if he wants to be better. This is his chance to try something new. Prove his hollow excuse he can do better. It is a clash between conflicting thoughts. While ignoring what he's thinking, Mabaru goes at the end of the line with Iteijyu and looks at himself in the mirror. A new version of him will unfold.

Cole stands patiently with a strict look.

"Everyone. We'll warm up with the jab-cross-hook combo. Stay in your position and stop after I say so. Ready? Jab."

Everyone stands in place. After sets of basic combinations, Cole assigns two pairs for practice. Unfortunately, he splits Iteijyu and Mabaru together. He assigns Mabaru with a new person instead. He didn't expect to be paired randomly but he accepts it as part of the process. Mabaru lowers his guard and watches the person walk. He is an Iberian Wolf breed with a fur mixed with colors of gray and red. He wears a white shirt with black sweatpants on. His physique is built the same as Iteijyu. He dons red dyed hair as he whips his hair behind his head. He smiles and meets up with him.

"Hey! You must be Iteijyu's friend. I'm Shidan Tahimu." He offers a fist bump to him.

"Hi. Mabaru Aimaki. How do you know him?"

"We used to train together. He kept talking about you a lot."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Oh shoot. Looks like we're starting. Come on, let me see what you got."

Shidan likes to ease himself with intimidation. Mabaru feels he is pressured to prove his worth. It didn't feel right at first but he continues with the training. They are going back and forth with their combos while the partner tries to defend and counter. Mabaru throws a jab as he steps in. Shidan lifts his right hand to catch his fist and dodges each attack.

Cole comes in as he watches them. "Hm. You guys look sharp. Mabaru, you're stepping back too close. Get a distance with him. Don't leave yourself open. Your punches look smothered. Extend your feet. The back feet of your hook must drag with you while you step in. Got it?"

"Yes Coach." Mabaru nods.

"Good. We'll keep it up after this. Meanwhile, take a break with the other guys." Cole leaves and continues to critique more pairs.

"Nice work, man. Iteijyu taught you well huh?" Shidan pats Mabaru's shoulder.

"I only trained once. I'm still not the best to be honest."