Outbound

Push

8 Years Ago, February 11th - Tuesday Afternoon 

"You need to be faster than that, Nero." The old man says while easily dodging his barrage of punches." Nero growls, frustration evident in his expression. "I'm trying, damn it," he retorts, his voice laced with irritation. "It's hard enough training with an old geezer like you." Old man responds, "An old geezer you have yet to land a finger on." Nero grumbles, a hint of begrudging respect in his eyes. "Fine, you got me there," he replies, a wry smile playing on his lips. "But I'll get you eventually, just you wait." 

Naoya, this time being 24 years old enters the training grounds with another member of the six commandments. The other member beside Naoya is a young woman with striking features. Her dark hair is tied up in a tight bun, revealing a sharp and determined expression on her face. She walks with confidence, her presence commanding attention. The female begins to speak. "Oh? You two are still sparring? It has been more than one hour." The old man and Nero stop their sparring, panting slightly from the intensity of the training session. The old man turns to the female with a grin. "Ah, if it isn't Little Miss Aoi," he greets, a hint of warmth in his voice. Naoya walks to Nero and fist bumps him. Right afterwards he asks, "You managed to hit the geezer yet?" Nero shakes his head, a hint of frustration evident in his expression. "Nah, he's too quick," he replies with a wry smile. "Every time I think I've got him, he dodges at the last second." "Or do I move last second?" Old man says with a wry smile. Nero grumbles, his frustration growing. "I swear, you're doing it on purpose," he mutters, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "How am I supposed to beat you if you keep dodging like that?" Aoi speaks up, "You expect your target to stand still and let you hit them?" The old man chuckles, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Exactly," he agrees, nodding at Aoi's comment. "The art of combat is not just about dealing damage, but also about avoiding it. Learning to move and react quickly is crucial to success in battle."

Naoya looks at the katana on the ground and continues speaking to Nero, "How do you always manage to get your katana knocked outta your hand anyway? Geezer isn't even using any weapons." Nero scowls, a hint of embarrassment evident in his expression. "It's not my fault," he protests, a hint of defensiveness in his voice. "That geezer is just too damn fast. By the time I realize what's happening, he's already disarmed me and sent my katana flying." Aoi chuckles and puts her hand on the shoulder of Nero. "Of course he will. He doesn't want to get cut in half." Nero grumbles even more, a hint of irritation in his expression. "I know that," he retorts, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "But it's still embarrassing to have my weapon taken away like that." "Only I can beat Geezer and it's usually a close match." Naoya states. Old man laughs, a hint of a challenge in his eyes. "Not for long, my dear boy," he teases, his voice laced with amusement. "One of these days, Nero will beat me too. Right, Nero?" "I have no clue what Naoya ate or drank to become stronger than you but it's not like my matches against Naoya isn't close too." Old man chuckles, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "That's alright, Nero," he replies, a hint of warmth in his voice. "Strength is not measured by how close your matches are against Naoya or me. It's about your own growth and development as a fighter." 

Aoi speaks up, "Speaking of strength, isn't Tuesday usually for gauging how much development has been made? I think Naoya and Nero was up next." Old man nods, a hint of interest in his eyes. "Ah, yes, you're right," he replies, his voice laced with anticipation. "Tuesday is a day for testing one's progress and strength. I look forward to seeing how both Naoya and Nero have improved." Old man asks, "Where are others anyway? Did I send them on a mission? I forgot." Aoi responds with a smile, "You gave them a day off because only Naoya and Nero had to train today." Naoya speaks with annoyance. "I understand that Six Commandments are strongest hitmen of the country but don't they slack off a bit too much?" Old man laughs, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Ah, young Naoya," he replies, his tone teasing. "You're such a natural leader. But sometimes, even the strongest fighters need a little rest and relaxation." Aoi looks at Naoya, "We know, we get it. You are the strongest amongst us all but let them rest too y'know." Naoya crosses his arms, a hint of defensiveness in his expression. "I'm not trying to boss them around," he retorts, his voice laced with frustration. "I just want us to be the best we can be. We don't have time for slacking off." Naoya continues, "I didn't become strongest in a single day. It's all hard work and I don't take breaks like them." 

Old man chuckles, a hint of wisdom in his eyes. "Naoya, my dear boy," he replies, his voice laced with warmth. "Hard work and dedication are admirable, but you mustn't forget the importance of balance. Rest and relaxation are crucial to maintaining one's strength and preventing burnout." Naoya notices the word and decides to ask, "Burnout? What's that? I never got that." Old man laughs heartily, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, my young and energetic prodigy," he replies, his tone slightly teasing. "Burnout is the exhaustion that comes from pushing oneself to the limit without taking a break. It affects both the body and the mind." Nero speaks up, "You are meaning to tell me, you never experienced burnout?" he asks to Naoya. Naoya shakes his head, a hint of determination in his eyes. "No, I haven't," he replies, his voice laced with confidence. "I push myself to the limit every single day, so I don't have time for burnout." Nero shakes his head and raises a question to the old man. "Hey Geezer, do I fight you more today or Naoya instead like Aoi said?" Old man contemplates for a moment, his eyes shifting between Nero and Naoya. "How about this," he suggests, a hint of a challenge in his voice. "Why not have both of you fight me at the same time?"

Naoya cracks his knuckles with a smirk and responds to Old Man, "You expect me to team up with my rival against you? How considerate of you~" Old man chuckles, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, I see you're up for the challenge then," he replies, his tone laced with a hint of excitement. "Let's see how well you work together against me." Aoi speaks up, "Oh, I forgot. Mr. Shinoda wanted to watch the sparring of today. I will go tell him to come here." Old man nods, a hint of acknowledgment in his eyes. "Alright, go ahead. Tell Mr. Shinoda to come witness the sparring session." With a nod of acknowledgement, Aoi bows slightly before leaving the training grounds to find Mr. Shinoda. As she leaves, Old man turns his attention back to Nero and Naoya.
 "Now, are you two ready for the challenge?" he asks, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You bet," Naoya replies, a confident smirk on his face. "I'll take the left, you take the right?" he suggests to Nero. "Don't order me around, I'll do whatever I want." Nero states with a grin. Naoya smirks, a hint of annoyance in his eyes. "Suit yourself then," he continues, "But don't slow me down." 

Old man stands ready, his face set in a stern expression. "Enough chatter. Let's begin." As soon as the words leave his mouth, Naoya and Nero lunge forward, their combined attack aimed at Old man.