Duality (DxD) (Part 1)

Ch 15 - Years So Far

Jin had been diligent in his practices of the Fist of Flowing Water, Crushed Rock style; Senjutsu; Youjutsu and his studies. You could say he was becoming more proficient in martial arts than many professional martial artists. His flow was like water and his flexibility was incomparable, his form was of a twisting winding river that you couldn't predict, and if he went fast, you couldn't predict his movements without having a lot of experience in the style or being a natural-born fighter.

Jins fists were like the crashing waves of a powerful ocean. All because now, at 10 years old, he had gotten bigger. He had gotten tall at 4 foot 10 inches. His blonde golden hair was longer as he had never been taken to a barbers. His body was more tone because of his diligent practice and often walks. Yet, he still couldn't find a way to make Ban proud. Jin thought he had gotten stronger, if he used Awakening Breath, he knew he was stronger than normal adults, yet he hadn't heard any words from Ban to say he was doing well.

Was he doing well?

It wasn't like anxiety that gave him the constant feeling that he wasn't doing good enough, but it was an often question that went through his mind. A constant question on repeat that started to drive him in the direction of becoming stronger and stronger. His drive to become stronger was getting more intense than ever. As questions asked if he was doing well. Asked if he was truely strong. Telling him he needed to keep on improving, getting stronger.

But despite his drive to get stronger, he had learned having friends wasn't all that bad. Hex was a genius, or as Jin would say, someone unbeatable. His arch nemesis. Because despite Hex saying Jin was a difficult opponent he hadn't face in a while, and he posed some difficulty. Hex always won. Jin got close some times. He could practically taste a checkmate. But then the table got flipped on him and Hex turned it around somehow. Hex was the Chessmaster.

But then there was his best friend Aika, she had grown slightly and now wore pink rim spectacles, she needed as she couldn't see too well without them. Though they only made her gold-colored eyes seem more prominent. Her hair has gotten longer and while it was still lightly messy, her brunette hair was now tied into braids on each side. He knew her favourite food, her favourite colour, many of her favourites and her birthday. She told Jin a lot and spoke a lot. Always sitting on his lap. She was also the only one despite his guardian who knew his birthday. Despite Jin not being too expressive, he believed he was close to her.

But when it came to his guardian, he often thought of going back. But it was always the same reason. He couldn't imagine seeing what she would look like without her smile, her love towards him. So he didn't go back. Jin and Ban had many arguments about this but Jin always refused to go back. This was a decision he was set on.

But now for the 9 time, Jin had lost to Hex. Their matches getting longer and some taking the full hour because Jim was getting better.

Jin: That's it. You know magic.

Aika: You were so close Jin! I'm sure you'll beat him next time!

Aika smiled as she nuzzled closer to Jin. Dressed in a black skirt and white top with sparkling patterns on. But Jin knew, he wouldn't win. Not today at least. Aika had said something like that every time he lost but he never won.

Jin: I'll retreat today. But tomorrow. You mine Chessmaster Hex.

Hex gave a small chuckle as he looked at Jins serious proclamation. Jin still hadn't given up beating Hex even after years of losing.

Hex: You make me sound like some evil mastermind. I'll see you tomorrow for our next games Jin.

Jin gave a small smile as he nodded. Aika jumped off him as Jin stood up. Crouching down as Aika got onto his shoulders. Making herself comfortable as Aika lived a bit further down the road past the dojo. So they walked home together.

Aika: Gallop Jin!

Jin: How many times have I told you, I'm not a horse.

Aika giggled as Jin walked off with her on his shoulders. Walking back to the dojo Aika talked about what she did at school. Jin had come to learn his academic ability level was much higher than regular children. But it was fun to listen to Aika. She talked a lot but when she spoke, it didn't sound like she was a normal girl. Considered a weird girl for a reason she didn't tell Jin.

But as Jin got home, he helped Aika off his shoulders. Aika knew Jin live with her and she also knew he practised martial arts. She tried to work out a bit, but it didn't seem it was meant for her. She couldn't get past basic exercise.

Jin: I'll see you next weekend.

Aika quickly hugged Jin as he gently patted her head. She was very touchy-feely and liked contact.

Aika: I'll see you next week!

Aika said as she ran off. Then Jin walked in and went back to his usual. Practising his Senjutsu, on top of practising his Fist of Flowing Water, Crushed Rock style at the same time. But then he remembered something.

Jin: Actually I should get changed instead of working up a sweat in my good clothes.

Jin went to walk upstairs, but then something happened. A stair that had previously cracked, that was subdued to years more pressure despite its cracked structural integrity, finally broke. Jin's foot falling through the floor onto another botten. But as Jin looked down, he saw a book, a manual.

Picking it up and reading its title.

Jin: Exploding Heart Release Fist?

Jin looked at it, and had a plan that went through his mind. Smiling.