Beyond the Veil | Yuji

11

┏━°⌜ 呪術廻戦 ⌟°━┓
CHAPTER 11
COLLEGE
┗━°⌜ 呪術廻戦 ⌟°━┛

Sweat glistens on my brow, mingling with the dust kicked up from the tatami mats beneath my feet. I let out a frustrated groan as I collapse onto my knees, feeling the burn of exertion coursing through my limbs. My breaths come in ragged gasps, each one a struggle against the relentless demands of the training session.

"Come on, Reina! Get up! Again!" Gojo's voice rings out with unwavering determination, his enthusiasm undiminished despite the weariness etched on my face. I resist the urge to flip him off or hurl a colorful stream of curses his way, instead clenching my teeth and pushing myself upright.

Maki steps forward with concern etched on her features. "You okay, Rei?" she asks, her voice a mixture of sympathy and encouragement.

I nod faintly, trying to summon the strength to continue. "Yeah, just... damn tired," I mutter between heavy breaths. Gripping the wooden katanas tightly, I prepare to resume training, my muscles protesting with every movement.

Maki mirrors my resolve, taking her own stance opposite me. Her focus is unwavering, her eyes locked onto mine with a silent understanding of the challenge we face together. "Let's go," she says quietly, her voice firm and supportive.

With a grunt of effort, I swing the wooden katana in a practiced arc, the sound of wood meeting wood echoing through the dojo. Maki parries effortlessly, her movements fluid and precise. We dance across the tatami mats as if we are in a theatre performing for someone. Well, it's like we're performing for Gojo, so that's not so far off.

Behind me, the distinct sounds of Megumi's staff clashing with Panda's body punctuate the air. Their training session is a symphony of calculated strikes and strategic maneuvers, despite Panda's remarks that sometimes make me facepalm.

"Damn it," I curse under my breath as a particularly demanding sequence of strikes leaves me winded. I stagger slightly but regain my footing, fueled by a stubborn determination to push through the pain.

Gojo's voice cuts through the dojo once more, offering encouragement and tactical advice. His confidence in our abilities pushes us to give our best, despite the physical and mental strain of the training session.

Maki and I continue our intense spar, our breaths synchronized with the rhythm of our movements. The clash of wood against wood fills the air, punctuated by occasional shouts of encouragement and advice from Gojo Sensei.

"Reina, watch your stance!" Gojo's voice booms from the sidelines, his eyes keenly observing our every move. "Don't overextend!"

I adjust my footing, heeding his advice as I deflect Maki's next strike. She steps back, a slight grin playing on her lips. "Nice adjustment," she remarks, acknowledging the correction.

"Yeah, thanks," I reply, my voice slightly strained from my tiredness. I press forward again, launching a series of rapid strikes in quick succession. Maki meets each one with precise blocks and counters, her focus unbroken.

Gojo interjects again, his voice cutting through the intensity of our bout. "Keep your guard up! And Maki, don't hesitate to exploit her openings!"

Maki seizes an opportunity, executing a swift maneuver that sends me sprawling onto the mat with a forceful impact. I curse under my breath, tasting the bitterness of defeat for a fleeting moment. But determination fuels my next move.

As Maki pauses, perhaps thinking the match is decided, I seize the momentary lapse in her focus. With a burst of energy and a quick, calculated roll, I reclaim my position and swiftly disarm her. The katanas find their mark, one resting lightly against her neck.