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Chapter 5: The Gauntlet

The sprawling mansion, with its hidden nooks and grand halls, transformed into an intense training ground for the siblings. The morning sun pierced through the tall windows of the training hall, casting long shadows on the mat-covered floor.

The siblings stood in a line, facing their tutors. Maki and Yuta were to handle the combat and weapons training, while Rei focused on unarmed combat, and Renjiro handled tech training. Yuji, due to his age, was only going to be trained in self-defense and technology for the time being.

#Maki’s Weapons Training

Maki began the session with a stern yet encouraging look. "Arika, Sukuna, today we start with the basics. You'll be familiarizing yourselves with various weapons. It's not just about wielding them; it's about becoming one with your weapon."

She laid out an array of weapons on a table: swords, daggers, spears, and even a pair of nunchaku. Each weapon gleamed ominously under the lights.

“First, the sword,” Maki said, picking up a katana and handing it to Arika. “Grip it like this,” she demonstrated, wrapping her hands around the hilt with a firm, yet controlled hold.

Arika mimicked her, feeling the weight of the weapon. It was heavier than she expected, but she adjusted her grip as Maki corrected her stance.

“Sukuna, take the spear,” Maki directed. “Hold it steady, both hands equidistant from the center.”

Sukuna complied, his hands shaking slightly as he grasped the long weapon. Maki walked around him, nudging his elbows into the correct positions.

“Now, Arika, strike at me. Slowly, at first,” Maki instructed.

Arika swung the sword, her movements tentative. Maki parried easily, her movements fluid and precise. “Good. Keep your balance steady. Sukuna, thrust the spear forward.”

Sukuna lunged, and Maki sidestepped, showing him how to maintain control even when the attack missed.

Hours passed as they practiced basic moves: thrusts, parries, and blocks. Arika and Sukuna’s muscles screamed in protest, and sweat dripped down their faces. Maki’s corrections were relentless, but her praise was sparse, making each compliment feel like a rare treasure.

“You’re doing well, Arika. But your stance is still too stiff,” Maki said, repositioning Arika’s feet once more. “Relax your shoulders. Let the sword become an extension of your arm.”

Arika nodded, biting her lip as she tried to adjust her posture. Sukuna, meanwhile, was struggling with the spear’s weight and balance. His hands were raw from gripping the wooden shaft.

“Maki-sensei, I... I don’t think I can do this,” Sukuna panted, his chest heaving.

“Yes, you can,” Maki replied firmly. “It’s hard now, but it will get easier with time. You have to push through the discomfort.”

#Rei’s Unarmed Combat Training

Next, it was time for Rei’s unarmed combat training. The siblings were already exhausted, but Rei’s stern expression left no room for complaints.

“Unarmed combat is about control and discipline,” Rei began, his voice steady and authoritative. “We will start with basic stances and movements.”

He demonstrated a series of stances, his movements fluid and precise. “Follow my lead,” he instructed.

Arika and Sukuna tried to mimic his movements, but their exhaustion made their attempts clumsy. Rei corrected them repeatedly, his patience unwavering but his tone strict.

“Lower your center of gravity, Sukuna. You need a stable base,” Rei instructed, pushing Sukuna’s shoulders down. “Arika, your punches lack power. Use your whole body, not just your arms.”

The siblings tried their best, but the fatigue was overwhelming. Their punches were weak, and their stances wobbled. Rei’s corrections were constant, and his voice never softened.

“You’re not here to have fun. This is serious training,” Rei reminded them harshly. “You need to focus and give it your all.”

#Renjiro’s Tech Training

Renjiro’s tech training was a welcome change of pace for Yuji, who was spared the physical exhaustion of combat training. However, Renjiro’s expectations were no less demanding.

“Technology is a powerful tool, but it requires precision and intelligence,” Renjiro explained. “Today, we’ll start with the basics of  cybersecurity.”

He set up laptops for each of them and began a detailed explanation of computer systems, networks, and security protocols. Yuji’s eyes widened with fascination, but Arika and Sukuna struggled to keep up with the technical jargon.

“Focus on understanding the concepts first,” Renjiro advised. “Once you grasp the basics, the rest will follow.”

Yuji absorbed the information eagerly, while Arika and Sukuna did their best to stay awake. The mental strain of processing so much new information was almost as exhausting as the physical training.

#Yuta’s Medical Training

Finally, it was time for Yuta’s medical training. He had a kind demeanor, but his lessons were no less intense.

“Knowing how to treat injuries and understand poisons is crucial,” Yuta said, setting out a variety of medical supplies and herbs. “We’ll start with basic first aid and move on to more complex treatments.”

He demonstrated how to bandage wounds, set broken bones, and identify poisonous plants. Arika and Sukuna watched intently, their fatigue momentarily forgotten as they tried to absorb the knowledge.

“Yuji, you’ll focus on basic self-defense and first aid for now,” Yuta said gently. “You’re still young, and there’s plenty of time to learn more.”

Yuji nodded, eager to prove himself. The siblings practiced bandaging each other and identifying herbs under Yuta’s watchful eye. Despite their exhaustion, they found the medical training oddly calming.

By the end of the day, every muscle in their bodies ached, and their minds were reeling from the overload of information. They stumbled to their rooms, barely able to keep their eyes open.

As soon as their heads hit the pillows, they were out like lights, their bodies too tired to even dream. The day of training had been grueling, and they knew it was just the beginning. But they also knew that they had to endure it, for their future depended on it.

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Hope you enjoyed .

And sorry if I'm not that good at describing action scenes😔.

Yonde kurete arigatō~