UNKNOWN GUEST

#10 Training Session

The training hall buzzed with a mix of excitement and anxiety as Agent Romanoff and Agent Barton took their seats beside the ring. They were there to observe the hand-to-hand combat skills of their agents in the final session of training. The atmosphere was electric, with agents warming up, stretching, and psyching themselves up for their turns in the ring.

One pair after another stepped into the ring, testing their skills against each other. The clanging of the bell marked the start of each bout, followed by the grunts and shuffles of combatants as they exchanged blows and executed techniques.

Natasha and Clint watched intently, their keen eyes analyzing every move. They murmured comments to each other, noting strengths and areas for improvement.

James' POV-

While I observed my fellow colleagues stepping into the ring and testing themselves against each other, I couldn't help but notice my mom's glances at me again and again. I had a hunch that I could be called up any moment. And it came sooner than expected as Agent Hill stood up and called out, "Jason Roberts and Agent Thompson. Get in, you two."

I nodded and stood up. As I started removing my shoes, Uncle Clint walked up to me and whispered, "Don't perform her moves. She's already suspicious that something is fishy between us."

My eyes widened. "Really?"

He nodded. "Yeah. If she recognizes you performing her moves, we both are doomed."

I sighed and nodded. He was right. Then what should I do? As I stepped into the ring, I thought, if I can't use my mom's moves, then I can definitely use my dad's. Oh, I'm pretty good at old-school sparring.

Agent Hill instructed, "Try avoiding each other's head."

I nodded and held my fists up. Agent Thompson also took his position. He struck first, and I dodged. It was my dad's go-to tactic while initiating sparring. I dodged a few more times, just to test the waters. When Thompson's moves became a bit more aggressive, I started blocking his strikes.

Author's POV-

Natasha glanced at Clint as he returned to his seat, her eyes fixed on the ring where Jason and Agent Thompson were sparring. She leaned closer to Clint and whispered, "He's just dodging."

Clint rolled his eyes. "They're just starting."

As the sparring match continued, Natasha observed the way Jason was efficiently blocking each strike. His defense was solid. She marked his skill and technique, noting how seamlessly he seemed to anticipate Thompson's moves. Then, in a swift motion, Jason struck Thompson's bicep, locked his hands in a joint lock, and elbowed Thompson's chest, sending him back several feet. Natasha raised her eyebrow, recognizing the Aikido move.

When Thompson charged again, Jason sidestepped smoothly, swept his foot against Thompson's unstable leg, sending him to the floor of the ring. Clint cursed under his breath as his eyes met Jason's widened ones. Natasha's brows furrowed as she noticed the almost identical foot sweep, just like she would use.

Thompson stood up, and Jason quickly locked his arm from behind, bringing him to the ground in a submission hold. Thompson tapped out, and Jason released his hold. Both men stood up, with Agent Thompson, though a bit irritated, extending his hand for a shake. Jason shook hands with him and stepped down from the ring, trying hard to avoid Natasha's penetrating gaze.

Clint cleared his throat. "So?"

Natasha sighed. "Not bad."

Clint smirked. "You sound impressed."

She didn't respond, her eyes following Jason as he moved away from the ring. The truth was, she was impressed. She had noted the precision, the control, and the efficiency of his movements. There was something familiar in his technique, a blend of styles she recognized. It wasn't just about the moves; it was the underlying discipline and adaptability he exhibited.