So what could possibly go wrong when Kwon Jae-Sung, a cocky arrogant but great fighter, crosses paths with Gabriela Hernandez, who doesn't seem to take life seriously.
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"You both are supposed to be my best students, do you prove me wrong"
Gabriela hated training more than anything, she didn't think she needed it. She was an undefeated karate champion in Colombia. But no, it still wasn't good enough. Her uncle, her sensei, pushed her to her limits.
They'd been offered a place in the sekai taikai, which was a world wide karate tournament. It was only for the best in the world. So achieving a place in the tournament, meant a lot to her, to everyone.
But still, she didn't feel like she needed to train 18 hours a day. She was living of little to no sleep. It had beeee like that for the last two months, since they found out they'd be competing. She never caught a break, unless she was going to school - even then she had to practise as soon as she got home.
Her uncle had high expectations for his niece, he had fought many years ago, but unfortunately his team were defeated towards the end. So he had to win this. No matter what it took. He had to be a winner.
He was a tough man, he didn't show love. Only tough love, but gabi knew he cared.
"Come on run" Leonardo, her uncle, shouted at her and Valentino, who were running up and down a steep hill. They had been going at it for two hours, with only three drink breaks. It was mentally exhausting and physically draining.
Valentino was also undefeated. Him and Gabriella held power, together they were unstoppable. Valentino often felt sympathy for gabi, she worked her ass off daily, she didn't allow herself to make connections with anyone else on the team and when she did she would just be snarky and sarcastic. He wished to get to know the girl properly, but when he would even try, she just brushed him off.
"Okay enough!" Leonardo shouted, his tone demanding and harsh. "Clearly you both don't have what it takes!" His eyes narrowing as he stared both teenagers down. "We are going up against some of the best dojos in the world, start acting like you want a place on this team or I'll find someone willing"
The two teenagers sighed, before nodding. They were too tired, they couldn't carry on at a fast pace even if they tried. "5 minute break and then you'll be sparring, make the time count because there will be no breaks after this."
Bowing the two teenagers departed towards their bags, pulling out large water bottles, taking big mouth fulls. "He's really pushing us to day, gabs" Valentino told her, Gabriella ultimately cringed at the nickname but shrugged it off.
"I know, good luck out there tho, your gonna need it" she spoke nonchalantly, as if this whole thing wasn't bothering her - even tho it was. But she wouldn't dare purposely look weak. Weak was for the merciful.
Fine minutes soon enough had passed, the two wrapped their hands before they got into fighting positions. "fight" Leonardo screamed.
Gabriela and Valentino step into the drawn circle made by spray paint, ready for their sparring match. Gabriela, with her focused gaze and nimble movements, faces off against Valentino, who is equally determined and skilled. They bow to each other in respect before assuming their fighting stances. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as they circle each other, looking for an opening.
The match begins with a flurry of kicks and punches. Gabriela moves with grace and precision, her years of training evident in every motion. Valentino counters with powerful strikes, his strength and speed making him a formidable opponent. The two exchange blows, each testing the other's limits. Gabriela's agility allows her to dodge many of Valentino's attacks, but his relentless offense keeps her on her toes. The air echoes with the sounds of their sparring, a testament to their skill and determination.
As the match progresses, Valentino makes a critical mistake. He overextends on a high kick, causing him to momentarily lose his balance. Gabriela seizes the opportunity with lightning speed. She delivers a sloppy, well-placed strike to Valentino's chest, sending him stumbling backward. Unable to regain his footing, Valentino falls to the mat, and Gabriela stands victorious. The match ends with Gabriela offering a hand to help Valentino up, a gesture of sportsmanship and mutual respect.
She was never one to show her confident and cockiness when sparring a fellow fighter. They were on the same page at the end of the day, if one person messes up they all mess up. They were a family whether Gabi accepted that or not.
"You fought well Val" The girl spoke truthfully, calling him his nickname, because she was too tired to even form a real sentence. "Thank yo -" he began to say his thanks before he was cut off.
"What the fuck was that?" Leonardo spat. Here comes the tough love "You fell during a high kick, something you mastered years ago" he spat walking towards Valentino "and you were sloppy during the end" he spat as he looked at his niece. "Knuckle push ups until I say stop"
Both teenagers sighed, as they got on the ground and began their push ups. They understood why he was being hard. They were due to leave in a few days, but they were both tired, hungry, drained and overworked.
The two looked at each other whilst lifting themselves of the ground in sync. They both shared a look, the individuals knew very well. They were frustrated. Gabi was the first to stop, before her uncle had told her too. "Look sensei, we are tired. We've been training for hours" she momentarily rolled her eyes, until she felt a hard hand hit the side of her face. She didn't flinch, nor did she look away from her uncle's harsh gaze.
Valentino stood up as he slapped her, he too received a slap, he wasn't told to stop - but stopped anyways. "We leave in 51 hours, we don't have time for stopping. You both are supposed to be my best students, do you prove me wrong?" He asked, his tone mocking as he gave a slight smirk, as he watched the twos faces turn into a glare. They were leaving a week early. Apparently for harder training.
"Get back to work, if you stop without my approval, you will receive a lot more than a slap. We need to win" he spat, his best students shouting a simple yes sensei as the two began their knuckle push ups again.
And that's what they did, for the next 40 minutes. Without stopping. What type of tournament is this, both Colombian teenagers thought.
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Sofia speaks I hope you enjoyed!! I know it was short but I hope it have you an idea of the sort of strength Gabriela has and of course Valentino. .
