Brute Force (Baki The Grappler x reader/story)

Chapter Twenty-Three: Pankration

{I made Y/n give an opinion on Yujiro, personally idk, but if you think otherwise I'll change it but idec that much about Yujiro. BUT IM DEFINITELY NOT MAKING Y/N CRUSH ON HIM. 😭🔫}

      The sun began to set about thirty minutes after Y/n's match. It only upset her that she was unfortunate enough to miss the view. But she shrugged it off when she noticed Retsu at her doorway. Stopping her in her tracks. His arms crossed. "My master wanted to invite you to dinner to further explain the RaiTai tournament." Retsu began. "I would prefer you'd be there. Would you like me to walk you?" Retsu offered, watching as Y/n nodded.

     She followed along Retsu. Tired but hungry. Retsu led her to a spot outside the temple. With Baki and Kozue already sitting at the table eating. "You two couldn't wait for me?" Y/n chuckled, making Kozue lightly giggle. Continuing to eat.

     "Eat first and we shall speak about the matter at hand." Y/n nodded, looking down at the different varieties of what to eat. Her eyes settling on a few simple things. Nothing spicy, just simple rice with a bunch of sides. She filled her stomach, as did Kozue and Baki, it was delicious.

———————————————————

A small amount of food was still left on the table. But most of the plate settled in front of everyone were cleared. Making it obvious everyone was full.

     "So what is with this Rai-Tai thing you want me to enter in anyway, Retsu?" Baki spoke up, still a little confused on what it might be because of the tone of voice he used. 
     "The Rai Tai tournament is an exclusive event, held annually. It's held here and in Taiwan. It's a Chinese tradition, used with the same characters that represent drum and platform, its original Chinese name." Retsu explained.

    "He'll die doing this, his condition is getting worse and worse, it would be a miracle he will even survive his first match." Kozue protested. Her hand shaking in her lap. Her face in despair and sadness. Prompting Y/n to place a gentle hand on her back for comfort. Knowing it is a difficult topic. Although, what Y/n wondered what will be the key to Baki's survival? He is definitely in a horrible condition, but why enter a tournament when his ribs are visible? It's an interesting thing when thought about. Retsu usually knows what he is doing. Although this was the one time Y/n was hesitant.

     "This is how we bring him back to his original strength. Having him to fight now will help save him." Retsu coldly spoke. Showing no guilt in what might happen.
     "Maybe...but we have no idea that this might work in the first place, you could be wrong and this gets him killed?"
     "I understand why you are worried. The history of China and its martial arts are vast and deep. Unknown in a way. I am not making this up. It is a practice, based on a thousand years of experience and knowledge." Retsu began.
    "The Grand Rai Tai Tournament is held every 100 years." Kaiho Ryu finally spoke up. A small cup of tea inches away from his mouth.
    
    "There was an older fighting style that is still used to this day. Called Prankration. With the origin beginning in Rome. When a Chinese fighter, Kaioh Ryu, had come to Rome, there was a battle between Chinese martial arts and Pankration. When Kaioh Ryu had been defeated it sparked a bunch of Chinese fighters to come to Rome and fight. But due to the overpowering strength of the Roman and their techniques, they were only met with defeats. And so they trained, until they finally hit a point where the Romans could never reach. They realized they had been beaten at their own game, they abandoned their own tournament." Retsu explained.
    "The Romans had ended it for themselves but the Chinese adopted it." Kaioh Ryu butted in.
     "Pankration is still going on?" Baki asked curiously.
        "It is now a tournament used to decide between the true Kaioh and fakes." Retsu nodded.
      "Oh...that's so cool, so that means-" Baki began, turning his head to Kaioh Ryu. Allowing Baki to realize.
        "Yes, I go by Kaioh Ryu. And you have already met Kaioh Retsu. There are several other Kaiohs, all spread around China. All hoping to fight and become the grand Kaioh."

     "Am I crazy for even thinking I have a chance at even stepping a foot in a tournament like that in the condition I'm in? I understand that Y/n is giving it a chance, she would have a much better chance at actually winning, but me fighting would mean having to choose life or death." Baki began, looking down at his skinny arms. Watching as the loose skin hung low. His attention being drawn by Ryu's chuckle.

    "Come on know, I know you are going to enter."
      "How do you know?"
  
     Y/n watched the interaction, her eyebrow raised.  "Baki, you love fighting, be honest now, you probably fought in worse conditions." Y/n added, making Ryu nod and chuckle. Kozue looking back at her. Know Y/n wasn't making an effort to help Kozue convince everyone that Baki doesn't have to do this.

     "It's partially because of that reason and because of who you might face. One of the most worst opponent you could wish for." Retsu simply spoke. Baki's eyes widening in shock and fear.
     "It can't be..."
      "But it is."

     Kozue finally cracked, her head in her hands. Utterly stunned and worried by that fact that Baki had to fight him. Y/n know Baki was strong, but she wouldn't exactly believe he was that strong, not currently at least. He was at one of his worst moments.Versus Yujiro of all people too...Y/n never really got the chance to really talk or see Yujiro. It was small interactions here and there, while others had a problem, she really didn't. He didn't give her a problem, so in return she didn't give him a problem. Most of the things she has heard of him were just simple things, that he was terrifying and the strongest man on earth. That's it.

    "We understand Yujiro is a formidable opponent, but we understand Chinese will be able to win." Ryu confidently said. Soon looking up at the glowing moon. "Hm...well, the hour is getting late..." Ryu began, all their head turning to see a trainee making a gesture.

   "My master, I apologize for the interruption." They bowed in respect, coming closer to Ryu and whispered in his ear. Causing Ryu to laugh. A grin spread across his face. "What a delightful evening this is."

Leaving everyone to stay quiet as he got up from his seat, leaving everyone to stay curious.

————————————————————

{This was chapter was lowkey filler so I guarantee a better and longer chapter next. Trust, let me cook 💔😔}