I was tired and sore, but I kept running. I sprinted along the road as fast as my legs could carry me. I was going to be the best, I was going to be worth something. I was going to make my father proud.
"Faster," I heard him call as I approached our house. I saw my dad standing out in the front yard, calling me forward. I didn't need to be told twice. I raced ahead, every inch of my body aching and sore. I was barely able to breathe and I could hardly see straight, but I knew my legs just had to carry me that final distance and it would be over. The wind almost seemed to be attacking my eardrums, but it pushed me on. I had run around the village 5 times now, something no mature adult could manage, never mind the fact I'm merely 9 years of age.
My feet were fumbling, thumping off the ground. My legs became loose as I reached my dad and slowly came to a stop. I stood upright and met his eyes.
"That was okay. We'll do better next time." He let out a sigh and adjusted his glasses, putting his hand on my shoulder. My dad towered over me, and had always been a mysterious man with his dark hair and likewise eyes. He seemed to carry no emotion, but I loved him all the same. I wanted his approval more than anyone else's in the world, I wanted to do the Youhei name proud and I wanted to make something of myself.
"Of course we will! I won't let you down."
Dad nodded his head slowly, "I know you won't. But there's one last thing I'd like to address with you. Are you familiar with Kira Ibuki?"
I stopped to think for a moment, "Nope. I've never heard of her, paps. Who is she?"
He placed his hand on my back gently and guided me along the street, where we stopped at a house not that far along from our own. We wandered round the back, where I subtly stopped my dad, "Is it alright for us to just come around like this?"
"Of course it is." He replied, sweeping my hand away. We continue walking to be met by a girl around my age standing with her father.
Our fathers shook hands warmly and began to discuss something in hushed tones. I looked at the girl who stood facing me, her long hair swept back into a bouncy black ponytail. She smiled at me with warm green eyes, but didn't say a word.
My father turned to both of us, "Ryu, this is Kira Ibuki. She's a runner, too. She's also training in pro wrestling, gymnastics, and swimming. Kira, this is my son, Ryu Youhei. He's a runner, training in the same activities, including tennis. From this day forth, you two are to be sworn competitors."
Kira smiled, "I'll work my hardest! Let's do our best, papa!"
Kira's dad ruffled her hair and smiled, "We always work hard. It's the effort that matters, Kira."
"No it's not. The effort means nothing if it doesn't eventually pay off. I'm better, anyway."
The smile faded from Kira's face, and her eyes narrowed, "If that's what you think, let's try this. You wrestle? Come at me."
She came at me with her best, but I knocked her down countless times. She kept trying, and trying, and to what end? This wasn't going anywhere. A part of me admired her determination, however the rest of me didn't take to this girl at all. Her behaviour would one day be the death of her. From this day on however, I just knew my life was about to get interesting...
