Bang sat in a cross-legged position on a cushioned mat in his dojo's main hall with a heavy heart heavy as he reflected on what must happen today.
I'm sorry young Charanko. It is for your own protection.
He would do his best to instruct Charanko for one last day. Then, once evening arrived, he would expel Charanko from the dojo.
He's running late.
Sure enough, a knock came at dojo's front sliding door the next moment. A knock? Charanko never knocks.
Bang frowned and stood before walking over to the entrance and slid open the door.
Of all days for him to show up here.
In front of Bang was Caspian and an unknown young woman in a light-blue hoodie.
"I'm sorry for dropping by unannounced. Is that offer to learn from you still available by chance?" asked Caspian.
Bang put on a friendly expression and said, "I suppose it is. May I ask who…"
The young woman pressed her hands flat together and gave a slight bow. "It is an honor to meet you properly for the first time. My name is Suiko, student of the 'Void Fist.'"
Memories flashed through Bang's mind of the time he visited his late friend's dojo.
"You are Suicho's granddaughter, correct?"
Suiko looked up and nodded with a smile.
The last thing Bang had expected today was a pleasant surprise.
"Your grandfather was one of the greatest martial artists I have had the privilege to meet in this lifetime.
Suiko… if memory serves me, you're also Rank 29 among the A-Class Heroes. I'm certain your grandfather would be proud of the path you've chosen." Bang stepped aside. "Where are my manners? Please come in."
"Thank you for saying such kind things," said Suiko. When she stepped past him, he noticed her eyes had become misty.
Caspian entered next and muttered. "I also want to thank you not only for your words just now but also for doing this considering what has to happen later…"
Echoes of footfall tugged Bang from his perplexed state as Caspian and Suiko headed deeper into the main hall.
Appearing at the top of the stairway was a winded Charanko. "Master! I'm sorry for my tardiness. Master?"
This Caspian's peculiar actions and words since I've met him have always hinted toward future events. Even if his words now aren't regarding Charanko. I am confident they are pertaining to…
"My apologies Charanko. Let us enter. Today, you will share a portion of your lesson with two others."
¤ ¤ ¤
Caspian, seated on the polished wood floor between Suiko, who sat to his left and Charanko to his right, focused intently on Bang, who spoke on the practices and truths of the 'Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist.'
Charanko leaned over and asked with a conceited tone, "Where is you cyborg companion? Was he too afraid to have a rematch with me?"
Enjoy your sparring match later with Bang. Hmm, I'm curious if you're still going to show up at the apartment later?
"Charanko! Stay focused!" Bang reprimanded. "The key principle of this martial art involves understanding and re-creating within your body the flows of torrential and undulating forces, and then applying this force into your fists."
Bang moved about with a refined fluidity as blue streams of aura trailed behind his hands.
"Wow…" Suiko whispered in wonderment.
Caspian refused to blink and committed each and everyone of Bang's movements to memory.
Setting aside his motivation to bring Mosquito Girl or Suiko here, he also had another important motivation.
That was to use his 'Technique Mimicry' ability in order to learn the 'Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist.'
Concerning his personal ultimate martial art, he decided on 'Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist' and 'Void Fist' as the foundational pillars.
Time ticked away, and when noon rolled around, Bang paused his teachings. Caspian had long since become confident using 'Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist' as one of his pillars. Though, now it outweighed his 'Void Fist's' level of mimicry. But this issue should resolve itself the day after tomorrow.
Bang adopted his usual hand clasped behind back stance. "I'm sure the two of you have other things to take care of today and have heard enough of this old man by now.
As for you, Charanko. You still have yet to complete your cleaning duties."
"Yes Master!" Charanko got up and ran toward a hallway at the far end of the main hall. Presumably to go get his cleaning supplies.
Suiko shot to her feet and bowed once again before Caspian could even twitch. "Even though I practice the 'Void Fist,' your teachings have provided me with many insights. I am forever grateful."
Caspian smiled. I believe she benefited from this visit far more than Mosquito Girl would have. Wait, how could I forget about Mosquito Girl's blood-upgrades?
A more efficient plan for Mosquito Girl's growth came to mind, making him feel silly for forgetting about it.
Pleased with the thought, he rose and gave to his thanks to Bang as well and then proceeded to the exit.
Should he say something specific to Bang? Garou wasn't his top priority now. First came another matter, an association — one he would deal with tomorrow.
Yet he couldn't deny his curiosity about Garou's growth under different circumstances. How much would change? How much would stay the same after first veering off course only to circle back?
Caspian reached the wooden door, slid it open, and stepped aside for Suiko. As she passed, she gave him a faint grin, which stirred something within him.
Turning to face Bang, who had followed behind them, Caspian paused. He found Garou before and I'm not even sure where he'll end up with all these alterations.
Bang's eyes beheld him.
"After you bring him back onto his destined path. I'll introduce him to what he truly desires. Anyway, good luck."
Ignoring Bang's baffled expression, Caspian spun on his heel and caught up with Suiko.
"Gonna make a girl stand around all day?" She asked, placing her hands on her hips.
That feeling stirred once again. Increasing every second. Staring into her idyllic eyes, he knew that on this day, he would make her his.
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