Chapter 8

As the three walked and chatted, Ito Shou easily got along with Fuurinji Miyabi and seemingly unintentionally learned about the existence of Liangshanpo from her, though Miyabi did not mention the name, only saying with a helpless expression that it was a terrifying dojo.

Soon, the three arrived at their destination. Shirahama Kenichi put his backpack aside and walked to the center of the area, looking at Ito Shou.

"Sorry, Miyabi, we'll chat later," Ito Shou smiled at Fuurinji Miyabi before walking to face Shirahama Kenichi.

"Please teach me," Ito Shou said politely.

"That's not necessary, and I should be the one saying 'please teach me,'" Shirahama Kenichi said, feeling a bit embarrassed by Ito Shou's manner.

"Let's begin," Ito Shou said, ignoring Shirahama Kenichi's awkwardness. His purpose was not just to spar but to see something, a proof of sorts.

"Alright!" Shirahama Kenichi responded, crouching slightly and placing his hands in front of his chest, one in front of the other, getting into position.

"Ha!" Seeing Shirahama Kenichi ready, Ito Shou took a sudden step forward, almost instantly rushing to Shirahama Kenichi and delivering a straight punch.

On the other hand, Shirahama Kenichi, who had undergone a lot of training, moved as well, using an inner spin step to dodge to Ito Shou's left. However, before he could steady himself, Ito Shou, as if anticipating his move, struck with his left elbow.

With a "thud," Shirahama Kenichi clutched his stomach and took several steps back, looking pained. Ito Shou did not continue his attack, knowing that a sparring session should have its limits and not turn into a brutal fight, especially with Fuurinji Miyabi watching.

"Ouch, that hurts, so strong, even stronger than Ibaraki-senpai..." Shirahama Kenichi thought, comparing Ito Shou to Ibaraki, the strongest person he had faced so far, and found Ito Shou to be clearly much stronger.

Meanwhile, Fuurinji Miyabi, a much stronger individual, noticed something. "His reaction is so fast, and his attack pattern and movements are very similar to Master Ma's Chinese martial arts. Is Ito Shou learning Chinese martial arts? He's really impressive."

By this time, Shirahama Kenichi had recovered from the initial pain and, despite the pain, tried to recall his masters' teachings, hoping to find a way to fight back.

Seeing Shirahama Kenichi get back into position, Ito Shou immediately attacked again, rushing forward with a straight punch. This time, however, Shirahama Kenichi did not repeat his mistake. He blocked Ito Shou's attack with his left hand and simultaneously punched Ito Shou's abdomen with his right hand, a move known as "yama-zuki" in karate, which had worked well for him against Ibaraki.

However, Ito Shou was not Ibaraki. As Ito Shou's right hand delivered a straight punch, his left hand naturally guarded his body, blocking Shirahama Kenichi's attack.

"Thud" — neither of them gained an advantage in this exchange.

But before Shirahama Kenichi could celebrate, Ito Shou's right hand turned into a claw, grabbing Shirahama Kenichi's left arm and pulling it back. At the same time, Ito Shou kicked Shirahama Kenichi's right leg, then half-turned his body, sending Shirahama Kenichi flying to the ground.

"Cough, cough, still no good, what should I do..." Shirahama Kenichi lay on the ground, breathing heavily and trying to ease his pain.

"Looks like Kenichi is no match for him. Should I stop them?" Fuurinji Miyabi watched Shirahama Kenichi with concern, hesitating.

"Shirahama-kun, are you giving up? I heard you were very strong. Are you a weakling?" Ito Shou asked, looking at Shirahama Kenichi on the ground with a puzzled expression.

"Weakling, weakling, weakling..." The words echoed in Shirahama Kenichi's mind. Suddenly, he found the strength to struggle to his feet and said in a low voice, "I'm not a weakling!"

With that, he charged forward, using a new technique he had learned — a jab. He protected his chest with his left hand and quickly threw a series of punches at Ito Shou's face with his right hand.

Seeing Shirahama Kenichi charge, Ito Shou took a half-step back, just out of his reach, then kicked him with his other foot. Shirahama Kenichi immediately changed his move, grabbing the leg that was kicked at him, leaning to the right, and ramming his head into Ito Shou's chest, a technique taught by Master Ma that combined attack and defense. However, he had clearly chosen the wrong opponent...

Ito Shou quickly pushed Shirahama Kenichi's head away with both hands, then kicked his thigh with his other foot, causing Shirahama Kenichi to fall. Ito Shou also fell, but he took advantage of the moment when Shirahama Kenichi's grip loosened, pulled his leg back, and rolled to his feet, stepping back to look at Shirahama Kenichi.

"An interesting technique, but that won't be enough to beat me," Ito Shou said condescendingly.

"Damn..." Shirahama Kenichi thought, feeling frustrated.

"Hey, Ito Shou, I think that's enough..." Fuurinji Miyabi, unable to watch any longer, said hesitantly.

Ito Shou looked at Shirahama Kenichi on the ground and then at Miyabi, nodding. "Alright, for Miyabi's sake, we'll stop here. But Shirahama-kun, you really disappointed me." He sighed and shook his head, further demoralizing Shirahama Kenichi.

"By the way, Miyabi, you mentioned earlier that you live in a terrifying dojo, right?" Ito Shou asked, turning to Miyabi, who was running to Shirahama Kenichi.

"Yes, yes," Fuurinji Miyabi replied.

"Can you take me there? I really want to see the dojo you mentioned," Ito Shou said with a smile.

"Eh?" Fuurinji Miyabi looked at Ito Shou in surprise, and even Shirahama Kenichi, who was on the ground, looked up in shock.

"Can't I?" Ito Shou asked, puzzled.

"It's possible, but..." Fuurinji Miyabi didn't know how to respond. Shirahama Kenichi, on the side, said, "You better think twice. That place is hell, absolutely hell!"

"Hehehe..." Fuurinji Miyabi could only laugh awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

"It's fine," Ito Shou shook his head, insisting.

"Alright," Fuurinji Miyabi nodded, helping Shirahama Kenichi to his feet. The three started walking towards Liangshanpo, but Shirahama Kenichi was much quieter on the way.

At this point, Ito Shou finally had the chance to feel the cube within his body, to see if the fight had confirmed his suspicions.

---

I found a great drama, "Shinjuku Swan," with the protagonist's hilarious declaration.

{Piaotian Literature}