"An important part of your chakra is your physical energy. This is why we train you in taijutsu despite the combative nature of the art." The Sage said almost as if he was convincing himself.

"The sparing will consists of 3 rounds of taijutsu only sparing. I will dictate when you start and stop in order to avoid any serious injuries. However, be aware that pain is a part of sparing and you should protect your vital points at all times." The Sage said wisely.

"First up will be Ken and Noir. Then Hiroki will fight Ren and Noir will fight Takaoki as our most proficient taijutsu practitioner." The Sage said huddling Ken and Noir into a ring on the ground.

This should be an easy fight for Noir so it won't give me an advantage later.

Noir smirked arrogantly at Ken.

"Prepared to lose again trash? I'm the direct ancestor of Hamura Hagoromo, how can you possibly defeat me?" Noir said looking down his nose at the much smaller ginger kid.

What a dick head, I can't wait to break his teeth in.

Ken didn't say anything. Probably intimidated. Oh! Is that a glimmer of defiance in our young heroes eyes? Interesting.

"FIGHT!" The Sage said bringing down his hand.

Ken put up a guard in preparation for an attack.

Hmm... He's not dumbly rushing him I suppose that's good.

But is it intelligence or just cowardice?

The two circled around each other neither engaging the other, one out of fear and the other out of arrogance.

Noir was playing with his food. He was circling Ken with a smirk now and again dipping in and out to see Ken's fearful reaction.

However, Ken must have grew a pair as when Noir dipped in he sent out a flaling hook.

The hook was blocked with Noir's forearm who followed up with a straight right to Ken's nose.

Blood rushed out everywhere and Ken fell backward teary-eyed.

"FIGHT OVER." Sage declared.

Ken walked over to the spectators cradling his nose and the next fighters were called out.

Hiroki and that girl Ren. The outcome was clear, in a purely Taijutsu fight Hiroki was superior biologically.

"FIGHT!"The Sage said declaring the start of the spar.

Ren quickly dashed out throwing out jabs.

Hiroki absorbed the jabs and worked his way in closer to Ren.

Ren was using her jab to keep Hiroki at pay whilst circling around him.

However, Hiroki must have got bored as he simply lowered his body and tackled Ren to the ground.

Ren struggled to get out of Hiroki's hold and was pinned.

"STOP. Get up and get ready for round two." The Sage said separating the two.

Hiroki and Ren separated and The Sage started round two.

Hiroki came out swinging. In all fairness, Ren managed to dodge most of the attacks with her greater experience however a Hook managed to connect with her temple and she fell to the ground.

The Sage called the fight and Hiroki went over to help Ren up.

"Good spar. You where fun to fight." Hiroki said offering his hand to Ren.

"Not so bad yourself," Ren said smirking and accepting Hiroki's help up.

"Next fight!" The Sage declared and me and Noir made our way to the sparing circle.

I hadn't seen much from his fight with Ken but I do know he stays calm and waits for an opening. It would be foolish to rely on this assessment but it would be fair to keep it in mind.

"You should be honored to fight me farm boy," Noir said taking a grounded stance.

Fucking dickheads trying to get in my head. I need to keep calm, I can break his face when I win.

"Bring it gobshite," I say calmly taking a very similar stance.

"FIGHT!" The Sage roared.

Noir was the first one to move.

He came in slowly leading with a jab.

There was no speed in it and I knew it was a trap.

I just kept my grounded stance and prepared for an attack. I would force him to make the first move.

Noir was throwing a lot of punches but there was nothing behind them. This was obviously a war of attrition.

Noir kept up his barrage and I patiently waited to make sure to only hit when I found an opening which wasn't a lot.

I was just getting into this pattern when Noir sent out a front kick hitting me in my stomach.

I stumbled back winded.

Noir spun around and followed up with a reverse kick.

Like a donkey bucking its rider, this looming attack looked dangerous.

Panicking I moved further backward.

Noir took this chance to storm towards me guns blazing.

Got ya bitch.

Just when Noir was narrowing in on me I slipped down to tackle him as Hiroki had done to Ren.

What I was not prepared for was Noir instantly reacting by elbowing me in the back of the head.

Because of the attack Noir managed to move away and I fell to the ground.

Then the only thing I saw was Noir's sandal connecting with my face.

I fell backward blood everywhere.

"Fight over!"The Sage yelled.

I got up furious. No way did that arrogant prick win!

I was gonna crush him.

Charging with my fist coiled back I prepared to attack Noir who had already turned away from the battle.

Got you prick.

But just as I was within range of Noir I saw him spin with a huge smile on his face.

The back of Noir's hand connect with the side of my head and I was on the ground.

"And stay down dog," Noir said as he sauntered off.

I was furious, but this time with myself.

I had let my arrogance and anger cloud my judgment in that fight. Not once but twice! And over what a dislike of the guy's attitude!

I was ashamed at my weakness.

I obviously lacked any practical fighting experience.

Just as I was trapped in my self reflecting depreciation a hand was reached out to me. A pale sickly hand.

"Do you need help." I heard Ken utter nervously.

Slapping his hand away I growled and got up.

"I don't need your fucking help lose-" I was just in the middle of saying when I had a thought.

I turned to Ken and looked at him seriously.

"You wanna help me right?" I say seriously.

"Sure. I guess?" Ken replied unsure.

"How about doing so extra sparring with me. It could help us to learn from each other." I said holding out my hand to Ken.

And then I can make that cunt pay for exposing my weakness.

Ken had a contemplative look on his face but he eventually grasped my hand.

"I need to improve so I accept," Ken said with a look of determination.

So easy to read...

"For that girl right," I whisper pulling him in closer.

Ken went completely red and I hysterically cackled my way back to my room.