Earthside: The Gentle Way

Kyotaro sprinted across the field, pushing through the crowd until he reached Kael. His face was flushed, breathless with urgency.

"Kael! The red team leader must've put your name in again—you're signed up for this match!"

Hana appeared at his side with a steady voice. "Remember what I taught you about judo. The rules, the stances—the basics. We didn't exactly have time to prepare you, but we watched those videos together. You know some of the moves."

Kael tilted his head. "Video?"

"The clips I showed you on the smartphone," Hana clarified, almost exasperated.

Kael blinked, then gave a faint shrug. "Ah… right. The 'moving pictures.' I remember." Kyotaro blinked at him, his face twisting into a lost, questioning expression.

He turned toward the stands, scanning the sea of faces. There—in the middle rows—he spotted her. Kazuki's mother, smiling warmly as she waved to him. He raised a hand and waved back, careful to steady the warmth flickering in his chest.

Then Hana leaned closer, her breath brushing his ear. Her words came low, almost tender.

"Good luck."

Kael straightened, eyes shifting back toward the mat where Riku waited. 

The match was about to begin.

Both Kael and Riku changed into their judogi, the crisp white fabric snapping lightly as they stepped onto the mat. Kurogane-sensei stood between them, his scarred face stern, acting as referee for the final match.

They approached, standing only a few steps apart, and Kurogane ran through the basic rules—firm, clipped instructions that carried over the quieting crowd.

Then came the bow. Kael bent at the waist with calm respect, but across from him, Riku's lips curled into a mocking grin.

"I hope you're ready," Riku whispered just loud enough for Kael to hear. "Because I'm going to embarrass you in front of all the parents, all the students… and especially your mommy."

The whistle screeched, and Riku exploded forward like a coiled spring, hands snapping for Kael's collar and sleeve. Kael shifted back, feet sliding across the tatami as he absorbed the force, redirecting instead of resisting.

Riku pressed hard, driving his weight, trying to break Kael's balance. "What's wrong?" he hissed between gritted teeth. "Already on the run?" He yanked at Kael's sleeve, then twisted for a throw, only for Kael to step out just in time, landing light on his feet.

The crowd murmured at the sharp exchange, but Riku only grew bolder, his grin widening. "Who do you think you are, huh? I've been practicing judo for a year now—I'm basically a pro!" He lunged again, knee bent low, trying to trap Kael's center of gravity.

Kael's body moved instinctively, flowing back, turning Riku's grip into wasted effort. His eyes narrowed, calm even under the barrage. And I've been fighting my whole life.

Riku snarled in frustration as he tried to muscle Kael into a throw. But every time, Kael's defense held steady and unshaken.

From the stands, Kael's mother clasped her hands tightly, whispering a silent prayer: "Please, God… take care of my son."

Riku managed to scramble into top position, sweat dripping from his forehead as he gripped Kael's collar.

"Heh… I got you now. If I just—tighten—this grip…" he muttered, leaning forward.

One hand dug deep into the Gi collar, the other crossing over clumsily. His knuckles scraped against fabric as he forced his weight down, trying to set the choke.

His face twisted with rage. "When I win this match, I'll be the top guy in this school and when that happens—Hana will be mine. Mine alone. And you won't be able to stop me."

Kael for a moment looked at Hana, covering her mouth with both hands, fear written across her face. Kyotaro couldn't even look, his head bowed, glasses hiding the shine of his eyes.

That was enough. His body moved without hesitation. He slipped one arm under Riku's extended elbow, pivoted his hips, and snaked his other hand deep into Riku's collar. The movement was smooth. Effortless.

Riku's eyes widened. "Wha—? Wait… how did you…?"

Kael leaned in close, his voice calm, almost gentle. "Shh. You're still too green to choke me out."

The shift was immediate. Riku's choke lost all its bite, his strength caught and smothered in Kael's grip. Kael's hold tightened with precise control. Riku flailed, thrashing desperately, but the power drained from his arms. His vision blurred. His body went limp before he even realized the match was over.

"Mate! Stop!" Kurogane's voice rang out as he stepped in.

Kael released instantly, guiding Riku gently to the mat instead of letting him crash. The crowd gasped at the sudden finish, then erupted into wild cheers.

Straightening, Kael adjusted his Gi as Kurogane approached, nodding with rare approval. "You have potential, son. Don't let it go to waste."

As Kael stepped off the mat, still catching his breath after Kurogane's words, the red team rushed forward and lifted him high into the air.

"Kazuki! Kazuki!" they chanted, calling out the name they knew him by. Their voices echoing across the arena.

Hana's face glowed with relief, his mother clasped her hands in joy, tears welling in her eyes. Kyotaro was jumping up and down, glasses slipping as he shouted Kazuki's name.

With that final victory, the red team was declared the winners of this year's sports festival.

For the first time in a long while, a genuine smile spread across Kael's face. Joy surged up in his chest, simple and unburdened. In that moment, surrounded by cheers and laughter, this peaceful life felt like the very thing he had always longed for.

Later, after the celebrations had settled, Kael and Hana walked Kyotaro to the station. The boy waved, still buzzing from the day, before heading home.

Hana brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her fingers fidgeting almost shyly.

"Remember that part-time job I told you I got? They're looking for one more person. If you want, I could recommend you."

Kael's smile softened. "I don't mind work. It'd feel good to have a way to help my mom, too."

Hana lingered at his side. "Good job, Kael."

He gave her a faint smile. "Thanks."

She tilted her head. "How did you do that, anyway?"

Kael's eyes sharpened as he replayed the moment. "Riku shifted his hips, pressing harder. But in doing so, he left his neck stretched out and one arm extended. I used that to reverse his choke."

"Wow… your experience really came in handy," Hana said, a thoughtful smile tugging at her lips. Then her tone grew serious. "But I need to prepare you for what comes next. Because your fighting background won't help you in the upcoming challenge—and believe me, it's way harder than today."

Kael stopped in his tracks, looking at her. "What is it?"

Hana turned toward him, the corners of her mouth curling into a secretive smile.

"You'll find out soon enough."

And with that, Kael realized the real challenge was only just beginning.