Chapter 10: Sweet Disposition

As we decide to stretch out for when we were going to spar because there was no way they didn’t want to see what we were made off meaning we were going to partake, Nathan still having massive doubts about getting involved becomes even more wary due to the sheer intensity of the martial arts session. This involved drills such as pushing tyres, lifting heavy weights along with taekwondo and kung fu sparring. This was sending immense shivers down my spine. “Is there still time to travel back in time so I can tell them to piss off?” Kyle nervously says. I had to come up with a positive answer on the spot to calm the nerves. “Stop worrying, I think we’ll be alright, after all you said it Nathan, it’s not like we’re weak, if we are somehow humiliated then it just shows we have a long way to go” as Nathan pats my back telling me “that was a good answer, however we can’t be showing off in front of these because they may not like it, just take a minute to think of how you’ll attack this”.

Whilst the two walk along with some others members doing introductions, I look up to see Sara looking down at me which gives me a sense of confidence and motivation to act my best however her beauty and charm distracts me as I can’t seem to take my eyes off her, I am just a young boy in love after all as I end up wandering into Kosuke. “Careful Isaac, almost made me drop my pills, can’t really afford to lose these” he says in a softer and quieter voice than usual as Sara chuckles from the distance. ‘I’m relieved that Kosuke is fond of Isaac, the two look like they’ve been friends forever’ she says deep in thought. “I still can’t get my head around the thought of a man from another continent protecting me, it’s a great feeling and he wants to show me the world for its wonders were his words? It would be selfish of me to not do the same as his girlfriend, I need to find some time to treat him right as he has with me”. Kosuke calls us all over as we stand opposite him with a circle of members surrounding looking like we’ve stumbled into a gang fight. “I know you boys have great talent from Ena’s words, but I’ll tell you now that as of right now with utmost respect, I don’t see you as fighters, not without seeing it for myself, I don’t do rumours or hearing through the grapevine so until I see a great first impression, you are merely below me, however I think it wouldn’t be fair putting you up against one of these members just yet so your opponent for tonight will be me Isaac!” Kosuke says taking off his shirt to reveal a vest showcasing his chiselled body as a majority of the girls produce gushing nosebleeds and blushing faces.

“Ok I’m liking the sound of this” I respond relieved to have someone I’m a little familiar with spar with me.                                                                                                                                        “Hang on a minute, who will I be sparring with?” Kyle says turning round to ask Kosuke until a loud cough can be heard behind him as Ena reveals herself to him with a massive grin on her face awaiting his disappointment . “Ok this is getting ridiculous now, why won’t you leave me alone!” Kyle says with many members laughing at the thought of Kyle’s first time being with Ena who formally lead the sessions but chose a different approach in life. “Do you want to get better or not, are you forgetting what you told Nathan earlier?” Ena says with her fists up ready to go. “Treat this as an opportunity to show everyone your style” she follows up with allowing Kyle to be himself. “The same goes for you Isaac, our lady has taken time out of her day to watch you” as Kyle wastes no time with a flying kick to her which is blocked immediately. Kyle does not hold any grudges towards Ena, in fact he just teases her because she does the same, his fighting style with his legs is catching Ena off guard at how unique and different it is, it was something the Okamato foundation haven’t seen before meaning Kyle is able to land some critical hits on her stunning a lot of the members with his lightning quick reactions and landing who have stopped to watch as his agility is that in another league until Kyle performs a handstand and knocking her onto her back leaving the others in shock. Ena still in disbelief closes her eyes expecting Kyle to take the piss out of her but he decides to be the bigger man and help her up to her feet but not without saying “What do you think of that huh?!”.

Nathan on the other hand was happy to do his boxing skipping on the side wearing his vest and sweating like a dog which catches the attention of Yukia once more. ‘My word, look at that body!’ Yukia deeps in her thoughts says until Nathan interrupts after completing another set. “Everything okay Yukia? Are you mesmerized by my body” Nathan says laughing not knowing of her thoughts just now. “N-no no, just thinking of how Isaac will get on and also what I should cook tonight, it’s my turn tonight you see” she says doing very well to hide her embarrassing blushed face. “I could kill for a chow mein dish right now, our carer used to hate making it for us because of the amount of mess we made” Nathan says wiping his head with a towel as his request gives Yukia the idea of winning him over. “Ok I can do something like that, it was my mother’s favourite that also” she says as she enters her thoughts again unaware Nathan is still there. ‘Oh god why did I say that, I’ve never cooked from a boys request before, what if he doesn’t like it, ok just calm down, deep breaths’ wafting her face with her hands to calm down as everyone attention is now on my spar with Kosuke.

“Don’t treat me like your good friend Kosuke, think of me as something you dislike, like that Navarro guy or a tax collector, that way I can witness the best out of you and notice your strong points, come on then show me your worth!” Kosuke tells me. He failed to realize that the plan was to show my best anyway whether he liked it or not, I’ve always had the impression to express my skills no matter the situation, in this case it was my best or bust as this was no ordinary walk in the park, this was the highest of the high in Tokyo, it felt like an examination like we were back in the cadets or school, if I wished to give Sara the dream she’s wanted all her life then I had to show her I meant my words.

The match began and the cheers of the members seeing a young British man in action was enthralling stuff to them with one even getting a camera as I began to feel light as a feather in my movements because I was granted space for full focus on Kosuke who was lashing at me like a man who’s just found out his wife cheated . However, as much as I liked Kosuke and his good nature, I had to admit it was easier than expected to read his attacks and counter them as we begin to trade blows, don’t get me wrong the man knew how to fight but I just couldn’t tell if he was underestimating me or not. Truth be told this spar would’ve ended in my loss in a matter of seconds if I didn’t have a clue what I was doing so the idea of approaching this composed was out the window.

Nevertheless, the heat of the moment was more intense than the spar as I kept leaning back to find an opening to strike but not to knock him out cold. I know he said to take him seriously and I was but I don’t wish to knock him cold in front of his members so a quick karate chop to the neck after a few dodges put a hold on the spar that lasted about 2-3 minutes going back and forth with multiple strikes and fast feet as the crowd cheers and conversations begin to arise softly of the show thar has just occurred in front of them.

“Very impressive Isaac” Kosuke says catching his breath but choosing to acknowledge my moves. “I was beginning to worry that I’d have to teach you the basics but it seems you’ve got it all figured out hahaha” he mentioned beginning to cough a little over the impact from the chop. “You’re not too hurt aren’t you? I don’t need to bring a bloody ambulance for you do I?” I say genuinely concerned for his health.

“Nonsense! Everyone! What did you think of his performance?!” Kosuke cries getting the members riled up after what they described as a fantastic spar. “That’s all for today” Kosuke says concluding the session. “What a way to not show off” Nathan says still drying himself off with a towel in a sarcastic manner. “What else was I supposed to do?” I say back. “He did say to treat him like an opponent, you should’ve jabbed him a few, wrestled him to the floor, pinched his nipples and give him the 1 2 3 count!” Kyle exclaims. “It’s a good job you weren’t sparing him then you tit” Nathan says as we decide to make way home but not until Sara comes rushing to me pulling her dress up to not trip as she gives me a peck on the cheek and tells me how impressive that was. It felt like I was the talk of the town and in one way or another I was.