The days following the political revelation felt heavier for Shisui. But rather than dwell on royal obligations or arranged marriages, he returned to what grounded him—training.
Kurou stood on the edge of the Banyan Grove Dojo, a sacred clearing where ancient warriors once honed their bodies into living weapons.
> "You've walked the path of energy, Shisui. But now, we break you down... and rebuild you as a true martial artist."
Kurou struck the ground with his staff. The trees shifted, revealing etched ironwood dummies, pressure platforms, balance rails, and even moving golems.
Shisui blinked. "You built all this?"
Kurou smirked. "No. The dojo grows with your resolve."
Thus began the next phase—Taijutsu of the Arch Body Arts. It focused not only on strikes and movement but syncing one's muscle memory with Arch Energy channels.
> "Taijutsu isn't brute strength," Kurou explained. "It's a dialogue between breath, bone, and will."
Shisui trained under three rules:
1. Rooted Stance: Like a flower's stem, unshakable.
2. Explosive Flow: Strike like a storm petal falling on steel.
3. Harmonic Breath: Sync Arch Energy bursts with inhales and exhales.
He practiced low kicks, palm strikes, shoulder smashes, and elbow redirections—all enhanced with subtle infusions of his Arch Energy.
After collapsing during a grueling agility test, Kurou handed him a lotus tea.
> "Every technique begins with stillness. Your body is the weapon. Your soul is the forge."
Shisui clenched his fists. They ached, but his spirit blazed.