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The Strongest Transcendent In History Is The Strongest
Chapter 11: Problem?
As I casually assess the situation, I decide to suggest ending our training for the day. "I think that's enough for today," I state with a relaxed tone. "We can pick up where we left off tomorrow at the same time."
Katsume turns to me with a gentle smile, her demeanor calm yet determined. "Alright then," she replies. "I'll stay here and put in some extra work. See you later, big bro."
I return her smile with a reassuring nod, responding in a steady voice, "See you later." With that, I turn away, making my way home under the fading light of day.
Once I'm out of sight, Katsume resumes her training regimen, pushing herself to the limit as she concentrates on her movements. However, the tranquility of her solitude is suddenly shattered.
Without warning, a bandit lunges at her from behind, grabbing her with a vice-like grip and covering her mouth with his hand to stifle any sounds of protest.
As panic rises within her, Katsume's eyes glisten with tears, and she can't help but wonder in her inner thoughts: Has anything about me truly changed at all?
A vivid flashback engulfs her mind, a frightened little girl. Images of her childhood flood her consciousness—a child with wide, innocent eyes crouched in a shadowy corner, desperately hiding from the invaders garbed in menacing black cloaks. Fear fills her heart as she witnesses the chaos. Gasoline oozes from a table nearby, mingling with the ominous crimson stains splattered on the floor—the lifeless bodies of her parents lying still, victims of a brutal attack. As the cloaked figures vacate the scene, they discard more gasoline across the room, igniting a firestorm that engulfs the entire building in flames. All around her, the heat intensifies, and panic surges; the dreadful scene fades slowly to black.
As the memory dissipates, her inner thoughts ring out with haunting clarity: Even now, Is this who I still am? That trembling child hiding in smoke and silence? No... not anymore. I won't be that girl again.
Yet, Her limbs shook. The scent of smoke from the past still clung to her memory, choking her resolve. But then…
-childhood flashback-
I am beside her, a comforting presence, casually imparting wisdom. Lesson one: trust your instincts. The words rose up like a lifeline.
-end of flashback-
esson suddenly, a surge of determination courses through her—the realization that she cannot remain a bystander any longer floods her thoughts. Trust your big brother's teachings, she reminds herself resolutely. I can't just watch anymore! With a deep breath, she embraces her resolve.
With renewed purpose, Katsume snaps back to her present reality. In a swift gesture fueled by adrenaline, she seizes the bandit's hands, twirling them around forcefully to break free from his grip.
The bandit stumbles back, confusion etched across his face. "What was that?" he questions, momentarily disoriented.
With unwavering resolve, Katsume retorts, "This is what big bro taught me."
In retaliation, the bandit throws an elbow aimed at her jaw, smirking with overconfidence, "Doesn't matter; I can still beat you."
Despite the challenge, she senses the incoming blow and ducks just in time, retaliating with a powerful strike to his gut that leaves him gasping for breath. Blood escapes his lips as he attempts to regain his footing, but she has already anticipated his next move. As he sweeps her legs, she leaps gracefully over the attack, executing a roundhouse kick to the back of his head while still airborne.
-childhood flashback-
In yet another fleeting flashback, little Katsume's thoughtful voice echoes in her mind, "But what if I get mad? Can't I gain an increase in power?"
I gently touch her shoulders, offering both comfort and wisdom. "Lesson two: always keep a cool head. Getting angry will only give your enemies the edge in battle. While anger can indeed imbue you with temporary strength, it clouds your judgment and leaves you vulnerable to attacks. Don't risk it."
That memory of her adorably smiling face lingers in her mind: "Thanks, big bro."
-end of flashback-
Returning to the present battle, she channels her training and launches a swift uppercut, sending the bandit spiraling into the air. However, he quickly regains his composure, preparing to strike back with a kick aimed directly at her head.
-childhood flashback-
A childhood memory resurfaces once more, where little Katsume appears contemplative. "But what if they're stronger than me?"
"Then be smarter," I told her, crouching down to meet her eyes.
I say calmly "Power means nothing without control. And you? You've got control. Use it."
With a tender smile, I pat her head, imparting crucial knowledge for moments just like this. "Lesson three: If your opponent is stronger than you, you can minimize damage by redirecting as many of their attacks as possible. If you master this, I have no doubt you'll emerge victorious."
That sweet, innocent smile etched in her memory still offers her strength—"Thanks, big bro."
-end of flashback-
The bandit launches a powerful punch aimed at her abdomen. In this moment of heightened tension, Katsume closes her eyes, focusing her energy and inner thoughts: I need to trust myself. As the world seems to slow around her, She twists her body with the momentum, sidestepping his strike and locking his arm. With a shout, she throws him over her shoulder in a clean, decisive arc. His body hits the ground hard, and this time—he doesn't get up.
Caught off guard, the bandit is sent flying across the ground, crashing into it with a thud as he loses consciousness, his overconfidence vanquished by the very teachings meant to empower her.
Breathing hard, she stared at the fallen bandit. For a long moment, the silence rang louder than the battle.
I'm not that girl anymore.
And with that, she turned toward the horizon, the setting sun casting her shadow long and proud across the earth.
To be continued...