After taking his leave from the training room, So Jin wandered through the tournament venue, absorbing the atmosphere. It had been years since he had attended an event like this, and though his participation was unplanned, the thrill of competition stirred something within him.
As he made his way through the corridors, he unexpectedly crossed paths with the tournament judges. Among them stood Hikawa, a man So Jin recognized immediately.
Hikawa had once been his student. Now, he held the title of the best archer in Asia. Their eyes met, and for a moment, there was only silence. Then, Hikawa smirked.
"It's been a long time, So Jin."
So Jin nodded. "It has."
The other judges looked between them, sensing familiarity but unsure of their connection. They soon started discussing his sudden appearance at the tournament, his unexpected skills, and what he had done in the training room. In the end, they came to a decision—So Jin would serve as an honorary judge.
Seated among the panel, So Jin observed the competitors. Many were talented, each with a unique style, but they lacked true mastery. Their techniques were strong, their dedication evident, yet something was missing.
"They have promise," So Jin murmured to Hikawa. "But promise alone is not enough."
Hikawa nodded. "Most started young but haven't devoted themselves fully."
So Jin remained silent, watching as another archer took his shot. The arrow struck near the center, but it lacked the fluid grace of a true master.
"They do not yet understand," he thought, "that archery is not about hitting the target. It is about becoming one with the bow."
Then came the next participant. The moment she stepped forward, So Jin's interest sharpened.
Hikari Nakamura.
She carried herself with confidence, her grip firm on a custom-made bow—a weapon clearly crafted for her alone. It was meant to harness her full potential, yet So Jin could already see the issue.
She lacked control.
Hikari drew her arrow and released.
Crack!
Gasps filled the arena. The arrow's force was so overwhelming that it didn't just pierce the target—it shattered the entire board. While the judges awarded her points, it wasn't the highest. Precision mattered, and raw power alone wasn't enough.
Hikawa, watching beside So Jin, raised an eyebrow. "Impressive, but uncontrolled."
So Jin, however, remained focused on her. "She has potential beyond the others."
Hikawa turned to him, surprised. So Jin rarely praised anyone so openly. "You truly think so?"
So Jin nodded. "If she learns control, she could surpass even you."
For a moment, Hikawa was silent. If So Jin believed in her potential, then perhaps Hikari was someone truly exceptional.
But the real surprise was yet to come.
.....to be continued.....