The next day, Akuma groggily made his way downstairs, still sore from yesterday's beat down. As he entered the kitchen, he was hit by the delicious aroma of freshly cooked food. Standing at the stove, stirring a pot with the intensity of a warrior preparing for battle, was his mother—Lilith Beelzebub. Her long, crimson hair flowed down her back, her golden eyes sharp yet filled with warmth. She hummed a tune as she expertly handled the kitchen tools, flipping eggs with one hand while stirring a cauldron of what could only be described as 'hellfire stew.'
"Morning, sleepyhead," Lilith said, not even turning around. "I heard you screaming last night. Did Yoriichi break your bones already?"
Akuma groaned, rubbing his face. "Not my bones, just my pride."
Lilith laughed, setting a plate in front of him before ruffling his hair. "Good. You won't get anywhere being soft."
As Akuma sat down to eat, he turned his head just in time to see Yoriichi emerging from the bathroom, clean-shaven, his maroon eyes sharper than before. The man sat at the table, drinking a bowl of soup like he hadn't just put Akuma through hell the day before.
Akuma broke the fourth wall again, looking at the readers. Today's the day, folks. I finally start learning Sun Breathing. Let's hope I don't die.
The First Trial: The Volcano Run
After breakfast, Yoriichi tossed a bag at Akuma. "We're starting with endurance. Run up that volcano."
Akuma blinked. "...You mean the one with molten rock at the top?"
"Yes."
"But it's literally called 'Demon's Furnace.'"
Yoriichi didn't respond, just stared.
Akuma sighed. "Yeah, alright."
As he ran up the volcanic terrain, hell's red sun bore down on him, searing his skin, but he gritted his teeth and pushed forward. Every step built his resistance, and though he nearly collapsed, he finally made it to the top, only to hear Yoriichi's voice behind him.
"You're slow."
Akuma nearly fell into the lava out of shock. "HOW DID YOU—WHEN DID YOU—WHY ARE YOU HERE BEFORE ME?!"
Yoriichi took a sip from a gourd. "I walked."
Akuma screamed internally.
The Second Trial: Acid Meditation
After catching his breath, Akuma was led to a lake… of acid.
"Sit in it." Yoriichi ordered.
Akuma looked at him like he had lost his mind. "You know what acid does to people, right?"
Yoriichi tilted his head. "Yes. Now sit."
Muttering curses under his breath, Akuma stepped into the acidic pool, his flesh burning as he tried to regulate his breathing. The pain was unbearable at first, but he focused, inhaling and exhaling in a steady rhythm. Hours passed, and the pain dulled. His mind sharpened. His body adapted.
When he was finally allowed to step out, he collapsed, steam rising from his skin. "I hate this training."
"Good." Yoriichi nodded. "That means it's working."
The Third Trial: Heavy Blade Training
At noon, Yoriichi handed Akuma a blade that looked like it weighed as much as a house.
"Swing it."
Akuma tried. The sword barely moved.
Yoriichi sighed. "Pathetic."
Cue another month of grueling training. Running up the volcano, meditating in acid, and swinging the heavy blade under the scorching heat of the hellish sun. It was pure torture.
Akuma broke the fourth wall again. At this point, I'm convinced Yoriichi's training manual is just a list of ways to kill me.
The Night of Flames
After a month of torture, Akuma returned home to find Yoriichi standing in the back garden, lighting torches around them.
"Tonight, we refine your blade work."
Yoriichi moved like a flickering flame, his wooden sword slashing through the air, forcing Akuma to mimic him. They trained like this night after night until Akuma's movements flowed like fire itself.
Then, two weeks later, as the sun rose, Akuma felt something… different. He stepped forward and slashed in rhythm with the rising sun. The blade moved with the heat of the morning light, his body in perfect sync.
Yoriichi's voice was calm but proud. "Breath of the Sun: First Form – Dance."
Akuma grinned, exhausted but victorious. "Hell yeah."
The Final Test: The Blindfolded Battle
Yoriichi suddenly tossed a blindfold at Akuma. "Put it on."
Akuma groaned. "What now?"
"Fight me."
"What?!"
Before Akuma could protest, Yoriichi lunged. Akuma barely dodged, relying on his breathing and the feel of the heat in the air. Every move Yoriichi made burned through the air like wildfire. Akuma had to feel the temperature shifts, listen to the subtle changes in the air.
His body moved on instinct. He struck back.
Yoriichi smirked, dodging easily. "Good. You're learning."
Akuma panted. This guy is a monster.
Then, Yoriichi punched him in the face.
Akuma collapsed. "I hate you."
Yoriichi shrugged. "You'll thank me later."
From the house, Lilith called out, "Dinner's ready!"
Akuma groaned, dragging himself inside. His mother patted his head, then smacked it. "Good job, brat."
As he ate, Akuma looked at the readers again. I'm still alive… somehow.
He sighed, shoveling food into his mouth. This is going to be a long three months.