Talent Reborn - Season 2

Talent Reborn – Season 2

Episode 14: The Predator's Smile

Haruto darted forward, feinting left before twisting into a sharp kick aimed at the man's ribs. His opponent shifted effortlessly, his movements eerily smooth, as if he had anticipated the attack before it even began.

The man caught Haruto's leg mid-air and yanked. Haruto's body spun uncontrollably, but he twisted just in time to land on his feet, skidding backward.

"Quick reflexes," the man mused. "But you're still hesitating."

Haruto clenched his fists, his breathing controlled despite the adrenaline flooding his veins. This wasn't just a random fight—this man was testing him. Studying him.

"Who are you?" Haruto demanded.

The man smirked, stepping forward. "You can call me Soma."

Haruto's eyes narrowed. The name meant nothing to him, but the way Soma moved, the way he spoke—it was clear. He wasn't an ordinary opponent.

Soma took another step, and instinct screamed at Haruto to move. He barely dodged as a powerful force cracked the pavement where he had been standing just a second ago.

A delayed impact? No, it was something else.

"You learn quickly," Soma said, his voice dripping with amusement. "You must have copied quite a few fighting styles by now. But here's the problem—none of them are truly yours."

Haruto steadied himself. "You talk a lot for someone who hasn't won yet."

Soma grinned. "Who said I was trying to win?"

The words barely registered before a sudden weight crushed down on Haruto's chest. His vision blurred as his knees buckled. It felt like an invisible hand was pressing him into the ground.

Soma's ability. It wasn't just speed or strength—he was manipulating force itself.

Haruto struggled to stay upright. If he collapsed now, he was done.

Soma crouched in front of him, watching with amusement. "You're interesting, Aizawa. But right now, you're weak."

The pressure intensified, and for a split second, Haruto's vision darkened. But then, something inside him snapped. A rush of energy, a flicker of instinct.

Instead of fighting the force, he moved with it. Letting it push him. Redirecting it.

Soma's eyes widened in mild surprise as Haruto suddenly twisted, using the momentum to launch himself forward.

A perfectly timed strike slammed into Soma's side. The impact sent him skidding backward.

Silence filled the street. Then, Soma let out a low chuckle.

"Not bad," he admitted. "Maybe you are worth keeping an eye on."

Haruto steadied his breath, his body aching but his mind sharp.

Soma dusted himself off and turned away. "We'll meet again, doctor."

And just like that, he vanished into the shadows.

Haruto didn't move for a long moment. His body screamed in pain, but his mind was clearer than ever.

This wasn't over.

To be continued…