The Supernatural Private Detective

Young Rob lay on his sleeping mat in Ichiro's hut, with textbooks all around him. He had chemistry, physics, mathematics, history, geography, and more. He was currently reading the chemistry textbook, and there was a notebook near him where he took notes of what he was reading.

Ichiro walked into the hut, letting in the cold breeze from the night as he opened the door. "Come have supper, Rob," he requested.

"What are we eating? More chevron soup?" Rob asked innocently, his attention still focused on his books.

"I tried something different today; we're having roast salmon."

Rob's face lit up. "Oh great, a change in menu; I'm on my way; let me just finish this page on hydrocarbons." He replied.

Ichiro said with a small chuckle, stepping back outside and shutting the door behind him.

The campfire flickered in the cool night air, its embers glowing softly as smoke spiraled into the starlit sky. Ichiro sat close to the fire, picked up one of the salmon he'd been roasting, and began eating; the crispy skin crackled as he bit into it.

By the time Rob emerged from the hut, Ichiro had finished his meal and was idly doodling into the dirt with the stick he'd used to roast the fish.

"Sorry I took so long; I had a little trouble with some calculations." Rob said as he sat near the fireplace, but Ichiro didn't respond. He noticed Ichiro scribbling something into the ground but didn't comment. Instead, he started eating his salmon, savoring its smoky flavor.

Soon, Ichiro broke the silence. "You know, you're a funny kid."

"What?" Rob raised an eyebrow.

"You don't go to school, but you study schoolbooks like you do." Ichiro's tone was curious, almost amused.

Rob paused between bites, glancing at Ichiro before responding. "Well, yeah. I'm here to learn how to fight so I can avenge my father's death. I don't have anyone who'd pay for my schooling—not that you could if you wanted to. But just because I'm not in school doesn't mean I should stop learning. If I did, I wouldn't get any smarter. Besides," Rob's eyes softened, "my dad always said expanding your knowledge is important."

Ichiro did not respond but instead continued to scribble on the ground. Rob tilted his head to see what Ichiro was scribbling, and it appeared to be a sketch of a man wearing a robe resembling that of a monk and holding a long staff.

As Rob observed, Ichiro began to speak. "There was a tale my parents would tell me as a child—a tale about a man who traveled from the east to my homeland." Ichiro stretched his hand, and the drawing in the dirt began to move, animating as though alive, illustrating the story he was narrating. "This man taught my people how to fight and defend themselves. He showed them how to harness numen and control fire, light, and heat." "His name was Dorama," Ichiro continued. "My people believe he was sent by the heavens to teach us the miracles of controlling flame, light, and heat in the form of martial arts and to prepare us for an inevitable war."

Ichiro glanced at Rob, ensuring he was following along before continuing. "Learning these arts wasn't easy for everyone, so Dorama simplified the process into five kata—structured forms or patterns designed to aid in mastering ember flux."

As Ichiro listed the kata, the moving illustrations spelled each name out in flowing, fiery script:

Kokoro-aki-no-kata (Kindling Inner Strength), Kaze-no-kashira-no-kata (Purifying Passion),Kagero-no-tobi-no-kata (100 Strikes of Unbridled Fury), Hi-no-michi-no-kata (Burning Steps of the Dancing Flame), Ame-no-hi-no-kata (Peaceful Embers).

"These kata are not just sequences of movements," Ichiro explained. "They are techniques to develop balance, precision, and power. But most importantly, they tell stories—parables from Dorama's early life that teach moral lessons about humanity."

When Ichiro finished, the animated figure of Dorama returned to its original pose, and the illustration faded away, leaving the dirt undisturbed.

Rob swallowed the fish in his mouth before he spoke. "So, this Dorama dude is like the founder?" He asked.

"Yes," Ichiro confirmed, "and tomorrow, your training will advance to the next level. I will begin teaching you all five kata. You must master them to be considered a true practitioner of ember flux mastery."

"Awesome! I'm looking forward to it!" Rob said with a wide grin before taking another bite of his fish.

Ichiro allowed a faint smile as he watched the boy's enthusiasm. They sat together in silence, the crackling of the fire and the distant rustle of the forest their only companions. When Rob finished his meal, they doused the fire and retired to the hut, ready for the challenges the next day would bring.

The morning sun bathed the training ground in a golden hue, illuminating the determination in Rob's eyes. Clad in his training gi, he stood tall, his posture radiating eagerness and resolve. Ichiro, standing at the center of the training ground, exuded calm authority, his presence commanding attention.

Ichiro spoke with a steady voice, each word carrying the weight of the teachings he was about to impart. "The first kata, Kokoro-aki-no-kata, means Kindling Inner Strength. It tells the story of a young fighter who dreamed of mastering the divine arts of fire, light, and heat. Every day, he practiced tirelessly, believing that his perseverance would earn the gods' favor. Day and night, he pushed his body to its limits, driven by unwavering determination. One day, the gods answered his prayers and blessed him with ember flux mastery. With this gift, he continued to train—not out of necessity but out of pure joy, as every movement became an expression of his newfound strength and freedom."

Ichiro paused, allowing the story to sink in before continuing. He took a deep, deliberate breath, his chest rising and falling rhythmically, embodying the calmness and focus of the kata itself. "Now, watch attentively as I demonstrate Kokoro-aki-no-kata."

With a sharp exhale, Ichiro began to move. His steps were deliberate, his strikes precise, each motion a seamless transition to the next. The first phase of the kata was simple yet powerful, consisting of foundational blocks and strikes performed with utmost focus. His eyes narrowed, his gaze intense, as though nothing else in the world existed except the movements he performed.

Then came the turning point. With a powerful charge, Ichiro unleashed a devastating punch into the air, flames erupting from his fist in a brilliant display. His serious expression softened into a smile as the kata transitioned into its second phase—a fluid, almost joyful sequence of movements. Each strike was accompanied by a burst of flames, his motions imbued with grace and a palpable sense of freedom.

The demonstration concluded with a final, fiery strike. Ichiro stood tall and at ease, his expression calm yet proud. "The lesson this kata teaches is the power of determination. Dorama practiced tirelessly; this highlights the importance of consistent effort and unwavering determination. Success often requires dedication over time, even in the face of uncertainty." He said.

"That was amazing," Rob acknowledged, his voice filled with awe as he clapped enthusiastically.

Ichiro acknowledged the praise with a slight nod before stepping aside. "Now, it's your turn," he said, gesturing for Rob to take the center of the training ground.

Rob stepped forward, his stance firm and his hands steady as he prepared to begin. Ichiro's voice carried a note of encouragement but also a challenge. "You may be able to memorize the movements quickly, but true mastery will only come when the kata becomes a part of your very being. Your training will not stop until I am satisfied."

Rob nodded, determination lighting up his face. He took a deep breath, mimicking Ichiro's earlier preparation, and took the first step into Kokoro-aki-no-kata. His movements were hesitant at first, his strikes lacking the fluidity and power Ichiro had displayed, but his focus was unwavering. Each block and strike grew more confident as he continued, his body beginning to adjust to the rhythm of the kata.