Chapter 39: The Way of the Empty Hand

PS: Congratulations to "Little Robot" for winning Game of the Year; the TGA family's household register is just like the Best Family Game that Little Robot won—it only has one person.

Karate is also known as the Karate martial art; it originated from the ancient Heavenly Dynasty's traditional martial art, Tang Hand, a point already mentioned previously.

Ikeda Erena began to explain the principles of Karate.

Because Karate absorbed a large amount of traditional Heavenly Dynasty martial arts and indigenous Japanese martial arts, it has essentially developed toward diversification. After Ooyama Masutatsu founded Kyokushin, due to its move toward full-range, full-contact fighting, the scope of Karate was expanded infinitely. At this point, strictly speaking, as long as it is unarmed combat without the use of weapons, it can be considered within the scope of Karate.

For example, Taekwondo can be Karate, the Heavenly Dynasty's Sanda can be Karate, Muay Thai can be Karate, and Western Kickboxing can also be considered Karate.

From then on, Karate began to transform from a single skill into a simple path of life cultivation, and because of this, Karate internally split continuously, becoming a mixed bag; in any case, as long as it is an unarmed fighting technique, it can be considered Karate.

Dozens of schools have emerged within Japanese Karate one after another. Even within Kyokushin, many branches appeared after Mr. Ooyama passed away, but no matter which one, its core has not changed: it is a path of life refinement and cultivation.

"I know." Uesugi Muneyuki was very interested: "This matter is also recorded in the Astartes Codex."

What is the Astartes Codex?

Although Ikeda Erena did not understand, she did not intend to quibble over this matter, especially things she did not understand. The tall beauty pulled back a step in her pristine white Karate uniform and extended both fists forward: "In any case, Karate highly respects etiquette. As a successor of Kyokushin, no matter what we do, we should always keep 'OSU' on our lips."

"Osu?" Uesugi Muneyuki did not understand.

"Mm, Osu symbolizes the symbolic spirit of Karate, such as respect, patience, and gratitude. The meaning of this word is quite complex, and it is hard for me to explain it clearly. In short, you must shout it when bowing." After speaking, the tall beauty gave a delicate shout: "Osu!"

"Osu!" Uesugi Muneyuki followed suit and shouted; he understood a little.

Isn't this the same as "waaagh"?

Uesugi Muneyuki understood a little bit.

"Very good." Ikeda Erena felt very satisfied.

At the scene, I listen to you, but here, he can only submit to her.

Submit fiercely!

What Ikeda Erena taught Uesugi Muneyuki first were the standing bow and sitting bow in Karate. These are the basic etiquettes of Karate. Uesugi Muneyuki learned them easily by following along; in any case, whatever Eirina did, he did.

"Very good, next is the belt."

"…………"

At the beginning, Eirina spent nearly half an hour guiding Uesugi Muneyuki on etiquette and basic warm-up exercises, and even took the initiative to tie his belt for him. Seeing Uesugi Muneyuki, who was usually imposing and professionally serious outside, acting as obedient as a little apprentice in front of her, Eirina's eyes rippled, and her light brown pupils held a thick sense of joy as she withdrew her gaze from Uesugi Muneyuki's cold and serious cheeks.

She had specifically sprayed some perfume today to guide him, so he wouldn't smell the sweat on her body, but after teaching for only a while, Eirina realized she had miscalculated.

The problem wasn't her, but the man opposite her.

Uesugi Muneyuki's body naturally emitted a pine scent that made people feel at peace. Not only did it smell reassuring, but that unique fragrant aura also had an addictive quality, making Eirina unable to help but want to smell it again and again.

It was fine at first, but as the time they spent alone together grew longer, the training room was filled with this scent of Uesugi Muneyuki. For some reason, Eirina felt her body go a little soft whenever she smelled it. She wanted to ask Uesugi Muneyuki several times, but seeing him asking for her guidance so earnestly, she felt embarrassed to bring it up and could only pretend not to know.

Mmm, she felt a little like swallowing.

Eirina was enduring it; she gathered her thoughts and took a sip of water to moisten her dry throat.

However, Uesugi Muneyuki opposite her was actually enduring it too. He could smell the sunshine, sunflowers, and the rich body fragrance from Eirina's body, but he was here to learn techniques, not to have his head filled with thoughts of wanting something to happen.

Just like that, the master wanted to teach earnestly, the apprentice wanted to learn earnestly, and both sides tried hard to restrain themselves.

Having personally tied the belt for Uesugi Muneyuki and guided him through the etiquette, Ikeda Erena pulled at the corner of her clothes somewhat unnaturally, straightened her collar, forced herself to wake up from the pleasant pine scent, and signaled for Uesugi Muneyuki to listen to her: "First are the hand gestures, I will demonstrate for you."

"Kizami-zuki, this is the front-hand jab."

Boom~ Eirina threw a punch; the air vibrated, and the fierce wind rolled as the tall beauty sent out a fist as big as a sandbag.

Uesugi Muneyuki broke into a sweat.

"Gyaku-zuki, this is the rear-hand punch!"

Front fist retracted, rear fist out; with the rotation of the waist, another gust of fierce wind followed.

"Hook punch!" Eirina demonstrated to Uesugi Muneyuki one by one: "Front kick! Side kick! Roundhouse kick, spinning kick!"

The Valkyrie displayed her martial arts to the fullest in front of Uesugi Muneyuki; every movement of hers was as swift as a tiger, pulsing with a gale.

The mother tyrannosaurus demonstrated a complete Karate routine, then signaled to Uesugi Muneyuki. She pointed to the position from her knees to her crotch: "Generally speaking, this area cannot be attacked."

"Karate divides attacks into upper, middle, and lower levels. Among them, upper-level attacks generally can only be done with legs, because if you use a fist without wearing protective gear, it is very easy to seriously injure someone." Eirina gestured with her own body: "Lower level refers to the part below the knees; this part can be attacked."

Uesugi Muneyuki listened half-understandingly, a look of confusion on his face.

"It sounds complicated, we'll understand once we spar." Seeing Uesugi Muneyuki's dazed look, Ikeda Erena couldn't help but smile, revealing her teeth. She hooked her finger, signaling for Uesugi Muneyuki to try first: "Try attacking me."

"This, that's not very good." Uesugi Muneyuki was actually already eager to try.

"Rest assured, I have a sense of proportion." Ikeda Erena sneered: "Still remember that pervert uncle?"

"Ah?"

"If I hadn't held back, his spleen and kidneys would have ruptured long ago, and he would be in the hospital for emergency treatment."

The mother tyrannosaurus spoke of this matter with great pride, and Uesugi Muneyuki was drenched in sweat.

"Osu!"

Uesugi Muneyuki bowed, his footsteps light as he stored power in his body, then lunged forward fiercely, throwing a straight punch he had just learned, aiming straight at Eirina's chest!

Eirina sneered and easily dodged Uesugi Muneyuki's attack, side-stepping to deliver a low-level shin kick, which struck Uesugi Muneyuki's supporting leg. The man let out a miserable cry, bent in mid-air, and spiraled to the ground.

The world spun before his eyes, but fortunately, the landing didn't hurt much. Uesugi Muneyuki immediately climbed up, only to see Eirina signaling for him to continue attacking.

"This is the lower level."

Uesugi Muneyuki nodded unwillingly. He was smarter this time; he stood firmly before attacking. Both sides circled each other for half a turn, and Uesugi Muneyuki tentatively threw a hook punch.

Naturally, it didn't hit the target, and as his punch went out, Eirina's bare jade foot under her uniform had already kicked Uesugi Muneyuki's chest! The incoming sound of wind made Uesugi Muneyuki's tense body ache. He could only barely retreat, dodging by a hair's breadth, letting Eirina kick his lapel. Before he could dodge again, Eirina had already closed in, and a series of hook punches and reverse punches accurately slammed into Uesugi Muneyuki's waist.

The expected pain did not come; the mother tyrannosaurus hit very lightly, but these few punches left a heavy blow on Uesugi Muneyuki.

He knew very well that if it were a real fight, these few hits from Eirina would have already blown out his kidneys.

"This is the middle level." Eirina retracted her fists, and the mother tyrannosaurus gestured with interest: "If there is still a need, then I will use a roundhouse kick to attack your upper level; at that time, you will have no room left."

"Amazing." Uesugi Muneyuki admired Eirina's technique even more: "Master Eirina, please, you must teach me!"

"Don't be in a hurry." Eirina said softly: "Still remember the kick at the beginning of the duel?"

"Mm." Uesugi Muneyuki extended his right leg forward and lightly touched Eirina's shin: "Like this?"

"Yes, this is called a calf kick." Eirina gestured for Uesugi Muneyuki to continue: "When the opponent uses a calf kick, you must respond quickly."

"When the distance is greater, we can step back," Eirina signaled, and she stepped back quickly.

Uesugi Muneyuki nodded.

"When the distance is closer, we can use a direct hook punch," Eirina continued to demonstrate: "Fists are shorter than legs, but kicks require a larger arc than punches; punching is faster, breaking the opponent's rhythm, which is what is known as a counter."

"Or, by grabbing the precise timing, we can block directly." Eirina signaled for Uesugi Muneyuki to kick again. When Uesugi Muneyuki's foot was about to touch Eirina's calf, she quickly lifted her leg and kicked back at Uesugi Muneyuki's calf instead.

"Or, adjust your standing posture." Finally, the mother tyrannosaurus demonstrated the last method of response to Uesugi Muneyuki. When Uesugi Muneyuki performed a calf kick, Eirina suddenly changed her stance; she spread her legs further apart, and Uesugi Muneyuki kicked the upper part of Eirina's calf, making him wince in pain.

"There are only so many hand techniques and combinations, and only so many stances and defensive techniques, but the combinations and on-the-spot responses are ever-changing." Eirina helped Uesugi Muneyuki up and smiled: "How do you feel?"

"I feel like it's like rock-paper-scissors, guessing the opponent's main point of attack before striking." Uesugi Muneyuki shook his head with a bitter smile: "And then there's the response strategy, moving according to the situation."

"Exactly, and that is the essence of Karate." Eirina said in a low voice: "The spirit of Kyokushin lies right there: countermeasures, refinement, and perseverance. Through day-after-day training, one strives for self-improvement and climbs to the peak, never cowering in the face of difficulties, and daring to challenge—this is Karate."

"Uesugi, I don't know why you insist on finding me to learn these things, but I want to tell you that learning martial arts is not for the sake of knocking down an opponent or letting others shout 'how amazing.' Learning martial arts is more about elevating and refining your own Dao, establishing a strong spirit and body for yourself, welcoming more and stronger challenges, and allowing us to possess a more self-disciplined and stronger Soul."

Uesugi Muneyuki nodded gently.

"Good, now let's start from the beginning." Ikeda Erena stood up: "Osu!"

"Osu!"

The two started from the beginning, and Eirina began to guide Uesugi Muneyuki through the most basic techniques one by one, including hand techniques, foot techniques, breathing methods, footwork, and defensive techniques.

Time passed quickly under Eirina's careful guidance.

Uesugi Muneyuki began to have more insights into the technique of Karate.

The core of Karate combat actually consists of three items: standing movement (looking for opportunities to attack), response (attempting to counter the opponent's attack), and confirmation (seizing the decisive attack after the opponent loses space).

Finding the opportunity for victory within ever-changing situations using fixed moves.

Eirina is truly a master-level Karate expert! No wonder she has won the national championship many times.

It's just, why did she give up Karate techniques later and turn to become a Detective, and in the Non-Career Track at that?

After practicing for a few hours, both were a bit tired, and Uesugi Muneyuki's gaze wandered over the fair skin Eirina had exposed.

Her fresh and capable short brown hair was soaked with sweat, her slender neck exuded a rich, sexy, and mysterious charm, and coupled with her deep, layered facial features and the brilliant smile unique to their private time alone, it made Uesugi Muneyuki unable to help but look at her a few more times. Subconsciously following her neck downward, the deep cleavage under her collar was miraculous and magnificent.

"If you look again, I'm going to hit you!" Ikeda Erena waved her fist at Uesugi Muneyuki in displeasure, but the smile on her face could not be hidden.

It felt so good!

Uesugi Muneyuki, who was always professional, stunningly beautiful, confident, and noble enough to make her look up to him, was now like plasticine in her hands, to be molded or flattened as she pleased. Not only did he have to listen to her obediently and let her manipulate him, but he also had to be suppressed by her in all sorts of ways!

This feeling was simply the best day she had had in her 23 years of life!

As expected, theory and practice can be unified!

Ikeda Erena could no longer suppress her surging emotions; she felt as if her body was burning as she moved, sweeping through her entire body, surging and passionate.

He smelled so good.

Thinking of this, Eirina's legs felt a bit weak, and she didn't stand up for a moment.

"Master Eirina?" Uesugi Muneyuki did indeed support her. His pure white uniform was now stained with sweat, and the disheveled, wide-open state had formed patterns called wrinkles. The scenery inside the uniform was naturally exposed, and the pine scent from the man's proximity rushed toward her. Ikeda Erena felt Uesugi Muneyuki fix her shoulders with both hands.

As a black belt in Karate and Judo, she had at least a hundred ways to make this man fly away at this moment.

But she didn't; she just glared at him, hummed softly, and didn't respond.

No response was the best response, but as Uesugi Muneyuki leaned closer and closer, the rich pine scent reached its peak. She heard her own heartbeat. Blushing and red-faced, she felt that her arms and legs had no strength left, and every beat made her body scorching hot.

Uesugi Muneyuki, who was opposite her, was the same; he could feel the firmness and softness of the tall beauty's body, as well as her richness and sweetness.

The two looked at each other, both seeing the flames in the other's eyes.

"Shall we... take a break?"

Uesugi Muneyuki broke the silence first; he quickly retracted his hands, fearing that Eirina would give him a shoulder throw.

A deeper blush appeared on the tall beauty's delicate and tender face, along with a bit of anger. She forced herself to whisper an "Mm," which was refreshing to the mind.

"Then let's go, I'm hungry." Uesugi Muneyuki continued to step back, and only after confirming he had exited the safe distance did he smile: "The first meal after becoming a master and apprentice, let it be my treat. Yoshinoya extra-large bowl plus egg, oden, skewers, and a large cup of lemon tea! How about that?"

"Pfft!" Ikeda Erena was stunned for a moment and couldn't help but laugh: "How stingy, do you take other women to Yoshinoya too?"

"That's different, at least Yakiniku Jojoen, right?" Uesugi Muneyuki tidied his uniform to himself. He turned sideways to Eirina because he couldn't control himself: "Next time, time is precious."

"Mm." Hearing there would be a next time, Ikeda Erena bit her lip, complex emotions surging in her eyes.

She knew it would easily turn out like this.

But, she had already promised, so there was no reason not to continue.

This was also the spirit of Karate, right?

The tall beauty found a reason to convince herself.

This way, they would be even with each other; he teaches me to solve cases, I teach him fighting, and it will just continue like this.

Ikeda Erena, in her 5th year in Tokyo, felt for the first time that Tokyo was so charming.

The future is bright!

Congratulations to Black Myth: Wukong for winning the Best Action Game award!

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(End of this chapter)