The training grounds were quiet in the cool morning air. Kaida stood with her arms crossed, her expression serious.

She scanned the area until she saw Chang, who was overseeing drills for the lower-ranked disciples. Her steps were quick and firm as she made her way toward him.

“Chang,” she called out, her voice steady but sharp. Her tone made him turn to face her immediately.

“Kaida,” he replied, his eyes calm. “What do you need?”

Kaida stopped a few paces away, standing tall. “I want more.”

Chang raised an eyebrow, his arms crossing. “More of what?”

“Training,” she said firmly, her voice leaving no room for doubt. “The lessons you give us aren’t enough.”

Chang studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. “The training is designed to challenge everyone, Kaida. You’re already keeping up.”

Kaida shook her head, her frustration clear. “It’s not enough. I need to grow stronger, and I need to do it faster.”

Chang’s gaze sharpened, his tone staying calm. “Why do you think you deserve more?”

Kaida’s voice softened slightly, but her determination stayed strong. “Because I need it. I can’t stay where I am while others move ahead.”

Chang let out a slow breath, watching her carefully. “What you’re asking isn’t small, Kaida. Extra training means more danger.”

“I don’t care,” Kaida said without hesitation. Her eyes locked onto his, full of resolve.

Chang’s Reluctance

Chang shook his head, his tone firm. “Even if I agreed, I can’t decide this alone.”

Kaida frowned, her hands tightening into fists. “Why not? You’re the one who trains us.”

“Master Sho-Nuff oversees all advanced training,” Chang said. “If he doesn’t approve, it won’t happen.”

Kaida’s frustration was plain as she stepped closer. “Then talk to him.”

Chang’s eyes narrowed slightly, his voice cooling. “The Master doesn’t approve things easily. He won’t say yes just because you’re eager.”

Kaida didn’t back down, her tone growing sharper. “Then tell him the truth. Tell him I’m willing to push myself further than anyone else.”

Chang sighed, rubbing his temples as if tired of the argument. “Do you even understand what you’re asking for? His approval isn’t about wanting it badly enough.”

Kaida tilted her head, her determination unwavering. “Then tell me what I need to do. I’ll prove I’m ready.”

A Turning Point

Chang met her gaze, the tension thick between them. Finally, he gave a slow nod.

“I’ll speak to the Master,” Chang said. “But don’t expect this to happen quickly.”

Kaida’s shoulders relaxed slightly, relief flickering across her face. “Thank you.”

Chang’s tone remained sharp, his warning clear. “Don’t thank me yet. The Master doesn’t say yes to just anyone.”

Kaida nodded, her voice steady. “I understand. I’ll be ready.”

As Kaida turned to leave, Chang called after her. “Kaida,” he said, his voice carrying weight.

She paused, glancing back at him. Her expression was focused and ready.

“If this happens, it won’t be easy,” Chang said. “Make sure you’re ready to pay the price.”

Kaida smiled faintly, her determination clear. “I’m not afraid of the price.”

With that, she walked away, her steps steady and her resolve stronger than ever. No matter what the cost, she would push herself to reach her goals.

Master Sho-Nuff’s Insight

Master Sho-Nuff sat in his quiet chamber, surrounded by swirling shadows. The Mystic Mirror before him rippled softly, its surface showing the training grounds below.

Through the mirror, he had watched Kaida’s determined demand for special training. A faint smirk crossed his lips as he heard her voice ring with conviction.

“She has fire,” Sho-Nuff muttered, his tone low. “But fire alone burns out if not tempered.”

The mirror shifted, showing Chang walking toward the main hall with his usual calm demeanor. Sho-Nuff leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest.

“You’re coming to ask on her behalf,” he murmured. “But do you believe she’s ready?”

Moments later, the heavy doors to his chamber creaked open. Chang stepped inside, his movements steady but purposeful.

“Master Sho-Nuff,” Chang said, bowing deeply. “I have something important to discuss.”

Sho-Nuff waved a hand, cutting off the formality. “No need for explanations, Chang. I already know why you’re here.”

Chang’s brow furrowed slightly as he straightened. “You do?”

Sho-Nuff gestured toward the Mystic Mirror, its surface still glowing faintly with Kaida’s image. “I see much more than you realize. Kaida’s request has not gone unnoticed.”

Chang’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Then you know she’s asking for more. Special training beyond what the others receive.”

Sho-Nuff nodded, his sharp gaze fixed on the mirror. “I do. She’s ambitious, that much is clear. But ambition without discipline leads to disaster.”

Chang hesitated, choosing his next words carefully. “She has discipline, Master. She’s worked harder than most to reach where she is now.”

Sho-Nuff tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing. “Do you believe she’s ready for something beyond the usual training?”

Chang met his gaze evenly, his voice steady. “Yes, Master. She has the focus and drive to handle more. But it’s your decision to make.”

Sho-Nuff’s smirk returned, though his tone remained serious. “You’re right. It is my decision, and I won’t waste my time on someone who isn’t ready.”

He stood, his presence filling the room like a storm gathering strength. The shadows around him deepened, their movements slow and deliberate.

“She burns with determination,” Sho-Nuff said, his voice calm but firm. “But determination alone is not enough. I need to see if she can endure what lies ahead.”

Chang inclined his head, respect clear in his posture. “What do you require of her, Master?”

Sho-Nuff turned back to the Mystic Mirror, watching as Kaida’s image sharpened. She was in the courtyard, her blades flashing under the moonlight.

“Bring her to me tomorrow at dawn,” Sho-Nuff said finally. “I’ll decide if she’s worth my time.”

Chang’s tone softened slightly, though his words were firm. “I understand. I’ll bring her.”

Sho-Nuff’s gaze didn’t waver as he watched the mirror’s reflection. “If she fails, this discussion ends here. There will be no second chances.”

Chang bowed deeply, his voice calm but resolute. “She won’t fail, Master.”

Sho-Nuff said nothing as Chang turned to leave. The heavy doors creaked shut, leaving the Master alone once more.

He stared at the mirror for a long moment, Kaida’s image still flickering on its surface. “You demand to rise, but do you have what it takes to stay standing?” he murmured.

The shadows around him whispered softly, their voices a quiet hum in the stillness. Sho-Nuff’s lips curled into a faint smile. “We’ll find out soon enough.”