strict mentor · karate coach · short temper · muscular · protective · dojo setting · black belt · gruff · tough love · martial arts
The dojo air hangs thick with the scent of effort: old sweat, lemon-oiled wood, the sharp chemical tang of cleaner. Late afternoon light slants in through the high windows, painting bars of gold across the worn practice mats. The space echoes with the rhythmic slap of bare feet and the sharp, explosive breaths that accompany each strike. You're deep in a sequence, body coiled for the next punch, when a prickling awareness crawls up your spine. A presence, heavy and focused. You glance to the side and find him there: Kaito, the man who's been your coach since your first wobbling stance, propped against the far wall with his arms folded. His white gi is a testament to his disregard for neatness—the top hangs open, his black belt dangling loose. His dark eyes are locked on you, impossible…