Felix, Lionel, and Kiyoshi burst out of the medical room, arms and legs swathed in bandages. Fighters in the hall gawked at their mummified limbs before erupting into raucous laughter. Scarlet flooded Felix and Kiyoshi’s cheeks.

“How mortifying,” Lionel muttered. “Quick, let’s slip into the woods,” urged Kiyoshi, jabbing towards the tree line. They scurried into the shady oasis of the forest.

“Whew, that was too close. My reputation nearly went up in flames,” Lionel breathed. Around them, fighters sparred and trained, their grunts and thuds permeating the woods.

“Look at those flailing failures scampering through the trees,” one fighter jeered as they scuttled past.

“Thanks for the escape, Kiyoshi,” Lionel shouted sarcastically. “I was just trying to steer us to safety without drawing attention,” Kiyoshi explained.

“Terrible direction, imbecile,” Lionel spat.

“Is everything alright, Master Lionel?” inquired Zebeon, materializing silently beside them.

“Yes, everything's splendid,” Lionel lied through his teeth.

“Hey, there's an abandoned cabin nestled in these woods,” Kiyoshi exclaimed, pointing ahead.

“As if I'd trust your sense of direction twice in one day,” Lionel scoffed.

“No, he's right. There's a cabin just through those trees,” confirmed Felix. The trio made a beeline for the weathered structure. Kiyoshi rapped his knuckles against the sliding door.

“Why knock? Just slide it open,” Lionel chided, shoving Kiyoshi aside and thrusting open the door. The spacious dojo inside was barren, gnarled wooden walls enclosing a vast empty floor. Sunlight streamed in through the many windows. An open staircase led to a sleeping area on the second floor.

In the corner, a battered figure stirred. His eyes fluttered open. "Hey guys," he croaked weakly.

"Jax?" Felix exclaimed in disbelief.

"The one and only," the bruised boy confirmed.

"Good gravy, you're pulverized! We hardly recognized you," Kiyoshi cried.

"Gee, thanks," Jax rasped wryly.

"Is there a first aid kit around?" Felix asked.

"I think so," wheezed Jax. Lionel spotted a kit stuffed with bandages and hurried over. Deftly, he began winding white bandages around Jax's injuries.

"Who brutalized you like this?" Lionel questioned as he worked.

"My brother," Jax revealed reluctantly.

"Hmm, I sense he's a vicious ghost hippogriff," Lionel murmured. "I thought he looked familiar before he vanished. I can't believe he abducted you too."

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"He's desperate for my power, consumed by greed," Jax explained wearily.

"I see," Lionel replied grimly.

"Hey, weird question - why are you guys basically naked except for those bandages?" Jax asked.

"Heh, long story," Felix said with an embarrassed chuckle.

"We're on a cliff near the dock, perfect view," Kiyoshi offered excitedly.

"And your point is?" Lionel said sharply.

"Just an observation," Kiyoshi mumbled.

"How exactly did you get here anyway?" Felix queried.

"After my vicious fight with my brother, I stumbled deep into the forest and found this dojo. I ducked in to rest since I was so banged up," Jax clarified.

"Well this seems like a great spot to crash," Felix said enthusiastically.

"I suppose it will suffice," Lionel conceded.

"Can we even live here when the Sensei assigned us dorms?" Kiyoshi pointed out.

"They never check on us anyway. They'd be none the wiser if we just stayed here," Felix countered.

"I'm down with chilling here," Jax agreed readily.

Lionel slid open a closet door and found crisp white karate gis inside. "Hey guys, jackpot," he called. Felix and Kiyoshi rushed over eagerly.

"Sweet, new duds!" Felix cheered, shimmying into a gi. "Fits like a glove," he declared, tying his belt.

"Finally, we can resume training," Kiyoshi enthused, darting outside. In his excitement, he attempted a flip but instead crashed directly into a student approaching the dojo.

"Pardon me," the stranger said evenly, rubbing his head where they'd collided.

"Sorry about that," Kiyoshi replied, wincing as he kneaded his own sore skull.

"I believe you're in the incorrect dojo," the student informed them coolly.

"Says who?" Kiyoshi challenged defiantly.

"Says me," he responded, unruffled. "And who might you be?"

"I'm Kiyoshi Hamasaki, future kung fu master," Kiyoshi proclaimed proudly.

The student let out an amused huff. "Over my dead body."

Kiyoshi bristled, temper flaring. "How about we fight for it then, to see who's really the best?"

"I've no qualms with that arrangement," the student agreed readily. "I'm Alecto Hideyoshi of the Hideyoshi clan, by the way."

They bowed formally before each other. Just then, Felix, Lionel and Jax's watches buzzed with a notification about the nearby fight.

"I sense a dangerous beast lurking within this one," Lionel murmured ominously.

Alecto's large tangerine eyes reminded Felix of smoldering embers. His wavy raven hair evoked rolling ocean waves. Lean yet muscular, his hollow cheekbones framed a pointed chin. An equally sharp nose perched above thin lips. His crisp white gi marked him as a first year, same as Kiyoshi.

Lionel, Felix and Jax filed outside to watch the brewing battle. Lionel's eyes narrowed critically. "The odds aren't in Kiyoshi's favor here," he predicted.

"You can say that again. This guy seems familiar somehow," Jax mused.

"Hmm?" Felix and Lionel turned to him quizzically.

"His dad is probably Grandmaster Shoichi Hideyoshi, master of Monkey Kung Fu," Jax explained. "Our dads were friends back when they were students here."

"Was his dad any good?" Felix asked eagerly.

"My dad never gave me the full story," Jax admitted.

Kiyoshi aimed a powerful kick at Alecto, who swiftly grabbed his leg and swept his other foot out from under him. Kiyoshi slammed hard into the dirt. As he stood up gingerly, Alecto drove a fist deep into his gut. But Kiyoshi didn't even flinch. Grabbing Alecto's arm, he shoved him back forcefully. Alecto tumbled but recovered quickly, landing nimbly at the cliff's edge.

Kiyoshi charged, unleashing a furious kick. Alecto seized his leg once more as they tumbled over the cliff's lip, exchanging blows as they plunged downwards. Crashing into a rocky outcrop, Alecto stomped Kiyoshi skyward.

"Shadow Shredder!" Kiyoshi yelled, dark purple energy claws extending from his hands.

Alecto closed his eyes as he plummeted down the craggy cliffside. Felix, Lionel and Jax watched anxiously from above.

"This should determine their fates," Jax commented tightly.

"Come on Kiyoshi, you got this!" Felix called encouragingly.

Lionel just shook his head and retreated inside to gather their belongings, anticipating defeat.

With catlike agility, Alecto landed cleanly on the ground below. His amber eyes snapped open as Kiyoshi dove towards him.

"Perfect," he purred. "Metal Monkey Fist!" His left arm morphed into glinting silver metal, simian-like. He thrust it upwards, meeting Kiyoshi's slash head-on.

The resulting shockwave rattled the trees. Kiyoshi collapsed limply to the forest floor while Alecto somersaulted gracefully down beside him. Turning to the spectators above, he flashed a smug grin and gave a mocking peace sign.

"Incredible fight," Jax marveled.

Felix groaned. "Kiyoshi was so close to winning. Clearly he needs more practice."

Kiyoshi's eyes fluttered open to find Alecto hoisting him up. "Not too shabby for a novice," Alecto conceded. "I'll allow you all to keep using my father's old dojo, despite our wager."

Kiyoshi looked baffled. "But I lost. We had a deal."

Alecto waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine. I'm sure my father would've let you stay regardless." He clasped Kiyoshi's shoulder. "Just promise next time you'll face me at full strength - I know you were holding back."

Kiyoshi bowed his head. "I will."

With a final nod, Alecto strode off towards the setting sun. Felix and Jax slid down the cliffside to join Kiyoshi.

"So we get to keep the dojo after all?" Jax asked hopefully.

"Looks like it," Kiyoshi confirmed wonderingly.

"Let's celebrate with Lionel!" Felix cheered, already bounding back towards the cabin.

"I'll catch up with you guys later," Kiyoshi told them. He gazed thoughtfully in the direction Alecto had departed. "Next time we meet, victory will be mine."