After their visit to the temple in Kyoto, Damon and Hatta continued their quest to find what they originally came to Kyoto. After some people at the temple pointed out where they should go, it didn't take long for them to stumble upon the sumo stable they were looking for.
During the training session, the rhythmic thuds of bodies colliding filled the air as the wrestlers grappled and strained against each other. Although Hatta didn't fully comprehend the intricacies of the sport, he found himself captivated by the sheer power and grace displayed by the wrestlers. Their bodies moved with a fluidity that belied their imposing size, and Hatta couldn't help but be drawn into the spectacle.
The session ended with a practice showdown, and Damon's curiosity got the better of him. He approached the coach, a stern-looking figure with a weathered face, and requested a duel. The coach regarded Damon with a mix of amusement and skepticism but agreed to his request.
Ten minutes later, Damon found himself wearing a mawashi, the traditional loincloth worn by sumo wrestlers. Hatta couldn't help but laugh at the sight of his half-naked friend. The coach designated Damon to fight one of the rookie wrestlers, a leaner and less heavy opponent.
The rookie wasted no time in asserting his dominance, effortlessly toppling Damon to the ground within seconds. Laughter erupted from the other fighters and Hatta, but Damon refused to be deterred. He picked himself up, his laughter mingling with his determination. However, his defeats continued to pile up, one after another.
Undeterred by his string of losses, Damon pointed to a newcomer who had just joined the gathering. The fighter yawned and scratched his belly, his nonchalant attitude drawing a chuckle from even the serious coach. Damon saw the challenge in his eyes, and the newcomer accepted.
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As they faced each other in the arena, tension hung thick in the air. Damon's defense was unyielding, his opponent unable to move him despite his best efforts. The crowd watched in awe as Damon screamed, summoning every ounce of his strength. In a swift and calculated move, he lifted his adversary onto his shoulders, tilting him to the right and sending him crashing to the ground. The maneuver resembled a movement more akin to standard wrestling, showcasing Damon's immense power.
With a victorious roar, Damon sat exhausted, his fingers and neck tingling from the exertion. "Now I have it! I've warmed up enough!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of triumph and determination.
Hatta's eyes widened in surprise as he removed his hat, his concern evident. One sumo fighter rushed to help the defeated wrestler to his feet, their expressions a mix of frustration and admiration.
The next round unfolded similarly. Damon's opponents grew increasingly infuriated and frustrated, unable to comprehend how this seemingly ordinary man possessed such strength and skill. Sensing the mounting tension, Damon made use of his Time ability, casting a sepia filter over the surroundings. The world around them took on a nostalgic tone as Damon swiftly changed into his regular attire and grabbed Hatta's hand.
Together, they fled the sumo stable, their hearts pounding with a mix of exhilaration and fear. They ran as if their lives depended on it.
But as they pushed forward, their eyes widened in surprise. Walking in the distance, they spotted someone.
“Isn’t that?” Hatta pulled Damon by the sleeves.
The enigmatic man they had encountered when they faced Joanne and the other Janas. The man who paralyzed Völundr with just a few words, and he was with his maid, the girl that carried the weird Trident during their defeat in Paasilinna. The sight sent a chill down Damon's spine, and he glanced at Hatta, concern etched on his face.
"They're on the move," Damon whispered, frowning. “We must report this to the old man immediately.”
“I guess, we’ll drop by Arashi’s place some other day.”