Journey through all the multi-verse

Kirito's POV

By the time I turned four, my training had become a daily routine. Mornings were spent with Uncle Iroh, refining my stances, bending techniques, physical conditioning, and practicing Taijutsu. Afternoons were devoted to Mama's lessons, where I practiced meditation, control exercises, Fuinjutsu, and basic jutsu. Life at the mansion was peaceful, yet every day felt purposeful.

One morning, as I finished my forms under Uncle Iroh's watchful eye, he approached with a knowing smile. "Kirito, it is time for your first real challenge," he said, his voice calm but firm. 

"What kind of challenge, Uncle?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Uncle Iroh gestured toward the training field, where a tall man stood waiting. He wore the traditional garb of the White Lotus. A small flag was tied to his belt, fluttering in the breeze.

The man on the field is a seasoned guard, an Earthbender with a reputation for his steadfast defense. He radiated an aura of quiet confidence, his arms crossed as he studied me with a discerning eye.

"Your task is simple," Iroh explained. "You must retrieve the flag from that guard. However, there are rules: you may not use bending, chakra, or any enhancements. Only your mind and physical skill will guide you." 

My brows furrowed as I glanced at the guard, then back to my uncle. "No bending or chakra? How am I supposed to win?"Iroh smiled knowingly. "In life, young one, there will be times when you cannot rely on your gifts. You may face opponents who nullify your strengths or situations where your powers are inaccessible. This challenge is to teach you that your mind is your greatest weapon."

I nodded, determination settling in my chest. "Understood, Uncle."

The Challenge Begins

I stepped onto the field, the guard's sharp eyes locking onto me. He didn't say a word, but his stance shifted slightly, a subtle invitation for me to begin. I took a deep breath, assessing the situation. The flag was tied tightly around his belt, and he stood with the confidence of someone who had faced countless opponents. His movements were minimal but deliberate, each step a reminder of his experience.

The guard stepped forward, loosening his stance. His movements were deliberate, each step grounded and purposeful. The flag tied to his belt fluttered in the breeze, a tantalizing goal that seemed just out of reach.

"Are you ready?" Iroh asked.

 "I'm ready."

Iroh raised his hand. "Begin!"

I darted forward, and became a small blur of motion, feinting to his left. The guard, however, remained rooted in place, his posture unyielding as he waited for me to get close. When I was within range, he stomped his foot, sending a ripple through the ground that forced me to leap back to avoid losing my balance.

"Think, Kirito," hearing my uncle call from the sidelines. "Observe your opponent. Every move they make reveals something about their style and intentions."

I paused, trying to steady my breathing as I watched the guard reset his stance. I noticed the way the man's weight shifted with each movement, the subtle cues that preceded his Earthbending techniques. My mind raced, with ideas, formulating a plan. I retreated quickly, forcing him to adjust his footing. The key was to keep him moving and off-balance.

For the next few minutes, I tested him with quick movements and misdirections, studying his reactions. Each step, each counter revealed more about his style. He relied heavily on his grounded stance, a hallmark of Earthbending discipline, though he only used a small amount of his bending here. His strength was in his stability—but that could also be his weakness.

"Your opponent is like the earth," my uncle's voice carried across the yard. "Sturdy and resolute. But even the mightiest stone can be shaped by water or eroded by time."

Instead of taking a direct approach, I began circling the guard, testing his reactions with feints and sudden movements. The guard remained composed, his eyes tracking my every step. Each time I moved closer, the guard used his Earthbending to create small obstacles—a raised stone here, a shallow pit there—forcing me to adapt.

I smiled, at the hint, forming a plan. I began using the terrain to my advantage, darting between the obstacles and drawing the guard's attention to one side. With each feint, I observed the guard's reactions, noting the slight delay in his movements when shifting his focus.

I spotted an opportunity and acted. Rushing forward using the obstacles as stepping stones. Gaining speed toward my target, one of the stones my foot landed on sank back into the ground. Diving forward, reaching out, and grabbing a handful of loose dirt from the field, I threw it toward my opponent's face. He instinctively raised an arm to block, and in that brief moment of distraction, I slid between his legs, reaching for the flag. My fingers brushed it, but he twisted away just in time, regaining his balance.

"Clever," the guard said, breaking his silence for the first time. His voice was deep, almost amused. "But not enough."

I didn't reply, focusing instead on my next move. The dirt trick had worked to disrupt his focus. Now I needed something more decisive.

I pretended to lunge forward again, but this time I stopped abruptly, pivoting to his other side. As he moved to block me, I dropped to the ground, rolling behind him. Before he could react, I grabbed a small stone and hurled it at the flag's knot. The impact loosened it slightly, enough to give me hope.

I scrambled back to my feet, the guard now fully focused on me. His movements became more aggressive, his stance shifting as he tried to predict my next move. But I had already decided. Feinting high, avoiding the shifting ground. I dropped low again, this time using my smaller size to slip under his guard. With a swift tug, I pulled the flag free and rolled away, clutching it triumphantly.

"I did it!" feeling the smile on my face.

After the Challenge

I stood, breathing heavily but smiling as I held the flag aloft. The guard straightened, a small grin breaking his stoic demeanor. "Well done, young one. You used your mind and adapted quickly. That is the mark of a true warrior."

Uncle Iroh clapped his hands, his laughter warm and proud. "Excellent, Kirito! You have passed this challenge not with brute strength, but with ingenuity. Remember this lesson—it will serve you well in the future."

I walked back to Uncle Iroh, handing him the flag. "Thank you, Uncle. And thank you," I added, bowing to the guard. "You taught me a lot."

The guard returned the bow, his expression respectful. "The pleasure was mine, young master."

Iroh his expression is one of pride and satisfaction. "You see, Kirito, even without your bending or chakra, you were able to succeed. Strategy and adaptability are just as important as raw power."

I nodded, my excitement tempered by the weight of the lesson. "I understand, Uncle. There might be times when I can't rely on my gifts, so I have to be ready for anything."

"Exactly," Iroh said, placing a hand on Kirito's shoulder. "Remember this lesson well. True strength comes from within, and it is your mind and spirit that will guide you when all else fails."

As the sun climbed higher into the sky, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was just the beginning of my journey.

As I left the field, Mama was waiting for me with a proud smile. She knelt down, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "You were incredible, my love," she said softly. "This is only the beginning of your journey, but you are already showing great promise."

I nodded, my resolve stronger than ever. "I'll keep training, Mama. I want to be ready for whatever comes next."

And as I looked out over the horizon, I knew this challenge was just the first of many. But with each step, I grew closer to becoming the person I was meant to be.