[center][b][u]Sector Zero - Training Grounds[/b][/u][/center]

Kisheto sighed in satisfaction as he tossed away an empty water bottle that he had chugged in a matter of seconds. He felt renewed already - as if he skipped the entire 'being sore' chapter of a typical work out. Instead, he showered and put on his usual, light cloth wear. He had gotten a good work out in to refresh his muscles; it was more of a test of his strength to see exactly how far he could push his body. 

[i]'The dude's gotta be 'round here somewhere...'[/i] Kisheto thought. He squinted and scanned the area for Ishigo, the man he had been searching for. After about a half hour of waiting, Ishigo finally emerged from the thicket of the man-made forest. Kisheto smiled and rushed over to him immediately, darting past mercenaries and civilians who either utilized and enjoyed the natural setting. 
---

"Looking for me? Wh- Oh... speak of the devil... I'll call you back, Hector," Ishigo pressed his ear piece and closed the call before slowing to a halt to let the boy approach. Ishigo held back a smile, his own mind seemed to barely grasp the fact that he was indeed alive. As much as he believed in it and wished for it to be true, it still came as a shock when he witnessed the boy running up to him as if nothing had ever happened. "You're alive, huh?" he said.

Kisheto chuckled, "Heh, you know it, man. Yah can't kill [i]me[/i] that easily. Thanks for leaving me by the way." Ishigo looked down for a moment in guilt. He did regret having left the boy alone, declaring him dead despite the chance that he may have survived, which he quite obviously did. He looked back up and nodded to Kisheto, "We won't be ditching anyone anymore." As Ishigo said this, he returned to his usual, authoritative tone. It was as relaxed as it was powerful - a conflicting mixture of tonality. Kisheto smiled, "Alright, man, that's cool. So, I was wonderin', y'know..." he began, as he looked around him briefly. "Yah think you could teach me how to uh.... kick some ass?"

Ishigo raised a brow at his request, and Kisheto held up his hands and shook his head, "No, no, I mean... I want to be able fight and, well... I guess I just wanna be useful..." Ishigo simply looked at the boy as he spoke, his expression blank save for the natural furrow in his brow that expressed itself whenever he entered deep thought. The young man had something about him that got to Ishigo, and probably everyone else he encountered, too. This wasn't the first person he had met to have such a powerful impact. But Ishigo saw more than just an intriguing character in Kisheto. He felt an inner duty to protect the lad, partly out of guilt of having left him for dead. Ishigo's mind was racing with thoughts and speculations, but he decided to shake them off and focus on the boy's request.

"I understand, Kisheto. I understand completely. You want to help us; you want to be in this fight. But you just got here, and you've barely had time to unwind and settle down. I think you need some time to clear your mind and focus bef-" Ishigo spoke and chose his words carefully, but was cut off as Kisheto interjected forecfully.
"C'mon, Ishigo, I'm [i]fine[/i]. I've gotten stronger, yo! Check out my 'ceps though!" he said as he flexed his right arm. Ishigo raised a brow and chuckled, choosing to forget his natural habit of repressing laughter. 

"Kisheto... strength is only half the battle." Ishigo looked out past Kisheto, towards the mercenaries that continued to train. He then returned his gaze to the young man and put his hand on his shoulder. "You've got a lot to learn, Kish. Discipline, focus, attitude, composure, patient - all of these things are just a few of the many things you must understand in order to be what [i]I[/i] consider battle ready." 

As soon as Ishigo had placed his hand on Kisheto's shoulder, he instantly focused. He felt relaxed and reassured - the small gesture served as a temporary anchor to the real word. Kisheto simply nodded and looked down. Ishigo smiled at the boy's decision to remain quiet; it seemed as if he was learning already. 

"Look. Tomorrow we've got basic training for all those willing to join the fight. I want you to be there. If you can get past that, I give you my word, I will teach you all I can," he said with a smile. Kisheto's eyes widened and his entire expression lightened up as he also smiled. He laughed and playfully hit Ishigo on the chest, "Man, I [i]KNEW[/i] you could be cool." 

Ishigo chuckled softly and pressed on his ear piece. As it began to buzz to life, he gestured towards the forests from which he came, "I got us a new recruit today, Kish. His name's Yugeto and he looks to be about your age. I think you should meet up with him; he seems to be... your type of company." Kisheto nodded with a smile, "Sure thing, boss."