Bang gestured for the three of them to stand properly.
"First, let this old man see your forms."
For the next while, Bang began teaching them the most basic fundamentals. He did not immediately explain the deeper principles of the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist. Instead, he focused on correcting their stances, breathing, and methods of generating force.
"Yuji, your strength is fierce, but you put too much of it outward. Your lower body isn't stable enough. Force comes from the ground. Your toes should grip the floor as though they're rooted to it."
"Megumi Fushiguro, your movements are too stiff and lack flexibility. Your body should be like flowing water, capable of both hardness and softness."
"Nobara, your attacking intent is too obvious. You lack concealment and continuity. The transition between offense and defense must be fluid."
Bang's instructions were precise and incisive, benefiting the three immensely.
They repeatedly practiced the basic movements according to his instructions, and sweat soon soaked through their training clothes.
Bang occasionally reached out to correct their postures. His seemingly frail hands possessed astonishing strength and control. Even a light flick of his fingers was enough to make them understand the proper method of generating force.
"There are no shortcuts on the path of martial arts," Bang said slowly as he watched the three practice diligently. "Sol's achievements today also began with these tedious, fundamental exercises. Only when the fundamentals become instinctive can you unleash true power in actual combat."
Just as the three became immersed in their basic training, the door to the martial arts hall swung open.
Metal Bat swaggered inside, his bat resting over his shoulder.
"Yo, old man. Training some rookies? How about I join in?"
He grinned, a fierce fighting spirit gleaming in his eyes.
"Just practicing forms is boring. Actual combat is the fastest way to improve! I'll be their sparring partner!"
Bang smiled.
"That's good. Appropriate combat pressure can help them understand what they've learned more quickly."
And so, the intensity of their training increased.
Itadori and the other two now had to endure Bang's strict demands regarding their fundamentals while simultaneously facing Metal Bat's storm-like combat pressure.
"Pink-haired kid! Faster punches! Didn't you eat?!"
"Hedgehog-head! Don't just dodge! Use your Shikigami to interfere with me!"
"Orange-haired girl! Your hammer is too clumsy! Find the right angle! One hit, one kill!"
Metal Bat's fighting style was broad and aggressive, overflowing with explosive power. Every swing of his bat carried tremendous pressure, forcing the three to put everything they had into dodging, blocking, and counterattacking.
Under such intense pressure, the force-generation techniques and combat awareness they had learned earlier were rapidly becoming integrated into their fighting styles.
Inside the training ground, shouts and the sounds of collisions rang out without pause.
Itadori's Cursed Energy gradually became more refined through repeated clashes. Megumi Fushiguro's Shikigami summons and switches became faster and smoother, while Nobara began experimenting with more effective ways to combine her hammer with her Cursed Techniques.
Bang carefully observed them from the side. From time to time, he offered pointers, incorporating some of the force-deflecting and force-borrowing techniques of the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist that suited their abilities into his instruction.
Time passed amid sweat and shouting.
When Bang finally called for a halt, the three were nearly exhausted, yet their eyes were exceptionally bright. They could clearly feel how effective the targeted fundamental training and combat practice had been.
"That's enough for today."
Bang nodded with satisfaction.
"Remember what you felt today and take the time to digest it. We'll continue tomorrow."
"Yes! Thank you, Senior Bang!"
The three thanked him in unison, exhausted but already looking forward to the next day's training.
As they left the martial arts hall, they happened to encounter Tanktop Master, who was returning from patrol.
Tanktop Master looked at the three of them, covered in sweat yet still brimming with energy, and gave a firm nod.
"Good eyes. Keep training. Your physical bodies still have tremendous potential to develop."
Feeling the recognition and expectations of the S-Class heroes, Itadori, Megumi, and Nobara became even more determined.
In this world filled with powerful individuals, they had finally found a path that could genuinely make them stronger.
And all of it stemmed from the opportunity given to them by the person who had brought them here, the man who now stood at the pinnacle.
On the other side of the city, Sol and Tatsumaki had just left a dessert shop.
Tatsumaki seemed to be in an excellent mood. She floated beside Sol, humming an off-key tune.
"Hey."
Tatsumaki suddenly broke the silence.
"Fubuki invited me to try a new French dessert shop tonight, so I won't be eating with you."
"Mhm."
Sol replied casually, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding streets.
"You're going by yourself?"
Tatsumaki glanced at him, her tone carrying a subtle hint of probing.
"Mhm. I'll go find Teacher Bang and the others."
Sol answered as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
Tatsumaki softly "hmph-ed" and said nothing more, implicitly accepting his answer.
The two parted ways at the next intersection.
Tatsumaki floated toward the location she had arranged to meet Fubuki, while Sol turned and walked toward the district where Bang's dojo was located.
By evening, the two paths had led them elsewhere.
At a bustling hotpot restaurant, the spicy broth bubbled vigorously, filling the air with an enticing aroma.
Sol, Bang, Metal Bat, and Tanktop Master sat around a table, with Saitama and Genos also present.
The table was covered with sliced meats, vegetables, meatballs, and other ingredients, while lively conversation filled the restaurant.