Disclaimer: Syun Matsuena owns Kenichi
Chapter 1: Friend or Foe A Warrior Appears
"Hiyah!"
"Haah!"
"Woah! Looks like our little disciple's really fired up." the 100th degree Karate Master Shio Sakaki commented while watching Kenichi hit the striking post.
"Yes he does seem to have gotten quite motivated recently." replied Kensei Ma the Master of all Chinese Kenpo as he snuck up on Shigure with his camera.
"He does seem more ... enthused than .. usual." said Shigure Kousaka Mistress of Weaponry as she threw a shuriken into Kenseis' camera.
"Apa! Kenichi has definitely grabbed the bull by the tail!" exclaimed the Muay Thai Death God Apachai Hopachai as he once again played Akisame in Othello.
"I believe you mean by the horns and yes while he has been training especially hard since we've returned I can't help but feel this motivation has deeper roots." stated the philosophical Jiujitsu master Akisame Koetsuji as he planned out his next move.
"Hah! Haaaa!"
He's been at it for hours Miu thought while preparing dinner. She had thought it strange when he asked Akisame when he could resume training, but dismissed it as just pent up energy from all that had happened on Despair Island. Now however after almost nonstop training every waking moment for the past week she was beginning to get a little worried. Sure it's one thing to test yourself and push your limits, but at the rate he's going I'm afraid he's going to get injured. There's nothing she could do about it now so she returned to preparing their meal. I can at least make sure he has plenty of food to keep his strength up a look of determination crossing her face.
Kenichi let out a sigh as he relaxed into the hot springs. He had pushed himself far again today, and while usually he would feel pride in having worked so hard ever since he returned all he's felt is anxiety at wanting to do more. At first he wasn't quite sure why he felt this way, but as the days went on he began to understand the reasoning behind such emotions.
"Kenichi, no matter what happens protect her. Protect Miu from the darkness."
Those words echoed in his mind ever since he left the island. Such strength he thought. The way Sho sacrificed himself without a moments hesitation; to go so far for someone without a single thought as to your own well being. His brow furrowed in frustration trying to make sense of it all, but to no avail. At one time he thought he would have done the same, but after witnessing self sacrifice up close he found his determination shaken. Suppose he did die how would his family feel. Who would watch out for Honoka; sure there were the masters and Miu its just ... just. "Ahhh!" he yelled hitting the water the frustration getting to him yet again. Why? Why couldn't he just be strong with unwavering determination like Sho? Why couldn't he for once face a challenge head on without looking to the side? Why couldn't he just find an answer to his problem.
"You seem ... troubled."
Kenichi nearly jumped out of the water. "Sh-Shi-Shigure what are you doing here?"
"Taking a bath, what else." she replied evenly while slipping out of her clothing.
"N-no it's just, I didn't expect you to be here the same time as me." he said while turning around to give her some privacy.
"I don't ... understand." she said sinking into the water.
"Nevermind it's nothing." he stated. He always forgets that even though she is a master she can be extremely naive at times.
"What's wrong?" she asked curious as to what was causing her disciple so much trouble.
"No-nothing just tired is all."
"Liar." she spoke appearing quickly before him her face mere inches from his causing him to jump.
He sighed in defeat. No matter how naive she could be at times she can always tell how he is feeling. "To tell the truth I'm not sure what's wrong. Ever since I returned I've just felt really anxious; sort of like I should be doing more." he spoke staring at the water a solemn look crossing his face.
"Could it have...something to do with...that battle." she inquired resting up against a rock.
"Maybe, even though I won the tournament I still feel like there's a huge gap between mine and his strength, and no matter how much I train I don't feel as though it's gotten any smaller."
"Perhaps it is not physical training you need, but rather...training to condition the mind and spirit."
Kenichi had never even thought pf it that way but now that she mentioned it. "Yea maybe that's it!" the realization
Sep 15 causing his spirits to raise. It surprised him hearing such words come from her. He would usually expect such things to come from Master Akisame, but he figured maybe she had been around him to long. Either way he was glad to have gotten a clue as to what to do. "Um Shigure, do you have any ideas on how to go about this conditioning." he asked a slight hesitation creeping into his voice.
"I have one...idea." As soon as she finished the sentence she drew her katana in a flash and took her stance. "I will temper your spirit as I would this sword folding your heart until it can withstand the most brutal punishment." each word spoken with force and her eyes emitting that strange glow which always caused a shiver to run down his spine.
"Thanks for the offer but maybe some other time. I should be getting to sleep don't want to be late for school." he shouted while running off towards his room. She has definitely been around Master Koetsuji to long.
"So, anyone figure out what's wrong with Kenichi?" Sakaki asked. He had been working out for so long everyone thought the floor would break through.
"Why, are you worried about our disciple?" Kensei jested looking through his swimsuit magazines.
"No!" Sakaki exclaimed cheeks reddening from slight embarrasment."It's just everyone keeps going on about how his sudden enthusiasm is really some dire problem that threatens his growth as a martial artist."
"Really I don't remember anyone saying such a thing." Akisame remarked watching Sakaki become more flustered out of the corner of his eye.
"Look I know everyone else has noticed it to; so we should discuss it and figure out what we should do."
"As his masters all we can do is continue his training and offer him advice should he come to us. Beyond that it will be a test of his character that will decide the outcome of his inner turmoil." Akisame stated never once pausing in his calligraphy.
"Apa, Apachai is not worried. If it is a test of Kenichis' insides Apachai is certain he will pass."
"Yes I believe we can all make a testament to Kenichis inner strength." Akisame commented.
"Hey has anyone seen Shigure?" Sakaki had finished his workout and noticed she wasn't anywhere to be found.
"I believe she too was concerned about Kenichi and went to see if she could help" Akisame replied putting down his brush and standing up to leave.
Oh-ho if she's gone to where he is now I do believe he'll be just fine thought Kensei.
Kenichi awoke the next morning feeling lighter than he had. Almost as if some of his worries had lifted. I guess talking with Shigure really helped he thought while getting ready for his morning training.
"Oh I see you're already up; in that case shall we get started." asked Akisame as he entered his room.
"Yes!"
It had been a rigourous morning which at Ryozanpaku was nothing unusual. Still Kenichi didn't mind it at all. His good mood just kept improving bolstered by the fact that he gets to see Miu every morning. Seeing the sun shine on her face as they walked to school helped him forget his troubles."Breakfast was delicious Miu." he finally said breaking the silence.
"Thank you" she replied giving him a smile.
"Last nights meal was really good also."
"I'm glad you liked it. I thought maybe you were disappointed you didn't say much while we were eating."
"Sorry about that." he replied sheepishly rubbing the back of his head."I guess I've just been so absorbed in my training I haven't really paid much attention to anything else."
"You had me worried; I thought maybe I had done something to upset you." She crouched to scratch a cat that had crossed their path behind the ears.
"I guess I've just been feeling a little self conscious lately, but I feel much better today."
"That's good to hear. Ah look at the time!" she exclaimed looking at a clock through a nearby window."We'll be late if we don't hurry!" She grabbed his hand and they took off at a sprint.
After school Kenichi rushed to Ryozanpaku as fast as he could intent on continuing his training.
Wow I feel as though I could do anything he thought as he opened the gates. Once inside he noticed Master Akisame waiting for him.
"You're here more quickly than usual. I take it you're ready to begin."
"Yes, I'm ready to take on whatever you throw at me!" His fists tightened and he could feel his body shake at his eagerness.
"That's good because you have a visitor."
"Huh who?" he asked puzzled as to who it could be. He looked to where his Master was pointing and noticed a man sitting inside the dojo with the rest of the Masters.
"He arrived a short while before you did."Akisame answered before Kenichi could ask the question. " It seems he has come here to challenge you."
Authors Note: Well there it is. It seems it's missing something but I can't figure out what. Got a comment/criticism let
Sep 15 me next chapter, later.