The Seventh Master
Part One: The Kamikaze of the North
Friday Afternoon
It was a Sunday afternoon within the town. The skies above cracked loudly as the sounds of thunder rattles the glass storefronts, piercing through the heavy sounds of rainfall. From one end of the street, a group of delinquents were running through the soaking rain as one of the men flew a banner with the name "SHINPAKU" on it. Then the ill-capable troops as they suddenly stop at an intersection.
"Damn it! Why didn't any of you bring an umbrella? My ears are getting cold". Matsui, the guy holding the Shinpaku banner then said, "You were the one who said it wouldn't rain today". Another then stomps his foot in a puddle of water.
"Shut up, damn it, we're doing reconnaissance for the Commander. Lets hurry up and get this over with" The water from the puddle then files over and splashes some guy passed out on the street who slightly grunts, surprising the group. "What the hell was that?!?"
As the group looked closer, they saw a black man passed out against the wall. He wore black jeans, an open black short-sleeve dress shirt, and a white muscle shirt lying underneath. The man very young but moderately muscular, and had various scars covering his body while holding an empty bottle of sake in one hand. "Whoa, I guess happy hour started little early", says one of the Alliance members.
"Yeah but look at what he's holding". One of the other members point out that in the man's other hand was a sheathed samurai sword with a silver guard and black and silver hilt. The sheath itself had a number of symbolic carvings into it that made it looks unique.
"Whoa, that looks awesome". As the group agreed with the comment, Matsui slowly walked his way over to the man. "Hey what are you doing?" Matsui then made his way to the sword and takes hold of it. He then gently begins to pull the sword from his hand, which wakes him up in a drunken stupor.
"Whaaa da heel you wat!!!", said the drunk man as the Matsui and the group runs off with the sword. The man then notices the banner they were carrying and before passing back out, he mutters the word Shinpaku. Then the rain began to fall even heavier.
Saturday: Lunchtime at School
At school, Kenichi was walking away from a group of thugs that challenged him after he knocked them all out. "I don't get it. Why is it I can't get a break?" Miu was watching him from the sidelines, holding a box lunch while smiling at Kenichi.
"Wow, it didn't take more than a few seconds for you to finish them off Kenichi". Kenichi begins blushing with a stupid look on his face. "Yeah, well, I guess training sessions at four in the morning every day tends to do that. So, do you want to eat in the greenhouse?" Miu then holds up her box lunch and shows it to Kenichi.
"Sure. I made a lunch for you but Apachai got to it this morning. But I can share mine with you." Miu…sharing her lunch with me! "Oh really…", then Kenichi begins fantasizing about Miu feeding him rice with her own chopsticks.
In the Greenroom, Miu and Kenichi are sharing their lunch and talking to each other and are enjoying the setting. "So uh Miu… we should, you know, hang out some time". Miu then looks up at him and says, "We hang out all the time silly. I mean we live and train together". Then Kenichi dies a little inside. I knew it, I knew it wouldn't work.
Kenichi then looks at Miu carefully and begins to think to himself. It's been more than a year since I came to Ryozanpaku and I don't feel any closer to Miu. Life sucks. Miu pauses from eating to then say"…But you know, I wouldn't mind doing something other than training with you. Getting away from the masters for one afternoon wouldn't be too bad…since it's with you". Miu then smiles at Kenichi and he begins to blush. Wow. Maybe there's hope for me yet.
Just then an unconscious body falls through the glass ceiling and hits the ground with a loud thud. Kenichi jumps up and yells, "What the hell!!!" Miu looks up and sees Renka falling though the new hole in the ceiling and landing on her feet next to the body.
"I told you, you can't beat the martial arts of the Ma family". Renka then turns and sees Kenichi. She runs over to him and clutches his arm. "Hi Kenichi!". The mood that Kenichi was sharing was broken, and Kenichi became increasingly depressed. Oh god it never stops does it.
"Renka, get off of Kenichi!" argues Miu as she faces Renka. Renka gets up and says "No way, you spent enough time with Kenichi, and today I'll walk home with him." "Why you…" Renka and Miu then begin to stair each other down and the flow of Ki increases in the room. Kenichi watches helplessly.
Renka Ma: Daughter of Master Kensei Ma of Ryozanpaku. She's a great martial artist in Chinese Kenpo. Miu Furinji: Granddaughter of the Invincible Superman Hayato Furinji. She too is a powerful martial artist. Both are very skilled and very dangerous. Just one problem…
Renka's hair starts to flap like cat ears and Miu become completely mesmerized by them. Miu then pulls out a ball and throws it into the corner. Renka unknowingly follows it with cat-like movements while Miu stokes her head like a pet and she responds to the pampering like said animal. …Renka has the habbit of chasing moving objects like a cat… and Miu LOVES cats.
"Um Renka, what's that body doing in the middle of the green room", said Kenichi in an effort to break up the current tension in the room. "Oh, that? It's just someone seeking fame by challenging the Ma family. Nothing special". The sound of the school bell signaling the end of lunch rings over the entire campus. "Oh no", says Renka. "I didn't eat lunch yet and the period's already over. Oh well. See you later, Kenichi." Renka then jumps up and out through the roof where the hole was.
Outside in the courtyard, Renka was making her way back to the main building till she bump into another person. Renka then falls down hard. "Ow, you made me fall. You better be—". Renka then sees a young black male dressed in all black carrying a large duffle bag over his shoulder. The man kneels down to help Renka up.
"I'm sorry; I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. I hope I didn't hurt you Miss". Renka looks at him curiously and begins thinking to her: Wow, he's really cute. "Miss?" says the man again. "Oh yes, I'm fine. Don't worry about me. Do you go to school here?"Please say yes…
"No, actually. I'm here looking for someone", said the man, as he begin looking around the area. Renka happily responds by saying, "I'm a student here. My name is Renka. Perhaps I know who you're looking for. What's their name?" Renka's eyes then begin to sparkle at the sight at this guy. "I honestly don't know. The only clues that I have is the word 'Shinpaku'. Do you know what it means?"
"Oh yes. The Shinpaku Alliance. They have a headquarters here and in a building not too far from here", said Renka. The guy then smiles and ask, "Can you tell me where this building is, I don't want to disturb them during school hours."
"Sure. It's a huge building several blocks from her. It has a huge emblem on the face of the building with an alien on it. You can't miss it." The man then points in the direction specified. "That way right?"
Kenichi and Miu emerge from the greenhouse and begin to make their way across the courtyard when they see Renka talking to the man. "Kenichi look? Who is that?" Kenichi looks over to the pair and sees the guy. "I don't know. He looks foreign. But why is Renka talking to him?"
"Yes, that way. You'll have to wait till school is over though. No one is likely to be their now" Wow, he's really cute. I wonder if he has a girlfriend. Oh no, but who to choose: Him or Kenichi. The man bows to Renka and begins to leave "Thanks again, miss".
"Wait, what's your name?" The man then turns around as he's leaving and smiles. "My name is Alastair" The man then walks away out of the main gate. Some of the other student who was making their way back to the main gate sees Renka standing near the gate. "Renka-san, what are you doing! Class is about to start" "Oh I forgot!" Renka then runs back to the main building.
"Weird, Isn't it. For a stranger to come here." Both Miu and Kenichi turn around and see Nijima standing behind him. Kenichi then yells in surprise. "Nijima? What the hell are you doing?" Miu then notices the sword he's carrying over his shoulder.
"I was busy getting information on the some people till I came across this. It seems your Renka is pretty popular", said Nijima as he make his way to the main building. Miu then ask, "Hey Nijima, where did you get that sword?"
"Oh, you like it? One of my minions happens to come across it the other day. They said that 'a leader needs to rule with a symbol of his power', and I totally agree. Anyway I want to know what Renka was talking about. Oh look at the time, you all better go or you'll be late." Nijima then scurries away. "Oh, he's right, Kenichi. Let's go." Both Miu and Kenichi then run to the main building to get to class.
Saturday: Late Afternoon
Kenichi and Miu are both walking down the street with a bunch of groceries in hand. Kenichi grudgingly walks with hundred pound weight strapped to his legs while Miu just smiles at him.
"This isn't funny Miu! These weights keep getting bigger and bigger! I thought that I would be past this by now but those people are still trying to kill me!" says Kenichi. "It's been a year and a half since you started, I would think that by now you would be used to this", said Miu as she steadily walked down the street with other people looking at them with curious eyes.
"After all, you did say that we should hang out outside of Ryozanpaku", said Miu as she smiles while saying it. "Yeah but this isn't what I had in mind!" Oh, It's hopeless. I will never get that date with Miu.
Miu then jumps in front of Kenichi. "I'm just kidding, Kenichi. Grandfather said that he'll give you the day off from training tomorrow. So you and I can go out." Kenichi then looks at her and says "Really? The Elder said that?" I was wrong about you old man! I knew you understood my feelings! "Come on Kenichi, we have one more store to go to." "Sure, Miu!"
At the headquarters of the Shinpaku Alliance, Matsui and other Shinpaku members were guarding the entrance to the building. As they were talking, Alastair walks towards them. "Stop. This is the headquarters for the Shinpaku Alliance. Only members and people with business can enter. Alastair then looks at Matsui and flashes back to when his word was taken from him. He instantly remembered who Matsui was.
"Hey, I remember you; you're the one who took my sword from me. I want it back. Now" The other Shinpaku members surround Matsui and prepare to fight. "We won't let you attack one of our friends!"
"Um…there was a misunderstanding. I would like to get my sword back without fighting. I'm highly opposed to needless violence." The Shinpaku members then charge Alastair head on. But he stays his ground. From a window up above the entrance, Nijima witness's the scene and watches Alastair fight. He then gets on his phone and text messages Kenichi for help. After which he grabs his sword and leave the room
While Kenichi and Miu were walking, Kenichi received a text message. "Something wrong, Kenichi?" Kenichi then checks his phone for the text message. "Don't know, let me see…" He reads the text message and has a look of terror on his face "MIU, WE HAVE TO GET TO THE SHINPAKU ALLIANCE!"
Nijima then runs to the training room where all the Captions of the Alliance are at. All the while, he's thinking to himself: That's the guy from earlier! Who the hell is he? He doesn't look like a killer or murderer. If anything, he only beat my minions out of self-defense. And he did it so effortlessly…without touching them!
Nijima reaches the training room where Takeda, Ukita, Kisara, and Siegfried are all working out. "WE HAVE PROBLEMS!!!" Everyone looks at Nijima without expression. "What is it now you alien freak?" says Kisara as she continues to practice her kicks on the punching bag. "Right now, there's somebody coming up here, somebody strong…"
They all look at each other and smile. "Really? How strong?" says Takeda. "I don't know, but he knocked out all the guards without even toughing them!" Everyone looks at each other once more, and begins to smile even more. Siegfried then steps forward and starts singing. "~I SAY LET THEM COME FORWARD! LA LA LA LA…~"
Just then, the doors to the training room open up and Alastair walks in, single handedly carrying several unconscious Shinpaku Alliance members. He sets them all on the ground and looks at the group of Captions before him. "I told them I didn't want to fight, but they attacked me anyway?"
"Who the hell are you?" said Kisara as she took a fighting stance. "Look I just came for—". He takes a look at Nijima and the sword he's holding. "Hey! That's my sword…" As Alastair walks towards Nijima, Siegfried then begins to fight. "~LA LA LA LA LA! YOU WILL NOT HARM MY DEMON KING! ~"
Siegfried then twirls towards Alastair, who in turn reacts by knocking him across the room with a back handed blow, sending him right through the wall, instantly knocking him out. "Damn it, I reacted without thinking". He runs over to Siegfried who partially buried under rubble. Alastair checks out his condition. "Oh good, he's alive. Just some cuts and bruises, no broken bones…he'll be fine!"
Everyone looks at Alastair with astonishment. Ukita is the only one among them with the ability to speak at this point. "That guy, h-he knocked out Siegfried with one hit. He isn't even getting back up like he would usually do" Nijima starts to think to himself: What the hell is he? He knocked out Sieg in one hit. Damn it Kenichi, where are you!?!
Kenichi and Miu make it to the Shinpaku Alliance building and are standing outside of its entrance. "It doesn't sound like there's any fighting going on right now. I can't feel any Ki either." Kenichi is completely winded and is trying to catch his breath on the ground. "Never-had-to-run-like this-before".
"You can't be tired after that short run, can you?", says Miu in astonishment. "Well, I probably wouldn't be so tired if someone remembered to unlock me from these weights!" "Oops, sorry Kenichi"
Back in the training room, everyone is still standing against Alastair. Just then Kenichi and Miu enter the room and see Alastair standing over Siegfried. Nijima then cries out at the sight of them both. "Kenichi, you're here! What took you so long?" Nijima then begins making is long winded speech to Alastair.
"You thought you could take on the Shinpaku Alliance without facing its Assault Commander? History's Strongest Disciple: Kenichi Shirahama" Kenichi takes a look at Siegfried and has a look of surprise on his face. "Hey what happen to Sieg?"
"That guy over there took him out in one punch", said Takeda. Alastair then points to the pile of unconscious Shinpaku members who he carried in with him. "Look, I just want the sword that was stolen from me by one of your members"
"You think I will give up this sword! This is the sign of a leader? If you couldn't hold on to it, then you didn't deserve it". Miu then takes a fighting stance. "I don't know who you are but I won't forgive what you've done to my friends." Kenichi then thinks to himself: He knock Sieg out in one punch. This guy might look like he's ordinary, even athletic, but there's more to him that it looks.
"Miu, I have a bad feeling about this. Miu?" As Kenichi looks at her he sees that she is looking less and less like herself. She looks different from before. Where have I seen this look before…
"I haven't done anything that they themselves started first. I came to get my sword. Nothing more. If I can't talk you into giving it back, then I will take it from you" Miu then charges towards him. Kenichi tries to stop her but he couldn't. Miu jumps up in the air about to kick Alastair.
All of a sudden, a large surge of Ki flows from Alastair's body. Kenichi then looks in awe at the level of Ki. "This level of Ki, it…it feels like one of the masters of Ryozanpaku" Alastair then takes up a fighting stance. "Ki Flow!!!" He reaches out and fires a powerful stream of Ki from his palm and it hits Miu, sending her flying backwards across the room. She falls back to where Kenichi was standing, nearly hitting the wall. "Miu!" Kenichi then tries to help her up. She grabs his collar and forces him to look at her eye-to-eye. "Kenichi…don't fight him. He's too powerful. I can feel it. He doesn't want to hurt any of us. Just give him what he wants" Kenichi then turns around to Takeda, "The sword!"
Takeda then reaches out to Nijima who's hiding behind him and takes the sword from him. "This is what you wanted, right? Take it" Takada then throws it at Alastair who catches it. Then his Ki level begins to disappear till it feels as if there's nothing there anymore. He then bows to everyone in the room
"I'm sorry for the trouble that I caused you. You must understand that this sword means a lot to me. As for your friend, he's only unconscious and I apologize for knocking him out. It was only a reflex. Kisara then thinks to himself: That was only a reflex?
"As for now, I have to leave. Goodbye." Alastair then walks over towards Kenichi and Miu. He kneels down to her. "I can tell that you're a skilled fighter, but without proper ki control you will lose control of you conscious self. Especially for one who fights with outer strength" As he gets up to leave the room, Kenichi stops him. "Tell me, what's your name?"
"My name? My name is Alastair." Then he leaves out of the room, leaving everyone in silence.
Saturday: Night
Ryozanpaku: the home of elite martial arts masters in various styles; a den of strength, skill, and courage; where the ancient traditions are upheld even in the modern day. For me, this is hell
"Koetsuji-Sensai! What is this?" Kenichi was jumping around on a platform with glass tiles flashing an assortment of lights like a disco dance floor. "This is a test of your reflexes. As long as you only step on the red squares, then you will avoid being electrocuted" Kenichi then screams out in terror, "THIS IS TORTURE!!!"
Kenichi then accidently steps on a blue square and several volts of electricity are sent through his body, blowing him off of the platform. Apachai was watching from the other side of the room. "Apa, Akisame killed Kenichi! How could you" Miu walks by the room and sees Kenichi smoldering on the ground. "I- I'm still alive!" Miu then runs over to him. "Kenichi are you ok?"
She rest Kenichi's head in her lap and when he tries to look at her face, he can't see past her large breast, a massive nose bleed occurs. "Ah, Kenichi! Akisame something's wrong with Kenichi!" Kensei is watching from the other side of the room reading ecchi mags. "I think he'll manage. In fact, I wouldn't mind being where he is right now…lucky bastard"
Later on that night, Kenichi was sitting up in his room thinking of his encounter with Alastair. He then recalls the conversation he had with Miu before they returned to Ryozanpaku
Outside the doors of Ryozanpaku, Kenichi and Miu return from their battle. "Miu, did you feel what I felt from that guy. His Ki was as strong as…"
"…The masters here. I know I felt it. And the fact that he only looks a few years older than us makes me wonder what kind of childhood he had. For now, let's keep this between us?"
Kenichi looks at Miu curiously. "Why?"
"He's a follower of the Katsujin Ken, like you and me, so we know he won't hurt anyone. The fact of the matter is that if they find out that there's possibly someone as power as them walking around… well, I'm just thinking of the safety of the dojo…and the city…and the innocent people who happen to live here"
It's really hard to argue with logic like that. The people here are real monsters. Kenichi then gets up and crawls out of the window. He climbs up to the roof and jump over to the main building. He suddenly sees Miu sitting there in her pajamas staring up at the stars and the moon. "Oh, Kenichi, you're still up?"
"Yeah, I couldn't sleep" Kenichi then sits next to her on the roof and they both look up at the stars. Miu then looks at Kenichi with an inquisitive look. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure Miu" That's weird. She seems somewhat different. Not sad, just different. "Do you ever struggle with holding up your beliefs? I mean, you never critically hurt your opponents and you never hit women including fighters, it seems hard to do. You are always willing to put up a fight, but it's not your fist that you fight with, but with your heart. What I wanted to know was…was"
Wow. She's at a loss for words right now. I wonder what she's thinking. "Does it have something to do with what that guy said?" Miu then pauses for a moment before speaking. "That man, Alastair. I couldn't control myself from attacking him. I saw all the people he knocked out and something took control of me. The only thing that brought me out of it was his flow of Ki he used against me. I've never been good at controlling myself. There were even been times where I lost control of myself and attacked anyone in my way. I wish that my heart was as strong as yours" Miu then curls herself up and quietly beings to sob.
She's crying. I never thought that things like this bothered her. I remember now. At the D and D Tournament, she lost control of herself at the sight of all our friends being heavily beaten. She even attacked me when I tried to calm her down.
"No one is perfect Miu. I'm defiantly no acceptation. Regardless of what happens to you Miu, I know that in your heart, you are a kind and caring person. That is what I care about the most. You asked how I'm able to uphold my beliefs. It's difficult but it has a simple answer to it. Sure, my beliefs make situations more difficult for me but when I achieve what wanted to do, it makes it all the more worth it. I uphold those beliefs because that's who I am. No matter what happens to me, as long as I remain true to myself, I will to any length to uphold my beliefs. That is how far I am willing to go for anyone in need. That's how far I'm willing to go for you."
Miu then looks up at Kenichi with teary eyes. She then embraces him and cries in his chest. And for the rest of the night, the two remained on the roof, where their troubles seem to float away from them into the vastness of the night sky beneath the stars.
Sunday: Afternoon
In the dojo, Shio Sakaki, the 100th degree karate master was drinking a bottle of sake while the other masters where performing their daily activities. Kensei Ma, the master of all Chinese Kenpo, was reading girly mags as usual. Apachai Hopachai, the Muay Thai "God of Death", was playing Othello with Shigure Kosaka, master of all weapons. Akisame Koetsuji, the Philosophical Jujitsu Master, was busy carving new sculptures to practice with. And at last, the Elder of Ryozanpaku, the Invincible Superman Hayato Furinji was drinking tea.
"Hey old man, where the hell is Kenichi, I wanted to teach our disciple a new technique", said Sakaki. The Karate Master then takes another drink of his sake before the elder replies. "Miu asked me to give him the day off. It seems that she wanted to spend time with our number disciple." Everyone then looks at Hayato in surprise. "Seriously? It looks like Kenichi's finally becoming a man. Way to go kid", said Kensei as he takes out his camera and tries to sneak out. "I think it would be wise to document this occasion…" Shigure then grabs her chain sickle and ties Kensei up with it, preventing him from leaving. "Such a…lecher"
Akisame then stops his sculpting for a second to talk to Hayato. "Do you think that's wise? Yami may have lost its Nine Fist, but their leader is still out somewhere waiting for a chance to retaliate." The mood in the room suddenly darkens at the mention of Yami.
Yami. The martial arts sect who's the sworn enemy of Ryozanpaku because of conflicting beliefs. Not long ago, their leaders were defeated by the masters and their disciples were defeated by Kenichi and Miu. But the leader of the entire group was never found, and till this day he and his identity remain elusive.
"Don't worry yourself, Akisame. Every once in a while, it's good to relax. Our disciple has earned it. So you shouldn't trouble yourself over it. In this relative time of peace, we should take full advantage of it while it last"
Just then, outside the dojo's gates, Alastair approaches with his sword in hand, holding his duffle bag. He stops to look at the sign and begins cheerfully smiling. "Ryozanpaku, I finally found it." Just then, Alastair notices someone following him from a distance. He then disappears with amazing speed.
Halfway down the block, Matsui was looking at the Ryozanpaku gates until he notices that Alastair disappeared. 'Huh? Where did he go?" As he's looking around, Alastair is standing right behind him without him noticing.
"Is there a reason why you're following me?" asked Alastair. Matsui falls to the ground out of surprise and fear. Alastair then kneels down to him. "I don't know why you're following me, but I need you to stop." Matsui then gets up and runs away out of fear. Alastair then jumps up into the sky and lands on top of a nearby house. He jumps again and soars over to the Ryozanpaku gates and lands on the other side. He sets his bag down and disappears with great speed.
Meanwhile in the city, Kenichi and Miu are having a good time walking past the stores among the crowds of people. "You know I'm really enjoying myself Kenichi". "I'm glad that you are. So what shall we do next?" Unknown to them both, Nijima had sneaked up behind them. "Perhaps dinner, eh." Kenichi and Miu are both surprised at the sight of him and thus he kills the mood with his presence. "So it looks like you two are on a date"
"Damn it Nijima, what do you what! If you had an ounce of decency—", Kenichi stops himself and fully realizes what he is saying. What the hell was I thinking? This guy is pure evil. Then Miu steps in to get Nijima away. "Nijima, can you just leave me and Kenichi alone just for today."
Nijima then takes out his PDA and begins pressing a few buttons on it. "Well, ok. I just have some info on that guy Alastair." Both Miu and Kenichi's attention are suddenly grabbed by this information. "It seems our friend came here a few days ago on boat. Ever since then, he's been traveling around the town. Apparently Matsui and the other stole his sword from him while he was passed out drunk in the street. After which he went to all the local High Schools to look for them and eventually came to our school. Apparently, he was asking Renka the other day about the Alliance and she told him where we were. What a traitor."
"I can believe you Nijima. The only reason he went through all that trouble was so that he could get back the sword your people stole from him. Besides, not once did we sense any killing intent from him. Just leave him be. Let's go Miu." Both Kenichi and Miu begin to walk away from Nijima.
"If he's so harmless, then why did he go to Ryozanpaku?" This notion stops both Miu and Kenichi in their tracks. "He's at the Dojo? Why?" Nijima still continues to press buttons on his PDA. "I don't know, shouldn't you do something"
Kenichi looks at Miu who suddenly begins to look slightly depressed. I wonder if she's still ok. Today was to be our free day so…"Well there's absolutely nothing we can do about it. If that guy is a follower of the Katsujin Ken, then Ryozanpaku isn't in any danger, especially with the masters there." Miu is still looking slightly depressed. "I guess you're right…"
"Besides, the Elder gave me the day off, and I'm going to spend it with you no matter what." Miu then looks up and beings to smile again. "Ok, let's go." Miu and Kenichi then being to walk off and leave Nijima. "Don't follow us Nijima, I'm serious." As they leave, Nijima thinks to himself: Well, those masters at the dojo are monsters. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about.
Back at Ryozanpaku, the masters are all still performing their own separate thing. Apachai is still playing with Shigure in Othello. The game is intense and Shigure is in a corner. Apachai is smiling at the fact that he's winning. "Apapapa! Shigure need help?" As Shigure continues to look at the board, Alastair without her knowing is looking over her shoulder. "You know, if you turn over that piece, you could win the game." Surprised, Shigure swings her blade behind her, but Alastair dodges it by hiding behind Apachai. "If that's the way you say thank you, I'd hate to meet you on a bad day."
All the masters look at the spectacle and see Alastair. "Where did that kid come from", said Sakaki, who surprisingly stops drinking his sake. Akisame begins to think to himself: That kid, none of us even felt his presence. Who is he?
The Elder then gets up from his seat and walks over to Alastair. "Well, my boy, you managed to get the best of our weapon master. That's no small feat. Who are you?" Alastair gets stands up from behind Apachai and bows to the old man. "My name is Alastair. I came to challenge one of the masters of this dojo." Sakaki then laughs out loud as well as Hayato.
"We usually don't do this, but since the dojo is low on funds at the moment, we'll accept your challenge. Sakaki, show him to the challenge room" The karate master then gets up and faces Alastair. "Follow me kid. Akisame, get the clinic ready." Shio leads Alastair out of the room. Kensei then ask, "Hayato, do you think it's wise to let that kid fight?" The Elder then turns around with a serious face, but is soon quickly dissolved by a ridiculously huge smile. "I have no idea." Then all the remaining masters in the room drop their jaws in surprise.
Meanwhile, Kenichi and Miu's date was going well. First they went to the Movies. Kenichi remembered that Miu never got the chance to go to an actual theater before. They watched an action movie where they both laughed at the phony choreographed fight scenes. After that they went to a fast food place where they talked over a couple of burgers. They took a walk down by the stores and Miu saw a necklace she liked in the window which was surprisingly cheap. So when Miu wasn't looking, Kenichi bought it, who praised the gods that it was within his budget.
Then they both ended the day by watching the sunset in the park. "Thanks Kenichi. Today was amazing. Between training, school and taking care of the dojo, I never get a chance to do any of these things freely", said Miu. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself." Kenichi the takes out the necklace and gives it to Miu. "I saw you looking at it earlier so when you weren't looking…" Miu takes the necklace and looks at it in wonder.
"Wow, thank you Kenichi. I don't know what to say" Miu puts the necklace on around her neck, and it shines beautifully as the light from the sunset reflects off the center stone's surface. "It really is beautiful, Kenichi. Thank you." Kenichi begins to think to himself: I think this is the perfect time to tell Miu my feelings. I just hope that—
Miu interrupts Kenichi's train of thought by breaking the short pause of silence. "You know, back in my old school, I always stood out and people hated me for that. So much that when I transferred, I tried to hide myself in a shell so no one would think that I was any different. But when I met you on my first day, I knew that you were different. At first I thought of you as a friend, someone I could trust. But as I got closer and closer to you, my feelings started to change and I became confused. But after last night, after today, I think I finally understand what's in my heart. Kenichi…I love you."
Kenichi and Miu look into each other's eyes and as the sun sets, they both draw each other in and kiss. After several seconds, they draw back from each other blushing. After a few seconds of silence, both of them gradually being laughing with each other. Kenichi and Miu have finally realized their feelings for each other, and all was right in the world.
Right then, both of the two felt a killing intent lurking behind them, so they both jump up from the bench to face their enemy. It's a woman who was wrapped in a black leather robe and holding a Naginata, a long staff with a curved blade at its end.
"You both sensed my presence. The rumors were true, you two are well trained. Granddaughter of the Invincible Superman, Miu Furinji; and Ryozanpaku's number one disciple, Kenichi Shirahama." Kenichi has a look of surprise of the women knowing their names.
"Who are you? How do you know our names", said Miu. "My name is Artemis. I am from a group called Makai. I was sent here to find and kill a powerful martial artist. He looks like a happy idiot but is incredible strong. He's pretty easy on the eye as well."
Kenichi begins thinking: Easy on the eyes? "What are you in love with him?" Artemis then becomes slightly flustered. "Of course not. I wouldn't dear feel anything for that idiot. Now answer the question. You should know him when you see him. He looks foreign. Dark skin, wears a lot of black, carries a sword…"
"Alastair", said both Miu and Kenichi. "So you have seen him. Where is he?" "Wait a minute, just who is he?" Artemis then begins laughing. "Just who is he, you ask. I don't think that even I can fully answer that question. But no matter, I know you know where he is, so spill it"
Kenichi then takes up his Tan Guard Muay stance, the most basic stance of Muay Thai. "You won't get any answers from us." Artemis then sighs in defeat. "Very well. I guess I can just kill you two. Makai is going to get someone to do it anyway." Artemis holds up her blade and charges it at both Miu and Kenichi.
They both dodge out of the way and Artemis ends slicing though the bench they were sitting on. Artemis then goes for Kenichi. She charges towards him and moves to impale him. He twist around the blade and jumps away from her. "What's wrong, don't hit girls, Shirahama?" Damn it, she found me out!
Just as she charges for him again, Miu slides under her with a kick. Just as Artemis doges it, Kenichi grabs a hold of the bladed end of the Naginata and chops it off from the staff. Artemis steps back from them and retreats to a safe distance.
After which, Kenichi activates his Seikuken, a technique that create and impenetrable 360 degree shield through movements of the arms. His ki begins to increase and Miu takes up a fighting stance along with him.
"Oh brother. This was the only weapon I had. Fighting you both now would be too troublesome. You may have one this round, but you haven't seen the last of me." Artemis then drops her useless pole and jump up into the trees and makes her escape.
"Did…did she just run away like a cartoon villain", said Kenichi. "She was really good with the weapon. Had you been a second late with that dodging, you'd be done for." Miu points to Kenichi's shirt and sees it sliced open over the cheat area. Kenichi starts to panic and falls out. "Kenichi are you ok?!?" "She almost killed me!"
Sunday: Evening
Kenichi and Miu return to the dojo after their attack and their date. Kenichi then thinks to himself: Whatever I do, someone somewhere wants to kill me. Well, at least the date ended on a good note. Wow, I finally got a girlfriend! Nothing could bring my mood down now!
Both Kenichi and Miu walk into the main room of the dojo and see Sakaki laid out in the middle. All the masters, minus the Elder, are sitting around the room attending to him. "What happen here", said Miu. "Apa! Someone strong challenged the dojo and beat Sakaki." Kenichi then has a look of surprise on his face. "Someone beat Master Sakaki?"
Kenichi then goes to his master's side. "Master Sakaki!" Sakaki wakes up and sees Kenichi. "Hey kid. How did you date go?" Kenichi then turns away from him to keep him from showing him blushing with a complete look of satisfaction. "Way to go kid. I knew you could do it." "Wait, Master, how did this happen? You don't have any wounds or bruises on you? Who beat you?"
Just then, the elder walks in and sees Miu and Kenichi. "Oh, you're back. So how didn't your date go?" Both Miu and Kenichi look at each other and then blush. Kensei creeps up behind Kenichi give him a congratulatory nudge with is elbow. "Way to go Kenichi, I knew you could do it"
"Anyway what happen", asked Miu. "We had a powerful challenger who managed to beat Sakaki", said Akisame. He then points to the corner of the room where Alastair is sitting, drinking tea.
"You! Did you know you have people looking for you? People from something called Makai", said Kenichi. "So they know I'm here. They didn't hurt you did they?" said Alastair. Kenichi then shows him the slash through his shirt. "Are you kidding me? That woman Artemis almost killed me? If I hadn't broken her weapon and made her leave, I would be dead!"
"Ah don't worry yourself. She's skilled, but she falls short when it comes to grace. Besides, you're still alive, celebrate! HA HA!" Who is this guy? Hayato then has a look of worry on his face."This news of an attack is disturbing, especially the part of them looking for you. I know it would be a bother, but could you tell us who they are exactly? And for that matter, who are you", said Hayato.
Alastair then sets down his glass and faces everyone in the room. The happy and cheerful look on his face then disappears. "Fine, I'll tell you everything. First, the people who are looking for me are a group of martial artist calling themselves Makai. Essentially, they're the reincarnation of Yami." Everyone in the room then listen intensively. "You all may have managed to defeat the Nine Fist, but the One Shadow is still roaming around somewhere. He's behind Makai." Everyone in the room is stunned at the news. "So how are you involved in this? Who exactly are you. Where were you trained at?", asked Akisame. "That's simple. I'm a follower of the Katsujin Ken belief, like the rest of you. They see my skills as a threat. Old man, do you know of the Kagemura Temple in China?"
"Yes, I know of it." Everyone then displays inquisitive looks. "What is the… Kagemura Temple", asked Shigure. "It's a remote martial arts dojo. It's very much like Ryuzanpaku. Only difference is that there resides 20 martial arts masters, each with a different style with three elders. In fact, I personally know the three elders; I fought some tough battles with them in the past."
Alastair then takes another sip of his tea. Then the Elder gradually comes to realize Alastair's true identity. "I remember now. Seven years ago when I visited them, they mentioned a student who was excelling in all twenty of the martial arts there, but expressed concern for how the other disciples viewed him. It was you, wasn't it?"
"When I completed my training and the Elders deemed me a master, they told me to travel the world and to gain the experience and wisdom of a master. And they said if I should ever come to Japan, to seek out Ryozanpaku, a place where the belief of the Katsujin Ken belief is upheld." Everyone now displays confused looks. "Apa, I don't get it. Apachai's head hurt", said Apachai. "I don't…understand", said Shigure. "Hayato, I still don't get it. Who is this young man?", asked Akisame.
"This is the 22-year old master of all martial arts, known as the Kamikaze of the North, Alastair King." Everyone then takes a surprise to the news. Sakaki then struggles to sit up over the news. "You're the Kamikaze of the North? Oh god", said Sakaki. Kenichi is more confused than ever. "Excuse me, but who is this Kamikaze of the North?"
"I've heard stories of the Kamikaze from China. He's a master of every major martial arts practiced in the world today. Since most martial arts are influenced by older styles, he's easily able to adapt himself to any fighter using a variation of a standard style. I didn't know he was so…young"
"In any case Alastair, this threat that you face has ties to Yami and will undoubtedly come after us as well. Since you have proven yourself to me more than a capable martial artist and a follower of our philosophies, I would like it if you stayed here as a resident of Ryozanpaku, as a master." Kenichi and Miu look with surprise at Alastair, who too shows an expression of surprise on his face.
"I think that is a good Idea", said Akisame. "Me too. Apachai want Kamikaze to stay too", said Apachai. "Me…too", said Shigure. "There it's many people in the world that could put Sakaki in his place. Of course I agree", said Kensei. Sakaki tries to sit up. "You better stay here Kamikaze, because I want a rematch". Sakaki then falls back out because of the strain on his body. Alastair then looks around at all the masters. "If everyone's ok with it, then I'll accept. And my friends and allies call me Kami, so you all can do the same."
"Great. We'll show you to your room later. For now let's celebrate. Ryozanpaku has gotten its Seventh Master. Let's all drink to that", said Hayato as everyone cheered. "Apa, and now that Sakaki is sleeping, more drink for us!" Then the masters argue cheerfully among each other. As Kenichi looks at them all, Miu softly hold Kenichi's hand and smiles.
Wow. A master. And he isn't too much older than me. I wonder if I would become a master like him one day Wait, does that mean he has to train me as well! That's the last thing that I need