Fighters and Monsters

Chapter 2: The first meeting

Blade Hanma had made it to see the fight between Gizo Motobe and Kin Ryuzan. And needless to say he was impressed by both men, and what is more impressive is how Kin Ryuzan handled himself against an older more experienced opponent and in the end his absolute victory. He proved he was truly the Sumo Grand Champion, seeing the fight was over Blade went to see how Baki was doing in preparation for his fight against Zulu. But that changed when he saw the man himself walking towards him in the hall way. It was none other than his father Yujiro Hanma, Blade continued walking as if he was disinterested in who the man was which surprised Yujiro who said.

"Aren't you going to speak to your old man? I was shocked to hear I had another son."

"Well I guess you are just filled with fatherly pride then huh?"

"Oh yeah, and in one of my rare and moments of sentiment I will say sorry about you losing your mother. I was never one to respect any woman but I did respect her skill and drive to be stronger. I guess the few nights we had together brought another Hanma in the world. Though you seem more competent then Baki, You learned and mastered everything quickly and efficiently son you just might prove yourself a Hanma?"

"Thanks Yujiro but you'll forgive me if I don't cry tears of joy. But I do have a question for you, and that is how did you know how I trained and how well I did it?"

"I kept hearing rumors about a prodigal martial artist I heard he may be just the man to replace the king. Eventually you peaked my interest enough for me to come and take a look; I have to say I am impressed you just may win this thing."

"Why do you say that Yujiro?"

"Because I don't waste my time on a weakling and you boy are just reaching your true potential. You are a genius unlike Baki who I even trained personally for a time he just did not get the meaning of power."

"Oh yeah and I guess you have the answer of hate being used for survival and through a cold and non-remorseful heart is the way to gain true power right?"

"Something like that I guess, but that leads me to a question, how do you feel about power and destruction?"

"I really don't care about power because I know I will always have some form of it and as for destruction I like to unleash it upon my enemies but otherwise I could give a rats ass about it."

"I see well we will see just how far you get in this world thinking that way. And I hope to see how well you fair when you unleash the Hanma blood in you."

"Yeah well this is fair warning when I do unleash it I will be coming after your ass Yujiro you owe me quite a few birthday gifts you son of a bitch."

"Ha Ha I see you really are my son no regard for the dangers of angering a beast. I hope we do cross paths it may be fun, but I will see just how good you really are when you fight my personal student. He is special I tell you a true maniac, you might just die against him."

"Fuck you Yujiro I won't lose and die to a freak like him, I have a standard to uphold. And trust me it has only just begun for me and you. And I will wait patiently for the day we meet." Blade said walking past Yujiro cool and smooth.

Yujiro was in blissful excitement at the thought of fighting Blade but he for the life of him could not figure out why.

Blade however had a different thought on his mind and it was really a question. The question was simple, why would Yujiro not train him if he knew how good he was and that he was his son the whole time it just did not make sense to him. But that was for later and he was back on his original course, which was finding Baki and boy did he. Baki was in the hallway standing in a defensive stance in front of the other and still unknown brother, well at least to Baki it was Jack Hanma aka Jack Xamma in the Maximum Tournament. Looking at the situation Blade saw Kosue standing behind Baki and Baki with a jealous look on his face. Thinking he might have to intervene Blade made himself known saying

"Hey fellas what is going here?"

Baki replied saying

"Just a misunderstanding I got a bit carried away, right Jack?"

"Yeah whatever, I am surprised to see the most talked about Martial Artist involved in the tournament. I almost thought that you were the champion instead of him, but who knows you just might make it to the top."

"Yeah and the same for you but I believe we have some more obstacles in our way, I also believe you and Baki should save your energy, it will be needed in abundance. And furthermore if you intend to battle me you will need everything you got." And with that he walked off smiling knowing he had just sown the seeds of curiosity. Something he was happy existed in the world for curiosity has led to many great discovery and in Blades case more so then naught a serious battle.

Blade decided he would watch the fight between Igari Koncho and Robin Robinson in person to evaluate their skills, and he arrived not a moment too soon. Now as far as the fight was concerned in the physical aspect Robin Robinson was the more in shape and youthful fighter. As far as experience and the ability to bluff an opponent Igari Koncho was the king of kings, not to mention him putting on a show for the fans.

Blade watched as the fight began and watched as Igari went in for a diving tackle on Robin who unknown to him was a black belt in Judo as well. Robin countered the tackle maneuver of Igari and utilized a hip throw on his foe, one that was completed he picked up Igari who was still and dazed pushed him forward and followed the push with a kick in Igari's back. Igari recovered however and turned his self around in a flash, and like a panther he bolted forward again and engaged in a round of boxing with the Kickboxing World Champion. The two went at it for a few seconds with Robin conserving energy using defensive movements and utilizing counter attacks. Igari believed for a while he had the upper hand and continued the tactic, but it did not end well for Igari who was caught off guard by a leg sweep, which was followed by a right kick to his temple as he was falling down. Robin then jumped up in the air and smashed both knees into Igaris' stomach effectively ending the match.

This turn of events was unexpected to the fans since Igari was also known as the Ultimate Pro Wrestler losing only to the legendary Mount Toba. Seeing that his defeat was apparent and so the official confirmed it and the announcer did his job as well saying in a small bit of disbelief

"Everyone it appears that the great Igari Koncho has met his match today and has suffered a defeat in the very first round! And I am myself very surprised it ended this way." with that being said the officials and nurses carted Igari to the infirmary. Seeing that that was the last fight in the first block everyone was told it was a 10 minute intermission. Blade himself went to congratulate the winner who was walking in his direction. Robin seeing him said

"Hey you're Blade Hanma aren't you, and your mother is Sheila Winters right? I used to be your moms biggest fan, she was the reason I trained in Judo."

"I noticed that you used some high level Judo in your fight against Igari. I was impressed with your finesse, and also congratulations on your victory."

"Thank you very much. I notice on your shirt you have Muay Thai written in Thai on your back. I guess it is safe to assume you practice Muay Thai as well. I myself did before I took up Kickboxing who was your teacher?"

"Boom Rilao was my teacher, and he is pound for pound the best in the world at Muay Thai even better than that self-proclaimed greatest Muay Thai fighter of all time Chiharu Shiba. I wish they could have fought against each other to stop that ridiculous comparison."

"I understand and I know he would have won that fight if that Zulu guy did not play dead. Boom did what any real warrior would have done; he went to finish his opponent."

"I appreciate that and coming from a Champion like you I will pass that along to Boom when I get the chance. In fact I would suggest when this is over you go and see him in Thailand and take up Muay Thai again, you might just be the only undefeated Kickboxing Champion in American history."

"Thanks Blade I might just do that, good luck on the rest of the tournament I hope we face each other in the future inside or out of this arena."

And with a handshake and a smile the two walked to the locker rooms with nothing but respect between the two. Blade upon entering decided to pay a visit to see who the alternates were and boy was he shocked to see Andreanov Xagon aka the Ultimate Russian Athlete. The man boasted 6,000 wins and no losses, and was regarded as the greatest wrestler of all time. But Blade knew of him for another reason and the reasons were the titanium cuffs on his wrist. Andreanov was also known as "The Chained Patriot" due to his great strength prompting him to wear the cuffs to prevent from using his full strength, swearing only to take them off if Russia was in danger. The story was proven true and all you had to do was ask any Russian wrestler or Sambo practitioner. Andreanov hearing the cough of Blade said

"Welcome comrade I am pleased to meet you though you may not be pleased to meet me if we are to fight in the matches to come."

"I would not go that far I myself would love to fight you given the chance in or outside the ring. I would advise you to rise above the arrogance though; it does not suit you or your skills."

"I see and what makes you think I am being arrogant young warrior?"

"I am saying you are being arrogant due to your 6,000 victories which I might add have been predominantly in the amateur wrestling circuit, with a few being in the Olympics which is every 4 years."

"I see so you are just being a friendly advisor to the world's greatest wrestler."

"You and about 3 other practitioners in the world."

"Such as?"

"Such as Biscuit Oliva, Roger Harland, and Roland Gustav." Said Blade without hesitation.

"I agree with those names especially Biscuit Oliva; he is probably my only rival in the world of wrestling. I wish he and I could prove who is the strongest, too bad he is locked up."

"Well Mr. Xagon he is called "Unchained" just as you are known as "The Chained Patriot". He is unchained since no Prison can hold him."

"What do you think my chances would be against him? Since you know so much about the art."

"I say your chances are obsolete against Biscuit Oliva, and Roland Gustav may give you a run for your money as well."

"What about Harland?"

"He is still too raw in the art of wrestling he may have made it to the Olympics but had you been there he would not have won the gold. He still has much to learn and needs to be humbled a bit, and finally he needs to train more."

"I see well you are one to destroy at later time. Now please leave me alone I must save useful energy in event I am needed."

"Very well Andreanov I will be seeing you." And with that he left the room and went back to the fighter's waiting room to see the drama that was no doubt going on in the room. Upon entry he was greeted with what he assumed was happening. Standing in the center of the room staring each other down was Katsumi Orochi and Retsu Kaioh. Doppo to his credit actually stayed out of the situation letting his son be a man. Retsu was looking at Katsumi with a scrutinizing gaze that spelled a fight waiting to happen. Blade then looked over and saw Retsus' opponent Sergei preparing to intervene as well, Blade knowing this was going to get ugly approached and stood right behind Retsu and put his hand on the man's shoulder and said

"Retsu I know you may want to kick his ass but I would advise against it. For you see Sergei over there is anxious to prove himself the strongest. Is that not the truth Mr. Sergei Kakarov are you not ready to prove your strength instead of talking about it?" Blade said looking between Sergei and Retsu

"Yes I am here to win for the glory of Mother Russia, and to prove that I am the only warrior worthy of the title as world's strongest warrior. No man will stop me from absolute victory." Sergei said full of confidence.

"Well we shall see who will stop who. Katsumi we will finish at another time, and Blade thank you for your stepping in, if you had not I would have jeopardized the whole reason for my accepting the invitation." Retsu said bowing to Blade

"Well Retsu I am glad I could help, as for Katsumi we both have a lot to say to him. I personally want to help him learn the difference between self-importance and self-confidence." Blade said, Katsumi was still quiet until hearing Blades remark and said

"You know something Blade you talk a lot of shit yourself and seem to think you can beat me. You're nothing even if you are a Hanma and if you make it to the end of this tournament I hope I can show you."

"Me too in fact maybe we can postpone our animosity for a match after the tournament, you and I in this very arena with spectators as far as the eye can see. Winner receives a million dollars."

"A million dollars and the chance to humiliate you, how could I refuse the challenge. But I have to ask how you have so much money."

"I fight in other organizations most are private but legitimate and over the years I have acquired quite a bit of wealth."

"Well challenge accepted and I will see you after this is done 1 month from now."

"You got it." Blade said walking off towards Retsu who was getting ready to head to the arena floor. Blade approached the meditating man and asked

"Retsu may I stand in your corner it would be an honor."

"Of course Blade I am actually glad you asked."

"Really why may I ask?"

"I will tell you as we walk." Blade nodded his head and began walking alongside Retsu. Once in the hall Retsu came right out and asked

"How would you like to join the ranks of the Kaioh?"

"What do you mean join you don't even know how skilled I am."

"Actually you will show me in this tournament Blade Hanma you have actually been watched by some of the Elders in Kaioh temple. They heard stories about a prodigy in Chinese Martial Arts, and as such they are here to see you fight. If you prove yourself they may ask you to participate in the Raitai."

"Well I would be honored but you may want to watch out for my brother as well. Baki has great skill and he may peak the Elders interest as well."

"Well if he does, they will make him the offer as well but you worry about yourself right now." Retsu said smiling approaching the Arena. Once there he looked to Blade and bowed Blade did the same and after that Retsu entered the ring.

Retsu upon entry looked up in the stands and found the Elders, the oldest and greatest of them was the Grand Master Kaioh, aka Kaku Kaioh. Kaku Kaioh was 146 years old; he appeared frail and downright ready to die. He was dressed in a two piece uniform similar to Blade and Retsu except it was a basic grey. The old man looked down at Retsu and pointed toward blade in manner asking was that him. Retsu inclined his head and nodded yes. Kaku upon seeing the confirmation smiled and look to his other two advisors and said

"He is the one we heard about, but after looking at him he may be the one to prove Chinese Martial Arts is still powerful and effective." The other Elders simply nodded and put their eyes back toward the arena.

(In the middle of Arena)

Sergei Kakarov was a master at Sambo. He also used Boxing and some kicks from Taekwondo, and he fought in many venues and was undefeated in all of them. But now he faced a man who had fought to survive just his training and once completed showed he was a Tiger among the men he trained with. Looking around Sergei noticed just how big Retsu was and knew that it would take some doing to ensure absolute victory.

For Retsu it was just another fight to prove the worth of Chinese Martial Arts. The official interrupted his thoughts and called for them to meet in the center of the ring and said the same rules as usual. Once the fighters went to the designated corners the fight was started with

"Begin!"

Sergei cleared the distance between him and Retsu and went in for a takedown. He was denied however and rewarded with a massive kick to the face sending him back in pain. Once he recovered however he was met with an upper cut from Retsu who then did a leg sweep sending Sergei to the ground. Sergei quickly got up and found Retsu waiting for him almost.

Blade was watching the fight with much interest knowing anything he could learn about Retsu would be beneficial to his improving skills. And he also admired Sergei and his resilience, and he was surprised when Sergei decided to use an American Boxing Stance.

Retsu saw the same thing Blade saw and was glad of it he now could totally destroy Sergei and let people who did not know the potential of Chinese Kenpo to see what happens when a 4,000 year old art form trained and honed and transformed into such a diverse style of combat that none of the styles are completely the same. Taking a step forward Retsu engaged the Russian Sambo champion, Retsu through a series of complicated maneuvers dodged the onslaught that came from Sergei. Once he saw an opening Retsu landed a devastating punch right in the solar plexus of Sergei. And then he followed up with a move almost impossible to execute. It was the famous lotus roll, the move was just like it sounds you jump on the back of the opponent, wrap your legs around their neck, making you appear to be sitting in the lotus position. And finally you roll around the opponents' neck effectively breaking and or damaging the neck. Sergei was out like a light before he hit the ground.

Retsu walked back to Blade who looked back and saw the official call the match as Retsus victory. He then looked to Retsu with a new found respect. The two walked back in silence knowing nothing was needed to be said. Upon their return Blade and Retsu separated. Blade went to sit down when he saw Hanayama Kaoru approaching him, Hanayama had apparently decided to change his appearance a bit and put on white and purple track suit and running shoes instead of his usual Yakuza suit. Looking at the scarred giant Blade said

"Can I help you with something Mr. Kaoru?"

"Maybe you can, I was wondering if you could give me a sample of your strength. I know it is usually an unorthodox way of doing things but I for one have never been a by the book person."

"I see well I guess I could grant your request, how do you want to do this?"

"A hand shake will do, first one to pull away loses."

"Challenge accepted." Blade said extending his hand, Hanayama did the same. By now all eyes were on them, and since no one seemed to know anything about Blade they were trying to get a read on him.

Blade and Hanayama took each other's hand staring each other down no emotions visible. And then it happened the two began squeezing each other's hand. They squeezed and squeezed until something surprising happened. Hanayama pulled his hand away albeit with a bit of a struggle, everyone in the room was silent and shocked since hand strength alone made Hanayama dangerous to fight against, his grip was above what was considered natural. Hanayama looked at Blade with a grin and said.

"Well I guess I lose, you hold more strength then many will believe. I just wonder how much?" he said shaking his hand to get the feeling back in it, he then simply walked off with not even a farewell.

Blade was aware everyone was watching him in the room especially one Yu Amanai. Yu Amanai was Yujiros' private student and supposedly extremely powerful. He was a tall fair skin man with golden eyes, he had brown hair that was mid length, and he wore white pants with a red waist band. He was watching Blade with a calculating gaze that would make most people uncomfortable. After watching him a minute longer he gave up on trying to figure him out. At least for now, Blade however pulled out a Hohner 64X Chromatic Harmonica he received as a gift from Stevie Wonder at a concert when he was a child. And he began playing a slow tune by said artist a song called "Stay Gold". At first the people present were a bit annoyed he would even do such a thing, but gradually they were interested in hearing a bit more. Eventually he stopped when it the intermission before the next fight ended. Deciding to watch from the room via the Flat Screens he knew this fight would determine who would fight Retsu. So Blade and a few others had a vested interest in the event.

(In the Arena)

"Alright Ladies and Gentleman the second match in Block B consist of in the Blue Dragon corner fighting out Los Angeles, California USA, a Mix Martial Arts champion and super welter weight boxing champion, Robert "The Ghost Man" Gellin!" roared the announcer, the crowd went nuts especially the American spectators, Robert Gellin was pound for pound the best fighter in America outside of Olin McGregor.

The announcer then announced Kato saying

"Now everyone in the White Tiger corner he is the senior student of the Sinsinkai Grandmaster Doppo Orochi he is also 5 time world Karate Champion. The warrior says to call him "The Man" here he comes the one Kyosumi Kato!" upon completion of the introduction both fighters met in the middle.

Kato looked like he had ice in his veins he was calm, cool, and collected and was awaiting for the sign to begin. Robert Gellin was to be no challenge for him and he was going to show it.

Robert Gellin however had a look of supreme confidence and serenity. He looked at Kato and bowed respectfully to his opponent, next he looked to the Official who got the gist of begin the fight already. Seeing this, the official gave the usual monologue and said begin. Once that was said the two warriors both threw a right high kick, Kato not one to stop even if the opponent was an even match launched two jabs at Roberts face. Both missed however when Robert took a back step, Robert actually answered the attack with his own and it was 3 point punch combo hitting the face, sternum, and solar plexus. It did the trick too since Kato was gasping for air. Kato was quick to fall and get up and once he did so he knew from that point on that Gellin was not to be underestimated. Kato then adopted the horse stance and beckoned Gellin to attack him, now Gellin was not one to back down and he knew he could win if he could just keep Kato off balance. So seeing the invitation he went forward, once he was in range he jumped up and launched a flying straight to Kato's head. Kato blocked and caught the kick by using a crescent block; he followed it up by taking hold of the extended leg. Kato then stood up straight with a panicked Gellin in tow. He then proceeded to throw Gellin across the ring into the wall of the arena. Gellin now severely winded and shocked at how quickly the tide of the fight had changed. Gellin was interrupted from his musings and was just barely able to dodge a hammer fist to the head. Seeing the attack miss Robert let loose a straight kick to the body knocking Kato back a few feet. He then smiled at the outcome of his attack.

Seeing he had just lost his advantage Kato said to himself

(How could I have let that happen, well what does it matter. As the old saying goes "You win some, and you lose some") Looking at his opponent he decided to engage in a slug fest, so he jumped up and clear to the area Robert was preparing to move from. Gellin was in surprise at Kato and his resistance, and he also saw that whatever happened next would destroy the chance to move on for one of them and it was not just this arena.

"So you want to just end this the old fashioned way?" asked Kato suddenly

"Sure why not on the count of three deal?" replied Robert

"Sure."

And so it began both fighters getting in their most powerful stances and launched themselves at each other with reckless abandon. Kato used several different combinations which were proving to be quite effective. Robert deflected what he could while at the same time landing strikes of his own but it was clear who was going to win. Kato seeing that Gellin was losing ground and showing signs of exhaustion launched a precise Right Karate straight to Gellins' sternum. He then spun around launching a low round his kick to Gellin precisely on his ankle effectively snapping it perfectly.

Gellin for his part was in extreme pain and was having a fit; he screamed and fell to the ground writhing in pain. Before Gellin knew it he was passed out with pinch to the pressure point in neck. Kato then backed off slowly waiting for the official to call the match. Once he got his confirmation he walked away ignoring the huge scream of the crowd. He knew now the real fight was going to take everything he had, and more importantly he needed to be prepared for Retsu Kaioh.

(Back in the Fighters Lounge)

Doppo Orochi stood next to his son Katsumi watching Kato; they normally would have been in his corner but decided against so as to not put any pressure on him. Seeing the end result made the two proud of him, they also knew however that anyone fighting Retsu Kaioh was sure to need more than just skill, you would also need experience and strength. Looking over they saw Blade sitting next to an old acquaintance and teacher he had back in Japan as a child. It was none other than Shibukawa whom he met while he was training in Judo with his grandparents; Judo was something Shibukawa was a master of as well. Shibukawa taught Blade Aikido and even Jujitsu for a while and he made it a point to continue learning from him during the time he spent home in Japan. He smiled Sitting down next to the elderly warrior saying

"I am glad to see you again old timer, you really haven't changed a bit. I am glad you are in the tournament though, you can prove what your skills are really about."

"Thank you Blade I would like to say your mother would be proud to know you are here. She was a once in a life time martial artist. By the way how is your Aikido and Jujitsu mastery come along?"

"I won't say how, but I will say it might surprise you."

"Ah spoken like a true warrior, never revealing your skills, limitations, or strength increase."

"I learned from the best in the world and I am proud to have you as one of them. Now if you will excuse me I must check out the competition a bit more."

Blade bowed respectfully and walked out to the arena to witness the next fight which was Hanayama Kaoru against Inagaki Shinji. Inagaki Shinji was a Japanese Kenpo master, and he was the greatest striker in the history of the art. He was about 5'9 and 185 lbs. and he wore the traditional Kenpo uniform which quite similar to a Karate and Judo Gi. He wore his hair in a superman like style and was a very handsome man if the women in the stands had anything to say about it.

Across from him was Hanayama Kaoru and he was a mountain of a man. He had a scarred face and stood at 7'1 tall and weighed 295 lbs. he had on a white suit with a purple undershirt. He was covered in tattoos underneath and wore a cold stare; he looked at his opponent and removed his jacket. He then saw Inagaki pull out a helmet with a face mask then Inagaki spoke to him saying

"You might want to wear this, since you will be wishing you had once I hit you."

Hanayama simply took the helmet and crushed it into a ball and handed it back to him. Hanayama then pulled out of all things a katana and handed it to Inagaki Shinji, who after taking it broke it with a swift slashing strike in the middle thus destroying it.

With the theatrics over the two began toward their respective corners and the fight was on. The two stared at each other with a calculating gaze; Inagaki was the first to act and attacked without a miss, nailing Hanayama dead in the nose. Hanayama did not even flinch and grabbed Inagaki by the arm and started squeezing it until it was about to burst. Or so he thought, Inagaki quickly launched a devastating strike to Hanayama's throat making him let go. He then proceeded to hit him in the stomach 8 times in a bullet like manner; he was stopped quickly however and punched so hard in the chest that he flew across the ring. Before he realized what had happened Hanayama was upon him and started stomping him, Inagaki managed to escape but was rewarded with surprisingly a Muay Thai High kick followed a by a powerful Karate Straight to the chest. The latter connected so hard that it broke Inagaki's spine, Inagaki was now effectively beaten. They declared Hanayama the victor and he walked off, he so stopped however when he heard the call of his name suddenly, it was Inagaki and he was in tears.

Hanayama looked at Inagaki as he was now standing over him. Hanayama actually knelt down and took his hand and asked him respectfully

"What is it Inagaki?"

"Finish me please, I have no need to go forward I am just as helpless as a newborn now, it would be better to just die."

"Why die now, they may be able to save you. And you sound like a coward, why fall as low as to give your life away so easily. Call a stretcher and fix the man as best as you can." Hanayama said to the now waiting nurses and doctors. Inagaki would no doubt live but he rehab would take much time, the crowd was pleased with the way the fight was handled and how respectful Hanayama was of encouraging a one-time opponent.

Taking his leave Hanayama walked off, he was met by Blade and Baki who had just arrived not too long after the fight started. Baki said to the giant Yakuza

"Good job Kaoru, I see you still got it. Just make sure you are ready for me if we meet in the arena down the line."

Hanayama cracked a smile and then looked at Blade who said.

"I would like to say the same and even commend you for helping an opponent keep his fighting spirit. It was as if you understood him a bit more than you let on."

"Maybe I did." He said with a slight look to the ground, but he regained his cold demeanor and walked away without a word.

Blade decided to stay and simply watch the next match since he had a vested interest in the two warriors. One because he was a renowned wrestler who was once a student of the great Bill Riley, and the other fighter had him interested, so as to see if he was really as good as his arrogance claimed him to be. And finally he wanted to see how the Ace of Karate differed from his father.

Blade looked on in silence as the announcer was preparing to call the two very different warriors to the grand stage. And man was he getting excited.