Author Notes: I do not own "The Loud House" or "Kengan Ashura/Omeg"
Check out Mr ChubbySnorlax619 story, "The Loud House: Bad Luck Brawler". It is a good story.
Now, onto the chapter!
Ch. 6 New Beginnings and the Power Gap…
XXX
The Inside, The Next Morning…
Dawn broke and some creatures stir awake to begin their day.
The new day brought new changes, and a desire for more. This was the day a student would leave his master, to search for higher strength and understanding!
"It took longer than I though to see this day." Taira Genzan spoke up, facing his bandage and healing student. A student who he had trained and develop over a decade from novice to a masterful fighter. Still, given what happen last night…Perhaps not quite a master. Time and experience would remedy that in the end. Shion announced his intentions last night as he bandages his wounds and gather his few worldly possessions in a backpack over his shoulders.
Shion had bandages over his nose, a black eye on his left, and split lip on left side. He should guard his left side better, Genzan thought. There was bandage around his forehead and some bandages around his torso, that could not be seen under his cloths. Shion forearms developed nasty bruises and he almost seem unsteady on his own legs.
Shion right eye that was unswollen and not blacken, sparked with a new resolve that Taira Genzan had not seen in a long time with his first student.
His student would heal fast and dace his next set challenges head on.
A resolve…to grow stronger!
"I need to change…I keep looking back to who I was…Any other way of living seems pointless now that I developed an actual talent. Fighting is my only way of life now." Shion responded back to his Master. He felt his insides were unsteady and decided to breath more controlled manner to calm himself. He was nervous, but ready for what is to come.
Shion would be on his own, unsure what the future would bring and without any form of support he would know of.
"You should have left a couple years ago. I was beginning to think I die of old age before you left out into the world." It was playful joke of Genzan had for his student. Probably his most prized student. Taira Genzan did not know how well of teacher he was and Shion did not know how well of student he would become, but the end results came out better for the both of them.
Kiryu was not here to say his goodbye. Kiryu had a new routine of vanishing at unpredictable times and coming back later, but Kiryu never skip a day of training. He just made up for it later whenever he could- day, night, rain, snow, heat or anything; would not stop those that practice the Koei Style.
Except…
"He is going to kill you, Sensei-Ganzan. One of these days, Kiryu will no longer find use for you." Shion spoke truth, not out of bitterness or uncertainty. It was fact that Kiryu Setsuna was using Shion and Taira Genzan, but…they did not care.
Kiryu was close to both of them and they did not know what to do when someone close to them potential plotting to kill them, if they were no longer useful to Kiryu growth as fighter.
They could kill Kiryu, but neither wanted to do that. Time, practice and bonds were built over years of knowing each other. It was almost sinful to think of killing Kiryu, even if the mad-genius was out to kill them.
It just was not in Taira Genzan or Shion character to kill Kiryu.
They're life style expected death, so they would expect Kiryu Setsuna to kill them one day.
Everyone or anyone would die eventual, it just depends on the road they lead in life and how they accept it. This was something more accepted around Fighters and Killers around the world.
They were loyal to the Koei Style and Kiryu was one who practice the Koei Style.
The Koei Style future were in Shion and Kiryu hands now.
"It will come that eventually. I plan to take myself and Kiryu to the Death Fights, for more experience and development. After that, I do not care. I gave Kiryu the tools he needs to survive in exchange for him passing the Koei Style to him." Genzan future plans were set in motion. He honestly did not care. Kiryu Setsuna and Shion would carry on the Koei Style. After what happen last night, specifically with how Shion gained so much damage, Genzan asked his senior student how could he allow himself to be knocked unconscious by Kiryu? Shion, told the full story and there was a bit of regret. Regret for killing Shion friend. Regret for going straight for the kill and not experiencing this Niko Style fight. Regret that Genzan did not ask Kiryu what happen that night…It remind Genzan that no matter how old he got, he could be impatient as he was in his youth and his obsession over the revival of the Koei Style gave him tunnel vision and poor judgement at times.
Taira Genzan hope that in the future, Kiryu and Shion would not fight each other…to the death.
It bothered Taira Genzan what Shion part of his story was, but there was no point in mourning the death of someone who he already killed. What was done, was done. Taira Genzan could not take it back or correct his mistake. They just have to live with the choices that were made.
Niko Tokita was dead and his blood was on his hands. Taira Genzan knew that Niko student would seek retribution, with himself or his student.
Taira Genzan made a commitment to train Kiryu and it would be mistake not to see what Kiryu could do with his genius potential to develop Koei Style further.
As far as Taira Genzan was concern from last night, he got better results. Shion seem to have changed after Kiryu beating him down and knocked him out. While it was not a traditional defeat, Kiryu beat Shion unconscious and Genzan knew that Shion would not let that go. A moment of weakness and lack of improvement would inspire any true warrior to grow stronger. Being vulnerable and at the mercy of opponent or enemy, would mean death. All three users of Koei Style would not accept death easily and would learn from their mistakes.
"Huh? I guess your plans are set. I was going to see this friend of yours, Kuroki Gensai. Maybe pick his brain or get used to the odd idea that my Master actually had friend outside of his students!" Shion could not help, but chuckle. It was not mean spirited or anything.
"Oh? Are you going train under the Kaiwan Style, and abandon the Koei Style?" This was Genzan playful retorted, which caused Shion to chuckle more
Neither would ever abandon the Koei Style. The practice, sacrifice of family, friends, love ones, time and any worldly connections were gone to these men. All they had to their identity was Koei Style and they would live to show their results. It was testament of how far they gone and train to develop this forgotten Martial Art and revive skill back to these current times.
They would show…their strength and be recognized by their peers and enemies!
"Take this to Kuroki, but do not read this…" Master Genzan handed a letter envelope to Shion hand, which his student looked at and nodded . Genzan knew that Shion was dutiful student and would follow his masters wishes.
A wind passed by master and student, nothing more needed to be said and so both of them turned opposite direction. Taira Genzan went back to his camp and got ready for usual ritualistic style of training for the Koei Style, while Shion…
…he left The Inside and went out into the world that was the Outside!
XXX
A few days later- Japan, Island of Okinawa…
Okinawa, part of the Ryukyu Islands chain, has a sub-tropical climate. The people were unique nicknamed, the Land of the Immortals, because for known history of this Ryukyu people, had longer lifespan. Most neighboring countries have influenced Okinawa in some shape or form throughout the Island existence. The major country that influences the Island of Okinawa were Japan and China; blending in a unique culture and dialect that made Okinawa develop a unique style of blend from both cultures.
The Ryukyu Kingdom had unique Martial Art called, Ryukyu Kempo or in lame men term of Ryukyu Karate.
According to ancient Okinawan legend, Karate had its beginnings in India with a Buddhist monk named Daruma. Tradition says that Daruma traveled across the Himalayan Mountains from India to the Shaolin Temple in Honan Province of China. There he began teaching the other monks his philosophies of physical and mental conditioning. Legend has it that his teachings included exercises for maintaining physical strength and self-defense. This same monk known as Bodhidharma in India and as Ta Mo in China, is credited with founding the school of Buddhist philosophy known as "Ch´an" in China and as "Zen" in Japan. The Okinawans believe that the art known as Karate today came from those original teachings of Daruma through an Okinawan who visited or lived for some time in China at the Shaolin Temple. Whether or not this is true, it is obvious that there are similarities in the Okinawan art of Karate, the language and martial arts originate from China. Further, it be must assume that the Karate of Okinawa developed from trial and error of fighting experiences into a different and unique martial art
Karate was developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom prior to its 19th-century annexation by Japan. It was brought to the Japanese mainland in the early 20th century during a time of cultural exchanges between the Japanese and the Ryukyuans.
There were many masters and legends of the famed Ryukyu Karate; but an unknown and solitary man was famous for his unique brand of Karate called the Kaiwan Style!
Some call this man a Devil, but others acknowledge his wisdom and dedication to his Martial Art. The Underground world has encountered this man known as, The Devil Lance, for his skills in assassination without any use of a weapon. Where it is against other Assassins who develop Martial Arts to kill of their targets or Warriors too crafty/experience to be killed even by famous Assassin groups such as Kure Clan, Inaba Clan, and Mikazuchi Clan renowned in Japans assassins/bodyguards. This man was not breed through generations as a fighter; but through training, skill and dedication to become the very best Fighter he could be of this day and age…
This man was, Kuroki Gensei.
It took Shion a while to find this man and to go over who he would be meet or rather…facing against in a fight!
Shion had to adjust to being back in modern civilization. He had to get rid of his cloths from The Inside and blending into Society by getting street clothes that would help not be too noticable. Shion got himself an orange t-shirt, which was covered by grey sweat-shirt, blue jeans and orange Nike shoes… Besides that, Shion had harder time blending in. He was American by birth and he was not connected to a Military base or clothing. The locals gave him a wary look, but they were surprised that he could speak Japanese even though Okinawa dialect was different and confused Shion. Any money he had, Shion used little as he could besides getting to Okinawa by boat and 'fishing' for location where Gensei was.
It had been a decade since Shion saw so much technology. He even ate restaurant/bar that had TV playing live Heavyweight Champion Boxing Match for the title- Kaolan Wongsawat vs Iron Michael!
The match was interesting. Iron Michael used a Peek-a-Boo technique, unorthodox Boxing Style and strategy. If the fighter uses this technique with gloves, he can bite the gloves tightly to completely protect the chin. In addition, weaving, bobbing and circling, makes the user's defense nearly perfect.
Nearly being the key word…
Kaolan Wongsawat had unbelievable fast Jabs. To call his punch's a Jab seem not completely correct. They were more like Flicker-Jabs or as the commentators/fans dub, Flash. Kaolan performed the technique barrage of quick, sharp Flicker-Jabs, a jab performed with no torque with the arm resting downwards or at a 90° from the waist. Even while being weighed down by a 10oz glove, he is able to fire off 13 of these flicker jabs in a single breath. Shion could follow the jabs on TV, but Shion recognize someone superior speed when he saw Kaolan Flash style of punches. Comparing his own Jabs to Kaolan Flash...
Shion could fire 10 quick Jabs in bare fist, while Kaolon could do 10 jabs weighed down by limits of Professional Boxing rules to use 10oz gloves…Shion knew Kaolon could go faster and seemed unchallenged for Heavyweight Boxer. That rapid successions of Jabs were insanely fast...
Still, Shion mind thoughts were, 'Can I surpass this man with ONE brief strike to stun him to change the rhythm of the fight or do need different strategy to defeat someone like Kaolon Wongswat?'
Iron Michael stayed on the defensive and lost, because he could not escape Kaolon fast and powerful punches.
Kaolan won by KO in the Third Round, only because of Iron Michael surviving so long with the Peek-a-Boo technique.
It was nice short break, before he went back on his own personal mission.
Where Kuroki Gensei housing was off the grid. Coexisting with nature with the harmony to the indoor and outdoor spaces. Gensei compound was not apart of a community or town. It was separated and isolated from the rest, given he vast amount of land to use because he own several arcs of property. Where Gensei property was more in-land then being near the coast, he still had a beautiful view of the coast line. Black roof tiles, with no western doors or fencing of any kind. Kuroki Gensei compound had a dojo separate from another building separate from each other; but Shion could tell it was very spartan without much man-made decoration or ornaments…That would not be entirely correct.
Mu Ren Zhuang's or Wing-Chu Dummies, seem to be similar to lawn decoration of Kuroki Gensei compound. The wooden 'arms' and 'legs' configuration was worn down or broken. The material they were made of were steel and plastic…not something easily broken, but what disturb Shion were the 'heads'. Most dummies were cylinder in shape with no human features, but the heads looked…carved with human shape blank expression. Carved and practice by someone who develop with years of artistic practice to make more human express. Shion could not identify gender, but the idea some could carve a face into these dummies was exciting and nerve reckon. There about five of them in Gensai front yard. It was rather interesting that to see heads carved instead of impacted.
A knife or hammer. Which was more dangerous in a fight?
They were not the only lawn decoration.
There were boulders in Kuroki Gensai front yard…
Whatever the boulders shape was before, transformed into various types of Eastern deities. Various Deva's from Hinduism were made from boulders, sculpted by expert artisan. Some the Deva's he could not identified, but were so artistical sculpted…they stunned Shion by how detailed they were. He was not religious person, but Shion could identify three- Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Again, Shion did not know much about religion; but most of Asia countries are influence by India and echo their culture through the ages…So was Kuroki Gensai apparently. Either by philosophy, religious or artistic interest. Speaking of art, Shion could tell that no common tools was used to create these artistic marvels, so that left…Kuroki Gensai using his own hands for these sculptures. Shion heard rumors of Chinese Kempo Masters and Grand Masters using their hands to shape Boulders into perfect Sphere's, but the sculptures at Kuroki Gensai compound indicated a level of mastery and obsession beyond possible legends and rumors…
If Kuroki Gensai sculptures spoke any volumes of how strong he was, this was going to be a dangerous fight Shion was heading in…then he-
Shion shook his head and started to head his way to Dojo part of Kuroki Gensei compound.
Nothing mattered about 'what if's?'…It was time of action and seeing how far Shion had come with his training…
Shion need to push himself to make himself stronger or…die. He would not accept any middle ground.
If Shion had a Religion, then it was to Koei Style and dedication to the Martial Arts. His body, experience and mind would decide if he was truly a Master at Koei Style or just a novice who had no clue what a Master level of Martial Arts was.
XXX
There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself. - Miyamoto Musashi
That quote was one of various books of people that Kuroki Gensai studied and understood the meaning behind. Miyamoto Musashi was someone that any Philosopher and Fighter, dedicate their very life to truly understand those minds or follow the path of the Martial Artist should learn from and understand. If you are Warrior or not, there were wells of wisdom of information that one should hear or read from Miyamoto Musashi and other great figures in history.
Today, he was doing same routine he has been various weeks since his last job…
Training!
A true Master never stops at training, from the basics to the advance techniques. His whole life showed the dedication to Kaiwan Style, but he never truly considers himself a Master. He always felt that he was too…green. Was it insanity or obsession that drove Kuroki to continue this mind set? No. It just that he had tasted too much of…victory lately. His name has grown to point of prominence within the Underground. He was becoming so powerful Cooperation's around, Assassins and Military knew his other name and wanted his service from time to time. The Devil Lance they called them, but he did not really care for that name.
The Kaiwan Style was an Assassination Martial Art, which required dedication and sacrifice.
His mentor, Shimochi Kazufumi, gave him a great sense of purpose and he has no regrets on the path of life he took. Gensai trained and conditioned both his mind and body in his pursuit of mastering the assassination art. He was proficient as Martial Artist and as an Assassin.
To become strong in the body was both easy and difficult. Kuroki was in his mid-40s, where most Fighters slip out of there prime and most seasoned Assassins would consider lucky to have live this long in their line of work. Nothing about being an Assassin was easy. Still, what made his body strong was practice, training and dieting that help maintain his body. To others that might be difficult. To Gensai, it was easy. Routine and constant forms of exercise was natural for most people living on Okinawa. Perhaps the culture and genetics helped Gensai develop his strong body, but his desires to be strong far surpassed the rational norm of being strong even by the other Martial Artist's or Assassin's.
The Mind…was very abstract way to improve one's capabilities. Whenever he was not training and resting his body, Kuoki had to grow his mind and expand past the norms of fighter/assassin. In many ways, by training his Mind, Gensai broke limits of the physical restraints of his body to achieve higher ability. As soon as he was done training, he read various books and practice his socializing/communication with people around him. Given his main source of income was an Assassin, being business wise and having a way to talk with his clients help his business…It just that it surprised Gensai how well connected he became with various powerful people in the world. Some he helped develop the foundation through their business endeavors hanged on Gensai winning a fight or killing the right people. Meditation to continue his Martial Art training and developing his training past opponents with Astral Projection. Most assume Astral Projection was used for an intentional out-of-body experience that assumes the existence of a soul called an "astral body" that is separate from the physical body and capable of travelling outside it throughout the universe. What Gensai did, was replay past fights and even went further by pushing his mind to further impossible scenarios where he could push his Foresight to see multiple steps ahead. He did not waste his time by sleeping. Gensai trained in his mind through meditation and replay fights over and over in his mind on scenarios with his opponents. It been almost twenty years since he actually had normal sleep and his mind had not suffer from his training with Astral Projection to go through three or four fight scenarios in past and possible fighters in the future he might face.
Because of that last part of training in his mind, he was able to overcome Mikazuchi Clan use of their Raishin Style and killed Sei Mikazuchi over certain Assassination Contract that employer would pay double the amount for the best Assassin to kill the target, he and Sei Mikazuchi prove who was the better fighter and assassin before they went to go kill their target.
The fact he alive and had reputation to rival the Kure Clan members professional and fierce reputation, spoke of Kuroki right to live and strive to become stronger than he was currently.
That did not mean Gensai was the only person to ever done so.
The world around in both the Public and Underground had individuals strive to become the Strongest!
This idea broke cultural barriers with the fighters searching for strength. In a way, the desire for strength was what connected humanity Warrior spirit.
He already went through daily ritual of hand conditioning and weight training outside in his backyard, and now he was going through walkthrough all his Karateka kata techniques in his dojo…
…when he got unwanted and unexpected visitor.
He sensed the young man enter his Compound, given the years of dedication and experience open Gensai awareness to higher normal Assassins or Fighters. Not omnipotence, but just something Gensai could feel or use the 6-Senses of his body to spread his awareness. From the way the young man carried himself, he was not a normal young man. A fighter and most likely a killer. Shampoo, deodoerate, and sea salt is what the young man smelt of. The way the young man walked, his steps were so quiet and light that it almost seems to be barely making noise. Even as Gensai focuses on Karateka kata techniques, he saw the young man was foreigner. Either American, Australian, South Africa, European or Russian Federation. The odd thing about the young man was his white hair, which seemed natural. That was rare and odd trait to have, given most young people dye their hair some shocking or unnatural color and people could tell by the roots of the hair. This young man hair was completely white. Still, the young man did not interrupt Gensai training, so he continued.
It was rare to see young man with patience and not interrupt his current training practice, but Gensai could tell that from the young man was analyzing his techniques and fighting style. He was going through a controlled and slow process that was becoming faster as he repeated each technique through several repetitions. To average person and novice fighters, it almost seemed like Kuroki perfected his skills to perfection…But no. Kuroki could not accept this as the height of his potential. He knew that there much more room for improvement.
Given the guarded stoic look and exciting dull gleam in his eyes, this young man was novice fighter and a…killer.
The young man just sat down near the doorway of his Dojo wall and set his bag to side, waiting and watching.
One can only get so much from observation, but it was not bad trait for fighter to develop.
It also spoke volume about young man character.
What this young man could pick up hypothetical scenarios did not mean he could accomplish in practicality. That was something most young people struggled with, even when Kuroki himself was at that age.
This young man was sizing Gensai up. When he was finish with going through his exercise, he spoke up.
"What do you want, boy? I do no appreciate trespassers." Being stern and blunt was how Gensai would address this stranger. Whoever his intruder was, he did not register as threat to Kuroki. The young man projected strength and confidence, but that was follies of youth. Something that Kuroki overcome decades ago.
The young man freckled faced seem be stoic, but then had a slight smile.
"A fight, with what I heard was the best in the Underground and at the top of power, currently. Just seeing you practice already gets my blood pumping and makes me wonder...Can I defeat you?" Fluent Japanese came out the young man mouth. It was surprising, but appreciative effort it took to learn another language. Gensai knew many languages already to help build up his connection with clients around the world.
The young man was about height 183 cm (6'0 ft) and weigh 77 kg (170lbs). He was wearing normal cloths with orange jacket and blue jeans. His shoes were taken off…but Gensai notice his feet were scars, calcification and were bright red feet. The same could be said about the young man hands were full of scars, calcification and red pigmentation from scars over scars. Calcification was there, but those hands and feet had telling signs of conditioning in Martial Arts that went beyond the standard norm of Modern Martial Arts. Results from Hand and Feet conditioning to be stronger than normal human muscles and bones in the human body. His build suggested a fighter that was based on Speed and Strength. His hands and feet suggested beyond durable and high pain tolerance most fighters could ever have, unless gifted by Divine Heavens or by certain bloodlines.
This young man, was beyond a novice fighter.
"Do you know who I am, boy?" He was testing him to see if he was truly green or knowledge about his person.
"I know you are called the Devil Lance. You're a genius and hard worker. That your Martial Art you dedicate yourself is Karateka, but your true style is an Assassination Martial Art called Kaiwan Style. All I heard from someone I consider very strong and had only respect for you when he mentions your name. Someone who could show me something…"
"Show you what, boy?" Gensai replied, his own curiosity peaking. This young man knew who he was and that someone talked about him a lot. Someone that knew Gensai personally.
"…The gap of power. I need to know how far I still need to go and where I stack against one of the very best." This young man had smile on his face. Speaking truth and resolve within himself. His body was relaxed, but alert. It almost seems like this young man understood the volume of what challenge he could face against Gensai. It something most Martial Artist struggle with given their overconfidence in their skills, but Gensai could see in this young man eyes, that he knew how dangerous Kuroki Gensai was and still found courage to fight him. That his young man…he was a killer. A killer that did not enjoy killing, but could kill. Just by the look in the young man eyes and aura. It was deadly projection of power, but his body held regret. That this young man knew he was not strongest around, but need to know where to start improving his skills or…should he just give up and die.
Yes. That is what the sparkle of excitement within those dull blue eyes spoke to Gensai. Something this young man had in common with most would-be warriors…
…a desire for a fight!
Life or death. It did not matter. That is what Gensai could feel from this young man eyes.
Such foolishness.
"There are only two kinds of people that I kill: those with no rights to live and warrior's worth fighting with life on the line. Do you understand what I am telling you?" By saying this, Gensai was testing the boy spirit and mind. Many young people never understood the gravity of putting their life on the line…But this might not be the case with this young man.
"I probably killed more people that had more of right to live than I do, but I want to know if I truly accomplished something that crushed so many lives, dreams and possibilities. A family I still have and yet never seen in a decade, I did not let them know I am alive…That my dedication to fighting and killing…that my sacrifices or people lives I killed, mattered and was worth everything I did to that point." There was honesty and regret spoke from the young man, addressing Gensai. Whoever this young man was, he had some regret for killing. Probably suffering from Survivors Guilt. Still, he recognizes rights of other living beings to live and dedicated himself to Fighting and Killing. Not mad dog or crazy person…More like wounded Warrior searching for more strength and meaning in his life.
Someone that probably needs to learn restraint as well.
"Do you to do this here or outside?" Gensai did not care, but he offered possibility. He was not person to talk someone out fight, but to show through his actions and show true strength to his opponents.
How this young man will fight, will decide if he lives or dies.
It did not seem to matter to this young man. Just the fight and this moment.
"Outside. It a nice day, with cool breeze and passing clouds. It beautiful out there." With that said the young man turned to leave his dojo entrance, not taking his rough bag or shoes.
"I would know your name, before we begin the fight, boy." It was curtesy he could give the young man. He was never challenged by fighters who came after him. Not anymore. Mostly, Gensai was challenged by fighters and assassins when he was on Missions.
It took courage of fighting someone they might not win against or…perhaps even crazy.
That caused the young man to pause and looked surprised, his stoic face broke before he smiled and his freckled cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
"Oh! Sorry. I'm still being rude. My name Shion. Do you want me to call you Devil Lance or-"
"Gensai. Kuroki Gensai. Now let's gets this small interruption to my day over with." With that, Gensai followed this young man, to see what type of fight and see if this would be challenge.
XXX
Two warriors face off for combat!
The only audience being carved Stone Statues of Devas and abused Winged-Chun Dummies, to watch this battle take place.
Both fighters were around ten meters away from each other, Kuroki Gensai in his Karateka stance and Shion in his amateur Boxers. Each fighter already getting the measure of the other and sending out a pressure of their intent to attack. Anticipating and planning moves ahead of the other. To normal person, the pressure would be suffocating and trigger a flight response. To fighters, this would trigger eagerness to join the battle or observation of strength/weakness.
The fighters have not moved and waited for a signal for the start of their fight.
Wind blew across the compound yard that kicked up dust between the fighters and…Shion closed the gap between himself and Kuroki!
Just as Shion closed in, fists were fighting a blurring motion and both men were avoiding or blocking each other strikes! Shion could only throw a flurry of fast Jabs with his heavy fist, but Kuroki would block and returned with his own punches. Each fighter barely landing a blow, but leaving gashes and cuts in the other. Kuroki upper black gi had small cuts and his skin received similar damage with small wounds, but Shion received twice as many with his grey sweat-shirt cutting open and landing hits around his arms to his torso. Any head hits from either fighter were avoided and more serious damage to torso as well, but it was clear who was dominating the fight…
Kuroki Gensai!
Shion may have speed and youth on his side, but was no match for Kuroki Gensai! Decades of training and his mastery Foresight, making Kuroki seem superhuman to figure out the patterns of his opponents. Of course, Shion was adjusting Kuroki level of speed when fighting to keep up with the Devil Lance.
Just as Shion threw his left Jab, Kuroki seized an opportunity to show this green horn the difference in their capabilities!
Kuroki fingers of his right hand grasped Shion left forearm and pulled Shion body to meet with devastating straight left punch to torso only for Kruoki to blink-
The Devil Lance eyebrows rose slightly, because in his left hand was only a grey sweat-jacket and his opponent loud orange t-shirt to be seen. Kuroki knew this young man was fast to clear the distance 10 yards in 1.5 second, but to retreat faster from a moment of blinking was incredibly fast and…familiar.
"Wise move. Your cautious. You have been getting the measure of my fighting ability, while I did the same for you. I am sure you notice that you will never be able land fatal hit on me amateur fighting style, because you clearly not a Professional Boxer or have any style outside that beginner's stance. Deceiving me with that Fighting Style is good way to get the drop on weaker and inexperience opponents, but against experienced and veteran fighters it is useless. If you truly want to fight, stop wasting my time and show me what your truly are capable of!" Strong, but stern voice of The Devil Lance was heard by Shion.
Shion raised his eyebrow and then began to get out of his Boxing stance and adjusting into what seemed to be a formless stance. His arms left his basic Boxing stance and his hands hanged to the side, relax and his body seem to lose the tension even with bruises blossoming from light taps from the Devil Lance that he avoid where shallow cuts of blood seeped out of.
Gensai narrowed his eyes. It might be different person, but that stance was familiar and the way Shion controlled/relax his body show a striking familiarity…Shion was Taira Genzan student. Even if Gensai never showed much emotion, he felt some excitement at the prospect of Genzan training a young pupil in his Koei Style and seeing what the potential Shion could bring to this style.
All the Devil Lance did was blink-
Then Shion appear to left side threw a rotating right palm strike at Gensai, just as he blocked with his blocked with his left forearm! Then another rotating left palm strike was blocked! A barrage of rotating palm punches that would devastating to any normal opponent, if Gensai allowed them to land blow on his upper body. Aiming for the shoulders and grasping at the arms, Gensai would not allow that was easily seeing barrage form a pattern and sweat begin to drip of Shion body, along with laboring breathing. Blink-
Shion tried to appear behind Gensai, but the Devil Lance spin on the foot that carried most of his weight and kept guard as his other leg drag his foot to make 180 degrees, ready to keep his stance steady. Gensai was ready for attack, but he was unfamiliar with next attack coming at his legs.
A low left kick came, but Gensai saw that Shion develop rotation at front leg! Gensai moved his front leg slight, but the low left kick came at foot supporting his weight. Gensai jumped and-
Swish! Crack! Where Gensai feet were once, the solid ground cracked into unsteady gravel as the low left kick appear to be twisting like drill! Gensai landed on the ground and felt how loose the ground was, but focused on right straight punch at Shion unguarded torso. Shion saw it coming and tried to move back to lessen the blow, but-
Bam! Shion torso took a blow that felt like he was being hit by metal! Air, spit and little bloods came out his mouth that he tried to keep; Gensai hit very hard compared anything he was hit with at this point! It was good and bad, so he had to back off from Gensai!
He tried to regain his bearings and rhythm of recovery, but Shion felt how heavy and hard that punch matched Kuroki Gensai build.
The Devil Lance height was about 185cm(6'1) and weighed 96kg (210lbs). The man was built for endurance and strength. His reflexes were spot-on for his age and his speed was no joke. No, what was worse was how fast the Devil Lance was learning and taking apart Shion fighting styles. Shion was cocky to think he could face the Devil Lance with his Boxing style and Genzan-Sensei had to have used Koei Style against the Devil Lance in the past ecounters. Shion knew he surprised the man and so the Devil Lance retaliated with a simple, but devastating punch. In Professional Boxing terms, Shion was a Light Weight Class and Gensai was Heavyweight Class. If Shion had speed and reflexes to defeat Kuroki, he would have done it by now.
But that was not the case. Kuroki Gensai had…no weakness! This man had no-openings that Shion could exploit!
He never meant someone so guarded and ready to react to his movements, not even his master who he sparred with for years!
There was only two ways to defeat an opponent. One, to think further ahead of his opponent. Not likely going to work…So, that leaves another option.
Two, become more unpredictable and less orthodox in his fighting style so that his opponent could not predict his next set of moves!
Shion wiped his mouth with his left forearm and a sharp smirk came to his mouth, along with a word.
"More." The word desire for more fighting and this new feeling or revelation he was having!
Most of his life, Shion fought to live…Now…A new and exciting idea was bouncing in his mind.
Live to fight! A pleasure and adrenaline that he felt was absent in most of his life, without only training and fighting to give Shion that sensation. When he was young weak boy, he was fighting so he lived. An empty purpose with only his life to hold for value. By fighting Kuroki Gensai, a exciting idea and appreciating of fighting that he had not felt besides his many victories over his dead enemies and spars against Sensei-Genzan or Kiryu could give! In fact, Kiryu gave him a reason to feel guilty for letting his guard down and regret for not fighting Niko Tokita!
Shion felt a fear that he would not reach his true potential, for himself and avoiding any reunion with his family would have been for nothing to show them of the man he has become!
He could have left The Inside after a few years of his training in the Koei Style, with his mastering Blink alone.
But he did not want to bring his issues to his Family. The Lincoln Loud inside him spoke out, 'I want to go back to way things used to be!' But the little boy inside him was naïve and Shion needed to show he grew stronger from this! That he overcame hell and Shion!-…Lincoln could show his family a man that could bring strength to protect himself and have talent in something that was his own set of skills!
Something that Shion can claim he was best in not only Koei Style, but as strongest fighter he could possibly be!
It might be selfish, but Shion would rather fight for several decades before he could face his family and know that it was all worth!
This fight told Shion a revelation! That Shion pushed back in his mind, retaining a bit of Lincoln Loud inside of himself that the little boy in him feared.
A truth that Shion was fully aware of and not weighed down by guilt of killing, losing chances with meeting his love ones and being selfish in his own way!
All his life…only Fighting could truly give Shion a personal meaning and wonderful sensation that nothing else could compare!
The pain, the sacrifice, the achievement and surviving to this point…was all worth it!
Win. Lose. That did not matter!
Just as long as he could feel alive in this fight and actually improve himself further!
"Then come and you shall receive more." Gensai spoke and saw the young man gaining more vigor before his eyes. Most would be discouraged and frustrated, but Shion seem to find happiness and projection of something that Gensai was certain was hope for improvement and overcoming obstacle!
Gensai looked Shion before he Blink-! Shion appeared with his rotating left palm, only to redirect the strike his right forearm! Then Shion appear again with another rotating right arm aimed at Gensai head, only for to tilt his head and graze his hair. The Devil Lance return with knife hand strike to Shion torso- Only for Shion to disappear and retaliate ten flicker jabs from torso to his head and Kuroki had to go in Sanchin stance! It is a defensive kata with origins in Ryukyuan karate, it is said to be the simplest yet the ultimate kata. Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! The blows were heavy and fast, feeling the blows vibrating in his body! Gensai avoided any head blows, but his torso and arms were feeling the blows! Shion was not done yet! His left leg came down low rotating kicking and Gensai had to abandon Sanchin and jump from the drilling low kick aimed at his front left leg!-
Grasp! Gensai was surprised with quick grab of black dogi left sleeve midair by Shion right arm Grasp! Shion left hand under Gensai left armpit to grasp! Shion left foot was under most Kuroki weight, using his left shoulder and threw in a circular motion! The Devil Lance still mid-air, Shion surprise the grizzled master by using a Judo technique, One-Arm Shoulder Throw!
This was another amateur technique that Shion study over the years, given that Judo required sturdy and stronger build to use. That did not deter Shion and would use that his element of surprise! He used that moment when Gensai had to jump to avoid his Rakshasa's Sole and gamble that he could react fast enough under Gensai weight for a throw!
This was Shion perfect opportunity and moment! Using explosive energy and opportunity to throw with all his might!
Time stood still, for what seem to be the Devil Lance down fall to a fight on the ground…
…Still, this did not deter the Devil Lance and in midair used his left leg for kick, similar to a Bicycle Kick! Bam! Crack! Shion left shoulder was hit and the shoulder blade felt rattled and cracked! Gensai used his right arm to stop his plummet to his ground into a one hand stand-spring and flip back into his familiar stance Kaiwan Style. Then before Shion could recover, the Devil Lance delivered a right Sweep Kick! Swish! It was Shion turn to fall, but he used his right arm to catch himself before his feet touched the ground to use Blink!
Shion got back into a ten-meter distance, with his left arm dangling uselessly. His hair shaggy and covering most of his seen face, sticking to his sweat covering from head to toe.
Kuroki Gensai stood ready and spoke out.
"Interesting tactic and unexpected. Boxing and Judo. Not to mention your true style of fighting. Mixing them together to confuse me and not too much of a pause in transition between your shifts in technique, but the pause is what I notice and allowed you to 'throw' me. Your reaction was good and you seized an opportunity to put me on the ground. A difficult thing to do and putting me at a disadvantage on ground with my technique, which could get bloody and messy… for you. You might know Jiu-Jitsu to grapple, choke me out or subdue me.. To bad it did not work. I hope you learn that even when it appears your opponent seems in position of weakness, does not mean they could not return the attack and reverse vulnerable position on you. Do you wish to continue or will you wise-up to surrender and leave?"
The Devil Lance was giving him a way out?
Shion did not know how to feel about that, but one emotion came to mind….
Anger, which Shion showed on his pained face!
"Not yet! More, more and more!" Shion could more! His face was hot and eye wide awake for more of this fight!
All Gensai did was blink- then barrage of attacks came his way! Normally, Gensai would keep his defense up and take or block the attacks until he found his opening to counter-attack his opponent. That was not the case! Shion attack pattern became random and Blink in and out of existence. Shion would strike with right arm using five Jabs to Rakshasa's Palm, without much patterns between switching in and out of a Jab and Rakshasa's Palm. This would not be challenge for Gensai, except for the deadiliest of the Rakshasa's Palm technique and Shion Jabs might have been more powerful than normal boxes, it was nothing to Gensai discipline and training in withstanding and redirecting those jabs. The issue was…Shion use of kicks with his punches! From Low Kicks, Mid-Kicks, Sweep Kicks, and finally a vicious Kick that only seem to be similar to Rakshasa's Palm only with kick-grab variation from his hips to his toes! His opponent was becoming more dangerous and deadlier with his techniques!
Genzan-pupil had much more rotation power to his attacks in his techniques that made it far deadlier than Taira Genzan!
The real problem was the changing in strategy of using Blink from Outside-Fighting into Inside Fighting!
Shion was much more powerful than Genzan, and he was much faster and quicker in terms of reflex's.
Gensai had to actually had no choice, but to retreat slight back to his guard. He already aware of Shion plan to push himself to point of no escape!
"Foolish!" Kuroki Gensai, did not escape anything and could already tell by the surroundings of his environment that Shion was pushing Gensi towards one the boulders he converted into a Statue of the Deva's.
The Devil Lance back right heel touch the boulder of the Deva he carved to be the image of…Shiva!
Shion right cocked back for Rakshasa's Palm, with his left side unguarded!
Stab! Crack! The Devil Lance right hand fingers went into Shion pectoralis minor, which jolted pain in his broken left shoulder and potential- Crack!- most definitely cracked a upper top most rib on his left side!
Swish! Grasp! Kuroki Gensai dodged Rakshasa's Palm with parts of his hair graze and few strains falling and grabbed Shion right forearm. Shion knew, he was screwed! Pain be damned, with Kuroki grasping his hand…but for some reason Shion eyes drifted to the Devil Lance right hand that dig into his left pectoralis minor chest and strange possibilities come to his mind about Rakshasa's Palm…
Could his Rakshasa's Palm use something similar to Kaiwan Style joint hardening technique to make it more powerful?
"You are good, but I no longer humoring you anymore. The disruption to the changes in my training for just being here. This is over-!"
A High Left Kick, cut off the Kuroki speech and Kuroki hand holding Shion left hand felt powerful torque and power breaking from his grasp. Slice! Kuroki hand broke the skin and blood seep out of Shion forearm, but enough to slip out the Devil Lance grasp.
Shion cocked his left bloody forearm hand again, but this time Rakshasa's Palm seemed different! The fingertips became focused twisting striking power, instead of the palm strike! This would already increase more of Rakshasa's Palm with already using 180-degree rotation! With all his might, Shion brought any and all his remining energy in his attack. A attack he came up with just by observing the Kaiwan Style signature move, but had none of the Partial Training to strengthen the joints of his fingers!
"RAAHHH!" a roar cried out from Shion, possible being his last cry of defiance!
Two results came from that moment between the Loud Spiral and the Devil Lance!
Swish! Crack! SHATTER! The Shiva Boulder was by Shion attack, his fingers meeting and breaking under the stone, but enough force to DRILL into the stone and leave a devastating drilling punch into Shiva statue chest! Shion right hand on his fingers were…broken and mangled fingers from that attacking stone boulder and twisting so much torque to his fingers. The Deva was in meditative pose with damage hand that belong, had fracture spiral imprinted into its chest similar to a industrial power drill!
The other result…
Kuroki Gensai dodged low and took out his right hand from Shion left pectoralis minor and blow his hands cocked, before unleashing both fists! Both fists used with only Shion dodged the upper right fist striking at his head, but that was feint for use lower left fist to strike at Shion abdominal muscles. Bam! "Gahh!" Shion gasped losing air, as Kuroki Gensai performed Yamazuki technique!
The Yamazuki technique used Karateka or Karate, hitting someone with a well-placed Yamazuki technique shocks the entire body, preventing someone from being able to continue the fight. Targets of the upper and lower fists can vary, depending on the preference of the user, and the position. This was what Shion was experiencing, given how masterful Kuroki use the technique at the right place at the right time!
Shion was in shock, out of breath, numb and in pain. Like lights flickering on and off, his body was shifting from pain to numbness to pain. The only thing supporting him was the Shiva statue boulder he drilled with his attack and broke his possible most of his joints in his right hand. Shion had no choice, but the lean into the statue and the Devil Lance lower left fist supporting his body
"…Were done here." Gensai got out his stance and away from Shion, then began to walk away.
His was losing balance and his vision was swimming, as Shion recognize what was happening.
Something in Shion had to respond to this, before he blacked out into unconsciousness!
"Gah! W-Wait!" Shion called out, but could not turn or move. Shion was struggling to stay in place with the Deva Statue as his only support. He would lose balance and fall over, but he would not. He would refuse that temptation and command his body for more energy.
"Th-There a l-letter, from my master…he wanted me to give you that…and I will be back to…challenge…you…if…you…do-"The taste of copper, metallic and blood filled his mouth. His vision was swimming and he did not know if Kuroki Gensai heard him or walked away. Strangely, he could not help but smile…
Fighting the living legend that was Kuroki Gensai went as expected-he lost! Shion surprised and landed some blows, but nothing to really slow the Devil Lance down or damage him severely. This man was around Shion sensei age, but was so advance and powerful that it gave Shion hope to become stronger. How or What way? Shion would find out and keep thinking back on this fight.
If the Devil Lance killed him...Shion could live with that. Shion felt all the energy leave him, darkness creeping in and his body was going into shock because he could not fell pain or numbness...
...that was good fight. He was not weak, but not the strongest either.
He wanted to fight more and push himself further, with his revelation of potential furthering the Koei Style today.
Shion had the desire to live, fight, and improve the Koei Style; something he had lost a bit drive recently.
Blackness crept in and Shion body finally collapsed on his right side, before splaying out bruised, broken and bleeding…but smiling.
XXX
If you are reading this, my student has found you. I have not one student, but two. You have been my greatest rival and opponent that I could never defeat in battle. Try as I might and still will as I continue to draw breath... My goal was to develop Koei Style and pass it down to the student to preserve, just as your master did with you with Kaiwan Style, but I only had two techniques to master and past down to my students. Shion, manage to add a third technique and become his own master in the Koei Style. While I do resign myself to the fate of old age and eventual emotional weakness to kill me on battlefield one day, I leave my dreams of continue the Koei Style in Shion and Kiryu Setsuna. I am currently training my youngest and most…troubling student in undisclosed location where fights are still life and death struggle.
Potential, I could be killed by youngest student.
Do not kill him out of revenge…Even if one my students kill me one day. Apart of me lives, as long as they practice and possible pass down the Koei Style to the next generation.
That is my legacy. My students and the Koei Style.
"Determine that today you will overcome yourself of the day before, tomorrow you will win over those of lesser skill, and later you will win over those of greater skill."
"The approach to combat and everyday life should be the same."
Miyamoto Musashi. A great philosopher and warrior we both have studied among other important people that left their mark on the world, but I hope you understand why I bring up this important quote...
I ask that…You aide in Shion attempts to further the Koei Style in anyway you can. Not as student, but possible opportunities and ideas to help further himself in the current times. The way of the warrior is difficult with technology and society norms frowning down on our lifestyle choice, but not gone in these times. Just hiding in the shadows or parade about in public fights. I want Shion to live and fight the way he wants to. He may go far or he may fall short.
What I ask is for you to teach him a trade in understanding the Underground and Assassination.
He is master of Koei Style, but he does dabble in various other Martial Arts to improve himself.
Right now, he is searching for strength and direction.
I ask you to show him a potential way to fight and live his life the way he sees fit to live, give him introduction into Assassination and Underground, to improve his skills.
Your rival and friend,
Taira Genzan
It had been day before he decide to look into his unwanted guest backpack. Besides food, water, a set of cloths, books/Manga's, and finally…the letter.
He sighed at what he was reading. If he knew being friends with Genzan would have one his students challenge him and the same man asking him to help point a path to help his student improve himself...Gensai wonder if having friend was worth the trouble and now put him in a awkward position of mentorship in some form to loser does not dedicate the winner actions. Sure, he could have killed Genzan and Shion, but that would have been wasteful. So young and full of promise, but impatient and deadly. Still, Shion was polite enough for a young man…He just has to restrain himself more with the use Koei Style. That was partial the reason why Kuroki did not kill Genzan student. He recognizes Shion style of fighting, even if it was much deadlier and faster than the predecessor.
Genzan style had much potential as an Assassination Martial Art, but could become something more depending on the Master or Student.
In the end, it was Shion decision.
Kuroki called some emergency medical help and they air-lifted Shion out of his Compound. One of his many personal favors and no questions ask besides some currency exchange hands. He had his influence over the island and around the world. Not many people challenge him these days, but he still had the occasional idea. It also helps not being burden and asking for little in return, besides transportation and potential challenges to overcome.
That was that two days ago, but Kuroki could tell that this was not-
"Hey!" A voice outside called out Kuroki from his home. It was late and dark. Nobody in their right mind would come calling out for Kuroki, except…
Couldn't the young man waited longer to heal before coming to him? Honestly...
The Devil Lance sighed and went outside to see his unwanted visitor.
It was Shion. His left arm in sling with, bandages poking out of his black tank top and his right hand was casted up to straight out his fingers; with medical wrist band around the cast of his right hand. No shoes were on his feet and had blue jeans on.
"Did you get my Master letter? I hope you did, because I still got to give that to you." Shion spoke up, seeing Gensai coming out the door.
"Yes. Come on in boy and sit down.. I only have so much energy left until it time and energy for the remaining before I rest my body."
He knew that he told Genzan he was not much teacher, but Genzan was just asking for aide. Possible tutor for Shion to further himself.
When did that become his problem?
…Oh yeah, since he allows Genzan to live and become friends with fellow grizzled fighter in his life. It was healthy to socialize with his peers, given most Fighters and Killers of his generation have been slowly dying off or becoming reclusive in their age...
His mistake was letting Genzan live. He had to live with it.
Shion just better be able to keep up and not disrupt his training, was the thought of Kuroki Gensai.
XXX
Note: I am going to be adding "Baki the Grappler"/"Baki 2018" to this story. I am not having Shion/Lincoln Loud take part in the Tokyo Dome Underground Fights or meeting Baki Hamna and the main protagonist cast.
There will be some Martial Art Style's and Techniques I want Shion/Lincoln to use and I am taking references from "Baki" series. Check out "Baki" Manga or Anime, created by Keisuke Itagaki.
I am going to have Shion/Lincoln Loud fight some "Baki" Characters, but it is for his development to become a Assassin/Kengan Fighter or reference just as this chapter had with Kaolan Wongsawat, The Thai God of War, having a Boxing Match against a "Baki" character such as Iron Micaheal appearance in this chapter.
There might be delay next month for a chapter update, so expect that. I am just giving my readers, followers and favorites a heads up on that idea. I will keep this story going as long as I have the interest to keep "Kengan Ashura- A Loud Spiral!" going as best as I can. Real life and personal interests in this story will be the deciding factors of when this story will be updated.
Let me know what you guys think of Kuroki Gensai, the Devil Lance vs Shion/Lincoln Loud fight.