Strongest

'Are you really the best swordsman in Japan?'

It was as pointless as asking if the world was flat. Still, maybe it offered comfort to have someone ask the question rather than assume that he was indeed, the best swordsman Japan has to offer.

'There was always someone better.'

'Then how come they all say you're the strongest?'

'It's not always a good thing to be the strongest.'

'I want to be the best.'

-

'You want it? Then come take it.' He smugly said, his friends grinning at me. The wooden frog enclosed in his chubby fingers.

I aimed for his face but he was fast. He ducked and a knuckle hit my stomach and left me grasping for air. They laughed. I was outnumbered. I took another shot and aimed for his face. He was taken by surprise and soon my fist broke his nose. He was thrown on the ground, his friends frantically checking his bloody nose.

'Give it back to me.' I panted. They looked at me and I knew right then that I would stand no chance against all of them.

'You're going to pay for that.' Somebody said as they lunged towards me. They punched and they kicked and they beat me. There was pain and I really wanted to cry. I was almost unconscious when I felt somebody lift me up and that the stranger smelled of stale smoke.

--

I woke up the next day wishing immediately to sleep again. The pain was everywhere, my shoulders, my face, my stomach.

'This is what you get for not listening to me.'

'kasaan's harsh voice betrayed her true intentions as she gently helped me sit up.

'I'm sorry.'

'It's a good thing Saitoh-san was passing by.'

'Saitoh-san?'

'A friend.'

--

I found him sitting outside. His pose radiated arrogance and confidence. I knew immediately that he wasn't someone who'd play with the kids and give them free chocolates.

'What do you want?' the cigarette dangling on his mouth.

'Are you here to take 'tousan away?'

'How old are you boy?'

'Eight. Where is he going?'

'You ask too much for your age.'

'You smoke too much for you age.'

'And how would you know that?' he snorted. He looked powerful in his policeman uniform.

'You are your father's son.'

'Somebody needs help and your father is the only one who can save that person.' He said and stood up crashing his cigarette with his shoe.

Help. But we needed help too. 'Ka-saan the most. Why won't he help us too then?

'Will this person die?'

'He will.'

'Can you bring tousan back?'

'No.'

His answer was flat. He offered not even a hint of emotion as he casually lit another cigarette. He looked powerful and I didn't want to believe everything he says.

'You look strong.' I commented looking at his sword.

'I am strong.'

'Then you can bring him back.'

He finally looked into my direction. For a moment I thought he was going to say yes, but his answer was all but familiar. A simple –

'No.'

--