The Gate to Kisho

Chapter 2

Fuyu and Zato

"Perfect," the figure on the roof whispered, causing Fuyu to suddenly twirl around. Before a second could pass, he flung a dagger up.

The new figure stepped to the side with a chuckle, saying, "Easy there. I ain't here to kill you… and it doesn't seem like that'd happen to me with that aim of yours. How 'bout we start with a respectful introduction to each other."

Fuyu put up no emotion and replied, "Pleasure to meet you." The person confronting him suddenly grabbed his own arm in pain as a cut finally formed upon his skin. "What was that you said about my aim? Worry 'bout yourself before you come after me." Fuyu turned back around and continued walking away.

"Hold on!" the same guy cried.

Fuyu stopped with a groan and faced him again. "What a pest," he started. "You should be dead by now."

"Fortunately my body was able to remove the poison before things got too serious. But I've gotta say, it was a bit ticklish." That ticked Fuyu off.

"Are you mocking me?!? Maybe my aim was a bit off… that poison would've spread through your body completely by now."

"It's alright, Fuyu. I told you, I ain't here to fight. Back to introductions, I'm Zato… Zato Alba!"

"Does it look like I care who you are. People like you annoy me, but I'll give you a chance. Go away and you won't die."

"Wanna join my crew?" Zato asked, stunning Fuyu, who responded with a quick no. "Come on! You're the perfect swordsman. Your reputation is perfect…"

Fuyu's eyes bulged with his rage, but he kept himself calm and flickered behind Zato. "For someone knowing my reputation, you don't deserve to live." Zato gasped at the sight of the same poison dagger coming from behind.

Upon being positive about the fact that Zato was finished, Fuyu pulled the blade out and hid it beneath his cloak. "Fool. You could've clung onto your life."

"Are you talking to me?" Zato asked. Fuyu exploded and grabbed the young male by the throat.

"Idiot… you survived a direct hit. What the hell is going on?" Fuyu hissed. "There's no way you could've lived after the poison was injected. You aren't an ordinary child… tell me who you are."

Zato's face turned purple as he struggled to break free of Fuyu's tight grip. "I already told you…" he cackled. "Zato… Alba… join my crew… we're both strong."

"How the hell are you living after the poison has spread?" Fuyu hissed again.

Zato made an attempt to break free by bringing his leg up, but Fuyu put a stop to it by holding his sword out. "Answer my question or I'll behead you."

"Wait!" Zato cried once more. "Resolution… give me a challenge to do and I'll do it. If I succeed, then you join my crew. If not, I'll never talk to you again."

The grip on the sword was loosened and brought back to his sheath. "Insolent…" he started. 'Wait. If he was able to live after taking a direct hit, then he must have some special power. And since those marines are in my way, I guess I'll test his strength. Perhaps he can serve as a diversion in my plan.'

"Alright, then I'll keep a deal with you. If you can destroy the major Marine Base of Rogueport, then I'll join your crew."

Zato's eyes suddenly bulged, and he took a step back. "Destroy it? But why?"

Fuyu shrugged his shoulders and started, "Don't tell me this braggart I stumbled upon is backing down from a challenge."

Zato gulped, nodding at the same time. "What are you talking about! I'm not backing down. Destroy a marine base. A piece of cake. I'll have them crushed in a second."

Zato leaped off the bar and dashed down the road, away from List Point and towards his new destination – Rogueport. Fuyu stretched for a moment and followed Zato slowly down the road, grinning as a plan came together.