Eh after such a long time in absence, here I am again! :D Anyway, I think I'm really gonna enjoy writing this chapter. The reason? Well let's just say that this will be a major shazam for our fave resident Bushin ninja. Enjoy! :)

X X X

Bushin Kaiden

Bushin no Otoko: Chapter 6 – The Destined Path

"Well look, I don't know what you're talking about," said a middle aged woman as Zeku started on his quest for that elusive target, "For all you know, it might be a wild goose chase!"

With those words, the lady went off in a flustered manner. Upon seeing her departing back, Zeku could only sigh in frustration. This was the twentieth person that he had asked for the entire morning and she gave an answer that was no different in nature than the rest. However, Zeku's drive to find his target has never diminish one single bit. In fact every person he had questioned have a common trait: their reaction. Zeku had met different people in his current lifetime and he knew without a doubt that the general populace was trying to hide something in regard to the mysterious boy. However, Zeku knew that it's one thing to know the other person is lying and yet another to find an individual who would be willing to tell him what he wanted. He could have pressured them if he wanted to, but there was no way he would attract unwanted attention to himself.

"Pretty much of a failure in finding what you want, huh?"

Zeku turned his head around slowly to the direction of those words only to see a Chinese man around his late twenties. He narrowed his eyes at the other party as he tried to discern what was this stranger's purpose in saying those words. Without a doubt, Zeku could guess correctly that the Chinese man has been keeping an eye on him all the while.

No wonder I feel that I was being followed all the while even though I didn't sense any malice.

As if he knew what was on Zeku's mind, the stranger grinned in a harmless manner. Yet Zeku could also sense that there was an agenda behind that smile. Zeku continued to keep up his wariness as he walked towards the stranger. Once both parties ended up within touching distance, the Chinese held out his hand for a handshake.

"Liu Wen, a person disillusioned with his own country."

"Zeku, a random fighter looking for a challenge," answered Zeku as he shook Liu Wen's hand.

Liu Wen could only laughed as his next words took Zeku aback.

"Zeku, Zeku, surely you're no random fighter? It will be an honour for me if I can share a drink with a Bushin ninja."

"You know about Bushinryu?" asked Zeku as his eyes narrowed.

"Well of course. Firstly, that kanji on your gi betrayed your identity. Secondly, I do have a good knowledge on the finer aspects in Japanese history you know." smile Liu Wen, "I know something about what you're after. Why not chat over a drink?"

Upon those words, Zeku weighed his options. Quite obviously the Chinese before him was hiding something. But yet given his senses as a Bushin ninja, he couldn't detect any malice from him. After a moment of pause, Zeku chose to believe in his Bushin training as he took up Liu Wen's offer of a drink.

X X X

Around him, Zeku could see photographs of different tattooos adorning the tattoo parlour. He could only marvel at the skill of the artist as he could detect a feeling of awe both for the artist and customer. Liu Wen could only smile as he prepared a bottle of chilled sake on a table with two cushions.

"It seems that you like my work," said Liu Wen as he poured the beverage into two ochoko cups.

"Like will be an understatement. What I'm seeing here is a state of art," answered Zeku as his eyes were fixed onto the different tattoo patterns.

"State of art? Maybe that's truly the case. After all from a practical point of view, the true essence of art can never bring you much money," commented Liu Wen as he sipped his sake.

"Is that so? To me, it seems that you will always have the last say on whether you want service the customer. It's not practical, but at least it shows that you've got a strong backbone," replied Zeku as he sipped his share of the drink.

"You surely know how to treat a guest," smiled Zeku as he knew the exact nature of the drink, "How much does this premium grade stuff cost you? I don't remember Junmai Daiginjo being a cheap sake..."

Liu Wen laughed as he answered Zeku's question, "Junmai Daiginjo does cost a bomb. But I'm not going to tell you the exact answer. Let's just say that I've just bought it a couple of weeks ago. Hopefully we can finish this within two or three hours since the taste will be affected via oxidizing. That's the bad thing about buying the expensive stuff. It tastes better, but it needs to be finished fast as well. I hope you can hold your liquor well."

"Be assured that I have a good alcohol capacity," grinned Zeku, "There's one time where I finished an entire bottle of Honjozo all by myself when I was just thirteen, so that really says a lot."

"It's pretty strange, isn't it?" sighed Liu Wen as he drained his cup and poured out some more sake, "I've never interact much with people, but I just feel that we can be good friends given time. Pretty much ironic given the fact that I'm just asking you to strike a bargain with me."

"I should have known," said Zeku as his expression turned serious, "What is it that you're after?"

"Very simple," said Liu Wen as his smile disappeared, "Let me just ask you this question: By seeking the boy, are you trying find a heir to the Ninjutsu clan?"

"It seems that you know quite a bit on Bushinryu."

"I did say that I understood the finer parts of Japanese history. At least I do have an idea on how the system works between the Ninjutsu and Ninpou clans."

Upon those words, Zeku paused. Apparently, Liu Wen didn't knoe the exact truth behind the search. But yet he knew that he couldn't let the Chinese man know about his intentions. If the word of truth got leaked one way or another, there would definitely be unwanted trouble brewing especially since he knew that the inhumane anomaly was already at work. He knew that he had to lie to that one person who treated him as a close friend despite having just met. He felt guilty, but yet he knew that it's necessary.

"Yes I'm searching for the heir to the Ninjutsu clan. What is it that you will want from that child?" asked Zeku.

"Firstly, I'll have to say that I'm not born in this country although you would have knew it," said Liu Wen in a sombre tone, "My place of birth is actually China. Now you'll be wondering why I've ended up here. It's not a case of coming here for a future. Rather if you have a knowledge on that country, you would understand that corruption is extremely rampant there.

"Ever since China opened up it's borders to the world, the economy has gone on the upward curve. But that has also caused a certain gap between the rich and poor. I can assure you that the local authorities will only want more money and power while the rich has never cared for the poor. All over the country, those in poverty are being cheated of whatever little they have and there's no way for their voices to be heard. The police are nothing more than dogs under their superiors while at the same time they would be more than willing to turn a blind eye for the sake of money. In short, my country is heading towards moral destruction.

I'm not shitting you when I'm telling you that I used to be part of the central government. In fact I'm taking over my late father's legacy to create a society where the integrity of every citizen won't be trampled upon. Yet it's totally impossible for one man to change the entire system. Those in the central government are just there to preserve their position in order to gain a promotion. Nothing more. In the end, even though I have never been expelled from the government, I quit out of my own accord. This evil has gone beyond cure. At least that's what I think until I heard of your movements. If my own knowledge of Bushinryu isn't false, then at least I will dare to hope."

Upon those words, Zeku could only keep silent. He knew that Liu Wen's request was too much for him. While it was true that it's the destiny of Bushin ninjas to fight evil, the definition of this term was different from the norm. To preserve the balance of nature. That was the will of Bushin. The one and only justice that he and his brethren were sworn to uphold. Should he tell the truth? Or would a better option be speaking a lie and betray his conscience? Ultimately, he reached to a conclusion on what he should do.

"Fine I will agree to your terms. Now tell me about what you know about the boy..."

"I'm not too sure about his name, but I do have reliant info on where you will meet him," said Liu Wen as he tore out a page from his notepad kept within his pocket. Taking a pen from his shirt pocket, he scribbled down some words and gave the note to Zeku.

"From the little of what I know, he's a fighter under a well known local mob boss by the name of Tohgawa Keigo. As of late, he's been organizing free for all one-on-one fights where his fighters will take on anybody who dared to pit themselves into the fight in a turn by turn basis. What you've seen in this note was the date, time and venue of the kid's fight."

"Thank you very much Liu Wen."

"Why not finish this whole bottle of premium stuff if you want to pay me back on this favor?" joked the Chinese, "To be honest if you just go like that, the whole Jumai Daiginjo will got to waste. I may have a good liquor capacity, but I truly doubt I can finish the rest of it."

"Well, why not?" smiled Zeku as the stinging pain of guilt assaulted him once more. Here was a person who trusted in him and he had to commit this act of betrayal. If fate allowed it, he hoped that they will never meet again. However there was still one thing he need to know. A needless piece of information, but at least it will give him a lasting impression on that one person whom he regarded as a friend of bonds.

"Why is it that you got a selective attitude towards any potential customer despite your apparent skill? If you can take anybody wanting a tattoo or two, you would have made a killing on the money."

Liu Wen smiled in a sad manner as he let out the truth, "To be frank in the past, I know nothing about the tattoo trade. When I made my way to this country however, I've got no means to support myself in the long run. That was when I met a tattoo artist who decided to teach me his trade. At first I was against it because of it's association with crime, but that old master told me the truth of the art.

Anybody can get a tattoo, but not all are worthy.

Theses words struck me like a hammer. I didn't know the logic behind his words, but yet I felt that there's a deeper truth than the common idea on tattoos. That was when I learn the trade under him. It's not for the love of the art but rather it's because I feel that I could find a certain purpose in my life in the process. Years went by and despite my growing skills, I've failed to impress my teacher.

"It was then that a local mob boss asked for a tattoo and my mentor let me took on the request. It was then that I feel something isn't right. Not with my teacher but whether the customer deserved the tattoo he had asked. In the end, I rejected him. At that point of time I didn't know why, but later on I realized that every tattoo shouldn't be just a form of body art. Above all, there must be a strong meaning in the recipient's will behind every needle of pain suffered in the process.

"Ironically I only learnt this truth after my master died under the hands of that very mob boss. Perhaps it's true that in order to gain something of great importance, a relevant price must be paid. I've gained my own life, but yet I have to sacrifice the one person most dear to me in order to obtain it."

"But I guess you have never regret the path you have chosen..." said Zeku as he looked at Liu Wen in the eyes.

"Well if I have any regrets in my choice, I wouldn't be here doing what I like to be honest. Anyway it really sucks to bring up sad memories, so why don't we just drink ourselve senseless?"

"An apt statement," smiled Zeku.

X X X

The rays of daylight shone through the windows as Zeku stirred from his sleep. The potent liquor never had the effect of a major hangover as Zeku could truly hold his own ground in drinking. Looking at the clock Zeku realized that it was already noon. It wasn't normal for him to wake so late, but yet he never felt guilty in flouting his habit of waking up early. He remembered the moment where he and Liu Wen treated each other as close friends. He knew that there would be no turning back on this friendship being ended due to his lies. Knowing that he would carry the guilt forever, he left his hotel room after a brief shower.

The sight greeting Zeku after he departed from the hotel gates has never gave him a sense of belonging all the while. He was a Bushin ninja used to living in seclusion. He has no need for material wealth and hence, deep in his heart he felt ptity for those working under the burden of desire. For him, nothing mattered apart from finding the intended heir. It was then that he heard a loud grunt resounding into his ears.

"A hoodlum brawling eh..." whispered Zeku as he made his way towards the source. He knew that only fifteen minutes were left before the fight session written by Liu Wen, but yet he was interested in seeing what the residents here are capable of. It wasn't that much of an importance, but Zeku has always been a person partial towards observing fights. As he forced himself through the crowd much to their annoyance, he saw a sight that he would never imagined.

Before him stood two fighters. One was a bulky man and the other, a young boy around the age of thirteen. The adult was quite obviously flustered as the boy kept his calm. Yet all wasn't as it seemed as Zeku noticed with his eyes wide the one thing within the spirit of the boy. The lad actually had the eyes of a beast that could never be tamed. It was then that a thought flashed within Zeku. Although the appointed fight has yet to commence, but if this was just a random brawl started by some half baked reason, then...

No doubt about it... thought Zeku as his eyes twinkled.

Intending to keep an eye on the boy, Zeku stood there marvelling at what he was seeing. Despite the vast gap in age, strength and possibly experience, the boy managed to floor his opponent for good within a span of five minutes. And even then he was just toying around.

Without a doubt, Zeku could see the one thing others failed to realize. The bestial aggression in the lad... that trait would definitely be the key factor within the boy as a fighter. There could only be this much that talent can carry a person through in fighter's life. What he saw in his target was a strong driving force pushing him forward to be the best. A young teenager with the countenance of a blade without a sheath. He finally realized why the people here wouldn't want to have anything to do with the boy. Only the worthy would dare to wield such a blade. Those not qualified to do so will only cower in fear over it's sharpness.

X X X

"Man that's some killing I've made here," grinned Guy as he made his way back home, "Guess there's still a lot of morons willing to bet against me. What a bunch of suckers."

Then out of a sudden, a figure appeared before him. The abrupt nature of the scene took Guy aback for a moment, but he managed to regain his calm swiftly. He observed the person before him as he tried to discern what was the stranger's intention. The middle aged man before him cut an impressive figure dressed in a sleeveless green ninja garb. Guy tensed up as the stranger made his way towards him. Then holding out his fist, he made his statement known.

"This world has many fighters stronger than you can imagine. Unless one is taught as such you can never progress..."

Guy laughed out loud at those words as he ridiculed the person before him with his own words.

"Man are you nuts or what? You're talking like some kind of nameless big fuck," Guy said as his laughter reced and replaced with an expression spoiling for a fight, "I don't need your advice. But since you're so full of your own bullshit, why don't you entertain me?"

"Let's have a wager then," smiled the ninja, "If you can score a hit on me, I will leave alone. But if you can't do so, then you must listen to what I have to say."

"Seems fair to me," grinned Guy viciously as he prepared to attack the insolent adult.

Then he leapt forward, aiming a kick at his opponent. The ninja stayed on his ground until the final moment where Guy would hit him. Evading the blow with ease, the ninja proceeded to repeat the process much to Guy's annoyance. It was then that Guy saw an opening present. It was only one single moment, but that's all he need.

"Wooah!" exclaimed Guy as the ninja sprung upon him. Guy was determined to end everything at this very moment. However, the ninja launched a strike cutting through the air completely. Guy was hit in an instant without even touching his opponent.

"What was that?" exclaimed Guy in disbelief. It was quite obviously he had struck first, but yet his opponent was able to counter the attack in one single hit. Simply put, the difference in execution speed was significant in the eyes of both combatants.

"This is Bushinryu! Come with me and I shall show you your path of life," proclaimed the stranger as he walked towards Guy.

"May I know your name, lad?" asked the ninja in a firm yet gentle tone as he extended his hand to help Guy to his feet. Unto this gesture, Guy could only react in a single manner as he meekly took the hand.

"My name is..."

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I have heard of your boss, Guy. Be assured that I will negotiate with him concerning your future. If he failed to listen to my words, then all I can say is that there will be at least one more death being reported in the news. Wait for my news. I believe everything will go smoothly.

Those words resonated within Guy as he had finally knew the stranger's name.

Zeku... that man's eyes. No doubt about it. If I follow him, I will be able to find the one thing I can live for...

Those words echoed in his mind as he closed his eyes to sleep. Zeku knew where he lived and Guy believed that he will seek him out again very soon. And this time round, there would be no regrets.

X X X

"You are a fool to think that you can negotiate with me without anything being offered in return," said Keigo as his eyes narrowed.

"You're wrong, my friend. In exchange for the boy's future, I will let you live. Refuse me and you will face the wrath of a ninja," replied Zeku in with a dangerous edge in his tone.

Upon this reply, Keigo's men could only laugh out loud.

"Hey he said he's a ninja! Have you watched too much Sengoku dramas?" scoffed one of the henchmen.

No sooner these words were spoken, an immense pressure was felt throughout the meeting hall. Everyone including Keigo was quaking before the show of power by Zeku.

"I don't like to repeat myself twice. Give me the boy and you will save your own life in return. If not, then the cops here will be very busy with an unsolved mass homicide case," warned Zeku as he looked at Keigo in the eyes. And all the Oyabun could discern in those orbs is an absolute state of nothingness...

X X X

"You mean Keigo agreed to let me go?" asked Guy in disbelief as Zeku finished his share of cup noodles.

"Well yes. Actually things went better than I expected since I'm prepared for the scenario where I'll have use my fists," smiled Zeku as he gulped down the broth.

"I don't know how you managed to do it, but you have my gratitude," smiled Guy.

Upon those words, Zeku could only laugh as he stood up.

"It's actually a win-win situation for the both of us. On one hand, I have gotten what I want. On the other, you can finally lead a life that you will never regret," said Zeku as his smiling face turned into a serious frown, "But after that meeting, I truly doubt your ex-boss would want you back. There's no turning back now Guy. What you will face isn't just training, but above all, you're destined to face trials that no normal human being can endure."

"Well then what are we waiting for?" grinned Guy enthusiatically, "Let's get our ass off this place and see for ourselves what is my real future!"

"Upon those words, Zeku could only smile. But at that very moment, he remembered the false promise he has given. The guilt behind an act of betrayal that could never be wiped away.

Liu Wen. I know you will never forgive me for lying to you. Unto your anger, I will accept the price once this boy is truly worthy to stand on his own...

X X X

Wow this is really one hell of a chapter. I never imagine I will write this much, but I really have finish the part on Guy's life in Shinjuku and conclude his meeting with Zeku. Hopefully you guys won't be bored by the lack of action. However, after writing this shazam, I discovered that it's my favourite chapter so far. To be frank I intend Guy to take centre stage here, but because I've dragged Zeku's starting scene way too long, the focus ended up being on him.

And why is this chapter my favourite despite this flaw? The reason is very simple: Zeku's characterizing. That's what makes me pleased with this chapter not because he's my fave SF character (you all should know who takes the crown by now), but rather it's my first attempt to create a humane sense of character exploration after like N ages in absence of doing this kind of stuff. Of course I did Guy's part and to a small extent, Rose's as well, but still I feel that the two are nowhere sombre in terms of impact. It's like compared to the two, Zeku's was much more humane because of his own flaws for the sake of the bigger picture. :)

And yeah, I know there's some obscure Japanese terms on sake in the Zeku-Liu Wen scene. Let's just say that they're all names of premium grade sake by type. If you guys are interested in this kind of stuff, you can go wiki or web search for sites on the Japanese sake culture. I got the info from there after all. And yeah, to know what ochoko cups look like, just go Google image search. That big G site will always be your best friend in web search. Pretty much of a shame that the Yahoo search engine has been nerfed big time though. -.-