Okay. I'm truly convinced that being in an absolute anger means having the drive to write again. Seriously speaking at this point of time where I'm typing this, I'm being hit by a double whammy of bad luck. Firstly my fucking stupid internet died on me and secondly my fave English football team drew with a fucking flukey team in a match that we should have won miles away. Honestly speaking at this point of time, I can just easily say fuck you to anyone pissing me off at the moment. And lastly I've learnt not to trust anything related to SingTel. The fact that my internet connection is major motherfucking joke shows it all. -.-
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Bushin Kaiden
Bushin no Otoko: Chapter 7 – A New Beginning
"I'M SUPPOSED TO DO WHAT?" roared Guy in a disbelieving tone as the statement of shock resounded throughout the gust room.
"You heard me right, Guy," sighed Zeku as he sipped his matcha, "You're going to stay here for at least two years to learn the tenets of Bushinryu. Only after that will you actually get to learn the aspect of fighting."
"Wait a sec. This doesn't make sense," said Guy as he tried to collect himself from the whammy, "If you are to train me, then it's only natural that this aspect is included in the system as well if you get what I mean."
"And there lies the problem. Everyone within Bushinryu are required to take the tenet training at this very spot. Normally it will take around a year, but because of your special status, it will actually end up longer," said Zeku with his eyes closed.
"And that includes you?" shot back Guy as his eyes narrowed.
"Yes," came the nonchalant reply.
"That's fucking retarded!" growled the lad as he scratched his head in frustration.
"No it's not and mind your language. You're the chosen one of Bushinryu after all..."
"Wait a sec... chosen one?" Guy's eyes went wide as he mouthed those words.
"Well I did say just now that your status is pretty much special, isn't it?" smiled Zeku as he proceeded with his mind games, "This is actually something that is pretty much confidential. Until the very moment you've reached the point of inner maturity in your life, it will be something that I will reserve for myself."
"Wait a moment," replied Guy in confusion, "Why is it that I can't know anything now?"
Upon that question, Zeku could only remain silent. Then he spoke up.
"Because with every piece of knowledge, a relevant price will be demanded in return. This is the truth of the world." With those words Zeku got up to leave. But before he exited the guest room, he offered one last advice.
"Remember one thing Guy. To gain power means the need to acquire the wisdom needed to command it fully. Do not think too much on it for now. This will be something that you will gradually experience."
X X X
Guy didn't know how long he had waited for the next person to enter the guest room, but yet upon remembering Zeku telling him about his status, nothing could piss him off. In fact at this very moment, he was looking forward to learning his trade here not because he had wanted to, but rather the perception of his own importance. Quite obviously Zeku's mind games worked to his favour. Then he heard the sound of a door sliding open much to his excitement.
"FINALLY THE TEA..."
Before Guy could finish his exclamation, he saw that the person entering wasn't a random adult with the air of a teacher, but rather it was a young raven haired girl in kimono around two years younger than him carrying a Shokado bento box.
"Erm you're my teacher?" asked Guy in disbelief as he stood rooted on the ground. Unto his question, however, the girl could only laugh.
"Oh no I'm not. How can I be one? I'm only eleven to be exact."
"NO! I'VE BEEN HAD! I'VE BEEN BLOODY FUCKING HAD!" screamed Guy as he clutched his head in frustration, the very echoes of the words bouncing off the walls of the entire traditional Japanese mansion they were in.
"Erm actually the teacher will arrive very soon," answered the girl as she looked away, "It's just that he's got some things to clear."
"Oh okay. So I overreacted here," said Guy sheepishly as he scratched his head.
"Oh and one more thing."
"What?"
"You said a very weird word that I don't understand just now. What do you mean by the term 'fucking'?"
"..."
X X X
"There he goes again. Swearing like no tomorrow," sighed Zeku, "I think Rena would have been there by now. Genryusai-sama, I truly apologize for the inconvenience the boy has caused."
"You don't have to say sorry to me, Zeku," chuckled Genryusai, "While there's no way I will condone coarse language within my home, somehow or another I can imagine that the boy will have trouble trying to get himself out of the problem. Do not underestimate Rena's curiosity at this age. If the heir have any semblance of common sense, then quite obviously he will get himself into a fix."
Then his face turned serious as he continued, "Thank you very much for telling me about how you manage to find the boy and your own assessment on his character. Truth to be spoken, nobody would want a repeat of Kirin's presence and that's why I have to invite you over to tell me everything."
"Kirin..." commented Zeku as his expression turned sombre, "Where is the boy now?"
"I believe that he's still at the stream as usual," sighed Genryusai, "He has been this way ever since he got expelled from the Ninjutsu clan. Zeku I know you truly care for him, but be warned that any possible compassion could break his future. Already I'm seeing signs of unstability in him. If he happens to meet Guy, the without a doubt all hell will break loose..."
Unto those words, Zeku could only remain silent as only one single statement coursed through his mind.
Guy and Kirin... will it be truly a case of only either one will live?
X X X
"So you're saying that your pops will be teaching me everything required?" asked Guy as he munched on a piece of broiled salmon.
"Well yes," said the girl as she nibbled onto a piece of pickle in a reserved manner, "In fact he's the head of the Ninpou clan."
"Ninpou clan?"
"Eh you don't know how the entire Bushinryu system works?" said the girl with a surprised expression, "I thought Zeku-jisan has told you already..."
"Erm actually he didn't..."
"Well, I guess this will be something that you'll know in the future," smiled the girl bashfully, "After all, I have always taken faith with Otosama's method of training."
"Now that you've said that your old man is the head of your clan, so does that mean he's some sort of real big fuck?"
"Big fuck?"
"Erm forget that I said that..."
"Hey that's not fair!" exclaimed the girl in an annoyed manner, "In fact you didn't answer my previous question!"
"No way I'm gonna agree to that stupid request right from the bat anyway," muttered Guy as he finished the salmon and now starting with the pickles.
Before the girl could continue to express her annoyance, the door slide open and Zeku arrived with an elderly man dressed in traditional Japanese clothes.
"Erm is that my teacher?" asked Guy as he pointed towards the old man.
"Well, yes. This is Genryusai-sama, the fifty sixth master of the Ninpou clan," introduced Zeku, "He will be your teacher for the next few years."
"Well he doesn't seem that impressive," mused Guy as he wore a somewhat disappointed expression after which he noticed something, "Erm, where's the girl anyway?"
"I believe you're talking about my daughter," chuckled Genryusai, "If Rena has posed any inconvenience, I truly apologize on her behalf."
"Well yeah she's a bit of a bitch to deal with," commented Guy as he scratched his head absently, "Asked a couple of questions that only a sheltered ohjou-san can truly do so."
"But you didn't tell her the answer?" asked Genryusai as his smile has yet to wear off.
"Err... actually let's just say that some things aren't meant to be discussed with a girl unless she has been stuck in some kind of shithole by some freak case."
"Guy, remember what I've told you about your language?" frowned Zeku.
"Yeah I know," sighed Guy, "But there's saying 'old habits die hard'..."
"Truth to be told it's just an obvious case of not willing to change," countered Zeku with his face unchanged, "Anyway, I don't want to hear any wisecrack remarks from you in the future neither should you do the same to Genryusai-sama as well. Get it?"
"Yes I get it, Zeku-sensei," replied Guy in a resigned tone.
X X X
"Why is he's so nasty?" fumed Rena as her index finger was partially submerged in a stream drawing an endless circular pattern, "I was just trying to be nice and that's what I get? To think that I even took the effort to prepare the bento for him. Tell me Kirin, are all boys like that? You're one, so you should know."
Upon Rena's question, the white haired boy around Guy's age could only remain silent while he stared at the same stream, his mind seemingly focused on another issue altogether. Rena could only sigh as she knew that this would be the standard reaction she will get from him. However deep in her heart, she understood the fact that despite his reclusive yet competitive character, Kirin has always been the only one willing to listen to her whenever she had her own troubles no matter how minor. That was the difference between him and the rest of the Bushinryu pupils, be they part of the Ninjutsu or Ninpou clan. Finally, the boy named Kirin spoke out as his expressionless face remained unchanged.
"It's pretty much weird that you're asking me this question. I thought there should be other boys who can answer this question of yours as well..."
"You should know why!" exclaimed Rena in frustration after which she swiftly managed to cool down, "Sorry for this outburst. It's just that when you brought up the presence of our fellow seniors and juniors, they only see me as Genryusai Rena, elder daughter of the wise great Genryusai. It's really annoying when all they're after would be some stupid potential date."
As if in reaction towards Rena's griping, Kirin turned to face her, his face in full view under the illumination of the crescent moon and countless stars above. Upon seeing his face, Rena could only remain speechless as she admired the visage of that one person whom she could truly confide. His short white hair was parted from the side while his crimson eyes betrayed no emotions. His handsome appearance bore a real extent of androgynous feel that would attract the eyes of anyone in his age bracket, be it boy or girl.
"To be honest I don't really know. Perhaps there's such a thing called an oddball..." said Kirin calmly upon which Rena giggled in response.
"Oddball? Well if there's anything to go by from your actions, I guess this is pretty much the case..."
"Rena..." said Kirin as he looked at Rena in the eye, "Do you still trust me after what I've done to Gouken's student?"
"Why not?" smiled Rena, "Everybody knows how competitive you can get, so I guess given for boys at your age, it's pretty much natural for emotions to run high. That plus the Ryu I've always remembered has been pretty much of calm person. I know I will sound really nasty here, but if Ryu would actually let himself go like what you've done, then maybe his injuries might not be that bad at the very least..."
Kirin could only smile as he took in Rena's words. However at that very moment, the young daughter of the Ninpou clan suddenly noticed very clearly a flicker of madness in Kirin's eyes that instilled a chilling fear within her soul. Upon that brief instant, Rena slapped her cheeks to reassure herself that it's just her eyes playing pranks on her.
Okay Genryusai Rena... it's just your own imagination... why would Kirin have this kind of funny reaction his eyes for no reason?
X X X
"Okay, so you're saying that I should try to get myself acquainted with the other guys here?" asked Guy knelt across the old man and dressed in a simple garb of white gi, hakama and straw sandals.
"Well yes. Specifically I would like to have you know Rena better..." replied Genryusai as he put down his finished bowl of miso soup after finishing his breakfast.
"Wait a sec, I hope that it won't amount to a default engagement... don't try to spook me please old man..." said Guy in a somewhat nervous tone unto which Genryusai could only chuckle in reply.
"Well truth to be spoken that will be the best case scenario, but then again I respect the very concept of free will, so rest easy here."
"Well truth to be spoken there's no way in hell I'm gonna call her darling one way or another..." commented Guy as he wore a look indicating that he had grown quite fearful of where the conversation could potentially go despite the assurance from his future master.
As if understanding Guy's thoughts, Genryusai stood up and led him to the outside where a group of young teens were waiting for him. Upon seeing him, the entire lot bowed slightly as a silent form of greeting. Despite his somewhat vulgar nature forged by his past in Shinjuku, Guy knew that now wasn't the moment to play any stunts as he returned the gesture.
"Well, here they are, your seniors in the Ninpou clan. I'll leave you to mingle with them. Best of luck for you, Guy," winked Genryusai as he left for the left wing of the mansion.
That weird expression... fuck that geezer must be planning some major shit for me. He might be my teacher for the next few years, but there's no way I'm gonna call him master straight out. Like father like daughter. Both are so annoying in their own ways...
Just after Guy had finished these thoughts, he noticed a boy slightly taller than him offering him a bamboo container of liquid. Smiling in a friendly manner, he extended the other hand in a gesture of good will. Thinking that maybe he had been thinking too much, Guy smiled and took his hand. Yet however that was when things went awry immediately.
"Hey so you're that new student huh? Too bad the Ninpou clan will never have any place for some random scum coming from a city sewer," said the boy as his harmless smile swiftly warped into sneer.
Before Guy knew what was going on, he felt a wet sensation on his face followed by a chorus of laughter. Some of the liquid ended up in his mouth and it tasted salty. His eyes narrowed at the bullies as he could guess what their game is all about.
"That was a real shot there Tojou!" chortled a girl, "Urine for a tunnel rat!"
Upon the ridiculing, Guy could only display a calm exterior as he walked towards the boy called Tojou. Once he reached within a close distance, the offending lad just pinched his own nose with a derisive expression.
"Hey lowlife you stink! Why don't you get yourself out of here straightaway? We can cook up some excuse to make things easy if you do so."
Unto this blatant statement of derision, Guy only displayed a smile that would never suggest what he will do next. Then within one single instance a slap was delivered, the very force sending Tojou reeling on the ground and rendering a reaction of shock amongst the rest.
"I know pompous idiots like you don't know this, so let me educate you a bit on the so-called sewer culture," said Guy in an arrogant tone, "There's such a thing call bitch slap and as the term suggests, it's reserved for bitches who have no fucking idea concerning their own standing in the world."
"You thug! Violence and vulgarity isn't allowed on this sacred ground!" shrieked another girl in the group, "One day of isolation for a single act or word! Don't you dare mock the authority of Bushinryu!"
"I'm pretty sorry here pal," said Guy as he cracked his knuckles, "Even though I've just arrived here, I bloody know better than anybody that Bushinryu isn't some kind of ass backwards bullshit that you all have displayed. Why not let me show you what I'm trying to say here? Action will always speak louder than words..."
X X X
"So the chaos has started," smiled Genryusai as he played a match of shogi with Zeku, "Pretty much of what I'm expecting..."
"You should know Guy's character to a certain extent by now Genryusai-sama," said Zeku with a serious face, "The entire situation is an absolute powder keg now."
"That's the reason why I'm letting things turn out this way," replied the elderly master as he made his next move, "I'm waiting to see for myself the truth of the boy you've brought here. While having the mental fortitude to endure any insults thrown has always been vital within the tenets of the Ninpou clan, at the same time there will be no way I can truly accept a person not true to himself as the one true successor of Bushinryu."
X X X
"So what's your choice?" smirked Guy as the situation still remained in a tense standstill, " Do you all want to fake that stupid facade or will it be a given that I can get some kicks in smashing the daylights out of you all?"
"Why not I'll play with you for a while?"
Before Guy could register who was the speaker or his possible position, one single blow was directed at his side with the attack barely being able to be parried. Upon collecting his own calm, Guy received a clear view on the assailant dressed in a simple garb of plain blue gi and loose white pants. The short white hair, crimson orbs and that grin that spoke volumes of the bestial fire burning from within... those were the sights that burned into Guy's mind... that one person that would somehow define his future.
"I heard about some really interesting stuff between you and Rena... mind if you let me show my appreciation? By the way, my name's Kirin."
X X X
Finally after N ages of delay in the process of writing, I've finished this chapter. Truth to be spoken, I intended this chappie to be complete like early this week, but due to the nature of shit happening, I only ended up finishing it now. :( Also I'll have to say that the way the chappie end isn't something I'm planning in the sense that I actually planned to extend the whole thing until the conclusion of the Guy-Kirin fight. Yet due to the current length that I've written, I'll have to ditch the whole thing for the next chapter. -.- And yeah, I know this chapter is uber heavy on dialogue. If there's anybody bothered by this chapter format, I seriously apologize. And lastly, just some brief explanation for a couple of Japanese terms you all might not understand hundred percent.
Matcha: A type of Japanese green tea.
Shokado: A traditional black-lacquered Japanese bento box.
Shogi: A type of Japanese chess that is arguably the most popular in the country.