The World Warrior Tournament had concluded. Ryu took the crown. I knew he would. And hey, I didn't do too bad either! For my first time fighting professionally, it went better than I'd hoped. My performance would have been the only thing on my mind if… y'know… I hadn't gotten to meet Ryu himself. Yep, I talked to him. Even crazier? He agreed to meet up again. Finally… After months of fantasizing, I'll finally have his attention. I'll finally get to learn more about my inspiration. All I had to do was wait. He told me to return to that forest I found him in, but not until a week had passed.
Man, and what a terrible week it was! I couldn't focus on anything! Imagine trying to listen intently to a school lecture while your mental state is completely dominated by excitement, anxiety, and anticipation… It's terrible! I hardly talked to Kei at all because I was so distracted, and she was getting pretty angry with me. I was even having dinner with my family, and I kept zoning out while trying to eat. That moron Tsukushi says "Wow Sis, did you forget how to use chopsticks? You can't get the food in your mouth! Bet all that martial arts knowledge caused your pea-sized brain to overflow!" Little runt…
And the worst part? I can't even refute him. I've basically lost the ability to function like a normal human being. My mind only has one channel right now, and it's Ryu. Ryu. Ryu… What am I gonna say to him? What will he think of me? Will he fight me? Will he teach me? Am I good enough to impress him? It's a never-ending abyss of pointless questions… None of it matters! Stressing out over this stuff only makes things worse, so why do I keep doing it? Sheesh… I try to listen to logic, but my emotions always win. Maybe I need to start working on my willpower instead of just exercising my body…
Despite being an emotional wreck, the week went by as they always do. Technically, I still hadn't taken a full month to recover from my injuries, so the extra seven days helped in that regard. With a swarm of imaginary butterflies going crazy in my stomach, I lied to my parents and told them that I was going to Hinata's place for a party with my high school sparring buddies. My folks have given me a long leash with all this street fighting stuff, but they wouldn't be happy to learn that I'm leaving to meet with a stranger (maybe the strongest fighter in the world, even), and all by myself at that.
I don't even care if they wouldn't approve, though. No one is getting in the way of this meeting! After I got done fabricating my story, I got on my bike and made the hour-long trek toward that old Suzaku Castle. I was nervous the whole way, worried that he might not show up or that I'd forget where I found him before. Luckily, I had no trouble. I found him standing on the same stone path as I did a week ago, right at the start of a dense forest. I should have never doubted him. He told me he'd be here, and he's obviously the type to keep his word.
"Sakura… You made it."
I get off my bike and try my best to settle my nerves before speaking up. (Spoiler alert - I failed.)
"H-Hey, Mr. Ryu… Oh gosh, this is really happening… Calm down, Sakura... Y-Yeah, I wouldn't miss this for anything! I adore you, Mr. Ryu! I'm definitely your biggest fan, and- Wait, no, no! Was it weird to say I adore you? I don't mean it like that!"
Mr. Ryu (kind soul that he is) doesn't pay attention to my stupid ramblings and simply gives a soft smile.
"Would you like to join me for a meal? I've set up a spot in the woods where we can talk and eat, if you'd like. It's only a short walk away."
"Heck yes!... Sorry, I mean, y-yes please, Mr. Ryu…"
He offers to carry my beat-up bike for me, and he leads the way into the maze of trees. I follow him quietly, my heart beating like a war drum. We only end up walking for a few minutes, but it feels like hours. We don't speak any words the whole time, and that sparks my anxiety to life like a forest fire. I try to think of something to say, something that can break the silence and stop me from fixating so much on my nerves, but nothing comes to me. All I can do is keep following, hoping that I can salvage this meeting and make the most of it in the end.
"Here we are."
His 'spot' he set up is practically nothing. Just a campfire, his white duffel bag, and a sleeping mat sprawled out in an open space within the forest. The descriptions I've heard of Mr. Ryu are starting to seem pretty accurate right now. 'Nomad'… 'Wandering warrior'… 'Hobo'… 'Pursues nothing but strength'… 'Disconnected from the rest of the world'… 'Simple and disciplined'… 'Nonmaterialistic'… 'Ascetic'…
He sits down and gestures to a spot across from him, so I sit down too… Dang it! Why can't I talk right?! This is exactly the moment I've been waiting for, so why am I so afraid? I feel like a tiny blade of grass caught in a raging hurricane right now… I swallow and attempt to start speaking, but… it's not happening…
"Sakura, have you had breakfast?"
"…I, uh… N-No, I don't have much of an appetite today… Upset stomach…"
"Mmm… Are you feeling stressed?"
"…W-What makes you ask that?"
"Aside from an upset stomach? Well… I've heard a bit about you from my best friend, Ken."
Ah! That's right! Ken Masters! He did say he'd tell Ryu about me! So much happened that night, I let that completely slip my mind!
"Oh, uh… If you don't mind, w-what'd he say?"
"Heh. He told me that he'd met a very interesting fighter at a party he attended. I believe the words he used were… 'Picture yourself as a teenage girl bursting with enthusiasm'… I was told that you were searching for me, and that you desired to learn from me."
"I… Yeah, that's all true… Except that first part, though! I'm nowhere near your level of skill, Mr. Ryu! I wish I could say I'm some girlish version of you, but that's giving me too much credit, y'know? I've got a seriously long way to go before I can even start comparing myself to you."
"Ken told me that you are full of life, and he was impressed with the energy and passion you approached the fight with. That is why I ask you… Is it only your stomach bothering you? Or is there more?... The enthusiasm that my friend described is absent in you."
sigh* "Okay, okay… I'm just really, really nervous right now, that's all. I never get this stressed, not even before a big fight that I've been preparing for… Sorry, this is probably pretty pathetic… I didn't want to show any weakness around you. I'm sure there's zero chance of you teaching me now that you realize what a child I am."
After I spill my embarrassing secret, Ryu just stares at me for a while. Geez, I wish he'd say something. Anything! Tell me how I need to leave and become a stable adult before coming back, or just laugh at me and walk away! I know it's coming, so get on with it already… At least, that's what I convince myself will happen, but Mr. Ryu doesn't do any of that. He continues to stare before closing his eyes and letting out a deep breath through the mouth.
"I am… not skilled with words, Sakura. However, I will try to my best to share a lesson with you that I believe you need to hear."
"…Alright… but I already know what you're going to say. 'Grow up and then we'll talk,' right?"
"No… I want you to know that possessing weakness does not make you weak."
"That… doesn't make any sense."
"Sakura, am I weak?"
"N-No, of course not! You're one of the strongest humans on Earth! Anyone who calls you weak is just lying."
"Yet, I have weakness. Do you recall what I said when we first met?... I have a particular weakness that I am struggling with that defines who I am. It is a weakness that is part of my very core, and it directly conflicts with the man I aim to become. I see this weakness as so destructive that it cannot be ignored. It must be dealt with… Even so… others view me as 'one of the world's strongest.' So… who is right? You or them? I possess weakness, but am I weak or am I strong?"
"…It's obvious. You are strong."
"And so are you, Sakura. It's not my intention to make light of your problems. They are unique to each person, and what may seem insurmountable to some appear insignificant to others. These nerves of yours… I am the cause, correct? You are… anxious to speak with me?"
"Exactly… You already know this I'm sure, but I look up to you… a lot. Maybe a little too much… I've been trying to track you down for half a year almost. When I dream about becoming your disciple and learning all of your techniques and teachings, I get so fired up! But… now that I'm actually here with you for real, I guess I feel… inadequate? Like I'm not where I should be? I mean, you already told me that you won't be my master, so that's gotta be somewhat true, yeah?"
"…Let us work on your nerves for now… Here, you should eat. This is our first step."
He hands me a bowl of natto… Blegh… It's not the worst food in the world. It's a traditional dish here, so I've had it plenty of times, but… that slimy texture and strong smell! *sigh* It'll have to do… At least there's rice with it.
With some gentle encouragement, Mr. Ryu gets me to eat. He's right. A few minutes after I take my first bite, I'm already starting to feel better. Less stress, less cranky, more content… Turns out food's pretty important, heh… I thank him for the meal, and as repayment for his kindness, I offer him a snack of my own that I threw in my backpack before leaving – A pack of fruity gummy candies. When I offer one to him, he looks at it like he's trying to decipher a foreign language!
"It's just some candy, Mr. Ryu, it won't hurt you!"
Then he puts it in his mouth as apprehensively as possible. His eyes widen. After swallowing, he places a hand on his chin, deep in thought, before finally sharing his thoughts.
"It's… sweet… Dangerously sweet."
I can't help but chuckle at that.
"You must not eat sugar much, huh?"
"Mmm… No. Were I to eat more, I fear I'd never stop."
"Aw! I'd tell you live a little, but… for a warrior like you? Keeping to a strict diet is important, I know."
With some food in our bellies, I look to my idol. I'm about to ask what comes next, but he beats me to the punch.
"How are you feeling?... Should we discuss your plans now, or would you like some time to sort through your thoughts? To my eyes, you still appear tense."
"Well, I… don't know… I'm still kinda anxious, and yeah… Maybe I should have put more thought into what I was gonna ask you about…"
"Would you like to meditate with me, Sakura?"
"…Meditate? That 'zen' thing the monks do?"
"It's not only useful to monks. Anyone can benefit from it."
"Okay, I'll try it… but why are we doing this, though?"
"…I think of myself as a simple man, and I know myself to be at my best when unclouded by doubt and fear. My master instilled the habit of meditation in me while I was very young, and it has aided me countless times."
"So, it… helps you with doubts? And fear?... What about anxiety?"
"All of that and more… You wish to learn from me, yes? Then here is my first task for you… I'd like you to give this a try. When we are finished, assess how you feel. My hope is that you will have more… confidence. That you will find it easier to express your desires to me."
Oh, man! How could I be so stupid? He's right, this is his first lesson! I'm over here questioning his ideas and stressing out about how I'll convince him to teach me, but I'm already getting a little piece of what I've wanted! He's helping me become stronger! Or… at least helping me become mentally stronger.
"Yessir, Mr. Ryu! Anything you ask of me, I'll do it! No more whining and complaining from me, promise."
"There's that enthusiasm. Now… follow along as best you can…"
Then he crosses his legs, and with his hands joined in front, he shuts his eyes and sits still as a statue. I scramble closer and sit beside him. I mimic his posture and form as best I can. We're supposed to have our eyes closed, I guess, but I can't help but peek occasionally to make sure I'm copying him right. As we sit in silence, he slowly shares more of this practice with me as we go. He speaks on mindfulness and directing one's full concentration to your breathing… When the mind wanders, bring it back. Over and over again, I redirect my focus onto my breath… It's not the easiest thing in the world, I gotta be honest. My mind doesn't just wander, it races like an Olympic runner. That's my hyperactive side kicking in, I'm sure… You know what's stronger than my limitless energy, though? My unstoppable determination! And right now, I'm very determined to keep my energy from running wild. Time to get serious, Sakura… More breathing… More focusing… Releasing tension… Cast your problems away for a little while…
"Alright, Sakura. Let's-"
"GAH!... Oh my gosh! Sorry, Mr. Ryu! You scared me… I… kinda forgot where I was, I guess."
"Ah, then you must have been able focus quite well. Tell me, how do you feel?"
"I… feel a lot… lighter. More relaxed, definitely. Wow, it's crazy to think that I was right next to you for a good five minutes, but I wasn't thinking about you at all! That really helped take my mind off these silly problems I have!"
"Mmm, glad to hear that… You should know, however, that you were meditating for much longer than that. I'd say it was close to thirty minutes."
"W-What?! There's no way I zoned out for that long! That's insane!"
"Alright, Mr. Ryu. Let's get down to business! I came here to ask questions, so you'd better get ready, cuz I have a lot of them."
"Are you certain you're ready, Sakura? If you need more time to get comfortable, then please, prepare for as long as-"
"No, no, no! No more waiting! I appreciate your patience, Mr. Ryu, truly. But I'm okay now. Your meditation stuff was really helpful in calming me down, so I say we get this show on the road."
"As you wish. I am prepared for any and all questions you have for me."
Yes! Finally! I've wanted to know more about this mysterious man for so long! Time to learn everything about him.
"Okay… To start, why did you choose Ansatsuken?"
"It is the style of my master. He taught me to fight when I was just a boy, and naturally, he taught me what he knew."
"Who is your master?"
"A legendary martial artist by the name of 'Gouken'. He is getting on in years, yet I still have not surpassed him in strength. He is a true master of the fist."
Gouken, huh? Never heard of him… If he's Ryu's teacher, though, maybe he likes to stay out of the public eye too. That's the only way I wouldn't have found any videos online of this legendary master.
"Do you have any family?"
"None related by blood. I was abandoned as a child, so I've no knowledge of my biological parents. Master Gouken raised me like a father, and Ken grew alongside me like a brother. They are my family now."
Hmmm… I wonder if he gets lonely with so few people in his life... Well, I know what I wanna ask next, but… should I? Ehhh, what the heck!
"Um, what about… like… love? Do you have a wife or… girlfriend or anything?"
"No, nothing like that… If I may be completely honest, I've never put much thought into chasing romance. I simply have other aspirations, I suppose."
"Oh… Okay… What about when you get older, though, and your body can't keep up with all the physical activity? Might be nice to settle down with someone, don't you think?"
"Hah… Ken says the same thing. Apparently, I should be 'testing the waters' now that I'm already twenty-three, but I'll leave marriage to him for now. He seems happy traveling his path with Eliza, and I'm more than happy traveling my own."
Oh, great… Why did I just feel relieved when he said he was single? C'mon, Sakura! Stop thinking like that! He's too old for you, anyway! Ughhh… The stupid heart of a teenager is impossible to keep in check…
"R-Right, so… Mr. Ryu, I really wanna know… Why do you fight? What's your goal?"
"That's a great question. However, I'd like you to figure out my answer for yourself, Sakura. You tell me… Why do I fight, hmm?"
"H-How am I supposed to know that? That's the reason I'm asking you!"
"I'll give you a hint, then… The answer lies in the heart of battle."
"Huh?... The heart of battle? Is that, like, a riddle, or…"
Ryu stands up and walks a few feet away before turning to face me. He tightens his white headband and adopts the fighting stance that I've become so familiar with.
"Perhaps it would be best to show you instead. What do you say, Sakura? Care for a match?"