Soukei Baku, A new traditional series Options

[Spirit_Master_X]

Soukei Baku Episode 1: Last Bout
Written by: Spirit_Master_X

Through generations, countless brimstone has been shared amongst the
Amaretsu and the Makato clans.
The foundation of the Amaretsu has always favored honor.
Their mastery in Kenjutsu, forced into them the blood of the samurai.
Those gifted unto the Makato favored death.
They were trained under the ancient ninja. Built with quick response,
quiet stealth, and unbelievable speed.

What started it all? It began with just one battle...

"Takamori!" shouted Yhemae, second queen of the Amaretsu. She was the
wife of Takamori Amaretsu, king of the Amaretsu, and one of the greatest
Kenjutsu warriors known to history.
Facing the great Takamori was ninja assassin, Hsou-Saijin of the Makato.
Both men stood outside the presence of the Makato temple.
Located at the peak of a mud covered mountain.
The mud was the result of heavy rain that poured around them.
Takamori's loose, dark blue, samurai clothing was drenched with water and mud.
As well as Hsou-Saijin's, all black, tight, ninja uniform.

Each family utilized a different style with the same weapon.
The Amaretsu often held their katana with both hands. Their tactic of choice was
usually fueled with powerful sword strikes and blocks.
The Makato held their katanas with only their right hand in a reverse angle,
allowing for the length of their katana to scale up their back, the sharp end usually
pointing at the sky.

As both men narrowed their eyes into one another, Hsou briefly glanced
over at Yhemae. A quick smile appeared under his black mouth wrap.
Yhemae could feel his eyes burning into her very soul.
Before the final battle, Yhemae has always distrusted Hsou, but also
felt a sense of fear as well. She often consulted Takamori to never allow
Hsou within the borders of their temple...but he didn't listen.
Takamori thought the two families could come together as one...but soon he
realized that Yhemae had been right the entire time.

"You should listen to your wife." Hsou said with a smile.

Takamori rolled his eyes at Hsou. Especially after what he did to Yhemae.
She was half beaten when Takamori arrived. Her dress was cut all over...
more so around her breast area. Cuts ran across her chest, arms, and face.
It was clear Hsou wanted to do more to her than just kill her.

Yhemae sat on the mud covered ground, her back leaned against a statue of
Hirekuzo, heir to the Makato's fortune three hundred years before Hsou.

"Takamori! please..." whispered Yhemae.

Takamori growled and halted his wife from speaking any longer. He knew it
would do nothing but hurt her continously.

"Oi!" he paused for a bit and then continued..."Yhemae...you should not speak, or
you will upset your wound! This will be over soon. I promise..."

Yhemae's eyes watered in on themselves, as her eyelashes fought to keep the
pouring rain from falling in her eyes.

Hsou smirked and sent his left foot flying forward until the bottom of his foot
hit the dirt. With his legs spread apart, he decided to use the leverage around
his left foot to keep his momemtum as he launched himself in the wind.
His right hand kept his katana at bay behind his back as he tucked in his knees
close to his chest. Both arms wrapped around his legs, curling himself into a ball.
His body spun forward, converting into a rapid front flip like a cannon ball.

Takamori stood there waiting in his usual stance. Both legs spread a part, and his knees
slightly bent. The length of his sword stretched the dirt in front of him as the
very tip of the blade nearly touched the mud. A firm grip held tight on the hilt of the blade.
With his eyes closed, Yhemae looking in desperate anticipation...Once Hsou
was in range, Takamori rotated the katana while bringing his right foot around in front
of his left. His arms arched upward, as the sharp length of the blade aimed to cut
through Hsou's hurling body.

Hsou came out of his front flip in time for his feet to push down on Takamori's sword.
His weight was able to dig the sharp end of Takamori's katana deep inside the mud.
As Hsou came down, his right arm arched to the side, his wrist curled to the left,
and his sword came hurdling down on Takamori's left shoulder.
He aimed to finish Takamori, by driving his blade diagonally through the man's torso.
Yhemae yelped as she saw the immediate situation her husband was in.

As a last resort, Takamori decided to release his left hand that had been wrapped
around the hilt of his sword. He curled his wrist until his palm faced Hsou's
incoming forearm. As his hand wrapped around Hsou's arm, he was able to stop
the fatal blow. However, Takamori and Hsou stood there in a tight struggle. Both
men using the tension of their muscles to attempt to overpower one another.
Takamori fought to keep Hsou's sword at bay, while Hsou struggled to proceed
with his attack, using both hands to force his blade down. Hsou looked deep
in Takamori's eyes and saw defeat.

This put Hsou in a position of victory in morality. He could feel his opponent's soul
slowly draining from his body as his sword inched in closer toward his left collar bone.

"Erm...! The world can only carry one family at a time. The Amaretsu...are cowards.
Honor is only subject to man when he realizes that one day his death will come
sooner than expected! It is your last resort...However...the Makato never allow such
an easy way out...! We only subject ourselves to our ultimate goal...victory!"

Hsou pressed down harder on Takamori's grip. Takamori's knees almost gave out
from under him. Within seconds, his right knee was forced to find a spot on the
ground. Hsou's strength was exceeding his own. At this rate...he knew he was
defeated. His eyes began turning red. Veins began popping out from his skin.
He greeted his teeth...

"Urrrgh...! Honor...is already a form of victory...! What you seek...lies within your
ambitions...! That is why...Makato will never win!"

"Pest...! Utter peasants defines your family! You misconfigured one thing...This
situation is in my favor!" Hsou bantered back.

Hsou released his left hand from the hilt of his blade, curling all fingers into a fist
except both his middle and index. The tips of his fingers shot forward quickly
just above Takamori's adams apple. Hsou felt the infiltration dive pass the
flesh, hitting a nudge bone attached to the apple, which sent it flying to the back
of his throat. Takamori was forced to release his grip on Hsou's arm. He held his
neck as his body began tumbling to the ground.
His katana fell to the mud, while Hsou continued with his vicious strike.

The power of Hsou's blade sliced cleanly through Takamori's torso, two pieces
of Yhemae's husband lay before her. She yelled as she watched Hsou slowly
rise up to both feet. His eyes slowly looked over at Yhemae and knew his mission
had not been complete just yet. A wide grin appeared on his lips.
Yhemae's dress became stained with dirt and mud as she slowly crawled away
from Hsou. Being that her left leg was the most injured, she had no choice but
to crawl on her right side...which made it difficult for her left arm to help guide
her body away.

"...What have you done...?!" she screamed at Hsou.

Once Hsou was within range, his left hand reached down and grabbed a hand full
of her dark silky hair, and forcefully lifting her up by her bangs.
She hollered once her left leg was forced to straighten itself back out.
Hsou held her face close toward his lips as he bent down toward her. He kissed her
passionately, though she continously resisted. After he was finished, he slowly pulled
away from her lips and whispered...

"...Looks like your husband was right...it is my honor to end your family's legacy.
Victory is finally mine!"

With that, Hsou instantly drove his katana through Yhemae's heart. The steel
snapped the blood flowing to her heart and left a harsh river of blood spilling
from her chest. She died instantly.

Others of the Amaretsu families around the world heard of Takamori's defeat.
And even though the family lived on...Hsou made sure, that before the time of
his death...the Makato would always be a force to be feared.

Welcome...to Soukei Baku.

Soukei Baku Episode 2: Enter Soukei
Written by: Spirit_Master_X

Generations passed after the great battle between the Amaretsu and
the Makato. Treaties forged by the Amaretsu has always been declined
except one. Takamori's dream came to pass as both clans
finally agreed to end the bloodshed.
Instead, both clans came together as one, and formed an academy
that taught the old ways of both styles of Kenjutsu.
However, both clans were restricted to their own legacy of Kenjutsu.
Law forbidden the mix teachings of both styles to either clan.
Though all students learned a handful of history of their clans, the war
torn bout between them, including Takamori's and Hsou-Saijin's battle,
was all kept from public record. This decision was made so
the fight between the clans will forever cease to exist. But who was
to say all men abided the decision?

Nightfall fell upon the Amakatu academy. The school was split into two
dormitories, one for Amaretsu, and one for Makato...but only one building had
classes for both clans. In the center of the academy, closed off by all
buildings, was the Baku commons area.
The name "Baku" came from a descendent of the Amaretsu clan who designed
and built the area. The Baku was a place where both clans could come
and eat, train, and spar. Everyday, students filled the Baku in order to get away
from the stress that every sensei would put on them.
And luckily...both clans got along. However, a law provided by Amaretsu
headmaster Wu-Shin, and Makato headmaster Xaohu, explained that sparring
between both clans were prohibited unless appointed by both headmasters.
As a result, all students were confused as to why they could not spar with either
member of either clan. But this didn't stop students to spar in secret...
in the forest of Gekkai. Stripped from public record,
the Gekkai forest became Amaretsu's final path as they marched to the Makato temple...
which led to the final battle between Takamori and Hsou-Saijin.

Hidden in shadows, two dark figures crouched low and snuck pass the academy's
main entrance as they entered the path heading into the Gekkai.
Both figures were wearing all black, as well as all black masks, and carried one
katana attached to the left side of their waists.
They easily slipped under a tall tree, using the trunk's shadow as a way to stay
undetected. Orange leaves fell on their persona, as one figure turned to the other.

"Are you sure he is going to be here?" the figure asked. A voice strong-willed and
gentle. The voice of a female.

"He'll be here any moment, just be patient." the figure replied. The voice of a male.

After a few moments, another voice whispered in the background.
Another figure who wore all black, stepped from the shadows and approached the
two who had arrived. The figure slowly removed his mask and held the
wraps that hung loosely from the disguise.
He took another stepped forward and smiled. He wore a white band around
his forehead, while his short dark hair covered the sides of the accessory.

"Naoki..." he whispered.

The girl that had arrived sprawled to her feet, removed her mask and ran into the boy's arms.
The boy who appeared with Naoki turned around and stood sighing under his breath.
Naoki was beautiful. Her hair was long with a hazel tint, dark hazel eyes, and slightly pale skin.

"Jai-Po...where have you been? I haven't seen you around the academy..." Naoki said.

"Headmaster Xaohu has hindered me with assignments. I've missed you, Naoki.
From now on, we will always be together, alright?"

Jai-Po slowly looked up at the other figure who also appeared with Naoki. He called out
his name, Soukei, and thanked him for bringing Naoki to him. Soukei also removed his
mask. His long brown hair rested on his shoulders.
He nodded over to Jai-Po. Skill wise, both Soukei and Jai-Po were almost equal in strength.
However, they weren't from the same family. Soukei was a Amaretsu, Jai-Po was a Makato.
Naoki was also an Amaretsu, making her relationship with Jai-Po illegal and forbidden.
If both headmasters were to find out about them, harsh punishment would come to both of them.
Soukei and Naoki were good friends at the academy....though Naoki failed to see Soukei's
interest in her. However, Soukei wasn't necessarily against Jai-Po though both of them
always carried that rivalry tension.

"Soukei." called out Jai-Po, as he took a few steps forward, holding Naoki's right
hand in his left. Xaohu had always told Jai-Po to never bother himself with Wu-Shin's son,
Soukei, but Jai-Po saw Soukei as a close friend rather than what Xaohu made him out
to be...which was a danger to their clan.

"I promise this will be the last time. I know you're impatient of me as I keep requesting
than you sneak Naoki out of your dormitory. I apologize for such persistance...if you are
willing to accept."

"Listen...Jai-Po. What we are doing will eventually get us caught. I would rather not do
this again. My father will have our heads if he found out what me and Naoki were
doing." replied Soukei.

"I understand." Jai-Po then turned to Naoki, and caressed her arms with his firm hands.

"Naoki, tommorow we will be reunited. I will be in the Baku waiting for you."

Naoki smiled and placed her hands on top of Jai-Po's.

"Alright...." Naoki kissed Jai-Po on the lips before pulling away and walking toward Soukei.
As she took steps back, the distance between her and Jai-Po became longer.
She felt that it was a shame the clans could not engage in such relationships.
As she stood beside Soukei, he turned around and started heading back.

"Naoki!" Soukei called out to her. As she blew a kiss to Jai-Po she quietly turned around
and followed Soukei back to the dormitories.

Jai-Po stood there alone. After they disappeared from his sight, he decided to take another
route to the dormitories so he would decrease the risk of getting caught.

This post has been edited by Spirit_Master_X: Jan 4 2012, 04:19 PM

[Spirit_Master_X]

Soukei Baku Episode 3: Misconception
Written by: Spirit_Master_X

At mid-day, sunset rested around the orange fall season that covered
the academy. The Baku was filled with twirling leaves that ran amongst
themselves against the winds like small tornadaos.
In a particular area of the Baku, where relaxation, and the practice of
yielding to the world's energy, meant a lot to silence.
It was almost like a library that existed outside. There were four students
sitting on their heels in the middle of several cyclone spinning leaves.
They all kept silent, inhaling and exhaling deeply. The energy around them
caressed their personas, and guided them to a filling nature. Each student
had their katana laying next to them. The length of each blade stretched
the distance between their knees to their feet, as they sat with their hands
cupped together, their knuckles pointing under their chin.

Soukei, Naoki, Jai-Po, and Ryukaga all sat, focusing the hymms of their respective
ways of combat. Ryukaga joined the ranks of the Makato clan after his
family became poor. He felt if he joined the academy, he would be able to provide
for his parents who desperately searched for small work everyday.
Once Ryukaga sought the attention of Xaohu, headmaster of Makato, he promised
Ryukaga that if he completed his lessons and did well in his training, that he
would allow his family to permanently work for the clan. Thus far, Ryukaga showed
very high potential. He is the only student to possess such a unique stamina and
focus that no other student has ever seen.

Despite his ability, however, Ryukaga has never defeated another Makato member
in a spar. In the end, Ryukaga performed great efforts and was not afraid to
go beyond the boundaries of Makato's ordinary ninja. However, as Xaohu explained
to Ryukaga...effort was not enough to achieve victory. It takes more than effort.
Xaohu explained that you must have the will to attain status over your opponent.
Ryukaga never performed such a will. His true promise was held back by the sad
memories his family faced in the past. Xaohu also explained that if Ryukaga wishes
to finally triumph in combat, he would also need the determination of guaranteed
victory.

Though they were a part of the same clan, Jai-Po and Ryukaga rarely spoke.
Secretly, however, Ryukaga found Jai-Po to be a huge inspiration. He realized Jai-Po's
true mental strength and tried to adapt that into his own. Jai-Po never spoke to Ryukaga
not because he didn't want to, but because Xaohu insisted that he does not bother
himself with such burdens that Ryukaga carries with him.
Xaohu feels that if Jai-Po becomes tied to Ryukaga, the issues that Ryukaga's
family has faced, will soon enter Jai-Po's concentration...which would render him useless.
Ryukaga and Soukei were good friends at the academy.
The two of them performed some of the most exciting spars that has ever been seen
within the Gekkai. Ryukaga came very close to defeating Soukei, but one slip up caused
Ryukaga to lose.

The boy's left ankle twisted sideways as he graciously evaded Soukei's twirling katana.
As he started tumbling to the ground, Soukei extended his left hand and latched onto
Ryukaga's right hand wrist. Soukei stopped the tumbling Ryukaga from falling,
lunged forward, and wrapped his right arm over his right shoulder.
While Soukei's form motioned counter-clockwise, the back of his right shoulder diving
into Ryukaga's right arm pit, he pulled Ryukaga forward as the boy quickly dove down
along Soukei's upper backside, and found himself being thrown to the ground.
Soukei used his right arm to wrap around Ryukaga's, as the bottom of his palm pressed
against the boy's elbow. In this position, one move would've snapped Ryukaga's
elbow, and bent his arm back against the elbow joint. Ryukaga forever remembered that
day, and vowed to never make a slip up like that again.

Naoki began humming in the group's silence. She began humming what her grandmother
used to do just before she fell asleep. This also played a fine part in Naoki's combat ability.
Two years back, the academy hosted its second annual competition, where students
from both clans were allowed to battle for first place. This is where Naoki and Soukei first
met, as their match with one another was a tight one. In the end, however, Naoki ended
up defeating Soukei through a unanimous vote.
Sadly, however, Jai-Po did not participate inside the tournament. In fact, before it started,
Jai-Po, as well as Xaohu, were rarely seen. At the time, Jai-Po and Naoki were not
together. It was a time when Naoki never seen Jai-Po's combat in person. From stories,
however, Jai-Po was meant to be the most deadliest of all students at the academy.
Only one person has ever seen Jai-Po in combat...Soukei's father, Wu-Shin.
Ever since, Wu-Shin demanded that no one gets involve with Jai-Po...for he fears that the
boy's strength is not his very own...and could fight even when his body cannot.

While everyone continued to meditate, Ryukaga peeked open his left eye and glanced
at all the others who were still locked within their state. He took the initiative to speak.

"So, the annual competition begins in three more days...has anyone entered yet?"

"Well, my father listed me as a contestant. Hopefully, I will be able to get my revenge
on you Naoki." replied Soukei with a wide grin.

"Oh, we'll see." she said smiling. "Jai-Po...are you participating as well? I think it would be
really cool..."

"My clan master does not want me to...I'am forbidden to participate in any of them...but
I really want to, you know? I keep asking him why I cannot participate...but he seems
to ignore me at all times. He wants me to become stronger, but he will not allow me to enlist...
But...I will. This time, I promise to show the academy how well I can do in a fight!
As I wish to go against the best." replied Jai-Po.

"....................." Ryukaga stayed silent...He knew that if Jai-Po did manage to enlist...
the probability of him facing Jai-Po would be high. The competition bouts all students together,
even students within the same clan.

"Hehehe, well? What do you say, Soukei? Think you'll be able to take me on?" Jai-Po asked.

"It'll be great to finally see the great Jai-Po in combat. I have finally perfected my technique.
Just wait until you guys see how quickly I can get first place!" said Soukei.

"Well, well...look whos cocky." Naoki said giggling.

The three of them began laughing...except Ryukaga. Somewhere deep down, Ryukaga
remembered what Xaohu told him...that he put in so much effort, but in the end, effort
was not enough to win anything. He remembered Xaohu telling him how his combat
prowess does not favor the will to achieve victory. That effort and will were different.
If you're true to your goal, having will means that you will guarantee yourself the victory.
Effort is simply a tool used to show the strengths of an individual...and not his weakness.
A full warrior embraces his strengths and weaknesses. For a full warrior realizes what
can defeat him. At any rate, Ryukaga is afraid of his own fear.
A fear that he would let his family down. Ryukaga's worried eyes stared at the fully green
grass surrounding his knees and sighed.

Soukei glanced over at Ryukaga.

"Ryu...?"

Ryukaga snapped out of his dazed expression and looked over at Soukei. He realized that
everyone was looking at him, except Jai-Po who kept his eyes closed.

"Oh...right! Yes, I'am looking forward to it as well. However, this will be my first
competition...I've only been here for a year...I'm not sure what to expect if I enter..."

"It is true that there are many good competitors here at the academy. But I've seen
your fight with Soukei, and you will do fine!" said Naoki with a smile.

Naoki had always attempted to give Ryukaga faith and encouragement. A while ago, Naoki
was like Ryukaga as well. Not knowing what to expect. Afraid to be beaten.
When she first entered the academy, Naoki felt that she entered a place where her skill
meant nothing compared to the talent that she witnessed.
But this didn't stop her from proving that she belongs as well. Wu-Shin saw that
her persistance will grant her true strength. He taught her, that in her case, insisting upon
victory, means you have the will to win, but also shows a glint of honor. Insistance comes
with pride...with pride...comes with honor. If used correctly, both fashions becomes
a force to reckoned with.

"Yeah, don't worry about it. We'll be there for you." said Soukei.

Ryukaga smiled in response to the help of his friends and nodded his head.

"Thanks."

"...It is getting late. I must return to my dorm." said Jai-Po.

"Yeah, I suppose you're right." replied Naoki. "So what are we doing tommorow?" she asked.

"My uncle, Osagawa Tenaku, will be arriving here tommorow. He and master Xaohu are
long-term friends." Jai-Po mentioned.

"Wait...did you say 'Osagawa Tenaku?" asked Soukei.

"Yes...why? have you heard of him?"

"My father said that he is one of the greatest ninja assassins to ever hail from the Makato...
But he refused to go any further to tell me anything else."

"My uncle teaches a private sector of individuals. He won't even tell me what technique
they utilize...but he has told me that Hsou-Saijin was his favorite warrior."

"Hsou-Saijin?" asked Naoki.

"Hsou-Saijin was said to be the first ninja assassin to ever lead both of our clans to victory
in the great war with the Izumi tribes...after Takamori, one of the greatest samurai to have ever existed, died of a sudden illness...But that was all he told me about Hsou-Saijin. The first ever ninja in
Makato history to lead both clans at once."

"...Really?" asked Soukei. "Wow, that is pretty cool. Well...I will perhapes gear up
tommorow and go through the Gekkai to hunt. Anyone can join me if they wish."

Soukei got up and stretched. Ryukaga decided to stand and dust himself off as well.

"Alright, well...I will be heading back guys. Soukei, I may just take you up on that
offer tommorow. I wouldn't mind doing a little hunting myself. A great way to sharpen up
our skills for the competition...right...?" said Ryukaga.

"Yeah." replied Soukei.

Naoki's eyes looked deep into Jai-Po's. Tommorow would be impossible for them to unite again.
She decided she may as well travel along with Soukei and Ryukaga.

"Alright...well...since you're going to be busy tommorow, I suppose I will tag along with
them..." she said.

Naoki and Jai-Po stood to there feet. They wanted to hug each other, but not inside the Baku.
Instead, they decided to shake hands.

"I love you, Naoki." Jai-Po said. Naoki gave those exact words back, as Jai-Po departed.
Ryukaga then turned, waved, and said goodbye.

Soukei and Naoki turned and walked off as well. Jai-Po briefly turned around over his shoulder
and eyed Soukei and Naoki before entering his dorm. Deep down, Jai-Po
didn't know if he could fully trust Naoki's relationship with Soukei. They were part of the same
clan, and was allowed opportunities that they could not share with the Makato.

All in all...the time of the competition is counting down.

Soukei Baku Episode 4: Old Arrivals
Written by: Spirit_Master_X

At the main entrance of the Amakatu academy, headmaster Wu-Shin waited
patiently for the arrival of Osagawa Tenaku. He was accompanied by
Xaohu, who eagerly awaited his friend's arrival.
The three of them knew each other well. Their great grandparents were raised
after the great war with the Amaretsu and the Makato, so they grew up
with extensive knowledge about both clan's histories. They understood that
in the era that produced bloodshed, both clans had their own meaning in
creating everlasting peace throughout the world. Since Hirekuza, Takamori,
and Hsou-Saijin...Wu-Shin, Xaohu, and Osagawa took their places as some of
the best samurai and ninja in the world to date. However, they did not feel the
need to display their historic talents mentally, or physically...for they used techniques
that only the great warriors of old knew. And even though tensions between
them grew, they decided to withdraw from teaching their clans the forbidden techniques of old...
as a way to comfort the decision to end the fighting. If the techniques were ever leaked...
hunger for power can easily be fed.

Osagawa Tenaku led a harsh group of unbelievably skilled ninja assassins.
Osagawa liked to call them...the 'Yinpochi' It was a name that signifies power and meaning.
Only those who knew about the Yinpochi were Wu-Shin and Xaohu. Jai-Po has heard of them...
but doesn't necessarily know the group's title, nor combat practices.
Their name was forbidden to be taught to students. The organization usually picks their
recruits by hand. No one can truly sign-up to become a Yinpochi acolyte, unless approved by
Osagawa himself. This was part of the reason why he decided to attend the annual competition.
He wanted to see who would be fit enough to join such an elite group of warriors.

"Ahh...just like old times, friend." said Xaohu as he and Wu-Shin narrowed their eyes out
into the distance. Their line of sight shot through the evergreen forest of the Gekkai a mile
ahead of them. Wu-Shin paused for a bit as he did not trust Xaohu. Though the treaty forced
them to work together, all of their ideas were opposite. They disagreed on most things,
including allowing the students to take classes in the same building. However, this was soon
passed as the students demanded to take classes with their friends. They felt it would be
best to give the students what they wanted. If they didn't, they feared the students would turn
on them...as well as their opposite clans.

Wu-Shin decided not to reply at all. Xaohu snickered a little, while he cupped his hands together
behind his back. Xaohu knew Wu-Shin did not trust him at all, which made the situation
amusing in Xaohu's favor. He knew he could get under Wu-Shin's skin just by insulting his
family's history. If he wanted, he could bring up the story of Hsou-Saijin and Yhemae of old
times...Xaohu always knew how the story irritated Wu-Shin. He could possibly even
force Wu-Shin to attack him if he made a conversation as such.

"Osagawa is a well respected man of the Yinpochi, you know. He is here to recruit any possible
candidates to join the ranks of his acolytes. Perhapes even...Soukei?" Xaohu said as he smirked.

In his mind, Wu-Shin cursed that acknowledgement. He would never allow Soukei or any of
his students to take part in Makato's branch of warriors. He stayed silent...but his eyes
began twitching just slightly as he continued to stare blankly out in the distance.

"I know you, Master Wu-Shin. I know you despise our people. You think ill intentions of us...
Somewhere in your mind it convinces you to distrust our way of living. The way we fight, the
way we walk...the way we practice and hone our skills in combat. It irritates you, doesn't it?"

Xaohu paused for a bit. He looked over to analyze Wu-Shin. He could tell the man was rather
bothered. With this, he smirked and decided to continue.

"You think just because of the days of old, that we are unjust. That we will stop at nothing and
control the world through force and oppression. Well, allow me to make a counter-argument to
your philosophy, Master Wu-Shin. You think the Makato does not feel the same for your
people, hm? In the end, it was the Amaretsu who called us filth, savage beasts...criminals."

"Because you are..." Wu-Shin finally said. His eyes slowly glancing over to Xaohu.

"It is because of your people...that many suffered the ill omen of death! Do not pretend to
play the victim. Makato has always believed in one thing...power. It shows in your technique.
Throughout history, Makato continously suppressed the monks at the ancient temple!
Men who honored and worshipped the glory of living! Who always sought to protect and serve
those who could not protect themselves! The Makato are responsible for the war, and will
always be a wound that cannot be healed!" Wu-Shin argued.

Xaohu smirked and turned to face the distance.

"Do not forget, old friend...who led the attack on the monks. A shame you forgot about
Uzaki Ye'Sagi. Born under the Amaretsu clan, taught in the ways of the samurai...joined
the ranks of the Makato...and became a respected warrior among the superiors. Have
you forgotten already?" Xaohu argued back.

Wu-Shin rolled his eyes at Xaohu and turned back to face the distance in time to see
Osagawa's carriage approaching. Three strong horses, one brown, one black and white, and
the other light brown led the way. Once the carriage pulled alongside Wu-Shin and
Xaohu, the driver stepped down and bowed to both masters before approaching Osagawa's
door. As the door opened, Osagawa stepped outside, along with a Yinpochi skilled warrior.
Osagawa's unique features displayed that he was from a different area.
Exceedingly long dark hair with a pony tail that hung loose at the top, a very sharp beard
that ran from his chin past the length of his neck, a tight black and red tinted uniform
fit for a sorcerer, and brown clogs without the socks.

The Yinpochi warrior wore a mask that had two different faces in the front and back.
On the front of the mask, the sculpture resembled that of a happy face, while on the back
resembled an angry face. The Yinpochi were taught to battle with their katanas depending
on what side of the mask their opponent were facing. If their opponent faced the happy side of
the mask, the Yinpochi warrior would juggle his body from side to side, attempting to confuse
his opponent. This often worked, as the Yinpochi utilized the element of surprised.
If their opponent faced the angry side, their use of the surprise element changes. They
deposit their katana back in its sheathe and use melee combat. At which time the opponent
least expect it, the Yinpochi warrior unleashes his katana, attacks, and puts it away
before the opponent even realizes what happened. By the time they do, however...they
may be dead...They also wore the traditional ninja uniform. The one they wore, closely resembled
that of Hsou-Saijin.

Osagawa, the Yinpochi warrior, as well as Xaohu, bowed to one another in respect.
Wu-Shin simply scanned them both. Bringing a Yinpochi warrior to the academy was
completely confrontational to the laws of this school...atleast that is what Wu-Shin believes.
But really, there were no laws that prohibited a Yinpochi warrior from entering the
school grounds. As long as he or she were not directly assigned under Amaretsu or Makato
as a student. Wu-Shin frowned upon them, and could only watch in disgust.

"Ah, Master Xaohu, it is a pleasure to see you again, my friend." said Osagawa.

"Likewise, my old friend." replied Xaohu. "Your nephew has shown a lot of promise through
his time here. It is safe to say, that he may be the best among the students here...all of them."

At the end of that sentence, Xaohu made sure to glance over at Wu-Shin once he mentioned that
Jai-Po may be better than all the students there...including Soukei.

"Ah, I see. And you, Master Wu-Shin, it is an honor to be in your company again." Osagawa
bowed slightly in front of him. In their time, a full bow meant they showed respect...a slight bow
was an insult to the samurai code of honor. Osagawa smirked as he done so.
Wu-Shin did not take the action lightly, as he turned around and walked away. Just being in their
presence angered him so. If he had a mind to, he would've attempted to kill them.
All three of the Makato descendents watched Wu-Shin walk away. A slight chuckle erupted
between the group, as Xaohu turned to face Osagawa.

"Mind him not. He's been on edge ever since being appointed to headmaster. I'm sure he will
be fine, yes. Let us not waste our time here. Come, my friend, allow me to show you to your
nephew. I'm sure Jai-Po would be very much happy to see you."

Osagawa nodded his head. Xaohu entered the main entrance, making their way down through
the Baku. Osagawa watched the students in the area. Some of them were sparring, others were
eating, some were training, meditating and the like. They all seemed to pay him no mind as they
made their way into the Makato's respective building.

Located inside Xaohu's training room, was Jai-Po getting a handle on his technique.
The walls inside the room were padded down with tan layers of soft fabric. The mat itself was
also tan, but with a rough fabric and texture. A surrounding balcony watched over the main floor.
It was where his students could stand as Xaohu would demostrate and train them with techniques.
With Xaohu on the floor, and the rest of the students standing on the balcony, one or two students
at a time would spar with Xaohu before their school hours were over. All students were able to
spar with Xaohu except Jai-Po. He was only allowed to spar with Xaohu during after hours.

As Jai-Po held his katana in a reverse angle with his right hand, his wrist would rotate back and
forth, he twirled the katana in front of him. He brought his left arm around, with his palm
just above his right bicep. As his right hand wrist rotated back toward the right, he opened his
hand and allowed the hilt of the katana to fall into his left palm. All the while, he pivoted on his
left foot, and hurled his body counter-clockwise. As he came around, his left hand, now holding
the katana normally by the hilt, cut down in a diagonal motion from his top right shoulder, to the
side of his bottom left calf muscle. If he was battling an opponent who made a mistake, they
would be instantly cut in half. This was a technique that Xaohu had taught him. It originated from
the great Hsou-Saijin. In regards of the Makato usual way of handling the katana, switching
from his right to his left hand was a forbidden technique.

The Yinpochi has also been granted the technique. If done correctly, the opponent can easily
become confused as to where the katana will be coming from.

Jai-Po's right foot took a giant step forward, as his left foot took short steps forward. As he done
this, he swung the hilt down with his left hand. The sharp length of the blade cut through the wind,
as the tip of the sword pointed in the direction he was facing. As the katana kept spinning,
he pushed his left arm out to the side. He did this, because as the blade flipped back around, the
sharp end now pointing at his left shoulder, his left arm wouldn't get cut. Instead, as the blade
pointed back down now, and the hilt was back in his eyesight, his right hand came around and
took the katana, now holding it in the desired Makato reversed angle.
He rotated the blade until the sharp end pointed forward. His left palm pressed firmly down on the
bottom of the hilt, and yanked both of his arms backward as his torso faced away from the
blade. If he was facing an opponent, he would have been stabbed viciously through the gut area.

Jai-Po kept on with his training as Xaohu, Osagawa, and the Yinpochi watched him in silence.
A smile crept up on Osagawa's lips as he saw his nephew perform such deadly feats.
Jai-Po was not aware that he was being watched until Osagawa called out to him.

"Jai-Po!" shouted Osagawa.

Jai-Po immediately smiled and ran to bow in front of his uncle.

"Uncle Osagawa, you've finally arrived!"

"Indeed. You show great talent with your skill. How have you been, my nephew?"

"I've been doing well...Master Xaohu has taught me a lot in the past couple of years, I think
I'am truly ready to face the challenges in the annual tournament..."

"Master Wu-Shin would be displeased to see your participation in the tournament, young one."
said Xaohu.

"I do not wish to care what Master Wu-Shin thinks...All this time uncle, Master Wu-Shin
continously disregard my talent inside the tournaments. He doesn't even like it when I speak
to Soukei...or even Naoki...I just want to be able to prove myself to the best of the best here.
It is in my blood to show my true strength as well!"

"Indeed. We will see what Wu-Shin thinks when you show up for that tournament."
said Osagawa. "Ofcourse, if it will be okay with Master Xaohu, that is."

Xaohu smirked and nodded his head.

"Then it is settled. Come, my nephew. Let us see what you have learned." continued Osagawa.

"Yes sir!"


This post has been edited by Spirit_Master_X: Jan 5 2012, 02:13 PM