Chapter 2: The Reason for My Presence ~“Kenji-San, remember this my friend, remember this.”~ His eyes, serene and intense, were still resting upon mine, sad, yet proud. I quickly shook my head trying to rid myself of the guilt, but remained it did. What would cause a great warrior to take his own life I thought to myself? But before I could bring myself to some conclusion, the door was knocked upon. I quickly scurried over and slid it open. “Hide-Samma! Welcome, please come in.” I quickly bowed, and he did the same. “Good morning Kenji-San.” Replied Hide as he stepped in. “How was your first sleep in my village? I hope it was peaceful.” “Yes Hide-Samma, this place is very peaceful. Thank you for providing this house.” In my experience, respect always came first. I would never dishearten my lord with my personal troubles. But Hide suddenly laughed, and I was surprised, as I did not expect this sort of reaction. “Kenji-San, never disguise your true thoughts with words of respect, for if a man is not honest, he cannot learn the ways.” Hide continued to laugh to himself. Learn the ways I quickly thought, puzzled as I stood there. What was this he was referring to? The ways of the Samurai? I was quickly and uncontrollably fascinated. “Does Yugi-San and Minoru-San’s deaths trouble you?” Hide seemed concerned, unusual it was. Without hesitation, I replied. “Yes my lord, it was entirely my fault, I shouldn’t have asked that question. I cannot muster the words to apologize to you for causing their deaths.” I lowered my head as I spoke. “Kenji-San, Yugi-San and Minoru-San’s deaths were very honourable, and they displayed a great lesson for us all. I think it was a good death.” Hide smiled and put his right hand on my shoulder. “You must think nothing else of this.” He took his hand off my shoulder and turned to the door. “Come Kenji-San, I have much to show you.” As he led me out the door, I was speechless, and found myself admiring this man as my eyes studied him. He was tall, about 6’3” and powerfully built, much like a lion. His hair was dark and probably as long as his katana, but concealed in his topknot. Among the scars on his face, I notice one that was unmistakably formed from an attack of a sword. I was amazed and inspired, for he must have been a remarkably skilled warrior. I was very excited. As Hide escorted me through his village, I was intrigued and filled with a sort of calmness. He showed me everything, as it was all very beautiful. The woman sat in the gardens preparing fresh vegetables and fruit and happily waved at us as we slowly strolled by. The kids, who eagerly gathered firewood and water, were so disciplined, and such proper young adults. They are a fascinating people. From the moment the sun awakes, they devote themselves to the perfection and happiness of the entire village. I have never seen such discipline, such devotion to a single cause. Every one of them was so intertwined with each other, as to provide the very essentials to survive. I was astounded and impressed, and for a moment, the prior nights display of courage, loyalty and death vanished from my thoughts. As we etched our way further down the path toward the last area of the village, Hide just stopped. “What is it you want for yourself Kenji-San?” Again, Hide surprised me. “To perform my duties to the best of my abilities.” I was staggered that I didn’t even hesitate to answer. “Wise you are Kenji-San. But what is it that yearns inside of you?” “My lord?” Hide then sighed as he lowered his head, and I suspected a sense of despair and an ulterior motive for my presence. The wind was blowing now, and pollen from nearby vegetation was falling like snow. It was a peaceful scene. “A long time ago, I knew a great man who once saved my life. His name was Takashi Yoto.” “My father!?! You knew my father?” I replied “Yes Kenji-San, he was a great friend, and a noble blacksmith. I knew him when you were but a small boy.” “I admit Kenji-San, there is another reason for your presence here.” My eyes fell from their stare, and I glanced at Hide. “Another reason?” I replied in a broken voice. “Yes Kenji-San. It was your fathers dying wish that I personally teach you the ways of the sword. He told me of your hidden desire to become a Samurai. Those were his last words young one, and I promised I’d do so.” I suddenly felt a tear rolling down my cheek, but it was quickly concealed as my hair continued to fly recklessly through the wind. Hide was now silent, waiting for me to say something. However, my thoughts were elsewhere as I had never known how my father had died. Softly, I asked. “Lord Hide-Samma, please tell me how my father was killed.” Hide glanced back over at me as his eyes were following the falling pollen. “It is your right to know, and I shall tell you . . . . . . . . . .. The Death of Kenji’s Father The two men rested around their fire, desperately seeking warmth, but the near freezing air seared through their bodies. It was a rapid feeling as the dark of the night crept up, but they were as alert as could be. The pale clouds now covered the moon, and it was blackness, pure blackness. As they sat there as still as possible, listening ever so slightly, something was heard. A single branch cracked to their rear, and Hide quickly turned his head, and firmly gripped his katana; Takashi held his. Suddenly, a freakishly loud screech echoed through the forest, no more than 20 feet away. Takashi was startled and jumped, but Hide was calm. “Don’t worry Takashi-San, it’s nothing but an owl.” Reassured Hide. “I’m sorry my friend, this whole thing has made me afraid, what if they find us?” Takashi was franticly glancing to and fro, over his shoulders, and his katana would not leave his hands. The owl screeched a second time, again startling Takashi. “Uggh, I hate that sound, it’s so loud.” Said Takashi as his heart raced, but Hide quickly interrupted him. “Be silent.” He said as his ears perked up, his head raised, and his eyes went still. This time, they had made a mistake, and secretly, Hide had noticed them. There was someone at his rear flank, someone was sneaking in. Takashi followed his command and stayed as quiet as he could. He then glanced over at Hide and saw his sword was pulled a few inches from its sheath, ready to strike. Takashi frowned his eyes, shaken with fear. “What’s wrong?” He whispered. But Hide said nothing. His attention was to the forest as someone was there. He slowly moved his eyes toward Takashi’s and silently signalled his discovery of the person behind him. Takashi again grew silent, cautiously peering over Hide’s shoulders. But there was nothing there except a faint line of trees, shrubs, and bushes, followed by blackness. Takashi peered harder squinting his eyes, but still, there was neither movement nor sound. Suddenly the owl screeched again, and Hide all of a sudden hastily rolled forward as his ears caught the attack. He ripped his katana from its sheath as he rolled, faster then a blink of an eye, and threw it up, blocking the rear attackers sword as it came down like the wind. The attacker was caught off guard as he was blocked and quickly stepped back, positioning his straight sword parallel to his face, and forming a defensive stance. Takashi tried to follow Hide’s movements, but was too slow and clumsy, and fell backwards over the log. Suddenly, Hide heard another black clothed assassin at Takashi’s flank, as he was about to swing down at Takashi’s head. Hide quickly grasped his tanto, and flung it through the attackers chest. The man wrapped his fingers around the cold blade as he muttered and choked, but was unable to pull it out as his strength was already withering away. He quickly fell. Takashi scrambled up to his feet in aw of what just happened and saw Hide was about to commence in his own battle. The attackers were Rogue-Samurai, also known as Ninja’s, or assassins for hire. “Takashi! Stay back!” Ordered Hide as Takashi was not a Samurai, but a blacksmith. Hide and the Ninja stood in their stances, circling each other, waiting for the first move. They studied one another, hoping to seek out some kind of weakness, but nothing was found. Both men suddenly stopped, their breath visible as the airs temperature lowered even more. Hide held his katana in front of himself in the traditional style, just waiting. Then, it came; the Ninja lost his patience and roared out of stance with a one-handed attack, swinging his blade at Hide’s face. But Hide was too fast, and easily blocked the manoeuvre as their swords slammed together. Again, the Ninja pulled back positioning himself back into his stance. Hide stayed calm, his breathing was steady, and his mind was sharp. “Make you move assassin!” Screamed Hide. Takashi was terrified and suddenly, Hide caught the Ninja’s eyes as they slowly looked up to a tree. “Takashi, get down!” Yelled Hide, but it was too late. From out of nowhere, a small knife flew through the air, striking Takashi in his throat. “Ahh..ughh..ghh..!” Takashi cried as blood gurgled in his mouth. Simultaneously, the Ninja in front of Hide attacked, taking advantage of Hide’s attempt to warn Takashi. The sword divided the air as it swung, slicing Hide on his face. Hide jumped back and held his face. Blood seeped through his fingers and ran down his arms. The cut was deep, but not fatal, and Hide glanced at his friend whom lay on the ground slowly dying. He turned back toward the Ninja who was again purged in his stance, and he could tell the man was smiling. “You fool!” Hide said as his teeth gritted and as spit flew from his mouth. At that moment, the concealed Ninja in the tree jumped down and ran at Hide’s flank, thrusting his straight blade toward Hide’s back. Hide quickly twirled like a tornado, barely dodging the attack, and swung his katana down on the mans sword, forcing it to the ground, and into the soft dirt. As the Ninja’s sword hit the soil, Hide quickly tore his wakizashi from its sheath, and swung it up, cutting the Ninja from his stomach to his chin. Hide quickly turned, two swords in hand and again, faced his opponent. The Ninja was trembling with fear after witnessing Hide’s skills, and suddenly, Hide lunged at him. “Ahyaaa!” Screamed Hide. His wakizashi, held in his left hand cut through the cold air as it came across the Ninja’s face, but it was blocked. Then the katana swung right after, connecting with the Ninja’s thigh, slicing it almost an inch deep. The Ninja quickly retaliated by swinging his sword again at Hide’s face. Hide quickly arched his head back, and could almost taste the Ninja’s steel as it went by. The Ninja’s swing followed through, as the momentum was enormous; it was a mistake. The Ninja’s attack threw him off balance as his feet lost their place. Hide rapidly stabbed his wakizashi at the mans stomach, but it too was blocked, this time causing the Ninja to stutter his step. Hide was quick, as fast as the wind, and his katana attacked by striking the Ninja’s back. His shirt ripped open and blood poured out like a waterfall. The Ninja quickly fell to his knees, gasping for air, and Hide put both his sword against the mans throat on either side. “This is for Takashi!” He screamed as his two swords crossed paths, decapitating the Ninja’s head. Hide ran over to Takashi who surprisingly was still alive. “Takashi-San! I’m sorry my friend. Don’t worry, I’ll get you out of here.” Hide scrambled to try and pick Takashi up. “St…op Hid..e-San, ….let ..m..e go, it’s to..o late for…. me.” Takashi could barely speak as blood persistently dripped from his mouth. “Takashi, please, stay strong.” A tear fell from Hide’s face. “Hi…de-S.a…n, teach Ke..nji,. ……..tra…in him….to be..com..e a SAMURAI……” Takashi used every last bit of strength to gather his last words as his life slipped away with the ending of “Samurai”. “Takashi! Takashi!” Hide slapped Takashi’s face trying to wake him up, but it was of no use. He was dead. Hide then lowered his head, ashamed of his performance. He rose to his feet, slowly walked over to one of the dead assassin’s, and yanked his tanto out from the mans chest. Hide lowered himself to his knees and wiped the blade clean of blood. His intensions were to commit seppuku; a stab to the gut, followed by self-disembowelment. As he sat there, his mind ran wild. Seppuku was a traditional ritual that every Samurai was willing to execute. They truly believed in it, and would never hesitate. But Hide hesitated. Takashi had asked him to train his son Kenji, and Takashi was a great friend. Hide soon realized of the greater mission laid in front of him, and therefore, released his grip from the blade, and it fell. “I will do as you wish my old friend, I will do as you wish….” As Hide finished telling me what happened, I couldn’t control myself, and I fell to my knees. My father, a great blacksmith, killed by assassins. Why? As I looked back to Hide, he too was hurting. The memory flooded his mind, and I could tell his heart was lost. I bravely worked up the courage to speak. “Hide-Samma, why were those men after my father?” I asked. “I don’t know young one. Your father had asked me for help, and so I did, but before I could ask him, we were attacked. I never found out. But now I have found you, Kenji-San, and now I can fulfill my duty to your father.” Replied Hide. I again looked around, searching for a response, but it was hard to find. As we continued down the path to the last area of the village, I finally found the strength to ask. I turned and bowed, lowering myself to my knees, offering my complete service. “Hide-Samma, teach me the ways of the Samurai. I must learn. I offer my complete and undivided devotion under your teachings. Please my lord.” My head was down to the ground, as a sign of respect. “Come Kenji-San, rise, rise my friend. I will teach you the ways as I was taught. I will teach you Bushido!” Replied Hide. “You must realize one thing young one.” “What is it Master?” It felt so good to say that. “A Samurai’s skills are not for revenge, but for service and protection of those in need.” He said. I felt my eyes frown in disappointment. “Do you understand Kenji-San?” Hide asked. I suddenly felt as though I had to make a rash decision. My father was murdered, and for that, someone would pay. I quickly decided to hide my reasons, and agreed with Hide. “Yes Hide-Samma, I understand.” I bowed, and he did the same. “Good! Then come, our training are is just over here, we have much to do.” Hide continued down the path and I closely followed. To what this new life would lead me I was unsure. But as we rounded that bend, I saw those men and their katanas flying through the air. It was beautiful, and I felt a little smile appear. I sensed as though I was where I belonged, and as we made our way closer, I could here them. Instructor: “Hajime!” (Begin) 50 Samurai: “Hai!” (Yes) [This message has been edited by Undefeatable (edited 01-13-2006 @ 04:35 PM).]
Kenji’s Quest: A Samurai’s Journey
As I awoke this morning, visions of Yugi-San’s death haunted my thoughts. The last words he spoke to me echoed throughout my mind.
I was silent as I stood there, and my hair was flying through the air covering my face, but I did not care.
(Stop Hide-San, let me go, it’s too late for me.)
(Hide-San, teach Kenji, train him to become a Samurai.)
Back to Present Time
To be continued….
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Topic Subject: Kenji's Story: A Samurai's Journey: Chapter 2
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