[Psiko]

The bokken clash in midair as Ryang wards off the relentless offensive assault of his opponent. Both men wear simple white robes as they train with their wooden swords in the midday sun. Ryang sidesteps another blow and expertly thrusts his bokken forward, the tip slamming into his opponent’s chest. Ryang’s skin gleams in the sunlight, his body covered in sweat. A satisfied smirk crosses his face as he takes a few steps backward before dropping into a bow.

Ryang sets his bokken aside and grabs his training staff instead, not wanting to neglect his primary weapon. His next opponent steps into the training square, hesitating as he draws his bokken. The side judge barks out the rules and Ryang rolls his eyes as he leans on his staff, absently fingering the leather sphere on the end of his staff. As the judge finishes his droning speech Ryang bows to his opponent.

Ryang begins the fight by thrusting his staff, hoping to use the length of the weapon to his advantage. His opponent easily deflects the attack and knocks it aside with his bokken. In an attempt to steal the victory the man charges in but Ryang trips him with the staff. The bokken falls free from his grip and Ryang casually knocks it aside with his foot as he stabs the leather-tipped end of his staff downward. The man rolls aside and reaches into his robe as he leaps to his feet, pulling a concealed dagger from within.

Acting on instinct alone Ryang moves aside as the man stabs. A shuriken cuts through the air where Ryang had been moments ago and lodges itself in the man’s throat as his dagger pierces Ryang’s shoulder. Panic erupts from the onlookers and the perimeter guards spring into action, seeking the unseen assailant.

Ryang bites his lower lip to stifle a cry of pain as the blade hits bone. The pure white material of his robe swiftly becomes stained with crimson. Ryang knows the attacker is far away already, so he makes no attempt to follow. He knows who sent the assassins, and why they were sent. He is getting closer. In one week, at the Tournament of Arms, he will finally get the chance he has sought for fifteen years now. If he wins the tournament he will learn the name of the six-fingered man, his father’s murderer, and where he can be found. Ryang’s chance for revenge is so close he can taste it. He will finally get the chance to dual with that man.

And when he meets him, he will say, “Hello. My name is Ryang Hiroto. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”