Yuki got up off the ground. His once snow like hair is now stained with the same metallic

blood that fills the entirety of the circular death smelling arena. Yuki remains quiet. He observes

his opponent, looking for any type of weakness. He finds none, not for this beast of a man. His

name is Taiju, and he is the champion of this arena, the same champion that once killed Yuki’s

sister.

     “You’re stronger than I was led to believe. Not that it matters. I’ll blitz you like I did that last oaf,” Yuki says his soft blue eyes are piercing Taiju’s soul; it’s as if he’s looking right through him.

     “Ahh yes, I saw what you did with Tsuyoi. The way your curved blade pierced his heart was masterful; he truly wasn’t expecting it. However, that said, you aren’t enough for me just yet, kid,” Taiju said as he readied his jade green ruby encrusted handle into his hands revealing his  sword stained with the blood of past foes. He then returned Yukis very look with his own deep snake-like eyes.

     “So much blood stained onto that sword; that's going to change now,” Yuki states, crouching down to lower his 5 '8 stature by 1 more foot. Taiju is already 2 feet taller than him, but it doesn’t matter.

     “What are you going to do with that puny crescent blade? Tickle me? Just like your sister with that very same blade, you will lose. So, just COME BACK WHEN YOU’RE STRONGER,” Taiju exclaimed as Yuki rushed him.

     “GET READY T- BLEH” Yuki coughs up blood. He finds himself in the air above the arena before landing in the woodlands behind the arena. Yuki sheathes his blade, knowing that he isn’t enough, that he needs to be stronger. “It’s really over just like that, huh? He really beat me after all that time I spent training with that blade, all those people I killed.”

     “Well, hello young man,” an old man said as his drooping face appeared over Yukis, his eyes closed and his mouth forming a smile.”

     “Who are you? What are you doing here?” Yuki questions.

     “Well, I saw your performance in the arena, and I wanted to help. You did good going against that monster, considering that you’re still alive and all,” The older man answers.

     “Well, then, you really think you can help me, eh? Well, I appreciate it, but after all, I don’t know you. I don’t know your name or anything about you, and no disrespect, but what can an old man like you teach me?” Yuki stated in a standoffish way.

     “Ahh, the age old question. What can you give me? I can give you power and speed far beyond what you currently possess. My name is Rojin. Though my prime is past, I, too, was champion of this arena once upon a time,” The old man said, never losing his smile or his closed eyes.

     “So, you truly think you can help me. Well, I don’t exactly believe you, nor do I believe you were the champion of this arena. So, how about a test of sorts? I’ll tell you what. If you can do something that impresses me, I’ll train with you. It can be anything related to me and killing that man, and it has to be exceptional,” Yuki says slowly, growing a little smile from the corner of his mouth.

     “Ok, I believe I have something that is sure to impress you,” the old man says, grinning ear to ear.

     “Go for it. Just tell me when you’re ready and go,” Yuki instructs.

     “Ok, it’s done. Yes, I know you’re confused. I was in front of you, and now, I’m here right behind you. Oh, and you may want this back now,” the old man throws Yuki’s curved blade to his feet.

     “What, how did you? I-I-I was sure I never took my eyes off of you, but you took my blade and appeared behind me. I'd be honored to train with you sir,” Yuki stated as they walked off.

     “Here we are. This is where you’ll be training,” the old man says, pointing to a dilapidated shack ready to fall over at the next slightest wind.  For the next 6 months, the old man trains Yuki relentlessly. He trains him with everything he can think of. Knives, swords, projectiles, armor, wooden sticks, water. He uses it all to train Yuki. Yuki’s body hurts all over. The old man is tough, so much so Yuki thought about quitting many times. The old man puts Yuki through many things, such as an endless amount of running, rock climbing, kendo training/practicing, and many more things. He also makes Yuki walk on knives and hits him with kendo sticks to improve his endurance. After about 4 months, Yukis body is finally ready to learn the old man's speed technique. It’s rough, but the previous training pays off, and through many challenges, trial, tribulation, and failure, Yuki masters the technique, and with a final sendoff from Rojin, he returns to the arena and once again faces Taiju.

     “Well look who's back. Well, let's not waste any time alright,” says Taiju as he unsheathes his blade.

     “Couldn’t agree more. This is for Tsuki. May my sister's spirit forever be satisfied that her blade takes you life. I will not waste any time. Yes, I will use my ultimate speed technique off the bat,” Yuki says as he ready’s himself not knowing what’s about to happen.

     “That old man's technique, eh? Yes, I saw you leave with him, but what he never told you is that before you were there, I was. I’m 24 now, but when I was 16, I was in a situation similar to yours. He also came to me, but the difference is this. I killed the champion of the time, and that's when I saw it, the disappointment on that old man's face was evident. I knew then I wasn’t supposed to survive. This is why I give you the unique opportunity to leave now,” Taiju states adopting a somber tone. He understands Yuki’s pain, and he pitys him too.

     “Now, why should I believe you, the man who killed my sister. I know you’re trying to get in my head, but it won’t work. I’m going to use his techniques and I will win.” Yuki grits; he’s irritated.

     “Well, kid, I’m sorry, but I warned you.” Taiju is somber as he wipes Yukis blood from his blade. As Yuki dies his mind races, his eyes dart. He looks somewhere he shouldn’t have, and he realizes what Taiju has said was true. He knows now he wasn’t supposed to survive, that old man's devilish smile haunted his final moments.