After Tadao finds a safe place for Pitch to lay down on, he heads back to the underground boxing ring. While he passes the fighting ring, he makes a quick scan of the room to ensure that there is no one left behind. He eventually makes his way towards the locker room that is opposite to the one that he used. Walking into the locker room he is fully prepared to face off against anything. Except for what is inside. As he is shocked to discover Jose struggling to get Goemon’s large and unconscious body off of the bounty hunter’s own. The whole scene appears to have been taken straight from a comedy movie. The drunken master begins smirk and chuckle as he walks over to the earth shaker and karate star. “It appears you require some assistance young one,” Tadao said with a friendly grin. Happy and relieve to know that the two of them are alive.
1 Week Later - London.
Thankfully the events that happened after the fights didn’t leave too much damage in the Underground Arena created by Rory Reddings. The Half-Ogre cried tears of joy upon learning that this kind of incidents, losing most of the bleachers and getting a minor quake, weren’t something uncommon among the kind of establishment he made. Further one, the fights were good enough to itch the interest of many members of the audience, who started to research about how to become a Spirit Boxer and more Spirit Boxers meant more revenue for them, as each fighter had to pay a small tax to keep their ID. The higher the rank the more expensive the taxes became, as it was money needed to equip arenas with enough fortifications to resists the fights. Rory even got a larger cut of the ticket revenue, more than enough to buy better bleachers and get plating and reinforcements all over the arena.
While he was busy doing that, Goemon and Jose were sitting in a pub, waiting for Tadao. Goemon invited the Old Master to hear about his stories and thank him for such stellar match. The Karate Star might try to hide it, but deep down he disliked losing, not just to Tadao, but to himself. The fight showed him his immaturity as a fighter, being scared of breaking through his own limits. Goemon was quite banged up, with bandages covering at the very least ⅓ of his body. At this moment he was thanking Heaven for the fact they were in London and there weren’t any chopsticks around. -So Hernandez-kun, did you learn something from your fight? Something we need to train in the future? Any insight for a technique?- The Karate Star asked.
-How to counter,- Jose mumbled. Annoyed that it took Ikari’s insight for him to help him figure out his weakness. -It’s not always about power and speed, but precision and timing.- he answered honestly. -As for any techniques…- He looks to his hands closely. -I think I need to work on using a much faster strike that I could use stun my opponent before I deliver the knockout blow. An effective one-two combo.- He stays silent for a moment as he reflects on his previous fight with Pitch. Like master like student, the earth shaker didn’t like the results of his match. Not just because he lost, but because he was forced to see his own faults. Still, he figures if he learns from the experience, than he will avoid a total defeat.
Goemon nodded in approval of his apprentice logic and before the bounty hunter could say anything else the door of the pup opens up. The master of drinking walks in with his head held high as he embraces his surroundings. He makes his way over to Jose and Goemon. Both of them will notice his upbeat attitude as he sits down patting the earth shaker’s back in a friendly fashion. Goemon, always respectful of martial etiquette stood up, quite the task considered the state of his body, and with an equally strained bow he greeted Tadao. -Good day Master Domen, I’m honored you decided to join us this day.- With a gesture he asked Jose to do the same.
Before the young bounty hunter got the chance to bow, the elderly man shakes his own head and urges the master and student to sit down with him with a casual hand gesture towards the bar, -Please, such formalities do not exist here.- Jose replies to Tadao’s words with a respectful bow, as he wishes to follow both his master’s instruction and adopt his mannerism. -Very well.- Tadao said with a sigh before he makes a slight bow to them. The drunken master proceeds to sit down before he continues to address the pair, -Thank you for invitation. I always find it more enjoyable to share a bottle then have it for myself, especially when good company is involved.-
Goemon achingly lifted his hand, signaling the waiter to come to them. -Thank you for accepting it, I know it is greatly unorthodox to invite a fellow Spirit Boxer after fighting them, but truly I feel a great deal of for your martial expertise and I wanted to ask you something.- The Karate Star lowered his head again and then looked at Tadao right on his eyes. -I wanted to know your opinions about my student’s fight and if you could share any piece of advice with him.- Goemon was proud about his master’s teachings, but sometimes he felt Ichigan Nagare’s heavy-handed approach wasn’t exactly his style and maybe it wouldn’t work on Jose as it work with him. Thus he felt like hearing from a veritable veteran master would be of great use for Jose and for himself.
Tadao rubs his beard slowly before answering, -Like yourself, I was in the locker room during your student’s contest. Thus, I could only follow his fight with the girl with my Ki senses. But from what I can tell from the fight…- The old man’s eyes shift towards the young bounty hunter,-...your Ki is simply too loud!- Not knowing how to properly respond, the earth shaker remains in silence as the old man elaborates, -When you are delivering your attacks, you should try to be like a stone. Strong, but silent. You must work on your ability to spread the Ki within your body. It is not enough to simply be able to call upon the power you need. If the transfer of Ki is too slow, your opponent will have the advantage of both time and knowledge. Though, I suppose your issue inherently belongs to those who use the Mountain Slaying Fist.- His eyes adjust between master and student.
-Listen, you should try to reach a point where you can not only bring the Ki you require to your fist in a short amount of time, but that you do not draw any attention to the action while you do it. Otherwise you will be signing to your opponent your intention. Just imagine the difference that can make when you can become able to unleash a barrage of powerful Ki-enchance strikes, while making the movement of the Ki within your body so quiet that your opponent will not be able to follow your next move by relying on his, or her, Ki senses.- He doesn’t say anything for a few seconds as he allows his words to sink in. -I will suggest you a goal to accomplish.-
-First, would you be so kind as to throw your fastest jab please,- Tadao said as he lifts his hand for the earth shaker to punch. -But do not add any Ki behind the strike.- the drunken master added as Jose prepares to throw a punch. The earth shaker inhales for a brief moment before he launches a single quick punch off his front hand. When his fist hits Tadao’s hand it creates a sharp snapping noise throughout the room, which catches the attention of the nearby patrons. -Good.- said the supercentenarian as he ignores the confused stares aim at their direction. -Now, with your clenched fist, I want you to try to muster as much Ki as you can in the next five seconds. Start when I snap my fingers.- Again he is puzzled by the elderly man’s words. Wondering what exactly is the point behind all of this. Still, he doesn’t question the man and prepares himself.
Once he is sure that Goemon’s apprentice is ready, he snaps his fingers. By the time the tips of his fingers have separated, Jose immediately begins to charge his fist with as much Ki has he could summon. Five seconds later a reddish ball of swirling Ki emanates around his fist. Thankfully the earth shaker’s Ki is invisible to normal people, yet to someone like Tadao the ball of energy is almost blinding. -Good.- Tadao said with a small smile on his face. -Now, I want you to learn how to throw a punch just like the one you did before with no Ki behind it, yet by the time your knuckles make contact, I want you to be able to hit with the same amount of Ki you just summoned.- Jose eyes widen at the request. -With all due respect Master Tadao, what you are asking is impossible.- The old man’s smile vanishes as he tells the young bounty hunter, -It is only impossible if you believe it to be.-
The bounty hunter couldn’t argue with the old man. One look into his eyes and he knew how futile his words would be. -I will try,- Jose said. -There is something else I would advise you to do.- The earth shaker looks at the old man wondering if he will assign him another difficult assignment. -You should find yourself a natural energy master, one that is align to the element you are connected to.- During Jose’s fight with Pitch, Tadao had sense a different energy than either Ki or fighting spirit. It had been so long since he had sense someone calling forth power from nature he couldn’t recognize it right away. After the evacuation he research the bounty hunter and discover his earthly abilities. Once he found out about the lad’s power he made the connection immediately.
Jose has heard about nature energy before, but never once considered to seek out a master to help him with his own elemental skills. As far as he has experience, the greater his martial arts prowess becomes, the greater his ability with the earth has gotten. He believes that if he masters his body, he would be able to have full command over his powers. -Why do you think I need a natural master?- asked the young bounty hunter. -Because you lost control,- answered the old man. -The first time you lost it was against Pitch. Thankfully you were losing consciousness. Yet, when you woke up, your power almost cause an earthquake. You could have killed everyone in that underground arena.- Jose remains quiet as he reflects on his actions from a week ago. He told himself what Tadao had just said over and over again for a week straight now.. Knowing that he very well could have killed hundreds of people if he didn’t stop himself at the last moment during his confrontation with Ikari.
-Now, I’m not sure what trigger that particular moment for you, but I don’t need know the why to understand that if you do not learn to master your own power, you could one day end up being targeted by your fellow bounty hunters. I have lived a long life. And sadly that comes with witnessing one awful tragedy after another. And one of the worse ones I have seen time and time again is when a young person, full of potential, does not get to explore their potential, for one reason or another.- Jose considers the man words for a few seconds. He couldn’t think of a single thing to go against the man’s point. He continues the conversation by asking a question. -Do you know anyone who can teach me?- -I can’t give you a master,- Tadao said quickly. He knew someone who could help the lad, but he wasn’t on friendly terms with the individual in mind to be able to recommend Jose. -But maybe I can help give you to the master,- thought Tadao to himself. -Do not worry. You are blessed with youth and a large world. I’m certain you will be able to find the right master if you search.-
Goemon nodded, approving of Tadao’s wisdom. He should also focus on improving his speed, as now that the self imposed limit he created for himself was broken and he would need to start fresh, maybe training alongside Jose would be a great change of pace. -I thank you for your wise words Domen-dono.- Goemon bowed once again. -What do you wish to drink? It's on me, it seems they have a great selection of Ales in this establishment.- The solemnity of before vanished as he passed the menut towards Tadao. The Karate Star was a social drinker, never got really drunk, mostly because of his size. And today he was really injured, so it would be for the best if he didn’t drink, yet he knew Tadao would be pretty quick in drinking his share.
-Thank you,- Tadao said as he is handed the menu. Yet before he could get a chance to examine his options his phone begins to ring with a ringtone loud enough to grab the attention of the entire room. Cursing under his breath he offers a small apology in the form of a short hand wave before he picks up the phone muttering, “Probably the wife.” As he answers the phone his facial expression changes from that of an annoyed husband to pure shock. -How did you get this number?- he whispered into the phone. The conversation lasted for only a few seconds before the person on the other side ends the call. For a moment the drunken master is left speechless and confused. Not sure what to make of the information he had just received.
-Is something wrong?- Jose asked with a notable concern tone in his voice. Tadao immediately realizes that he must be wearing his inner thoughts and feelings on his face. “No, forgive me. I’m just stupefied is all.” The old man face returns to its typical state, but Jose could still see that the context of the phone call is troubling the elderly man. -If there is anything I can do-- --My boy, you are kind, but this is just a simple matter that I need to handle when I get back home.- The old man puts his phone away and picks up the menu, -Now, would you gentlemen care to share a good gin with me?-
1 Week Later - Beijing
Tadao hates wearing formal attire. After his hundredth birthday he vowed to his wife that he would never wear another suit again. And for the most part she has honored his wishes. Yet now she has forced him to put on the uncomfortable outfit. “ Old Mule!” She loved to call him that these days whenever they had a disagreement. “You need to look impressive. Important. So put on suit, or else you will be cooking your own damn meals.” And so here he is. Wearing the stupid blue suit his wife picked out for him. Sitting in a waiting room, inside a brand new government skyscraper. He didn’t mind the waiting. If there is one thing he learned in his life it is patience. But he did find it annoying that he wasn’t told the reason for his meeting today. All he knew was the man who asked him to come here, and he dare not refuse his old friend.
Besides the secretary and himself there is no one else in the waiting room. Yet the man didn’t seem to have any free time for a friendly little chat as he continues to pick up the phone and jot down notes into various books, all while working at his massive computer as well. “The man is a warrior in his own way,” the drunken master thought. He only got a chance to speak with him briefly, but in their few exchanges he has come to understand how passionate the man is about his work, and dare not distract him with small talk. So he continues to wait in silence for a few more minutes.
-Sifu Domen, glad you could join me today.- Minister Hou opened the door, inviting the Drunken Master In. Hou was tired, he had been working day and night trying to organize something other countries had since the dawn of the 20th Century. Hou sat down on his messy desk and he pressed a button on his phone and spoke through the speaker. -Please, brings us something to drink, the thing we found during last month incursion.- The room was a mess, piles of ancient scrolls, dusty inscribed slabs and other forms of early literature laid around haphazardly. A couple of glass cabinets had relics, most of them once lost to time but rediscovered, all by a young Greek Archeologist called Gianni, that Hou hired to roam through China digging around Hidden World hotspots..
The door opened and a young man, dressed in orange monk robes. His head was completely shaved and his movements were as fluid as possibly, maybe too fluid, at least for a human, there was something off about him. He was carrying a large and very ornamented vase, made of silver, gold and jade engravings. This was Hou’s personal bodyguard, Mingzhi, who apart from his unnatural gracefulness only had a single weird thing, in several points of his clothing, there were marks, like a code. “FMS 009”. Displaying amazing grip and balance, the Weird Monk grabbed the vase with a single hand, from below, as he opened a space in Hou’s cluttered desk. The vase was finally placed on the desk and Hou, with surprising ceremony and respect opened the lid and a burst of wind came out from it.
Not powerful enough to actually move something, but it came accompanied by small glitters and the sweetest scent. Tadao might’ve drank almost everything, but he never smelled booze like this. -We uncovered this under the waters of Qinghai Lake.- Hou stood up and walked towards the bookshelves, picking a couple of glasses from a liquor case and also grabbing a scroll with some pictures besides it. -Deep under the surface of the lake, hidden inside a large crater, we made the most terrible discovery, what once used to be the Capital of the Heavenly Kingdom, the court of the Jade Emperor, sunken and destroyed.- Hou was talking about chinese Taoist and Buddhist mythology. -We aren’t sure but I think that…- The Minister turned his face away from Tadao, looking at the relics and trinkets on the cases.
-I think that our gods are dead.- Hou let that information sink in. -It explains everything, why did the Hidden World in China went into disarray, why we have such small population of actual denizens, not just people elevated to it.- The Minister sat down. -This must not leave this place, or some of the party members might kill me.- He was clearly fearing for his life, but he trusted Tadao more than enough thanks to the Drunken Master stellar recommendations. -I think the party persecution of religion caused the fall of our Gods.- The Minister sad expression spoke clearly about his thoughts on the matter. -We squandered a resource that others are readily using, because even if there are hidden international laws about it, most of the nations are using their Hidden World denizens to wage war from the shadows, since WWII.-
He spoke the truth, even when many organizations put up a front of collaboration most of them were isolated entities, fearful of other nation involvement in the delicate Hidden Ecosystem. -We managed to explore the ruins, as they mysteriously retain air even in the lake bottom, but soon our team in site, against the instructions of the contractor, charged in searching for more loot.- Hou places some pictures in front of Tadao. Images of carnage in a very lavish hallway. -Their greed was their undoing, as there is something still alive and we need somebody to handle it, before it decides that leaving the Sunken Palace would be for the best.- Hou locked eyes with the Drunken Master. -My budget is quite impressive, so you just have to name your price.- He then looked at the Vase. -And even if you don’t accept, please take this Heavenly Wine for your troubles.-
“Did you seriously call me here just to ask an old man to search for missing treasure?” Tadao asked with a raise eyebrow. He taps the table a few times before he continues, “Well, my wife has been asking for a new house...one large enough to fit the whole family...” Tadao’s family is massive. He has 10 living children, all with the same woman, who he has been married to for almost a century now. Counting his children’s children, he has 54 grandchildren, and including their children he has 36 great grandchildren, who also have children of their own. Making Tadao the proud great great grandfather for 4 boys and 3 girls. “...And I have a very, very big family,” said the drunken master. “In order to help support them...I would probably need a great deal of land and money.” Tadao looks deeply into Minister Hou’s eyes for a few seconds before breaking out into laughter. “As if my wife would ever be willing to move somewhere else, or renovate the house!” he chuckled. After a few more seconds his joking spirit ends. “Besides, I will not accept a single dollar from a loyal friend. If you need my services, they are gladly available.”
-Then is settled, gather a team of your liking and when you’re ready we will talk again, so I can take you to the coordinates of our research team on-site. And I didn't call an old man to search missing treasure, I called a true Martial Arts Master to offer him the mission to retrieve national relics.- Hou stood up extending his hand. -And even if you complain Old Friend, I do need to pay you, this can’t be off the books, I need the semblance of functionality to avoid losing the office.- The Minister knew that even if hiring Tadao for free was cheaper, the party would suspect if he did so. Some might think there was some ulterior motive to Tadao’s hiring or it was some strange case of friendly nepotism. -I’m running a government office, not a backwater bounty hunter den.-
“Call it whatever you like, it doesn’t change what it is,” Tadao said with a smile as he grips Minister Hou’s hand. Yǐncáng de shìjiè bàngōngshì (Hidden World Office/ 隐藏的世界办公室) is so young and somebody as old as him will probably never get the chance to see it prosper into an organization that will rival the major hidden world organizations around the world in both scope and power. Yet he believes that one day Hou will be able to make the CHWO as significant as the HWIC, or the JHWAB. There was no better man he could think of who would be able to do it either.
Right after the Fights
Pitch strained her muscles, her arms went down as she lifted weight in a machine Masaoki got for her. He arrived to her flat in London a day after the fight and reviewed with her the footage that Rory so gracefully gave them. She knew that she needed more power or any sturdy enemies would ignore her blows. Still there was something off about Masaoki, he seemed worried about something, each time they left the flat he looked over his shoulder a lot. Pitch, too focused on training, didn’t even wonder about it. But their time was cut short when Masaoki received a call.
-Yes?- He asked as another voice replied while the Master and Student pair walked through the streets after jogging in the nearest park. -Yes I considered the offer and I must say I’m very tempted by it.- Pitch stopped walking as her trainer did, looking at him with curiosity. -Of course, I don’t mind relocating for the position, it would be an honor to teach in such prestigious school.- The moment she heard school Pitch’s attention got sharper. -Thank you very much, I’ll see you soon.- Masaoki hanged up and turned to his student, who looked at him with expectant eyes. -I was talking with a representative of Garyuu Overseas Trading Company.-
-Who?- Pitch asked, a bit confused about her Master being in contact with what seemed a stuffy business. An idea popped on her head. -Do they want to sponsor you? Or hire you to train bodyguards?- Masaoki shook his head. -No, they are the current owners of Inazuma Gakuen.- Pitch eyes widened. -You mean?- The Kamaitachi nodded. -Yes I took up a position as teacher on the school, so you won’t have to wait weeks until each change of training routine.- The Rebellious Boxer almost wanted to shout with glee, she was about to go back to Japan after this fight and she might lose track of Masaoki for weeks or even months, it was good for her basics, as she kept practicing what he asked, but after a while that grew dull.
Unable to contain her excitement she jumped and hugged her teacher, who at first was surprised and then smiled. But it wasn’t a smile of happiness or his usual laid-back grin. As Pitch didn’t see his face he let out a sinister smile.
Ikari walked through the alleyway and leaning against a wall was his employer, Kuro-san, who was talking to somebody on the phone. -You don’t need to praise the school, just remember that you’ll get as much raw materials as you want for your “experiments”- Whoever was on the other side of the line thanked him profusely. Kuro-san hanged up, placing the phone on his long coat pocket and then puffed his cigar with an empty stare on his eyes. -So you got that double-faced fox on board?- Ikari asked to which Kuro-san replied by nodding. -You sneaked your way to control Inazuma and you plan putting the most insane and sadistic Martial Arts master you could find as a teacher?- The Agent of Hatred smiled. -I like your style boss.- Kuro-san waved his hand, as if he tried to swat Ikari’s praise away, only hitting the smoke of his cigar. - Is a shame you didn’t get him earlier, he might’ve made all the stuff with Shishioh less complicated.-
The Forgotten Emperor noticed something as the smoke dissipated. -I think you’ve a fan.- He pointed in the direction from which Ikari came from, what made Ikari to violently turn around swiping his hand in a large arc, as if he was trying to grasp something, closing his fingers. From behind a trash container a massive flaming hand, of purplish hue, surged from the wall, with Riku Kurenai inside the closed fingers. The Vengeful Boxer considered struggling, but quickly realized it wouldn’t make any difference, so he just stared directly at Kuro-san and Ikari with his blood red eyes. -What do I do with him?- Ikari asked to Kuro-san without turning around. Kuro-san took a moment to reply, looking directly at Riku’s eyes.
-If he was able to follow you without being noticed he must have some talent…- He focused his attention on Riku. -What do you want young man? Are you working for MI:13?- Riku didn’t move at first, but after a moment of silent he shook his head. -I don’t care about you or whatever you were talking about, I just want to be trained by him.- He gestured at Ikari with his chin. Kuro-san looked at Ikari first and then at Riku. Ikari started chuckling letting go of the Teen Boxer, who gracefully landed. -You want me to be your trainer… Ridiculous.- The Renegade Agent’s chuckle became a bellowing laugh, uproarious, as he turned around and through the chuckles he tried to ask Kuro-san. -You...hahhaha… I kill...bwahahaha… him…. hahahaha…. or just maim him?-
Kuro-san looked again at Riku, who also looked at the Forgotten Emperor, both men with red eyes scanned each other and suddenly Kuro-san said something that stopped Ikari’s laughter. -You will train him.- The Agent of Hatred stood up, glaring first at Riku and then at Kuro-san. -Wait, what?- Kuro-san ignored him and used his phone. -DGT, I need teleportation for 3.- A bolt of blue lighting hit each of the individuals in the alleyway, before Ikari could say “Wait, what?” again.