Chapter 54: A Raven Meets A Panther...

-Lotus's childhood-

"Lotus(Narrating): It happened when I was five years old, my father met a man named... "Aimiya." And he was not like most swordsmen, he was the very first to defeat Zeus."
"Lotus's Father: Aimiya, its a pleasure to see you once again!"
(Aimiya was wearing his blindfold and was smoking a cigarette which he walked up to Lotus's father and gave him a handshake.)
"Aimiya: If it isn't Mr. Kenhiro! Come come, have a seat!"
"Mr. Kenhiro: Please please, Mr. Kenhiro was my FATHER's name! Kenhiro will do Aimiya!"
"Aimiya: Hey, either way is okay with me! What brings you to my peaceful and humble abode in the middle of nowhere?"
"Mr. Kenhiro: I just wanted to introduce you to a lad of mines, this is my son, Lotus!"
(He bowed with manners.)

"Lotus(Child): I am Lotus Kenhiro. It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Godslayer!"
"Aimiya: WHOA OH OH!! Godslayer?! I may have defeated Zeus before anyone else but... I don't think Godslayer fits me kid... Why not call me, just Aimiya?"
"Lotus: Understandable, Mr. Aimiya."
"Aimiya: Hahaha! Kenhiro, your kid makes me laugh!"
(Lotus smiled as Aimiya patted his head which gave him a thought.)
"Hey Kenhiro, does your kid know any fighting skills?"
"Mr. Kenhiro: Huh? Oh, he knows the family's martial art style, Gojai!"
"Aimiya: Gojai huh? Sounds interesting... Mind if I have a little spar with Lotus?"
"Mr. Kenhiro: WAIT- YOU WANT TO-"
"Lotus: Forgive me father, but I accept his challenge!"
"Mr. Kenhiro: L-Lotus!"
"Lotus: It would be an honor to battle Aimiya, his sword is a normal katana that managed to slit past Zeus's skin! Any individual who has achieved such a feat is worthy of fighting!"
"Mr. Kenhiro: I can't argue with that... Alright Lotus, you may have a spar with him."
(He smiled and bowed.)

"Lotus: Thank you very much father!"
(A few minutes later, both Lotus and Aimiya was in an open field of the forests in which Mr. Kenhiro stood back to watch.)
"Aimiya: Alright Lotus, here's the deal! This will be a five minute duel, so I'm going to give it my all against you! I suggest you do the same even though you're a kid!"
(Lotus picked up his bo staff and swung it then struck his fighting stance.)
"Lotus: I promise you Aimiya, I won't disappoint!"

(Aimiya chuckled then drew his katana which he placed his palm on the sword handle's end and stood in his stance which only thing that was heard was wind in the trees. They both was quiet which a leaf fell to the ground in which Aimiya was the first to launch at Lotus at jet speed and swing his sword in which Lotus avoided the slash in time and kept his guard up. Aimiya smirked as he fought with the blindfold on in which Lotus avoided every sword strike with his staff as Mr. Kenhiro continued to watch.)

"Mr. Kenhiro(Thinking): How is my son able to withstand all that speed Aimiya's using not to mention, stopping himself from being cut by the sword...? This is... magnificent..!"

(Four minutes later into the bout, Lotus started to counter back with attacks but continued to avoid the sword strikes then noticed Aimiya's change in speed getting faster then started avoiding the cuts by instinct instead of thinking which Aimiya then changed his tactic and silenced his footsteps then appeared at the far end of the open area then rocketed himself at Lotus at high speed.)

"Aimiya(Thinking): This is the exact way I've beaten Zeus.. It'll be impossible to dodge this!"

(Aimiya's katana began to build an extraordinary amount of thunder combined with powerful kinetic energy which triggered Lotus to slowly turn around and notice the katana then explodes by itself and launches towards Lotus while creating a massive boom of thunder across the forest and a powerful whirlwind which scattered debris. As the debris cleared several minutes later, Mr. Kenhiro took one peek past the debris and saw Lotus's destroyed kimono but also saw his fingertips gripping the tip of the sword which surprised both him and Aimiya at the same time.)

"Both: WHAT?!?!"
(Lotus opened his eyes and sees himself gripped the sword which he was shocked as well.)
"Lotus: H-How... How did..."
"Aimiya: Mr. Kenhiro...!!!! Get your kid a fresh new kimono and bring him here tomorrow morning... I'm taking you to the Elemental Free For All..!"
(Lotus remained frozen in shock to the fact he stopped the sword with his fingertips.)

"Mr. Kenhiro: Oh- Okay..! Come on Lotus..!"
(He unfroze and went to him as they both went home and Aimiya sheathed his sword and smiled for Lotus's hidden strength.)
"Aimiya: That kid... is going to be the strongest martial artist in history...!"
(The next day, Aimiya, Lotus and Mr. Kenhiro was on their way to the Elemental Free For All arena in which they'd all arrive at the arena then sees the whole stadium packed with spectators as two elemental fighters was fighting in the main ring.)
"Lotus: Whoa...."
"Aimiya: Welcome Lotus, THIS is where all of your dreams shall come true in the fighting world!"
"Mr. Kenhiro: Lotus, my son. Are you positive about fighting in this free for all?!"
"Lotus: I am sure father and I will win!"
(He smiled as Lotus turned to Aimiya.)

"Aimiya, question. What was that sword you used on me yesterday?"
"Aimiya: That? Oh, it was a sword called.. 'Sandākattā' or known in the normal tongue "Thunder Cutter." Its a katana that was crafted from the heavens."
"Lotus: A sword made from the heavens..?"
"Aimiya: That's right!"
"Lotus: I see.. Not to offend you, Aimiya. But I do not understand the meaning of using a sword often for fights."
"Aimiya: Well when swordsmanship comes into the game, that's when things take a different turn for all competitors."
"Lotus: I see.."
"Mr. Kenhiro: Well, the free for all starts later on this afternoon! Are you ready?"
"Lotus: I'll need a bit more time for meditation."
(Lotus was then walked backstage to the locker rooms which Mr. Kenhiro waited until it was time for the free for all to begin. Two hours has passed which the stadium was packed with filled to the brim with spectators ready to see the free for all. Lotus then heard a knock on his door which was Mr. Kenhiro.)

"Mr. Kenhiro: Lotus! It's time!"
(The door opened as Lotus gripped his bo staff and walked out.)
"Lotus: I'm ready."
(As Lotus walked out to the ring's entrance, he saw the numerous amount of element-carrying fighters as most was well-known for their feats.)
"Announcer: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS TIME FOR THE... ELEMENTAL FREE FOR ALL!!!!!"
(The whole arena was booming with excitement as Lotus and the other fighters walked out to the ring and they waved at the spectators.)
"Lotus(Thinking): These guys are strong, but I must not bring myself down..!"
"Referee: Are you all ready?!"
(Every fighter was prepared as Lotus was ready too.)
"AND..... BEGIN!!!!"
(Eighteen years has passed in a flash for Lotus in which he recorded his eighteenth consecutive elemental free for all victory. The entire arena rumbling with cheers as the announcers was surprised for another win Lotus has won.)

"Announcers: LOTUS KENHIRO HAS WON THE ELEMENTAL FREE FOR ALL, EIGHTEEN CONSECUTIVE TIMES!!!!! SUCH A POWERFUL ADVERSARY EVER SINCE APPEARING IN THE FREE FOR ALL EIGHTEEN YEARS AGO!"
(Lotus continued bowing and waving to the spectators as Mr. Kenhiro applauded him in the VIP lounge but Aimiya was kicked back and drunk.)
"Aimiya(Drunk): HAHAAA..! WAY TO ROCK EM' TO TOWN L-LOTUS! KICKED THEIR ASSES YES YOU DID, K-KID!"
"Mr. Kenhiro: Aimiya, did you drink again?!"
"Aimiya: AHH QUIT WORRYIN'..! Have one... they REALLYYY.. know how to get you going..!"
"Mr. Kenhiro: N-No thank you but I do appreciate the offer."
"Aimiya: Ehh, suit yourself pal..!"
(Aimiya continued to drink as Mr. Kenhiro smiled at his son's victory as Lotus was then walking backstage with his bo staff in his hand but was stopped by a fallen competitor.)

"???: HEY! BASTARD...!"
(Lotus stopped and turned around to see a familiar individual wearing a pelt made out of panther's fur and is wearing a blindfold which everyone was scared knowing who he was.)
"Lotus: Hm? Can I help you sir?"
"???: Don't give me that bullshit.. WHO... IN THE HELL ARE YOU..?"
"Lotus: I am Lotus Kenhiro, who're you sir?"
(A few of the eliminated competitors backed away in fear as Lotus did not flinch.)
"Mr. Kenhiro: LOTUS!!!! GET OUT OF THERE NOW, THAT'S GAITO TAMAREI OF THE ASSASSIN'S GUILD, HE'S RANK TWO! GET AWAY FROM HIM NOW!"
"Lotus: An assassin? In an Elemental Free For All?"
"Gaito: Yeah.. he's right. I'm Gaito Tamarei, the assassins guild most feared assassin."
"Lotus: I do not wish to irritate you more, but how can you be the "most feared assassin" if you're a rank two?"
(Everyone listening was shocked at the words that came out of Lotus's mouth which angered Gaito to drawing out his sword.)
"Gaito: Think you're a tough guy huh..? You don't understand the limitless potential of my damn strength! You only won every last consecutive victory just by using that martial arts style? I haven't fallen to anyone, NO ONE! I'll end your streak.. MYSELF!"
"Announcer: A one on one challenge from the second ranked assassin?! What will Lotus say to this surprising development..?"
"Lotus: If it will cheer you up in anyway, I accept your challenge."
(Gaito smirked in which the referee returned as the participants of the free for all left the ring area and Lotus drew his bo staff and prepared for the fight and the spectators was silent until the first move made by either Lotus or Gaito.)
"Referee: This match can only be won via knockout or forfeit and there are no ring-outs, begin!"
(Gaito made the first move which at sonic speed he landed a powerful slash against the ring which Lotus then jumped to the skies quickly to avoid the sword which split the ring in two and surprised everyone to cheer for the fight. Lotus began to go on the offensive and attack Gaito with his staff and surprised everyone so far at the speed he's defending himself against.)

"Aimiya: Well.. this is quiet surprising..."
"Mr. Kenhiro: I can't believe he's doing this... Lotus!-"
(Aimiya placed his hand on his shoulder.)
"Aimiya: Have faith in the boy, trust him..."
(He continued to watch as the spectators continued cheering for the fight and Lotus avoided every lethal strike Gaito swung as he switched sword after sword during the fight.)
"Lotus(Thinking): He's switching from not just two, but four to six swords every minute..! Unlike Aimiya, his style's very aggressive.."

(Gaito then threw all six blades into the air which he then landed a heavy punch to his gut which Lotus coughed out spit after feeling his lung punched too which had him down to one knee and Gaito then caught all six swords and held them at the same time but after removing his blindfold, Mr. Kenhiro, Aimiya even Lotus sensed the massive change in his power which white aura was seen glowing around Gaito. In a mere instant, he vanishes far from thin air but lands fast yet lethal strikes on Lotus which Mr. Kenhiro was shocked as Lotus was writhing from every painful slash he took.)

"Mr. Kenhiro: LOTUS!!!"
"Aimiya: Oh... shit... That's Gaito..?"
"Mr. Kenhiro: What do you mean...??"
"Aimiya: I've trained him before.. Then he went to become an assassin for reals."
"Mr. Kenhiro: WHAT?!"
"Aimiya: I kinda forgot but I'm actually enjoying this either way.."
"Mr. Kenhiro: BUT MY SON IS GOING TO-"
"Aimiya: As I said, have faith in your son and watch."
(They both then saw Lotus losing an awful amount of blood which Gaito landed on his feet and looked at Lotus's bleeding body.)
"Gaito: Such a damn shame. I can't kill you so I'll just a wind slash as a thank you!"
(As Gaito did so, the slash was coming towards Lotus in which he stomped his foot into the ground and created a barrier out of mental telekinetic power which dissolved the slash and surprised everyone watching.)

"Gaito: WHAT?!"
"Mr. Kenhiro: HUH??"
"Aimiya: Well I'll be damned.."
"Announcer: WHAT ARE WE WITNESSING?! IS THAT... A TELEKINETIC BARRIER FROM LOTUS?!?!"
"Gaito: So you DO have elemental abilities... They could've saved you a whole lot of trouble!"
(Lotus said nothing as he then ignored his wounded body but stared at Gaito with a menacingly serious stare.)
"Lotus: My fists.... ARE MY ELEMENTAL POWER!!"
"Gaito: NONSENSEEE!!!!!!"
(Gaito then rocketed towards Lotus at full speed in which Lotus then performed a fighting stance and his foot added pressure to the ring which time slowed down successfully for Lotus and then said after one inhale.)
"Lotus: Go...JAI!!!"

(Time then returned to its normal speed in which Lotus attacked Gaito from every angle around him ten times faster than Gaito was. Lotus then launched Gaito into the air which he performed a mid-air combo without opening his eyes. Gaito tries to block with one of his swords but Lotus then punched through it and continued to hammer Gaito back to the ground but then rocketed him straight to the ring with a thundering elbow to his face which then created a massive build of dirt debris. As the debris then cleared, Gaito was defeated as Lotus was completely out of breath but suffered his cuts worsening as the spectators then was shocked at Gaito's defeat.)

"Announcer #2: G-GAITO... TAMAREI... HAS BEEN DEFEATED..!"
(The arena then roared out of excitement and cheering for Lotus as Mr. Kenhiro then sat down in relief that Lotus won.)
"Mr. Kenhiro: He... won..."
"Aimiya: What did I say? Have faith in the kid."
(Gaito then slammed his fist into the ground, pissed off.)
"Gaito: NO..! THIS... IS NOT HOW... I'LL GO OUT..! HOW... HOW AFTER SO MUCH POWER AND SPEED, I AM ONE HUNDRED TIMES FASTER THAN YOU NOT TO MENTION SKILLED! HOW IS IT THAT I LOST TO SOMEONE LIKE YOUUUUU??!?!?"
(He then panted after yelling at Lotus.)

"Lotus: Because you rely on nothing else but swords."
"Gaito: What..?"
"Lotus: When in combat, you must be on your feet at all times. There are way stronger adversaries year after year and we must all condemn ourselves to strategic combat not street brawling. But I want you to take these words into serious consideration, Gaito Tamarei... "Relying on nothing but strength is a path to defeat, to achieve victory, you must have a different plan to reach that feat."
(Gaito gasped a bit out of shock from his words and scoffed.)
"Gaito: As if I need a lecture from you, oldie."
"Lotus: Hmph, you're quite an interesting individual, Gaito."
(He then looked up at Mr. Kenhiro.)
"Father! Forgive me for saying this, but I plan to leave your dojo! I am going to Kyoto to become an official assassin!"
(Everyone gasped at his words as Mr. Kenhiro was shocked at first but smiled then he nodded.)
"Gaito: Why... do that..?"
"Lotus: So, the next time I become stronger. I plan to have another one on one with you someday. That is if you're up to it."
"Gaito: Ha. you're on, grandpa."
(They both chuckled as they helped each other to the back of the arena.)

-Present-

"Lotus: And that.... is how Gaito and I met."
"Kazuya: You're kidding me..? You defeated Gaito at his younger times..?"
"Lotus: Yes. Although, me and Gaito has sparred in one on one fights fifty four times. I've won every last fight."
"Kazuya: NO WAY!"
"Lotus: When he returns, you can ask him yourself Kazuya."
(They both finished their tea as Lotus stood up.)
"Now come, we have one full year exactly to get you to full God's strength."
"Kazuya: Understood...!"
(He then thought about Gaito and Lotus fighting.)
"(Thinking): If Gaito lost to Lotus fifty four times... There's no way I stand a chance, but I'll do whatever it takes...!!"