Furui Tomadachi 5

"Is that all you've got?" I yelled.

"Bring in everything you've got!" said Kazunari.

After several years of peace with no chaos, Kazunari has grown man, and soon take my position of my seat of Nage.

We were just sparring in out courtyard. Kazunari held a bokken and I have one. I want to teach my son the art of combat. Even taunting was common.

"What the hell? Is that all you've got?" I yelled.

"And I thought you were a man of poetry, turns out that you're a man of bloody combat!" He readied himself then charged.

"Take that back you little brat!" And I took a defensive position.

"Taking all the blows right now?" He taunted, and still continued to charge.

"You don't know what you're expecting, Kazunari."

He jumped and tried for a spin strike; I dodged and thrust to his neck. He was shocked for the quickness that the technique produces and the shift of power.

"A thrust to the neck is a bit dangerous; I almost tried to kill you."

"Yeah, when will practice hand-to-hand combat training?"

I stared to his eyes, evil. Then I tried for a low spin kick.

Kazunari dropped to the ground hard.

I laughed, "Surprise!"

Kazunari groaned, "My back hurts......"

"Come on now, we're going to Kai Province to visit King Shi Pak, come on now."

He rose, "Wait, the father of Princess Tsu Pak? What are we going to do there?"

"Hmm, I don't know, talk about politics, philosophy or simply everyday lives."

Kazunari said, "Can I meet Princess Tsu?"

I stared at him for a moment, and then I leaned closer to his eyes, "No."

"Aw! Come on!"

I laughed again.

Former King Ni Pak died two years after our dinner. The Dreg capital is under Rakish Zeue, senior adviser of the former King.

Kazunari and I made our way to Kai Province. It's the fifth time Kazunari got out of the palace. Even though he is fifteen years old; I held strict orders under my palace. The palace guard let us in. I simply walked down the stone path and Kazunari followed like a bodyguard. And Queen Pula saw us down, "What are doing here, Mister Kazuku?"

I whispered to Kazunari, "Princess Tsu?"

He nodded.

Then I turned to Queen Pula, "Can we stay until dinner?"

"Why, of course! Please come in!"

Princess Tsu waited us at the door. I saw Kazunari mesmerized by Princess Tsu's festures.

"It is an honor to meet such a beautiful princess." I bowed. Kazunari followed.

Princess Tsu bowed to us, "It is a great honor to meet a legendary swordsman."

I stood straight, "Please princess, don't remind of the glory days." Then I smiled.

"Why, Mister Kazuku? If I may ask."

"War days are forbidden memories."

"Is that so? Who is your acquaintance?"

Kazunari seemed sad, I said, "This is my son, he's---"

"Aka Kazunari of Nage, I presume." I was surprised by the princess's interruption.

"Yes, how did you-"My son cut me off this time.

"Otou-san, this means nothing to----"

"Mister Kazunari was held prisoner for a week trying to take a glimpse of me at the river."

Kazunari gave in, "Wait, I was trying to get water from Alinam River then----"

I extended my hand to Kazunari's chest then closed to his ear, "Don't start a fight, we're here at King Shi Pak's palace. Have some respect, Kazunari."

"Hai, otou-san."

"Are we settled?"

"Hai, Tsu-hime." Kazunari and I said both.

We were now seated at the garden. Wherein Former King Ni Pak always performed his kata. The same low table that has a dragon and egg designs, and the zabuton was still the same. Kazunari was on my right side, I face Queen Pula and to her left was Princess Tsu. On Queen Pula's right and on my left, seated King Shi.

"Mister Kazuku."

"Yes, My Lord?"

"Is there anything specific do you want to talk about?"

"Hmmm, why wasn't I notified that Kazunari was being held prisoner at your palace?"

"Outside contact is forbidden under my rule."

"But, My Lord?"

"He was caught spying on my daughter, thus he-----"

"My Lord, I don't mean to interrupt but I think it's unfair for my son! Prisoners have the right of communication towards their respective families!" I smacked my fist to the table.

I was enraged, the royal family and Kazunari stared at me.

I took deep breaths, and then apologized, "Moushiwake arimasen deshita."

"You're forgiven, would you like to eat now?" said King Shi.

"Hai." I, Kazunari, Queen Pula and Princess Tsu said.

After the bowls, plates, and the hashi were placed and served, "Ittadakimasu!" We all said and picked our hashi and ate the food. Kazunari consumed my favorites, Queen Pula and Princess Tsu seemed not to eat at all, maybe in diet? King Shi ate at slow pace.

When the bowls, plates, and hashi are cleared out by the servants. We've talked again.

"Kazunari," said the king, "What has your father taught you?"

"Well," he cleared his throat, "Kendo, Karate, haiku writing and the appreciation of nature itself, My King."

"Good, However, Kazunari, when in this table, all ranks are broken."

I smiled, Kazunari was confused, "I beg your pardon, My King?"

"It means that you can speak freely, let's say you treat King Shi like a close friend." Says I.

"Oh! Well in that case," He whispered to me, "Can I confess my love for----"

I interrupted him quickly, "Not for romantics, no."

King Shi stood, "Well, let's get to a wide room, come, Kazunari and Kazuku."

"Hai." We chorused.

The wide room is perfect for a kendo randori, there were several bokken and shinai hanging on the walls. On the other side of the wall were full of katana, wakizashi, spears and pole blades.

"Kazuku, would you like to duel me?"

I thought it for a moment "Would you like Kazunari to be your opponent?" Kazunari was surprised.

"All right then," King Shi took one bokken and tossed it to me then I gave it to Kazunari.

"You're sure about this, otou-san?" As he positioned and took a stance.

"Consider it an honor, Kazunari. Ganbatte!"

King Shi removed his robes, Kazunari focused, Queen Pula and Princess Tsu were sitting comfortably. I stood at the center of the battlefield.

"No taunting, Kazunari."

"Oh man!" he whispered.

Both contestants were ready, "San, Ni, Ichi, Hajime!"

The battle began.

King Shi let out a battle cry and charged. Kazunari stayed on guard and blocked the king's strike then counters it quickly with a thrust.

"My technique!" I whispered.

King Shi dodges it and kicks Kazunari from below; Kazunari was caught off guard and was sent slamming on the wall.

"Yame!" I called out.
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Some of the translations are here. And Google the others please...

Have fun!