Martial Arts As A Way Of Life

Ken determined that martial arts would be his way of life and so set about training with both sword and spear. His intention was to practice until he was ready for mortal combat, and then square off against consecutively more difficult challengers. In this way, he would rise to become the greatest master of sword fighting.

Training with a wooden sword is not the same as fighting with a metal one. For this reason, Ken spent three years sparring against fellow students before he felt himself ready to fight his first fatal duel.

His first would also be his last.

47 Ninjas

His house was surrounded. Takezo would have no hope for escape. He might have been able to elude thirty, maybe even forty of them. But not 47.

Every avenue of escape was blocked. They would not attack. Takezo could defeat them a pair at a time inside the narrow confines. Instead, they would wait outside. If anyone emerged, they would be assassinated. And if they remained inside, they would slowly starve to death.

His entire family would be eradicated in retaliation for his refusal. His name would be forgotten.

Luckily, Takezo was watching from the overlooking hill. He laughed silently.