1 The tale begins!

The man was sitting alone by the table. " 1 scotch !" He said to the bartender. While the bartender was making his drink , a drunk man came near him and squeezed him tightly in arms.

"Do you want to hear a story" he asked. The man was taken back by the stranger's action. " who are you" he asked. " Just one tale, I will make it interesting " the stranger replied ignoring the man's question. henceforth he began telling the tale, a tale of a young boy.. a boy who will become the greatest swordsman the world has ever seen.

The people in the kingdom gathered together. They all wanted to meet him. " lord 9th is coming , everybody please give him way" a guard shouted. Then emerged the man, the main attraction, the 9th best swordsman of the country and the one who just came after defeating 120 enemy swordsman alone.

The proud man walked ignoring all the women in his way who wanted to marry him. "Rikishi hayake is here " a women shouted as she dreamily imagined him with her.

Rikishi was stopped by another man. He was probably around 16. "Get out of my way, boy!" The man ordered him. The boy looked serious. "No. You should get out of my way " the boy replied. There was pin drop silence in the crowd. No one has challenged the Great 10 in around 5 years. All those who did lost their respect and reason for livelihood. "You are challenging me?" The man asked. "Ah ah I didn't mean it. You can go . I am sorry" the boy replied laughing.

The man smiled. It was an evil smile. "Well there is actually no one that can defeat me" he said while leaving. "Do you seriously think so" the boy asked him. This time Rikishi was furious. " I challenge you small boy, you seriously think you can defeat me? The 9th greatest of the country?" He shouted. "Yes" the boy replies. " ohhhh" the crowd gasped. "Then bring it on" Rikishi said with a big smirk on his face.

The battlefield was made ready. They both took positions. "You will loose small boy, go to your mommy. " "Look at his sword, it's so rusty! How will he win against the 9th lord." "Look at lord 9th , his sword his amazing " Many people made fun of him from behind. The boy simply ignored them. "Start the fight" the match was declared start by the people. They both reach for their sword. As soon as the match started Rikishi knew he was going to loose. "He is fast..." before he could blink his eyes the boy had already come near him. In a split of a second lord 9th sword was on the ground . People including Rikishi were shocked. The crowd was taken aback by this.

"A small boy has defeated lord 9th" the rumours flooded the town.

Rikishi couldn't even stand up. He was bleeding. " I am sorry, I really thought I hit you with my minimum power" Said the boy. "What is your name" finally lord Rikishi asked still fallen.

"Itsuki" the boy replied.

"You can take my sword, I accept my defeat" said Rikishi while he was trying to stand up as 2 others came to help him. "Why?" Itsuki asked. "You seriously don't know anything and still you managed to defeat me?" Rikishi chuckled.

It took time for the crowd to get to their work after all a boy defeated lord Rikishi and even refused to take his sword.

"Let me tell you about this country,Itsuki.... 100 of years ago there was a war between 4 countries- Fire, Water, earth and wind

The war resulted in many casualties. Finally the war was stopped and a treaty was signed between the kings. Each kingdom has their swordsman. They are ranked according to power. I am, or was the 9th till you defeat me. Every 10 years top 10 swordsman of each country fights and winner is awarded with wealth and fame. Most importantly the country from which the winner belongs to receive the maximum power till the next tournament. This tournament is very important and is known as the Swordsman Battle royal. 3 months from now the 11th battle royal will take place. Defeating the 9th just before the battle royal is of course going to male you famous. But I know you can win this tournament."

"But why should I participate ?" Itsuki asked. " you are a stubborn one" said Rikishi while laughing.

" so you lost Rikishi" someone interrupted.

"Aha lord Reo, I did loose by this fine boy here" replied Rikishi

"Who is this" asked Itsuki.

"He is the lord first, lord Reo "

As he said this Itsuki stared at Reo, a bulky man with a huge body, his sword must be 100 pounds. As Itsuki judged him Reo laughed at his childish nature...

"Want to fight me, a regular practice" asked Reo interrupting Rikishi who was going on and on about achievements of lord Reo.

"Yes" itsuki replied confidently.