Weird Old Man

-July 1, 2000-

Peter was already a black belt in Karate and has already learnt Hand-to-Hand Combat Arts, but he wanted more. For 2 weeks he searched for an authentic Martial Dojo around the neighborhood, only to get nothing. However, during his search he came across a blind man crossing a road.

"Hey 'Old uncle who is crossing the road with a stick', wait for me, I will help you!" shouted Peter while running in his direction. The 10 year old ran as fast as he could and reached the man, only to see a car speeding up in their direction.

Peter instantly cursed his luck and murmured, "My life is like a bowling alley where I am the target and people with cars want to hit me." He still remembers the accident that happened 5 years ago.

He then jumped on the old man to push him out of the car's way only to see him step aside quickly.

Peter fell on the side while the old blind man came to pick him up. He regretted his decision to save this weird old man, he went from being a 'local hero that saved a blind man' to being a reckless child that was helped by a blind man.

" You little devil are good, but that jump could have broken my old bones. Plus don't call me with weird names. My name is Izo." said the smiling old blind man.

Peter sneered, "I jumped to save your old bones only or we would have been bowled by that car."

*Boink*

The smiling old man smacked his little head with his hand and said, "I could have dodged it easily just like I did a few minutes ago. By the way do practice martial arts? Want to learn? I cant teach you for a small fees."

Peter no longer wanted to bicker with this weird old blind who considered himself to be a martial marts master. He was about to say no and leave, but then he stopped for a second to analyze what has happened. This weird old blind man could step-aside from a speeding car, walk up to him and talk to him as if he could see him. This was something weird.

But then he recalled about Daredevil from the memories he received. He was a blind human who trained to become one of the best martial artists in the world. He could beat those who had higher physical and mental capabilities than him.

Peter's had a gut feeling that this old weird man could very well be one of those hidden martial artists. The fact that the blind could tell he had practiced martial arts also convinced him of this.

So he contemplated before saying, "Uncle Ben told me to stay away from weird old uncles but you seem nice. I want to see if a blind old uncle could really teach me martial arts. What about the fees, you were talking about, old uncle? If possible I will ask my uncle Ben to pay you."

Peter also whispered to himself, "Uncle Ben would also be able to check your nature and tell me if you are one of those weird old men."

*Boink*

Peter was smacked again. Izo had a helpless look on his face but replied nonetheless, "Little devil, I could hear what you have just said. I am not one of those weird old men. Yes, I can teach you martial arts. The fees? It is just a small fees of $ 50 per class."

Peter sneered in his heart, "Why don't you rob me old man? I am not 'Stark' enough to spend so much on self defense." Still going with his gut feeling and thinking about the enhanced hearing of the old man he replied, "Okay but I will complaint to my Uncle and Aunt if you try to con me. I will tell them that a weird old man had weird fantasies to train me in something and tried to con me into meeting him alone everyday."

Izo replied in a slightly annoyed tone," I am not a weird old man." He continued in a serious tone, "And as you did not try bargain with me I will give a big discount of $25 on all the classes you take. Classes start from tomorrow in the Queens Park at 6 in the evening."

Prompted by the discount, Peter asked him once again if he had any weird fantasies regarding him only be smacked again. He asked him about the other details while walking to his home. He told him initially he will only be trained every weekday and will have holiday on week-ends. This may change later. He was also informed that a class was of around 1.30 hours.

Izo left after saying goodbyes and reminding him to be on time tomorrow. Peter reached his home at 7 P.M. while May was watching her favorite show. At night he had a talk with his uncle and aunt about the quitting Karate classes as he was already a black belt.

He lied to them about a free Martial Arts class held in the park everyday and he would attend it instead. Peter did not want his aunt and uncle to worry about money again, so he chose not to tell them about the extortion that the old man was doing.

He already had saved $ 5000 in the past 4 years and could easily save/earn more through competitions, quizzes and other things. He also asked them to help him buy a computer from his own savings.

Initially Aunt May refused to use his money but he convinced her somehow. Peter knew that money was only worth something because it could be invested in other things. He also knew that having money without the ability to protect it was more dangerous than not having it at all.