Ryōzanpaku

-Some weeks after Azuma's meeting with Chikage-

In Ryōzanpaku, Akisame Kōetsuji and Ma Kensei were training a man, he seemed twenty years old, tall, with long purple hair down to his waist, a muscular build, and a calm face, it was Isshinsai Ogata, the original disciple of Ryōzanpaku.

Against the Elder suggestion, Akisame and Kensei decided to teach him, believing him to have potential. Hayato Fūrinji, even after sensing that Ogata seemed to have evil intentions and clearly showing bloodlust, still taught him Kazoe Nukite, one of the legendary techniques, perhaps, being the kind man he is, believed Ogata could change his ways. The fact Ogata was still at Ryōzanpaku signified the Elder hadn't kicked him out, he would probably do it after his return from his trip.

Ma Kensei is a fairly short middle-aged man, who is balding with a long pointed out Chinese mustache, wearing typical Chinese clothing used in martial arts with a hat to cover the bald part of his head. Kensei was stated in a weird position, readying a 'questionable' magazine, looking at Akisame teach Ogata.

Akisame, a man of above-average height, with messy black hair, dull and nearly colorless pupils; wearing a hakama, having a relatively small physique that hides his developed muscles and adorning a small and well-groomed mustache, was directing Ogata.

Ogata being an expert class was starting to get tired of Ryōzanpaku, the clear distrust showed by the Elder, and the growing tension with his "masters" boring him. He had already developed his belief that everyone is equal in the world of martial arts, joining a competition and killing one of his opponents, which once discovered by the Elder and his masters would be the reason they would kick him out of Ryōzanpaku.

Despite being a Satsujinken, his cruelty in battle, and a very vicious fighter, Ogata would later in life, show to have a very merciful side to him; respecting other people's path they choose in life, admitting that they should not die in vain, trying to never kill someone who does not show their intention to fight him, but being ruthless once they do.

While Akisame was training Ogata, Ogata thinking about his growing distaste in Ryōzanpaku, and Kensei reding his 'magazine', they felt a powerful ki approaching, it was not trying to hide, although they didn't feel any malice in it, both grandmasters and expert grew alarmed.

Ryōzanpaku's door, being heavier than what a normal person could open; built to prevent challengers below a certain level to even enter the place, blew open. There they saw a tall man, near 185 cm, long loose white hair, sharp features, and bright green eyes, with his finger pointing forward, showing the ease in which, he opened the quite heavy door.

Akisame, being the calmer of the people present started, "What business does a grandmaster have here?"

The stranger, clearly Azuma, ignored him and started walking inside, reaching Akisame, who was standing calmly beside a shivering Ogata.

Putting his hand on Akisame's shoulder, said, "Ma-ma, I can't come to visit the dojo founded by the Invincible Superman? Or maybe I wanted to meet the famous, Philosophical Jujitsu Master, Akisame Kōetsuji, and The Master of All Chinese Kenpō, Ma Kensei?"

The moment Azuma put his hand on Akisame's shoulder, the jujitsu grandmaster grabbed the hand touching him, ready to dislocate the man's wrist, but stopped, as he felt the stranger's grip on his shoulder, noticing he could also dislocate his shoulder.

Reaching a stalemate, both ready to dislocate each other's joints. Akisame at this moment realized that whoever this was, he had a deep knowledge of jujitsu and incredibly fast reflexes, the moment his hand grabbed his wrist, the previously only taping hand on his shoulder readjusted itself to counterattack.

Azuma noticing the conundrum, said, "Relax Akisame-san, I was just greeting you." This time the honorific actually meaning respect, respect for one of his brother's only friends, and Shigure's father figure.

While this exchange was happening, Kensei, noticing the quickly adjusting grip on Akisame's shoulder, was surprised, few martial artists existed that could, so quickly reach a stalemate against Akisame, especially in a confrontation in grips or locks.

Ogata was shivering, not in fear but excitement at Azuma's arrival, showing his battle-craziness and love for martial arts. Started to think, the man looked strong, incredibly so, meaning he wanted to attack him, not caring about the difference in power, he knew that with his masters here the stranger would not kill him, he only wanted to see advanced, powerful martial arts.

"Oh my, sorry for my overreaction then." Akisame calmly said as he let go of the Azuma's wrist, feeling the moment his hand left, Azuma's grip on his shoulder returned to its previous position, only a tap.

Akisame started walking towards Kensei, signaling to Azuma to follow, asked "Then, why would you almost break our door mister…..?"

Azuma startled by the question began thinking, he didn't want to reveal his real name at the moment, he wanted to give all the members a heart attack once Ryōzanpaku was completed. "Kenzo Akira" he answered, it was the best name he could think of.

Akisame was not dumb, he actually was one of the smartest people in the series, he noticed the gap between his question and Azuma's answer, but chose to disregard it. The man although had entered quite dramatically, had never shown any impression of trying to attack or coming with ulterior motives, he chose not to reveal his real name, but there were a number of reasons he could imagine why he chose to.

"Ahh, I see Akira-san, but once again, why almost destroy our door?" Akisame choosing to address Azuma with the same level of respect he had shown him, asked.

Grabbing the back of his head with an embarrassed smile, Azuma answered, "To tell you the truth, I may have used more strength than needed, I thought the door would be heavier, but any capable disciple class will be able to open it."

"Well yes, it is heavy for a normal martial artist that has not entered any class, but we don't want to always open it for any other disciple we may have," Akisame answered, more or less understanding where Azuma was coming from.

"Ahhh, I see, accept my apologies then Akisame-san." Azuma still embarrassed answered.

"It's okay Akira-san." Responded Akisame.

Hearing the conversation Kensei sweatdropped, realizing the polite conversation they were having was starting to sound more like sarcastic rivals talking to each other.

Both still smiling and talking politely to each other, Akisame was thinking, [How could I get myself countered so easily.] And Azuma, although still respecting the man for his relationship with both Saiga and Shigure thought, [Stupid old man, I was just greeting him, and he almost broke my wrist.]

Reaching Kensei who was seated on the floor of the dojo, overlooking the garden where Akisame and Ogata were, Akisame presented him, "Although you already know, this is Ma Kensei…" Before Akisame could end Kensei interrupted him, "I can introduce myself Akisame, I'm Ma Kensei, The Master of All Chinese Kenpō." The little man said to Azuma while extending his hand.

Taking it, Azuma presented himself, "Kenzo Akira, a pleasure." Azuma started to remember that this small man was a gigantic pervert who tried to peep on his Shigure and Miu, a grudge was already starting to form, unbeknownst to the man the clueless man.

Sighing at Kensei's display Akisame continued "As he said, we are currently the only two, not counting our disciple over there, masters here."

Azuma, trying to keep his disguise, needed to ask, "And the famous Elder?"

"Traveling, if you came to meet him, sorry to disappoint, but we don't know when he will be returning." Akisame calmly answered his question.

Azuma with a nonchalant tone said, "Nah, nah, although I would have loved to meet the Invincible Superman, I still wanted to meet the other two famous members of Ryōzanpaku."

Kensei and Akisame discreetly narrowed their eyes, Kensei continued, "And why would you be looking for us?"

"Ah well, I wanted to challenge the famous Ryōzanpaku masters, if that's okay with you?" Azuma told them, actually really wanting to have a battle against them.

Both grandmasters were surprised, few had recently come to challenge them, and although they were usually calm and firm believers of Katsujinken, a mock battle against a clearly strong opponent was something that didn't appear often. Before any of them could get excited at the prospect of a good fight, Ogata intervened.

Ogata finally reacting, quickly approached their direction, "Excuse me, I just heard that mister here came to challenge my masters. Would it be better to first have a fight against me?" His anticipation clearly showing on his body.

Without waiting for either Akisame or Kensei to respond, Azuma answered, "Sure, why not."

Hearing this the masters tried to argue against it, even after seeing the excitement Ogata's eyes, Azuma was clearly too strong an opponent for him, seeing their faces, Azuma rapidly mentioned, "Relax, I will not go all out against him."

Once he said that both masters finally relaxed, showing with their faces to Ogata, who had a distasteful look on his face due to Azuma's words, that it was fine, and he could proceed.

Ogata, barely able to contain his excitement, and Azuma backed away from the group, walking away from each other.

Ogata showing a scary smile, meanwhile Azuma was thinking for himself, [Oh god, how much will I enjoy this, I wonder?]

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A/N: I hope you liked the chapter.

It finally happened, even I was starting to anticipate their meeting, Sakaki, Apachai, and Shigure joined much later than Akisame and Kensei, which is why they aren't here.

Ciao