Master Zi

At the age of 11, after my sister's death, and enduring all violence from my uncle and my colleagues, I developed mistrust and fear of people since these people were so lifeless, so cruel and so horrible.

And so I developed a specific fear. Afraid to find someone so special like my sister, my parents, and then lose that person, like them.

Even if fate was laughing at me, I stood. My determination not to give up on what I wanted was greater than anything.

But one day when I was 11, I met the old man who turned my world upside down.

On that day, like any other day, I was suffering bullying from other colleagues who were older.

I had really understood that in my home country there was no morality since not even the children had any scruples.

These children punched me to the point that I could not even open my eyes right and almost broke my hands, just because I did not let go of my book.

Really harmful, when the boy, who looked like the leader, was going to step on my fingers, a thin, bony hand stopped the boy's foot and pushed him back.

When I noticed, there was an old man squatting beside me, giving the kid a grin. It was all so fast, I did not understand anything else that was happening.

Although I want to tell you the whole story about him, I'll have to skip this.

The old man simply startled these kids and looked at me with curious eyes.

He told me that he observed the 'bickering' all the time. When I heard this, I felt a great urge to punch him. And then he wondered why I had not raised my fists to defend myself at any moment, not by reflex or will.

I did not trust him just because he frightened the kids, so I got up with difficulty and answered, "Lord, I just did not feel like it. The more I retaliated, the more they would have to hit me, that would only be a waste of time. "

When I answered, he just looked at me with his eyes closed and suddenly grabbed my fist. The strength she had was unbelievable, no matter how strong I used, her arm did not even shake. It would be easier to rip my arm out than he let go.

He pressed his finger to my fist, felt my blood pressure with bright eyes, and with a big smile said that he would accompany me to my house, with the excuse that "it would prevent other fights on the way."

Of course, I suspect it, I suspect it too much! But what could he do? I was just a child, who did not even deal with the boys who tormented me, while he shook them with one hand.

When he said that, I could only sigh, and at once I resumed my way home.

I wish I could deny him following me, but I already knew he would follow me anyway ...

The old man accompanied me asking about various things, testing my knowledge, and every time I answered something, his eyes brightened.

Seriously, it got to the point where I thought I would be kidnapped if I answered more things.

Arriving near my uncle's house, the old man stopped me suddenly and said to wait.

I questioned the reason, and he quickly replied, "There is something strange."

And just like a gust of wind, he had disappeared from my side and was already on top of the house gate, coming in quickly. Seriously, do I really have to say that seeing an old man run faster than a marathon runner did not astonish me?

After a few minutes, he went out and asked me, "Boy, I know you're different from all the other kids I've ever met, but I need to know, was the man inside your house someone important to you?" serious when asked this question.

It was really a strange quest, but for some reason, even though I did not trust him, a supernatural force made me sincerely answer that question. Something that would never happen if someone asked.

"He's just my uncle, we may even have the same blood, but he's not someone he'd call important."

And with that answer, the old man said, "I can have an idea of what happened between you two, but that does not matter at the moment, now I'll tell you honestly ... Your uncle was stabbed in the house and it's been a few hours since that happened. "

I did not have time to assimilate everything, the only thing that happened to me at that moment was: One more? Why do all those close to me always end up like this? Does it matter if I love or hate? Will they all end up in this ?!

Even if so many doubts came, I did not feel bad for my uncle, or happiness or something, just indifference. The real problem was that I did not have anyone else to stay with.

And, out of nowhere, the old man started calling someone with his cell phone and was quickly answered. Then he started talking to someone in an exalted way: "Shen Zi is the speaker. There is? Do not you believe that? Who would dare try to pretend to be me ?! If you question one more time, I swear you will not have another day to live, understand ?! Great, that's a lot better. So, I quickly need the documents, data, and custody of the ... "With a pause and doubt, he asked me" Boy, what's your name again? "

And again, something at that moment made me answer honestly, "Isaac Wood, why, Lord?"

He ignored my question and said, "I want everything about a boy named Isaac Wood, you have until tomorrow to pass everything on to me, I want his custody immediately!"

Although all this happened in a way I did not expect, the old man answered my doubts and even those that would come.

"Boy, touching your fist and feeling your circulation, I approached your spirit, or Chi energy, whatever you call it. When I felt his spirit, I saw and felt the scars that cover him, there are not many who could endure what happened at his age. "He said it with a serious expression, and his eyes said that there would be more ahead.

Even if, at that time, I did not understand anything, all the things he said carried a deep meaning, which only after a few years he would understand.

He continued to talk to me: "By the state of your uncle's house, I realize that you have had several problems with him. Sorry for the late presentation, but I have no habit of talking to brats. I am Master Shen Zi, the greatest living master! "He, with a smile, continued. "It is not arrogance on my part to say that no one in this world can compare with me! And I have already decided that you will be my first disciple! "He completely ignored the fact that I had lost my uncle a few moments ago, as if it were irrelevant to him.

I could not charge him something that I did not even feel was irrelevant at the time.

I stared at him doubtfully.

He came out of nowhere, claiming to be the greatest teacher in the world and wanted me as a disciple, how the hell could I believe that? It was easier to believe if he said he was a kidnapper and that he would kidnap me. It is a good thing that in my world the culture of martial arts was active, but in my country, everything about foreign countries was censored, so this was really unrealistic to me.

He grinned, saying, "Heh. You do not have to look at me with those dubious eyes, Kid. Do not see this as a kind act, in reality it is not. This old man you're talking to is selfish and arrogant, but honest, at least. I chose you as the first disciple because I have never seen a kid with so many innate talents in my life! Your physique, your energy and life show that you are someone who is not tied to the common lines of this world. You should and it will be great! "He began to laugh non-stop after saying all this.

I was going to say something, but he raised his finger to my mouth and said, "The one I spoke to just now is the governor of that country. Tell me, do you have any attachment to your family yet? I will respect your decision if you want to say goodbye to them, but I am not willing to give you up, you will be my disciple anyway. "His eyes never ceased to be serious, no matter whether he laughed or the tone changed. It was like a tiger caught in its prey, would not let go for nothing in this world.

At that time, I thought of an extremely fast speed, I still could not keep up with the events, it was incomprehensible to me.

In a trembling voice, not out of fear or sadness, but out of uncertainty, I replied, "I-I have no one to trust, all of whom were important ..."

The old man touched my head and with a gentle smile answered me: "Quiet, Boy. Let me tell you; the world is vast, people are complex and feelings are diverse. You're new. So do not worry about who you trust now, in time you'll decide that and I'm not talking about trusting me. I'm saying I'm going to teach him, I do not want my martial art to be forgotten, but I can only pass it on to the most talented. "

Although the last part was rude in some way, his eloquence had captured what I wanted; sincerity. I did not trust him and he did not trust me, but I had no purpose, besides being the most dedicated and building a future. If he could give me this, I would accept it without question.

At that moment, I thought it was just an exchange. I would have a future that I would build with my effort, but with his support, only to learn his martial art.

He understood my silence as my acceptance, looking up at the sky he said: "You know, when I touched your fist you did not even get scared, you wanted to get rid of my hand, but you did not feel fear and not even your blood pressure increased. I've never seen this in my life, especially in a child. Boy, I know in your head you think it's a waste of time to raise your fists to defend or attack, but you're thinking the wrong way! "

His speech was extremely confusing, the first part I had not understood anything, it was natural for me to be that way.

Already the second part, he was trying to give a moral lesson? Hey, how can I consider him an example if he looked like a nutcase talking insanities? I really could not and would not follow his line of reasoning. Even today, I can not.

He put his hands on my shoulders and with a firm grip, declared, "Boy, I will correct that distorted mentality that developed. No girl will like a boy as indifferent and insensitive as you! It is not for you to lift your fists and fight hatred against hatred or revenge for revenge. It is for you to raise your fists to defend and protect your future and the important things in your life! You must raise your fists to end it with those who want to stop their way! "

So from that, my training with Master Zi began.