Chapter 5: A Bandit's Worst Day

Four years have passed since l awakened my Ki and I have been experimenting with it ever since. I have learned Ki breathing, Ki circulation, Ki Shielding, practically basic stuff.

Each of these are pretty self explanatory, however, Ki Shielding gives me another layer of defence from negative influences so long as I am positive.

I can even negate Energy-based attacks with this technique.

I was now trying to concentrate it in my fist and see the strength I could muster in full force. I stood in position and punched a giant boulder.

*Bam* *Rumble*

That made me whistle. As expected, it was enough destroy the entire boulder. And I thought I wasn't even in the supernatural radar!!

I assumed I only had the power to destroy an entire wall so, that was below.... low-class? I mean that boulder was the size of an entire room!

He wasn't exactly sure. His memories were a bit fuzzy here since he always thought low-class ranged between wall level and building level so... it is accurate right?

'Doesn't change the fact that I am weak though. It is the first step, planet-busting powerhouse have been here.'

He always had these sort of negativity that he had to battle everytime he was stuck on the road or advanced forward. (A/N: Could it be a heart demon? Anyone still wondering what the monster within is? *Wink*)

I wasn't even exerting full power yet so I could be wrong. I have been training hard these last few years while experimenting on Ki.

I am still learning Ki Balance which is harmony between oneself and their surroundings. Right after this stage, I start cultivation.

At that moment, unwanted guests disturbed my thoughts. 'Curse my damn enhanced hearing!' I grunted a bit in annoyance since I was still going to test my power.

"*Sigh* Whatever, at least I have the power defend against normal bandits. Speaking of which."

I got up and ran through the forest towards the main road. I dashed from tree to tree, kicking off the branches to reach the sounds of people chattering.

I could see a group of bandits calmly walking towards the direction of the village. I suddenly stopped as his eyes narrowed slightly.

They were about fifteen, he seriously needs to be careful about this or else, he may pass on to the next life if there is still one left for him.

"Hey boss, do you think they have enough food and money this season. The conditions are a bit harsh." A bandit with a slim figure and red hair said.

His hair reached his upper back. He wore a serious scoul as he spoke his doubts.

He wore a lightweight, flexible chainmail, earthy brown tunic and pants. He also wore soft leather boots and a wide belt, a quiver on his back, filled with arrows.

He gently caressed a small, intricately carved wooden pendant around his neck.

He heard that this season had small yields in this land. So there wouldn't be enough things to steal from them right?

The other bandits then looked at the boss with concern. They wore mix of leather armor, chainmail, and cloth clothing.

It seems the recurring theme was earthy tones, with occasional splashes of red or blue. They had various hats. They also wore black belts, blue sashes, and matching scarves

"If they can't provide for themselves then how can we take what they have for our families? They don't have anything." One of the bandits answered. I was silently cheering on.

These bandits have been taking the people's harvest these recent years leaving them with barely enough to survive. Probably not a show of good will.

I couldn't do anything about it since I hadn't gained any supernatural powers and enough training to engrain each moveset into my muscle memory.

I have trained martial arts for five years already.

"Well, they must have something of value. Otherwise we'll be taking the women as compensation for the trouble." A black haired man with a moustache, old enough to be considered middle aged said with a creepy smile on his face.

He wore an earth-toned leather armor with faded black cloak with a red sash, tattered, brown pants and boots.

He also adorned a golden earring and a black leather glove on his left hand while hving a sword at his side, adorned with a small, red tassel.

The other bandits then had a look of realisation. Each having their own awful fantasies including the guy who I was rooting for. The only person with no reaction was the red haired man from earlier.

!!!

'That idiot is not leaving here in one piece today. Hell no!! I won't let him touch a single woman.' I clenched my fists hard, shaking as stayed hidden but I finally calmed

Imagining my mother falling into their hands and becoming their toy thing alongside many others, it kinda makes me feel sick.

If he had even sliver of mercy it must have vanished. In his eyes was a deep fury contained within.

Those red orbs now had enough fighting intent to burn down an entire city. Anyone who saw him would have noticed his crimson eyes flashed red for a moment.

Even if he does not have the necessary instincts he needs in a fight, these guys are good practice to hone those instincts.

He will wipe off that smug expression on his face!!

He systematically hurled a boulder towards them while moving just behind it. He deliberately left it here for this purpose.

!!

"What the!!" The leader saw the incoming boulder coming their way. "Retreat!"

Although his order had reached some on time, five of his men had already fallen unconscious or struggling to breathe. A small shadow instantly appeared in front of them.

He shifted his body with great speed and kicked an unsuspecting thug. He flew of into the air, his back connected to the rough surface of a tree.

'First Strike.' Hisashi thought after his first attack. Another bandit from earlier wheezed out with his fist buried in his midsection.

"Gaah!!" A sound Hisashi never paid any attention. If his stern expression was anything to go by then he was not playing around. His eyes were cold, darting instantly to his next target.

The man just fell to the ground face first.

Right after that, he rushed to the nearest bandit who was still stunned. He failed to notice the sound of rustling dead branches.

He sent a sharp kick to his ribs before punching the centre of his chest and stomach in quick succession.

Just then two people approached to bash his head in but he swiftly jumped back before they succeeded.

He could hear them move just from the rustling leaves, the rapid breathing, he could hear it from a mile away.

'Hooray Enhanced Senses!!' He shouted happily in his head but his guard was never dropped.

He then sprang back to the two, knocking both of them out. At that moment, the leader of the gang saw the perpetrator. That very shadow that attacked five of his men in a few minutes.

A young boy, roughly 9-10 years of age had already arrived in front of them. Simple, sleeveless white undershirt. Loose-fitting, earth-toned martial arts pants and a black belt.

He wore, flexible leather boots for mobility. He had honey blonde, spiky hair that was kept short with red eyes that cast a ghostly glow. (A/N: Keep guessing. I will surprise you soon enough!!)

It was of course Hisashi, his glowing red eyes had an ominous aura. He punched one of his men.

"Gahoo!!" Who spat out before being tossed away to a few bandits. He had the air in his lungs forced out as he flew towards a crowd of three.

They were pushed back by the resultant force as they caught their fellow comrade.

Using this opportunity he launched himself towards them before giving one of the three a sharp kick to the face, effectively knocking his teeth out.

He did not stop there, he used his momentum to complete a rotation. As he did so he bitch slapped the other thug.

It must have shook his brain up a little since he now had a serious concussion.

The sound of bones cracking reverberated threw the forest with each exchange, causing birds to panic and flee.

He saw a figure approaching him at the corner of his eye. His instincts screaming at him, his heart pounding in his chest.

His reaction was to evade his next opponent and get a clear view. He saw a man dashing towards which made him frown.

This man had already drawn his sword to attack him, first aiming for his arm before he attempted to do the same thing to his neck.

He grabbed his wrist wielding the sword before clenching on it.

*Crack* *Crack*

"Aaargggghhh!! Let go!!" At this point he had already dropped his sword from the nerve wrecking pain.

Hisashi caught that very sword before hitting his head with the end of the scabbard.

"Another one bites the dust." He silently whispered to himself, no one heard him though, other than the brown haired man who slowly fell conscious.