Duality (DxD) (Part 1)

Ch 4 - Martial Arts

After getting back, Ban quickly placed away the clothes and came back down to Jin who was in the dojo. Telling Jin that he owned a martial arts dojo. But Jin still didn't quite know what any of that meant. Jin was sat legs crossed on the floor as Ban came down. Sitting in front of him as to explain what he meant.

Ban: So you want to know what martial arts is.

Jin: I also don't know what a dojo is.

Ban: Well, a dojo is where you practice martial arts. Martial arts... it's a practice of development and combat.

Jin looked shocked as he assumed the wrong thing. But before he had time to say anything, Ban quickly corrected the misunderstanding.

Ban: For you though, not only is this about development of your body, it's about control. To have the ability to stand up for yourself and others without being worried you might go further than you intend to. I'll be teaching you more of control, helping you develop that control. Helping your body develop so you can properly defend yourself if a next time arises.

Jin looked at Ban in awe. Sitting up properly and looking at him with the respect he deserved. Ban was caring, a much nicer man than the ones who had ignored his pain and suffering.

Jin: So how do I practice these... martial arts? Is it something I do all day?

Ban: No no. From my brief time with you, I know it's pointless to try and force you into a school you're not ready to attend. So I'll teach you all you need to know, homeschooling you. On top of that you'll get to practice martial arts until you believe it's time you should go back home.

Jin looked at Ban as he gripped his hand. As much as he wanted to go home. He couldn't. He wanted to leave with the memories of his guardian loving him. Not seeing him as a murderer.

Ban: {Such a naive child.} But coming back to how you'll practice martial arts. We'll focus on your physical, mental, and spiritual development. Physically since you're young, I won't push you too hard and let your body naturally grow. I'll teach you the techniques and fighting techniques I know.

Jin: You know how to fight?

Ban gave a small chuckle. To him Jin was like a lion cub that had yet to develop and realise his own potential. Though comparing him to a species of lion may have been an understatement. He was far more powerful than any lion or animal species.

Ban: You could say that. I have no official record when it comes to martial art competitions but I can tell you I know my way around a fight.

Jin continued to look in awe. But only because Ban was an extremely old man and was surprised anyone his age could fight. Let alone move as much as fighting required. Such an active thing was surely bad for an old man's body. But that wasn't something Jin said out loud.

Ban: Spiritually, I'll teach you something called Senjutsu. A power to control the flow of life energy or Ki. A thing that exists in all living beings.

Jin: LIKE MAGIC!

Jin said in surprise. But his reaction only made Ban laugh out more as Jin blushed. To him, this situation was comedy gold. Something he never thought would happen in his lifetime. That would never happen normally under special circumstances. Circumstances Jin applied to.

Ban: You could say that. But it's not something everyone can use. Not unless you practice it hard.

Jin: So I'll be able to fire out cool fireballs if I practice hard enough!

Ban: Maybe. If you ever unlock the power of Senjutsu, I'm sure you'll find out yourself. {You... you'll be able to make a fire hotter than many.}

Jin: I'll practice hard then!

Ban looked at Jins enthusiasm as he saw some sadness wash away. As much as Jin had been through something life changing. He was still but a child that would be interested in such things.

Ban: {So much enthusiasm. It's good for someone his age. It's good considering what he's suffered.} Good. Then mentally, on top of regular studies I'll expect of you, you'll learn Youjutsu, an ancient traditional technique that uses energy to cause unnatural phenomenon.

Jin: Is... Is it magic too?

Jin said with excitement. So much of it he looked like he was about to explode with the potential excitement being stored in him.

Ban: Yes. You could say that.

Jin: YOU'RE A WIZARD!

Jin jumped about as he pieces it all together in his mind. Even if magic wasn't real and these were just mental and spiritual practices. Being said in a way that played to his child like imagination. Ban was old, his hair white, and was saying words of magic. He couldn't help but see him as a wizard.

But what he didn't know was that all of this was real. It was being purposefully kept from him because Ban had come to realise something about Jin. Something that would explain everything about him. His situation, his lack of knowledge and understanding. It was one simple thing that explained everything.

Jin thought he was human. He wasn't told what he actually was. What Ban could quite clearly see he was.

Ban didn't know why Jin didn't know. Ban had no understanding of the reasons why someone would keep that part of Jin a secret from him. But he couldn't help but think there was a good reason considering what Jin was.

So despite teaching him things that no human would know. Ban too would keep that part of Jin a secret from him until the time was right. Teaching him everything he needed to know under the disguise that this was all just ancient culture and practices.

Because Ban could tell. Someone went to great lengths to hide this from Jin.