The Boy With Strange Eyes

15 - The Pen and The Sword of One Accord

The Pen & The Sword of One Accord

~ Treat others as you would like to be treated. ~

Kimyo's training began in earnest the following day. The boy had been afraid that an equal balance of the pen and the sword wouldn't be what had been promised once he arrived. Within minutes of starting his training, those fears were laid to rest. It was explained to Kimyo that he would spend his mornings in The Hall of Knowledge, the dojo library, under the tutelage of Master Shisho as a first-year student.

Kimyo would occupy his afternoons outside in the practice fields, regardless of the weather, taught by Master Shihan. It was as simple as that, and the young man pursued his dreams of becoming both a scholar and a warrior.

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From the author:

In Western culture, people who believe in ghosts or spirits face laughter and ridicule. Eastern culture more readily believes and accepts the presence of spirits and ghosts. It is a well-known belief in the East (therefore, it becomes the truth) that some human souls remain long after their bodies are buried and forgotten.

Kami, the Earth Spirit inhabiting and haunting the martial arts Masuta dojo, would never reveal his origins to readers. So, I must intervene in the story to share his history. Kami is the spirit of the greatest swordsmen that ever lived on the Eastern Island. He devoted so much of his time and life to The Way of the Sword, that he ignored his obligations to his friends and family.

It is rumored that Kami is doomed to remain earthbound until he makes amends for his past misdeeds. But- I can not say if there is any truth behind this rumor. ~ D

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From Kami, The Earth Spirit:

~ 🧌 My name is Kami, and I am an Earth Spirit. I have been here for centuries and watched thousands of warriors train. Most humans do not sense my existence. I appear as a small troll made of earth and clay, for those few who can see me. The young boy Kimyo is one of the gifted- who can see and speak with the spirits. ~

~🧌 I heard the appeal of Mizuko the Water Spirit on behalf of Kimyo. However, I will judge for myself if he is worthy of my help. One would imagine that Kimyo would find much joy and happiness during his upcoming years of intense martial arts training. I fear this will not be the case.

~ 🧌 To say otherwise would not be truthful, and telling the truth, no matter how difficult, is vital to Kimyo. Being honest is a core value for the manner of a man that he someday hopes to become. I fear Kimyo will be bullied, harassed, and ignored for most of his training period.

~ 🧌 I am observing Kimyo, and so far, I like what I see...

~ 🧌 The youngster experienced some moments of authentic joy during his first day in the Hall of Knowledge. Inside the Library, he seems comfortable studying the Warrior's Code. He is young and naive. In his heart, Kimyo desires to believe in the Martial Virtues: indifference to pain, overcoming fear, and loyalty to his Master. These virtues shaped a warrior's standards of conduct.

~ 🧌 Master Masuta is famous for his skill with the pen and the sword. But, the difference between the written and actual codes was as vast as the ocean the child Kuni had traversed, seeking his dream of a new start. The Master believed in the harmony of fighting and learning, and Masuta expected his warriors to be cultured and literate.

~ 🧌 Masuta was a Royal and knew nothing of the day-to-day lives of his students. He was far removed from the real culture of the dojo, living inside his palace.

~ 🧌 The Royal does personally live by the motto of his house: "The pen and the sword must be of one accord."

~ 🧌 Masuta was part of the Eastern Island royalty. Aristocrats who had arranged marriages for their daughters. Their daughters and wives were trained in the Way of the Knife; they were prepared to defend their household, family, and honor.

~ 🧌 The Library of Master Masuta has many scrolls, ancient parchments, texts, and books, a wonderful collection of vast knowledge. Kimyo seems content and happy during his time in The Hall. He spends all his free time in the dojo library.

~ 🧌 I sense Kimyo is sad when he thinks of his dead mother and how much she would have loved The Hall. Master Shisho, a younger brother of Master Masuta, shares a love of knowledge, books, history, and learning with Kimyo. I am confident they will soon become close.

~ 🧌 Poor little Kimyo is a foreigner, alone and ignored. Many here will not see past his differences, Such as his strange eyes. Perhaps I will help him after all...

END

Questions to consider:

Kami states there is a vast difference between what people believe warrior training is about and what it is. Not all reputations, positive or negative, are always accurate. Do you think this statement is true?

Have you personally experienced this?

At a job or a school?

Can you believe a person or a business if they state – This xxx is what we are?