Chapter 8 - Where the one loose end gets tied

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"Thank you, young Barbick, and now, our last adapted student, Za-Mong, please introduce yourself and tell us a little about yourself" the classroom teacher requested.

"Hello, I'm Monky and I'm here to beat everyone down to make a name for myself. Meet me anywhere between here, the temple, and the convenience store and you'll get a completely-free, instantaneous beat-down with your choice of knuckle sandwich or can of whooping. Don't be shy, tell your friends, tell your family, tell your family to tell their friends. Come alone, come in groups, me an' my boy Hei there can handle anything", Monky introduced himself with a smile.

Hei's jaw dropped all the way to his desk.

Everyone in class was quiet but Hei could perceive that even the Teacher's fighting intent was showing.

"My, those are some rather bold statements, Za-mong", the teacher finally said, wiping the steam off his glasses. "Do remember to notify the infirmary or one of the teachers if you're planning on sparring during the breaks at school. We don't want you boys and girls hurting one another but...", and here, the teacher's voice turned into a sort of excited, audible whisper to everyone in class "...holding back when you're young will shorten your lifespan, I've heard", the teacher composed himself and turned his head, making popping sounds. "It's been years since I heard anyone aim for a career on the martial path at such young age. Best of luck to you, I'll follow your progress closely", and in after thought, added "yours as well, Marui".

Two class periods later, boys and girls were queuing up on the basketball court border, watching the sparring inside between Monky and any random boy or girl. Rather courteously, Monky would first ask if the opponent would like a handicap and if they'd prefer to strike or to grapple. This was extremely effective in riling up the opponent, making them more open to holes in their defense. It was over in a mere hour. The teachers looked in approval at this 'rather advanced' boy, already making notes to advice their students in case they wanted a rematch, which they would later recommend for educational purposes.

Hei, on the other hand, angry at Monky, did everything he could to call his attention to ask why he would simply discard his strategy like that.

He attempted to call him out on lunch break, after class and even on the way home. He wasn't counting on Monky fighting every spare minute in between. He even had dinner at the temple with Monky and the Monk.

Once they finished dinner, Monky asked Hei for notes from class, which were civilly and dutifully provided and then both of them did their homework.

THEN-

"Alright, Hei, what is it?"

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!", Hei screamed.

Monky thought about it for two full minutes.

"Nothing?", Monky replied, tilting his head to a side in incomprehension.

Hei grabbed the neck of Monky's T-shirt and spewed "You declared war on everyone! Anyone who lost to you tattled to everyone they knew from the other groups! You'll fight everyone and I mean EVERYONE tomorrow!"

Monky was a bit shocked but didn't seem alarmed at all. "So what?", he asked puzzled.

Hei opened his mouth to resume his outrage but nothing came out.

Softly, Monky pulled Hei's grip off his shirt and straightened himself.

Hei felt both confused and annoyed but realized that his plans really were out of touch with reality. The truth was that Hei didn't really understand fighting the way Monky did. The whole point was to fight everyone, win, or at the very least, know their limits, and make some reputation for themselves or even better, to improve their battle experience. He realized the source of his upset feelings was simply being dragged into fighting when he felt wasn't ready for it. He looked at Monky for a moment and realized that Monky perceived him as 'ready' for fighting anyone.

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