Blind Sight (COTK Book 1)

Chapter 4: A Challenge

CHAPTER 4: A Challenge

"I challenge Miyasato Sakamoto," Rasa announced calmly.

The entirety of the dining hall looked at Miyasato as one, though he didn't seem to notice. Turning to his father, he waited for him to either deny the request or allow it. Torio looked to be pondering the challenge.

"Against anyone else... I wouldn't allow this. However, I trust you not to hurt my son, so I'll allow it."

Rasa observed Miyasato, but couldn't see any reaction. The boy was talented in showing nothing in his expression, though having half of it covered helped.

"Will you accept the challenge?" Torio asked, looking over at Miyasato.

The servants and palace guard clapped as Miyasato stood. It took him only a few moments to walk to the sparring platform, effortlessly navigating the table, chairs, and people in the room. Hopping up onto the platform, he walked to the spot in front of Rasa and stopped.

Still, nothing showed on his face or in his posture.

The conversation around the room had risen, and Rasa picked up pieces of it. Questions asked out loud about how skilled Miyasato was, whether or not this was safe, a few even wondering if Miyasato might actually give him a challenge. His own men said nothing, only watching intently.

He wondered if Miyasato would accept the challenge, and so had Torio. As they'd walked to the dining room earlier, Torio had explained his idea. He wanted Rasa to spar against Miyasato and get an idea of his skill. Afterward, they would talk and compare notes, see if they had similar thoughts.

Bowing, Rasa slipped into a primary starter position, which earned him a teasing look from Sasori that he ignored. Miyasato bowed in return and entered a stance Rasa had seen hundreds of times before, the basic academy-level Taijutsu stance.

Looking over Miyasato's shoulder, he saw Torio about to start the match when Miyasato's stance changed drastically. Crouching lower to the ground, one hand moved to hold him up from the floor as Miyasato leaned forward. Rasa didn't recognize the position. He wasn't sure it belonged to any existing Taijutsu style.

Torio also seemed confused.

Then just as suddenly as before, Miyasato shook his head and shifted back into the original stance.

What is he doing? Rasa wondered, gesturing for Torio to hurry up and start the spar.

"Begin!" Torio shouted. Rasa could hear the uncertainty in his friend's voice but ignored it. He was also somewhat concerned by Miyasato's odd behavior. Nonetheless, he felt this was the best way to figure it out. Torio hadn't said anything about Miyasato doing any extra training of his own.

Rasa darted forward, though it felt more like he was slowly strolling across the platform. Torio had requested he start off at a low speed, and increase if needed. So he'd chosen to move slightly faster than a Genin was capable of. It was somewhat embarrassing. He had more than enough time to observe everyone in the room in detail and noticed Sasori giving him a look. As if he was embarrassed for him.

Upon reaching Miyasato, he swung for the boy's head with an open palm. Lurching backward, Miyasato moved out of the way and returned to his stance, but his feet were reversed. Rasa deliberately gave him an opening, letting his arm continue to swing around.

He thought Miyasato wasn't going to take it at first, but the boy darted forward at the last second, attempting to jab him in the neck. Easily dodging out of the way, he put some distance between himself and Miyasato.