Path Of War

IN THIS CONGREGATION, every dojo housed two elite monks. In order to advance to the next dojo, both monks had to be defeated in battle. That meant six fighters had to be beaten before anyone could join the main dojo where A and B were in.

Arthur desired to fight all six of them at once, yet that particular request was not going to be met because the ring would be too small. At most, he could fight up to three monks at a time.

"Tarry here," B said to him, "whilst we call the others."

Ten minutes passed, and later the word about the match spread throughout. The peaceful drudgery of their labour was unlike yesterday. Dozens gathered fast around the main dojo to witness things. Some leaned against the pillars; others squatted near the edges. Hardly any spoke as they watched the upcoming event.

From the center of the ring, Arthur looked at his opponents. There were five male monks and one female monk. The first three stepped up: dark-skinned males with very lean muscle mass. Arthur could tell by their movements that they were barely Jōnin level.

B soon stepped into the center, raised one arm, and said, "Listen well, brothers! We hath but one rule: no ninshu is permitted."

Arthur gave a single nod before B walked away.

Each of Arthur’s opponents held their gaze at him. Slowly, the first monk began to walk opposite of him as they circled one another. Neither broke eye contact. Then, without warning, the monk’s leg shot up in a high kick.

Bang!

Arthur’s forearm blocked it. But the monk wasn’t finished; he twisted for a second kick. Arthur moved and caught the attack like it was nothing. When he let him go, the monk charged for a tackle. Yet Arthur raised his knee and drove it hard into the monk’s midsection.

Bang!

The monk stumbled back. Now his brothers behind began to move, trying to flank him from the sides.