Charlotte barreled into the room in a state of panic. “I heard the window break and I rushed over as soon as I could.” She looked up and down to see if I was alright. She sighed after she seemed satisfied I was mostly unharmed. She then looked at me and anger burned across her expression. “You idiot, why did you worry me so much.” She grabbed a broom handle that was leaned against the wall and wailed me on the top of the head with it. “UNBELIEVABLE!” She pouted and walked out of the room swiftly.

I rubbed my skull a bit to try and numb the throbbing. After a moment of awkward silence, I looked up at Roger who wore an unwavering expression of sincerity. It looked as if he had to deliver a presidential address or something in the next few minutes. I walked over and sat at the edge of the bed.

The old lady walked in to see what the noise was and was met with the shock of a broken window. “What happened here, Roger?” She shot a quizzical glance at the towering man, probably hoping for a good explanation for why her window was broken.

“Sorry miss, Takeo was attacked by an unknown assailant. I shall walk him to somewhere safer while we investigate.” He glanced at the smashed window. “I will also be hiring someone to repair the window for you. Thank you for your understanding, ma’am.” He bowed respectfully.

She clapped her hands together to signify her satisfaction. “Okay, Mr.Burrow I shall be holdin’ you to that.” The old lady smiled and walked out the door. She faintly hummed as she walked farther down the hallway out of earshot.

Roger breathed a sigh of relief. “I fear her more than the person we just encountered.” Roger’s face flushed with the terror of that woman’s fury. He straightened up and turned to face me once again. ”Let’s take you to where I’m staying here in Japan. Far away from people who shouldn’t know about what I’m going to tell you.” He smiled at me waiting for a response.

“Yes sir, thank you for saving me back there.” I got up off the bed and slid on my sandals. “I’m ready to go!” I straightened up my orange Gi to look more presentable. He gestured towards the exit. “After you, young Takeo.”

***

“Welcome to my home, for the time being.” The room was quite modern and had a great view of Tokyo. The bustling afternoon city was breathtaking from up here. Each person going about their daily lives unaware of the people who looked at them as a specimen in an ant farm.

The skyscrapers tickled the underbelly of the magnificent sky. It all made me feel so small at that moment. For just that brief period I had the pressure of being Takeo lifted from my shoulders. It was almost as if I could float. “Great view, isn’t it Takeo.” Roger smiled and patted me on the back.

I snapped back into reality, all of life’s pressures weighed me down once more. My mind was flooded with questions for Roger. I had stayed quiet on the ride there, but now was time for talking. “Why did a demon martial artist visit me during exam day?” There was no better way of asking the question.

“Young Takeo, there is way more to the martial arts world than most know about.” His broad shoulders slumped slightly. “Your father rose to the top of the super martial artist ranks. He was heralded as the greatest fighter in human history. Everyone knew who he was, including some of the darker corners of the martial arts scene.” He looked at me straight in the eyes. “To be frank, your father was drafted into an underworld Martial arts tournament. This is what led to his mysterious death.”

My knees buckled at those words. I fell to the floor in shock at the thought my father died that way. While on my back I gawked at Roger. “My mother said he died in a plane crash.” The memory of my mom crying on the phone was brought to the forefront of my mind. It seemed as if the room was spinning. “Does she know?” I quietly asked while streams of tears streaked down my face.

“No.” Roger turned his back towards me. “She can’t know, no one can. In fact, I was hoping you’d never have to know yourself. However, just like your father you wanted to be a fighter.” He slammed his hand against the window in frustration. Tears began to roll down his face. “Takeo, always wanted to be the greatest. He wanted to fight in disregard for those who wanted him to return home. In the end, your father reached his limits and died in that demonic arena.” His teardrops hit the floor rhythmically, playing the sorrowful tune of his heart.

“Was it that demon who showed up today?” I said through gritted teeth. My fists clenched so hard I drew blood. I took a deep breath and sat up. “Please tell me..”

Roger choked through his tears and faced me solemnly. “Your father wasn’t killed by that one. He was defeated by the demon of strength0. His name is Oni-Dōryoku, a dark and twisted being. It had no regard for your father.” Roger clenched his fists as well. “I know that you will work to become the best so you can fight them.”

“You can’t stop me from doing it! I have to, there is no other path for me.” My tears stopped now. Determination coursed through my body, I could have lifted a building with the amount will I had at that moment.

“I know.” He smiled warmly and set his hand on my shoulder. “That’s why I must help you become the strongest fighter alive.” Roger wiped his tears away and stuck his other hand out for a handshake. “Young Takeo, please let me guide you towards your goal. I owe it to your father and to you.”

I shook my head and shook his hand. “Of course!”