Never recorded through the history of the Temple of the Silver Moon had such a contest of skill as this existed, nor have both combatants ever lost their weapons in the exchange. Perhaps, it was speculated through the murmurs and whispered aspirations of awe and inspiration that the two would continue in unarmed combat, for this was not simply a demonstration of skill as was often fought in such mock battles, but was a determining factor as to whom the Master Kin would name as the new High Sensei, and would be next in line to replace the master. Thus, this was no mock battle, and though often such training exercises would require the use of wooden swords, the two combatants this day were commanded the use of their weapons of steel.

Often, had this circumstance been under normal situations, Genshu would have rescinded his claim to the station, for he wanted nothing to do with the ritual order of commandment as decreed by the Master Kin, and wanted even less to hurt his one true friend, Sai. Yet there were situations that motivated Genshu into battle even beyond his lack of inspiration to follow the temple’s guiding decree that compelled Genshu to force aside his noble idealism and raise his sword against his friend. This of course, was that the High Sensei would be the protectorate of the master and all of his property, which meant that Genshu would now be permitted to visit Marai, the woman whom he came to love despite the forbidden allowance of such emotions, and though Master Kin took her from him, she still owned his soul.

Genshu and Sai, weary from their battle, knelt upon the mat, their hands resting on their legs and faced the master for further instruction. Even now in the deafening silence that befell the chamber, Genshu could still hear the ringing chimes of their flashing blades as they proceeded in the attempt of killing one another. Slowly, as if uncertain whether his straying gaze would be allowed, Genshu raised his eyes to look upon Marai as she stood upon the platform. She was still as beautiful and strong as when he first met her, and he would give his very life to save her from this damnation that was the temple, but there were, again, circumstances that would not be curtailed. As Genshu paused to study Marai, he felt his stomach lurch as it always did, yet this feeling quickly died as Genshu turned his eyes to the young child standing beside Marai, the son of Master Kin and the woman who, in another life, might have been Genshu’s soul mate, Sage. It was a tragedy that this young child be born into the temple, and yet the practicality of what he would become could not be ignored. He was to begin training in a year, and would already have five years experience as opposed to all new recruits within the temple. Though, he was but an infant, barely old enough to speak on his own, he felt no love from his biological father, and was, as so many other things within the temple, a weapon to be used to destroy all enemies of Harmonia.

However, Genshu could no longer mourn over the potential of what might have been, as Master Kin approached the stairs that overlooked the assembly and stared down at the two combatants. “You, Sai and Genshu, have graced us both with a battle we are not likely to see repeated in our lifetimes. You have honored us with your skill and dedication to training. May your example prove to all of us, what it means to be samurai.”

At this, there was a slight pause, as Genshu and Sai bowed deeply to the master of the temple, their lips touching the mat in respect, for such words of praise were never spoken.

“Thus, as there seems to be no decisive winner in this contest, I must vote on individual merit. Sai, you are the one I choose. Come and take your place beside me.”

“Milord,” Sai responded, standing quickly and bowing to Master Kin. “I thank you for your nomination milord, but fear I wish to decline. I must say openly Lord Kin, that what is needed for the temple to thrive is the understanding that can only be given by Lord Genshu. He has proved himself worthy of the title, more so than I, and I wish you to reconsider your verdict.”

This recommendation was certainly unheard of, and though the honorable declaration by Sai was as shocking as the battle was stunning, no words were yet uttered in the deathly silent arena, for the samurai were disciplined in their art and were not to be disobedient.

“Genshu, what say you?”

Genshu stood uneasily, apparently as surprised as those in attendance, and stealing a glace to Sai, turned his attention to Master Kin. Bowing, Genshu answered, “Milord Kin, Lord Sensei Sai, is the one best to decide this decision. I shall abide by his orders.” Genshu bowed again.

Kin stared over the pair and finally addressed the assembly again. “Very well. I name Genshu as Lord Sensei. He has proven his willingness to follow his commandments by a superior more so than Sai. However, this contest of skill will not go without reward. Sai, I name you as mediator of our war effort. Your primary mission shall be to relay all information of the war in the Grasslands, and post continual updates to myself and the High Priest. Is that understood?”

“Yes Lord Kin.” Both Genshu and Sai spoke in unison.

“Very well, dismissed.”

The samurai in attendance bowed deeply, first to Sai and Genshu, then to Master Kin before leaving the dojo. The two waited in relative silence until the last warrior had left before disrupting the peace of the chamber.

“Why?” Genshu asked as he stared quizzically at Sai, his eyes searching for some understanding of what Sai had given up.

Sai’s face split into the crooked, half smile that was so accustomed to his obvious self-gratification of having accomplished a good deed. It was as if Genshu could all but read his thoughts through that smile.

“Why did you do that Sai? I didn’t want to be High Sensei. All I wanted was to be free of this place. I can’t do that now.”

“You couldn’t do that before either.” Sai answered, shrugging slightly as he said so. “Besides, this way you can keep an eye on Marai and Sage. I know how much it means to you Sensei.” Sai continued, all amusement draining from his voice with this last word, replaced with a deep respect demanded by the station Genshu now held.

“Sai, you were picked to be High Sensei, why did you do this?” Genshu continued, his eyes searching for some meaning in Sai’s demure, yet could find no indications to his unanswered questions. “I didn’t beat you. You would have won.”

“That’s not true, we couldn’t beat each other.” Sai continued. “Do you know why the Master didn’t select you to begin with Sensei?”

Genshu rolled his eyes at being addressed in such a manner by his truest friend, but knew protocol demanded such respect. “Why?” He asked, only half-heartedly, not really caring to know the answer.

“Because you held back.” Sai continued, his voice shifting suddenly from respect to open accusation. “You should have beaten me with your spinning reverse kick. It was quite a spectacular move. I barely had the chance to block, but I needn’t have worried should I? There was no power behind the attack. You held back. Had you forced that attack, I couldn’t have hoped to win. So now I ask you, why did you hold back?”

“I didn’t hold back. I stumbled off the jump and forced a kick that was awkward and unbalanced. I was trying to divert your attention, but it didn’t work.” Genshu paused in his defense, looking for acceptance from Sai, but found only further doubt in the eyes of his friend.

“Very well Lord Genshu.” Sai responded, bowing very deeply yet with a certain coldness in his attitude to Genshu before turning and taking his leave.

Genshu watched with a certain grief in knowing his only friend and confidant did not trust his own words. Yet, a certain doubt lingered in the base of Genshu’s mind. He had told Sai he stumbled when performing the attack, but that was not the truth. In all fairness, Genshu had held back on that attack, yet he himself knew why. It was a clever attack, a specialty of Genshu’s he crafted himself. By planting the right foot on that ground and pushing off, the attacker spun his body while in midair, turning his torso away from his opponent while kicking back with his left leg. The move worked to both disorient the opponent and strike in the midsection, usually connecting to the chest or abdomen and achieving perhaps a thousand follow-ups that would result in a short order victory. The move was well executed, and a specialty of Genshu’s, thus it was known he never missed the attack. So why then did he hold back?

Genshu walked up the plush, crimson-carpeted stairs to the place where he would now be expected to stand, at the right hand of Master Kin. Genshu paused a moment and walked to his left, stopping at the base of the large, gold idol that stood against the far wall. Named Macca, it was a crafted statue of a large Buddha, with six arms and two heads. This was greatly symbolic of the temple, for the six arms represented unity, for none could achieve their goals with but two sets of hands. Many must come together to succeed in the goal of the one. And thus, no man is alone. The twin heads were too, a mark of significance for the temple. One head, with eyes closed and mouth slightly open, represented the deep meditation that comes with a clear mind, for only one of pure, untainted thoughts could achieve his destiny. The other head, eyes open and gazing sightlessly into the distance, referred to the path that man would travel, and though he be blind to his course, he would never tarry or stray from the journey fate has set for him. This marked the greater meaning of the temple, and represented even more than those disciples knew, for as all things, history is but a mirror for what man will become.

“Genshu,” a voice called from the distance, and turning his head slightly, the young man saw Master Kin standing at the chair of his designation.

“Come with me.”

Turning to steal one final look at the statue, Genshu followed the master through the maze of passages that led to the resting quarters of Master Kin. Following the elder man into the room, Genshu knelt on the floor at the location he was directed and waited for Master Kin.

The Master, however, paid him no mind, and simply moved to an intricately carved wooden box sitting upon the night table. Opening it, Kin removed a shining, topaz-blue gem, roughly the size of an opal and, carrying the small crystal, knelt upon the matted pillow opposite Genshu.

“My gift to you Genshu, as you’ve proven yourself worthy of all of our expectations.” Master Kin responded, stretching out his hand and pressing the small gem into Genshu’s palm.

Genshu opened his hand to marvel at the smooth coolness of the small jewel, yet was amazed at the warmth that coursed through his body as he held the crystal.

“When you came to the temple, many years ago, you were in possession of that rune.” Kin continued, drawing an explanation to ease Genshu’s puzzled expression. “That, as we have learned from the High Priest, is known as the Crest Rune, a rune usually passed down from father to son. It has the ability to greatly increase the attributes best associated with its owner. Merchants wearing such a rune could sell anything to anyone, convincing them that they needed his wares. Politicians are always elected and loved wearing such a rune, and fighters become stronger than even a small army, wearing this rune.”

“Though this rune is not a true rune, it is very rare. I know that you understand that we do not allow the use of runes in the temple, but I believed that you are worth my confidence. This is a testament to that belief. Pray you never betray that trust.” Master Kin spoke, his eyes spiking in icy accusation as they tore into the younger man. “You know what I am going to ask.” Kin said simply.

Genshu paused a moment before lowering his head, a barely noticeable nod the only brief movement his rigid posture allotted.

“Then why did you not defeat Sai when you were given that chance?”

Genshu however, had no answer to give, for he himself did not know.

Kin paused a moment, speculating in silent determination the answer to his own question. After a moment of quiet contemplation, Kin continued. “Do you know the significance of Macca, Genshu?” Kin asked simply, and as the young samurai remained silent, for this, he knew was not a question he was expected to answer, Kin continued. “The six arms are merely an illusion, for far too often, many rely upon their skills rather than their knowledge. No, ignore the arms; for only you may triumph over what you will face, however, the two heads are greatly important. The one head, eyes closed yet mind and thought open, sees more clearly the world as it is than the one staring into the distance, lost by what he comprehends. Always remember Genshu, that it is not what we see with our eyes and our hearts that make the world around us, but what we see with our minds.”

Kin rose and made his way to the chamber door, pausing only briefly to consult Genshu once more. “Emotion is a weakness that your enemies may use against you. Never forget that Genshu.”