Ljimekko, The Bully – Part Two

~Kensho is- the Zen experience or enlightenment- when one's own nature is seen for what it truly is.~

Master Shihan wondered, "Will this boy never answer me?" 

During the pause, Kimyo thought, "How would the manner of a man I wish to become handle this?" 

He nodded respectfully to the Master martial arts trainer and said, "My apologies, Master Shihan. It will not happen again, I promise. May I ask a question of you, sir?"

Impatiently, the Master said, "Yes-yes, what is it?

In a loud, clear voice, Kimyo inquired, "I was reading the Warrior's Code. Does the right to challenge apply to all, even first-years?"

Master Shihan snapped, "Yes, of course, it does."

Kimyo stated firmly, "Good; then I want to challenge him," as he pointed toward Ljimekko. 

The martial arts Master quipped, "Are you crazy, boy? That is Ljimekko; he is the best fighter in your class. Why don't you start with someone closer to your size?"

The youth responded, "No sir, him, it must be him,"

Master Shihan inquired. "Boy, are you sure that is what you want?" 

The new trainee nodded his head.

Master Shihan suddenly shouted, and everything came to a standstill. The other students surrounded the fighters in a semi-circle. The Master explained that a challenge had been issued in accordance with the Warrior's Code.

He called Ljimekko and Kimyo to the arena and explained the rules. Ljimekko grinned like a shark. Kimyo looked the bully straight in the eyes. If he was afraid, it did not show on his face.

The fight was over in less than two minutes. Master Shihan called it to a stop as Kimyo struggled to rise from the ground for the final time. The bully stood over him, prepared to land one last savage kick to his face. The martial arts Master shouted, and Ljimekko froze in place!

We can read the anger in Master Shihan's tense body as he barked at Ljimekko to halt his intended kick to the face of the fallen boy. He stared intently at Ljimekko as the lad walked away, snickering and making jokes. 

The Master seemed stunned and appeared as if he had been awoken from a bad dream.

***** 

Kami observed Kimyo's challenge from a dark corner of the practice field where extra equipment was stored. The Earth Spirit found himself chuckling at the young man's boldness. The little troll-man was impressed. 

     🧌 ~I must help this young boy. He has much potential for greatness. Two good things happened for Kimyo today. The martial arts trainer's eyes are opened to the true character of Ljimekko. More importantly, he has made a friend with Kuge~

*****

As Master Shihan stood over the defeated Kimyo, deep in thought, two people rushed to the fallen lad and offered aid. On one side was little Himeko, and on the other was Kuge, a large, well-muscled, good-looking young man who moved smoothly like a cat. 

Kuge was the first-year's second-best fighter; Ljimekko and his dog-jackal boys left him strictly alone.

Kuge helped Kimyo from the floor on one side as Himeko enabled him from the other.

Kuge looked at the youngster curiously, "Why would you grab that tiger by its tail, boy?"

Kimyo raised his dusty head and grinned." Because he needs to be taught a lesson."

Kuge laughed jovial, sharing a joke. "Well, I guess you showed him!" chuckled Kuge.

Both young men broke into laughter. Himeko stared at both boys as if they were crazy. She sniffed, "Beasts!" and turned to walk away from them. 

Kuge approached the martial arts Master, who remained deep in his thoughts. Kuge asked quickly, "Master Shihan, may I show our new student some defensive moves for his second day with us?"

The Master opened his eyes, saw Kuge for the first time, and shooed him with his hand," Yes-yes, go." 

Kuge nodded his head in respect and hurried back to Kimyo's side. "Come with me, new boy; if you continue giving lessons, you must learn how to block and parry all those punches and kicks."

Kimyo quipped, "Well, I thought I was doing a good job blocking his punches and kicks, mostly with my chin." The two lad's eyes met; they both grinned and laughed aloud. 

Kimyo was always polite and kind to everyone because politeness, respect, and kindness were all core values for the orphan.

The manner of a man he someday hoped to become would hold these values as necessary and critical for success...

END

Questions you might consider:

Did Kimyo do the right thing?

Some would say he should report the bullying, but he wanted to handle it himself. Kami and others respected Kimyo for how he handled himself. Can there be more than one correct answer to this problem?

Is the correct answer a matter of perspective?