Kuge Loses His Temper

~ When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends. ~

*

~ 🧌 As Told by Kami, The Earth Spirit...

~🧌 We are in The Hall of Knowledge and observe the handsome figure of Kuge leaning over a scroll covered with figures and geometric designs. The smallish figure of Kimyo approaches from the side. The young man bounces a fist off his temple in frustration and curses under his breath.

Kimyo politely asks, "What is wrong, warrior-brother Kuge?"

Kuge exclaims, "This stupid geometry is giving me a headache!"

Kimyo smiles and says, "Perhaps it isn't the geometry but the punches to the head that are causing your headache."

Both young men break into laughter. We see the more diminutive figure sit down next to Kuge; we can hear animated speech, gesturing, and writing from the smaller figure. Soon, both figures are huddled over the scroll, working diligently.

~ 🧌 The manner of man that Kimyo wishes to become must believe in sharing knowledge.

That same afternoon, as Kimyo made his way to the dojo practice field, he spied Ljimekko with two cronies waiting for him. They would have to come out into the daylight to get him if they wanted him.

Kimyo abruptly stopped, set down his backpack, and stared unafraid at the gang of bullies. 🧌

Kimyo was, without any doubt, the finest scholar in his second-year class.

Ljimekko was consumed with anger and jealousy. 🧌

The Royal blamed Kimyo for his failures. If he could force this foreigner to quit, he would be a success in his eyes and the eyes of his followers. After cursing at his two comrades, they slowly circled the outnumbered youth.

Kimyo tightened his jaw and prepared to go down fighting and endure another beating. The air to Kimyo's right billowed with dust. He spared a swift glance in that direction and was surprised to see Kuge standing lithely by his side in the relaxed posture of a confidant fighter.

~ 🧌 Kimyo also saw Kami, the Earth Spirit, standing beside Kuge. He was shaking his tiny fist in anger at the bullies. Kimyo smiled.

Kimyo said flatly, "This is my fight, Kuge. You do not need to get involved.

Kuge gave Kimyo a broad grin. "You are wrong, my brother-warrior. If you can set aside personal competition to help me, I am entitled to the same right, and I claim that right now."

Ljimekko shouted angrily, "Kuge, you stay out of this. That dirty little foreigner will get what he has coming to him!"

In a sad, soft voice, Kuge answered, "What has Kimyo ever done, cousin, to deserve such mean-spirited pettiness from you? It would break his heart if your father were here to witness this."

The bully's face flamed red, "You keep my father out of this, Kuge. I'm warning you!"

Kimyo could not believe it; he heard laughter. 🧌

Kuge walked directly before the two jackals and stopped inches from them. In a voice ringing with authority, Kuge said, "Do you, two idiots, know who I am?"

Jackal, number one, responded, "You are Kuge."

Kuge snapped, "I am Ljimekko's cousin from the Kenshi family. I dislike using my position, so I don't tell people I am a Royal."He paused, then continued, "This warrior Kimyo is my brother in spirit, and from this day forward, you will never lay a hand on him again."

Jackal, number two, muttered, "I don't understand?"

Kuge responded mockingly, "Let me explain it to you carefully. If you or this other dog-faced idiot lays a finger on my warrior brother, I will use my position and title to ensure that you are expelled from this school and locked up in the stockade indefinitely. Now go! Before I change my mind and have you two jailed today. Go!"

Kuge turned his back on the two nothing-boys and addressed Ljimekko. "You want a piece of my warrior-brother in the future, cousin. You better do it right, like a man. Issue a challenge, one-on-one, or you will have me to deal with. Do we fully understand each other, cousin?"

Ljimekko was having a fit. 🧌

Unable to find any words to respond, he spun on his heel and ran into the practice yard with his two doggie boys lapping at his heels.

Kuge turned to face Kimyo. He stooped down and grasped his friend's backpack. "Come, brother. We must hurry, or we will be late for practice."

Kimyo, unable to find his speech, nodded respectfully and followed in his warrior-brother's footsteps. 🧌

Kuge laughed, stopped, and put his arm around Kimyo's shoulders in a comradely manner, "l have a philosophical question for you, friend Kimyo. Why is it okay for me to ask you for help, but you cannot ask me for help?"

Kimyo remained speechless. 🧌

This day marks the end of the beatings. This admirable young man, Kuge, became a true friend to our orphan Kimyo. 🧌

~ 🧌 It appears that the manner of man that Kimyo wished to become was a man who fought his own battles yet honored the help of a friend.

*****

It is late at night during the students' free time, and we can observe Kimyo and Kuge studying together in The Hall.

The handsome Kuge reaches over and kisses Kimyo very gently and softly on his lips. 🧌

Kimyo hesitates, then reaches up with his hand and lightly touches Kuge's large, well-muscled shoulder.

"Kuge, I love you like the brother I never had. Your friendship means the world to me, but I do not love you in that way. I do not feel about boys or men in that manner. Besides, my heart belongs to another." He sighs loudly.

Kuge chuckles, "Himeko, hey?"

A startled Kimyo asks, "Is it that obvious?"

Kuge responds, "Well, yes, it is." He continues, "You know what they say: Love and a cough cannot be hidden."

The two young men look at each other and then burst into laughter. All is well between them, and their friendship stays strong. 🧌

~ 🧌 It appears that the core value of tolerance is also crucial to Kimyo.

END

Questions you might consider:

Kimyo and Kuge are tolerant of each other's differences. Do you feel tolerance is a good characteristic?

Do some say they are tolerant but are not?

It is easy to say you are forgiving, kind, open-minded, and have other good traits. But- saying it doesn't make it so.