The Blade and Sword

CHAPTER 7-THE SPAR FOR TOURNAMENT

Since then, they never dare to confront again because they knew Unkensō had a person that was formidable to protect Unkensō from any threat. They also knew who Kōgo was when one of them recognized him as Hitokiri-Kenshi a long time ago. They never expected the Hitokiri-Kenshi now turned to be one of the elders in Unkensō. But after they heard the explanation from the Seimei-Sōshu, they knew the story even if it's not the whole story; and currently he's already retired from the pugilist world either. Since then, even Ryū’unsō didn’t dare to confront Unkensō as long as Kōgo was still there. But still, the Ryū’unsō are still not satisfied yet, as long as Unkensō is not eliminated, they won't rest. Now almost all the people in the pugilist world knew who he was. After the news about him staying at Unkensō started to spread, those who recognized him came to visit, including Shakan. Even though he already retired, he wanted to hire Kōgo to become the bodyguard for his son; to protect his son who is currently working in the imperial court. He let Kenshura go to visit for the purpose of hiring him. He let Kenshura go to visit for the purpose of hiring him. However, after Kenshura hears about his condition, he has no choice but return to Shakan with empty hands. Since then, Shakan never sent his men to visit him anymore. Surely, Kōgo knew what Shakan meant. When he needed Kōgo, he would urge to came look for him even if the distance was very far. But after he knew that he couldn't get Kōgo services, he disappeared as if he never knew Kōgo. And for those who did not recognize him, came for due; to see who is the best among them. However, most of them were disappointed as Kōgo refused to duel with them. Many of them were not satisfied and started to spread bad rumors about him. Certainly, Kōgo knew that from people at Unkensō when they heard it in public. But Kōgo doesn’t care. He knew that they were trying to provoke him so he could accept their invitation for a duel. So he ignored those rumors. Slowly, they started to get tired and never look for him anymore. But some of them are still trying to find a way to get rid of Kōgo so they can easily strike the Unkensō to get the Mugen-Keisho into their hands. This year was the year where the tournament was going to be held as planned. Every time, the tournament will be held in the same location which is in the Ryū’unsō territory. Six months ago, the Unkensō already held a small tournament to decide who will represent the Unkensō to participate in the Sect alliance organizations tournament. To decide a fair tournament in Unkensō, the captain from any faction won’t fight with any other faction disciples. The captain will only fight between the captain level and the faction's member disciples against each other. Since the captain level and the faction’s member disciples’ level are quite far, that's why this is how they decide it. For Koten, actually it can be said to be easy for him to be one of the candidates to represent his sect. Among the faction’s captain, Koten was the talented one (beside Koken) which means his skill is above his other juniors' disciple. Since he has already proved himself that he was stronger than other his junior disciples, he doesn't have to compete with others anymore. He was directly chosen by the Seimei-Sōshu and the elders to be the first representative for Unkensō. Usually, when Koken was around, Koken was always the winner in the tournament. Koten will always become the second behind his big senior. But this year might have a little difference as this time is Koten’s day. And the remaining faction’s captain will be faced against each other, to be the next representative. The first round of group A, between Kotsuki and Koyuki since they were both females. The other round of group B, between Koshō and Kosei. Whoever the winner from group A and B, will face each other in the next round. In short, group A was won by Kotsuki and the other one was won by Koshō. Then in the second round, between Kotsuki and Koshō was won by Kotsuki. In other words, Kotsuki will be the second representative, together with her senior, Koten. For the record, Kotsuki was very admired to Koken since they knew each other in Unkensō, and slowly when they grew older, Kotsuki admired changing into love. However, she never dared to tell Koken about her feelings until now. But still she couldn't hide it from her other fellow disciples. Koken was very wise and serious, with a cool personality. He always guided his junior disciples very well, whenever they needed help. That's why everyone at Unkensō were depending and admiring him so much. However, beside Koken, actually there is one other person that is admired and respected so much by all the disciples, even the elders in Unkensō, which is Kōgo.