Fists that Build Dreams

[Bladeninja]

A teal and orange sailboat docked onto the famed land of Karate Island. David Ikito stood outside and looked forward with anticipation as the wind blew onto his face. He had heard that this island was famous for training people in a multitude of martial arts, and thought about what kind of dojo he should join. Throughout his career as a pirate, he had relied on his spear for combat; it gave him more reach than most opponents, and had various tricks that came in handy for when he was in a pinch. While he had no regrets about using his best tool, he felt like his growth as a fighter had slowed down. Dissatisfied with this, he recalled the comments of his sensei from years ago. He heard the old man sigh and tell him, "Look David, I get that you're smart but there's a limit to how far you'll get from just improvising. I don't mean to be a broken record, but you lack discipline."

Though David understood, he had cast aside this advice due to his confidence in his spear abilities. It was today that David decided to make a change, and aimed to train in the martial art he was most familiar with: karate. "Alright, today I'm gonna give it my all!" he shouted into the air. As if on cue, he heard an erupting applause from a nearby boxing arena. David turned toward the commotion, and smiled at the thought of people with their fists in the air in the heat of a boxing ring. He considered checking it out to catch an exciting show, but he had two other priorities: finding a meal and finding a dojo. He noticed a nearby fruit stand and decided to deal with his first priority. He eyed the colorful food and bought some starfruits.

[Virilitas]

Elias Watts, Shipwright

Choosing not to land at the docks, that warrior known as Elias Watts hops off the front of a small sailboat as it beaches itself on some sand. Having already lowered the small sail that bore the symbol of the Marines, he walked off with purpose to reduce the chances of anyone seeing him as the one who'd landed that stolen boat. He hadn't felt bad about it, given what the Marines had done to him and also that he'd been the one to craft the vessel... even so, it would be dangerous to have his trail followed.

Trying not to be seem, Elias ducked into the nearby forest in order to make sure nobody saw his face. Luckily this was Karate Island and the ten foot spear he carried wouldn't even mark him out as strange. Many carrying massive weapons in broad daylight with not a single person even batting an eye. He rushes quickly through the woods only to burst out back into the light of the day, entering a clearing at the edge of town. Taking a moment to enjoy the sight he plants the butt of his spear against the ground and leans against it. Those deep brown, nearly black, eyes of his scanned the city enjoying the place, happy to treat this as a homecoming. Drawing in a deep breath, gathering that familiar smell of the city and starting off into town. Recognizing a nearby shop and stopping by to pick up an accessory he'd been lacking for a while, a cotton tube, a carrying cover for his spear.

Such a strange custom, but it was the way of things. Nobody cared in the least if you carried weapons in public, but it was considered rude and aggressive if you didn't have them sheathed or, in the case of larger weapons, partially covered. That initial errand out of the way, he flicked back the crimson tassel of his sash, as it rolled around in front of him, and moved off down the street to take in some of the familiar sights and sounds. His eyes drawn down the street to one of the many squares where a miniature arena was set up(the sort of thing that had been done long ago all over the city to better prevent collateral damage and civilian casualties). A boxing match! Should be interesting.

[Bladeninja]

Taking a bite of the starfruit, David turned his head to the boxing arena anyway out of curiosity. The applause David heard earlier had only marked the beginning of the fight, but a heated battle was already starting to develop. Atop an elevated platform were two boxers; each wearing appropriate helmets and gloves for protection; one of them wore a red set of gear, while the other wore a black set.

Dressed in black protective gear, the challenger maintained an arm guarding his face as he swung an uppercut. His opponent turned his body and successfully evaded; he then countered with a straight punch, and then another. The crowd watched with pleasure as the challenger took both of the blows, but he endured them and recovered his stance just in time to block the third punch. The fighters shifted around, watching each other and scanning for openings. David slowly finished his starfruit as he focused on the fight, watching to see who would take the next major blow.

Though he had his head raised to the platform, a long narrow object managed to enter his field of vision. Curious, David looked to his left and traced the length of a pole that seemed over eight feet high. It had some fabric covering the top, and less than halfway down its length was a shirtless man who held it. Numerous scars were to be found on the man's chest. Even with his tall spear, it seemed that he himself also had an above average height. While David was curious about the pole, with himself carrying around a spear at all times, he didn't want to stare. He looked back to the boxing arena to resume enjoying the fight; however, he soon caught himself getting distracted from his goal. The pirate finished his first starfruit, and grabbed another as he began to think out loud, "Oh, that's right. I should probably find a karate dojo soon. Can't be too hard to find one on Karate Island, but it'd be nice if I could get a recommendation." The student-to-be moved looked down the road, facing toward the center of town.

[Virilitas]

Elias Watts

Walking down the street towards the match, Elias took a moment to check the area for danger before joining the crowd. Finding plenty of dangerous folks, this was a city of martial artists after all, but not immediate threats he felt free to relax and watch the proceedings. The two weren't bad, easily good enough for a main event on some other island but here on Karate Island merely a street show.

Watching the fight, Elias analyzed the two boxer's style, of course revising their actions for what he himself would do instead. Isn't that what everyone did? Of course, when actually fighting it was immensely difficult to plan things out, things moving far too fast for most to keep track of. Watching the boxers he'd see it at work, each of their bodies just reacting automatically to incoming attacks, each of them just seeming to choose which one of their heavily practiced punching combinations to throw.

At the ring of the round end bell, Elias turned away from the fight and scanned the crowd again. This was always a favorite sort of event for pickpockets and he chuckled at the sight of one across the way. Weirder still was the target. A spear against his shoulder, nothing out of the ordinary, the man's clothing was certainly unique. Jean jacket, sneakers and tinted glasses. Certainly a rarity here on Karate Island, the majority preferring simple garb to show their humility as martial artists. Noticing the glint of metal on his hands, Elias looked closer... those were some great looking gloves!

Unfortunately, his interest in the gloves stopped him from calling out to warn that quite tall man about the thief about to dip into his coin purse...

[Bladeninja]

A man with a dark green jacket had been eyeing the excitement of the battle, but not for the sight of men getting repeatedly punched in the gut. David had unknowingly been selected as the target of this man's hobby and way of life; that is, stealing. The stranger smiled along with the rest of the spectators, but his eyes pointed downward as he focused on his task. Though David was wearing a jacket, the thief's trained hands had already learned how to dive underneath a jacket and dive once again into one's back pocket. He moved in for the strike, his hand flowing like water, but then retracted as his target turned his body.

Pulling himself from the allure of the battle, David had turned his body sideways toward the roads. He looked around curiously, deciding what path to take or if he should just bother someone for a direction. If only he could see how much of a tourist he looked like, with his head shifting side to side and upwards with his tinted shades. However, the pickpocket was already targeting this pirate even before he revealed how unfamiliar he was to the area. During David's movements, the thief had barely managed to escape with his hand. Nonetheless, he was not easily discouraged and decided to give it one more go. Since nothing seemed to be sticking out of David's back pocket, the pickpocket set his sights on a jacket pocket.

Being a former student of kung fu, he shaped his hand into the shape of a bird's peak, which he called "Crane Hand", and pecked on a few bills in David's jacket. The jacketed pirate had a sudden feeling that something was missing, and turned to the side in confusion. The thief had a big smile after his success, but resumed his more normal smile just in time. The usually attentive David was very close to realizing what had occurred, and said, "Hmm, something's missing..." It took some effort for the thief to avoid reacting, and he slowly began walking away. It was then that David spoke what he realized: "I haven't seen a single bar since I got here! Wonder why..." This time the pickpocket could barely keep a straight face. It was true that previously-visiting pirates had remarked on there being few bars on Karate Island. Still, David's observation skills had unfortunately been wasted on this realization.

Sighing, the thief pocketed his newfound money and gave it a quick look. His eyebrows dived down as he thought to himself, "Only 40 beli?!". The pickpocket's angry face was visible, as his dexterity had been wasted on the change from David's purchase of starfruits.

[Virilitas]

Elias Watts

Taking his time admire the craftsmanship of the man's gloves, he completely misses warning about the thief. Instead looking up in time to see the thief tucking a bill into his pocket. Catching sight of the number on it, Elias simply shrugged, that wasn't even enough to buy a single drink. Certainly the shade wearing man wouldn't notice such a small loss, and the thief certainly must have been excited to snatch the bills away!

Hearing the mention of bars, Elias figured he'd do his good deed for the day and make up for letting the man lose his change. Walking over and giving the pickpocket a good glare to scare him away and greeting the shaded man with a wave, "Did you say Bars? Well, you'll be frustrated to learn that there's only a few in a square near the docks. They like to keep all the off-island drinkers in one place. All the locals drink at their Dojos."

Explaining the unfortunate situation to David, he tried to look apologetic. Outsiders were watched closely and all three of the taverns were around a single large circle with no back entrances and all the side alleys boarded up. It make it easy to watch them all as they inevitably got rowdy. They could relieve themselves or fight in the alleyways but couldn't escape into the town. There was only two entrances to the tavern circle as well, the main road down to the port and a gated one used by the locals(those working in the taverns and the city patrol).

Having done his good deed, Elias made sure to point down the street to the main road they'd stepped off of earlier to see the boxing match, "If you just head back to that road and follow it 3 blocks, you'll be at the Public Pubs."

With that he gives a cheerful nod and just turns to start wandering off on his way, surely the stranger would have no other questions, right? Karate Island was too beautiful to need explaining. People came just to watch how serene life here was, right?

[Bladeninja]

After attributing his feelings to the lack of bars, the jacketed pirate momentarily comforted himself. Despite this, a lingering sensation from near his jacket caused him to instinctively reach into it. He didn't bother to count the change before, but would have guessed that he had one or two more bills. The pirate pondered for a moment, but considered that he was occupying himself with trivial thoughts.

David was suddenly addressed by a voice asking, "Did you say bars?" David met the voice and looked into the face of a man he witnessed earlier. Wielding a long pole in his arm was the shirtless man from before. The pirate listened to the man's description of the island's customs in regards to places of drinking. David wasn't particularly frustrated by what he learned. Though he was no stranger to alcohol, he soon came to respect the tradition in some way. However, he was rather interested in the man's last sentence: "All the locals drink at their Dojos." David thought to himself that perhaps he had finally found a lead. He began to respond, "Actually-" but was interrupted when the man continued with more specific information in regards to approaching a bar. Perhaps the curious look under David' shades suggested disappointment at the news of alcohol being primarily served in secluded areas.

In any event, the pirate certainly appreciated the gesture but did feel the need to make his desires known. David began, "Thanks, you seem like you know your way around here." The shirtless local nodded in response with a smile, but seemed like he was about to leave before David could obtain the knowledge he desired. The pirate interrupted, "Actually, I was rather interested in finding a dojo. Sorry if I'm using your time, but if you could just point me to a good karate dojo I'd be grateful. Oh, my name's David by the way."

Meanwhile, the disappointed pickpocket had already made his exit after catching the hint from Elias' glare. While the local had been speaking to David about a secluded pub, the pickpocket was actually headed in its direction. Bearing the name "Crane", the thief used to assist at a dojo and had learned a few tricks during his long stay. After being kicked out for showing up to work drunk, Crane spent a miserable week making ends meet by stealing scraps. Frustrated, Crane considered the prospect of working at another dojo.

[Virilitas]

Elias Watts

Having already begun to turn and walk away, Elias had already taken a step when the question registered. Having to stop and recollect himself, he tried to look so totally cool when he moves his foot back and then slowly turns back around. Of course barely managing to seem sane with the move as he takes a moment to try and remember what the question was... eventually able to walk back through his memory and pick out the query.

Coughing to clear his throat to cover up the silence, Elias finally answers the man, "Ahh, Karate Dojo you say? Well, if you just keep heading down this road..."

He turns and points down the opposite direction from where he pointed out the bars, "Just that way. This street will turn into the real main street of Karate island. It's lined with the paths to Karate Dojos and dotted with merchant stall between each dojo's large property. So if you just keep walking you'll see each school as you pass. There should even be more than a few out in front of their dojo showing off their skills to attract students. If you want a different style there's side streets for each one. There's Boxer's Way, and all sorts of others. I can't recommend any, that would be cheating. I like to think that the better your potential the better a school you'll be able to choose."

A playful grin crawls onto his face, "So, if you're good I'm sure you'll be able to find the best school just by walking past it or watching one of its members doing a demonstration. I'll give you a tip though, don't choose the most expensive one... that'll be the one for rich brats who don't want to work hard."

With that he claps a hand to the man's shoulder, "Let's go then. I am heading to my own school right now, I've been away a few years so I need to check back up on them. Let's see what you think of the schools!"

He starts off walking down the crowded street, seeming to weave effortlessly through the throng which contrary to most cities barely anyone ever bumps into another... most of the populace seeming to have been some form of martial artist during their lives, they were all quite agile and aware of those nearby.

[Bladeninja]

After regaining the shirtless local's attention, David observed him reversing his step and turn as if he was on rewind. Elias gave David more than a point in the right direction, with details and contexts just as he did when discussing bars. The pirate smiled after hearing about the road "Boxer Way", but was not particular interested in boxer karate. While the information was useful, David furrowed his brow when the shirtless local told him that he wouldn't recommend any particular dojo. He wasn't sure what to think of this challenge to pick a good dojo, grateful for the man's time but noticing the grin across his face. He responded, "Hmm, alright then. Well thanks man."

David was ready to head off and take the man's advice. At that moment, Elias placed his hand on David' shoulder in a friendly manner and said the words, "Let's go then." It sounded like the local happened to belong to a dojo of his own, and would be accompanying David on his way there. David was a bit surprised, not wanting to keep the man busy. He didn't feel bad about it however, as he respected that the man was perfectly capable of making his own choice. Appreciating his company, he responded, "Oh, that's pretty cool of you. So what's your name?"

The two, spear-wielding warriors walked together on the main road. David thought about the information that was shared with him, wondering how he was supposed to tell a good dojo from a few demonstrations. He moved through the crowd without trouble, not really putting much effort into a task such as dodging peoples' shoulders. It wasn't too long until signs and banners advertising martial arts came into view. Certain buildings nearby had an oriental aesthetics, with pyramid-like roofs and sliding doors. The style wasn't unique to dojos on this island; however, the sounds of sandbags being pounded and a nearby "KYAAII!" made the presence of martial arts especially known on this road.

The jacketed pirate glanced at Elias, before looking at two dojos on opposite sides of the street. With his attention to detail, the pirate imagined himself coming up with magical ways of selecting the right dojo. Judging a dojo's doors to see how often they were used, judging a sensei by how loud his students shouted "KYAII", and so on. Soon however, he began to think that someone who didn't know karate couldn't possibly judge a dojo from such superficial markers. David took a deep breath, exhaled and looked at four dojos before simply picking walking one at a whim. "I'm going to check out this one," he told Elias.

[Virilitas]

Elias Watts

The long stroll down Dojo street began with a question and Elias was happy to answer it, "Oh, an introduction! Well, that makes things formal."

With that he dashes forward and hops up onto a small pedestal between two of the marketplace stalls, essentially just a tiny three by three foot stage and just as high. A cube shape with room for one, or perhaps two to simply stand. One of many that lined the road between the dojos, markets, and larger stages and demonstration areas. A little spot for a single practitioner to demonstrate.

Seeming common enough, as soon as he hops up onto the stand, the passing traffic widens its berth, clearing back from the stand and some even stopping to see what Elias was going to do. The shirtless man lowering down his spear and tugging off the sheath from the tip, the crowd drawing back further at the sight of the naked blade, which he tosses straight up and catches it at the base. Pointed straight up, ten feet into the air, the bright crimson tassel flickering in the breeze, the blade a reflecting the light as he sweeps it around over the heads of the crowd. The sweep stopping suddenly as he brings it down to waist high, wrist twisting as he stabs it in front of him a half dozen times in quick succession.

Finishing up the combination by drawing his arm back, lifting the base of the spear up high and then suddenly snapping it down. His other arm acting as a fulcrum further up the shaft as he flips the weapon up into the air. That spear arcing up into the sky as he takes a fighting stance, low down nearly a horse stance, arms lifted one elbow pointed out in front of him like a weapon hand in the air, the other facing away, hand against his chest. He holds that post for what seems far too long before his hand snaps forward and catches the spear, "Elias Watts of the Shipbuilder Bajiquan school, at your service."

Grinning, he takes a bow and snatches up the sleeve for the tip of his spear and slides it back on. Tying the knot to keep it from slipping off and hopping down from the platform. A few in the crowd giving a gentle applaud suitable for the quickness of the display before they began to move on again. Such shows seeming to be common here, Elias finally moving back to rejoin the fellow, "You'll have to introduce yourself properly as well once you choose a dojo."

Once they continued the search of the schools, he watched to see what David might be trying to judge the schools by. Trying to keep a very straight face to not give away what he himself thought of the school, "You can't tell how good they are from just the name after all."

[Bladeninja]

Even as he was picking a dojo, David still had Elias' spectacle of an introduction in mind. Up until now, David could only speculate on the nature of Elias' pole; however, Elias had lept into the air and revealed it to be a spear. A smile crept along David's face as he looked at the spear-user in front of him, although he wondered if it had been appropriate to suddenly let loose with a bladed weapon when there still some people around. Glancing at the people around him, David observed a rather calm group of people, as if such spontaneous arts were commonplace. Overall, David was actually somewhat impressed by the show, observing Elias' rapid strikes and how he caught the flipping weapon in midair. When Elias finally got around to mentioning his name, David learned it while pondering his "Shipbuilder Bajiquan school".

In any event, the student-to-be observed the sign of the school he had selected. On the left side of the sign was the image of a tiger climbing a cliff; on the right was the name, "Tenken's School of Goju-Ryu Karate". There was an adjacent sign stating that the school was hiring someone to help clean the place, but David didn't pay it much mind. He heard Elias tell him not to go off a school's name alone, but simply responded, "Yeah, I know. Still, it wouldn't hurt to check it out, and the sooner I start the better." David observed a tall, wooden arch at the dojo's entrance, and passed under it on his way to the school. He then glanced back at Elias', unsure if he planned on following him inside. David looked back at the arch and then took a look at Elias' capped spear. Surprisingly, the capped spear was at the same height, and would have to be lowered in order for Elias to pass through. David silently chuckled at the thought, and spoke, "You're welcome to tag along if you want. That is, if your spear can even fit through the gate."

A few blocks away, Crane was leaving the pub he had visited. He had initially planned on grabbing a drink as he pondered his unfortunate days, but spontaneously decided that he should go ahead and work at another dojo. Being that he was previously fired for intoxication, it made sense to skip the alcohol today. He walked slowly on the main road, observing a sign in the distance marking "Boxer Way".

[Virilitas]

Elias Watts

Elias ducked the spear down under the entrance gate of the dojo and followed along with David. Walking along with him, seeming unperturbed by entering a random school's grounds. Giving a polite bow of his head to a pair of students passing by on their way into town, Elias chuckles at David's tease, "It may be large, but I know how to handle it."

Chuckling again as they head up to Tenken's Goju-Ryu, not a place he was familiar with... which wasn't saying much, there was easily dozens of schools on the island and more were founded every day. Making their way up towards the main gate of the school, Elias took a moment to lean his spear up against the wall outside the door. Not wanting to come armed into a school he lets David lead the way.

Letting David do the talking to introduce them, Elias waits for one of the higher ranking disciples to address him before he fills in his part, "I am only here to observe, as David here, attempts to select a dojo."

Of course, David hadn't seemed to think of the other half of that equation, as even after he picks a school... he'd have to put on a show himself in order to get the school to accept him. Well, unless he picks one where money is all that matter in which case he'd better be loaded.

From what he'd learned in most schools, once David properly presents his intention, someone from the Dojo would perform a demonstration and then David would have to meet with an instructor to gauge his interest and to arrange terms for them. Some schools even chose on merit and potential, so David might have to perform an audition of his own!

Waiting to see how seriously they'd take David's request, it would be easy to see based on who they choose to put on the demonstration. If he gave them a 'tribute' when he made his request he could even have a master come out to show off some skills, but it was more likely they'd just have a senior student of some sort showing off. The masters have better things to do after all.

Grinning, Elias glanced over to David, "Good luck."

[Bladeninja]

David smiled along with Elias as the two of them entered the dojo. He noticed a pair of men wearing gis and waved, but then noticed Elias giving them a bow from his peripheral. The pirate then recalled this formality from back when he was learning from his spear teacher. Wondering if he also should have bowed to these students, David felt a little embarrassed. He continued forward, having the common sense to leave his spear at the door as Elias did the same. The pirate took a step inside, but then stopped for a moment. He looked around to see a few students carrying out kata on the farther side of the room.

The pirate was welcomed by a fairly tall man wearing a white gi and black belt. He gave a strange look at Elias' "outfit", but greeted the two regardless with, "Good afternoon, I am Lee Sensei, eldest son of Tenken Dai-Sensei. Are you two interested in joining this school of karate?" David easily understood the man's significance from his belt, but also realized that he was related to the man who this dojo was named after. After Elias clarified that he was merely observing, David gave Lee a bow and responded, "Yes, I'm honored to speak with you. What can you tell me about this school?"

Lee returned David's bow, happy to have a new potential student. "In case you're not familiar, Goju-Ryu karate has 'hard' and 'soft' techniques. You don't want to hit bone against bone, so you try to use 'soft' against 'hard' and vice versa. Now, what experience with martial arts do you have?" Interested in this "Goju-Ryu karate", David thought for a moment and described his situation: "I know some of the basics of karate and judo, but I mainly use a spear for self-defense." David had intentionally used the phrase "self-defense"; while he did enjoy a good fight every now and then, he didn't want to come off as a brawler. Lee seemed satisfied with his answer, and advised with a smile, "I invite you to watch my students for a minute. Then you can demonstrate some of your moves and I'll decide if you may join."

David thanked Lee for his time, and observed the students practicing on the other side of the room. As they practiced some blocking techniques, David observed the flow between blocking and attacking. Some of the movements were familiar, but he noticed how the techniques involved circular motions as opposed to linear ones. When the minute was up, David requested to have his demonstration take place outside.

The pirate removed his jacket and shades, and followed Lee into the courtyard behind the dojo. David bowed forward, and envisioned an imaginary opponent standing before him. He began with standard punches, twisting both his hips and his fists as he threw them forward. He then hopped back and swung his leg diagonally into a roundhouse kick, before guarding with his elbow as he recovered his stance. Since he only knew the basics of karate, he decided to showcase his main melee techniques. He crouched to the ground with his arms on the ground, and gave a straightforward kick strong enough to crack a tree; this was his signature "Lion Leg". The pirate rose to his feet, and then showed off his jumping ability with a backflip several feet into the air. He landed with his knees bent, stood, and ended his brief demonstration with a bow.

[Virilitas]

Elias Watts

Waiting patiently to see the demonstration of the Tenken school, Elias' relaxed posture tensed a bit as he focused on the Sensei's son. Quite prestigious to be greeted by the son of the school's head. That of course, tempered by only getting a demonstration by a group of students. Elias tried to memorize this Tenken Lee, as he was sure to be the head of the school in a few decades and it was always good to know the competition.

It might even have been part of the reason the students were performing a demonstration, a master wouldn't want his skills being studied by an outsider... or at least many wouldn't. There were some arts that only the greatest masters could even begin to learn them, making them safe from theft... but for the most part, many wouldn't want the secrets of their style to be widely known. Some even went so far as to have special 'public' versions of their techniques and katas in order to keep their real moves hidden for when it really mattered.

As much as he hated the idea, he knew that most martial arts styles were about equal... what set them apart was the teachers and individual students. Most extraordinary schools were founded by legendary masters, and over time, their schools end up being just the same as all the others. The special skills that set them apart becoming weaker generation by generation until they eventually got lost, or new extraordinary people find a hidden manual and revive a long dead arts real secrets.

All that aside, this Tenken school seemed decent as Tenken Lee seemed capable. The students demonstrating showed no special skills but they also showed no openings in their moves, signs of a capable teacher. They focused on perfecting the basics and not pulling off flashy or seemingly impressive moves. This all spoke well for Tenken, perhaps David's luck had led him well.

The session moved on to another portion that interested Elias and he watched carefully to see what sort of ability David possessed. He seemed to carry himself well and used a weapon nearly as large as his own so surely he had some sort of training. When David began, Elias was surprised. It was no wonder he came to learn at a school, David fought like a classical brawler, picking up the basics of combat he had survived on pure physical ability. Now, that wasn't to say he wasn't capable, from the force of that kick and the height of his leap... he could probably take on a dozen marines at once.

No, the problem lay in a lack of refinement. There surely wasn't enough snap in those punches, his shoulders already starting to rotate before his fists began moving, telegraphing his strikes. With such a short demonstration it would be hard to see other flaws, but there were surely others. In fact he said so, "Ahh, I see why you're seeking out a school, David. Your natural ability is downright frightening, but you are in dire need of instruction. With some time spent to keep you from giving away your next move, and teaching some proper footwork... you could be a monster. Heaven forbid you learn some advanced techniques... if Tenken has any, that is."

After a cheeky grin he looked over to the Sensei Lee and gave him a respectful bow, pretending his previous statements weren't heard by everyone, "Thank you for allowing me to observe the skill of your students. They are a credit to your school, and your name. I look forward to hearing of your future accomplishments for I expect them to be great."

With that he gave another bow both to Sensei Lee and David, listening to their responses before he took his leave. Bidding them farewell, he'd leave them to their business. He'd been curious to see David's ability and had wanted to help him find a school as an excuse, but now that he knew the man's level there was no need to help any further. Surely he would find a school. With strength like that he could easily bump an unheard of dojo into prominence or easily contribute to a well established one like Tenken. Sure, they preferred to start them young to breed loyalty, but they certainly wouldn't turn away such a strong prospect.

[Bladeninja]

Raising his head from a bow, David faced Lee and the other dojo members who had been seated during the demonstration. He was about to take a seat himself, but then heard an unexpected critique from Elias. His mixed review initiated a strange reaction from David. The pirate wasn't pleased to hear Elias claim that he had a "dire need of instruction", feeling that his movements could have only been somewhat rusty. On the other hand, it seemed like his new friend thought highly of his potential as a fighter. "Natural ability" seemed like a strange way to describe strength considering how little the two knew each other. Still, words like "frightening" and "monster" made David accept the compliments. Equally surprising however, was that last sentence regarding whether Lee had advanced techniques to bestow.

David faced toward Lee, not for his reaction to Elias, but for what he had to say about the demonstration. The master thought for a moment and spoke, "Heh, your friend certainly says what's on his mind. I'll give you some credit since you do seem to know the basics, but a few more lessons would help you master them. Also, I mostly see you attacking, whereas we try to balance attacking with blocking. Anyway, I'll accept you as a student."

The accepted student David smiled, and gratefully bowed saying, "Thank you Lee-Sensei. I'm willing to learn what you have to teach." It seemed that he would be learning here, even if only for a short while. He had leftover funds from previous jobs as a musician, and would be able to pay the fee. Following David's acceptance, the observing Elias seemed to be taking his leave. Before he left, David told him, "Hey, thanks for guiding me here. Good luck at your dojo Elias." He waved goodbye, and then proceeded to register and borrow a gi.

Lee gave him a white belt as default, explaining that he would have to master some katas and stances before ranking up. Nonetheless, the material was merely a review for David and he planned on ranking up by the next morning. In fact, the only thing he had to completely re-learn was how to tie the belt around him. Lee was also confident in David's skills, and assigned the new member work with the Honno: a black belt who was directly under Lee himself.