Images danced in Ryukus minds-eye as he meditated on what he had learned in his last encounter. That had been a fearsome fight, one that had nearly killed him, and yet it was not one he could claim victory. His opponent had used some dark magic to escape, still there was something to be learned from every encounter and Ryuku was determined to find and correct his errors.  

A dozen times he reenacted each step in his mind and he was so focused on the task that he had failed to notice that someone was near until the man stepped into the dirt circle. The sound snapped Ryuku from his meditation and he opened his eyes, focusing the intent emerald gaze on a blind-man that was now just speaking to him.

The young monk took the blind swordsmen in, taking not of his posture and overall demeanor, the calming tone of his voice. He offered a smile in return, though he knew the man would not be able to see such an action. Without rising to his feet he spoke clearly and calmly in return.

“I await my opponent.” 

It was only after he spoke that Ryuku rose to his full height, his wrapped hands coming up to tie his long silver hair back away from his eyes.  He continued to watch as the blind-man came closer, he noted the katana that rested on his hip. More importantly he took into account how a man that appeared blind wandered alone in the wilderness, where bandits, rabid animals, or the edge of a cliff could easily kill someone that wasn’t capable of taking care of himself.

“What bring a man such as yourself out to such a place?” Ryuku asked, his hands now clasped behind his back.