[center][h2][color=BFBFBF]Zenkichi Hasegawa[/color][/h2]
Esaka, The Tiered City- Pools
Lvl 10 [color=BFBFBF]Zenkichi[/color] (2/100)  -> Lvl 10 (14/100) 
Word count: 826 words[/center]



With a little time to kill between rounds, Zenkichi decided to take a short walk around the Pools to stretch his legs and see what the competition might be like, as well as how some of his team mates were holding up. As he wandered the tier, he saw a huge number of fights going on, most of which were…not the best. Some were over within a minute, multiple rounds going by in a flash as a veteran absolutely bullied a low-skilled fighter, while others dragged on until the timers ended a round, neither fighter willing to commit to attacks enough to knock out their foe. The Street Fighter matches were by far the most common, with Mortal Kombat barely appearing at all. Most interesting, however, were the team battles of the King of Fighters tourney, where teams were split up into three and were often fighting their rounds simultaneously. 

Catching a glimpse of a familiar-looking Fixer finishing up his round, Zenkichi offered Roland a wave before moving on, wandering the Pools. He caught a glimpse of Pit’s match, and [i]thought[/i] he saw Bowser Jr and Rika cheering for him, but they were pretty far away, on the other side of that arena, and he couldn’t be sure, but he waved to the Gold Team captain nonetheless. 

He burned a few more minutes wandering around, before sitting on a bench and stretching his back. He rolled his neck, feeling a soft pop in his spine, and let out a weary sigh. Days of this would take its toll, that was for sure, but at least the fights would only last a few minutes each. His adrenaline was just as high as after a real fight, but the comedown was a lot easier on his butt than on his feet. 

“There you are.” Turning his head to the source of the voice, Zenkichi was surprised to see Iron Monk, but nodded to the man and gestured to the seat next to him. The warrior sat, waiting for a moment before speaking. “This is your first tournament in Esaka.” It wasn’t a question.

[color=BFBFBF]”Just arrived yesterday, actually.”[/color] Zenkichi confessed, looking out into the Pools. [color=BFBFBF]”Figured it was worth a try.”[/color] Iron Monk let out a sigh, shaking his head. 

“The lack of gravitas with which you treat this challenge vexes me.” The steel-themed warrior chided, but shook his head. “No matter. Your path is not one of darkness, I can see that much. The summit which many of us warriors have spent our lives striving for is not your goal. I only ask what it is that drives you. Despite your lack of care for the tournament, you nonetheless fought as though your life was on the line.”

[i]All of ours are.[/i] Zenkichi thought, darkly, before shaking his head. [color=BFBFBF]”That’s true. I’m not here to win the tournament. Well, I [i]am[/i], but that’s not why I came here. It’s just…the easiest way to do what I need to do.”[/color] Remembering what Band said not long before, Zenkichi turned the conversation back to Iron Monk. [color=BFBFBF]”What about you? Why do you fight?”[/color] 

Iron Monk closed his eyes, deep in thought as he remembered his purpose. “I fight to stop the Black Mantis.” He stated simply. “A warrior sect that seeks immortality. These tournaments are a way to hone my skills, and to find them wherever they may go. Fighters like us are drawn to battle, and Esaka is the home of many great battles. Whenever one of their member shows their face, I will be ready to strike them down.” Zenkichi hummed, nodding along. Sounded a lot like trying to stop a false god from ascending into actual godhood. 

“I will leave you be. I can see that your mind is steeled, though your purpose remains unclear. Fight well, Zenkichi Hasegawa. Know that I look forward to seeing you victorious. You fight with a heart unclouded by hate or ego. The same cannot be said for many who come to this city. It is refreshing to fight a man of conviction and honor.” Iron Monk rose to bow, his hands meeting before his chest, and Zenkichi also stood, matching his bow with a small smile. 

[color=BFBFBF]”It was a good fight. Better than they give at the Kyanta dojo, that’s for sure.”[/color] Iron Monk paused, sighed, then nodded. 

“Yes. I know of that dojo and its tricks. They are not bad people, but they are…overly enthusiastic for victory.” Zenkichi laughed, sitting back down. 

[color=BFBFBF]”That they are. Have a good day, Iron Monk. And good luck with the Black Mantis.”[/color] He watched the other fighter leave, frowning. There were so many problems out there that they couldn’t realistically solve. Though, if he ever met somebody who said they were part of a black mantis, he’d have to make sure it was the same one before he did anything about it. Color plus adjective was a common enough naming scheme, after all.