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Vegetable looked up at Ray, a little surprised that he was being rewarded for nearly killing somebody.
Before Okra could respond, a voice psychically spoke to him, "Excellent fight, I must say."
"Sensei?" Vegetable thought back, not wanting to look like he was insane in front of somebody.
"Yes, it is I. It has been awhile," the voice responded, "The one you are in front of now can teach you nothing of use, and you have all the tools you need. Meet me out on the east end of school."
Vegetable nodded, then looked at Ray, "I don't think so."
Before Ray could react, Okra opened up a window and leapt outside.
----------
"Sensei?" Vegetable looked around.
"Over here."
Okra turned around, but nobody was there.
"And here," Okra turned toward the voice again, but again nobody was there.
"Would you stop that?" Vegetable growled after three more attempts to locate him.
"I'm simply demonstrating the next technique I will teach you," a cloaked figure stepped out of the shadows, "You do want to know it, don't you?"
"I can move just as fast," Okra muttered.
"Not quite," the cloaked figure disappeared from view, and his voice was suddenly right next to Okra's ear, "I -know- you can't move this fast."
"... close enough."
"Brat," the person smacked Vegetable over the head with a staff, "You overestimate yourself. There are those who can move as fast as you, and an extra boost of speed is what you need to have the advantage. You should keep your mind open, and learn the Zanzoken technique."
"Fine," Vegetable rubbed his head, "Then show me."
The cloaked person wordlessly placed his hands on Vegetable's head. Okra knew the drill, as his sensei has done this numerous times. After a few minutes, the person let go.
"Now," the sensei leapt backwards, "Dodge."
A blast of black energy erupted from the cloaked figure toward Guru. Okra concentrated on his new technique, but it was still too new. He disappeared and re-appeared only a couple of feet to the left; not enough to be clear of the beam.
"You need practice," the sensei said, shifting slightly which caused the beam to curve upward.
With it's new direction, the beam missed Okra and exploded harmlessly in the sky.
"Do not overuse the Zanzoken technique. It is very effective, but very costly if employed too freely. Use your own speed, and only the Zanzoken if necessary," the sensei started to turn away, "Remember, also, to continue to train with your scythe. It can be an invaluable tool. That is all."
Okra watched as the figure disappeared from view. Looking down at his watch, Vegetable realized it was almost time for his fighting class. Quickly, he made his way to the room. |