Old Guys Rule: Gouki10 Super Duper Serious No Humor Pink Edition Remixed Sentai Re-edit
-Suzaku Castle
Sunlight glimmered through panes of paper, parts of traditional Japanese sliding doors. If one word summed up this area, it was traditional. Shining floors, the result of diligent and careful cleaning. Kata directions written in flowing Hiragana, and boards displaying the motto of the Art: Fu, Rin, Ka, Zan. Into this atmosphere stepped a powerfully built man. Though years could be seen etched in his face, eyes that shimmered with hidden power belied this. Dressed in a torn, yet clean white gi, covered by an equally torn but clean robe, and visible scruff along the chin and face, he solemnly walked toward the back of the dojo. In the back of the dojo, behind another set of sliding doors was a large stone monument. Rosary beads and numerous bouquets of flowers in full bloom adorned the grave. Etched in the stone, it stated:
Here lies Gouken, a man who sprinted along the Path without looking back.
The hardened eyes softened at this simple display.
It has been too long sensei. I apologize for not coming sooner.
The individual bowed deeply and sat, legs crossed in traditional meditation form. The kours crawled by as he sat in reverence by the sensei he loved so much. He wished he could stay longer, but he had to go. His training could not wait. As he walked once more through the dojo, he glanced at the many writings upon the wall. These writings were the knowledge of ki, Daoism, Yin and Yang, and the Way. Physical power could only drive a fist for so long. Without beliefs behind it, a fist cannot go far before it breaks. The man stared at his fist, encased in a bright red glove. His sensei had always asked him: What do you see beyond your fist? Ryu saw battle, the Way, and the future. Every time he answered with this, Gouken would smile and shake his head. One day you will understand Ryu.
Farewell sensei.
Ryu stepped out into a bright courtyard shaded by sakura trees. There sitting under one of those trees was a small man with a golden complexion. He was dressed in a ripped robe similar to Ryus, and was small and tuat with thin muscle. His eyes glowed red except for the brief moments when they would flash, taking in all nature had to offer. But the most startling feature of this man was the absence of his left arm. The sleeve of his robe was tied in a knot where the arm that did not exist would be.
Are you ready to leave?
Ryu nodded and they both set off into the world. On the outskirts of the castle, Ryu got to thinking.
Sensei, theses years have been very good, and I am thankful for your teaching, but I feel as if Im not at the level I should be. I cant help wondering what level he is at.
Oro frowned, and replied, Therein lies your problem. You still do not understand the basis of your Art. You could have chosen Satsui no Hadou, but you didnt. Not just because it was evil, or it was used to kill. The practitioners of the art of Anatsuken viewed the Satsui no Hadou as a way of reaching the end of the Path. In this they were mistaken, and you and your original sensei were right. The way which can be uttered, is not the Way. The name that can be named, is not the Name. To reach the end, you must find a solution that does not exist. You must learn to express something that cannot be expressed, something that is not tangible.
At this Ryu was very confused. But that doesnt make sense sensei
Oro smiled and said, This isnt something I can teach. It is something you must find out on your own. If anything it is not the thing at the end that grants power, but the journey itself. Ryu was left pondering this and had to catch up with Oro as they traversed the beaten path.
-Wilds of Brazil
The makiwara. A traditional instrument for training in the Art. A pole made of wood or steel, sometime wrapped with rope. The continual striking of the object would harden the fist and train individuals to make centered impacts when striking. All this was elementary for Ryu, but Oro had something different in mind.
Yes, I want you to strike it, but not strike it. This may sound confusing, so I will show you.
Oro placed his palm against the pole.
This is where you will strike.
But how will I get any force in the blow?
You are still thinking in earthly standards. Your ki allows you not only to create your fancy fireballs, but to transcend the limits of the laws of nature. I myself, at 143, am an example. Now you must practice. Understanding will come in time. I shall watch.
Oro leapt up into one of the tall rainforest trees, and a bubble appeared to be coming out of his nose. So Ryu did what he knew best: train. For hours he trained, trying to force his ki upon the pole. He could feel it reverberating against the pole, yet Ryu was unsure of what his sensei expected of him. Perhaps he was supposed to destroy the makiwara? He probably could with a shinku hadoken, but for that he would need to gather his ki in the horse stance, but he was supposed to channel it from his fist. This made things rather difficult. Plus this was no ordinary training tool. The metal was unknown, harder and more elastic than anything he had ever felt, and was bound by a few inches of wet, tough rope. It would be difficult to break it with anything. The only thing he could do was what his master told him to do. So he hammered away with ki. Exhaustion creeped in between each blow, and by the early hours of the morning he was nearly dry.
Alright! Now we can begin!
Oro had suddenly leaped from his resting spot and crept up behind Ryu. After Ryu heard this he collapsed in exhaustion and comic relief.
If this is when we start, then why did I waste my ki on this for hours!?
Oro turned once more to serious teacher.
Well my boy, this technique reaches down farther than your known reserves of ki. This is a dire move by all means. The situation must be perfect to use this technique. This will be your weapon to use against the Shun Goku Satsu! At this Ryu was immediately standing.
You cant expect me to use something on par with that monstrosity do you!?
No, I do not. This technique is no killer, but its potency is certainly on par with your uncles most famed move. It should be perfect for you. It harnesses ki based on the principles of Hado, which is your specialty. I myself was never talented at this move, but I can only imagine it in the hands of you my student.
Ryus teeth grinded at the remark. Uncle! That man was no relations of his! Demons dont have relations! Oro gripped Ryu tightly by the shoulder.
You may be considered middle-aged by human standards, yet you still act like a child! If your anger continues on inside you, your masters knowledge, your drive, and my willingness to teach you this technique will all be gone! Your Art cannot reach its peak while weighted down with such negative emotions! You will never harness this technique with dark thoughts!
At once Ryu felts ashamed. Was all his training for naught if this anger still burned inside him? So frustrating! Every knew him as the quintessential Street Fighter, but no one understood Ryu, the man! Lingering thoughts about Chun-Li, the regret from Sakura, the solitude from Ken, and his anger over Gouki! All these things weighted him down, yet he couldnt let go! Ryus fist slammed hard into the makiwara, and he slumped against it.
I see. You are not ready to learn this yet. Do not fret, I understand. These problems are not ones you can deal with relying on your fist. But you can still deal with them head on. Deal with your problems, remove all the excess baggage, then come back here. Then I will teach you. Until then, farewell.
Before Ryu could reply, Oro was gone.
(What shall I do now? With sensei refusing to teach me, I cannot improve! I guess I have no option)
Ryu was pretty good with dealing with certain situations. Many people would say so, and even the modest one himself. But this was one he was rather unaccustomed to. This one didnt involve fists. This would indeed be a difficult challenge on the Road of the Warrior.
-San Francisco, California
Ryu got off a bus in the middle of the city. It had been a long time. Ryu was never a city kind of guy, but after 15 years of complete solitude? Almost immediately passerby began to stare at Ryu. Ryu traversed through the crowd and headed toward the Masters Estate. Ryu hadnt seen Ken in 15 years. There were so many things to catch up with, and another fight. Ryu licked his lips in anticipation and his muscles tensed. If Ryu savored any of the fights he participated in, it was his fights with Ken. And Sean has no doubt improved, and then theres Kens son Mel Ryu quickened his pace. He might be hesitant, but if there is a fight to be had, he was there.
-Masters Estate
Ryu walked up to the automated gate of the Masters Estate.
Hello, what is your business?
Ryu jumped a little when the speaker spoke.
Um Im here to see Ken, Im Ryu remember?
Oh yeah! Whats going on man! Its me, Sean! Im working gate duty to pay my board! Ill open the gate and tell Ken!
Ryu grinned and walked through the now open gate. If anything the Masters Estate was even more opulent. Huge Sakura trees dotted the verdant landscape, as well as multiple tennis courts, a horse pasture, and the centerpiece, a beautiful dojo situated on an isolated hill. Then Ryu heard the incoming sound of an engine. A golf cart appeared and stopped by Ryu. In the drivers seat was none other than Ken Masters. Dressed in a red Hawaiian shirt and some khai shorts, Ken looked every bit the playboy he still was, even though he was married.
Wanna a ride ya old bum? Seriously dude, you thinkin about a wardrobe change this century?
Ryu chuckled.
Same old Ken.
Ryu set his bag in the back and set in the passenger seat. The golf cart sped off toward the mansion.
So whats been going on for the last 15 years? Training right?
Yes. Ive been training with Oro, you remember right? Ive improved a lot, but I needed to see you before finishing my training.
I think you mean same old Ryu jeez, when are you gonna settle down?
Ryu stared at him.
Oops, stupid question I guess. Anyways, Ive been handling the family business, and training my students to kick your butt.
Oh really? Has the old man quit fighting? You dont think you can handle me anymore?
Quite the contrary, ya old hermit. Im ready for you anytime pops.
The friends reached the front of the estate, and two familiar faces as well as one unfamiliar one greeted them. The first one he noticed was Kens wife Eliza. Age had been kind to her, as she looked unchanged since the last time he saw her. She almost exactly the same, the same radiant blonde hair, bright blue eyes, caring smile, and curvaceous figure. The second face belonged to Sean Matsuda. Sean had been a bit of a joke in the last World Warrior Tournament, but in the last ten years had rose to prominence as one of the strongest street fighters. As the current U.S. champ, Sean was merely waiting for the next World Warrior Tournament to prove his worth. The third person was new. The frame of young man in his late teens, a bright red gi, and long blonde hair tied with a red and black tennis headband. No doubt this was Kens pride and joy, his son, Mel Masters.
Before Ryu had even introduced himself, Mel was already cracking his knuckles and grinning at him. Ryu and Ken had barely got out before Ryu was attacked by the young Masters. He started with a flashy high kick and continued with a tatsumaki senpuu kyaku. Ryu ducked under all the blows and grabbed Mel in the classic over-the-shoulder throw. Before Ken could intervene, Ryu waved his hand, signaling for the fight to continue. Ken smiled and backed away.
Yep, hes a true Masters. Yo Sean, if you want some pointers, watch this fight. I havent seen Ryus style in 15 years you know.
Sean didnt say anything because he was already engrossed in the fight. Mel lept backed on his fight and pressed the offense. A right hook, a shin kick, and a right snap kick. Ryu blocked the hook and rolled with the impact, stopped the kick by stepping forward and cutting off his left foot, and caught the snap kick. Ryu punched Mels thigh then connected with a left uppercut. Mel staggered back and was reluctant to attack again.
It was Ryus time to press. He rushed hard with an axe kick that struck Mel clean on the head and sent him into the dirt. Before Mel could even counter attack, Ryu punched him in the chest and connected a high blade leg kick. Mel was on the ropes now. There was only one option now. Mel rushed and unleashed his fathers deadliest move. He pulled his leg back in his fierce kick position and let loose a barrage of lightning fast kicks. He knew this one get Ryu. Unfortunately he was mistaken. Ryu guarded all the kicks, sidestepped the knee. Ryu winded back and slugged Mel with a right hook that sent him flying.
All right! All right! That enough!
Ken had had enough of his son getting spanked by the lone warrior. Ken rushed to Mels prone form and checked for any injuries.
Sheesh Mel, he almost broke your jaw
At this Ryu was very worried.
I Im very sorry Ken. I just got into the fight
Ken then smacked Mel upside the head and smiled at Ryu.
No problems! Hell, I couldnt punish this kid if Gouken said to! Good going showing him some manners.
Umm okay?
Ken helped Mel to his feet and together the group entered the Masters Mansion.
You know Ryu, you really put him in his place. I was thinking about hiring a nanny. You interested?
Ken
Kens laughter echoed throughout the halls of the abode.
After a little unpacking and some relaxation, the household came together for dinner. The dinner was pretty good to say the least. Ryu ate like a ravenous dog. After trekking through the wilds of South America and the barren deserts of Mexico, a three course meal tasted pretty good.
I know I asked you before buddy, but could you tell us in more detail what youve been doing for 15 years?
Oooagghuraff
Chew then swallow please.
Whew okay. I dont have much else to say. Ive trained very hard for all these years, and Ive gotten much stronger. After the battle with Oro I realized how much farther I had to go, and he offered to train me, so it was a no-brainer. I trust youve kept up as well?
Not so much. Im a teacher now ya know. But if these runts get out of line, the master has to show them how its done.
At this Sean blinked and grinned.
If I remember right sensei, I showed YOU last time.
Pah! You got lucky.
Hm How about tomorrow Sean? If you can beat Ken, then a fight with you should be interesting.
Now Sean was excited. He still remembered about how he was trained to be the anti-Ryu, but he was shamed by Ryus superior skill in the third World Warrior Tournament.
You got it.
After dinner was done and before retiring to bed, the men decided to watch some tv. There was some interesting wrestling on with the Huge Wresting Army adding another victory to their innumerable sum in New York. They also enjoyed a very intense battle between the leader of the army and an army-type with a bright red bandana. The bandana-wearing one won, and yelled out a challenge to Ryu on tv.
Sorry bud, no time to go to New York.
Ryu grumbled in disappointment.
-Early next morning
Sean was ready. Lightly perspiring after an equally light warmup, Sean was ready to fight. For the fifteen minutes he had warmed up, Ryu had meditated in the center of the dojo. What frightened Sean was, that when he looked at Ryu closely, he noticed that Ryu had been floating off the ground a few inches. Sean had no idea what kind of power Ryu possessed now, but that certainly wasnt good. Ken, Mel, and Eliza were all sitting on the sidelines for what would be an exciting fight. Mel was sporting a very fashionable mummy getup of bandages from the fight yesterday.
Ready?
Hoo hah! Alright, lets get this fight going!
Come at me then.
Fight!
Sean lunged forward and tried to grab a hold of Ryu. Ryu dodged and kicked Sean in the knee. Ryu tried to land a punch but Sean rolled away and connected with a shoryuken. Now Seans shoryuken was full fledged with only one hand used. Ryu hit the ground and rolled away.
Very impressive.
Ryu threw a hadoken which Sean blocked and retaliated with a hook which Ryu caught and tripped Sean, then sent him flying with a shoryuken of his own. Sean staggered up and rubbed his jaw. He attacked by sliding at Ryus feet, but Ryu hopped over it and hit Sean with a punch in the jaw. Sean was on the ground again. Before he could get up Ryu was hauling to his feet and sending repeated punches into his gut then threw Sean over his head and into the ceiling of the dojo. Ryu had only gotten stronger. Luckily Sean landed by a row of basketballs that were essential to his repertoire. He shot one ball at Ryu and lunged forward. Ryu blocked the ball but got caught by Sean. On top, Sean hit Ryu with one hook but Ryu caught the other one and kicked Sean off hard. Sean scrambled to his feet but Ryu was already there. Sean panicked and punched at Ryu. Ryu caught the punch and struck Sean in the armpit, hampering the movement of his right arm. Ryu then put his right foot over Seans arm and pulled Sean to the ground in an arm bar.
Due to Ryus aforementioned strength, Sean was practically crying now at Ryus unmerciful pulling. Luckily for Sean, Ryu let go before anything broke, but that wasnt it. Ryu was in the air now. He raised his foot and came down aiming for Seans stomach. Sean rolled away just in time. Sean got up and his gaze met dust.
When it cleared he saw Ryus foot solidly imbedded in the wooden floor. Although Sean was scared at Ryus freakish strength, Sean knew this was the perfect time to attack as Ryus mobility was stopped. Sean charged and punched. What Sean didnt expect was for Ryu to completely changed styles on him. Ryus Anatsuken-Do was based on slow, strong, and elegant moves wich required good spacing. But Ryu just switched styles. Seans fist was caught and before he knew it a barrage of short and fast Wing-Chun punches hit him in the gut and a karate chop hit im in the neck. (Okay, different plan!)
Sean went into a tatsumaki senpuu kyaku aiming at Ryus upper body. (Now Ive got him!) But Ryu was one step ahead. Using his buried foot as leverage, Ryu leaned back under Seans first rotation and used some awesome stomach muscle strength to surge back and head butt Sean on the forehead. The sheer force of the blow sent Sean flying into the wall of the dojo. Ryu extracted his foot from the rubble and paced toward Sean. Sean, now very demoralized and surprised chose to defend. Ryu went int his own tatsumaki, yet he did it a fair distance away from Sean. Sean ducked under the kick and brought up his fist. Once more his was surprised as the pure rotation from Ryus move sent him tumbling. Sean stayed low and ducked the move, but just barely. (God has he gotten strong! Just the wind from that kick caught me off balance!) Sean was tired, but not defeated. He came again in a kyubi kyaku which got Ryu on the forehead but Ryu dashed away before Sean could continue. Sean launched another kyubi, but this time Ryu was prepared. He parried the kick and he went into the horse stance with his hands at his size. The ball of pure blue ki raged in his palms, and he let it loose right into Seans chest. The explosion was deafening and blinding. Seans battered form impacted the wall again and a huge spider web of cracks appeared. The fight was over.
When sight and sound returned, Ryu was hauling Seans unconscious body on his shoulder. Ken and co. ran over to see how Sean was doing and were relieved to find he was alright.
Jeez Ryu! Im glad hes breathing! Apparently somebody ate his Wheaties today!
The party quickly exited the dojo and walked back to the mansion to get Sean in bed.
Im sorry if I went too hard, and Im also sorry for ruining your dojo.
No problem man. Seanll be fine in a day or two and I can have that thing repaired in no time.
By the way, what are Wheaties?
Sometimes I forget how weird you are Ryu.
Later that night, Ryu and Ken were relaxing in some lawn chair on the balcony. Now that they were alone, Ryu needed some time to talk with Ken.
Ken, I want to know something. You see, Ive been away for so long and Ive wondered how youve felt about me never coming to see you. Im worried that you might be angry at me for not seeing you for so long.
Kens face turned very serious and he came right in Ryus face.
Ahh I feel really bad about it
Then Ken started laughing. Laughing so hard the whole house and neighbors could hear. Ken laughed so long and loud that Ryus ears hurt when he stopped.
Is that what you think Ryu! Boy oh boy youve been watching too much Dr. Phil! You say youresad about not seeing me, but youre here now right? Come on man, even though you might be gone for a long time, well still be tight! God Im relieved it wasnt something serious!
Now Ryu began to laugh.
Im very glad you are not mad at me. And yeah, I might have been a little too sensitive. But I just had to get that off my chest.
Whatever. Anyways you wanna play some pool? Im sure this is meaningful to you Oprah, but Im bored!
Not really. I just want to sit here and think.
Okay. No problem.
They sat in silence, with nothing but the sound of crickets in the distance. But it wasnt a heavy silence or even a contemplative one. This was one of relief, of getting things of your chest and leaving them there. After a while Ryu spoke again.
Im thinking about seeing Chun-Li and Sakura.
Ken almost fell out of his chair when Ryu said this.
Whats up? Have you gotten romatic all of the sudden? And you should know you cant date two girls at a time. And youre like what, 50 now. Im sorry to say it, but youre getting old dude.
No no no nothing like that. I just want to talk to them, like what I did with you. I still have things I need to discuss with them that Ive shied away from for too long.
Well if you need to talk to them, then you gotta go. You owe them that much.
Youre right. Ill be leaving in the morning then.
Heh, same old Ryu.
And once more the crickets ruled the air.
-The next morning
Everyone except Sean was standing in front of the gate at Masters Estates giving Ryu a farewell.
Dont get lost, ya hear!
I wont get lost Ken.
Eliza came forward and handed Ryu a basket of something.
These are cookies I baked and a change of clothes, cause frankly Ryu, you still look like a rag picker.
Thanks I think?
Mel stepped forward and raised his fist at Ryu.
In the next tournament Ill beat you! You just got lucky this time!
I see. Train hard and maybe you will. Goodbye everyone!
Goodbye!
Ryu walked into the streets of San Francisco as Sean limped over to the others.
So hes already left, oh well. I didnt see why he went so serious! Ill be out for a few days with these injuries!
Ken smiled as Ryu disappeared into the crowd.
You should be proud. You should be very proud. He didnt pull any punches nor did he let you relax. He fought you seriously.
Authors notes
Whew procrastinations a bitch huh? Im really sorry I took so long to write this.(In the Price is Right voice) Ive been having too much fun driving my BRAND NEW CAR! Anyways big thanks to Gouki10 for being a dedicated and helpful reader. I hope I didnt disappoint. Please R&R again.