Broken and Reforged

Upon entering the next area a stream flowed through a forested bend. Obviously, the water was the objective here. Takehiko put his pack down again and decided to keep his shirt off. This was a rough one he imagined as he walked over cautiously. Kneeling down when he got next to the water Takehiko examined it. His cerulean eyes glancing over the water. He didn't intend to jump right in as he questioned everything. Intellect and determination where his two defining traits when it came down to it. His uncle's puzzles were a bit more difficult than most people expected. Just leaping into the water could prove fatal without knowing. Takehiko didn't think poison was the cause. His uncle didn't use poison in his entire career wouldn't start now. So that would indicate something else was going to happen. The deduction was a fancy tool really in this case. Dipping his finger into the water he felt it cut his digit. Takehiko stood upright bringing a hand to his chin. This wasn't going to be an easy thing to overcome.

It wasn't like the dummy where you answered with conviction. Something else was the puzzle to this one. Discretion was the better part of valor often times and Takehiko didn't know about this one. Glancing up the river and flash stepping further up. He glanced around seeing nothing of note that gave him a clue. His eyes stopped to gaze upon rocks. This was going to be hard, as he crossed his legs sitting in the air. He needed to think carefully about submerging himself in the water. The rocks didn't get sliced or show signs of marking. Lowering himself down he landed on one thinking. Gentle brushing his fingers across the rock he saw no signs of corrosion or anything. It indicated they weren't getting cut by the water. Was it because they were stationary and fought the flow. Takehiko decided to make a guess on that one now. Stepping off the rock into the water he felt the slam of weight into his shoulders. Attempting to push him forward like a tidal wave of force.

Straightening his back as he pushed back he felt slices begin carving into his flesh. Takehiko realizing the situation removed himself quickly before falling on the ground. Covered in cuts across his torso he laid for a moment. None of them were deep enough to be fatal or troublesome. So he fought the current using his strength to try and push back. His eyes looked back and forth from his back where he laid now. His chest rose and fell quickly as he practiced the Kata again. Ulv had taught him this so he used it as often as possible. To calm his nerves and bring him some sense of peace to him. Takehiko sat up now red liquid dripping across his stomach and arms. His back appeared as though he'd taken lashes. Looking back to the rocks an idea began to form in his head. But he would need to test it before proceeding. This wasn't another jump in the situation and think you had it. But he couldn't test this one with a finger as he did try though. Letting his finger flow along with the water before bringing it out.

No cuts this time it seemed he guessed right on this one finally. Though not without sustaining some injuries. Takehiko couldn't bandage himself up yet and the day was drawing closer to its close. He'd need to treat these wounds after he performed the trial. Going into the water he felt the sting of on his cuts as he sat down. Closing his eyes and attempting to focus as a few more cuts formed. Slowly he began to get it. He felt the water pulse around him now slowly. The liquid pass through his openings within his body. Letting it go and gently letting himself drift in the water. He knew blood was flowing from him but if he changed focus. He would die right here and now not even making it to the next stage. He'd need time to recover and it wouldn't be so easy. Takehiko would have to bandage his injuries and treat them. But that came later as he let the water's sounds drown out the place. Finding peace within his breathing now to bring a better understanding.

The world was in constant flow around you, that was what the water represented. It was best to go with the flow and move along with the path. How had his uncle designed these sort of things? That was what Takehiko wondered when trying to understand the man. What leads him down the path he went as he signed softly. What of Ruin's sisters who stayed with his uncle? So many questions he had that he just did not understand. But in the end, did it matter really? His uncle gave up his convictions and fell by the side. Maybe that was the tale this place held, to never give up conviction and be at one with your place. Takehiko knew his duty within the Gotei. For now, it was growing and learning as he developed further. He heard the creaking sounds of a door as he opened his eyes slowly. Takehiko found that the water had become still ending this trial. Getting up and out of the water with trickling droplets falling off him. He was satisfied but couldn't continue any further today. Going to his pack he pulled dried himself off with a towel. Now treating each injury before wrapping them in bandages. He'd gotten good at treating medical injuries now.

Learning from Master Cho Zi, he'd grown rather skilled at mundane medical skills. His spiritual one was effective as well. Able to produce better healing with his needles in a certain area. Takehiko laid upon the ground finally yawning before falling into his slumber. He'd made progress to be certain, but eleven trials remained. And they became much harder after these two as they tested real skills. The place seemed alive to him as though it knew what to train you in.