Bab 168: Hidden Technique

"The state of this temple is as the state of the road that you must follow. Despite apparent good intentions, very few wish to see you succeed." Momochi counselled as he unwrapped Gengyo's bandaged hands. His actions from the previous day had merely been for show, and in truth he should have dodged that strike.

His hands were bruised and battered from where the wood of his spear shaft had slammed against the bone, and tore against muscle.

"I understand that. I will be fighting Kuraka soon enough, and then the state will return to what it was before." Gengyo replied calmly.

"Are you truly ready?" The old monk asked seriously, holding his gaze. Soroko and Kitajo were also present, and they were as intune with the conversation as the two participants.