Time flies, a week after the museum robbery, news of the robbery continues to spread but is now fading away. Timothy and his crew began making plans for their next move, leaving Lagos a week later to travel to Kano where they were staying in a hotel in Kano's metropolis, Sabon Garri.
Timothy wasted no time gathering all the information he needed. He began gathering information about the museum and drafting a plan, then called Frederick and Shola two days later to tell them what to do next.
"First of all, the museum here in Kano may be a bit underdeveloped in that there are no security cameras, etc., but you can be sure that it has the best security in that all the people working at the museum are hand-picked by the local authoritie. The Galadima holds the greatest authority and employs loyal and faithful people," Timothy started.
"They don't have a system to hack into and find out how many people work at the museum or how many guards are there guarding the place. All that information is hidden and with our connections, here's what we can get: This little thing. "Information" Timothy paused for a moment and looked at the two calmly before adding "To make matters worse, only people with influence or famous politicians who are entitled to known fame or royalties can see the Golden Dagger with Galadima's written permission."
"So how are we going to steal the dagger if we can't even get into the museum?" Frederick asked Timothy.
"People are not prohibited from entering the museum. The problem is that they cannot enter the room where the dagger is kept without the Galadima's approval." Timothy explained.
"So you're saying we can enter freely as long as we have the Galadima's approval?" Shola asked.
"Yes, that's right, but without any significant background or influence, gaining the Galadima's approval is just wishful thinking." Timothy explained to her.
"Then what should we do?" Frederick asked Timothy.
"Of course we look for connections, so I would advise everyone to research on influencers that we can tap into," Timothy said.
"Well, since we're already here, why don't we go out and take a walk around the city?" Shola said to Timothy and Frederick:
"Today, I probably won't want to go anywhere maybe tomorrow," Frederick said.
"What about you Timothy? You don't want to exploit the city?" Shola asked Timothy.
"Okay, I have nothing to do right now, so I'll go with you." Timothy answered.
"Good, I heard that Zobo Park in Kano is one of the most interesting places to visit. Do you think we should go there and have some fun?" Shola asked Timothy as he left the hotel room.
"As you wish" Timothy replied
They entered Shola's car and drove out of the premises to Zobo Park, it took them about 30 minutes to get there. The park was filled with different kinds of people, clowns were performing all around the park as people gathered to watch them.
Then inside the center of the park was where different types of goods were traded people swarmed in and out while others took the rides at the playgrounds.
Timothy and Shola walked around the park examining and marveling at the different things happening at the park
"This place is really interesting there are different things to see," Shola said to Timothy as they walked in the park "But am feeling hungry now, let us find somewhere to eat food," Shola said.
"Okay" Timothy replied
They soon found a restaurant and entered the place was crowded with people eating and discussing at different tables. Timothy and Shola found an empty table and sat down then ordered a sumptuous meal which was served to them in no time they started to eat, but then some people approached their table and asked to vacate the sit rudely
"Hey you too, my Young Alhaji wants to use these tables, why don't you leave immediately?" The first person said to them
Timothy only raised his head once and looked at the person who had just spoken and the other two behind him and continued eating completely ignoring them.
When Shola saw Timothy's reaction she also ignored the three men and continued eating her meal
"Hmm, it seems you two don't know what's is good for yourself, who doesn't know our young Alhaji in Zobo Park and that he always sits here to eat food anytime he comes to this restaurant" The first man spoke again
" I will count to Three if you guys don't disappear from this table for my young Alhaji then you take whatever you see" The man threatened
"One"
"Two"
"Three" Just when the man wanted to take action against Timothy a voice stops him from behind
"That's enough Musa, move to the side I will make an exception today and dine with these lovely people," a young handsome man wearing a white Buba said to the first man
"Yes Young Alhaji," The first man said and moved to the side to allow the young Alhaji to sit down on the remaining chair in the place while Musa and the other man stood behind him
" It seems you guys are new here?" The young Alhaji asked
"Do we smell new? Timothy replied with a question
"To not recognize our young Alhaji who is a Yarima and the Galadima's last son, tell me if you are not new, then it's obvious you are blind?" Musa said to mock them. People in the restaurant who had been expecting to see a good show now laugh at what he said to fan the flame, but they were disappointed as things didn't turn out the way they wanted. Hearing that he was the Galadima's son Timothy winked at Shola to take action
'What luck we have, what we were looking for in the east has found us in the west' Timothy said in his mind.
Putting on her most charming smile, Shola said to the Young Alhaji "Wow you are the Galadima's son, sorry for our rude behavior just now, I and my brother was ignorant just now, please forgive us."
"You don't need to say that beautiful, what!! did you say, did I hear you say he is your brother?" the young Alhaji asked Shola with anticipation in his voice while pointing at Timothy
"Yes, he is my brother" Shola replied to him
"Good, nice this is very good what is your name" The young Alhaji asked
"Becky is my name how should I address you?" Shola asked him
"Oh haha what a sweet name you have, I am Young Alhaji Umar but you can call me Umar" He replied
"Okay nice to meet you, Umar," Shola said smiling
"My pleasure actually, hey waiter come here" Umar shouted at the waiter serving at the restaurant.
"Greetings to young Alhaji Umar. I am sorry that I was too busy to notice you sooner." The waiter spoke politely to Umar.
"It's no problem. I'm in a good mood today. Why don't you bring me the food I usually enjoy and treat my friends to anything else they want?" Umar said to the waiter.
The waiter wasted no time in serving Umar and also served the food requested by Timothy and Shola after meal, Umar paid for everything.
"Since you guys are new here, I guess you don't know the most interesting part of Zobo Park?" Umar asked the duo.
"We are not in a hurry to leave, so I think it would be best for you to show us around," Shola told him.
Umar repeated, "Good, good." "Follow me and I will show you my Mahanga," said Umar, leading the way.
The five people walked for about 5 minutes and arrived at a building.
Two gatekeepers were standing at the entrance, but when they saw Umar, they bowed deeply and made way for him and those with him to pass.
Upon entering the building, Timothy and Shola were surprised by the number of people gathered in the building. The sound of people cheering loudly could be heard everywhere.
Umar led them through the crowd and into a small room, where they could see why the people were cheering loudly. It turned out to be a wrestling match with fighters gathered in a ring in the center of the building.
"Welcome to my Mahanga (Fight house) where I train and select the best warriors to compete in fighting competitions organized annually by my father the Galadima of Kano" said Umar proudly.
"Every Yarima has his mahanga in different parts of Kano city. This is mine," Umar added.
"Wow, that's amazing. So who is your best fighter?" Shola asked.
Umar said, "My best fighter right now is Kato. He is the most ruthless fighter I know. If he remains loyal to me, then he will be my contestant in the contest in a month."
"Ladies and gentlemen, we announce the next fight between Butcher Khalid and Abdul Gobara. Bet now and enjoy the fight in the next moment." said one of the officials managing the fight.
"Haha, I feel you guys are lucky today because you got to witness the fight of the best warriors in the level 1 area," Umar said to Timothy and Shola.
"Do you rank warriors by level?" Shola asked Umar.
"Yes, that's right. To identify the best warriors, there is need to group them into different levels." Umar answers.
"So how many level do you currently manage?" Shola asked him again.
"There are currently five levels and each level has up to 20 warriors fighting each other to advance to the next level," Umar further explained.
As the discussion progressed, the fight at ringside officially began. The two fighters each came on stage holding a Sanda (a long staff used by the Fulani people in battle).
Khalid, the butcher, stood at one end of the stage, wearing white shorts and no shirt, showing off his broad, thick shoulders, looking at Abdul Gobara, who was wearing long black pants and a black singlet. They were both ready, the bell rang and the match began. . Abdul Gobara started moving first, running towards Khalid the butcher, jumping into the air and attacking the butcher aiming at his head.
"Cannnnnnn" The sound of two Sanda crashing into each other was heard. Abdul Gobara was repelled by Khalid and fell back from the clash.
Khalid wasted no time and took advantage and swung his cane at Abdul Gobara.
"Baaannnnnnn" Abdul Gobara was hit squarely in the side and immediately retreated, vomiting blood.
"Yessssssssssssssssssssssss", cheered the crowd.
"Beat him and take him down. Butcher I'm your biggest fan," a women in the crowd cheered happily.
Butcher used the momentum to attack Abdul Gobara more brutally, earning cheers from the crowd, and the fight continued with one man attacking and the other blocking or dodging around the stage.
"I thought you said these two were the best level 1 fighters, but why does it seem one sided?" Shola asked Umar.
"Hmm, this match can not be decided yet, because Abdul Gobara, whom you see at a disadvantage right now, might not necessarily lose…."
"Because he has Shaferi," Timothy said, interrupting Young Alhaji Umar.
"Do you know about the Shaferi?" Umar asked Timothy, with whom he had not spoken since.
"Yes, I read it once before," Timothy answered.
"What is a Shaferi?" Shola asked.
"Shaferi is a special ability that grants rare and talented warriors with increased strength, stamina, and speed, making them virtually invisible to their enemies." Young Alhaji Umar explained:
As Umar was explaining things to Shola, the battle on stage suddenly heated up.
Khalid, the butcher who was fiercely attacking, suddenly stops moving when Abdul Gobara, who looks terrible and bleeding from almost every part of his body, stops running and stands on stage with his eyes closed. The Sanda he was holding in his hand, began to vibrate, his whole body trembled, and suddenly he let out a scream. He disappeared from where he was and emerged before Khalid the Butcher, striking him with all his might.
"Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu" Khalid the Butcher was unable to avoid the attack on time, and was hit then sent flying off the stage.
The crowd was silent for a moment, trying to figure out what just happened, and then cheers erupted from all over the stage.
"Yesssssssssssssss," the crowd cheered.
Someone in the crowd shouted, "I just bet my money on Abdul Gobara and now am rich hahaha."
"Me too hahaha if I collect my winning, I'll go for a drink." Shouted another person
While some were cheering, others were crying over losing money by betting on the wrong person.
After the shouting and cheering died down.
Timothy said, "Thank you young Alhaji Umar for inviting us. We will now depart."
"The show has just begun," Umar said not willing to let them leave immediately.
Timothy said, "We could have loved to stay longer, but now something urgent has come up and we can't stay any longer."
Timothy and Shola left the location after exchanging contact with young Alhaji Umar and then returned to the hotel where they were staying.
When they arrived at the hotel they first went to their different room to shower before returning to the hotel lounge for dinner, Frederick did not come down for food. Timothy tried to call him, but his phone didn't connect. so the two sat at the table for dinner.
"Tell me more about the Shaferi. I want to know more about them?" Shola asked.
"Shaferi can be likened to Chi of the Igbo people," Timothy began to explain.
"All are abilities that are natural to any talented warrior, but there are some differences between the two."
"For Chi, everyone is born with it, but not everyone can unlock their special Chi and become powerful Ogbanje*.
For Shaferi, not everyone is born with it, but those who are gifted enough to be born with Shaferi can usually unlock it with the right guidance, but there are different levels of Shaferi, people can unlock."
"They are ranked according to how powerful they make a warrior, with White Eyes Sharferi being the most common among most warriors, followed by Clear Eyes Sharferi being much stronger and very rare, and then the Black Eyes Sharferi being the most Powerful, people are rarely seen with it, only one in a million warriors can unlock it," Timothy said in conclusion:
"Did you read all this in a book?" Shola asked Timothy.
"No, I know because I was born in Kano, but it's not here in Sabon-Garri, it's in a village quite far from here," Timothy answered her.
"Wow, you're full of stories," Shola said.
"Shola, what do you think of young Alhaji Umar?" Timothy asked.
"I think he's a good guy and he'll be helpful to us," Shola answered.
"That's right. I want you to get closer to him and find out more about the golden dagger from him." Timothy said. "I'll explain my plans more tomorrow when Frederick joins. I think I might have a way for us to get the dagger easily."
After eating and discussing more both retired to their rooms in the hotel.
Early the next morning, Timothy went to Frederick's room to check on him and found him still sleeping, Timothy woke him up.
"Good morning, brother, how was your night?" Timothy asked him.
"I'm fine," Frederick answered. "How about you?"
"I'm good, get dressed and come to the lounge. I'd like to have an important conversation." Timothy told him and left him to get ready and come down.
Arriving at the lounge, he met Shola there and joined her, while Frederick soon came down and they started discussing.
"When we went to explore the city yesterday we discovered something important that will help us with our plans," Timothy told Frederick, and then explained to him everything that happened in Zobo Park.
"With the competition at the Galadima's palace just around the corner, I think the chances of getting into the rooms inside the museum are now very high," added Timothy.
To understand what Timothy meant, Frederick asked, "So are you going to enter the competition?"
"Yes," Timothy answered.
"Do you know how to fight with Sanda?" Shola asked curiously.
"Didn't he tell you?" Before Timothy could answer, Frederick asked her.
"No, he haven't" Shola replied
"Well, I know how to fight with a Sanda. How I learnt to, is not a secret if you want to know. I can tell you." Timothy told her.
"I want to hear your story. tell me more." Shola said expectantly.
"Timothy, I'm sorry I have urgent business to attend to,so you have to excuse me" Frederick says and walks out of the hotel.
"Then how did you learn to fight with the Sanda, since you are not a Hausa or a Fulani?" Shola asked.
"Well, first of all, it all started with my father Okoye, he was a very talented person who unlocked his Chi at a young age and became an Ogbanje, he grew more powerful and was unmatched in Igboland. So, he traveled to different regions and met different people. But he could not find a worthy opponent.
Then one day, he heard about a famous fighter Aminu Youngblood. Like my father, Aminu was a great warrior blessed by heaven, he was a strong and powerful man who had never before tasted defeat.
Being overcome with a desire for battle my father went down to Kano. After finding the famed warrior and obtaining the information he needed, he went down to a small village called Daura, where he found Aminu Youngblood and challenged him.
Aminu Youngblood accepted his challenge and they fought for seven days and nights, with no winner determined. Those who witnessed the fight said it was one of the most brutal fights they had ever seen. The two men used different skills and fighting techniques, but it was useless as none of them could emerge victorious.
Seeing the damage caused by the aftermath of the battle, the queen of Duara pleaded with them to stop fighting.
"I hereby intervene and plead with the two of you to stop the fighting and treat this battle as a draw."
"The fight ended in a draw, but another chapter in my father's life began."
"He fell in love with Aminu's sister, the queen of Duara, and they married, a year after I was born. My father named me Timothy, but my mother named him Amir."
"I grew up learning to fight with a Sanda from my uncle Aminu Youngblood and with a sword from my father, but my father was disappointed when I failed to unlock my Chi and become an Ogbanje just like him.
— Bab baru akan segera rilis — Tulis ulasan
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