Lucky for us, Hong Kong traffic was light. So the walk to Gen’s was very short. I knocked, then entered Gen’s house.

 “He must be a close family friend if you can walk inside without feeling like an intruder,” Ryu surmised.

 “Basically,” I responded.

 A man emerged from the kitchen into the hallway. He had a long white beard, and he wore gray Chinese style clothing. He smiled once he saw me.

 “Ah, little flower, you have come for a visit,” he stated.

Giving him a hug and kiss on the cheek, I greeted him with familiarity. I stood up, gesturing to him.

 “Ryu, this is Gen.”

 Ryu bowed, and Gen did the same.

“We met before…” Gen smiled. “Long ago…when you were first testing your skills as a martial artist…”

 This sure surprised me. I don’t ever remember Gen meeting Ryu.

 “So what brings you here?” Gen asked.

 “I came seeking advice,” Ryu said simply.

 Gen nodded. “I see…”

 Soon enough, we were sitting in the kitchen of Gen’s house, sipping tea. For some reason, tea calms the nerves. Even though Ryu and I were loaded with tea since the restaurant…we still accepted the tea.

 Ryu told Gen what had happened to him over the years. There were times Ryu seemed a bit hesitant on telling Gen the story…but Gen was a patient man. He waited for Ryu. And he waited until he finished. He never showed any trace of impatience while Ryu took his time.

 “You are a strong warrior indeed…if Akuma sought you…” Gen mused.

 I looked up in alarm. “Meaning what?”

 “It means that Akuma only reveals himself to fighters that he deems worthy,” Ryu responded quietly.

 I narrowed my eyes. “Have you seen him?” I asked Gen.

 The older man nodded. “Many years ago…when I participated in the tournament…” His gaze zeroed in on Ryu. “If Akuma wishes for you to use your full potential, then that means that he will look for you again. Like yourself, Ryu…he lives for fighting…and he will not rest until victory is his…”

 Ryu shook his head. “But that’s not me. I fight to learn…I don’t fight to defeat my opponents.”

 Gen arched a brow at Ryu’s vehement tone. “I understand your need to perfect your fighting skills…but it is important that you do not allow your training to rule you.”

 Ryu frowned. “I don’t understand.”

 “Akuma will try to enhance your powers due to your quest for perfection. Your desire to perfect the fight will fuel his ability to enhance your powers. Just be careful,” Gen said finally.

 “What would happen if he decided to become…this…fighting machine?” I asked. “It’s technically…a part of Ryu…so it couldn’t be all that bad…”

 Gen nodded. “You are correct…to some degree.” He studied Ryu again. “It is Ryu’s final decision on what he plans to do with his power. All I am suggesting…is that if you decide to use it…and how you use it…make sure no one has influenced you to do so. I am not sure why fate has decided that it is you who will possess this power. Only time will tell. But I suggest that you evaluate your future plans.”

 Ryu nodded. “Thank you, very much. I will remember your words.” He looked at me. “I’m finished here. Would you like for me to walk you home?”

 “I can walk by myself, but thanks for the offer,” I said. And who says chivalry is dead these days? “How about we meet here tomorrow? I can show you around the city.”

 “I’d like that very much,” Ryu stated.

 As we headed out the door, I waved goodbye to him. “See you tomorrow!”

 It would be an interesting day tomorrow.