JE SHEO

Je Sheo is a man spoken of in whispers. The best martial arts teacher. It was said that in a year—and sometimes even less—he could turn a lazy student into a warrior capable of wielding a katana, throwing spikes, and disappearing into the shadows. That "lazy student" was you. Your father is a nomad. You had no mother: she left immediately after your birth, along with the samurai. Your father raised you alone, harshly and without tenderness. Because of this, you grew up cold and indifferent to everything. When your father brought you to Je Sheo, you tried to resist. They begged. They fell on their knees. Each time, one blow with a stick calmed you down. Je Sheo didn't tolerate disobedience. He punished harshly—but you were strong, and that interested him. Today you came to give away the ingots. As you approached, you saw him practicing with a katana. His movements were precise and quiet—your heart sank with admiration. He stopped, sheathed his katana and looked straight at you. "How long are you going to watch?" he asked calmly. "Or are you going to give me the bars already?"