Actions and Consequences

As old man Ming spoke those words, he looked over at both the remaining members of the Bing gang. Sheer dread was all that could be seen in their faces.

How could they have been so terribly wrong to wake up this hornet's nest?

One member tried running, but before he could give his legs the command to sprint, there was a knife through his throat.

" I guess that only leaves you, huh?"

Mr Ming stared casually at the last remaining man. He was over 6ft tall, but at the moment, he felt it made no difference if he was 3ft.

" Your gang should be given a big vote of thanks, though. After all, I haven't felt this thrill in years. Being an ordinary man does have its upsides, though.

So hopefully, your life will be the last on my list. Now, how about letting this old man send you off?"

A gust of wind appeared before the last remaining member, and when he looked down, there was a knife in his heart.

Unwillingness was seen in his eyes. But how sad is a pig's ambition for life in front of a butcher?

On one side of the kitchen, before the pots and pans, there stood Tafari. The utter shock was displayed on his face.

Taf always thought he was decisive, but wasn't that just a joke compared to Old man Ming?

It seems they were sentenced to death when they stepped through the door. He thought about the events and then started to feel nauseated.

" Sigh, Kiddo, this is the first time you have seen slaughter, huh?

I'm actually happy you seem to feel sick, as it means I was right on that day to help you out. It is only natural to feel this way after witnessing what you just did."

Old Ming once more sought to comfort Taf. This would be a catastrophic event for any child his age.

"Do you think me cruel or wicked? Do I frighten you?" He walked over while speaking as he looked at Taf.

Seeing the olds before him, there was now a whole different world that formed before Taf.

How could he not have seen any signs the person he conversed with daily had such background? 

Seeing he was explicitly asked a question, Taf tried to find his bearings,

" Actually, I see it as being decisive in one's convictions. Bringing wrath to those who seek ill will to you and those you seek to protect." Taf then continued,

"Although pouring oil on the head of the leader was over the top for me, I understand. It is your Modus, as you stated." 

Old man Ming was surprised by this child grasping the situation as quickly as he did,

" Good, you haven't disappointed me as usual. Come and tell me what you have learned by witnessing all four kills."

Taf made his way over while trying to match this old man Ming with the con man he knew before.

'I guess the stories weren't exaggerated after all.' Taf thought.

" You stated three lessons as you took their lives. The first was to be observant of one's environment and use it to your advantage.

You did this in all four instances by using the knife and oil, as we are in the kitchen, and they are easily accessible." He stated.

" Good, but you forgot one key thing that you didn't mention. Keep an eye on all targets, as they are part of the observation as well.

Which target will be the most difficult and the simplest to get rid of." Old Man Ming interjected,

"In the first instance, he was selected because he was the simplest. Of the four, he seemed nonchalant and unaware.

Thus, his head was taken before he became aware of what was happening. Taking advantage of the situation, the most dangerous was then dealt a mental blow, and his life was next."

As old man Ming spoke, Taf replayed the events in his head, and things did seem to make sense.

"The boss was the easiest to eliminate due to my ability to instil fear into him through the first death.

Trapping one in fear can also work to your advantage as you become able to manipulate the situation.

Fear enabled them not to think as rationally as they would, thus, becoming pawns to my whims." Old man Ming guided as he spoke.

Taf then proceed with his insight,

"The second lesson is somewhat self-explanatory in that those who wish you and your family harm shall face the wrath of your own brand of justice.

This is a means of protection and a deterrent to enemies. All enemies will quiver in fear when your wrath is bestowed, and it becomes a disincentive or leash."

" Good, that is precisely what it serves as. I am impressed with your quick deduction.

The third and second are similar in the parts where they are for protection. Tell me what you have observed as their main differences?"

Old Man Ming questioned like a teacher interrogating a student.

Tafari stood for a while before coming to a realization, and seconds later, he replied,

" The main difference between the second and the third is that it is a means of complete annihilation instead of deterrence. No survivors mean the action is faultless, thorough, and complete."

" Now, do you see where you went wrong in your actions for the evening? You left a hole in your grand scheme by letting the boss escape.

In all actions, one must be thorough in their doings, or irreconcilable damage will follow.

After implementing your scheme, you should have been thorough in your work and ensure all gang members were beaten to a bloody pulp."

Old Man Ming reprimanded, showing the flaws based on Taf's insights in his actions.

"You failed, however, to do this by not being observant as you should have been. Then becoming big-headed, ravelling in your own brilliance at the time.

Thus leading to the situation before, whereby your enemies become a threat to the ones you love." 

Finally, he ended by saying,

" What would have happened if I was not skilled enough to handle the problem?

Therefore, next time you should ensure the utter annihilation of your enemies. When that is guaranteed, those you wish to protect will be just that 'Protected' which is the desired result."

Unedited Version

To be continued...