Roshi

After a few more days, Shinji began to show signs of recovering physically. It took quite a while for Shinji to recover. Having gained the ability to do simple motions such as jumping a little and walking properly. This made Shinji happy as well as the hermit. Although he could recover on the outside, his internal organs were still injured, and his meridian core was destroyed. The hermit said, "This is because of the immense trauma induced upon you both physically and mentally. Don't worry, this can be fixed with elixirs."

The hermit took care of Shinji like his own child. Shinji didn't feel like the need of parents. The hermit made nutritious food for Shinji, changed his bandages, and counseled him. Shinji remains mostly silent, lost in his memories of his family and village. The hermit realizes this but does not utter a word. The sound of his mother's voice and the sight of the cherry blossoms back in Hanamura, now forever lost. Shinji asked the hermit, "Where will we get the elixirs for my recovery?"

 "We have to travel to a lot of places for the ingredients of the elixirs. The elixirs are too expensive to buy and are rare. The arrow that struck you intended to kill you. It had been infused with poison of a special kind. You have recovered well, but this is your extent. Further recovery is impossible, and your health will continue to deteriorate as you age." Replied the hermit.

Shinji asked the hermit what his name was. The hermit replied, "One day I will tell you my name when the time is right. Rigorous martial arts training isn't the path for you right now," the hermit said, his voice gentle but firm. Instead, I will teach you the basics in a way that requires no physical strain—through careful observation. You will watch, listen, and absorb."

Shinji diligently trained under the hermit, learning various ways of first aid, medicinal herbs, meditation, navigation, scriptures, and observation of martial arts. His thoughts clouded with revenge for what happened to his family and his fellow villagers motivated him. His memories of the brutal attack on his village haunted him, and his desire for revenge simmers beneath the surface. 

The hermit, being so wise, realized this already but didn't speak about it. 

Shinji, why are you doing so much for a complete stranger? The hermit responded "I am in debt and I MUST PAY IT BACK. " After a while the hermit took Shinji to the kitchen to teach him about household chores.

Shinji still had PTSD plaguing him. He was scared of blades, arrows, and swords. Shinji hesitates to hold a small knife to cut vegetables, seeing that the hermit motivated Shinji and guided him. The hermit picked the knife and handed it to Shinji. He said, "When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. You have to choose ,Shinji, either to succumb to your past or to overcome it." 

Shinji, having heard the words of the hermit, calmed down. He slowly gets his grip and finishes the work. The hermit congratulated him and said, "Celebrating small wins must be a habit, as it builds character and positivity."

After finishing the household chores, the hermit gathered Shinji and led him outside, sitting down in the warm mountain sunlight. Deep within the mountains' protective cradle, the hermit's home was nestled among the slopes. As the mountains became farther away, the surrounding area changed from gently sloping hills to steeper, more rocky terrain. The hillsides were loaded with tall pines and ancient cypress trees, whose branches threw cool shadows and filled the air with the pungent aroma of pine. 

A narrow stream ran nearby, fed by snowmelt from the distant peaks, winding its way over smooth stones and slipping quietly into the undergrowth. The trails around the hut were barely visible, just faint paths through the wild grass and shrubs, leading deeper into the woods up to rocky outcrops. In small, hidden clearings, patches of wild herbs grew, and the soft trickle of water and rustling leaves were the only sounds breaking the quiet. It was truly a serene place.

The hermit began by reaching into a worn, woven satchel, he pulled out several herbs, placing them on a cloth with a careful hand."These are valuable plants around these mountains," the hermit began, picking up a dark green leaf with a faint silver sheen. "This is an ironroot leaf—used to treat infections and heal wounds. It's uncommon, but if you know where to look, you'll find it." He then held up a thick-stemmed herb with tiny blue flowers. "This is swellsage. It reduces swelling and eases sore muscles."

Shinji leaned closer, captivated as the hermit brought out a bundle of small, glossy leaves. "This is vigorvine, used to speed up recovery. It's a helpful ally if you're weak or injured." Lastly, the hermit carefully pulled out a small, golden-tinted blossom. "And this," he said, voice lowering with respect, "is starlight bloom. It's a rare herb known to grow only at the highest peaks and is to heal deep wounds and exhaustion. Few have even seen it, but it's invaluable."

Dusk slowly set, and the sun was on the horizon. Shinji and the hermit went inside the hut. 

Do you know about the bandits who killed my family and destroyed the village? asked Shinji. The hermit asked, "What will you do when you know about them? Will you take revenge?"

"I'm just curious about it; it will bring some peace upon me knowing about those vile creatures," replied Shinji. 

"So be it, the bandits were the men of Temujin, a rising bandit leader who is rumored to be a former slave. He broke free from the menacles of his masters and bought upon a revolution to free his fellow slaves. He is a tall and vicious man," replied the hermit.

Shinji nodded while grinding his teeth. "Thank you, and one more thing, can I call you Roshi from hereonwards??

The hermit laughed with amusement. "Sure," replied the hermit with an elated face.

As night settled over the mountains, Shinji sat in silence, Roshi's words echoing in his mind. The name Temujin burned within him—a quiet, growing resolve while the hermit watched at him quitely.