Chapter 7: Jan Ken technique
Colleen, fighting back the panic, adjusted her limbs to regain balance and land gracefully on both feet. After taking a few steps, she realized she was exhausted. She reached for her chest, wincing as she felt the impact of Rex's attack. The soreness was a reminder of the force behind his blow, but she was relieved to find no serious injuries. The two most prominent points on her chest were numb, but she was otherwise okay.
Rex, drained of energy after launching Colleen through the air, stumbled back, his knees buckling. He dropped to his hands and knees, gasping for breath. Colleen, embarrassed by her defeat, lifted her sword. Rex, gasping for breath, shouted, 'Stop! I'm out of strength! I admit defeat!'
Colleen, her sword pointed at the ground, snorted in frustration. She couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. 'Rex, was that a Kame School attack?' she asked.
Rex wiped his forehead, stood up straight, and nodded. 'Well, that's Pa, or Paper, from Kame Sennin's entry technique, [Jan Ken], or Rock Paper Scissors. Gu, or Rock, stands for punching attacks; Chyoki, or Scissors, stands for finger attacks, and Pa stands for open palm attacks.'
By manipulating Ki on the palm of his hand, Rex could use Jan Ken Pa to launch an energy attack, pushing his opponent away. He believed that with more practice, he could use it to pull or bind his enemies.
While it was an entry-level move, it consumed far more Ki than the regular Ki Release he used for cooking. After using it, Rex was drained, barely able to stand.
Colleen's eyes widened in awe. 'Entry technique? This School sounds incredible!'
Colleen unconsciously rubbed her sore chest, unaware that her movement had captured Rex's attention. His eyes widened, his mouth went dry, and he almost shouted, 'Let me in your bosom!'
But he didn't. His 'great' self-restraint kicked in, and he turned away, coughing. 'So, now you believe that what I've learned is the real deal?' he asked.
Colleen puffed out her cheeks, a flicker of doubt crossing her face. 'If this isn't the real deal, then what have I been learning all these years?' she thought.
Maintaining her composure, she asked, 'Can anyone learn the Kame School teachings?'
Rex pondered for a moment, then said, 'In theory, yes. But it takes a lot of Ki development to master these techniques. I've only recently begun to learn them.'
As a member of 'The Hand,' whose founders were banished from K'un-Lun, Colleen was familiar with Ki. Her eyes lit up at the thought of learning Rex's methods. 'That means I can learn it?' she asked.
Rex nodded. 'Your Ki is actually stronger than mine, but you're not using it efficiently. That's why I'm faster and stronger.'
A smile spread across Colleen's face. 'Can you teach me? Or can only a Sensei teach these techniques?'
Rex shrugged. 'It doesn't have to be so formal with Sensei and apprentice.'
Hope flickered in Colleen's eyes as Rex spoke. His voice dropped to a low murmur. 'Just be my girlfriend!'
Colleen's smile vanished, replaced by a look of shock. She raised her Katana, pointing it at the door. 'GET OUT!' she yelled.
Rex laughed, waving his hand dismissively. 'Hey, be careful with that!' he said as he walked to the door. 'See you around, Colleen!'
Colleen slammed the door shut, her anger quickly giving way to a smile. 'This guy has actually become much more interesting than before,' she thought. 'And that pushing technique of his is quite special!'
Rex sighed. 'Hey, I didn't even get to eat. Well, I guess I'll just have dinner!'
Rex walked out of the Dojo, his mind already on his restaurant. He headed straight for the kitchen, pulling on a pair of rubber gloves and starting the tedious task of washing dishes.
Rex groaned. 'I need to hire someone!'
By the time he finished washing the mountain of dirty dishes, Rex was exhausted. He wiped his hands, grabbed a flyer, and headed to the door. He quickly printed out a job ad: 'One waiter needed, free meals and accommodation, negotiable salary!'
As evening approached, Rex was still busy preparing side dishes when he heard the chime of the door.
Rex started to greet the customer, but then he stopped, surprised. 'Why are you here again?' he asked.
Colleen, who had skipped lunch and was famished, entered the restaurant. She didn't come in, but instead pointed at Rex's flyer. 'You've found a waiter?' she asked.
Rex laughed. 'How could I? I just put it up! So, are you willing to close your Dojo and come work for me?'
Colleen scoffed. 'You wish!' she said, then her face turned serious. 'I have a new student, a street orphan. She was caught in a theft case, but she's a good kid. She's just unlucky. Can you hire her as a waitress?'
Rex, who had been joking, was now completely serious. 'Well, when can she start?' he asked.
Colleen smiled. 'She can start tonight! She's worked as a waitress before, so she can start right away. I'll call her now!'
Rex grinned. 'Great! You've helped me a lot! Come in, take a seat. Dinner's on the house tonight!'
Colleen shook her head. 'Thank you, I'll eat, but I'll pay. Things must be tough for you without Uncle Lee and...' she said, her voice trailing off.
Rex waved his hand dismissively. 'Don't worry! I'm doing pretty well financially. You won't believe it, but I met a rich guy yesterday who interrupted my work. He compensated me for a whole month's income!'