The streets in rural areas of Japan are often narrow and surrounded by lush vegetation. Exactly where Dash was headed, the area wasn't very developed, so on the way, he could observe traditional houses, farmland, and forests, creating a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere.
Urban planning often reflects a harmonious balance with nature, though this wasn't very noticeable on the way to the place where Dash was supposed to meet Santiago.
"You need to know a few things before meeting with Mr. Santiago. He had left the world of fighting because he didn't have any good fighters to recommend. After receiving your call, he got in touch with foreign partners. I hope you're worth it and won't mess things up more than they already are," the lady said nervously.
Dash looked at her coldly and responded, "I don't understand why you're more nervous than I am, the fighter. Rest assured, I have the level for this martial arts tournament."
At this moment, he wasn't lying. He was at his best, according to Mr. Kim's words. It was because his martial arts were special, giving him the opportunity to fight against any opponent he faced. Age is tied to strength but not in all cases. Dash understood from his training that strength doesn't necessarily increase with age but rather endurance.
"Why does a rich kid want to earn money in fights?" the lady looked at Dash with disdain, still not considering him a good fighter.
Dash smiled again and said, "Ma'am, understand once and for all, my private life must be far from your damn interest unless it's going to be relevant to this. If you want to know why I'm here, it's to make money and do it with the strength of my body."
"I knew someone like you, but the difference is that he believed success was surpassing others under any motive, without recognizing that success is overcoming oneself over and over until you see where you end up," the lady looked at Dash and said, "Everyone called me Mrs. Yamada. I am responsible for evaluating participants in the private tournament called Hidden Dragons. Many always try to pose as fighters, but you have passed the test."
"Seeing the fury in your eyes makes me believe that you're here for a reason beyond money. Although you've realized it, you'll probably find the answer later, but make sure to recognize your limits."
Mrs. Yamada's words were very peculiar. Her entire observation had been on Dash since he arrived at the airport, and she could sense a certain anguish in his movements. She was good at reading people. She knew that the boy recommended by Santiago was strong, and there was no doubt about that. However, Mrs. Yamada loved to see what else people were looking for in fighting for money.
What she saw in Dash surprised her. Besides money, he was looking to release his anger with something deep within himself. Everything that is broken cannot be fixed with pain or blows; it must be removed through meditation and inner peace.
But she was just an older woman responsible for evaluating potential participants in the Hidden Dragons tournament. She earned enough to live for a year each time the tournament was held, so she loved doing it.
"I'm sorry if I was rude, Mrs. Yamada. I'm not here for myself but for someone who means more to me than my own life. I apologize for being immature to mention it, but that person has always been by my side, someone special who now needs my help, and I don't plan on just sitting around."
Dash stopped smiling and expressed, "When you pretend that only you can do things your way, that's when you decide to walk on a path of knives. Right now, I'm at the entrance, and I don't plan on stopping. Rest assured, even if I'm sad or angry, my mind is clear."
"I understand that. Well, you remind me of someone, but you seem to have a purpose. Good luck with that. Just remember one thing: being arrogant is good, but remember that you can only be on top if you back up your words with your strength. Otherwise, you'll be discarded like trash."
According to Mrs. Yamada, the Hidden Dragons tournament was not illegal. This tournament was a closed one, maintaining all the security that a martial arts tournament needs. The only difference was that the most powerful people in the world were the owners, and there were no limits to what could happen in that tournament.
Money in fights was much higher than in professional ones, but the only requirement was to be selected in the preliminary fights by some important man who would sponsor you during the Hidden Dragons tournament, which almost always happened.
That's why standing out was important. What they sought was blood and refined martial arts skills. As long as the age was between fifteen and twenty-five, participants could enter without any problem.
Knowing this, Dash had to be very careful in the fights, as if he were injured for some reason, his effectiveness would decrease, and he wouldn't be able to ensure continuing in the subsequent fights at one hundred percent.
But before even being able to enter the tournament, he had to be someone brutal, achieve the best results, and stand out with his highest martial arts skills. He shouldn't worry about hurting competitors because they wouldn't show him any mercy either.
Coming out with broken bones, lost eyes, or bathed in blood was normal. But according to Mrs. Yamada, death had never happened in these types of tournaments. No one died figuratively because if you failed, you were discarded in the preliminaries, and they wouldn't even pay your subsequent medical expenses.
Understanding this, Dash knew what to do. So, after thanking Mrs. Yamada for the advice, he took out his cell phone and sent a message to Devon, who should be a little affected right now.
"[I'm in Japan. This tournament is not as shady as you imagined. From what I've learned so far, it's private, with guys my age and not older than twenty-eight, so I'm within the limits.]"
Devon Lee: "[Are you a hundred percent sure it's not illegal? Don't trust things easily when you mention Mr. Kim. You're in Japan, and Mr. Kim isn't accompanying you. Be very careful.]"
"Don't worry; I'll call you when I have the chance. After sending the last message, the car stopped at what looked like a sushi and ramen restaurant.
Mrs. Yamada, who turned off the car, said, "We're here. You know the idiot Santiago, so you know where to sit."
"Thanks for the ride and the advice, Mrs. Yamada. I'll make good use of everything." Dash bowed a bit and got out of the car.
"Holy shit, you've grown like the devil. I'm sure I'm not wasting time getting you into the Hidden Dragons tournament." A voice belonging to old Santiago came from the side, observing Dash with admiration for knowing that he had become stronger.