'Young Samurai'

There once was a Shogun who had three warrior sons. The Shogun was preparing to leave his kingdom to one of his sons. But the Shogun could not decide which warrior son to level his power and wealth to, so he created a test.

The Shogun had one of his bravest Samurai's stand behind a door and perch a watermelon on the top of the door. When his sons walked through the door the watermelon would fall on their heads and while distracted the brave Samurai would attack and test the skills of the sons. The greatest and bravest swordsman would have the old Shoguns riches.

The old Shogun summoned his first son. As the young man stepped through the door the watermelon started to fall and the Shogun's son turned swiftly and in a flash drew his sword and sliced the watermelon in half. The brave Samurai behind the door attacked with great ferocity. The Shogun's son, with little effort, disarmed the brave Samurai and held him to the floor until his father said, "very good my brave son you have done well and should be proud."

The old Shogun summoned his second son and the brave samurai positioned a new watermelon and hid behind the door. As the son started to push the door open he stopped before the watermelon fell. Taking his sword out he pushed the watermelon to the floor and quickly stepped around the door putting his sword to the hiding brave samurai's throat. His father was most impressed with his son's skill and expertise.

Again the Shogun summoned the last son as the brave samurai prepared the watermelon and hid behind the door. When the son arrived outside the door he stopped and said, "You, behind the door. Come out from your hiding where I can see you. I am a highly skilled swordsman and do not wish to harm you." The brave young samurai stepped out and waited for the son to push the door open so the watermelon would fall on his head when the son asked calmly and clearly, "and please remove the trap from a top of the door."

The old Shogun was most pleased and presented his last son with the prize. "The object of becoming a great swordsman is to heighten ones awareness so as not to have to draw the sword and thus preserve life. You are truly a great martial artist."