There was a saying that a man's true character was revealed in defeat. I thought it was also revealed in victory.

A man who lifts his chin in pride will fail to see the chasm at his feet.

Too many doubts grow in the cracks of silence and separation.

There was a saying that the strength of a man’s steel was only known under the hammer of circumstance. If anyone had asked me a few hours ago, I would have said that nearly five years of boyhood had hammered me into constant fear and excessive caution. But now I realised it had done the opposite. It had shaped me into someone who stepped forwards and reached for what she wanted. It was too late for me to tuck my hands behind my back and wait like a good woman.

There was a saying that a man's true character was revealed in defeat. I thought it was also revealed in victory.

A cold realisation washed over me. From now on, my master would not always be there to protect and counsel me. 'This is big. Too big,' I said. 'What do I do?' 'You follow your destiny,' Ryoko said. 'As we all do. With honour and courage.

You have seen me at my worst and at my weakest. Let me show you my best.