GOJE Complete Hausa Novel Document by GOJE

"Outwardly you appear a complete man, yet it's shameful that at thirty-three you remain unmarried. A fearless hunter in the wilderness, but at home just a lazy, worthless idler who can't even find peace for himself! All this bravery of yours is wasted since you're still unmarried and not a complete man." An elderly woman spoke these words.

My eyes rose to see the person she addressed. His body turned away, clad in hunting gear - thick black cotton fabric with wide sleeves covering his shoulders. He stood with one knee bent, wearing rugged jeans and laced boots. His back alone seemed to mock the old woman's words. Indeed, wherever a complete man exists - one with masculine bearing - you'd find a tall, broad-chested figure without physical flaws. Yet he still didn't turn, as if something preoccupied him.

The old woman continued: "*Umaru* I'm speaking to you - will you sleep at home tonight?"

Without turning, he growled: "No! I won't sleep at home!!" The harshness in his voice startled me! I nervously adjusted my pen and papers.

She said: "Fine then. I only asked because sunset approaches and I'll lock my door. Go read your books."

He gave no reply. I noticed him fastening leather straps around his wrist. He grabbed a wide-brimmed hat and slapped it on his head before turning. I quickly bowed my head - one glance was enough! His eyes were abnormally large and bloodshot! His lips pitch black. Though his features suggested a white man, tobacco stains and signs of hard drug use marked him. His skin had strange discolorations!

Before I could react, I heard him snort loudly! He clenched his fists, scanned all directions (east, west, north, south), then began chanting:

"I am *Umaru!* The world's man! Scatterer of wild beasts! Only child of his parents! A thousand wait for one!! I've bedded the mother of bastards! I've bedded every tough guy's mother! Hooooo!!! I am Umaru! No blade however sharp can pierce me! I am Umaru! Owner of a hundred dogs, beloved in east! west! south! north! Struck down yet risen! I've conquered thousands! I dance and play!! I am Umaru descendant of Tanimu from Uwale's line! Let any challenger come forth for his mother's sake!!!"

As he ranted, his eyes rolled wildly and spit flew across the room. Uwale (apparently his mother) saw him draw the machete hanging at his back and rushed to restrain him. He shoved her aside, brandishing the blade which gleamed as he began slashing at his own body!

My entire body froze except for my trembling legs. Today, while news-gathering, I'd wandered into danger! I fled behind the fence, unable to witness this madness. 

Rather than take the road, I hid behind a tree waiting for him to leave. After about ten minutes he emerged. One glance made me bow my head again - his entire body was armored in hunting gear: quiver, bow, and knives strapped everywhere. His confident stride proved my father was right - Umaru is indeed a warrior.