I think Goudai was fucking batshit. Deathmatches are...not teh Buddhist.

I suspect that Gou' was from a rather warriory family and the idea of dying in bed as a feeble old fart freaked Gou' out, so he called a deathmatch. That would give him a warrrior's death, and also soother his concerns about his students - of they can defeat HIM then surely they can fight against any other trial that comes their way.

I suspect Koumyou knew what was going to happen also.

But I also suspect that the sutra has a hand in choosing its possessor. They're not just scrolls - they're living vital Words with a capital W, as in 'in the beginning was the'.

So while Kenyuu got the sutra, he isn't truly ready to bear/carry/comprehend it. His eyes aren't really open, ergo no bindi/chakra mark. He's not a true Sanzo; he's the sutra's transportation.

If he woke up and got a clue and stopped being a jackass it might choose him for real and he'd get the damn dot but...yes.

I...suspect Kenyuu has it baaaaad for Koumyou as well. He seems to pick on Kouryuu on purpose. XD Jealous little punk.