TAKUMI TSURUGI
I gradually regained consciousness the next day, my vision clearing as I blinked awake. The room was dimly lit, and the soft murmur of voices reached my ears. I turned my head slightly and saw Kiyomasa sitting by my bedside, his face etched with concern.
"How are you feeling?" Kiyomasa asked, his voice gentle.
I nodded, trying to shake off the lingering effects of the battle. "I'm fine," I replied, though my body still felt heavy and sore.
Before Kiyomasa could respond further, Shinji stood up from his usual spot by the table. His expression was as cold as ever, and his voice carried a chilling detachment. "You've had quite a display of strength. Remember, this is just the beginning of your training. Don't let it go to your head."
With that, Shinji walked out of the room. The door clicked shut, and the room fell silent once more.
Kiyomasa stayed by my side, helping me sit up and making sure I was as comfortable as possible. "You pushed yourself hard out there," he said, his concern evident. "Just take it easy for a bit."
I managed a weak smile, grateful for his support. "Thanks, Kiyomasa. I didn't expect to lose control like that."
Kiyomasa gave a reassuring nod. "It happens. What matters is that you've shown incredible potential. I'm proud of you."
I smiled. "Where's Shinji going?"
"Uhh, we have an activity this evening. You've been resting all day, but if you don't feel better you can still rest, again."
"No," I sat up. "I can't miss any practice, help me."
Kiyomasa helped me up and guided me out of the room. We made our way to the training ground, the familiar sights and sounds a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.
However, as we approached, I noticed the stares from people and whispered murmurs, was I that terrible to be discussed about.
"Students!" Rykeru Goro's voice rang. "Pick a partner, you'll need one for today's sport."
I watched the students select a partner. Kiyomasa had already been taken. I looked ahead and saw Yumi, smiling as she made her way to me. As I raised my hand to wave at her, I noticed Shinji stepping up beside me.
I looked at him. "Uh, why are you standing with me?" I asked, a mix of confusion and irritation in my voice.
Shinji didn't reply, his expression as unreadable as ever. This wouldn't happen, I was so not standing with him. I looked at Yumi but she had already selected a partner. I frowned at Shinji and tried to push past him, but before I could, the announcement blared over the speakers, capturing everyone's attention.
"All students, listen carefully. Today's exercise will take place in the forest. You are to hunt for red gems hidden throughout the area. Be aware that some of these gems are dangerous and may explode. Additionally, you are to eliminate anyone who isn't your designated partner. Proceed with caution."
The announcement concluded, and the students began moving towards the forest, a sense of excitement and apprehension hanging in the air. I followed Shinji, still trying to understand his motives.
"Why did you choose me as your partner?" I asked again, frustration lacing my tone. "You're not exactly someone I trust."
Shinji didn't answer. As we made our way into the forest, I was so caught up in trying to get a response from him that I barely noticed the danger around us. Suddenly, a fake arrow whizzed past me. I didn't have time to react, but Shinji moved swiftly, catching the arrow mid-air before it could hit me.
He continued walking forward, unfazed by the near-miss. I glared at him, feeling a mix of gratitude and annoyance. "I haven't forgiven you for provoking me yesterday," I said sharply.
Shinji's gaze remained forward, his tone calm. "I didn't provoke you. I said what I did to bring out your anger. Anger can build up the vengeful spirit within us. It's what drives us to fight harder and push beyond our limits."
His words sank in as we continued through the dense forest, the sun filtering through the canopy above. Shinji's actions and his philosophy were starting to make a strange kind of sense, or were they?
"Do you really think that anger is the key to becoming stronger?" I asked, trying to understand his perspective better.
Shinji's answer was simple, yet profound. "Anger, when controlled, can fuel your determination and focus. It can sharpen your instincts and help you push through the most challenging situations. But you have to channel it correctly."
"Hmm, that's the longest you've spoken to me, and the most meaningful."
He didn't answer, neither did his expression change. We pressed on through the forest, the task of finding the red gems becoming more harder and annoying as Shinji wasn't picking up any.
"Why aren't you looking for gems?" I asked.
"I prefer to hunt for demons, not play this children's game."
I raised a brow. Was he serious. I couldn't blame him, he had gotten lots of awards so what could this one do for him. However, on my case, I needed to work hard.
"I don't know about you, Shinji but this is kinda like my grades, you've got a cursed sword and others, I don't have a sword, talk more of a cursed one. Look, the stakes are high, and we need to find more to ensure our success in the exercise."
Shinji's gaze was steely and determined. "We'll need to hunt for them," he said, his voice cutting through the forest's ambient sounds.
Before I could process his words, Shinji took decisive action. Without warning, he attacked a nearby team, using his fake sword with brutal efficiency. The clash was swift and deadly; Shinji's movements were precise, and within moments, the opposing team was out of the game. He seized their gems, his actions cold and calculated.
I watched in shock as Shinji repeated this tactic with several other teams, each encounter ending with him taking their gems and leaving them behind. The forest became a grim battlefield as he systematically eliminated competitors, his efficiency turning the odds in our favor.
Eventually, with a substantial number of gems in our possession, the announcement came over the speakers, declaring us the winners. Relief and exhaustion washed over me as we made our way back to the starting point.
When we arrived, I turned to Shinji, feeling a mixture of gratitude and confusion. "Thank you for handling that. We wouldn't have won without your help."
Shinji's expression remained impassive. "I don't need your thanks," he said curtly. "What you need to focus on is training harder. You need to become strong enough to face me, to beat me. That's the only way you'll truly grow."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me with a lot to think about. I smiled as I watched him leave, maybe Shinji wasn't so cold hearted as I thought. His actions maybe ruthless but sometimes very effective, and his words carried a challenge I couldn't ignore.