TAKUMI TSURUGI
I entered the room and collapsed onto the edge of my bed, my mind swirling with frustration and self-doubt. The sting of the cut on my neck and the harsh words from earlier were heavy on my mind. I stared at the ceiling, lost in thought, trying to make sense of everything.
The door burst open, and Kiyomasa rushed in, his face etched with concern. "Takumi, why did you leave like that?"
I didn't respond, too wrapped up in my own thoughts to answer. Kiyomasa approached and sat beside me. He gently touched the wound on my neck, his expression serious as he began to clean it with the materials he had brought.
As he worked, the door opened again, and Shinji walked in, his presence immediately making the atmosphere tense. Kiyomasa stood up, facing Shinji with a mix of anger and resolve.
"Why did you cut Takumi with your dagger?" Kiyomasa demanded. "Was that really necessary?"
Before Shinji could respond, I raised a hand to stop Kiyomasa. "Don't. There's no point in engaging with him."
Kiyomasa looked at me, his concern evident, but I shook my head. "Shinji preys on the weak. I'll show him soon enough that I'm not as weak as he thinks."
With that, I lay back on the bed, pulling the covers over myself. Exhaustion overcame me, and despite the turmoil in my mind, I fell asleep quickly.
The room grew quiet, the tension from earlier fading into a restless sleep, and as I drifted off, I didn't think I belonged here, this wasn't real and if by any chance I still wake up to this, I'd find my way back home. That was a vow I made to myself.
The next day came and I made my way to Rykeru Goro's office. Since I still found myself here after waking up, I knew he'd have an explanation or a way I could go back. I knocked on the door and, after a brief pause, it opened to reveal the Rykeru Goro's stern face.
"Come in," he said, motioning me inside.
I entered and stood before his desk, gathering my thoughts. "Rykeru Goro, I need to understand why I ended up here. My family will be worried sick. How did I even get chosen to be here?"
Rykeru Goro leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "I'm guessing you are Takumi Tsurugi."
"That's me, and I met a weird man named Kenji who brought me here and I.."
"The school chose you," he interrupted me. "It identifies individuals with potential or those who need to be tested and trained. It's not uncommon for people to end up here under such circumstances."
I shook my head, my frustration mounting. "But my family—"
"You can't change what's already happened," Rykeru Goro cut in, his tone firm. "If you're so concerned about them, there's a way to get back."
I looked at him, hope flickering. "How?"
"If you defeat Shinji in combat, I'll consider helping you find a way back," he said, his gaze steady.
I felt a wave of disbelief. "Shinji? He's too strong. I've already faced him once, and it was a brutal experience."
Rykeru Goro's expression didn't waver. "Then it seems you're at a crossroads. Defeat Shinji, and you may earn your chance to return. Fail to do so, and you'll remain here. I'm afraid that's the only way."
I hesitated, the weight of his words sinking in. The thought of facing Shinji again was daunting, and the prospect of failing was equally terrifying. But the idea of being stuck here indefinitely was even worse, I couldn't bear to hurt Mrs Fujimoto, a week of my absence had already traumatized her.
After a few moments of tense silence, I nodded reluctantly. "Alright. I'll do it. I'll challenge Shinji."
Rykeru Goro's gaze softened slightly, though his demeanor remained stern. "Very well. Prepare yourself. I'll expect to see some progress."
With that, I turned and left the office, a mixture of resolve and apprehension settling over me. I knew I had to start preparing for the fight against Shinji if I wanted any chance of returning to my family.
Two days had passed successfully since I started training myself to defeat Shinji. It was morning and I followed the other students for the jog, my mind focused and determined. The rhythmic pounding of our feet on the ground helped clear some of the frustration I felt, but as soon as we finished, I didn't head back to my room. Instead, I stayed behind at the training area, directing my anger and frustration into a heavy punching bag.
I threw punch after punch, each strike feeling like an attempt to fight off the doubts and weaknesses that plagued me. My knuckles were starting to sting, but I didn't care. I was determined to push myself beyond my limits.
Yumi who I didn't know had been watching me approached, watching my effort with a critical eye. "Your punches don't do any harm," she said, her tone direct. "You need to put more technique into it."
I grunted in response but didn't stop. I was too absorbed in my own struggle to engage in conversation. Yumi stepped in front of me and grabbed both of my hands, halting my punches.
"What do you want?" I snapped, frustration leaking into my voice.
She didn't flinch, meeting my gaze with calm determination. "I want to help you. You're obviously trying hard, but you're doing it wrong. Watch me."
She demonstrated a series of precise, powerful punches, her movements smooth and controlled. As she moved, she ducked and weaved with impressive skill, showing how to channel force and use proper technique.
After her demonstration, she turned back to me with a serious look. "I'll train you. Whether you like it or not. If I don't see you improving, I'll make sure you're sent back as a vegetable. This place isn't for the weak, and you need to be ready."
She smiled then, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "So, either you accept my help, or you face the consequences. The choice is yours."
With that, Yumi turned and walked away, her laughter echoing faintly as she left. I stood there, the weight of her words sinking in. Why was someone as smart as she is taking an interest in me. I exhaled, she was right. If I wanted to survive and succeed here, I needed to change and improve rapidly. Her offer of training, though begrudgingly accepted, was a chance I couldn't afford to ignore.
I would take her up on the training. If Yumi could help me become stronger, I was willing to put in the effort, no matter how difficult it might be.