TAKUMI TSURUGI
A week had passed and I was getting familiar with the whole school and it's madness.
The morning sun was out indicating the starting of a new day. I walked to the training ground, as it had become a habit I started so I could groom myself. As I trained alone, the familiar rhythm of my strikes and the sweat soaking my clothes were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. I glanced over to see Rykeru Goro making his way towards me. His presence carried an air of authority that instantly commanded my attention.
He stopped a few feet away, surveying me with a critical eye. "I noticed you haven't come by my office recently," he said. "Considering you defeated Shinji, I thought you'd want to discuss how to go home."
I paused, lowering my sword. He was right, he promised my freedom if I defeated Shinji but did I really defeat him? I was out of control, I wasn't me. I faced him. "As much as I'd give anything to go back, my main goal here is to avenge my family. Ryujin Kuroba is the reason I'm here. I'll only return to the Fujimotos when I've accomplished that."
Rykeru Goro's expression shifted from curiosity to determination. "Very well. If you're so focused on your vengeance, then let's see if you're truly ready."
He extended a hand, signaling me to engage in a fight. I nodded in agreement, setting my stance. The moment the fight began, Rykeru Goro's speed was astonishing. He struck from every angle, his movements a blur. I struggled to keep up, each blow pushing me further into a state of panic.
"Fight harder!" Rykeru Goro urged as his attacks became more severe, each strike landing with increasing force. I could feel the pressure building, my frustration mounting with every missed block.
In a moment of intense frustration and fear, something inside me snapped. My anger and fury surged uncontrollably. I let out a loud cry, and with a newfound strength, I launched a series of rapid, powerful strikes. The sword felt like an extension of my very being, and I could sense the raw energy coursing through me.
Rykeru Goro struggled to maintain his balance, his movements faltering under the onslaught. I pressed my advantage, my attacks swift and precise. Finally, I managed to disarm him, sending his sword flying across the training ground. I stood over him, my sword poised dangerously close to his neck.
Panting heavily, Rykeru Goro looked up at me with a mix of exhaustion and respect. "Congratulations," he said between breaths. "Your anger truly brings out the fighter in you."
I lowered my sword, my heart still racing. "I don't like that side of me," I said, my voice strained. "My anger and thirst for vengeance make me feel inhumane. I don't want to hurt my friends or lose control like that."
Rykeru Goro's eyes narrowed slightly, though he remained composed. "There's nothing wrong with harnessing your anger. It can be a powerful tool."
"No," I replied firmly. "Everything is wrong with it." Without waiting for his response, I walked away, my mind clouded with the conflict between my quest for vengeance and the fear of losing myself in the process.
As I left the training area, the weight of my actions and the consequences of my anger lingered heavily on my shoulders. The battle with Rykeru Goro had shown me the power I possessed but also the peril it entailed. I needed to find a balance between my drive for revenge and the person I wanted to be, before it consumed everything I cared about.
As I made my way back to my room, my thoughts were still tangled from the day's events. The corridor was dimly lit, and the muffled sounds of conversations drifted through the walls. Just as I turned a corner, I spotted Yumi approaching me with a warm smile.
"Takumi!" she called out, her voice cheerful and light.
I nodded in acknowledgment. "Hey, Yumi."
She stopped in front of me, still smiling. "There's a small party happening next week. It's a tradition here, and I'd really like you to take me to it."
I raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in my voice. "Why are we having a party when Ryujin Kuroba, the man who took everything from us, is still out there?"
Yumi's smile didn't waver. "It's a tradition, and it's not like other parties. It's a way to honor our progress and bond as a community, despite everything. It's important to keep some semblance of normalcy and celebrate our achievements."
I sighed, not entirely convinced but too worn out to argue further. "I guess so. I'll take you."
Before I could say anything else, Yumi surprised me by wrapping her arms around my neck in a quick embrace. The action was so sudden that I froze, caught off guard. Her touch was warm, and her words were soothing. "You'll be fine, Takumi. Just try to enjoy it."
I managed a smile, though I was still a bit bewildered by her gesture. "Thanks, Yumi."
She released me and gave me one last smile before turning and walking away, her steps light and confident. I watched her go, feeling a strange mix of emotions, but I brushed it off immediately. I was here for vengeance, and once I had killed Ryujin Kuroba, I was going back to the Fujimotos.
With a thoughtful sigh, I continued down the corridor and headed back to my room.
On arrival at my room, I opened the door to see Kiyomasa and Shinji engrossed in a video game. The room was filled with the sounds of digital explosions and the occasional shout of victory or frustration.
Kiyomasa looked up as I entered. "Where have you been?" he asked with genuine curiosity.
"Outside," I replied, keeping my voice neutral. Shinji didn't look up from the game or acknowledge me.
I walked over to my bed and laid down, turning my face to the wall. My mind was still racing from the earlier training, trying to find some semblance of peace. The room was silent for a moment, aside from the game sounds, until Shinji's voice cut through.
"You stand no chance with Yumi," Shinji said, his tone blunt.
I chuckled softly, finding some amusement in his words. As I faced him, I said. "Is that because you're pained that Yumi picked me for the party?"
Shinji barely glanced at me, his eyes still focused on the screen. "I don't care. Just don't get too attached to people. On the battlefield, not all of us will make it out alive."
"When the time comes," I said, trying to sound reassuring. "But for now, I'll enjoy the company of my friends."
As I turned back to face the wall, I felt the bed shift beside me. Someone climbed onto it and laid down next to me. I glanced over and saw Shinji settled beside me. "Get off the bed," I said, trying to keep my tone light.
Shinji smirked. "Didn't you just say you'd enjoy the company of your friends?"
Was he serious? I was nothing to Shinji, he didn't miss a chance to tell me, using his actions. However, I could only laugh, a genuine sound that felt good after the day's strain. "So, are you finally accepting me as your friend?"
"Shut up," Shinji replied, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice.
As we lay there, Kiyomasa joined us, plopping down on the bed with an enthusiastic grin. "Roommate get-together!" he announced. "I'm glad to see you two getting along. It's about time!"
"Whatever," I whispered.
"But don't you think it's weird we're this close? I mean it's so absurd and.."
"Shut up!" I and Shinji chorused and was followed by laughter. For a moment, we just laid there, maybe I had lost my birth family to Ryujin Kuroba, but Shinji and Kiyomasa were two people that started to make meaning in my life. I swear to do all I can to protect them, no matter what.
I shut my eyes and let the sleep take over me, tomorrow would think of itself.