TAKUMI TSURUGI
"Why did you do that?" I asked, reeling from the pain.
"To make you understand that I'm not joking with your life."
I frowned, my frustration bubbling over. "You think you know everything, don't you? Can't you just accept the fact that I don't want to argue with you?"
"If arguing is going to make you understand, we'll go over that until you're tired!" He answered.
I clenched my fist. "That demon took a student. I acted on instinct to protect them. Is that so wrong?"
Shinji's expression hardened. "It was a stupid act. You put yourself in danger without thinking. In a real fight, that kind of recklessness can get you killed."
I felt my anger flare. "You don't understand. I did what I did because I wanted to help. You're not the only one who's had to deal with demons. I have my reasons too. And I won't let you judge my actions."
Shinji's eyes narrowed, his face a mask of calm indifference. "You're not the only one fighting for revenge or justice. But you need to learn control. The battlefield is no place for emotions."
I clenched my fists tighter, feeling the heat of my anger. "Stay out of my way, Shinji. If you get in my path again, I won't hesitate to kill you."
Shinji's expression didn't change. He let out an empty chuckle. "You cannot push me away, Takumi. I'm not going anywhere. I'll protect you whether you like it or not."
I stared at him, my anger still simmering, was he serious? What was I, Cinderella? "I don't need your protection. I can handle things on my own."
Shinji's gaze softened slightly, but his tone remained firm. "You're now important to me, Takumi. I won't let any demon or anything else hurt you. Not on my watch."
I shook my head, unable to reconcile his words with my feelings. "I appreciate the sentiment, but right now, I just need space."
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away, my mind racing with conflicting thoughts. As I made my way back to the room, the cool night air did little to calm the storm inside me. Shinji's words and his insistence on protecting me felt infuriating.
I knew I had to focus on my training and prepare for the battles ahead. But the complexity of my emotions—anger, frustration, and a strange sense of being cared for—made it hard to find clarity. I resolved to clear my mind and regain my focus, knowing that in the days to come, I would need all my strength and resolve to face the demons I had long awaited for.
The next morning, the atmosphere was tense as we gathered in the central hall for an emergency meeting arranged by Rykeru Goro. He stood at the front, his expression as serious as ever. The room fell silent as he addressed us.
"Our base has been breached," Rykeru Goro began. "We've identified several weak points that demons have exploited to enter our territory. We need to act swiftly to contain the threat and secure our base."
He then unrolled a scroll and read from it. "I will be sending five trained students outside to address the issue. Your mission is to eliminate any demons trying to break in and close the breaches."
He paused and scanned the room before calling out names. "Shinji Takeru," he said, and Shinji stood up, his face unreadable as he glanced at me briefly. I looked away, I didn't know why I was here, I already knew Rykeru Goro would rather drink acid than pick me.
Next, Rykeru Goro called Yumi Yamamoto's name. She nodded with determination, though her eyes flickered with concern for what laid ahead.
"Kiyomasa Kobayashi" Rykeru Goro continued, and Kiyomasa gave a confident nod, his eyes showing readiness for the task.
The fourth name on the list was called. "Ayumi Ito," he announced. Ayumi stood up, her face set with resolve, but her eyes betrayed a hint of apprehension.
Finally, to my surprise, Rykeru Goro called my name. "Takumi Tsurugi."
I stood, feeling the weight of the room's gaze. My face must have shown my surprise because Rykeru Goro's eyes met mine briefly before he continued speaking.
Rykeru Goro addressed us, "You have two days to train and pick up your demon-slaying swords. On the third day, you will be leaving."
The room was filled with murmurs of approval and applause. As the other students clapped, I could see a mixture of admiration and envy in their eyes.
Rykeru Goro turned to Shinji. "Take care of the team, you're equal to the task." To Yumi, he said. "Back Shinji, he'll need it." To Kiyomasa and Ayumi, he told them to be careful and not let their guard down.
Finally, he stood before me, his his voice carrying a different tone. "Takumi, remember, you're going out there to face demons. Do not die." My anger simmered as he walked away.
The comment irritated me. It felt like a dismissal of my abilities and a reminder of my own inadequacies.
I clenched my fists but said nothing. Instead, I took my seat with a scowl, my mind racing with conflicting emotions and determination.
Shinji, Yumi, Kiyomasa, Ayumi, and I were the chosen ones. The weight of the responsibility and the upcoming mission pressed heavily on me. Rykeru Goro's words, though meant as motivation, only fueled my resolve to prove myself.