First Lesson

The first thing I noticed as I stepped into the classroom was how different it felt from the training halls back home. At first glance, it looked like a standard classroom, with rows of neatly arranged wooden desks. But the center of the room revealed its true purpose—a sparring area, padded and pristine, as if daring the students to test their limits.

The high ceilings were adorned with intricate designs, and sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting golden patterns on the polished wooden floors. The air carried a quiet tension, the kind that came from too many egos in one place.

As I walked further in, I felt their eyes—sharp, calculating, and curious. Nobles, the kind who could never resist gossip or the scent of competition. They already knew who I was—or rather, who I was supposed to be. The orphan who had somehow been invited into their prestigious ranks. The rumored four-elemental prodigy.

I kept my face neutral, my hands relaxed at my sides, but my senses stayed alert. The whispers reached my ears before I even made it to my seat.

"Is that him?"

"They say he can control all four elements."

"An orphan? Here?"

Of course. Nobles love their gossip.

I ignored them, letting my gaze drift over the room. Most students watched me with veiled curiosity or quiet disdain. A few looked openly hostile. None of it mattered. Only Director Jin knew the truth: I wasn't some hapless orphan stumbling into their world—I was a shinobi.

"Attention!" someone whispered urgently. "Instructor Hiroto is coming."

The room stilled as a tall, stern-faced man entered. His dark eyes swept over the students before landing on me. His gaze wasn't unkind, but there was weight in it—a silent challenge, as if asking, Are you worth my time?

"This is our new student, Takeda." Hiroto said, his deep voice commanding attention. "You've all heard the rumors, I'm sure. Treat him as you would any other noble."

The last sentence was an order, but I saw the sidelong glances exchanged between students. They didn't see me as an equal. Not yet.

"Takeda, introduce yourself." Hiroto said, nodding toward me.

I stepped forward, keeping my posture relaxed but respectful. "My name is Takeda." I said simply. No need for embellishments.

The room fell silent, the weight of my words lingering. Then, a girl at the front stood up, a small smile curving her lips.

"I'm Aiko Tachibana." she said, her voice smooth, her black hair falling in perfect waves down her back. Her face was striking—both pretty and sharp. "My family controls most of the southern trade routes. I look forward to seeing what you can do."

Her smile didn't reach her eyes. Her introduction wasn't friendly; it was a challenge.

Next, a tall boy with short-cropped brown hair stood up. "Hiroshi Fujimoto." he said, his broad shoulders and intense glare screaming authority. "My family oversees the military garrisons along the eastern border. Welcome."

Another noble trying to size me up. How predictable.

One by one, more students introduced themselves. Each name carried weight—descendants of noble families from across the land. I replied politely, but I could feel the undercurrent of their curiosity. They weren't just welcoming me—they were trying to measure me.

Then, the door opened, and the room shifted. A boy with bright silver hair strode in, his presence commanding attention. The nobles straightened instinctively, their gazes darting between him and me.

"Ah, Ryu." Hiroto said, his tone noticeably more respectful. "Nice of you to join us."

Ryu Kazuki. The name alone carried weight. Even without an introduction, it was clear he was someone important. His relaxed grin and the way he carried himself spoke of power—and the awareness of it.

He looked at me, his eyes sharp and curious. "So, you're the new guy." he said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Takeda." I replied, bowing slightly.

The exchange was brief, but I could already feel the tension between us. Ryu wasn't here to welcome me. He was here to test me.

"Now that introductions are over." Hiroto said, breaking the silence, "we will begin today's lesson. You'll partner up and demonstrate what you've learned about controlling your Ki. I want to see practical application."

The room erupted into murmurs as students began pairing off. I didn't have to wait long before Hiroshi approached me, his expression calm but determined.

"Takeda." he said, "care for a spar?"

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. "Of course."

We stepped into the sparring area, the other students forming a loose circle around us. Hiroshi rolled his shoulders, his stance relaxed but ready.

"Don't hold back." he said, a hint of challenge in his tone.

I didn't respond. Instead, I took my stance, focusing on the flow of Ki through my body.

Hiroshi charged first, his speed impressive but predictable. I dodged easily, analyzing his movements. He was strong, but his attacks lacked precision. He relied too much on brute force.

Within seconds, I saw an opening. I stepped into his guard and delivered a swift, Ki-infused strike to his chest. Not full force, but enough to make him stagger back, his eyes wide with shock.

"So… fast." he muttered, his stance faltering.

Before he could recover, Hiroto's voice rang out. "Enough. Well done, Takeda."

The sparring matches continued, each noble stepping up to test me, each one falling in turn. Aiko was faster than Hiroshi but impulsive, leaving herself open to a counter. The others were stronger or more refined, but none of them could match my experience.

Finally, Ryu Kazuki stepped forward. The room fell silent as he approached, his silver hair catching the light.

"Mind if I take a shot?" he asked, his tone casual.

The air around us grew tense. This wasn't just another sparring match. This was a challenge.

I nodded, stepping onto the mat. Ryu stood across from me, his stance relaxed, but I could feel the power radiating from him.

"Let's make this interesting." he said, raising a hand. Flames flickered to life around his fingers, his Ki infused with fire.

The moment Hiroto gave the signal, Ryu launched forward, the air around him distorting with heat. He was fast—faster than anyone else I'd faced today. I dodged his first strike, the flames scorching the air where I'd just been.

I summoned my Ki, sending a gust of wind to counter his flames. The two elements clashed, creating a whirlwind of energy between us.

System Notification:

Ryu grinned, clearly enjoying the fight. His strikes became more aggressive, each one testing my defenses. I met him blow for blow, my Ki weaving through the air to counter his attacks.

For a moment, we were evenly matched. Then I saw it—the tiniest hesitation in his movements. He was overextending.

I shifted my stance, channeling my Ki into a single, precise strike. Stepping into his guard, I knocked his flames aside and delivered a sharp punch to his chest.

Ryu staggered back, his flames flickering out.

The room fell silent as he caught his breath. Then, to my surprise, he laughed.

"Well played." he said, brushing off his uniform. "You've got skill, Takeda. I'll give you that."

System Notification:

He extended a hand, and I shook it, recognizing the honor in the gesture.

The other students whispered among themselves, their awe and respect palpable. But I didn't let it get to me. This was only the beginning.

The academy would witness my growth, and they had no idea what was coming.