Rising Talent

AUTHOR NOTE: DIRECTOR'S JIN POINT OF VIEW

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The morning sunlight filtered through the thin paper windows of my office, casting long, dappled shadows across the floor. I leaned back in my chair, the comforting silence of the room doing little to ease my restless thoughts. For years, I had overseen this academy, nurturing talent and shaping warriors. Yet today, I found my mind occupied by a name: Takeda Hanzo.

Takeda was more than just a new student. He was a storm waiting to descend upon the academy. And from the whispers echoing in the halls, it seemed that storm had already arrived.

I still remembered the day Takeshi • approached me. The infamous shinobi, a shadow among shadows, had asked me for something I couldn't have anticipated. He wanted his son, Takeda, to join the academy—not as the heir to the Hanzo lineage, but as an orphan, blending unnoticed into the ranks of samurai noble students.

It was audacious. Dangerous. And yet, I couldn't refuse him.

Takeshi's pride in his son was evident, but beneath that pride was a flicker of uncertainty. It was rare to see a man like Takeshi wrestle with doubt, but it was that very doubt that convinced me. Takeda wasn't just another student. He was something far more complex—far more dangerous.

"Raise him in a world of challenges." Takeshi had said, his voice steady yet burdened. "And you'll see what he's capable of."

I agreed, and from the moment Takeda set foot in Ember Academy, he began to carve a path unlike any I've seen. Yet today, that path had taken an unexpected turn.

A knock shattered the tranquility of my office. I straightened, folding my hands beneath my chin. "Enter."

One of my aides stepped inside, her expression pale and nervous. She bowed deeply, her voice trembling. "Director Jin, I bring urgent news from the training grounds."

I nodded, signaling for her to continue.

"It's about Takeda. He defeated Instructor Akashi."

I raised an eyebrow. "Instructor Akashi?"

"Yes, sir." she said, swallowing hard. "And… it was without Ki."

Without Ki. That was unexpected. Akashi's pride was his mastery of Ki, and for him to lose against a student—especially without Ki—was almost unthinkable.

"Very well." I said, my voice even. "You may leave."

She bowed again and hurried out, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Takeda had done it. He'd not only challenged an instructor but defeated him under strict limitations. And it wasn't just any instructor—it was Akashi, one of the academy's finest. The implications were staggering.

I rose from my chair, walking to the window. From here, I could see the training grounds. Clusters of students lingered, their animated conversations no doubt centered on Takeda's feat. His victory wasn't just a personal achievement—it was a statement.

The academy thrived on hierarchy, and Takeda, an "orphan" had just shattered those carefully constructed ranks. He had earned not just respect but scrutiny.

Another knock came, this one louder and more forceful. 

"Come in." I said, turning to face the door.

It opened to reveal Instructor Akashi. His usual composed demeanor was gone, replaced by barely restrained fury.

"Director Jin." he began, his voice sharp, "this is unacceptable."

I raised an eyebrow, gesturing for him to speak.

"That boy… that brat… humiliated me in front of the entire academy!" he seethed.

I waited, letting him vent.

"You let him challenge me, and now the students think they can undermine authority. He's not normal, Director. No student should have that kind of skill without Ki. He's hiding something!"

"Hiding something?" I repeated, my tone calm. "Are you suggesting Takeda cheated?"

Akashi faltered, clearly caught off guard. "No, but… there's something unnatural about him. No orphan fights like that."

I couldn't help but smile faintly. Of course, Akashi was right—Takeda wasn't an orphan. But that truth was a secret known only to a select few.

"Perhaps you underestimated him." I said, my words measured.

Akashi's face darkened. "You're defending him?"

"Akashi." I said, my tone firm, "you agreed to the match. Takeda earned his victory, and the academy thrives on merit. If you lost, it's a reflection of his strength—not your failure."

Akashi scowled but didn't argue further. With a curt bow, he left the room, his pride clearly wounded.

I returned to my desk, pondering the implications of the day's events. Takeda's actions would ripple through the academy, drawing both admiration and ire. He needed to understand the weight of his actions.

I called for my aide once more. "Bring Takeda Hanzo to my office."

"Yes, Director Jin."

Moments later, the door opened again. Takeda stepped inside, his posture confident but respectful.

"Congratulations on your victory," I said, gesturing for him to sit.

"Thank you, Director Jin." he replied, his voice steady.

"I understand you fought without Ki." I continued, studying him closely. "Impressive. But what was your intention? What were you hoping to achieve?"

Takeda hesitated, his gaze steady. "I wanted to prove myself," he said finally. "To show everyone that I'm not just… some orphan."

"And do you believe you succeeded?"

A small smile tugged at his lips. "Yes. I'm sure people will remember this."

"They will." I said, leaning forward. "But remember, Takeda: recognition comes with a cost. You've drawn attention, and with it, scrutiny. Are you prepared for what comes next?"

"I am." he said, the fire in his eyes unwavering.

We discussed his training, outlining a plan to refine his skills further. Takeda listened intently, his focus unwavering. He was determined, driven in a way that reminded me of his father.

Before he left, I offered one final piece of advice.

"Takeda." I said, "strength isn't just about fighting. It's about understanding yourself and those around you. The bonds you form here will shape your future."

"I'll remember that." he said, bowing slightly before leaving.

As the door closed behind him, I leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly. Takeda's journey was only beginning, but the storm he had unleashed would test him in ways even he couldn't predict.

Minutes later, another instructor entered, his expression grave.

"Director Jin." he began, "rumors are spreading about Takeda."

I frowned. "What kind of rumors?"

"Some students believe he's connected to a powerful clan. They can't believe an orphan could defeat Akashi."

I sighed. "Contain it. If word spreads, it could jeopardize him."

The instructor nodded and left, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more.

Takeda Hanzo was a storm in the making, and Ember Academy was his proving ground. What lay ahead would test not only his strength but his resolve.

And as I gazed out at the training grounds, I couldn't help but feel that Takeda's rise was only the beginning.

Rumors travel fast. If Takeda continues like this, it won't be students or instructors watching—- it'll be the Kansei.