*𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙+𝘽𝙞𝙜 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧*
"Tomorrow... Is the day when the next headmaster of the clan will be chosen," Mumbled Touma.
"Hm," Yamaken also became demur as he thought about what might happen on the next day, "That means we got a big day tomorrow."
"Yeah," Touma mumbled again before asking Yamaken out of the blue, "By the way, how old are you?"
"Me?" Yamaken pointed at himself, "I'm gonna turn 19 this year on 31st December. Why?"
"Oh, you're way too older than me.."
"What's the matter?"
Touma snapped out of his daze, "Huh? No, I mean... I would appreciate a friend here.. I guess?"
This made Yamaken laugh out loud, "What is this? Oh my, Touma what's wrong with you!"
"What?" Touma also let out laughter, "I'm just saying!"
"No, it's okay. It's just way too unexpected of a change," Yamaken breathed, "Anyway, how old are you?"
"I'm turning 18 this year," Touma replied promptly.
Yamaken nodded slowly, "If you're wanting to have a friend here who's the same age as you, you can befriend Saki, William, Yukine or Mabuchi. There are some others, too."
"Aren't William and Mabuchi seniors?"
"Well, they are going to turn 18 this year but as they are really good fighters and are skilled, their ranks improved way more faster compared to their age. But, they are friendly people, so it'll be good for you if you have them as your friends," Yamaken gave Touma a reassuring smile.
Touma returned the smile. He wasn't sure why he was doing what he was doing but he was sure, that he won't be regretting his actions later. That's what his instincts was telling him. After he observed Kaori and the rest, he also can't help but think that Kaori really is meant to be the leader of this clan.
"Touma?" As Yamaken called his name, he came back to reality.
"Yes?"
"Aren't you going back to your home? Are you going to join the rest of us and stay here?" Yamaken asked with curiosity.
"Um, I- I don't know.. I think I'll decide depending on the situation and the time," Said Touma.
"Let's go to sleep," He uttered all of a sudden, smiling at the elder, "It was fun talking to you."
Yamaken beamed at the younger, "Sure, I had fun, too."
The two lied on their bed, covering themselves with blanket.
Both of them were thinking the same thing - 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸?
*******
The next day.
It was the last weekend day before Yamaken and Kaori would go back to their school. In only one day, so many events had taken place that it didn't feel like only one day had passed at all.
Everyone of the clan was busy today with their studies and trainings. Kaori took three more combat classes - two on arrows and one more on knives. As expected, the students caught the techniques through practical examples the other day and they had improved and performed way better than before which made Kaori really satisfied.
She was bouncing with joy as today had satisfied her in every aspects that she didn't give it a thought when she was called by headmaster kazuma to his office. She straight up walked to his office while humming her favourite song.
It was already afternoon. The sun was glowing and the whole headquarters was coloured with it's mesmerizing warm light. There were chirping sounds of different birds while some other natural sounds followed the rather quiet atmosphere. Who would've thought that almost over three hundred people who had magical powers were living here? It'd totally sound like a fantasy to normal people.
Upon reaching the office door, Kaori knocked lowly.
With a soft, "Come in," Kaori entered the room to see Touma and her two shinki waiting for her along with headmaster Kazuma.
Kaori walked up to him and slightly bowed, showing respect to him, "Could I know why you called me here, headmaster?'
"No need to be polite, Kaori," He smiled gently, "Take a seat," He pointed at the vacant seat before him on which she sat down as he indicated.
"Why are you guys here?" She asked Yukine, Yamaken and Touma.
"That, I need them," Kazuma spoke on behalf of them.
"Anyway," He looked at Kaori who also turned at him, asking no further questions.
"Do you know what today is?" He asked her softly.
"What is it?" Kaori frowned.
"It's the day I am stepping down from my position," He said calmly, the gentle smile not leaving his lips.
Kaori's eyes widened, "You- what?" She couldn't process anything in her head that he had said.
"I'm stepping down from my position, Kaori. I have to, sooner or later," Kazuma sighed, "Now one of you two will be taking my position. But since Touma is, to be frank, the legal owner, he'll be taking my place as the next headmaster of this clan. I hope you understand, Kaori."
"I don't care about him! I don't give a thing for posting or power! I want everyone to have a peaceful life. But what's going to happen to you if you step down?" She asked desperately.
Kazuma's smile widened, "Kaori, I'm sincerely letting you know that my goal, which was to turn you into someone like your mother was. And I'm more than glad to say, I have achieved it. I'm a successful teacher."
"Sensei.." Kaori began to sob, "Are you going to leave us?"
"No, I'm staying here as a normal teacher. I'll pass down my knowledge from generation to generation. But I won't be respected as a headmaster or the leader of this clan any longer. Nor will I have the power that a headmaster has. Touma," He looked over at the boy, "I'm counting on you."
Touma slightly bowed his head in reply.
"Now, both of your grandfather, Sakagami Hiruki is going to visit us today. He will be here to see his grandson achieve the great position with his own eyes. Everyone has to be present, so keep it in mind Kaori. You'll be needed there the most after me. He will surely want to meet you," Kazuma instructed.
"Understood, headmaster," Kaori said softly.
He smiled at her, "My children, I had my life's most wonderful times with you all as the headmaster. I thank you for taking good care of me all these years."
At once, everyone in the room stood up and bowed at Kazuma, which surprised him.
"We should be thanking you, headmaster, for teaching us throughout all these years. Thank you, headmaster Kazuma," The four of them, said altogether.
Tears formed in Kazuma's eyes, "You're most welcome, my dear students."
*******
Kaori was blankly staring up at the blue sky when Yamaken approached her, "Hey, Kaori?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you okay?" He asked as he sat down under the big tree beside her.
"I don't know," She replied in an unsure tone.
"Kaori?" Yamaken called again.
"Yeah?"
"Look at me."
Kaori turned at Yamaken only to see him try to hide a smile, "What's wrong with you?" She asked suspiciously.
"Do you know what today is?"
"Yeah, Kazuma sensei is stepping down today," Kaori replied monotonously, which made Yamaken let out sigh.
"Girl, today is also that day."
"What day?" Kaori looked at Yamaken sharply.
"You know? Today is a special day for many reasons. One of the reasons is the one I'm talking about," He gave a grin before asking the perplexed Kaori, "Aren't you going to visit them?"
"Oh! Today is that day! I almost forgot! What are we waiting for? Let's hurry up, we're gonna be late to come back if we don't head out now," She grasped Yamaken's left wrist and dragged him along with her to their destination, making Yamaken smile helplessly.
*******
Headmaster's office.
Kazuma was staring out of the window when he heard a knock and someone come in, it was Yukine.
"He's here, sensei," He informed.
Kazuma nodded, "Bring him."
As Yukine left, Kazuma took his seat and waited.
After about some minutes, the door opened again, revealing Yukine and Touma with an aged man. Kazuma had stood up, no matter what had happened in the past, this old man was still his father.
The three walked up to Kazuma. As they did, Yukine and Touma stood in a distance while the old man stood before Kazuma.
The man had his head full of fluffy looking white hair his eyebrows had also turned white. He was still strong looking even if he was old now. His eyes were gray colour and they looked tired. His hands were folded behind his back as he stood up straight. This man, is the person who's began all the chaos - Sakagami Hiruki.
"Long time no see," He spoke with sly smirk.
"It's quite surprising to see that you didn't change at all, Sakagami-san," Kazuma replied.
"Then you must go see doctor. I'm afraid a person with eyesight problems shouldn't be ruling a clan full of people," Hiruki remarked.
"I meant, your personality," Kazuma slanted, which made Hiruki to stop, making Kazuma smirk.
"However, why are you saying all thosefor no reason when you sent Touma here to make me step down from my position anyway?" Kazuma asked, raising his eyebrow in question.
Hiruki frowned, "You have the guts to point me for something directly like this?"
"Sakagami-san," Kazuma's tone deepened, "You do know that I'm no longer the weak boy you knew, right? If I don't dare to talk to you like this after what you've done, who would?"
"Enough of this nonsense," Hiruki suddenly barked, "I want to meet an end to the reason why I am here today."
"Yes, that you will," Kazuma smiled, displeased, "Let's call everyone, Yukine."
He turned at the yellow haired boy who nodded and went out of the room at once.
"Where is she?" Hiruki suddenly asked Kazuma.
"Huh?"
"Ka-Kariu's daughter."
"She went somewhere. She'll be back soom," Kazuma replied curtly before storming out of the room, leaving the two other alone.
"Are you okay grandpa?" Touma asked Hiruki worriedly.
Hiruki gave a weak mile, "I'm fine, my grandson. I'm just nervous to meet her child."
"It's okay, grandpa. Kaori is really a great person, I'm sure she'll understand," Touma assured with a gentle smile.
"I hope so, too, my grandson, I hope so, too."
*******
There were long lines of students standing before the entrance of the huge white mansion, the headquarter building. Everyone was standing in attention, looking straight up ahead with hands folded on the back, waiting for something to happen.
While the students were standing by, all the teachers and the headmaster, along with his father Sakagami Hiruki, were standing before the students at the entrance of the building while facing them. Touma was standing on the left of his grandpa with them.
Kazuma had Hiruki on his left and he was expecting Kaori to be on his right but her spot was left vacant.
The other teachers were standing at the back, maintaining a little distance from the respectful characters.
Kazuma searched for Yamaken among the students with his eyes but he couldn't find him, either.
As Kaori was also one of the respectful and an important personality of this clan, everyone decided to wait for the girl to appear and fill in the spot.
Time passed by but neither Kaori nor Yamaken was showing up. While everyone was waiting patiently - since they all knew Kaori well and believed in her - grandpa Sakagami became impatient.
"Where is that girl of yours?" He spoke with annoyance, "Does she have no sense of responsibility? Why is she being late on such an event?" He demanded of Kazuma who was lost for words.
"She'll be here, let's wait a little bit more," He said helplessly, "Please," He pleaded quietly. Kazuma didn't want Kaori to be absent in this event, but where was she?
"We'll wait five more minutes, after that I can't wait any longer," Hiruki snapped, "I came here to watch my grandson's success. Not to get my time wasted by a irresponsible little girl!"
Wuthout knowing, Kazuma clicked his tongue, "She's not irresponsible," He muttered, inaudible.
𝘒𝘢𝘰𝘳𝘪, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶? 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵..
****************
Five minutes later.
"I'm done waiting," Hiruki announced, "Let's begin this, shall we?"
Kazuma sighed, "Yeah, let's-"
"I'm sorry we're late!"
Everyone turned to see Kaori and Yamaken enter through the entrance gate of the headquarter and walk up.
Aa Yamaken walked together with Kaori, he slipped into one of the lines of students midway while Kaori walked up to the platform and faced Kazuma with Touma and Hiruki - whom she didn't recognize.
She lowered her head as her hand was folded behind her back and she stood in attention, "I'm really sorry for the inconvenience, headmaster. Please forgive me."
Kazuma wanted to speak but Hiruki said before he could do so, "You behaved as an irresponsible. Do you think you'll be let go as not punished?"
A frown appeared on Kaori's face and she looked up directky at the man who spoke, "And may I have the honour to ask who (the hell) you are? (Do you even know whom you're talking to? You dare accuse me of being irresponsible, tsk tsk.)"
"What's with the expression?" Hiruki was taken aback.
"Nothing," Kaori softened her expression, "Who are you?"
"I'm Sakagami Hiruki. Here to attend my grandson's-"
"Please forgive my rude behaviour, sir," Kaori lowered her head once again. "It was wrong and so rude of me. I sincerely apologize."
"May I ask why you are late?" Hiruki softened by the sincerity in her voice.
"I-" Kaori hasitated before looking up and saying, "Today is my parent's death anniversary.."
Kazuma's eyes widened.
𝘬𝘢𝘰𝘳𝘪...
"Your parents were?" Hiruki asked, acting as if he didn't know anything.
"Sakagami Kariu and Sanemi Mimura," Kaori replied, "Your youngest daughter was my mother."
This time, all Kazuma, Touma and Hiruki's eyes widened by Kaori's boldness.
"You're really my-?" Hiruki asked slowly in disbelief.
"Yes, I'm your granddaughter, Kaori," Kaori smiled.
For some reason, tears filled up Hiruki's eyes and he looked all shaky.
Then he said, "I- Kaori, I'm really sorry for what I've done to your parents. I always wanted to ask for forgiveness, please forgive me."
All the students, teachers and everyone else present, were surprised by this. The previous headmaster, the founder of this clan, Sakagami Hiruki was begging for forgiveness from a mere 18 year old girl.
Kaori reached out and took her grandfather's hands, "It's okay. Actually, if you hadn't done it, we maybe wouldn't have had the time of our lives altogether. So you did a good thing, to be honest. It's just that their lives were supposed to end like that, that's why they left me alone in this world. It's not your fault. It's no one's fault."
As she said these, she tried to hold back her tears but it didn't help at all when the old man before her broke down in tears hearing her words.
"Thank you, Kaori," The crying man sobbed, "You indeed are your mother's daughter."
Kaori couldn't help but smile.
𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘺.
She looked over at Kazuma to seebhim silently shedding tears.
She remembered his words, the first time they met..
[Flashback]
"Hey, I'm Sakagami Kazuma," The young handsome looking man said with a warm smile, "I'm the younger brother of your late mom, Kariu."
The little girl nodded in reply and looked at Kazuma's eyes only to feel a comforting gaze.
"Did you know? You are a mixture of your mom and dad. But one thing is for sure, you have," He pointed at the girl's clear dark brown eyes, "Your mother's eyes. They are pretty," He smiled.
Finally, the little girl Kaori gave a small shy smile.
𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰, 𝘩𝘶𝘩? 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵. 𝘙𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘮𝘰𝘮?
[End Of Flashback]
*******************
The function began as some deep sound of drums followed.
As Kazuma walked forward, the drum sounds stopped.
"Everyone!" Kazuma spoke loudly, "It has been years since I became the headmaster and ruled the Power Clan. It has been a great honour to lead you all but sadly, my time has come to an end."
"I'm stepping down from my position with Hyoudou Touma - the grandson of Sakagami Hiruki, the founder of this clan - inheriting my position over. I hope you have a great future ahead with your new leader. Thank you," Kazuma stepped back to his place as he received loud claps from everyone.
Then, Touma walked forwards and stood before Kazuma, maintaining a distance. He was lowering his head and stood in attention, just like Kaori did.
Grandpa Sakagami looked really proud of him and his face was being with expectancy.
Kaori was standing on the right side of Kazuma with the same attentive posture like the rest of the students who were standing down there and she was looking at Touma, like them, too.
Kazuma stretched out his right hand and touched Touma's right shoulder with the tips of the fingers of his right hand, "Hyoudou Touma, the next headmaster to be in line. Though you are young, will you treat the Power Clan as your family and do your best to protect it from any kind of harm? Will you try to lead them with responsibility? Will you be able to take the responsibility of the power you are going to be taking charge of? Are you willing to take the role of being the headmaster and ruling this clan by leading it from the front?"
"...."
"Hyoudou Touma?"
"..."
"Touma? What's wrobg, my boy?" Grandpa Sakagami asked worriedly.
"That," Touma spoke loud and clear for everyone to hear.
Everyone was waiting for he rest of the part of his sentence.
"I think Kaori, will gladly accept all those conditions," He smiled softly at the girl as he said this, making everyone shocked.
"Grandpa," Touma walked towards the said old man, "Don't you agree with me?"
"Wh-what a-are you d-doing?" The old man was having too much shock in one day.
"Calm down," Touma patted his shoulder, "I meant what I said. Since you alrwady apologized for what you did, doesn't that mean Kaori is also a part of the Sakagami family right now?"
"I-"
"Yes, it does. Since she's also a part of the family and she was also taught by a headmaster, naturally, she can now have full right to be the next headmaster. Now, all this time, I wanted to rule Power Clan, but grandpa," He called.
"I still have a lobg way to go," He smiled helplessly before saying firmly, "That is, I personally prefer Kaori to be the headmaster. Please accept my request to make her the headmaster and the leader of this clan. I refuse to take the responsibility."
This was a tight spot. If Touma refused to take the responsibility, Kaori was naturally the only one they had left to turn to. And the same thing happened now, everyone looked at Kaori to hear her say something.
After a moment of silence, Kaori looked at Hiruki, "Is it okay?" She asked him as if she was asking for permission.
He stared at her for a long time before sighing, "Fine."
The students whooped loudly at this, they wanted Kaori to be it. Those who were in Kaori's team, clapped enthusiastically.
Then, Kazuma turned at Kaori to say the same thing he said to Touma but she stopped him, "Save your breath. I don't have any ither way but to take the responsibility so I'll take it."
He let out a small laugh before holding her hand up, facing all the staffs and the students, "Everyone, I give you, our new headmaster, Kaori."
"Hurray!"
"Woo-hoo!"
Everyone cheered and clapped before chanting, "Long live headmaster Kaori!"
Everyone was laugjing or smiling, even Touma and grandpa Sakagami Hiruki. He looked like he finally got a load off his shoulders.
For the next few moments, Kaori stood there waving at everyone with a happy face ans receiving cheers from everyone.
Soon, the sun was about to set and that's when everything changed.... Well, Kaori changed.
Kaori was walking down the platform and gathered with the students. The staffs, Kazuma, Touma, grandpa Sakagami and the students were all surrounding her.
That was when Saki said, "Hey look, it's the mark!" She pointed at Kaori's forearm.
The black mark that appeared on that place looked a lot like the clan's mark.
"The mark of the clan appears on your skin when you become the headmaster," Maki murmured.
"Do you feel different?" Saki asked curiously, maoing Kaori shrug.
"Nothing much, why?"
"I heard that being the headmaster gives your powers extra strength," She replied unsurely.
"Is that true?" Kaori asked Kazuma who nodded.
"Your strength will increase."
"Whoa," Eveyone hummed.
"Oh wait, Yamaken!" Kaori suddenly called, making him jump.
"Hub?" He asked, startled.
"Aren't we supposed to go back before evening? We have scho tomorrow!" She reminded him.
"Oh! Yeah!" He exclaimed.
"What are we doing? Let's go!" She began walking but got stopped by Kazuma.
"But you still have things to do as a headmaster," He began but Kaori stopped him with her hand.
"Listen, you do know that I won't be able to be here ao you'll have to be running things anyway. So that means, back to square one. But you won't have power this time, nevertheless please deal with everything here. I have a life of my own," She explained briskly, "But always call me up if there is an emergency situation. See ya," She did a 'V' sign and a wink as she took Yamaken by the arm and dragged him off to a place where there was space.
"Good luck, mates," She waved at everyone. Yamaken followed her helplessly.
"Portal, to my home."
The two entered the portal and left the place.
"She's maybe the most odd person I've ever met," Hiruki commented blankly, making Kazuma laugh.
"Well, that's our Kaori for you," He replied, smiling.
"You just said whay we wanted to say," Everyone agreed with their sensei.
Hiruki smiled, "And I liked her so far."
Everyone laughed, Touma and Kazuma, too. They knew why he said that.
𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦..
⭐🌟⭐❤⭐❤⭐❤⭐❤⭐❤⭐❤⭐🌟⭐