My mother, with a worried voice, answered the phone:
"Tell me what happened! Is my son okay?"
I could hear Detective Morgan explaining what had happened, mentioning the fight and how Kiyo had been more affected than me. Morgan assured her that both Minata and I were fine and that we would soon be able to return home.
"However, I want you to understand that these types of altercations in public places can have legal consequences. It's important that your son understands the seriousness of the situation and avoids getting involved in future fights," said the detective firmly.
My mother thanked him for the call and expressed her concern for my safety. She promised him that she would talk to me to make sure I understood the consequences of what had happened. Both agreed to stay in touch, and then Morgan said goodbye, wishing us a quick recovery.
When the ambulance arrived, Kiyo was taken to the hospital for treatment. We then decided to go home, knowing my mother would be waiting for us there.
When we arrived home, my mother greeted us in silence, but her eyes said it all: worry, relief, and a sadness she tried to hide behind her calm demeanor. As we told her everything, she nodded softly, cleaning our wounds with trembling hands, as if every scratch was a wound she also carried in her soul.
"You have to be more careful and avoid getting into dangerous situations," she warned us. "If you find yourselves in trouble, look for an adult, don't face it alone."
After treating us, she prepared dinner so we could relax a bit. During the meal, we tried to set aside what had happened and focus on lighter topics.
Later that night, my mother wished us goodnight and reminded us that she would always be there for us. Minata and I went to rest, hoping the days to come would be calmer.
Two relatively peaceful weeks passed. Kiyo was still recovering. I couldn't get the promise Kiyo had made to Minata to teach me how to fight out of my head. Although I hadn't had any contact with him since the incident, I knew that eventually I would have to face that reality.
One afternoon, while I was in my room, Minata came to tell me that Kiyo had called. The conversation had been brief, but Kiyo wanted me to meet him to start the training. I felt a momentary laziness at the thought of going out, but I knew I had to learn how to defend myself. After everything that had happened, it wasn't just for me anymore; it was for Minata too. I couldn't let her get hurt because of me.
With a sigh, I got ready to go. I knew this training wouldn't be easy, but it was necessary.
I arrived at the address Minata had given me and stopped in front of the dojo, an imposing structure in a vibrant red. The statues of the Konoha Tengu stood tall, as if watching every move I made. Their stone eyes seemed alive, judging me, evaluating whether I was worthy of crossing the threshold. The symbol of Sojobo was carved into the door.
With a mix of awe and excitement, I paused for a moment to admire the dojo. It was impressive, much more than I had imagined.
Suddenly, the enormous doors of the dojo slowly opened, and there was Kiyo, wearing a rather peculiar outfit that I couldn't ignore.
"Hello, Kirata," he greeted me seriously.
"Sorry, but… what are you wearing?" I asked, trying not to burst out laughing.
"It's a cassock, and if you want to train here, you have to wear it," he replied with complete seriousness.
"Nah, thanks. I don't want to look like a nun," I replied, joking as I entered the dojo.
As I crossed the door, everything changed. The walls were adorned with elegant paintings depicting the legendary Tengus, beings I knew had great power and wisdom.
The main hall of the dojo was enormous, filled with vibrant colors and exquisite details. The statues of the Konoha Tengu were everywhere, in different poses, as if watching over the place with their imposing presence. I felt a mix of serenity and respect as my feet echoed on the polished wooden floor.
My eyes landed on the Tengu masks that decorated the walls. Some looked defiant, while others conveyed a kind of deep wisdom. I was mesmerized by the details, unable to decide what drew my attention the most.
In one corner, I saw a small altar, adorned with incense that filled the air with a sacred fragrance. The soft sound of a nearby fountain completed the atmosphere, giving it a touch of tranquility that almost made me forget everything I had been through.
I was absorbed in all of this when I heard Kiyo's voice cutting through the silence.
"HEY! I told you not to come in without the cassock."
"How do you expect me to train in that nun outfit? Can you even move in it?"
Kiyo looked at me seriously. His tone shifted slightly as he explained:
"It's not just a simple outfit," Kiyo said with a seriousness that hit deep. "This cassock is what I always wore when I trained with my grandfather. Every stitch, every fold, holds memories. Training here without wearing it would be like forgetting everything he taught me."
His tone, all of a sudden, had a touch of nostalgia. I could tell how much that outfit meant to him.
"Wow, is this from your grandfather? He must be an incredible man. Where is he now?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"He disappeared two years ago."
His tone changed, and in his eyes, I saw something I hadn't seen before: a mix of nostalgia and pain. It was as if mentioning his grandfather had unearthed a memory that still weighed heavily on his soul. The dojo and the cassock weren't just things from the past; they were all that remained of a lost connection.
"I'm sorry..." I said, lowering my gaze. I wanted to do something to ease the moment, so I made the decision.
I never imagined myself dressing like this, I thought as I put on the cassock, feeling the weight of the fabric on my shoulders. I'm doing this out of respect, not just for him, but for what this place means. If I'm going to train here, I want to do it right, with everything that entails.