In this world, "Ki" is the internal energy within all living beings. Utilizing Ki, humans can enhance their combat skill, strengthen their body, or manipulate elements like water, earth, air, fire. Mastering such power required proper training.
Although, I've only been taught the basics of Ki, I'm sure I'll get a better grasps on it soon enough.
My father and I were sparring again, just like we had for the last two years. The sound of our wooden swords clashing echo'd through the courtyard. I've gotten a lot better. My movements were smoother, and I wasn't the weak kid I used to be. My body was stronger, faster, and the system rewarded me for it.
But no matter how much I improved, my father was still three steps ahead. His strikes were fast, and I could barely keep up. The gap was closing, but not enough.
"Focus, Takeda." my father said, easily dodging my strike and knocking me down. "You've gotten stronger, but your mind is still stiff. You need to predict your opponent."
I gritted my teeth in frustration, but I got back up. "I know."
He nodded and put his sword away. "That's enough for today." His voice sounded different.
I wiped the sweat from my face and stood up straight. "What's going on?" I asked, knowing he was hiding something.
"Follow me." he said. We walked to the edge of the training grounds—overlooking the estate, an expansion of maintained gardens and traditional buildings. The sun, lower in the horizon, casted a golden beam over the area.
My father looked out for a moment before speaking.
"You've become strong these past two years." he said. "Way stronger than I expected. But it's time for you to move on."
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
He turned to face me. "You've learned the basics of Ki and what it means to be a shinobi. But there's more out there. The Ki I taught you is just the basics. There's a lot more to it. In the world out there, noble families use different ways to manipulate it."
"Although, you've only grasped what a shinobi can do, it seems you've mastered it well." He said firmly.
I blinked, surprised. I hadn't thought about other forms of Ki. My focus had been on mastering the basics. This opened up a new world of possibilities.
"There's an academy." he continued, "where noble samurai families send their kids to learn. It's a prestigious place, and only the best can enter."
Academy? A school? A fighting school for kids??
I raised an eyebrow. "So, what does this have to do with me?"
He smirked. "I have a friend from my younger days who's in charge of the academy. He owes me a favor, and he's agreed to get you in."
My heart raced. The idea of going to an academy where I could learn new things was exciting. But it was also dangerous.
"You want me to pretend I'm one of them?" I asked.
He nodded. "You can't tell anyone you're a shinobi. Samurai families look down on us. If they find out who you are, it'll be dangerous. But this is your best chance to learn more about Ki."
I thought about it for a moment. Deception wasn't new to me; I was an assassin in my past life, after all.
"When do I leave?" I asked.
"Tomorrow." he replied. "You'll enter the academy as a wandering orphan with no ties to any clan. You'll need to be careful, but I trust you."
I clenched my fists, feeling the challenge ahead. "And what will I be learning there?"
"The academy teaches many techniques." he said. "Like I once told you before, us humans can use Ki to enhance our bodies, control elements, or summon creatures. You'll see power unlike anything you've imagined."
I felt a shiver crawl down my spine. As he spoke, I realized how little I really knew. There was so much I hadn't tapped into. The Yamigan, the power I got from the scroll, was still a mystery, and maybe the academy could help me figure it out.
"But remember." my father said in a low voice, "no matter what you learn, never forget who you are. You're a shinobi, born in the shadows. Stay true to that."
I nodded. "I won't forget."
"Good." he said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Now go rest. Tomorrow, your journey begins."
As I walked back to my room, I couldn't stop thinking about what was ahead. I was now level 9, and the training had prepared me for this, but I knew the academy would push me harder.
This world was bigger than I thought, and I was just getting started. But one thing was clear: no matter what challenges I faced, I'd overcome them.
After all, I wasn't just Takeda, the son of a shinobi. I was Damian West, the world's greatest assassin.
The courtyard was awfully quiet as I headed back to my room, my mind filled with thoughts. Tomorrow is the day I leave. The thought of it was heavy, but excitement filled up inside me. The academy was a place of great opportunity, where I could learn things that even my father didn't teach me. But it was also a dangerous place, filled with nobles who would look down on me if they knew my true identity.
In my previous life, Samurai lived by honor. Do they look down on us because we fight in the shadows?
I laid down on my bed, staring at the wooden ceiling. My body still aching from this mornings training, every muscle sore. I had worked hard over the last two years and changed a lot. Even so, I still felt the gap between me and my father. He was far ahead. Each sparring session showed me just how much I needed to improve. I had made progress, but it wasn't enough.
I smiled slightly. The system started to reward my thoughts now, like it knew exactly when I was ready for the next step. It was comforting and a reminder of my past life—the assassin I once was.
Damian West. The name didn't feel right, even so the skills and instincts were still in me. Now, as Takeda Hanzo, I had a chance to become something greater.
The academy, Samurai, and new ways to use Ki. I'd never imagined such things in my old life. I wondered what kind of people I would meet and what challenges I would face. Could I even trust anyone there? Doubts filled my mind. Trust had been my downfall as Damian.
I closed my eyes, letting the day take over. After tomorrow, there would be no more training with my father. The academy would push me in ways I couldn't predict, but I was ready. No matter how they used Ki, I'll learn everything. I'll become the strongest there.
And when I did, they wouldn't see it coming.