As I walk into the classroom, I couldn't help but be amazed. a normal classroom like the ones in my previous life, what made it different was the huge sparring area.
It had a high ceiling filled with intricate designs, and the walls filled with wooden panels. It had large windows with sunlight casting patterns onto the wooden floors.
In the sparring area, it stood in the center of the room. Filled with a soft, padded surface. A complete different look from the wooden desks surrounding it.
I took a quick glance around as the air in the classroom was filled with tension, I could feel eyes on me from every angle. I kept my face neutral, my hands calmly resting at my sides, but I already knew what they were thinking. The new student—an "orphan" who had somehow appeared in their ranks—not only that, but was rumored to be a four elemental user.
Of course, I heard the whispers before I even walked into the room. Nobles love to gossip. I wasn't surprised. My abilities were bound to draw attention in a place like this. Only Director Jin knew the truth, that I wasn't some clueless orphan, I'm a shinobi.
"Instructor Hiroto is coming." someone said, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I glanced towards the front of the room as the tall, stern-faced instructor entered. His dark eyes swept over the students before landing on me. His look wasn't rude in any way, but there was a weight to it—like a challenge. The same look all instructors gave students when they were trying to see what they were made of.
"This is our new student, Takeda." Hiroto said, his voice deep and steady. "You've all heard the rumors, I'm sure. It's unusual for a new student to appear. Anyway, Treat him like you would with any other noble in this room."
The last part was an order, but I saw the way some students exchanged glances. I wasn't like the others. Not even close.
"Takeda, why don't you introduce yourself?" Hiroto asked, nodding toward me.
I stepped forward, keeping my posture relaxed. "My name is Takeda Hanzo" I began, keeping it short. No point in saying more than necessary.
The room was silent for a moment, before a student at the front stood up with a smile. "I'm Aiko Tachibana." she said, her voice smooth. Her dark black hair flowing down her back, a face that was pretty, yet sharp. "You may have heard of my family. We control most of the southern trade routes. I look forward to seeing what you can do."
She sat back down, still smiling, but there was something sharp in her eyes. It wasn't a friendly introduction; it was a practially a challenge.
Next, a tall boy with short-cropped brown hair stood up. "Hiroshi Fujimoto." he said simply, his broad shoulders and intense glare showing that he wanted to be taken serious. "My family oversees the military garrisons along the eastern border. Welcome."
He didn't say much, but the way he held himself felt like he was trying to assert authority. ha, just another noble sizing me up.
One by one, a few others introduced themselves, each name more impressive than the last. Nobles from every part of the land, each one eager to know more about me. I kept my replies simple and polite, but I knew what they really wanted. They were wanting to see if the rumors were true.
Just like that, the introductions were over, the door to the room opened, and a boy with bright silver hair enters. His presence immediately put everyone into attention, and the students around him seemed to stiffen.
"Ah, Ryu." Instructor Hiroto said. "Nice of you to join us."
He's definitely stronger than the others, not only that his nobility was on a higher level.
The boy, Ryu Kazuki— Grinned. "I was told there's a new student worth meeting." He glanced in my direction. "So it's you, huh?" He said with a smile.
He didn't introduce himself formally like the others. He didn't need to. His reputation spoke for itself. But I could tell by the way he looked at me that he wasn't here to make friends. He was here to see if I was a threat.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Takeda" i replied, with a slight bow showing respect. I'm not sure what it is, i can tell he's a prominent figure. Someone that can make all the noble kids around instantly go into attention.
"Now that introductions are over." Hiroto said, breaking the silence, "we will begin our lesson for today. You will partner up and demonstrate what you've learned about controlling your Ki. I want to see practical application."
A murmur went through the room as students began pairing off. It wasn't long before I was approached by Hiroshi, the tall noble who had introduced himself earlier.
"Takeda, care for a spar?" he asked, his voice steady.
I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. Sparring was exactly what I needed to assess these nobles' skills. I won't have to go all out. Hell, i could tell these kids can be beat without Phantom Step.
We stepped into the sparring area as the other students formed a circle around us, eager to watch. 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, feeling the flow of Ki through my body. The spar began without much warning, Hiroshi charged forward with a burst of speed. I dodged his first attack easily, analyzing his form. He was strong, but his movements were too predictable.
Within seconds, I saw an opening. I stepped into his guard, delivering a swift blow to his chest with a Ki-infused fist, not using full force. Hiroshi grunted and staggered back, eyes wide with shock.
"What the hell? So…fast." he muttered, regaining his stance.
I gave him a small nod, but before he could strike again, Hiroto's voice rang out. "Enough. Well done, Takeda."
The other students murmured among themselves, some looking impressed, others wary. I stepped off the mat, but it wasn't long before another noble approached me—Aiko, her smile still in place.
I didn't hesitate, I stepped back onto the mat. Aiko was fast—faster than Hiroshi—but she was impulsive. She rushed at me with a flurry of kicks, each one more aggressive than the last. I blocked them easily, sidestepping her attacks until she left herself open. With a quick sweep of my leg, I knocked her off balance, sending her to the mat.
She blinked up at me in surprise, then gave a short laugh. "Not bad." she said, brushing herself off as she stood.
The matches continued like this, each noble stepping up to challenge me, each one falling in turn. I didn't use my full strength, but I didn't need to. My training as a shinobi had prepared me for far more dangerous opponents. These students, despite their noble blood, were still inexperienced.
Finally, Ryu Kazuki stepped forward, the crowd parting for him as he moved. His silver hair gleamed in the light, and his confident smirk was impossible to miss.
"Mind if I take a shot?" he asked, his tone casual.
I could feel the shift in the room. This wasn't just another sparring match. Everyone wanted to see how I would fare against this kid.
I nodded, stepping onto the mat once more. Ryu stood across from me, his stance relaxed, but I could sense the power radiating from him. He wasn't like the others. He was different.
"Let's make this interesting." Ryu said, raising his hand. I watched as flames flickered around his fingers, his Ki infused with the element of fire.
He grinned. "Show me what you've got, Takeda."
The moment Instructor Hiroto gave the signal, Ryu launched forward, the air around him surrounded with heat. I dodged his first strike, the flames bursting the air where I had just been. He was fast—faster than the others—and his control over his Ki was precise.
But I wasn't going to back down and run.
I summoned my own Ki, channeling it into the air around me. I shot a gust of wind forward, colliding with Ryu's flames. The two elements clashed, creating a whirlwind of energy that swirled between us.
Ryu grinned, clearly enjoying the challenge. He pushed forward again, his strikes more aggressive this time. I met him blow for blow, my Ki weaving through the air to counter his attacks.
For a moment, we were evenly matched. But then I saw it—the tiniest hesitation in his movements. He was overextending. I shifted my stance, focusing my Ki into a single strike.
With a swift movement, I closed the distance between us, knocking Ryu's guard aside and delivering a sharp, precise punch to his chest. He stumbled back, his flames flickering out.
There was a brief silence as Ryu caught his breath. Then, to my surprise, he laughed.
"Well played." he said, brushing off his uniform. "You got skill, Takeda. I'll give you that."
He extended a hand, and I shook it, recognizing the honor in the gesture. Despite the loss, Ryu held his head high. He had the confidence to accept defeat, and I could respect that. As we stepped off the mat, the other students murmured in awe and shock. I could feel their respect growing, but I knew better than to let it get to my head. Instructor Hiroto showing a shocked look, not saying anything. This academy, these nobles— they will witness my growth.