Tsumugu listened while the others ate, and didn’t miss the way their sensei listened just as well as they spoke. It almost felt casual, too casual for someone with that kind of presence but the longer he sat there, he began to think that nothing about this was accidental. She had let each of us speak without interruption, and as far as he could tell without judgment. She didn’t rush us in our conversation and she didn’t steer our answers or correct anything. She had just watched and listened. When it was my turn, I spoke plainly. Renmei teachings had instilled early that pretending to be more than you are only made the quiet truths harder to hear. Judging by the slight nod she gave me, that decision to be truthful had been the right call.
When Kyuji finally spoke, Tsumugu could feel his nerves had shifted. Their sensei had a tone, not sharp but just enough to remind us who we were sitting with. Her words weren’t threatening, they carried weight that honesty mattered here. He found himself respecting that more than he had expected.
As she spoke about the village, about people who never became shinobi and paths that didn’t end in glory, Tsumugu found himself absorbing it quietly. The Renmei taught that water served many purposes, not all of them visible to those who benefit. Then he mentioned the Kazekage and that caught his attention fully. Not because of the name or rank, but because of the implication that greatness didn’t arrive fully formed. It passed through times like this and also had mentors who watched, listened, and waited.
Bringing up the tournament, about randomness, and about not choosing us specifically loosened that tightness in his chest. It was a breath of relief, maybe, or maybe it had been clarity. They weren’t here because of hidden expectations or secret tests. They were here because this was how things had aligned.
When it came to leaving, he would gather himself and his things. This had been a more eye opening experience than he could have bargained for, as gaining some understanding of his future. With his silence, Tsumugu would bow his head respectfully towards Kyuji, quietly speaking before departing, "I'll work as hard as I am able...for them."
[WC: 380]
[Topic left]
When Kyuji finally spoke, Tsumugu could feel his nerves had shifted. Their sensei had a tone, not sharp but just enough to remind us who we were sitting with. Her words weren’t threatening, they carried weight that honesty mattered here. He found himself respecting that more than he had expected.
As she spoke about the village, about people who never became shinobi and paths that didn’t end in glory, Tsumugu found himself absorbing it quietly. The Renmei taught that water served many purposes, not all of them visible to those who benefit. Then he mentioned the Kazekage and that caught his attention fully. Not because of the name or rank, but because of the implication that greatness didn’t arrive fully formed. It passed through times like this and also had mentors who watched, listened, and waited.
Bringing up the tournament, about randomness, and about not choosing us specifically loosened that tightness in his chest. It was a breath of relief, maybe, or maybe it had been clarity. They weren’t here because of hidden expectations or secret tests. They were here because this was how things had aligned.
When it came to leaving, he would gather himself and his things. This had been a more eye opening experience than he could have bargained for, as gaining some understanding of his future. With his silence, Tsumugu would bow his head respectfully towards Kyuji, quietly speaking before departing, "I'll work as hard as I am able...for them."
[WC: 380]
[Topic left]
