An Assassin's Respite

A Normal Day With Some Abnormal Training

Kazuna was preparing to leave his house the next morning and head to school. As he walks out of the front door, he notices Kagura standing by his gate. She waves him over. 

“Hey, Kazuna I’ve been waiting for you.” 

“Really? If I was taking long you could have just left me.” Kazuna states. 

“W-Well... Um... You did say we would walk to school together every day. D-Don’t get the wrong idea I just don't want to rudely turn down your request.” She says obviously flustered. 

“Oh. Sure. Thanks.” Kazuna replies, completely oblivious.

They both start making their way to school. Kagura glances in Kazuna’s direction several times before he finally says something.

 “Are you gonna say anything or are you just gonna creepily cast side glances at me?” He asks while turning to face Kagura. 

Kagura blushes in embarrassment. “Sorry, it’s just. I wanted to know… How were you able to hurt Katsugaya?” She asked. 

“Oh, I see. Well, it’s not some complicated technique or anything. It’s just that I’m able to cut through steel, so cutting through iron is easy.” He says casually. 

Kagura looks at him in awe. “Really. That’s amazing! How are you able to cut through material that hard without breaking your sword?” She asks with a shine in her eyes.

 “Hmm… If I were to explain it, I’d say your sword has to feel like an extension of yourself and not a tool. It’s not about strength but an understanding of your weapon. Also, I have really good swords.” He answers. 

“I’ve heard that the best swordsmen say that their swords feel like a part of them and not a separate entity,” Kagura replies with a hand to her chin. “So, what about that sword technique. Where did you learn that?” Kagura asks. 

“As I said, it's a family technique. If you want to know more you'll have to wait for another day.” He replies. 

Kagura frowns. “Fine.” She says, giving up on her question reluctantly. 

The two walk the rest of the way to school in silence. The bell rings as they enter their classroom and they both take their seats as Ms. Saugoma enters.

 “All right class, as you all know, today’s class will focus on improving all of your powers. This is an important part of your learning as-” Matt bursts into the classroom breathing heavily. 

“Did… I… Make… It…?” He says as he tries to catch his breath.

The class looks between Matt and Ms. Saugoma with fear in their eyes. Matt, then slowly turns his head towards Ms. Saugoma, realizing that he has made a huge mistake.

 Ms. Saugoma looks at Matt with menacing eyes. “It seems someone didn’t learn that it’s rude to interrupt people when they’re talking.” She says between gritted teeth.

The class heads outside. It’s a beautiful day, the sky was completely clear, and a slight breeze was blowing. Ms. Saugoma calls for the first student. 

 “What a scary woman.” Kazuna notes. 

Matt is currently buried neck-deep into the ground. Ms. Saugoma’s power allows her to control the ground within a certain range of her. She used it to bury Matt up to his neck in dirt.

 “All right class, you will use your powers to destroy these stone dummies that I’ve created in any way you can. No weapons are allowed, only powers. But, as always, there's only one exception. All right, first up is Ayame Katami.”

Ayame Katami, power: compass. Her power doesn’t reach its full potential without a weapon which is why she’s the exception. Her power gives her the ability to give perfect coordinates and is able to perfectly tell the distance between two objects. With her power, she is a perfect sniper that will never miss her mark and is also unable to get lost as she will always be able to tell cardinal directions.

Shiba Taogama, power: speed. He’s able to increase his speed to an undetermined degree. As of now, he can increase it to surpass the speed of sound.

Next, Vincent Archer, power: supersonic. He’s able to yell at pitches that can shatter bones if you’re under its effect for too long.

Kagura Itsuki, power: wind. She is able to create wind and control said wind. Simple but extremely powerful.

Haruka Hibiki, power: ice. She can create ice from the moisture in the air and launch it as a projectile. She is also capable of freezing the surrounding area to sub-zero temperatures.

Macey Atsuko, power: eyebeams. She is able to shoot highly dangerous laser beams from her eyes.

Akeno Chiharu, power: intellect. She is able to use her superior brain to handle just about any situation.

Chiyo Daichi, power: water. She is able to shoot pressurized water from her hands and is able to control this water. She can change the pressure from a refreshing mist to a jet capable of piercing metal.

Katsuro Izumi, power: telekinesis. He is able to manipulate non-living objects at his will. It may not work on people but it does work on clothing although it usually just tears people’s clothes off.

Haruka Fumiko, power: magnetism. She is able to set objects with a specific magnetic pull either forcing them to come crashing together or fly apart.

Emiko Hajime, power: arm blades. Sharp blades protrude from her arms. These blades are sharp enough to cut iron like butter.

Juro Manami, power: blockade. He is able to create an invisible force field that can reach a surface area of 30 feet. Although it can only be an inch thick, it's durability is nothing to scoff at. It can also take on multiple shapes and be cast from up to half a mile away.

Masahiro Naomi, power: shadow. He can manipulate his shadow to attack his enemies. This power is extremely potent during the day but really weak at night.

Natsuki Riko, power: flight. Well, he can fly. 

“All right we will skip Matt for today since he was late and move on to you Kazuna.” Ms. Saugoma states. Matt groans in the background. Ms. Saugoma glares at him and Matt goes silent. “All right show us what you’ve got.” She says. 

The whole class gives Kazuna their full attention. No one knows what Kazuna’s power is so they're all watching intently. Kazuna faces the dummies with his arms folded. 

“I wonder what his power is?” asks Katsuro. 

“It’s gotta be really cool.” Emiko exclaims.

 “It doesn’t matter what it is, his speed, strength, fighting ability, and sword skills are already off the charts.” Akeno states, noting the fight Kazuna had against Katsugaya. 

Kazuna lifts his arm and an enormous lightning bolt comes crashing down, decimating the dummies, creating a crater, and leaving the class with their jaws dropped. They expected something good, but this was beyond their expectations.

“THAT WAS SOOO COOL!!!” Emiko shouted.

 The whole class proceeded to flock towards Kazuna, overly impressed by his power. Flustered by the dazzled classmates of his, Kazuna gives a weak smile and chuckles a bit. 

“All right, all right, back off the poor kid.” Ms. Saugoma demands. The students comply although they still remain uncomfortably close. 

Akeno comes with the first question. “I assume that you can run lighting through your body to increase its physical capabilities?” She asks.

 “Y-Yes.” Kazuna replies. He knew her power increased her intellect, but it was still weird to hear her speak in such an educated manner.

The students chatter excitedly. “What’s it like to have lightning run through your body?” Emiko asks excitedly. 

“Hmm… I guess it’s a lot like a super sugar rush.” Kazuna explains. Emiko’s eyes lit up with that explanation while everyone else didn’t quite get it. 

“Umm... Kazuna, can you maybe explain that differently?” Asked Katsuro. 

“Hmmm..” Kazuna closes his eyes and scratches his head. “I guess it’s also like a tingling sensation. Kind of like you’re in a vibrating chair.” He surmises. The class seemed to understand that analogy better.

“Alright guys, let’s head back to class now.” Ordered Ms. Saugoma. The whole class moans and begins to make their way back to class. 

“That power of yours is pretty impressive Kazuna.” Kagura says. 

“Thank you... I guess.” He replies. He suddenly stops in the hallway. Kagura stops with him. 

“Is something wrong?” She asks.

 “Hmm… not really, just can’t shake the feeling that we’re forgetting something.” He responds. 

“Yeah, I know what you mean.” Agreed Kagura. They both shrug their shoulders and continue to head back to class.

Meanwhile, back at the field.

“Hello… guys. AREN’T YOU FORGETTING SOMETHING!!!!!” Matt shouted. He was still stuck in the ground. He would be dug up later once Kagura and Kazuna saw him on their way to lunch.

For the rest of the day they had to hear Matt complain about how they forgot about him. Although it was pretty easy to deal with since he was still covered in dirt making him hard to take seriously. At the end of the day, Matt gives them a quick final complaint before they wave goodbye and head their separate ways to go home. After a few minutes of walking Kagura begins to laugh a little.

"What's so funny?" Kazuna asks. 

"I just find it funny how upset Matt was. You may have thought that it was because we forgot him but that was just a cover-up." Kagura says.

"Really? Then what was he upset about?" Kazuna asks.

"He was upset that he couldn't show off in front of you. He may have only known you for a couple of days, but you've left quite the impression on him." She answers.

"Is that so?." He asks.

"Yes. Katsugaya was kind of Matt's bully and you completely overwhelmed him. You probably seemed like a white knight to him," Kagura adds.

"I see," Kazuna mumbles.

Kagura waves goodbye to Kazuna as she separates from him and goes to her house. He enters his own home and heads straight to his room. He sits at a desk in his room and begins to write a letter.

Dear, mom

 “It’s been a year since I last contacted you mom. How have you and the branch been? I’ve always felt bad for leaving without warning; But, I can’t say I regret it. I have only been at school for a couple of days and I’ve encountered so many intriguing people, powers, and ideas. I can even say that I have made a couple of friends. It seems grandpa wasn’t just an old man rambling. I feel at ease and normal as crazy as it is for me of all people to be saying that. I know that a lot of people are searching for me for many different reasons and I don’t know how long I’ll be able to continue my peaceful life, and honestly, I’m still not sure if I deserve this happy life. But I’ll enjoy it while I can. Stay well.

Sincerely, Kazuna.

He sets his pencil down and puts the letter into an envelope. He unsheathed one of his swords and it turns into a tiny dragon. The dragon is a mei long dragon that was all white with silver eyes and a spiked ball on its tail. 

“What do you need my master?” It asks. 

“I need you to deliver this letter to my mother, Karma.” Kazuna states.

 “Very well.” Karma replies. He grabs the letter and exits out the open window. Kazuna grabs a sword from his closet and replaces the sword that held the dragon.

Kazuna lays in his bed and stares at the ceiling for several minutes before finally going to sleep.