Pov Kiku Gokan
Seeing my brother coming down from reading a story to Shin, I decided to speak up before the discussion started.
"Before you say anything to me, you should have informed me that Shin had no idea he belonged to our clan. Besides, I don't understand why you haven't told him yet; he's a very intelligent boy and could understand the situation, even if not in its entirety, at least in large part."
I noticed Byu was about to raise his voice, but Yumi firmly interrupted him, "There's no yelling here, and besides, Shin is sleeping."
Byu calmed down and spoke in a more serene tone. "It was my decision to tell him when he was ready, he has to decide to be the next clan leader."
I just stared at him dumbfounded, thinking it was a joke, but when I saw the seriousness on my brother's face, I understood that it was not. I looked at Yumi for a reaction, but she just looked away.
That childhood traumas related to our father still linger in my brother.
I understand his actions, but the situation has changed since our childhood; there are no alternatives anymore. Shin will be the next leader, which is best for the clan and what tradition demands. Besides, Shin is a true prodigy. Now I understand why Byu didn't give me many details about Shin's intelligence.
"Brother, don't reflect our father's mistakes on you, Shin will not go through the same thing, you are different. Besides, you must understand that there is no alternative; Shin must become the next leader, and it is your responsibility to train him in that direction. This is the time when the clan needs him the most," I said, trying to be serious, without sounding cruel to Byu.
"The pressure on Shin will be immense; the future of the clan will depend on him. He could face even more difficult situations than what we went through. And he will be my only son, everyone will know that he is the future leader. I wanted to be able to explain to him when he is able to understand more, and make his decision, he deserves to be able to make his decision, Kiku", Byu told me.
"Byu there are duties to the clan, and we must fulfill them, as you said the situation is different now. Shin has no choice like us as children, there are no other candidates. Even if we were to gather all the distant family, it would be difficult for any to be a good ninja, without the advantage of having parents who mastered our jutsus.”
"We'll find a way, your future children could be candidates too, it doesn't have to be Shin," he said, without looking me in the eye.
"BYU THE CLAN NEEDS US!", I shouted angrily.
"There is no yelling in this house, I won't repeat it anymore," Yumi said, very seriously.
"My sincerest apologies," I stated.
After all this time Byu now starts reliving past traumas.
"Clan leader." I told him very seriously.
He understood that I only called him that way when I was irritated or when it was about really important matters; this time, it was both circumstances.
"The Gokan clan is dying, Shin is a genius born in a very serious time for the clan, it will be fate, the gods or luck, but Shin is our hope, we must fulfill our duties, you know that I will marry for political reasons, with a family with ties in the nobility or with a great merchant family, it is yet to be decided which, but that has been my sacrifice for the clan, my second great sacrifice."
I understand that it is unfair to mention my departure from the academy, especially since Byu still regrets it. It is critical, at this time, to focus on Shin's future.
"As the current leader, my decision stands, a future clan leader not wanting to be a clan leader or not being able to bear the burden of the clan would not be good for us anyway," Byu said, again without looking me in the eye, I knew he was grasping at the tiniest of excuses for that.
I wanted to answer him immediately, since he did not aspire to be the leader either. However, I preferred to stop; continuing with that line of discussion would not lead me to anything productive. After a moment's thought, I calmed down, I would agree with him and things would take their course.
"Okay, give him a chance to make his decision, but do it right away. He is already smart enough to understand the situation and he will be 4 years old soon. We can't wait for him to train when he arrives at the academy; he must start earlier and prove his strength to the other clans," I expressed calmly.
For the first time in the conversation Byu looked directly at me. "Are you planning something?"
"No, I would never dare, clan leader." I said emotionlessly.
Byu just looked down.
I sighed. There was nothing to be gained by staying angry.
"Shin will become a ninja, and thus become the next leader, Byu. That will be his decision, it always was.", I said.
"I know Shin mentions it often, but maybe he will change his perspective; art could be an alternative," Byu commented, although it was clear that he himself was not convinced of his words.
"Maybe, if he didn't know much about ninjas he would choose that, he draws very well, it's true. But he's obsessed with being a ninja. When we went out I taught him things about how money and the market works. Every single thing he asked, saw or said related to ninjas, he's obsessed with that. There's no way he wouldn't choose to be a ninja," I expressed.
"Particularly since you showed him the jutsu - Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet - he talked a lot about wanting to master the technique of summoning fire dragons like you; if he doubted being a ninja before, now I doubt it even more."
I could see Byu's embarrassed face.
Yumi laughed and said, "I told you, Shin hasn't stopped drawing dragons since that day."
"Shin wanted to see jutsu for a long time, I just showed him one of my best," Byu tried to defend himself.
"More like bragging, I still remember the 4-sheet letter that talked about how you finally managed to use that jutsu," I said.
Yumi said, while laughing, "To me he talked about the jutsu for days, and showed it to me several times."
"I just like to appreciate my effort," Byu said, but none of them believed him.
"Byu, you must let go of the past. I understand your motives, but Shin is a Gokan and must assume the responsibilities that come with being one," I expressed to him.
"I just want to give him the choice," said Byu.
"I understand but when he makes his choice, I expect you to be willing to train him properly. For Shin to be a Jounin with good training, it's a sure thing," I said.
"Kiko, I have not intervened because these are clan disputes, but Shin is equally my son and we will do what is best for him. Shin will decide his ninja path, but he will have our full support." Yumi said.
"You are also part of the clan, Yumi." Byu said.
“I sincerely appreciate you welcoming me into the clan and allowing me to use your jutsus. However, the leader is still Byu. I understand the situation and the responsibilities Shin would have, I always knew he would be a ninja, and nothing would make me happier than Shin being the next leader of the Gokan clan," Yumi replied.
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At least Yumi sees things clearly, responsibilities don't always have to be strings attached, in part they are. But it also has its benefits, Shin will have access to the best training. He is the only ninja we will have in the academy, all our effort and resources will go to him. Not to mention our vast legacy and techniques.
"I understand how illogical this is, but not repeating our past mistakes is my duty. I am convinced that Shin longed to be a ninja and carry on our legacy with pride, brother. Still I want him to have the choice, that Shin can choose his path, even if he was born with one," Byu insisted.
Sigh. "I understand, he's your son and it's your right, when he makes his decision we'll talk more seriously about his training."
"Thank you," Byu replied.
"Have you thought about when you will return to the clan compound?", I asked.
I understand why Byu wished to raise Shin in a warmer and cozier environment; besides, the compound is vast for only three people. However, once Shin enters the academy, they should return to the compound. Doing this will give a message, the Gokan clan is still standing, and that we are raising the new generation.
"Byu and I agreed that when more clan members come back we will move in." Yumi said.
"By the way, how are you doing with the distant family brother?", Byu asked me.
“As I mentioned, many members are reluctant to move and leave behind everything they know. The situation is even more complicated knowing that there are only three of us left from the main branch, plus the blacksmith and two other families. The others have not yet provided me with clear answers. If we count them and the 2 families helping me in Yugakure, we would have only about 25 members, counting us," I said.
"At least the compound won't be empty anymore," Yumi tried to soften the situation. It was a real shame to have so few members, and that most of them were civilians.
"Brother, if I could offer them a financial incentive, I am sure many would consider returning. I understand your reservations, but asking them to leave their homes to join us in Konoha may be too great a sacrifice for some."
"No, the clan is in great need, if there is too much to come at this time to support us, it is better that you do not return, connections will be broken with all those who choose not to help us, this is not up for debate," Byu said.
"Let me assure them, if they decide to return, the clan will be willing to support their children if they become ninja. Perhaps they will reconsider their stance for the sake of their little ones. After all, if we decide to break off the relationship with them, the children will not be responsible; the responsibility will fall solely on their parents," I explained to them.
This time Byu paused to think.
"All right, inform them that we will provide support to all those who wish to join the academy. If you find orphaned children who have blood ties to the clan, tell them we will do the same: we will adopt them," Byu agreed.
"Understood, hopefully with that I can get more people back into the clan," I said.
The rest of the evening was talking about clan business, and the possible ones I have seen. Most notably, I finally managed to acquire a hot spring bath for our clan. Not only does it represent an excellent business opportunity, but it also strengthens our commercial and political influence in Yugakure.
In Konoha, we plan to open several businesses, including the old weapon store and a restaurant that will be run by a family that will move to the village. The most desirable thing for these businesses is that they manage to stand on their own. We are not in search of wealth at this time; our goal is to reaffirm our position as a clan in the village.
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POV Shin
2 days later.
These days have been a nightmare, in addition to the ones I usually have, they don't want to tell me anything else about the clan, they avoid the subject every time I say something. Yesterday dad ran away when he didn't know what to answer me.
"Shin, get ready, we'll go to a special place and talk more about the clan when we get there," Dad told me.
He didn't need to tell me much more. I quickly went upstairs to change, still drenched in sweat from my morning workout. My dad has shared with me a routine that I can follow to improve my physical condition; although it is somewhat demanding, he assured me that at my age I shouldn't push my body too hard. Over time, the training will intensify.
Since mom had to work today, dad was the one who would be hanging out with me. I didn't expect to finally be told more about the clan today.
On the way to I don't know what place, I thought about asking again about the clan, but he would surely avoid the subject again.
"How is my uncle doing, is business going well?", ask.
"If all goes well, since he bought those hot springs baths, he is in no hurry to return; he is arranging the details of the weapons store and the restaurant we will open," Dad commented to me, although I noticed he was distracted.
"Hot springs? We have to go dad," I said, I've always been very curious to go to one.
"Of course, we'll go as soon as we have time," he answered me, still in thought.
"Promise?"
"I promise, we'll go; your mom really loves it too."
After walking for quite a while we arrived at a complex almost at the outskirts of the village, there was a big building in the center and some houses around it, but it was empty. As we approached I noticed the Gokan kanji on the central building.
I couldn't help but think, the obvious.
"Dad... Is this the clan's compound?", I asked as we approached the stone building, it was different from the normal wooden ones in the village, it was rectangular with large roofs, like a small pagoda.
"Yes son, this is the clan compound, we don't live here because it would be too hard to keep it clean between me and your mom, plus it would be too sad to be in such an empty place."
I wanted to ask more questions, but I understood that Dad was sad. He probably had many memories of those clan members who had passed away. Therefore, I decided to follow him silently.
When we entered there was a huge stone floor and 5 wooden boxes on shelves. I saw that each box had the kanji for each of the 5 senses.
"Shin, I imagine you don't understand why we never talked to you about the clan. Even though you're young, you're smart enough to understand the reasons now," Dad told me.
"If you had to decide what to do with your life now, what would you choose?", He ask.
"Dad, it's clear that my destiny is to be a ninja. I know you don't agree with this, but I will follow the legacy of you and grandfather. I will protect the village, my family, and also the clan now. Trust me dad, I will be one of the best ninja," I said, hoping to convince him.
"Son... It's not a matter of trust. I know you have a notion of what it means to belong to a clan, but you don't fully understand the responsibilities involved, especially those that will befall you, Shin," he commented to me.
I was about to speak but he interrupted me.
"Listen Shin. Your mother and I will support you in whatever path you choose, but before you decide to be a ninja you should know the extra consequences you will have from being part of the clan. I am the clan leader as my brother told you, and the only ninja in the clan, your mom would count as the second ninja, but being my wife she doesn't count as someone who will uphold our legacy, since she has no blood connections.", my father said.
I thought that blood ties would not be very important, since our techniques can be learned by anyone, like other clans.
"If you choose to become a ninja, you will become the next clan leader. This is inevitable Shin. If you don't choose to become a ninja, then one of my brother's future sons should be the next leader," he remarked to me.
I imagine that leaders have many responsibilities, but this will be in the future. I have time to learn. Besides the clan is in a bad situation, it is my duty to support it.
"I understand that there will be a lot of responsibility, father. But it is not the duty as a member of any clan to help. Also it will happen when you decide to retire, father. There is plenty of time for me to learn how to be a leader," I replied firmly. I am not willing to give up my dream just for more responsibility.
"Shin, you're right about that, but it's still a very important decision. If it weren't for your intelligence, I would wait until you were closer to the age to enter the academy to tell you this, but you have proven to be very smart and understand a bit of the importance of this decision.”
"Son, in addition to developing your skills as a leader, you will have to face other challenges. You cannot be weak. You cannot disgrace the clan. You must never interpose your desires to those of the clan, Shin."
"We will train you to become the next leader; from the moment you enter the academy, you will be the emblem of the clan and the new generation of the Gokan clan," he told me.
I started to feel a little pressure to be a ninja, I must be one of the best in the academy, and I imagined that I have to know the etiquette of dealing with other clans. My grandfather had told me a little bit about that.
"And above all, Shin. Your survival is essential, the clan is going through a critical moment, so you must make your life the top priority. As a future clan leader you may suffer assassination attempts, obviously the clan will protect you, but you must know that it is a possibility. The clan will use all its resources to help you, you will also have the best training we can give you."
"That's partly why you won't be able to graduate early from the academy, until you are the maximum age, around 10 or 11 years old, being a future clan leader this is a norm for all clans in Konoha, the idea is that when you graduate you will be very close to being a Chunin or if possible have the strength of one, that will prevent many threats and you will have the strength to defend yourself, in case some mission goes wrong," continued Dad
I stopped to think for a long time. I didn't doubt being a ninja, but I understand dad's concern, not only would I have to learn a lot more, and know how to deal with other clans. I would also be in more danger, I guess I would be a target for other villages or clan enemies. At that moment I remembered something my grandfather told me.
"Dad, if a ninja is very strong even if he is not part of a clan, the other villages also seek to eliminate him, right?", I asked.
"Like Jiraiya and Orochimaru, before they were very strong the other villages didn't interest them." I continued my idea.
"Yes you are right, if you are strong enough, the other villages will mark you as a target to be eliminated," my father replied.
"Then it would be the same, when I am as powerful as the Sannin, I would be in the same situation, only I will be a target before I am that strong. With all the help from the clan, it will be faster to become strong, and as you said if I stay in the village as much as I can, and take not too dangerous missions, I will have time to have the strength to protect myself", I told him.
Dad just kept quiet for a few seconds and then started laughing.
"You're right son, someone like you would stand out no matter what you do, we must make you stronger before you are in danger," he said with a chuckle.
I just smiled, "Obviously dad, I'll be one of the best at what I do, you can trust me to be the clan leader," I said confidently.
My dad knelt down in front of me, and put his hand on my shoulder. "I've always trusted you. But a father worries, maybe I've done too much. I'm so proud of you, son. We know you will be the best at whatever you set your mind to, but like I said before you should know more before you make the decision." he told me.
I felt his hand on my shoulder grow heavy. "I wasn't going to be the future leader of the clan, Shin. It would be a cousin who would be the next leader, the son of Noisu, the other Jounin who died alongside my father. My cousin was a genius for combat, he gave us hope as a future leader, he was a person of few words but a good heart, he was well liked in the clan."
"One mission went wrong and he and his team died. At that time the responsibility fell on me, I was not very strong at that time, nor did I have much motivation. My father forced me to train like never before, to enter the Chunin exams early, and not to give up. I understand my father's decision, but it's not something I wanted to repeat, that's why it's important for me to give you the possibility to choose your future," Dad told me, his tone of voice becoming more and more serious.
"Shin, don't misunderstand me, what I am doing is something a bad leader would do. There is no other way to look at it, but as a father I feel it is the right thing to do, you may have to make decisions in the future where your wishes or Nindo will get in the way of the clan. Learn from me, don't follow in my footsteps," he said, removing his hand from my shoulder.
"What is your decision?"
"I will be a ninja, and I will help the clan," I didn't realize when, but I was shaking with emotion, I understand now why dad acted like that, and how hard it had to be for him, but my decision is clear, I will be a ninja.
Dad just smiled.
"Understood Shin. As a ninja of the Gokan clan, today you start as a member of the clan, you will have to choose one of the 5 basic jutsu of the clan, this will be your first jutsu," he approached the 5 wooden boxes.
"The five jutsu are: "
Gokan: Chōkanshoku no Jutsu (極感: 超感触の術) - "Gokan: Supreme Touch Jutsu."
Gokan: Chōkankaku no Jutsu (極感: 超感覚の術) - "Gokan: Super Hearing Jutsu".
Gokan: Chōshikaku no Jutsu (極感: 超視覚の術) - "Gokan: Superior Vision Jutsu".
Gokan: Chōshinkū no Jutsu (極感: 超嗅覚の術) - "Gokan: Exquisite Smell Jutsu."
Gokan: Chōmikaku no Jutsu (極感: 超味覚の術) - "Gokan: Refined Taste Jutsu".