Soshiki Academy. Located about a few miles away from the Tokyo metropolitan area, right at the foot of the majestic Mount Uzumaki. Although the school may appear like a typical historical establishment, it is strictly prohibited for the passers-by. Simply put, no other visitors than the Soshiki themselves were allowed to enter the premises. The area stretches around forty square kilometers toward the mountain and is heavily protected by the school's guards; Men in Black as they are called. Moreover, its territory is sheltered on the east and on the west side by two powerful Celestial Spirits; Azuma and Nishi. Their strength combinations are unbreakable. Even if the volcano were to erupt, their shield would be ten times stronger.
Soshiki Academy has been around for centuries, built by and for none other than the Soshiki pupils. Countless Fighters and Healers were the alumni of the school, who have become legends, names which roar for both the Soshiki and the Spectres.
But today was different. For the first time ever in the history of the Soshiki, a human, a non-Soshiki, has stepped foot into the school.
Akai Ren.
A normal, red-haired teenager, entered the Soshiki universe, armed with only what he is; a normal teenager. He was neither a Fighter, nor a Healer.
"Waahh!! This place is a High Shool? For real? It looks like some mythical temples you only see in Anime!" Ren cried out in excitement, and Secretary Saiaka looked at him with a sincere smile.
"This is where I dropped you. I've informed the Men in Black about you, one of them will escort you to the principal. Once you step foot into the premises, there'll be a small quake, but nothing to worry about. That's what happens when a Halfie and a mere-human enter the area."
"Aw, the mere-human again.. and, Halfie? Another term of names? But ohh, you're not coming with me? Also, by Men in Black you mean the guards, right? They look so cool. This is really a special school, huh? Got names and stuff."
"They look alright. Well then, I'm afraid I must leave you here now, though. Duty calls." Secretary Saiaka frowned as she sees the text on her cell phone.
"I see. Alrighty, thank you very much about everything, Secretary Saiaka." Ren bowed his head down.
"Eh? I didn't do much. Also, don't be afraid to ask the principal about everything, anything, should you have some questions later on. He may look scary with the scars on his face but he's actually a softie. Although annoying. Well, good luck. I've given you my number, right? ONLY call me when it's urgent."
Aaand she took off just like that. That was fast. Oh well, let's do this!
**
"Have you heard about the new kid on the block?"
"Yeah. So what?"
"Sakura, you're not surprised? He's human, you know. I mean purely human. Not even a Halfie like Yamachin."
"And so are we, you idiot. Just because of this stupid Soshiki blood in us doesn't make us any special."
"Man, you're dark."
'"That I am. And what is there to be surprised of? It's about time this school make some new changes anyway. By the way, where's Yamada? He was here just a minute ago before the quake.."
"Everyone, gather up!" The classroom door slides open, and the principal entered, along with Ren.
The moment Ren stepped foot into the classroom, all eyes were on him, until he met their gazes.
"Sakura, where's Yamada?" The principal asked.
"Eh? Who knows. Ask your grandson here. I was wondering where that loser went too."
Sighing, Principal Minamoto turned his head toward Ryosuke. "Well?"
"I'm still on not speaking term with you, Gramps." Ryosuke pouted his mouth, and Sakura rolled her eyes.
The principal could only sigh out loud with his grandson’s response. "Well, that's fine, we can start without him. As you are both aware, which I'm sure you're all well informed now, we have a new student here.. a transferee from a regular High School. Introduce yourself, kid."
With his heart beating in enthusiasm, Ren started to introduce himself and analysing his future classmate at the same time.
The first one who catches his attention was a girl with a pink highlighted fringe mixed with a dark based colour, making her long and loose hair stood out. She has a round, small face with a tiny lips and pointed nose. Her uniform is altered with a pink coloured collar which covered her neck area as well. She’s cute. Ren thought.
The second one is a pretty boy that's a little shorter than Ren's height with a Katana on his side. He reminds Ren a lot of Samurai X, minus the long red hair and its trademark scar, since the boy has a haircut which gives out a boy-band vibe, with a lip pierce on his bottom lip. Probably an eff-boi. Ren thought.
"Ah, so this is the big news. He doesn't look like much." Sakura's sharp tongue made its move. "Did he pass the test yet, Principal?"
"About that.." The Principal hesitated to reply.
"Not yet, then?" Ryosuke chipped in. "Well, I guess it's no problem if we are the ones who test him out!"
On their stance, both Sakura and Ryosuke launched an attack toward Ren.
Ren was surprised by the sudden attack and barely dodged it. But before he even realised it, both Sakura and Ryosuke were lying down on the floor, just like him. "Wait. Everything went by so fast.. what happened?"
"Enough, you kids. You're making a mess in the classroom." The principal voiced out. He was able to knock the three down before he made another speech. "Your teacher is on a mission abroad. It could take a week or so. But knowing her, it should be faster than the time frame. In the mean time, I need you to be well behaved with the new student here. Tomo will temporarily take charge for your lessons. He should be here any minute now. B.E.H.A.V.E.D., understood?"
"Tch! Tomo Sensei sucks!" Both Sakura and Ryosuke pouted.
"What? Did I hear some objections?"
"Nothing!" Both roared.
**
"So uhm.. are we waiting for the ride now?" Ren asked. But Sakura only stared at him with her sharp eyes.
“What makes you so special that V Sensei took you in? She even coated you with her Power Force. Also, you have her old room at the dorm. WHY?” Sakura voiced out, narrowing her eyes on Ren ups and downs.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“Huh? Coated?”
“You can’t even see it? Can you see even see the unseen?”
“If you have to ask Sakura, then clearly he can’t.” Ryosuke mingled in.
Confused, Ren asked them back, where he learned that he’s being protected by a power from the one who saved him.
“A Power Force. It’s basically an inner power we have within as a Soshiki. The strongest we are, the strongest the power is. There’s only some special few who can cast their Power Force into others as protection, V Sensei is one of those so special few. And since you’re coated with one, you’re pretty much safe from any attack. From some attack that could cause you harm that is. But if you were to get killed, you can’t really dodge it. I guess challenging you into a par right now is useless. We were too arrogant to even want test you out earlier, V Sensei could sense it even if she’s miles away. That I don’t want to happen. She’s scary as fudge.” Ryosuke explained.
“I.. I didn’t know that.” Ren muttered.
“Of course you don’t.” A new voice was heard behind Ren’s. “You’re not a Soshiki after all.”
Ren was astounded as he looked over his shoulder, wondering if the very person who just entered the room is Yamada, the very person the others mentioned earlier. His aura hits different, his look hits different, his built hits different. And although he’s as tall as Ren is, his frame is sturdier, firm and solid. With a face that has a jaw so sharp complimenting his hazy caramel eyes.
“Did these two bully you?” The guy added, before he flicked Sakura’s head.
“Ouch. That hurts Yamada. Where have you been anyway? Tomo Sensei called and asked us to meet him in Asakusa. And ohh, this is the infamous newcomer everyone’s been talking about. What did you say your name was again?”
“Oh, I’m sorry! I haven’t properly introduced myself.” Ren bowed his head to the three of them. “It’s Ren. Akai Ren. It’s great to meet you all. I..”
“Let’s get going.” Sakura cut him off, flapping her cherry blossom’s hair and walked out of the room.
**
On The Way to Asakusa
“I apologize on their behalf. They come from the Big Four clans of Soshiki so they’re pretty much spoiled. Hence the attitude. But they’re not so bad, once you get to know them.” Yamada uttered with a smile.
“Heh, they did nothing bad really. And uhm, the Big Four?”
“Knowing them, I’m pretty sure they messed around with you a bit. And I guess it’s a good thing they’re in a different car. Let me start by introducing our homeroom, since she was the first Soshiki you know of.”
“Oh, about that..”
**
“Huh? What do you mean you haven’t really met her?”
“It’s kind of a long story, Secretary Saiaka was the one who brought me to the school and that person, I mean, V Sensei as you called her name is, disappeared. I have yet to meet her since the incident.”
Oh well. That does sounds like her. “I see. Well she does that a lot. She’s kind of an important person, so she’s always busy. Anyway, back to the topic. Our homeroom teacher also come from a bigshot family, if not, was one of the strongest clan in Soshiki.”
“That sounds cool.”
“Yeah, they’re all dead now though.”
“HUH?”
“DEAD.”
“I hear you, bro. I’m just surprised.”
“V Sensei is the last of her kind. The last one of a Deveraux clan. I don’t really understand the details of it actually.. the details of a clan who was so strong and powerful but got wiped out entirely.. except for V Sensei of course.. there were rumours but oh well, that’s pretty much what I know of. The politics in Soshiki is pretty good at covering up too, as for your information. Take note of that. Then there’s the Minamoto clan. The Samurais of the Soshiki.”
“Ah, the principal.”
“Correct. Ryosuke is his grandson.”
“I gathered.”
“And Tomo Sensei is his son.”
“Ryosuke’s dad?”
“Oh, no, no. He’s his uncle. Ryosuke’s dad, well sadly, passed away.”
“I see..”
“Next there’s Sakura’s. The Ikari clan. They’re probably the most dangerous of all. Born with Ninjas abilities, they’re the biggest clan in Soshiki with most of them having their seats as Higher-ups.” Yamada paused. “Also, well.. most of them are fucked up. Like.. in the head you know..”
“Haha! Sakura seemed alright to me. Princessy, but she’s cool. I’m lost at the Higher-ups though..”
“The politicians. Well, in Soshiki world that is.”
“Ahh. Understood.”
“And Sakura’s family is currently leading the clan, with his father as the Head of the clan.”
“That’s why.. I see, I see.”
“Haha, you’re saying it as if it’s justifying her cotton mouth.”
“Well, she’s cute and all but I’ve never really seen any other girl like her.. heh. Like I said, princessy. By the way, there’s another clan, is it yours? Uhm, I didn’t really catch your full name so..”
“Arata. The last of the Big Four was the Arata clan. They’re not a Fighter clan unlike the other three, although they are more than capable to combat the Spectres. They’re a Healer clan, their purpose is to heal. Doctors, in general term. And my full name is Yamada Wolff.”
“Ohh, I didn’t mean to jump into conclusion.”
“My mother’s name was Arata Ai. So no, you’re not wrong there.”
“Ohh? Haha, well, your uhh, your last name justify your looks. I was wondering if you were a foreigner.”
“Halfie. That’s the term in Soshiki. My dad was English. It’s not rare for a Soshiki to marry an outsider, if that’s what you’re wondering about. It’s just, not much of us Halfie at the school. But oh well, you don’t look very Japanese either.”
“I’m just surprised, is all. I mean, in the past few days everything seems to be happening so fast and pretty much new to me. And I grew up in an orphanage so I wouldn’t really know my heritage..”
“I see..” Yamada paused for a minute. An awkward silence was in the air before he spoke again. “I was the same as you are back then. Took me a good while to adjust but things got better in time, eventually. And so will you.”
“I hope so.. “ But all this doesn’t explain why V Sensei let me to get involve into their world though.. I’m a nobody.
“Well, it seems like we’re slowing down. What’s wrong Mr. Shin..” WHAT??
**
Somewhere on the Highway
The sudden attack on the driver who was driving both Ren and Yamada shocked them. The driver was struck with a fiery shadow sword, hinting Yamada that the attack was from a Spectre. Ren on the other hand, has no ability to see neither the sword, nor the creature.
“Shit!” Yamada muttered as they stepped out of the car. “There’s a reason V Sensei brought you in to the Soshiki. Can you fight the Spectres, Ren?”
“I don’t.. I’m not really sure.. street fights maybe? Why? Are there monsters around us now?”
“Wai, wait. You can’t see them?” Yamada’s eyes popped out. “Well we’re literally in the street now so give all you’ve got! Behind you!” Yamada launched his right fist to attack an Oni, a ghost-like being with sharp teeth and a wide forehead. “Dial two on my phone, talk to Sakura and tell her where we’re at!” Yamada tossed his phone toward Ren and he was able to call Sakura, but before the call was able to go through, another Oni he wasn’t aware of, attacking him upfront. The phone fell and Ren was hit. V’s Power Force protected him, but with his human eyes, he still can’t locate where the Oni is to attack back.
But although Ren’s experience in fighting was amateur and relying purely on his instinct, he launched an attack that hit the Oni right on its wide forehead, with his bare hands. And before he knew it, the Oni was defeated. Ren then turned around, found Yamada in an exhaustion state. He must’ve been fighting some of the creatures. Shit. I don’t know how many they are. Do something, Ren. Just do something!
Runing toward Yamada who’s still fighting the beings Ren can’t even see, Ren screams. “How many are they, Yamada?”
“I have no clue. Stand back! There’s a lot of them, about a hundred Onis, probably.”
“Fine! A hundred. That would do.”
“Huh? Are you insane? Stand back I said! You can’t even see..” Wait. Is this why? Is this the reason why V Sensei brought him in?
Ren relying purely on his sense and instinct, fighting the Onis with all his might.
Seeing all this, Yamada stood in amazement. He then grin, before he activated his Arata’s eyes that grants him a full level vision and manipulate his opponents’ visions as well.
“Yakedo.” He collided his both palms, and performed the vision manipulation to the Onis. (*yakedo/火傷: burn)
Yamada took down most of the Onis, but Ren with his amateur punches and kicks beat down close to half of the Onis who attacked them.
They both fell to the ground the moment Ren defeated the last standing Oni.
The side effect of Arata’s eyes using for manipulation is an extreme fatigue. Yamada then closed his eyes to rest. “Now I know why.” He whispered quietly to himself, before he realised Ren’s laughter. “You’re laughing?”
“Huh? Yeah. Well shit! Yeah I have never feel so worked up and scared at the same time my entire life! Hahaha!
“Heh. Really now..” Lighting up a cigarette he just drew out of his right pocket, Yamada then blew a cloud of smoke.”
“Dude, you’re smoking?”
“Yeah. Don’t tell the teachers.”
“Ha! You look beat up. Rest first, I’m sure Sakura and Ryosuke will come soon. That was really something. I can hardly breathe now. For some reasons the Power Force Sakura had mentioned seems to have worn off of me. I feel it now. Which is weird. But I guess it was worth it. I’d be dead by now without it I think.” Ren continued to laugh, releasing his tension.
Joining Ren’s laugh, Yamada feels relieved when he spotted Ryosuke and Sakura from afar. Some of the Men in Black were with them as well, treating Mr. Shin with his wound.
Ohh well, what a day. The road seems to have been damaged from the fights too. But aren’t you an interesting one, Sensei? Now that you brought in someone, someone who is just like you.