Our field trip destination, the museum is called Togakushi Ninja Museum. As it names sounds, this museum focuses on preserving and showcasing the history and culture of Togakushi Ninja.

The museum itself is located Northwest of Nagano city, specifically in the upper parts right across from Togakushi shrine. It displays various kinds of artifacts, including ninja tools, weapons, and historical relics, providing insight into their significance.

Right now, I can't help but fidget with excitement as I listen to the teacher explaining the list of activities we’ll be doing there.

“After that, you will be visiting another museum in the same area. Togakure Ninpo Museum. It is a museum dedicated to the Togakure school of ninjutsu.”

As the teacher kept explaining the outline of the museum, the bus shook slightly and began to slow down. Through the left-side window, beyond the endless sea of trees, a glimpse of Togakushi Shrine emerges—small and fleeting, almost swallowed by the towering forest. The trees here aren't just tall; their massive trunks rise like ancient pillars, their canopies so thick and lush with greens as they cast deep shadows over the land. The sheer size of those three makes everything else—roads, buildings, even the shrine itself—feel insignificant in comparison.

I have heard about a small branch of our Onmyouji order located here, but have never actually visited it… if I have some time right after this trip, perhaps visiting it as representative of Nagano City and the heir of the Kanzaki family is not a bad idea.

With a sea of gigantic trees lined up, my mind can’t help but wander around.

‘Tree this massive would make a good material for a pillar and array sigil… that is only if it resonates well with spiritual energy.’

After a few minutes passed by, the clean path to the museum can finally be seen. On the right side of the bus, a winding path snakes upward, disappearing into the dense woodland, leading toward the museum. A place where nature has reigned undisturbed for centuries.

“In a moment we will arrive at our destination, prepare your stuff and don’t forget anything on the bus. Once you’re there, gather up and stick with your group.”

“Ugh…” Upon hearing that, I can’t help but feel irked.

I sighed inwardly, as if there’s nothing I can do about it.

Group arrangements were the worst.

I have been looking forward to spending time with Ryohei during the trip, but of course, fate had other plans. Instead of being in the same group, I was paired with other classmates.

It’s not that I don't get along well with them, it’s just that… Only around him can I be myself—free from the expectations or persona I’ve crafted.

Other students treat me with admiration, which makes me uneasy. They say things like…

"No wonder she’s our school’s top student."

"She’s from the Kanzaki family! One of the most prominent families in Nagano!"

Flattering remarks like these make it difficult to act casually. I always feel like I have to stay dignified.

When did I start to feel like this? I never noticed… but it was probably around junior high.

I remember seeing Ryohei sitting alone on a bench during break time.

Back then, I barely knew him. All I knew was that Usui Ryohei is a transfer student from Tokyo, but during class… he wasn’t particularly good at academics. Most of the time, he would stare outside, lost in thought.

When he first transferred, other students were excited to hear about his life in Tokyo. But he barely had any stories to tell—as he had moved from school to school too often.

Before long, everyone just lost interest in him. No one bothered him, nor did anyone try to befriend him.

The first time I spoke to him was during our lunch break. I coincidentally saw him sitting alone on a bench behind the school.

> “What are you doing?”

He just straight up ignored me and continued eating.

> “Hey, I'm talking to you, Usui Ryohei.”

Even though I called out to him earnestly, his response was curt and indifferent—like a typical delinquent student. I still can’t believe we eventually became friends

> “What does it look like? I’m eating, obviously.”

> “But… lunch break is about to be over soon. Why don’t you head back to class?”

> “I don’t care. Leave me alone.”

> “Are you planning on skipping class? That's not good, you know.”

> “Why do you care? Besides… who even are you?”

At that moment, my eyebrow twitched in irritation. He had the nerve to ask who I was? Did he not realize I was his class representative?

I’m the one who relays any class information to him.

I’m the one who collects his exercise during class.

And I’m the one who had to wait for him to finish his already late homework.

He never paid any attention to the class, did he?

Since then, whenever he tried to skip class, I would go after him. Again and again.

Once, I even tried following him home to lecture him in front of his parents. But his house was so far away that I gave up halfway and got scolded by my father for coming home late.

Eventually, our little game of cat and mouse came to an end when a teacher asked me to tutor him before his remedial exams. If he failed, he’d have to repeat a grade.

> “Hey, where are you going?”

> “Home. What else?”

> “We’re not done yet. If this keeps up, you’re going to fail, you know?”

> “That doesn't bother me. They’re free to do so.”

> “Are you sure? I know why you often take sick leave or go home immediately after school. It’s because you’re taking care of your sick mother, isn’t it?”

Right after I said that, he twitched and froze still. I still remember the look on his face that day.

> “Are you REALLY sure it doesn't bother you? Your mother works hard to pay for your tuition, doesn’t she?

With that, I delivered the final blow.

> “Are you sure it’s okay to burden her even more?”

He wasn’t a delinquent—just an awkward student who had to sacrifice his time at school. No time for friends, clubs, or even time to study… just to take care of his sick mother.

He’s not bad, just misunderstood. That’s all…

From then on, I helped him study. Every single day after school, for a few hours, so he could still go home early and help his mother.

Then one day, out of nowhere he said—

> “Hey, aren’t you tired?”

> “Of what? Helping you is just another way of helping the teacher. I’m not tired at all.”

> “No, not that… I mean your act. Can you stop that? Aren’t you tired of it?”

> “...What do you mean?”

> “Thanks to you I have caught up with my study and am able to follow the class… But, I noticed that in class, you somewhat act differently… like it is a necessary thing.”

> “...”

> “I'm fairly good at reading this, and I feel like you're forcing yourself into this persona of ‘A perfect and kind student’ in front of others. Just to please them… Isn't that exhausting?”

The emotions I had bottled up reached their limit. I stood up and lashed out at him, frustrated.

> “Why are you talking as if you know me?! You know nothing about me!”

Then I just realized what I just did, I sat down, took a deep breath and muttered,

> “...I’m sorry.”

… Even though what he said was correct, I… couldn’t help myself from that.

> “I don't know what got over me just now…”

He was still engrossing himself with the small test paper I prepared for him. Without even sparing a glance at my direction.

> “True, I don't know anything about you nor do I want to know. If I missed the mark… you can just pretend that I was talking nonsense by myself…”

> “But if I happened to hit the mark… my lips are sealed, you can act freely when you’re around me. I will never judge you for who you are, just… be yourself.”

I gripped my pencil tightly, pressing my lips together. After a long pause, I muttered—

> "You're imagining things,"

He remains quiet... until he said—

> “Is that so? My bad then…”

With a forced smile, I hastily gathered my books and left the room.

But ever since then… I started seeing him in a different light.

Afterwards, the time we spend together keeps increasing as my guard starts to loosen, and before I knew it, I was able to act casually around him, just like how I act in my house.

----------------------------------------

Just as I was about to stew over those memories some more, the bus came to a halt.

Our teacher, Mr. Ryu, who was our guide for today's field trip, stood up and called the students out—

“Alright, check your things and step down from the bus slowly. Don’t rush or push each other.”

Students began to step out of the bus, one by one. Meanwhile I still turned my attention to the sleeping figure beside me. Ryohei who had dozed off at some point, his head tilted slightly to the side. He looks surprisingly cute when he sleeps.

"Usui, wake up. We have arrived." As I tried to wake him up by nudging him lightly. But no response.

I couldn't help but frown, then I tried it again. Shaking him gently by the shoulder. This time, he stirred, blinking groggily. As he straightened up and wiped his eyes.

Now that I pay closer attention to it, his jacket—was unusually thick.

"Ryohei… why is your jacket so thick? The sun’s already up. Aren’t you hot?"

He looked down at himself, as if just realizing how stifling it must be. His brow furrowed slightly, but before he could brush it off, I pressed further.

"Come on, it’s hot today. Take it off."

“Uh… no, I—”

Ryohei hesitated, clearly reluctant, but after a moment, he sighed and complied. As he took off several layers of jacket, my eyes widened. Astonished by his arm.

His arm was fully wrapped in bandages, stiff and unmoving.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"Ryohei, your arm… it’s broken?"

‘But he was just fine the other day? Isn’t he?’ I believed so.

He turned his gaze away, looking almost guilty. "It’s not a big deal."

"Not a big deal?! Why didn’t you tell anyone?"

Before he could answer, a voice interrupted us.

"Why are you two still here?" It was Mr. Ryu, standing by the entrance of the bus. His brows furrowed as he glanced at us. "Everyone else has already gotten off."

I turned to the teacher, still reeling from the revelation. "I'm sorry Mr. Ryu, but Ryohei has a broken arm.”

The teacher's expression immediately shifted to confusion. "Wait—what? Why didn’t you request to be excluded from the trip?"

Ryohei was quiet, but neither me nor the teacher said anything, waiting for his reply.

After sighing, he finally came clean.

"Sorry, I just wanted to come, I thought that if I told you, I'd be excluded from the trip." Ryohei answered simply. His voice was steady, unwavering.

"Besides… it’s just my arm. I can still walk."

I stared at him. ‘Was he serious?’

Right now I wasn’t sure whether to be impressed by his determination or mad at his recklessness.

The teacher exhaled sharply but nodded. "Alright… I’ll exclude you from the group, and you can go at your own pace. But don’t push yourself too hard."

Seeing a flash of opportunity. Just right before he finished speaking, I cut in without thinking twice. “Teacher, can I switch groups? I… feel bad to leave him on his own."

The teacher blinked in surprise, then smiled. "Would you? Thank you, Hikari. It was supposed to be me who accompanied him, but I agreed to be the guide during this trip. Sorry to trouble you."

Hikari shook her head. “It’s fine Mr Ryu, I also felt bad for being absent a few days ago, let me help so that everyone can have a good time during this field trip.”

I said that, but even if the teacher refused my offer, I was going to insist anyway… Thankfully he agreed.

But right after that, several students overheard and approached the teacher.

"Teacher, can we switch too?" one of the boys asked.

I was trying to look for a reason to refuse but Mr. Ryu immediately agreed to them, unaware of the tension around him.

"Alright, I’ll make a quick fix to the group list."

I let out a quiet sigh. So much for alone time.

----------------------------------------

“Attention! There’s one of our students that had an accident and was wounded, so I have adjusted some members and they will go at a slower pace. Everyone else, follow me.”

There’s a slight disappointment coming from the crowd, mainly from the group who had Hikari in it. But Hikari couldn’t care less, she was just happy she could be in one group with Ryohei.

Mr. Ryu advanced with the other 5 groups while we remained at the entrance of the museum.

“So, what are we waiting for?” Asked one of the students. He walks with a laid-back swagger, his tie loose and blazer draped over his shoulders like he doesn’t care. A constant smirk tugs at his lips, paired with a cocky flick of his hair whenever he speaks. He leans back with his arms crossed, as if he’s the coolest person in there.

Ryohei remembered him. He was one of the two boys that had a thing for Hikari, they constantly went into each other's throats and barges into Hikari’s personal space to find out which one she had more affection for.

A gloomy glasses girl walked closer, she was also one of the students who got shoved into the group, “Excuse me, is this the last group teacher mentioned?”

None of the students answered, as she just got ignored. Then, “Yes, you’re right. Welcome, uh…” Ryohei answered but forgot about her name.

“Yamada Yuki, P... please to meet you.” Seeing how nervous she was, Hikari breaks the gloomy and silent atmosphere.

“Welcome Yamada~ Sorry, you got brought to this group.” Hikari walks to her hand clasped together to form an apologetic gesture.

“Ah no… I’m okay, in fact. I prefer this, since in my last group I was the only woman, I feel left out.”

Another male student stepped forward and followed it up right after Hikari welcomed her. With this, their group was completed. Each group consist of 5 students, besides Hikari and Ryohei, there’s also two other boys that asked the teacher to join the groups,

“Welcome, Miss Yamada, as you can see we just gathered here after with Miss Hikari right after Mr. Ryu assigned this group. And he said that someone will be here to pick us up.”

This one has his hair perfectly styled, his uniform crisp and spotless, with a neatly adjusted tie and just a hint of cologne. Every move feels deliberate—running a hand through his hair, adjusting his cuffs—small gestures meant to draw attention. His smile is smooth, his voice effortlessly charming, as if every word is carefully chosen to leave an impression.

Just like a casual good-looking, charming student… in fact, it was as if he was trying so hard at that.

“Tch, quit acting fancy, man. She ain’t buying your crap.” The cocky students interject, they glared at each other as if they’re mortal enemies.

“Mind your language please, as one of the students of our High School, you sure have a foul mouth, Taiga.”

“Screw you and your fanciness Haru, I talk normally. You’re the one acting weird.”

Ryohei sighed, he may be lacking friends. But there’s no way in hell that he wants to be friends with people like them.

The tour hadn't started but it was already filled with trouble.

“Sorry for the wait… you guys are little Ryo student’s huh? Hoho~ youngsters sure are energetic.”

A frail old lady slowly walked closer, she was wearing a bright pink furisode, her eyes so narrow that they were barely able to see her pupils.

“Ah sorry for troubling you Grandma.” Hikari bowed and apologized, and the rest also followed up, paying respect to the elder.

“Hohoho, it's fine. Little Ryo called me and needed some guide for the last batch of students with one injured student, that’s you guys right? Come follow me and take your tickets.”

We followed her going to a slightly uphill road, despite going uphill and with her age, she barely had any trouble with her breathing. Ryohei was also one with no trouble as he was hiking almost everyday. But everytime he was trying to go fast, the muscle of his arm contractures, making a small sting to him.

*Gh…

That little gasp didn’t escape Hikari’s ear either, “Are you alright? Should we go slower?”

And everytime she helped Ryohei, both boys, Haru and Taiga would glare back at him. Feeling displeased. Ryohei also felt uncomfortable being in the spotlight, so he brushed her off.

“I’m fine, let's hurry…”

----------------------------------------

Upon reaching the entrance, all of the students were perplexed, as it was breathtaking, and so many visitors came. From either local, or even foreign visitors.

Right after they bought the ticket, the old lady guided us around, showing us the row of houses and the collection of weapons inside. To be honest Ryohei didn’t expect it either, he thought that the museum was like… one giant building that showcases the historical tools used behind a transparent glass case.

But not here, this so-called museum was huge. It spans over several acres, designed like a hidden village straight out of an old ninja tale. Instead of a single exhibition hall, the place was a cluster of traditional wooden houses, each one dedicated to different aspects of a ninja’s life—training, weaponry, espionage, and survival techniques. The dirt paths between them were lined with old stone lanterns and bamboo fences, adding to the authenticity.

Some houses had secret passageways and trapdoors, while others displayed rows of throwing stars, kunai, and smoke bombs, not behind glass cases, but arranged as if still in use. The whole setup made it feel less like a museum and more like stepping into the past, as if the shadows of real ninjas still lingered in the air.

“Grandma, what’s the history behind this museum?” Hikari asked her with a curious tone.

“Hoho, it all dated back to the 12th century…”

The old lady brought them to one of the buildings with a line of framed pictures. The blurred colors of the photo make it clear that it is a very old photo.

“Togakure Style Ninpo, or often called Togakure Style Ninjutsu, was founded by Nishina Daisuke who was a warrior of Nagano that became samurai of Minamoto no Yoshinaka in the late 12th century.”

She pointed to one picture of the ancestor and then moved to the other.

“He learned Ninjutsu at Togakushi Temple as one of Shugen-do practices. In 1181, he joined Yoshinaka’'s army and traveled to Kyoto with him.”

“Yoshinaka? But… didn’t their army lose?” the glasses girl, Yamada interjects. She was very versed with history.

“Correct. I’m surprised you knew, Ryo student’s are certainly smart!” The old lady praised her. She couldn't help but smile with a grin on her face.

“Unfortunately, Yoshinaka’s army was defeated and he was killed by Yoshitsune. Daisuke fled to Iga after fighting on the losing side of a war between the Minamoto and Taira clans. Iga was the traditional bedrock of the ninja, the best of the best learned there.”

“And right after Daisuke learned the Iga style Ninjutsu, he returned to Nagano. By combining the Iga style ninjutsu with the Togakushi style ninjutsu, he started his own ninja school. And that is the Togakure Style Ninjutsu, this very place.”

The old lady leads them outside, with a few of a bridge that was passed by so many visitors, the bridge that was used to train.

“Up until now, the school was still going, but most of the area was transformed into a tourist spot. Leaving only a small area that was still used for training, and that place isn’t accessible for guests.”

“I see… the history behind it was amazing!” Hikari screamed in joy, “Usui, wanna try going over that bridge over there?”

“What? No, just go there by yourself.”

“Eeeeh… why not?” Hikari little teases make it look like their romantic little space. And that certainly displeases the other boys.

“I’ll go with you Hikari.” said the cocky student, Taiga. Trying to look cool. Ryohei twitched, who is he and why is he suddenly coming with a first name term with her?

“Eh… ah no, I…” Hikari felt lost in words, and didn't know what to reply in this situation.

“Well in that case I’m coming too. Shall we? Miss Hikari?” Said Haru. The cool looking student, trying to one up Taiga.

“Back off! I asked first!” Taiga stepped up and shoved him back, warning him to not step out of line.

Haru snickered, “What’s the point of asking first if she chose to go with me?”

“There’s no way she wants to go with you!”

“Really? Then was there any reason for her to go with you?”

Both of them raised their tone and confronted each other. Yamada was in panic, as she fixed her glasses and tried to stop them. While Hikari was just sighing and letting their fight unfolds

“Sorry to interrupt but we are still in the middle of our tour…”

The clear elderly voice interrupts their conflict, the old lady continues. “We are pressed on time, there are still several more places that you need to visit… and since we are going at a slower pace compared to the other groups, your group will have less break time.”

Both of them turned and looked at the old lady who stood on the sideline. Taiga backed off as he clicked his tongue. Haru just stood there and tap his uniform,

“However, you are free to do so during your free time after the tours end,”

Haru sighed and turned to Hikari, “That is unfortunate, well then. Shall we do that later, Miss Hikari?”

Hikari only made a vague response, half-heartedly answering him.

“Ah… mmm.”

“Truly unfortunate, if only there’s no ‘someone’ that slows our group down. We could be having more fun.” Haru turned around and glared at Ryohei.

“...For once, I agree with you.” followed up by Taiga, still grumbling.

Hikari who heard that clenched her fist, her eyes widened as if showing no mercy and wanted to pummel someone till they passed out.

This time they really are stepping out of line. “Hey—”

Right before Hikari is able to speak his mind, the old lady cuts again.

“Hohoho~ I’m very sorry. As you know, I am old and very out of shape… that’s why our tour is going very slowly. Please forgive me, both of you...”

Hikari and Yamada chuckled while Taiga and Haru flustered.

“Wha–?! No, that’s not what I meant—”

“Alright, shall we continue then?” The old lady walked away, leaving them behind before they could clear up the misunderstanding, and making them look like a dunce who can’t tolerate elderly.

Ryohei secretly smiled and laughed at them, then continued to follow the lead.

----------------------------------------

“Thank you for guiding us grandma,”

After visiting a few more places and learning their history, we went back to re-joined with the rest of the group and have some free time to freely roam around. Some went to get lunch, while others tried the trick house and Ninja challenge they offered.

“Hoho, you’re welcome. As long as you enjoyed your time here, I am happy too.”

On the way back, their group was halted by a well-dressed man, as he gave a polite nod, his confusion evident as he glanced between the students and the elderly guide.

“I’m sorry, you looked like you knew the place around here. Since you guide these students…”

The old lady’s eyes widened in recognition. “You… you’re from the television, aren’t you?”

“Ah yes that’s correct! I was wondering where I should go to meet the director, as I was standing here at a loss for a few minutes now.”

“Ah, yes! That’s correct!” The man perked up. “I was wondering where I should go to meet the director. Me and my team have been standing here at a loss...”

The old lady sighed, rubbing her temples as she muttered under her breath, “Don’t tell me he’s…” Her expression darkened, already predicting that her husband—the so-called museum director—was likely dozing off at home instead of handling his responsibilities.

With a weary yet practiced smile, she turned back to the TV crew member. “I apologize. There’s supposed to be someone waiting for you at the entrance, I supposed we were busy and short on staff. I’m very sorry.” The old lady bowed down and apologized, but the man stopped her from bowing down.

“It’s fine, really! We arrived just now, we didn’t wait long.”

“Well then, I’ll escort you to him right away.”

Then she then turned to the students, clasping her hands together. “As for you all, I’m afraid I won’t be able to guide you back to the main group. Since our tour have conceded. Right now is your free time, you’re free to roam, but make sure to return to the main group in a few hours.”

Barely a moment passed before two students—Taiga, the cocky delinquent-looking boy, and Haru, the good looking student—immediately butted heads.

Taiga crossed his arms. “Oi, Hikari! Wanna check out the trick house?”

Haru scoffed, flicking a stray lock of hair. “Please, Taiga. That’s a place for kids. Hikari, wouldn’t you rather experience that bridge we previously looked at? It’s much more sophisticated.”

“What did you say?!” Taiga confronts him again, feeling that he just got mocked.

Hikari let out a dry laugh, taking a cautious step back as she sighed. ‘I feel like disappearing right now…’

Sensing the tension, the old lady suddenly clutched her lower back. “Ouch, ouch, my back…”

Hikari’s concern overrode her awkward predicament. “Are you okay, Grandma?”

The old lady weakly extended a hand toward her. “It would be nice to have someone escort me back to my place…”

Both Hikari and Ryohei immediately saw through her intentions.

Not missing a beat, Hikari jumped at the opportunity. “Sure! I’ll help you get back, Grandma.”

The old lady smiled. “Thank you, dear.”

As Hikari turned around, she called out for Ryohei who was standing quietly behind the group. “Ryohei, help me.”

Ryohei blinked, glancing at her with a bewildered expression. ‘Does she seriously expect a guy with an injured arm to help? What does she want me to do? Piggyback the old lady?’

The old woman chuckled at his expression and interjected. “Ah, your arm must be hurt, right? That bandage needs to be reapplied. Fortunately, I have some fresh bandages at my house. You should come along too.”

Taiga and Haru overheard their conversation, they also wanted to come. Eager to follow wherever Hikari would go.

“Then, I’ll also—”

But the old lady swiftly shut them down. “No need. I only need the injured man and one person to help me. You students just need to enjoy your time here. Don’t worry, she’ll be back in no time.”

Grumbling, Taiga and Haru had no choice but to watch as Hikari and Ryohei followed the old lady away. They eventually took a seat on the nearby benches, sulking in their defeat as they waited for Hikari to return.

“…If she comes back, that is.” Muttered the old lady under her breath as she giggled and continue on her way with Hikari and Ryohei.