Ch.94 Biggest Shortcoming of Conservatives

Akira's words struck a nerve, and Kamo Noritoshi's entire body shook. Instinctively, he wanted to refute it.

But Akira didn't give him the chance: "The older someone gets, the more they stick to tradition, and the less they are willing to accept or pursue new ideas. But for the 'Cursed Blood Manipulation' to truly shine, what's crucial is 'seeking the new' and 'seeking change.'"

"If you don't believe me, think of a new idea right now. The hint is right beside you."

Kamo turned his head toward the Kyoto side's stands, his gaze moving over his classmates and teachers three times, back and forth, still unable to find an answer.

"Can't think of anything?" Akira wasn't surprised in the least.

"Please, instruct me."

"I don't know the answer either."

"What?"

"Surprised? Aren't we opponents right now?"

Kamo wanted to object, but he couldn't deny that Akira made a lot of sense.

Akira continued, "And there it is again. Haven't you noticed the key issue yet? Why are you so willing to believe that what I say is right?"

"This..."

Kamo wanted to say that it was Akira's way of using words and arguments to manipulate him, but he knew very well that falling for someone's bait like that was, in itself, foolish.

"Let me spell it out for you this time, seriously." Akira looked right into Kamo's eyes. "The surface reason is that I'm stronger than you, and my words are logical—they would help you improve. But the deeper reason lies in your very way of existing. You've gotten used to obeying, used to playing the role of the proper heir of one of the Big Three Sorcerer Families—at least, according to the higher-ups."

Kamo's eyes narrowed to slits, but then he quickly opened them again and shook his head: "No. I'm not playing a role. I am being myself. Both today's individual battle and yesterday's group match were a manifestation of my personal will."

"Really?" Akira's eyes narrowed as his gaze turned cold. "Have you never considered the thoughts of the current head, Principal Gakuganji, or other higher-ups? Haven't you tried to accommodate them? Are all of your choices entirely voluntary, not because those in power wanted you to make them?

"Let's use a simple example—what's easier to move in, a hunting robe or modern athletic wear? Which is more suitable for close combat? And don't use 'blood pouches' as an excuse. Hunting robes can be modified, and so can athletic clothes. You've got a clothing expert in Kyoto High right there."

Akira's gaze shifted slightly, landing briefly on Zen'in Mai, who was frowning, her eyes darting between him and Kamo, her thoughts unreadable.

Kamo once again found himself without a reply.

Wearing the hunting robe was a tradition for the Kamo family or the Big Three Sorcerer Families, and traditional families obviously followed traditional clothing. But this was exactly what Akira was talking about—his mindset was confined by the Kamo family. Even when leaving home, there were no such requirements.

Take Zen'in Mai for example. She was also from one of the Big Three Sorcerer Families, but had never worn traditional attire at school.

Thinking deeply, the "Cursed Blood Manipulation" he inherited followed the path of his predecessors without much of his own input—because he believed this was the best way.

The best way...

The best...

The best???

Since when did he start thinking this was the best?

Simply following in the footsteps of those who came before him would only keep him trailing behind.

And then, he remembered.

It was when he was eight years old and confirmed as the successor.

At that time, various people kept force-feeding him knowledge about all sorts of things.

They always said—

"You are the heir of the Kamo family."

"You must not tarnish the family's reputation."

"You have to do things this way."

"You must do things that way."

At first, he questioned everything. But soon, there was no time left to wonder.

The elite training meant for the future head filled every waking moment. Just listening exhausted him completely.

Over time, he got used to adapting and conforming—because doing so earned him praise, and ended each grueling training session faster. Exactly as Akira had said—it was what benefited him the most at the time.

Slowly, this behavior infiltrated every aspect of his life, shaping his very existence.

What would Father want to see?

What would Mother want to see?

What would everyone else want to see?

As long as he met these expectations, life was filled with flowers and praises.

His path to becoming the successor had been smooth sailing; everyone said Kamo family had a good son who would make the perfect head.

His mind was a whirlpool of thoughts. Despite his mature demeanor, the young man found himself lost.

Have I made a mistake?

A gentle face briefly flickered in his memory.

No. I have not.

I do all of this to ensure I become the head of the Kamo family.

Only then can I fulfill my promise.

Only then can I bring my true mother, who was cast out, back home.

"I'm not wrong... I... I have to become the head of the Kamo family. That's the only way I can..."

He didn't finish, but it made Akira smile faintly.

Not hopeless, after all.

"No one is saying that your desire to be the family head is wrong. Learning to compromise and accommodate others is not a bad thing—it's part of life.

"But compromise or accommodation should be temporary steps towards fulfilling your true will. Always yielding without retaining your own self will ultimately backfire. Even if you become head of the family, where will your own will be? How will you handle opposition?"

And this was the real secret behind why the conservative faction had always held on to power. They used their rules and their ideology to quietly influence the next generation.

Whether someone wanted to or not initially, as long as they stepped into the circle, and remained within its framework, it was just a matter of time until they were affected.

Look at Principal Gakuganji. He used to be a forward-thinking person in his youth, but now?

Kamo shivered again. Akira's words pinpointed a significant, hidden threat.

Indeed, within the Big Three Sorcerer Families, the head held considerable authority, almost absolute, but only within usual circumstances.

If it involved the family's reputation, even the head couldn't simply act alone—unless they were someone like Gojo Satoru, a once-in-a-generation powerhouse.

But bringing back his mother, clearing her name, would definitely tarnish the Kamo family's honor and trigger backlash.

The larger the family, the less likely it was to be unified.

Kamo was well aware that among his siblings and relatives, there were plenty with ambitions for power; only the heavy weight of the "Cursed Blood Manipulation" and his lack of mistakes kept them at bay.

Give them an opening, and they'd swarm like sharks sensing blood.

Without realizing it, Kamo was drenched in cold sweat.

"Whether I'm right or wrong, you should think about it. Remember—thinking is proof of one's existence. As long as you keep thinking, you'll never lose yourself."

With that, Akira took two steps back and calmly turned away.

"Wait," Kamo suddenly recalled something. "Why... why did you tell me all this?"

"Figure it out yourself. You're not really an idiot."

Akira took out his phone and waved it slightly, dialing a certain number in the process.

"Hello? Mom, it's me..."

"Yeah, just finished the match. A casual 1v4 sweep. The rest will be up to Maki and the others to showcase their strength."

"How are things back in Tokyo..."

Kamo barely heard anything else as his heart pounded and a soft voice echoed in his memory.

"Be careful, okay."

It was a voice from countless dreams, a voice he could never forget—a gentle warning, a mother's concern.

And the voice coming through the receiver, though faint and unclear, matched that voice perfectly.

"Mother (Okasan)..."

The heir of the Kamo family, long used to concealing his emotions, could no longer hold back. He called out a word he hadn't used since he was eight.

P.S.: The formal way to address one's mother in Japanese is "Hahaue," which translates to "Mother Superior" or "Mother Dearest." It's a more formal and official term. Of course, this is a bit of artistic liberty, but given Kamo Noritoshi's personality and Japan's traditions, it fits his character and can be seen as his final act of defiance.