Part 26 - Raven's decision

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Hey there! I decided to add titles. Maybe I'll keep them from now on

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Píng'ān had finished her monologue. It took longer than they expected, but it was a lot of information and even if they were a young group, they had a rich history.

Ichibe made sure to create something akin to a utopia for those that lived in their area of influence.

But he didn't want to eliminate all problems. That would lead to stagnation and then humans couldn't evolve and strive for greater things.

Raven was thinking about all the things she had heard. It almost seemed too good to be true. And if something seems that way, it mostly is.

But this Monk was different from anything she knew about humans and men. He was not lustful or driven by something that he himself benefitted. At least she thought so. He was powerful, friendly, balanced, proud and impossible to see through.

He always seemed to have an answer for every situation. He seemed fearless but not stupid or rushed.

There was something that pulled her in but there was also something that made him stand out. Like he was standing above you. Like he was a king.

Maybe that was due to his power. She didn't entirely know what it was. The captains of the Gotei 13 probably knew it but they didn't know everything either.

"And you truly don't know why the Monk chose you three? What are his thoughts and motives? What if he is using you guys and we don't know? Are you ok with the fact that he might have his own intentions?"

The three captains looked at Raven like she had just said the dumbest thing in the world. Raven was confused.

"What? Did I say something wrong?"

"Do you think that we haven't thought about this in all the years we know the Head Captain?", Lè Yáng asked.

"Yeah, Raven we know that it might not seem the best thing, as you don't have all the information, but there is nothing in the Head Captains' actions that would make us suspicious or make us think that he is using us for his own goals.", Yán Ya said.

"And even if he would use us for his own goals, that wouldn't change anything. We would still serve him and his cause the same. He has saved us, end of discussion.", Lè Yáng said.

"Yeah, and even if we don't know why we were chosen or why he gave us powers or why he saved us, we truly believe that he will tell us one day when he wants to.", Píng'ān said

Before Raven could say anything, golden sparks formed in the air and a portal was created. Out of the portal came Ichibe. He had a slight smile on his face.

One of pride and happiness. Having heard what was being said, he was proud of his subordinates.

"It seems like I have indeed chosen correctly. And you are correct, it's time you learn why I chose you three to become captains."

"Head Captain! There is no need for that. We know that you mean well with us and your goals are nothing but honourable.", Lè Yáng said.

The other two agreed with him.

"Nonsense, I have decided to tell you anyway. It's just that I... forgot to do it..... You see to understand why I chose you, you must understand my power first.

But before we do that, I think it's time for you Raven to make your choice. Anything we talk about from here on out is not for outsiders to hear."

Four pairs of eyes looked at Raven while she thought about her decision. The only thing that made her hesitate, was her experience with betrayal.

Eventually, she decided. She looked at all four people in the room and spoke.

"I made my choice. I believe that your goals are indeed honourable and I myself also wish for the Mutantkind to have a life like the people in your territories have.

So I would like to join if you would have me."

It was silent in the room for a moment and no one said anything. Then Ichibe smiled his trademark smile.

"I'm glad you did. It would have been quite a drag otherwise. Now let's talk business for a moment.

Since Raven has decided to join, I propose that she joins the Shin'o Academy first. It should be a matter of weeks for her to learn Zanjutsu and Shunpo.

The other things can be learned over time. Then I think that she should join the second division and then the third division for a time to learn the drills and get some experience.

If I am correct and I am, her powers should be perfect for those lines of work.

What do you think?"

The others thought about it for a second. Unlike other gangs or organisations, the members' opinions were important. They should voice out their concerns and thoughts.

"I don't think there is any problem with that.", Lè Yáng said.

"Me neither. Are you going to give her an Asauchi Head Captain?", Yan Ya asked.

"Hmm, I will indeed give her one. As soon as she starts in the academy, I'll give you one Raven. It will be useful for you. The others will explain to you what that is and how to use it.

If you get strong enough, I'm sure you will be able to form your own division and choose your members."

Raven was excited. She would be able to have some of her friends as members when she got strong enough.

"But I have to warn you now. I'm sure you want to have Mutants as your members. This would create some problems though.

You see, many people are interested in Mutants and therefore have their eyes on them. So, should you integrate them into our ranks, that would make those people look at us.

Then we would be in the limelight, which is not necessarily something we want.

So you might have to take Mutants out of America or you must wait until we have a stronger grip in America.", Ichibe said to her.

It was hard to get a good footing in America because of SHIELD and other organisations. This doesn't mean they couldn't do it, but it will take a long time.

So the Mutants might have to move to China where the Gotei 13 has a very strong presence and can protect them on their turf.