Chapter 8: Seekers Path (1)

As Reyoma entered the clan hall, he found himself weaving through the bustling corridors, his mind still occupied with thoughts of the prisoner and the mysterious Toju Ekitai. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the situation than met the eye, and he was determined to uncover the truth.

As he approached the stairs, Reyoma noticed two imposing figures standing guard besides the stairs. They were the two Swords of the Akatsuki clan, the guardians of the interior of clan, known for their unwavering dedication to their duty and their formidable skill with the sword, were completely armored, their armor only leaving their eyes visible.

Reyoma hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to approach them or find another way inside. But before he could make a decision, one of the guardians stepped forward, blocking his path with a stern expression.

"Halt," the guardian said, his voice firm. "You are not permitted to enter."

Reyoma nodded reluctantly, realizing that he had no choice but to comply with their orders. "Understood," he replied, his voice resigned.

Turning away from the stairs, Reyoma made his way down the corridor, his footsteps echoing in the empty hall. He couldn't shake the feeling of frustration that gnawed at him.

'What heinous crime could he have committed to warrant military district soldiers bringing him here to see the clan leader?' Reyoma pondered as he reached the classroom where the theory class was about to begin. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself for what lay ahead. Pushing open the door, he entered the room, greeted by the sounds of chatter and laughter as he stepped inside.

The other members of the clan were already gathered, their faces alight with anticipation as they waited for the class to begin. Reyoma found an empty seat near the back of the room and took his place, his mind still reeling from the events of the day.

And then, after a couple of minutes, Ishima sensei entered the room where theory classes were held, starting from afternoon to evening. It was the first time students were meeting Ishima sensei, although some students who had a little link to politics or seniors knew a little about Ishima sensei. However, many of them didn't know who Ishima sensei was.

Ishima Akatsuki, a teacher whose physical appearance mirrors the enigmatic beauty of nature itself. His presence commands attention, his tall and lean frame exuding an aura of quiet strength.

Ishima's piercing gaze, the color of deep amber, holds wisdom beyond his years, framed by a cascade of black hair that falls in gentle waves, reminiscent of the flowing currents of a tranquil stream, but on the tip of every strand of his hair, his black hair was painted dark amber.

His face, adorned with faint scars earned in battles long past, tells tales of resilience and perseverance. Yet, his countenance remains serene, with a soft, knowing smile that seems to carry the weight of centuries.

Dressed in robes of deep brown, embroidered with intricate patterns symbolizing the harmony of opposing forces, Ishima moves with grace and purpose, each step echoing the measured cadence of a seasoned warrior.

As Ishima Sensei entered the room, a hush fell over the students, their eyes turning towards him with a mix of curiosity and reverence. Reyoma felt a sense of anticipation building within him as he awaited the introduction of their new teacher.

Ishima Sensei stood before the class, his presence commanding attention as he surveyed the room with his piercing amber gaze. His expression was calm and composed, yet there was an underlying intensity to his demeanor that spoke of hidden depths.

"Good afternoon, students," Ishima Sensei began, his voice deep and resonant, carrying the weight of his words with a quiet authority. "My name is Ishima Akatsuki, and I will be your instructor for theory classes."

As he spoke, Ishima's eyes seemed to flicker with a subtle energy, hinting at the vast knowledge and experience that lay beneath his calm exterior.

"Now, I would like each of you to introduce yourselves," Ishima continued, his voice soft yet commanding. "Tell me your name, your age, and one thing you hope to learn during your time here at the classes."

One by one, the students began to stand and introduce themselves, their voices echoing in the quiet room as they shared their hopes and aspirations. Some spoke with confidence, while others seemed nervous, but each one expressed a genuine desire to grow and learn.

There were only thirty trainee seekers in their batch of Class Seven, consisting of seven females and twenty-three male trainee seekers, so it didn't take too long to finish their introductions.

"So now that introductions have completed, let's begin the class," Ishima Sensei announced, his voice commanding attention as he turned towards the front of the room. The students settled into their seats, eager to delve into the lessons that lay ahead.

"So, the first class is about seekers," said Ishima, gathering everyone's attention.

'Finally, I am going to learn about seekers. Although I have heard about them, I don't truly understand what they are,' Reyoma thought.

As Ishima Sensei delved into the concept of seekers, the classroom fell silent, every student hanging on his every word.

"Seekers," Ishima began, his voice carrying a weight of solemnity, "are not merely individuals seeking power or knowledge. They are self-conscious beings on a journey of self-awareness, striving to unlock the depths of their own potential."

Reyoma listened intently, his eyes fixed on Ishima Sensei as he continued to explain the stages of becoming a seeker.

"Every self-conscious being possesses an innate ability to become a seeker," Ishima elaborated, his words echoing in the quiet room. "But not all will choose to embrace this path. But everyone will receive both a mental and physical invitation at a certain point in their lives. The majority of them will receive the invitation on their fifteenth year or after. Only in very rare cases have we seen people getting the invitation before fifteen."

'So basically, they have to understand who they are to become seekers. In that sense, beasts can't become seekers, I guess?'

Aimi furrowed her brow, the concept sinking in. "Mental invitation... physical invitation..." she murmured to herself, her mind racing with possibilities.

'Now what does that even mean? Wait, that isn't what I think, right? Right?' Aimi embarrassingly thought to herself.

Hideyoshi, sitting beside Nobunaga, leaned in to join the conversation. "So, if someone rejects the invitation or ignores it for too long, do they lose the chance to progress?" he asked, seeking clarification. Hideyoshi's father was a military officer of mediocre rank, so it seems he had a bit of understanding of it from his father.

Ishima nodded solemnly. "That's correct," he confirmed. "Continuous headaches and sleeplessness signify the mental invitation, while the physical invitation manifests as the inability to eat. Those who refuse or ignore these signs for twenty days forfeit their opportunity to advance."

'sigh... What a waste,' Aimi thought while peeking at Reyoma. 'Wait, what am I even thinking today? It's a relief that it isn't what I thought it was,' Aimi thought, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.