Yumo and Obake traversed the mountainous terrain. The bird's-eye view of the lands below was nothing short of remarkable.

Before long, the pair encountered two trails. One led down the mountain. The other led to a path where the trees did their best impersonation of a corridor. They chose the latter, where a handful of other teenagers were walking ahead.

With a hint of wonder in his eyes, Obake gazed around. I can’t stand the academy, but at least I get to enjoy the Tree Corridor on the way.

Obake hadn’t thought about Meilana all morning, but with each step her memory clawed its way back to the surface. He thought about the many times they ventured through the very same corridor together. Holding hands and giggling like small children. He remembered all the times he took her to Taulon Falls. All the times they kissed, all the times they almost—

“Why’re you so quiet?” asked Yumo.

Meilana burrowed her way back into Obake’s subconscious. “Sorry, I was thinking about something.”

A mischievous grin dawned on Yumo’s face. “Thinking about Tezza, huh?”

“Why would I?”

“Come on. You know she wants it. You don’t see her giving you the googly eyes in class?”

“I try not to.”

“What? She’s so sexy. If you don’t jump on that I will.”

Obake gave a light shrug of the shoulders. “Be my guest. I’m not interested.”

Yumo scrunched his face as if a foul odor entered his nose. “You must be gay.”

A hearty laugh bellowed from Obake’s core. “No, dumbass. I got my eye on somebody else.”

“Oh. Let me guess. Is it Katshi? No, Naivu?” Yumo bit his bottom lip. “I love that nice ass she’s got.”

“She does have a nice ass, but nope. Not her.”

Yumo flung his arms up and down. They looked like the wings of an exhausted stingray. “So, you’re not going to tell me?”

“Nope, I’m keeping this one to myself.”

“Are you serious right now?”

“Sorry.”

“That’s messed up. It’s not like I’m going to tell anybody.”

Obake sent Yumo a harsh side eye. “Yeah right, remember in second year when I told you I liked Morrgo? You went right up to her—”

“All right, all right, but in my defense, that was when we were kids.”

“They called me Love Doctor for months.”

Yumo laughed so hard all the nearby critters scurried off. “Oh, yeah, I forgot all about that. Good times.”

Midway through the Tree Corridor, at the base of the trees, were five turtle statues made of brass, three in a row on one side and two in a row on the other. Each turtle possessed a shell full of spikes and a wangjin hat.

“Are they ever going to replace that one?” asked Yumo, pointing to the side that contained only two statues.

In the middle of them rested an empty pedestal.

“The Zoza Statue? Doubt it. If they wanted to replace it, they would’ve done it years ago.”

“Kind of creeps me out. What if it came to life and walked away?”

“I bet it did. It’s been hiding in your attic all these years, waiting for the best time to devour you.”

“You read way too much Zhai Foong.”

Obake gave a cheerful chuckle.

“Did you read the latest issue yet?” Yumo continued.

“Not yet. I’m so far behind. I’m still on the ‘Life after Death’ saga.”

“Catch up already. I mean… that’s my favorite part of the story, but that came out like a year ago.”

“You know some people say it’s true, right?”

“Yeah, that would be awesome, but I don’t know. Dying, traveling to another realm, fighting a giant dragon, coming back to life… too good to be true.”

“I don’t know. A lot of people can wield their soul energy. That alone is pretty crazy, if you think about it.”

“Okay. Okay. You got a point.”

The friends finished traversing the mile-long Tree Corridor before they knew it. As they exited, their academy revealed itself in the valley, a pagoda style castle, watching from below. Its cerulean walls, imperial red roof tops and gold accents conveyed a near picturesque surrealism. About two hundred children waited at the foot of its gates. A winding trail lay before them and the valley.

“Want to race down the Serpentine Trail?” asked Yumo.

Obake smirked. “I’d rather not have to take you to the hospital.”

“Whatever.” Yumo chuckled. “So, you’re still going to help me out later, right?”

“Help you with what?” Obake’s face sagged with annoyance. “You’re still trying to go back to the Yokai Ruins?”

“Yup, I need that money.”

In disbelief, Obake shook his head. “You actually think you’re going to get a Stinger?”

“I don’t think so. I know so. My dad said he’ll get me one for graduation.”

Obake executed a playful shove. “Looks like you’re screwed then. You know your goofy ass didn’t get enough points.”

“Whatever. You’re just mad I’m about to be riding while you’re walking.”

“Yeah, right. I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“Look. I heard him talking to the neighbor. He said he’s going to get it for me tonight.”

Yumo became so thrilled that Obake started to believe him.

“Why do you need the money then?” asked Obake.

“I can’t leave it all basic. You know I have to spice it up. I want the all-purpose tires, the custom seat and the enhanced engine. The ladies are going to be all over me when they see it.”

“I got weird vibes the last time we went there. Something’s off about that place.”

“I’m not planning to stick around. We’ll grab the money and get out of there.”

“How do you even know it’s still there? Bandits probably swiped it by now.”

“Bandits don’t loot there anymore. They already got everything worth taking a long time ago.”

Obake swiveled his head and groaned in frustration. “Why did you have to drop it anyway?”

“Not like I did it on purpose.”

“You know we might run into whatever made that sound last time, right?”

Yumo shuddered. “I hope not. That was too scary. But believe it or not, I thought about that.”

A well-crafted dagger with a wavy blade came out of Yumo’s shirt pocket.

Obake slid its scabbard open and inspected it, an expression of admiration developing. “It’s gorgeous. We can’t let Batta see this though.”

“Of course not. He’d flip.”

Obake resumed walking.

Yumo trailed behind him. “If something jumps out on us, we’ll take care of it.”

“How am I going to make it to Genopai someday if I’m busy cleaning up after you?”

“Don’t worry. Your dreams of becoming a ‘ninja for hire’ will come true. You should have more faith in yourself.”

“They’re called bounty hunters. How many times do I have to tell you that?”

“Yeah, yeah. Are you down or what?”

Obake halted again, looking at his friend with suspicion. “Are you feeling okay? It’s not like you to go charging into danger like this.”

“You know what they say, money talks. Plus, I’ll have you with me.”

“All right, fuck it.”

Yumo thrust his fist into the air. “Yes. Hey, you never know. Maybe this time you’ll find what you were looking for.”

“Doubt it, like you said. The place has been completely ransacked.”

“I still can’t believe your grandparents won’t tell you what really happened.”

“Me either. They’re hiding something. Even Sensei Kinichi won’t tell me what happened to them.”

A sad vibe struck like an unexpected storm.

“They supposedly died when the so-called ‘ginyai’ showed up. Monsters from another realm, yeah right. Maybe they’re the ones reading too much Zhai Foong.”

“Think it could’ve been the brekkas?”

“Come on. You know I don’t like that word.”

“My bad. Samurai. Better?”

Another side eye slipped from Obake.

“So, could it have been them or not?” continued Yumo.

“No way, a full-blown war would’ve broken out.”

Yumo placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Maybe it’s hard for them to admit that it was a random disaster.”

“Still, if they wanted me to believe them, then why not be more convincing? More details would help. They’re so vague and act weird whenever I bring it up.” Obake sucked his teeth. “What if it did happen, though? Did my parents run like cowards or fight like warriors?”

“I hate to say it, but a freak accident probably caused that fire. It’s sad, but even great ninjas like your father don’t always go out like heroes. I’m sorry.”

All Obake could muster in response was a solemn nod. Pressing on, the friends soon reached the valley. The academy gates remained shut tight. Children crowded about, all of them from the ages of ten to seventeen. They came in every color, shape and size as well.

“I still can’t believe all of you hike here every day,” said Obake.

Yumo crossed his eyes and pursed his lips. ‘Have to get your education somewhere.’

Laughs rumbled from Obake’s belly. “Your dad doesn’t talk like that.”

“Yes, he does. To be fair though, my town doesn’t have an academy anymore. It got shut down before we were born. Some drunkard ran it. Genopai has one, but that’s like three hours away by automobile.”

“Damn. I’m lucky I live up here then. Do you think it’s worth it though?”

“Well, supposedly this academy turns out the most successful students. Guess we’ll see how true that is in a week or so.”

Obake and Yumo drifted into the thick of the crowd. The academy’s three levels towered above. Everyone appeared infinitesimal by comparison. Two falcon statues made of pure gold mounted opposite corners of the uppermost roof. They gleamed bright under the blanketing sun.

A stout, disgruntled looking woman wearing a beige complexion arose behind the gates. Despite her feminine qualities, an undercurrent of masculinity peeked out. Patches of black hair spiked from her chin and upper lip. The hair on her head was patchy as well. She walked with an obvious limp, but did her best to hide it. Some children giggled at the sight of her. As the woman opened the gates, a loud gong signaled the imminent start of classes. The adolescent horde swarmed inside like a colony of ants trying to fit down a single tunnel. Obake and Yumo waited for the swarm to thin out and they weren’t the only ones. Through the many bobbing heads were two stationary ones. An ivory boy with slicked back hair and hooped earrings occupied a bench. Next to him was a stocky, coconut skinned boy whose hair looked struck by lightning.

Obake nudged Yumo in the ribs. “Look.”

“Ow. What’s your problem?”

“Look stupid.” Obake pointed at the boys with his forehead. “The assholes.”

Yumo glanced over at them. They were busy providing harsh commentary on any student unfortunate enough to get caught in their gaze. Even the faculty wasn’t safe from their savage opinions.

“There goes the groundskeeper again, looking terrible as ever. She could use a new wardrobe if you ask me,” said the slick-haired boy, he couldn’t pry his eyes from the woman who’d just opened the gates.

The stocky boy smirked and nodded. “She could use a better haircut too.”

“They’re pathetic,” said Yumo, as one would when talking about maggot infested food.

Obake nodded. “That’s an understatement. Can’t they just slip off the side of the mountain already?”

As the crude duo glanced around, their sights landed on Obake and Yumo.

“Take a look, Jevoss.” The slick-haired boy slapped his cohort on the arm then pointed. “If it isn’t our best buddies.”

 “Here we go again.” Yumo sighed.

“You guys still haven’t found anything better to do with your time?” asked Obake with a strong trace of loathing.

The slick-haired boy swaggered over to Obake. “What could be better than ruining your day, shrub head?”

He was thin and lanky, as if he considered eating too much of a hassle.

“I’d rather look like a plant than a worm,” snapped Obake.

Yumo roared with laughter.

The stocky boy left the bench too. “Bald boy here thinks something’s funny, Eshra. Can you believe that?”

“What do you think we should do about it?” asked the slick-haired boy.

Stiffening his chest, Jevoss took several aggressive steps toward Yumo. “He won’t be laughing much with a black eye.”

Obake intervened. “Back up.”

“Or what?” Eshra stiffened his chest as well. “Going to use your little defiler powers on us?”

“You’re just mad because you’re a feeble. I bet you wish you could use your soul energy,” said Yumo.

Clenching their fists, Eshra and Jevoss both seethed with offense.

“I doubt you guys want a repeat of last time,” said Obake with an air of cockiness.

Eshra grinned, detestable words on the tip of his tongue. “Luck, that’s all it was. This time I’ll send you home so fucked up your mom won’t even recognize you. Oh, wait… you don’t have one of those.”

Red smeared Obake’s vision like a murder scene, a tsunami made of every negative emotion colliding within him. Visions of Jevoss and Eshra’s bloodied, battered bodies lying in the dirt sprang forth. Obake wanted the visions to become real as soon as possible. He thought about the samurai he killed the night before. How confused it made him feel. Killing Eshra and Jevoss would feel different, somehow, he knew it. After all, this was personal.

With glee on their ugly faces, Eshra and Jevoss beamed at each other.

Obake lunged, snarling like a ravenous tiger, but Yumo held him back.

“I’ll kill both of you bitches!” He thrashed at Eshra and Jevoss. “Come here! Come here!”

While Yumo struggled to keep Obake back, Eshra and Jevoss taunted him.

“Calm down. Stop!” screamed Yumo.

Obake didn’t let up. “I’ll slit your throat cock suckers!”

“What’s going on over there?” said the patchy-haired woman, heading their way.

Jevoss and Eshra tried departing the scene.

“You two, wait right there.” The patchy-haired woman paused to examine the scene. “Everything all right over here?”

It took an immense amount of willpower, but Obake regained control of himself.

“Yeah,” said Obake, through bated breath.

“Yup. Everything’s fine, Miss Jiaou. All good here.”

Yumo sounded much more convincing, but not convincing enough.

“If I see any more funny business, all four of you will be taken directly to the Supreme Sensei. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal,” said Yumo as Obake nodded along.

Eshra and Jevoss fought back the urge to laugh.

Miss Jiaou scowled at them. “You two get to class—now.”

She sent Jevoss and Eshra away. Only after they were a suitable distance did she grant Obake and Yumo permission to proceed as well. As they made their way through the gates, she watched them, her square jaw and thorny upper lip more apparent than ever.

I don’t think I’ve ever been this close to her before.

“Now listen to me, boys. My mother always told me… ‘never take responsibility for other people’s trash.’ You’d do well to remember that.”

 After her parting words, Miss Jiaou vanished amidst the colorful flowers of the garden that started at the gates and spread to surround the academy.

Other people’s trash. What does she mean?

Obake and Yumo entered the foyer; it was empty aside from a few stragglers. Most of the other children had already found their respective classes.

“We’re going to be late,” said Yumo as he and Obake made a run for it.

The academy’s interior was a beautiful shade of brown, so vibrant it bordered on golden. Light fixtures hung from the walls. They all matched the falcon statues on the roof. A decorative staircase divided the center of the foyer. Walls on either side of it held three doors each. All of which displayed a class name or designation. They found the classroom labeled: Art of Arithmetic and scraped inside before the late gong.

A petite woman stood at the front of the class with a wicker bin full of scrolls. “Aren’t we cutting it a bit close?”

“Sorry Sensei Gwell,” murmured Obake.

She had brown hair so long it tickled the floor. Her bifocals were hideous, but the pretty bronze face beneath them caused many of the boys to fawn over her.

“Have a seat, gentlemen,” said Sensei Gwell.

 The voice floating from her was so calming, it was safe to assume she found yelling unbecoming.

Her parka flapped and fluttered as she paced in front of a chalkboard littered with equations.

As Yumo found his seat in the back, Obake made his way to the front row. Eshra and Jevoss were also present, but their seats were isolated from the rest of the class.

“If you’ve been paying attention and have studied like I suggested, then this test should be a breeze. If not, you might be in trouble.”

Obake glanced at Yumo who rubbed his closed eyelids like a stressed parent. Next to Yumo was a tanned, blonde girl. She put her hazel eyes to use by staring at Obake with extreme affection.

Sensei Gwell’s voice returned. “Eyes forward.”

With a snap, Obake turned to her. She regarded him with her freckled face.

“Most of you already have enough points without this test. However, for a select few, this will be the deciding factor on whether or not you pass my class. As you all know, you need this class to graduate.”

Obake’s mind went haywire. Son of a bitch, I knew I should’ve studied.

Sensei Gwell waltzed down the aisles and delivered the scrolls to every student. When the scroll landed on Obake’s desk, it came with a bout of anxiety.

I hate arithmetic and whoever invented it.

Opening the scroll, Obake winced as if he expected equations to leap from the page and devour him. To his surprise, only a few of the equations looked difficult.

Wait a minute. This doesn’t look so bad.

One after the other, he tackled each question, growing more confident all the while.

“Bring it here.”

 Obake looked up to see Sensei Gwell beckoning Eshra, who was standing between the blonde girl and a dark-haired girl. The blonde occupied a level beyond embarrassment. Her face shrouded behind her bright locks. Eshra approached his sensei with a fist clutched at his side.

“Give it to me.”

Eshra feigned ignorance.

“I won’t ask twice.”

He handed a small piece of paper to the sensei, and she began reading its contents.

 

Hi, Obake!

Um… it’s hard for me to say this, but it’s our last year and you still haven’t made a move. I think it’s adorable that you’re too shy to approach me. Actually, I think everything about you is adorable. Well, if you haven’t figured it out yet, I like you and I was wondering if you felt the same way. Please write back and let me know soon.

Your not-so-secret admirer,

Tezza

 

Obake now occupied the same level of embarrassment as his admirer. He stared at his desk as the entire class combusted with laughter.

Even Sensei Gwell chuckled. “Okay, settle down class. Finish your tests.”

 

                                                                         ♦♦♦

 

Before long, the end of class gong went off. The students wasted no time making hasty retreats.

Sensei Gwell ushered them along with some semi ominous words. “Your tests will be graded tonight. You’ll know your fates come tomorrow morning. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

 Through the shuffle of bodies, Obake made eye contact with Eshra who began making foolish expressions.

Yumo stepped in between. “Let it go. He’s not worth it. He’s trying to get you to ruin your graduation. Don’t let him win.”

“Fuck him. Why should we keep letting him get away with this? He’s been a problem for years.”

“Kick his ass after we graduate. For now, let’s get to Sensei Pelssa’s on time.”

 Yumo entered a room labeled: Language Mastery. Obake lingered, hoping to catch Eshra and Jevoss in the hall. He gave up then found them already seated inside. They chose desks right next to each other, which further enabled their obnoxious behavior. Loud talking, throwing writing utensils and burping were a few of their favorite disruption tactics.

Jevoss flipped a pencil off the edge of his desk. He then watched it bounce off the ear of a small boy sporting a bowl cut. “Ding! Ding! Ding! Three points for me.”

Obake thought about attacking them right then and there, but after careful consideration, he realized it would be smarter to catch them alone.

Sensei Pelssa was present, but lacked the desire to do anything about the mayhem ensuing in his classroom. An odd fellow, he had pale skin and retained an awkward shaped physique. Each of his extremities were thin like metal rods, his torso however, resembled an upside down hot-air balloon. Reclined in his chair, he kicked both feet up on his desk. A book titled: Never Too Late to Get a Date in his grasp.

The near two-hour class breezed by in what felt like two minutes. Obake and his one hundred ninety-nine classmates landed in the second-floor dining hall. That many students crammed together made the dining hall claustrophobic.

Miss Jiaou stood behind a buffet table with a cooking apron draped over her torso. Obake smiled at her, grabbed a tray and swiped as much food as it would allow. Everything from watermelon to shrimp made its way into his meal. Yumo and Obake sat alone. They spent the start of their hour-long lunch people watching and trading items.

“Two more classes and we’re home free,” said Yumo.

 “So, we don’t have to go to the Yokai Ruins anymore?” replied Obake with sarcasm.

“Well… we’re home free after that.”

Forty-five minutes into lunch and Obake’s food had vanished to the pits of his stomach, which still weren’t satisfied. He decided to partake in a second helping. As he returned to the lunch line, the dark-haired girl form Sensei Gwell’s class jumped in front of him.

“Uh…?”

“Come talk to my friend,” said the dark-haired girl.

Behind her, Obake found Tezza giving a cutesy wave.

“But I was—”

“Don’t be shy.”

The eager girl yanked Obake by the arm and weaved him between a few tables until he was face to face with Tezza.

“Hi,” she said, gazing at him with longing.

Obake looked away; it was all too much. “Uh… hey.” His eyes darted all over the dining hall. To his relief, nobody paid them any attention.

“That was pretty embarrassing, huh?” continued Tezza.

“What? Uh… yeah.”

“Sorry about that. Stupid Eshra is always messing things up.”

Every time Obake’s eyes found Tezza’s, he looked elsewhere. “He sure is, can’t say I’m a fan.”

“So, um… did you have time to think about my note?”

“Look… you’re pretty and everything, but—”

“Wait! You don’t think…?” Tezza’s entire demeanor changed in an instant. “I don’t like you like that. I meant like… you know… a friend.”

Obake froze. His adolescent brain couldn’t comprehend what was happening. “You… you did?” he asked, more perplexed than ever.

“Yeah, duh.”

At last, he developed the courage to look her straight in the eyes. He could see deception hiding within them.

Tezza scoffed. “Boys are such idiots.” She then flipped her hair and strutted away, accompanied by her friend.

“All these years we called you Love Doctor for nothing.”

Standing close by was none other than Eshra and Jevoss. They were smiling from ear to ear.

“Does it ever get any better for you, shrub head?” asked Jevoss.

The end of lunch gong sounded throughout the dining hall. As Eshra and Jevoss walked past Obake, they each slammed their shoulders into him.

At that moment, Yumo arrived. “You all right?”

Obake wasn’t listening. Too busy keeping a watchful eye on his enemies as they exited the dining hall. Aware that Yumo would try to stop him, Obake faded into the crowd. Like a shark circling prey in the open sea, he hunted them. A perfect opportunity presented itself when they entered the bathroom.

Opening the bathroom door, the young ninja tiptoed inside. He expected his enemies to be at the urinals, but they weren’t. Next, he checked the sinks and sure enough, there they were, washing their hands without a care.

Obake’s voice filled the bathroom. “Hurry up!”

Eshra and Jevoss became startled. They whipped around to find the source of the voice.

“What do you think you’re doing?” asked Eshra.

Jevoss grimaced as Eshra’s worm-like body made its way over to Obake. “Sorry, shrub head. We don’t give potty training lessons.”

Jevoss and his stocky build found its way to Obake as well. Despite the two-on-one odds, Obake didn’t flinch.

Eshra reached behind his back and brandished a small switchblade. “How bout I—”

Before Eshra could finish his threat, Obake struck him in the neck. Eshra dropped the knife and stumbled backwards, clutching his throat. Charging forward, Obake shoved Eshra into the sink. It cracked open, releasing a geyser of water. Jevoss charged, too, much like a bull. Obake sidestepped, forcing Jevoss to bust full force through the bathroom door, tumbling into the hall for everyone to see.

Hoping to escape into the crowd, Obake dashed out. He then felt himself shift toward the floor. His shoulder smacked hard against it and his neck whiplashed. He expected to see Eshra, but an ebony man with a bristly mustache peered down at him instead.

“Get up, both of you!”

With ease, the muscular man lifted Obake and Jevoss to their feet. Eshra attempted to get by undetected.

“Where do you think you’re going? All three of you follow me,” said the ebony man.

 

                                                                          ♦♦♦

 

Soon enough, Obake found himself in a cozy little office, a comfortable armchair beneath his bottom. Sitting next to him was the ebony man, Jevoss, and Eshra. He eyed the shelves fixed to each wall, and the books packed within them.

Does he really read all those?

A nonagon desk hogged a majority of the office space. Upon it, a nameplate read: Supreme Sensei Kinichi.

All three students waited for an hour, the class outside the door had yet to conclude. Like an eagle, the ebony man watched them. Obake jiggled his leg, Eshra twiddled his thumbs, and Jevoss stared at the carpet.

In walked a man with light brown skin, he appeared to be the same age as Obake’s grandparents. The wrinkles on his face were just as profound. Yet he had a relaxed, prestigious aura about him. Long gray hair and a long gray beard attributed to that. As he moved, his blue and white robes resembled water moving in midair.

“If it isn’t Mr. Batta, what can I do for you and these fine young scholars?”

“Supreme Sensei, I caught these three fighting in the bathroom on the second level. They caused extensive damage to the sink and door. I even confiscated a switchblade.”

Kinichi pulled open a drawer and out came a purple box. After shuffling through it, he released a small bar of chocolate.

He took a bite and savored the taste. “Would any of you like one? I have plenty.”

Kinichi held the box out, shaking it before each of them.

Mr. Batta looked confused. “No thank you, sir. I’m on a no sugar diet.”

“Are you positive? They taste exceptional.”

“Yes. I’m positive.”

 Once again, Kinichi looked at each boy. They all shook their heads as if the gesture were some sort of trap.

“Sir, these boys—”

“Would you say detention is in order?”

“Detention is too lenient, don’t you think?”

“Depends on your perspective, judging by their injuries, I’d say they’ve been punished enough for their transgressions.”

“But, sir? What about the damages? What about the switchblade? None of them are eighteen yet.”

“Yes, of course. However, we do live in a land that faces the possibility of war from forces beyond a giant wall.” Kinichi pointed in the direction of Bushido Empire. “It’s not uncommon for our people to arm themselves.”

“They were going to use it on each other. Not the samurai. They’re just kids. They have no right. As watchman it’s my job to—”

“I understand your position, but each of them will be eighteen sooner rather than later. Nobody was harmed either. I say we consider ourselves lucky.”

Mr. Batta was beyond flustered. “Yes… yes sir.”

Kinichi peered at Eshra, who wouldn’t dare meet the Supreme Sensei’s gaze. “I will be confiscating your knife for the remainder of the year. Come see me on graduation day with your parents if you’d like to retrieve it.” He turned back to the watchman. “Don’t worry about the damages. Miss Jiaou will repair them in no time. And do me a favor, escort these gentlemen to the caretaker’s office. Dr. Kauzo will see to it they get patched up nicely.”

Mr. Batta looked as if he’d had the wind ripped from his sails. “Right away, sir.”

“I’ll be on my way then. I have a class to finish up. I’d hate to keep the students waiting any longer.”

 

                                                                          ♦♦♦

 

Dr. Kauzo was handsome, copper toned and younger than any other faculty member. Obake found it hard to believe he wasn’t in fact a student.  

“Haven’t seen you in here for a while. How’s life?” asked the doctor.

Obake glanced around the mid-sized room. “I’m doing all right. Feels weird to be putting this place behind me soon though.”

Charts displaying human anatomy and medical certifications plastered the walls. Dividing screens implemented for patient privacy stood in sequence. Not the most advanced place to practice medicine, but it sufficed.

Dr. Kauzo examined Obake for wounds. “I don’t blame you. You’ve spent almost eight years of your life here.” He paused, pointing out the faint bruising around Obake’s neck. “Hmm… looks like you’re developing a knack for injuries.”

“That should be gone soon.”

The doctor put away his magnifying glass. “Well, I don’t see anything to be too concerned about. The other kids are ok too. I don’t think you’ll have to worry about their parents coming after you.”

“Thanks, Doc.”

“The next time I see you better be at graduation. Or else,” said Dr. Kauzo with a warm smile.

“You got it.”

 

                                                                         ♦♦♦

 

The late gong for final period had rung, but Obake wasn’t the only one lurking the halls. At the top of the first-floor stairs was a funny-looking woman in odd clothing. She spotted Obake and went at him as if he’d stolen something, her braided hair dawdling behind her like a tail.

“Young man, you missed my class,” she said in a high-pitched squeal.

Her honey complexion wasn’t indicative of her personality in the slightest.

“Sorry Sensei Oldro, I—”

“Where were you?”

“I was in Dr. Kauzo’s office.”

“You’d better not be lying. I will personally see to it you receive the harshest of punishments if you are.”

“I swear.”

“I’ve warned you and your little friend about ditching before, have I not? Science of the Human Realm is not to be taken lightly.”

“Yes, ma’am. I never said—”

“Do you have your homework? You can’t pass without it.”

“Yeah, it’s right here.”

“Chop. Chop. I must be on my way. Believe it or not, there are students who truly care to learn.”

Obake pulled the homework from his satchel. Sensei Oldro snatched it and stomped away with her head held high and mighty.

Obake mumbled under his breath. “Fucking bitch.”

He then finished his trek back to Kinichi’s Chamber on the third level, his last period. With the hope of avoiding attention, he opened the chamber doors slow and steady. To his dismay, everybody turned at the sound of the squeaking doors.

Why does everybody always have to stare like that? What am I? Some kind of caged animal?

The grandiosity of the chamber always garnered an eye of admiration from Obake. Its high ceiling coated with gold leaf complimented the solid oak flooring. Ocean paintings, landscapes and soaring falcons gleamed from certain segments of the surrounding walls. In between those hung weapons, ranging from swords and spears to hammers and bokkens.

“How good of you to join us,” said Kinichi.

Obake sat beside Yumo in the fourth of seven rows.

Yumo leaned close for a whisper. “I thought you got expelled or something.”

“I’m surprised I didn’t,” whispered Obake.

Against the wall, opposite the entrance, sat three platforms, one stacked on top of the other. The higher they went, the smaller they became. On each platform, stairs were fixed to either side. July 6th, Year 772. Genesis, Final Lessons was scrawled across a rollaway blackboard that stood in front of the platforms.

With a stick of chalk, Kinichi wrote a single bullet point: The Forru Concordat. “How many of you know what this is?”

He scanned from side to side until a hand erected.

“That’s the peace treaty between us and the samurai, right?” said a chubby boy with glasses.

“Don’t you mean the brekkas?” blurted a male voice.

The class unraveled into a giggle fest.

Kinichi ignored the outburst. “Correct, wonderful answer. It’s a document that was enacted by Grandmaster Forru. He hailed from a place in the Shinobi Empire called Genopai City. No doubt most of you have heard of such a place.”

Every student in the class went silent. They sat transfixed, their attention glued to the Supreme Sensei.

“As you are all well aware, we are currently not on the best of terms with our neighboring empire. However, what you may not be privy to is how things came to be this way.”

A thin girl with a chin level hairdo extended her hand.

“Yes, you there.”

“Haven’t they always been our enemy?”

“Not quite. We’ve had many different experiences with the samurai.”

Gasps scampered around the room.

“At first, we were united together under the Council of Ten. An organization comprising Grand Monarchs, Masters and Magistras alike. Half from the Shinobi Empire and half from Bushido. Unfortunately, a famine struck that disrupted the delicate trade operations. That ordeal ultimately led both factions into conflict.”

A brown skinned boy from the back of class yelled, “That’s it?”

“You’d be surprised. Sometimes that’s all it takes,” answered Kinichi.

All fifty teenagers wore stunned expressions.

“After years of warring, Grandmaster Forru opted for peace and single-handedly rallied most to his cause. Both empires dispatched their best Kantasian sorcerers and sorceresses. Together they built the Colossal Divide.”

“What were they trading, sensei?” asked Yumo.

“Food and medicine mostly. Actually, that brings me to my next point. The original two clans that came to squabble were the Gazzo Clan and the former Yokai Clan.”

Every student made it a point to stare at Obake again.

“Why tell you this now? Why haven’t I taught this aspect of our genesis before you ask?”

Stole the question right out of my mouth.

“First and foremost, now that all of you are graduating soon… I believe it is imperative I arm you with the knowledge necessary to keep you safe.”

Kinichi folded his arms behind his back and stood very statuesque. “You may or may not encounter samurai during your individual journeys, but I prefer you all be prepared should that happen.”

Dead samurai flickered like a flame in Obake’s thoughts.

“Second, those who don’t know their past are doomed to repeat it.”

Obake’s nerves flared at the thought of dealing with the samurai again.

“Last, we can’t move forward as a people if we continue to build on a foundation of lies.”

The short-haired girl raised her hand again.

“Yes, what is your question?”

“My mom told me the brekk—I mean, the samurai were power hungry.”

“I heard that Gazzo’s wife cheated on him with a ninja,” said another student.

“I heard that too,” said a student in the front row. “I heard they skin people alive.”

Kinichi peered at Obake. “You see, a certain someone went through great lengths to cover up the truth. Many counterintelligence measures were put forth. Those involved ensured that numerous versions of said story were released to the public.”

Obake found himself flabbergasted. Papa?

“But rest assured scholars, I have all the details. We will study this subject more thoroughly starting tomorrow and continue until the end of the year. For now, open your books to chapter nine.”