This was it. After lunch the class returned to the open room and waited for the Sensei's next order. He entered the room and smiled at us. "You all seem ready. Akio. Reo. Take your positions at the edge of the fighting area."

Akio stood up and walked over to the one side without a word. I did the same.

"Ready? Begin!"

As soon as the Sensei gave word, Akio was on me in an instant. The boy was wielding a sword like mine, but longer and the blade wasn't as thick. It was difficult to dodge, but I managed to do it in the nick of time.

Akio didn't waste any time, he followed up with a couple other slashes. I jumped backwards to avoid them.

"Jump! Jump Reo!" Paavo called out, seeming excited.

"Jump?" I shout back, but things changed from there.

As soon as I said the word 'jump' Lazarus started to glow orange. I felt a power rush through my legs, as if I could...

"Jump!" Paavo shouted. His warning alerted me of Akio, who was about to slash my midsection.

I did as Paavo ordered, and leaped into the air, only I was about 13 feet into the sky. The classmates watched in wonder at the height I reached.

I was just as surprised, and unprepared. I hit the ground with a thud and stared up at them in amazment. Lazarus stopped glowing, and the power in my legs ceased.

\"What was that?" Rae asked me. I had no response.

Akio scoffed and continued his assault. I drew Lazarus and blocked his oncoming attack. Our swords met, and we were suddenly in a competition of strength. We both pushed on our swords mightily, before the Sensei stopped us.

"Alright you two, that's enough. Class is dismissed."

Akio sheathed his weapon and frowned. "Some Mataki you are..." He walked away with the others.

I was about to follow when the Sensei approached me. "Reo, you are using your father's sword. Correct?"

I nodded.

"We fought together, him and I/ But I've never seen his sword do anything like that."

"It seemed to start doing that when I said jump." I replied. Half expecting the sword to react again. "I'm just as confused as you are."

The Sensei smiled. "Well, go and pack your things. You will be living here from now on."

I didn't mind. The school wasn't too far away from my old home. I'll still be able to visit Grandfather. I'll need to catch up with Tomoya too.

"Thank you Sensei. I will take my leave."

I had left the school and started my way home. I was suddenly tackled to the ground and held there. Was someone trying to mug me?

"Hey Reo. Where's the love? I haven't seen you in forever."

Nope, it was just Tomoya.

He picked me up and placed me on my feet.

"Why haven't you been at school? I've been waiting at your house for the past couple of days, but your Grandfather keeps telling me you have bad diarrhea."

Great cover story Grandfather.

"Well I did, but it passed now." I lied. "Sorry for being so open about that."

Tomoya laughed. "No problem. I've been pretty open with you as well. Like remember that time I had the giant rash on my a..

"Ask me later, I'm kind of in a hurry." I interupt.

Tomoya shrugged. "Can I at least walk you home?"

"Sure."

Halfway home, Tomoya noticed the sword I was carrying.

"Uh, Reo. What's with the giant medieval weapon?"

I froze. "Well uh, you can't be too careful. I've been pretty cautious ever since my fight with Sora."

"Good thinking. I can't be rescuing you all the time."

We laughed together.

Soon the two of us returned to my old home. Tomoya led me to the door.

"Alright, here we are Reo. When will I see you again?"

"I-I'm not sure Tomoya." I answer sheepishly.

Tomoya looked hurt, but didn't sound it. "Alright, I'll see ya when I see ya I guess."

My old friend turned and left. Waving at me as he walked down the street. I entered my house and greeted Grandfather.

"I need to grab my things. I will be living at the shinobi academy."

Grandfather nodded, as he knew already. I ran upstairs and put all of my things together. A picture of Tomoya and I was one of them. Poor guy. I feel like dirt for just ditching him.

"Grandfather, how important is it that I keep the secret of the shinobi?" I ask as I walk down.

"Very important. It could expose our academy to thieves and spies. Our whole city would be in shambles."

I doubt very much that Tomoya was a spy. But my Grandfather insisted.

"I will be leaving now. I'll try to visit often!"

Grandfather smiled. "Make our family proud, grandson."

I returned to the academy and got my room set up. It set up the bed and put the picture of Tomoya right on the night stand.

It was getting pretty late. I yawned and sat down on the bed. Suddenly, Rae walked into the room.

"Hey Reo, how are you feeling?"

I smiled. "I'm fine. Thanks." I had thought about the fight before. "What's Akio's deal?"

"Don't worry too much. He treats every newbie like that." He laughed. "I remember I got the same treatment." He started reminiscing. "Akio was the first student here actually. Then me, Maarku and Paavo joined, respectively." He explained. "He probably respects you for starting here, but he'd die before letting you know."

We laughed for a moment.

"Well Reo, get to bed. You'll need a lot of energy for tomorrow's session."

"Why's that?" I ask.

"Because we're going on our first mission."