(Ukon and the old man who greeted Tetsumi when he first arrived are outside, walking in a garden.)
"The boy seems to have misconceptions about what exactly he will do here."
"What do you mean, my lord"
"He does not seem to realize the danger that is involved. He thinks that this will be all fun and games."
"I have noticed this as well, but I think that once he goes through the training regiment, then he will change his views."
"And what if he does not change? Then what will happen? If he is allowed to become one of us, then he will not only be putting himself in danger, but others as well."
"I realize this, my lord, but I do believe that he can change. Despite his age, he already posses the skills and strength necessary to become a slayer. The only question marks are his perceptions. He is still young enough so that we can change it. His mind is not beyond our ability to mold."
"You believe adamantly that this boy can do the job. Tell me: Why?"
"This boy is different from the others that are here. They all believe that they can become slayers. None of them have the skills that this one has. None of them know what lies ahead of them. I believe that the boy not only has the skills, but possesses the frame of mind to grasp it. He may not fully understand what the actual job will be like now, but he will be able to. This 'childish perception' that you say he has is the same thing that will help him. He has this idealized notion that he will be able to make a difference. We should all think the same way."
"I've heard enough. We will not wait until tomorrow. Send for the boy."
(Mistress Fumika and Tetsumi are in the "dining hall," just the two of them. Tetsumi is eating eagerly.)
"This is your fifth plate, young man."
"I'm sorry. It is just that I was so hungry and this food is the best I have ever had."
"I will be sure and tell the cook that you give her your compliments."
"Would you? I hope to cook like this one day."
"Do you now? Imagine that: a boy who knows how to cook."
(A man appears in the hall.)
"Where is the boy called Tetsumi?"
"He's right here."
"The council wishes to speak with him. Right this way."
"You better go with him, Tetsumi."
"Okay. Good-bye Mistress Fumika."
Tetsumi left the kitchen, following the man to where the Council was. The man appeared to be in his twenties, in the prime of life. He carried a sword on his right side and seemed to walk with a slight limp.
"What does the council want with me?"
"I am not liberty to say."
"Oh."
It seemed that the Council had not left the room where Tetsumi had seen them before. There they were, exactly as they had appeared before.
"Have you had time to find your room?"
"Yes, I have. Thank you for generosity."
"You are welcome. How is your father?"
"He is well, still filled with the vigor of youth."
"That is good to hear. He was quite the demon slayer in his younger days. Did he tell you about it?"
"A little. He preferred not to go into detail."
"I see… well, it was probably for the best. This profession is quite a burden for some. Have you met any of the other children?"
"I have met one. A girl by the name of Natsu."
"Natsu? So, how did you like her?"
"She was pleasant to talk to."
"Really? We have been having some trouble with her lately. I guess she likes you. And the grounds; how do you like them?"
"They are beautiful, especially the fountain."
"Good, good… I hope you realize that this has nothing to do with why you are here."
"I had a feeling."
"Of course. We have called you here to inform you that you will be allowed to participate in our training program. Congratulations."
"Thank you, masters. I am humbled that you consider me deserving."
"Do not get too excited, young one. This is only the beginning. You will still have to go through the training process. I can promise you that this will not be easy. The training will last for as long as we say so. For some, it will take a few months. For others, they will train until the day they die or decide to give up. Very few complete the whole course."
"My body is more than capable to handle whatever is before it."
"The training process not only focuses on the body. Your mind will also be pushed to the limit. You will receive the finest education we have to offer. After your morning meal, all of you will assemble for your studies. In the afternoon, your physical training will begin. It will end when the instructors feel that you have suffered enough. Do you still think that you are ready?"
"I have never back down from anything. I do not plan to start now."
"We shall see."
