Chapter 2 – "Graduation Celebration"
The walk home was longer than usual. Of course, Sesu had done this on purpose. He knew that as soon as he got home, his "big brothers" would "train" him for tomorrow. They always heard new like this, and every time, they beat him until his muscles were too sore to bend.
He pulled his high collar farther up, making sure to cover as much of his face as he could. They had seen it only once, and they wouldn't let him forget.
He has of a small build, but wiry. He still had time to grow, only being about twelve. His clothing was dark, so he blended into the night well, except for his lightly tan jacket. Sesu Kept his hair long, and for the occasion, he had worn it in a ponytail, but he was taking it out, fearing his brothers would try to cut it again.
The house was large, and very traditional. The Ryusaki clan was the most prestigious in the Village, and had naturally grown to great importance. They turned out geniuses like a factory. It was widely known that, if it hadn't been for them, the village would have failed a long time ago.
He was surprised to hear the music. Why were they playing music? He opened the gate to the inner grounds. The main building lay just ahead, lit brightly and crowded full of probably the whole clan. Recovering from this minor shock, he walked to join what was obviously a party.
"Congratulations Graduate!" Sesu smiled as he read the banner. Congratulations, he silently added his own celebration.
"Hey, Sesu," Akio greeted him. He looked very similar to Sesu, though four years older. His hair was worn the same, and his clothing was similar. He did not have the high collar Sesu did, and he wore his jacket open, showing a white t-shirt beneath it.
"Akio-sama," Sesu answered, his smile shown only through his eyes.
"You don't have to call me 'sama,'" he answered, shaking his head. When Sesu didn't reply, he continued, "You seem cheery." Sesu just nodded. "It's a simple celebration for Ryoma."
"Oh. Right." Sesu's smile fell slightly, but he did his best to keep it up. "Where is he? I'll have to congratulate him."
"Over there," he answered, pointing out the blond prodigy, who was obviously the center of everyone's attention. Only 1 year spent at the academy, the boy was 6, and he had graduated.
"Thank you, Akio-sama," Sesu said, inclining his head slightly as he retreated. The crowd was rough to get through. Few of them wanted to even acknowledge his presence, let alone move for him, but he got through.
"Sesu." The blond boy eyed him carefully. He had to look up, but obviously felt superior. Sesu didn't think any different.
"Ryoma-sama." Sesu knelt beside him and inclined his head. "My congratulations."
"Yes. I suppose the tests are getting easier every year."
"I suppose so." The world flashed red, the chattering stopped.
'You think I couldn't graduate the old tests! You ungrateful snipe!"
Sesu lay several feet away. The blow was stronger than a six year old could normally manage. It had to have been enhanced by chakra, a channeling ability that came naturally to him.
"How dare you."
"Forgive me, Ryoma-sama. I only meant to agree with you. Not insult you."
"That's your problem, always agreeing. Make your own damned decision. Get out of my sight. Pathetic."
Sesu obediently retreated, not daring to speak anymore. He held his hand over his cheek where he had been struck. He could feel the burn marks.
The cold water felt nice on his face. The world began to come into focus again. He knew immediately he wasn't alone in his room, but the presence was soothing. "Taki…" Sesu muttered, turning slowly.
"Congratulations, graduate."
Sesu smiled. Taki was probably the only one who would tell him that. He was about a year younger than Sesu, with dark brown hair that was kept in a short, unruly mess. His clothing at this moment was a traditional summer kimono, decorated lightly with flowers.
"Thank you, Taki."
Taki reached delicately, placing a patch over Sesu's wound.
"You should sleep," he said. "You have your next test tomorrow."
Sesu nodded. "I'll do that."