Flying high
Four years ago
Kazuki and Daichi left the house the next morning. Daichi told him that they would have to walk all day but could get there much quicker if they flew. Kazuki was nervous and excited by this idea, as he had never actually been on a long distance flight as a bird before. Daichi knew that Kazuki's chakra would only be able to last a short while, but it would still save a lot of time. So, after walking down the path to an empty crossroads, the two of them transformed. A few seconds later, a large, elderly heron and a small hawk took to the skies. Kazuki loved to fly. Normally, he was terrified of heights but his instincts as a bird overruled his fear. Instead, he basked in the thrill of zooming over the tree tops, watching the tiny dots of people and animals which were unaware that he could see their every move. He was extremely disappointed when he felt his chakra supply begin to run low. He gave Daichi the heron a squawk, indicating that we should land. The large bird nodded and they both turned into a shallow dive down into the trees.
Daichi stretched his slightly aching arms.
"Not bad," he commented, shading his eyes against the sun. "I think we probably saved at least three hours walk, but we still have a long way to go."
He tapped Kazuki's arm.
"Come on, let's get moving."
Kazuki followed the old man through the woods. It was a long walk over difficult terrain and even Kazuki –who was used to cross country walking- was soon sweating.
"So what exactly is this 'special thing' I'm doing?" He asked to distract himself from his tiredness.
"It's a ritual," answered Daichi, not even out of breath. "It's designed to unlock your full power." He climbed over a fallen tree. "It also serves as an initiation rite into the clan."
"What's the name of this clan?" Inquired Kazuki.
"The Shiryuu clan." The old man replied.
Kazuki leapt over a shallow ditch. "So you're Daichi Shiryuu? I thought you said I was already part of the clan, but my last name's 'Hagane'."
Daichi glanced back at his pupil, smiling. "The Shiryuu is not like other clans." He told Kazuki. "We are not directly related, but we all share the same abilities. When we discover someone with those abilities, we invite them into the clan and, after the ritual; they take the name 'Shiryuu' as their own."
Kazuki looked slightly disappointed. "So you're saying we're not related?"
Daichi stopped suddenly, almost causing Kazuki to bump into him. He turned and faced Kazuki.
"Kazuki-kun," he said, "You have to get past the idea of 'family.' Family is just an invention of humans. In reality, every single creature in a species is family to one another. Every human belongs to the 'human clan', if you will. This is true of every other species of animal as well. Understand?"
Kazuki nodded.
"Good," said Daichi, grinning at Kazuki. "That is the basis of the ritual, as it happens. If you can grasp that idea, you are part of the way through it."
"Part of the way?" Kazuki asked as Daichi started walking again.
"Yes," Daichi sighed, "and I'm afraid that is the easiest part of it."
Kazuki raised an eyebrow.
"As well as a ritual," continued Daichi, "it is also a test of willpower." He adjusted the pack on his shoulder. "During the ritual, you will be exposed to the full, animalistic force of nature. To pass the test, you must surrender yourself to instinct." He looked at Kazuki. "And come out with your humanity intact."
Kazuki gulped. "How many fail?"
Daichi thought for a moment. "About a third…" He coughed.
Kazuki stopped in his tracks. "A third!?" He exclaimed.
Daichi nodded sadly. "Exposure to pure instinct is a dangerous process. It is all too easy to forget that you are still human. There are many who go insane and become ferocious creatures that are half human, half animal."
He noticed Kazuki gaping at him. Daichi smiled reassuringly. "But they are a weak minority." He said. "I know you are strong enough to pass."
The old man clapped Kazuki on the back and walked off. Kazuki followed reluctantly, wondering if his sensei really thought that way about him.