Chapter 12 Leadership Training

It was 7:45. The bus that was going to take them to the Miyagi prefecture was going to leave at 8 pm. All of the officers assembled at the bus station as they waited to board. Ryu was with Shiho, Kenishiro and the Principal as they were overseeing matters. Sakura hadn't arrived yet. Ryu and the others knew that she would be coming from figure skating at 7:30. After a few minutes of so, they saw her running towards them carrying her backpack behind her. She was panting when she got to them.

"Sorry I'm late." Sakura said as she was catching her breath.

Ryu then handed her the assignment. "You're in charge of the juniors. I'm taking charge of the seniors. Moritomo is in charge of the freshmen and Kenishiro is in charge of the clubs. I know it's a sudden change in plans but I think it's easier this way." Ryu said. Sakura nodded as she took the paper from him.

There were 120 participants all-in-all. The Principal then walked towards them and called their attention. "Alright everyone. We are about to leave. I will assign Morimoto-chan and Uchiha-kun to be in that bus. Now let the freshmen go first since there are many club officers. Those who won't have any space left, occupy this bus over here. Watanabe-kun and Kinomoto-chan, oversee that your groups board that last bus now. Alright then." The Principal said as he then motioned them to start boarding.

It was as to be expected. When all were in the bus, Sakura went on ahead inside to do a head check. It was somehow an unnerving experience. There wasn't exactly room to run or hide from Shaoran. Her consolation was the fact that Rika was there too and she wouldn't want him to leave her much.

"Any of you guys have motion sickness?" Sakura asked.

A few raised their hands and admitted. Sakura took note of it and asked them to stand up. She then went in front and said, "Hi guys. Um listen, these guys over here have motion sickness. Do you mind if I asked you to change places with them?" Her voice was soft and gentle. She knew that it was something a little too much to ask but it was absolutely necessary. She didn't like ordering people around too much. She would rather result to asking politely. It works better that way.

The guys in front seem to smile and stood right away. A few girls smiled too and stood as well and gave way to those who had motion sickness. Sakura smiled at them and thanked them a lot. They told her that there wasn't any problem.

As her schoolmates with motion sickness settled in, in front, Sakura told them, "You guys have plastic bags in case…you know."

"Yeah. Don't worry about it, Sakura. Thank you." One said.

"Yeah, Sakura. Thanks." Another exclaimed.

Sakura smiled and told them, "Well, if you can't handle it or something, tell me. I've got the first aid kit. There are anti-motion sickness medicines there."

They nodded. "You know you can pass as a stewardess." A senior guy commented.

Sakura laughed. "Yeah, right. Uh-huh." She said. He started to laugh.

"Why? Am I wrong?" He asked his seatmate.

"Sakura is pretty and tall and has a fine way of making a trip pleasant." He commented.

"Right. You know you can pass as a salesman. But sorry flattery and I are not really friends so I'll pass." Sakura replied as the guy started to laugh and those in front who were in the conversation. They all laughed a little as Sakura left them and headed to the back and went to check the others.

"You guys ok being transferred here?" Sakura asked.

"Yeah. It's fine." They said.

"Alright then." Sakura said as she went over to the front of the bus to meet up with Ryu. She told him that all was set. She then got her backpack and the first aid kit from one of the seats in front as she and Ryu went over to the back since that was where the only seats were left.

But before they went along, Ryu got her back pack from her. Sakura turned but he smiled at her and nodded at her to move forward. Sakura knew that the bus was leaving soon so she didn't have much of a choice than to let Ryu carry her bag.

After they settled in at the bag and the bus started to move, Ryu asked, "How was figure skating practice?"

Sakura smiled and replied, "I can't say that I'm doing better. I haven't finished compiling the music for my free program. I was thinking of asking Eriol for help about it. I think he has better ideas than what I'm coming up with."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Well that's just the problem. I have a lot of ideas that I'm not even sure about it all. I mean, it's more like a feeling that when I see or hear it, I'll know that it is it…that sort of thing." Ryu smirked. He shook his head.

"I know it's weird so you don't have to tell me about it. I'm just nervous. It's going to be my first figure skating competition."

Ryu grinned and said, "What are you so worried about? You've been a cheerleader for a long time. More or less it's the same thing."

"I know but it's just…you know my first time to perform on my own. All eyes will be on me then and the thought scares me."

"Stage fright. You?"

"Hey! You make it sound like it's all so unnatural. Cut me some slack with ya." Sakura replied, almost laughing.

Ryu couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, alright. You're entitled to some stage fright." Ryu commented which made Sakura laugh a little and shake her head.

From across the row, a male senior who was a classmate of Ryu, their class vice president, said, "Hey, Ryu, Sakura!" Both turned to him. "Was the fountain in school the surprise Seiji-san had in store for you guys when you guys had your leadership training?"

Ryu and Sakura looked at each other and nodded. But it was more like an understatement. "Yeah. I guess you can say that." Sakura answered. He seemed baffled with Sakura's answer. They could see his confusion. But it seemed that the conversation peeked the interest of others sitting near them.

"I still can't believe that you guys did that. I mean-wow!" He commented.

Then his seatmate said, "How did you guys know what to do?"

"Seiji-san didn't actually just leave us there without telling us what to do. I mean, he gave us our assignments and he also handed us the architectural plan for the thing. But from there, we had to work with the knowledge that we knew, which wasn't really much." Ryu said.

"It was really a learning process. I'd have to say that the entire thing is really more on luck actually." Sakura replied laughing.

"I wonder if he will have his son let us do that too?" Another said.

Sakura smiled and replied, "I doubt that very much. I have this feeling that Seiji-san would have you do something different, us something different."

"I have to go with Sakura on this one. It's not really in his personality to be repetitive about something to drive home a message." Ryu added.

"So what do you think we're going to do there?" One asked.

Ryu and Sakura looked at each other. They were wondering about that themselves. "Honestly…we have no idea. Aside from the itinerary, we don't know anything else." Ryu answered while Sakura nodded.

They started to converse but it died down soon as everyone seemed to grow tired as the night deepened. They knew that others had already fell asleep so they kept their voices in check.

Ryu noticed that Sakura had fallen asleep. Ryu couldn't help but smile as he took off his jacket and placed it over her to keep her warm. He then leaned her head on his shoulder to keep her from hitting her head on the window. He knew that she was exhausted, from school work, to practice of cheerleading to figure skating. He admired her determination and perseverance. Everything that she did was nothing short of amazing.

Ryu knew that she was having personal problems with Shaoran. He still hadn't asked her the entirety of it but he knew that it was a touchy subject especially having him as her best friend. Come to think of it, Ryu never really knew how they had become best friends. Shaoran was a year older than her and up front it seemed that they had really opposing personalities. Sakura was outgoing while Shaoran was stoic. But when they were together it seemed they didn't have any difference at all. Shaoran was very up front about wanting to protect her, especially how he treats her. Ryu hasn't seen Shaoran that sweet towards Rika lately. Actually, it looked more that Sakura brought the real Shaoran out more than Rika did. But Ryu knew that Shaoran wasn't the type who would play with people's emotions. He must have really like Rika, that was all.

The next day when they arrived, Sakura woke up and was a little dazed as if she was still lost. It took awhile to register where she was. When her thoughts became in focus, she realized that a jacket was covering her to keep her warm. She realized that it was Ryu's. She also realized that she was leaning on him. She slowly straightened up as Ryu also stirred and woke up. He smiled at her and told her a good morning, which she returned. She then returned his jacket and thanked him. Ryu smiled at her.

As they were preparing to leave the bus, Sakura's phone began to ring. She was surprised when she saw who was calling. She quickly picked it up, "Hello? Good morning. Seiji-san?"

"I'm so sorry to call you this early but I couldn't get through to Watanabe-san's phone. Anyway, I just heard some news from the hospital. Please continue on with the training as planned but I will have to go to the hospital." Naruhito said.

"Huh? Seiji-san, is everything alright?" Sakura asked.

There was a brief pause from the other line but then he answered, "My father…well…proceed first to the Inn instead of the morning session premises. You all know what is to be done. I will call again later." Naruhito then hung up.

Sakura quickly looked at Ryu. Sakura stood and said, "Um can I have everyone's attention please."

Everyone stopped what they were doing as they turned to Sakura. "I just had a call from Seiji-san. Um, something has come up so we are to go to the inn in the meantime and start with the sessions there. Please take you seats. Thanks." She then turned to Ryu as he didn't need to be told as he quickly made his way out of the bus. Sakura followed so that they may inform the other groups, the Principal and Shiho and Kenishiro too.

Outside, the Principal met with the student council. After Sakura relayed the new development, he seemed deep in thought. After thinking awhile he said, "No. The tasks still stand. I know he said to wait and have the sessions but we can't actually have the sessions if we haven't done anything yet. I authorize the student council to start carrying out the leadership training. We don't have much time here so let's just do our best and try to have fun ok?" He then smiled at them. They laughed as they got nodded and got on the bus.

"Ok guys vice presidents please follow me. Take your bags and please leave the bus." Sakura said when she and Ryu got back in. They headed back inside as Sakura got her things. The vice presidents seemed a little confused but followed what she said.

Sakura turned to Ryu and gave him a smile as she got her things. "I think you should take the first aid kit. You're going to need it more than we do." She said, almost laughing.

Ryu smiled and took it. "Good luck." He said. Sakura gave him a nod.

"I checked my phone. It went dead. I have a spare battery so call me if something comes up." Ryu said.

Sakura gave him a nod. "Good luck. Try not to get yourselves into too much trouble ok?" Sakura said as she left with the others.

"What did Sakura mean by 'not get yourselves into too much trouble'? What are we going to do exactly?" One of the class presidents asked as they too gathered their things and prepared to disembark. Ryu smirked.

"It's just one of Sakura's ways of saying take care." Shaoran answered as he stood. He didn't make eye contact with Ryu. They all then headed out.

Outside, Ryu met up with all the presidents as he said, "Alright guys, listen up! It's seven o'clock and your task is that by noon, every one should have been able to create something out of glass. You need to be able to create one from fire and the other from recycled glass scraps that you will be able to find." Ryu then started handing out stubs. "This will be your ticket to glass-making shops around here but it's a one-shot deal so make it work, make it happen. You can't use your own money or buy things, you have to find it for yourself. Don't even try to fake it 'coz we will know. Just be creative and you will be fine. There's no group effort here. It will be an individual accomplishment. And lastly, remember that the skills you will learn this morning will be essential for the thing that you will have to do this afternoon. Alright then if you guys don't have any questions, you can go and we will meet you back at the Inn across the street at noon sharp." Ryu then added as he sent them off on their mission.

Ryu made his way to the Inn to drop off his stuff and wait for his fellow student council officers. He smirked at the thought that he, Sakura, Kenishiro and Shiho had dropped a bombshell at the other officers. They knew that all of them had no idea of what they were going to do and were confused and lost as they were when Narumi had conducted their leadership training.

Narumi. Then it crossed Ryu's mind…how was Narumi Seiji? What happened all of a sudden? He refused to acknowledge the feeling he got that maybe he had already passed on. It was a daunting truth that he didn't want to think about. He didn't want to be morbid about it. At the Inn reception after he had already left his bag inside the room, Ryu sat there waiting for the others to arrive.

Meanwhile, Sakura brought the vice presidents to a fan art shop. Narumi Seiji had already made the necessary arrangements. She then told them when they were seated and while the Master craftsman was standing next to her, "Guys this is Abe Matsaharu. Abe-san is the Master craftsman of this shop. He will demonstrate to you how to create delicate, hand-made fans. Now don't think that it is a simple task. You will have to create intricate designs that you will be able to stencil on a gold leaf and cut it out and attach it perfectly on the fan. Your task is to create a fan with a gold leaf design that would be considered a masterpiece. Your judge will be Abe-san and you have until noon to finish this task. Once you've finished, you may proceed to the Inn and wait for further instructions for this afternoon's activities. Please remember that whatever skill that you will learn this morning will be most useful for this afternoon's activity so please take it seriously. If there are no more questions, I will now turn over the floor to Abe-san." Sakura smiled at them and bowed, before leaving.

Sakura then excused herself and made her way to the Inn. She met up with Ryu at the receiving hall. She smiled at him and told him that she would place her bag in the room. He waited for her out there.

When she came back, Ryu asked, "So how was the giving off the mission?"

Sakura laughed as she took a seat next to him. "It was shocking, as we have been when Seiji-san gave us our task during our leadership training." Ryu smirked. "You know I've always wondered how Seiji-san comes up with these weird tasks that catch you off guard but then again they mean a lot and it all makes sense." Sakura commented as she sat back in her chair. Ryu smiled.

As they waited for Kenishiro and Shiho, at that moment Kenishiro and the other treasurers had arrived at the temple shrine. After getting the shrine head priest, he then turned to the others and said, "Ok you guys, here is your task. You have until noon today to clean up this temple. There will be an upcoming festival here so this temple needs to be in top shape. Anjo-san will be assigning you different tasks. Until noon, he will be your mentor and guide. Please follow exactly what he says and take note of it because the things you will be learning today will be used in this afternoon's activity. After you have finished, proceed to the Inn and wait for further instructions. If there aren't any questions, I'll leave you to Anjo-san so that you may begin." Kenishiro gave them a small smile as he bowed at them and at Anjo-san before he left and headed for the Inn.

Shiho too was telling her group about their mission. "Hey listen up you guys. Ok today you guys are going to learn how it is to be an electrician. Now don't worry it's prefect safe. These guys here will be with you every step of the way. They will be your mentors until noon. So your task is to make those lamps work from scratch. You have until noon to complete the task. After, head back to the Inn to wait for further instruction. Good luck you guys. If there aren't any questions I'll be leaving you guys now so that you can start with your mission." Shiho said cheerfully as she smiled at them and left. She then made her way to the Inn.

When Kenishiro and Shiho had already freshened up a bit and have placed their bags in their respective rooms, they all sat at the receiving room for a while. "Hmm. It sure feels better to be a facilitator this time around." Shiho commented as she sat down.

Sakura couldn't help but laugh at Ryu and Kenishiro smirked. Then they were silent. It seemed that the group's thoughts drifted on the same person, Narumi. They looked at each other. As if reading each other's mind, they stood up and took their cameras. They then headed to the hospital to see Narumi before they headed out to check on the others and take pictures for documentation.

(to be continued…)

Hmmm this chapter may be a little dull in my standards but I just had to write it this way. Well anyway, I never really did think that I'd reach chapter 12 but hey it was a welcome surprise. Now that I think about it, more or less this fic is going to be twenty plus pages. I'm not sure yet because I haven't really finished writing the fic. But anyway, I never also did expect that this fic would be taken in by you guys the way it did. Thanks. But I still have to ask you guys though to please send in your reviews because I really would like to know what you think. Thanks again.

Michiko