Chapter 13

Meanwhile…

He's been listening, watching… observing.

Ever since his eyes caught the school in the middle of the city, Ryoto has been curious about it. He wants to see what it going on, what they are teaching and how the students learn about their abilities. However, he knew that he would be at a great disadvantage. He only just started to mature, so his mind nor his words would be as advanced as those who he wants to interact with. So, he has been studying differently. He observes the teenagers, their language, lingo and slang. He caught wind of the shows they watch and attempted to learn from those. But he hated watching reality TV. Thankfully there were a lot of anime watchers and there is plenty to choose from there!

Before long, he was speaking rather well. A typical 14 year old would be able to understand him and believe he is far more mature than he appears to be… or how he should feel.

But how to convince his parents?

His father has been out helping Rook, his mother has been assisting anyone and everyone who may need help, as of late, she has been with auntie Yua tending to the five children she had.

When Ryoto found her by lunchtime, he spoke with her about the notion. For a moment, she assumed it was about the school in Kyoto, but he referred to the one in the city he came across. "There's something about that school, I want to know what its about!" he explained. "So… can I attend?"

She appeared to be considering the notion, yet she appeared worried. "We know nothing of this school. We do now since it was brought to our attention…"

"I think it is worth looking into, you said the council changed recently, is this a side school they have made? If it is, why is it kept a secret?" he asked. Ryoto knows his mother well. She doesn't like taking risks, at the same time, to ensure safety one needs to investigate odd findings.

"Why do you want to do this?" she asked of him.

Ryoto smiled. "I want to contribute around here, auntie Yua and you are always on the move, but also hearing about the new council, the school they set up… I just want to be certain we not being made fools of. What if this is a secret school set up for an ambush or something? What if this is the remains of the old council trying to rebuild?" he asked of her.

As long as he makes a valid point, his mother usually sees what he is getting at. However, she was still uncertain. "Why you?" she asked. "Why do you need to be the one to do this?"

He was prepared for that. "Everyone is too old." He said bluntly. "They know of Kiyoshi, the Itadori's children are too young to go, I have been learning on the teenage slang and terminology so I can hold a conversation…"

"What about Marcy and the others?"

That, he sighed. "They would know them by the looks of the brothers. If this is the old council, and they see the six brothers, they will know they have Kamo blood in them, they all look like Uncle Toshi. Marcy and Sora could pass, but… I don't think either one would take it seriously."

He cares for his friends deeply, but he finds with them, they make everything fun and a game. His has to be a serious venture, he can't play around and crack jokes. He has to be serious.

His mother sighed but nodded. "We will speak with your father when he gets back."

So far, he won over his mother… but is it possible to win over his father?

#

That evening…

Ryoto and his mother were about to sit down to dinner when father finally came home. He was covered in blood and yet looked rather pleased with himself. "Hunted well today?" Ryoto asked.

"I think your cousin has made progress… He did eventually black out, he fell into the bloodlust." His father excused himself to clean up.

Ryoto shook his head to it all. "How can father be so… comfortable covered in blood?" he whispered to his mother.

Mom was oddly silent, before she could speak, father had already returned and took a seat at the table. They were silent as they ate, but Ryoto knew to wait until his father has at least eaten half his meal.

"Father, I have asked mom if it was possible for me to attend the school I took notice of in the city…" he began to explain his reasoning for it, as his father continued to eat, he didn't appear to be paying any sort of attention as he tried to make his case.

In the end, he sighed rather defeated. Father didn't listen to a word he said.

Yet, as the meal came to an end, he noticed him staring out in a distance. "The reason you have is valid enough to explore, however what are your risks?" he asked. "If this is indeed the council your aunt and mother destroyed, if they learn you are kin to them, you are risking your life for what?" he asked.

He was taken aback, but Ryoto was confident. "I doubt the council would know who I am. I'm probably a nobody to them considering. I won't use the Tooru name either… I don't even know your family name! So, I will use the one you have been for your sake brewing. Suwabe!"

His father paused. "How well do you control your energy?"

"Semi special first grade level. Not a special grade but enough to be noticed and taken seriously."

"What happens if someone finds out that you are a Tooru?"

"I will abandon the idea completely. I won't risk the family nor auntie's family if that's the case. I will immediately remove myself."

"What if someone challenges you to battle?" his mother asked.

"I won't aim to kill, I won't kill either, but I will give them a good enough beating to reconsider any future attacks."

There was silence. His father deep in thought before he peered to him oddly. "You can attend for one month." He said. "Only a month since I don't trust the school nor its intentions."

"Really?! THANK YOU!"

"I'll send someone else to register you tomorrow, then you will attend the school. But only one month."

Ryoto agreed full heartedly. After dinner, he rushed upstairs and began to brush up on everything teenagers do, like and mannerisms.