Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Conditions
Keito did not change his expression, but there was a glint in his eyes that made Reiji feel a little uncomfortable.
"I was the one who wrote it," Keito said softly, but each word pierced the silence between them like a sharp spear.
For a moment, Reiji was silent, his eyes widening in surprise.
After a few seconds, Reiji blinked and stared intently at Keito, trying to find a sign that Keito might just be joking.
"Um... Are you... are you joking, Clan Leader?" Reiji finally asked, trying to hide the confusion and awkwardness bubbling within him.
Keito smiled wider, and Reiji's eyes sparkled with an undeniable sense of pride.
"No, Reiji. I really wrote that book," Keito replied confidently, his voice warm and friendly.
Reiji swallowed hard, his face turning red with embarrassment.
Suddenly, Reiji remembered all his complaints about the book, even having insulted it in front of Keito.
Now, without realizing it, Reiji found himself standing in front of the author himself. Nervously, Reiji averted his gaze, unable to look at Keito.
"Ah... are you... are you angry, Clan Leader?" Reiji asked hesitantly, his face becoming awkward.
Keito laughed instead, his voice crisp, like the laughter of an old friend finding humor in the situation.
"Angry? Of course not! In fact, I'm glad to see a talented and genius young man like you in my clan."
"...Really?" Reiji furrowed his brow, still not entirely convinced.
"Of course! I appreciate your honesty. So, don't worry!" Keito smiled, this time with a deeper gaze, as if wanting to assure Reiji that his intentions were sincere.
"By the way, if I help you, are you sure you will develop faster?" Keito continued, his voice turning serious.
Keito's words carried hope and an offer that was hard to refuse.
Reiji looked at him, trying to understand Keito's meaning.
The question sounded meaningful, holding great opportunities behind his words.
However, curiosity made Reiji ask, "Help me? But... why?"
Keito sighed, as if weighing his words. "Because you have great potential, Reiji."
"Potential to change many things in our clan, perhaps even in the entire ninja world."
"But that potential needs to be directed and shaped."
"You just need someone who can show you the way."
Reiji was stunned, seeing the seriousness in Keito's eyes. His heart raced.
This was more than just a casual conversation.
This was the beginning of something big, something that might help Reiji develop faster.
"So how... Do you want to develop further? With my help?" Keito asked, his eyes full of hope, while his face hinted at a deep curiosity.
Reiji looked straight at Keito, his lips curling into a thin smile that suggested a hint of confidence.
"...Sure, but there are conditions," Reiji replied, his tone filled with surprising confidence.
"You must meet all the conditions I set, how about that?"
Keito paused for a moment, Reiji's expression turning serious.
Keito knew that the young man before him was not ordinary; the firmness and sharpness in his way of speaking reflected a spirit and determination rarely found in someone his age.
"Alright," Keito finally replied, his eyes not leaving Reiji. "What conditions do you want?"
Reiji took a deep breath for a moment, then began to explain, "First, I want to quit the Ninja Academy."
"I want to fully focus on studying Fuinjutsu."
"However, I want to remain registered as a student at the academy, so that when my classmates graduate, I will also be considered graduated."
Keito nodded, observing Reiji with an attentive gaze, considering the young man's desires.
"Second," Reiji continued, "I need all the books on Fuinjutsu, from the basic books to the advanced ones."
"I will read and study them myself."
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