The Village Disciples

*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*

Three knocks occurred from the Nozomu residence's front door, with a visitor waiting patiently outside.

"Hello?" Came a soft feminine voice from outside, calling out to the people who reside inside the home.

The white-haired Nozomu and Tanjo could be seen standing in the kitchen of the home, turning their heads to the sound of the newcomer. "That must be her," Nozomu stated out loud, slowly traversing over to the front door.

Nozomu twisted the front doorknob, hearing the crack of his door as he carefully opened the front door to welcome the waiting newcomer outside. When Nozomu fully opened the door, he immediately saw Reberu Manabu, the principal of Buraun Majikku.

"Hey, Kami! I got your call. Did you need something?" Manabu was the first to greet, joyfully waving her hand at the long-white-haired man.

Nozomu kept a stoic expression, nodding his head slowly at the long-brown-haired woman. "Yes," He stepped to the side, creating leeway to enter the home. "May you come in?"

"Yes, I will," Manabu said with a light smile. Manabu then entered the house, taking a glance around and recognizing all of the familiar sights from her previous visit. She waved hello to Tanjo as she saw him. "So, what are you looking for?"

Nozomu shut the front door, taking his hand off of the doorknob. "Hang on," He prolonged the discussion, looking over to Tanjo. "Tanjo, may you go into the living room? I have something to discuss with your principal."

Tanjo put his hands into his pockets, slowly walking over to the other room. "Sure." He mumbled as he passed the two adults.

Nozomu turned back to Manabu as they both remained in the kitchen. "Alright, now that he's gone. I'd like to discuss something Tanjo recently brought up to me today. I just have a few questions."

Manabu's smile remained. "Ask away!"

"I'd like to know why Tanjo and his class are being sent to Ryakudatsu. You know who's in that village." Nozomu immediately interrogated, narrowing his eyes at the principal.

Manabu's smile faltered momentarily. "It was a direct order from the council. I'm not sure if you watch the news, but Buraun's biggest collaborator village, Asahi, was recently destroyed. Buraun is left desolate in trade."

Nozomu tilted his head in confusion. "What does that have to do with sending the brats to Ryakudatsu?"

"It correlates because Buraun is using Ryakudatsu as a scapegoat to garner resources from. We no longer have Asahi to supply us with both material and food. So, without a source like Asahi, many people might starve. As well as not being able to house guests and newcomers to the village. Imagine what would've happened if you arrived here during that, being rejected because of our lack of homes." Manabu explained, giving Nozomu a resolute stare.

Before Nozomu could reply, Manabu's lips parted to speak once more. "And yes, I know about who stays in Ryakudatsu. They shouldn't be a problem as long as we remain cordial as guests."

Nozomu stayed quiet, seemingly in thought. "So, is it really next week? Even the council has to admit that it's a bit abrupt."

Manabu sighed, nodding at the white-haired man's words. "It sadly is. At least we'll be getting it done and over with."

The two grownups then stood silently for a while. Nozomu sat with his head bowed and resting against his kitchen counter, while Manabu stood with her arms folded across her chest. The enveloping silence is being utilized as a time for contemplation. Nozomu abruptly raised his head, inhaling deeply as he prepared to speak. "If this is going to happen, I have one request."

Manabu adorned a look of confusion at Nozomu. "What is it?"

"I want to attend this trip. I just can't get the thought of them being there while Tanjo is. Tanjo's aura amalgamation might draw them in, and I don't want to take that risk." Nozomu declared.

Manabu's eyes widened. "What!? You can't attend the trip! You have a job here, don't you? Also, all of the students will be under watch for the entirety of the trip."

Nozomu remained unmoved. "I have perfect attendance at my job. I'm sure me missing a few days won't affect me negatively all that much. And, I don't care if warriors will be dispatched along with the brats. I need to go. Please, find a way to allow me to tag in the trip."

It was then Manabu's turn to sit in thought, contemplating how to even respond to the white-haired man before her. "F-fine. You'll owe me if I do though!"

Nozomu breathed out slowly. "Thank you, Reberu."

XXX

Hey! This is a short chapter because this is the turning point to the new arc of the story! I have everything beyond this planned out to the max. A lot of action is to come! Not many fights have been seen in this novel, but this arc will certainly change that! Stay tuned for more.

(Chapters may get longer throughout the new arc!)

Have a Good Day!

Peace - Cr1ticalz_