On Martial Island, the bright sun was filtering through the windows of an old stone mansion. The building had a regal aura reminiscent of ancient castles, and it was well maintained. The garden around the home was also vibrant, with flowers blooming brightly.
In one of the lounges in the mansion, two people were facing each other over a chessboard. Their faces did not betray turbulent feelings as they studied the pieces and anticipated each other's moves. One would even think they were going through the motions as they played.
However, anyone who knew the father and son understood they were both competitive. Regrettably, their upbringing did not encourage a loud or emotional reaction as they played. Therefore, even when they were fired up, they would be calm.
"How is Hime's boy doing?" The older man asked.
This dignified man was Kazuki Iekami. He was the father of Taiki and Hime as well as the maternal grandfather of Kaito. While he was 76 years old, he was not different in appearance from a well-maintained guy in his fifties.
Moreover, the appearance was not an illusion or a result of self-care. It was a vibrancy that went beyond the skin. Even his hair was only greying on the edges, giving him the appearance of a handsome silver fox.
"His potential is exceptional. If we had brought him in when he was younger, he could have been even better than me." Taiki responded with a clouded look in his eyes.
"He is that good?" His father was surprised.
"He is more than we could have imagined. If we can manage to give him a sense of loyalty to the Iekami clan or even help him move to the island, our family will not need to be worried about losing our place among the top echelon." Taiki responded.
The older man's eyes brightened up at the thought of having another capable member of the clan. He did not think that their current state was bad, but they needed fresh blood to unlock the deadlock between the top families.
As things stood, the Iekami clan was at the most vulnerable spot. If they could not help the island overcome the medical crisis, the trust placed on them would be lost. And their position and security would decrease.
But if they could clinch a few top spots in the triennial championship…
"How hard is it to convince him that he will have a better life on Martial Island?" Kazuki asked. "He has to understand that this place will give him more than he could ever dream for his life outside. And it is not like he has to live all the time and permanently on the island."
"I don't think he has intentions of getting friendly with the family. He is not overly pleased with us for collaborating with Takahashi Senzo. You know I only got a chance to bring him back because he was looking into that man's life." Taiki pursed his lips.
"Does he think that I want to be in business with my daughter's killer? If I had a choice, I would have dismembered that man from limb to limb. But he is the only one with the capability to provide special research supplies for the project." Kazuki looked a little forlorn.
"I know that. But Kaito is not one of us. He does not think about the big picture." Taiki paused. "I think it is the school of thought in which he was raised. Ninjas will always choose personal interests over the big picture, especially if they care about something."
The two people continued playing in silence.
"Are we going to just give up?" The older man asked his son. "We need the additional power he could bring."
Taiki hesitated before responding. "I have made a special appeal to the court for Kaito to be released from the Training Centre temporarily. He will have an opportunity to interact with people and get comfortable here. If he can understand the workings of Martial Island, perhaps he will be more open to remaining in the Iekami clan."
His father was shocked by the bold step. Outsiders who had not proven to be suitable candidates for the Martial Island were forced to remain in the Training Centre. This precaution was necessary. If the outsiders were not accepted after the championships, they would not take any secrets.
"Is it possible for this to happen?" Kazuki asked.
He was a doctor and a medical researcher, so he did not pay attention to the politics of the island. However, his son, as a Guardian, was well-versed in the law.
"I have discussed the details of his release with a judge. Since he is a direct descendant of the mainline in the Iekami clan, he is eligible for freedom. Of course, I will need to be responsible for his mistakes." Taiki explained.
"Is it not a little risky? Everything we have heard about Kaito implies that he is a wild child. He could try to run off. And if he offends people on the island, you could get in a big mess." His father felt a little apprehensive.
Taiki did not show the same fear. In comparison to his cautious father, he was a decisive warrior. He calculated the risk before he took action. He was clear about his path, and he moved forth without fear. He was never one to give in to meaningless anxiety.
Perhaps, it is what set him apart from the Iekami clan.
He was loyal to his family and cared for them. However, he never felt like a part of them. He treated them like children he needed to protect. He was sure that if it were not for him and his grandfather and maybe one or two others, the Iekami clam would be swallowed.
The rest of them only thought about cultivating their skills and medical research. As for the practical issues of surviving in the cold society, they were left blank.
"This approach is the best way to bond his heart with his maternal family. I have already tried introducing him to a girl with good looks, personality and fighting skills. He does not seem to be warming up to her the way I thought he would, especially with the isolation." Taiki sighed.
He could not believe that Kaito had remained calm for over a month under Nicole's friendly banter and obvious adoration. He thought that since Kaito did not have any friends in the Training Centre, he would get a little closer to Nicole.
Unfortunately, he remained stoic and treated the beautiful woman as a simple training partner. Obviously, Kaito was not a man without desires. He had proven to be interested in pretty girls. But he remained cold, using his time for training only.
How much did he like that little girlfriend to refuse the pursuit of a young lady like Nicole?
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