2 Japan
—————————————————————————
(A/N: Is that a Power Stone I'm sensing? You should leave it here for safekeeping. Don't worry, I'll take good care of it.) 😀
Word Count: 1750
—————————————————————————
17 Years Later
Location: Somewhere Above Tokyo
Inside a plane flying above the clouds was our protagonist, Reiji. Contrary to people's expectations, instead of waking up in Japan, he found himself in South Korea, lying inside a cradle in front of an orphanage.
The situation left him confused and disoriented, especially since he didn't understand the language spoken around him. However, thanks to his adaptable infant mind, he quickly learned to adapt to the language. When Reiji reached the suitable age of eight, he began preparing for the world's plot.
It didn't take a genius to understand that Reiji was in a fantasy world. This realization was reinforced when Rob, the one who bestowed powers upon him, advised, "I suggest you accept this power" and "Get stronger." Even in a normal world, Reiji knew that such intense training would benefit him in the long run.
Reiji made the most of his time, dedicating himself to rigorous workouts that pushed his body to its limits. He diligently followed 'The Caped Baldy's Workout' and explored various other training techniques. Additionally, he spent countless hours honing his skills with the spear, recognizing it as his weapon of choice.
The simplicity of the spear's design allowed him to unleash his creativity, leading him to devise unique variations of the weapon. He even experimented with adding attachments like the Kusarigama.
Given that South Korea hosted numerous Sojutsu martial art tournaments, Reiji participated in as many as possible, earning recognition and even acquiring a title for his exceptional fighting style—though that tale deserves its own telling.
To repay the orphanage for what they did for him, Reiji helped out by acquiring a job and babysitting the other kids when the caretakers needed a break or were completing other tasks. It never bothered him too much, as Reiji's soft spot for kids had transferred over from his past life.
As Reiji gazed out the window, he noticed the plane was preparing for landing. He had received a message from Rob, which both surprised and stunned him. He had always known that he would eventually have to leave, but he never expected it to be in Japan.
When he informed the orphanage of his departure, they questioned him about it, but he simply said it was due to an offer he received after winning a tournament. Their farewell was rather heartfelt, and Reiji promised to visit them annually and stay in touch.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now on final approach to Narita Airport. The landing gear has been lowered, and we will be touching down shortly. Please remain seated with your seatbelt securely fastened until the aircraft comes to a complete stop at the gate. Thank you for flying with us, and we hope you enjoy your stay in Tokyo."
Sighing in relief, Reiji leaned back into his seat in contentment. While staying seated for almost 3 hours isn't much, it still stiffens the body to an uncomfortable degree.
As the wheels of the aircraft touched down, Reiji felt a slight jolt. The plane taxied toward the gate, and the passengers waited patiently for it to come to a complete stop. Once the plane halted, the seatbelt signs turned off, and Reiji got up from his seat to retrieve his belongings from the overhead compartment.
He swiftly made his way out of the plane and into the airport. The cool air conditioning hit his face as he walked towards the immigration area, where a long queue had already formed.
He patiently waited in line, showing his passport and visa when asked, before finally being allowed to enter Japan. Reiji let out a sigh of relief as he walked towards the luggage carousel. He could see his luggage already being placed on the conveyor belt.
Once he retrieved his luggage, he headed towards the exit, where a throng of people was waiting to receive their loved ones. Making his way to a taxi stand, he hailed a cab and provided the driver with the address of the apartment he had previously arranged.
The apartment was conveniently located near the school known as Returnee's High School, as Rob had informed him. Reiji had researched about the school and at first glance, the school appeared like any other, but Reiji knew there was more to it. It was the setting where the protagonist of this world resided, and where the plot would unfold.
As the taxi pulled up to the apartment, Reiji paid the driver and grabbed his belongings from the trunk. He walked into the building, eager to rest and prepare for the next day. Little did he know, his arrival would be the catalyst for a series of events that would change his perception of the world he had been thrown into.
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
The next morning, Reiji woke up early and prepared for his first day of school. He got dressed in his school uniform which consisted of a polo-blue blazer with white outlines along the collar and pockets, the school insignia on his left breast pocket, a white shirt, and gray pants.
Reiji quickly ate a simple breakfast of toast and scrambled eggs, brushed his teeth, made his lunch, put on his shoes, and checked the time. It was around 7:00 am, so he grabbed his school bag and headed out the door.
The cool morning air was refreshing as Reiji made his way to Returnee's High School. He walked along the quiet streets, taking in the sights and sounds of his new surroundings. The buildings and shops were different from what he was used to, but he found them intriguing.
As he approached the school gates, he noticed a few students already there, chatting and laughing with each other. Adjusting the strap of his backpack, Reiji stepped forward entering the school premises and into the school.
As he walked through the halls of the school, Reiji paid no mind to the numerous stares and whispers he received from the other students. He had expected this, as a foreigner after all. Reiji had only one objective in mind: to pick up his class schedules from the faculty room.
Walking through the bustling corridors, the sound of the bell echoed through the school, signaling the start of the day. Students began to disperse, hurrying to their respective classrooms. Reiji found himself in the midst of the moving crowd, observing their interactions and trying to navigate his way through.
Reiji found himself amidst a crowd of rushing students when he spotted a passing girl with striking brown eyes and black hair. With a quick decision, he approached her and asked, "Excuse me, could you give me directions to the faculty room? I'm a new transfer student, and while navigating using room signs is easy, I can't exactly do much with all these students hurrying to class."
The girl paused, looking at Reiji with curiosity before flashing a friendly smile. "Sure, you just have to continue forward at the end of the hall and turn right. The faculty room will be the first room on your left side."
Reiji thanked the girl and made his way to the faculty room. He found it easily enough and entered, where he was greeted by a kind-looking middle-aged woman sitting at a desk.
"Good morning, how may I help you?" she asked with a warm smile.
"Good morning, I'm a new transfer student. My name is Reiji, and I'm here to pick up my class schedules," he replied.
"Ah, yes, Reiji-kun. Welcome to Returnee's High School. Let me get your schedules for you," the woman said, shuffling through some papers on her desk before handing Reiji a packet.
"Your first class is with Mashima-sensei, and I'll inform him of your arrival. Classes are in session right now, so please be quiet when passing by other classrooms. The room number is labeled on your schedule. Do you have any questions?"
Reiji shook his head. "No, thank you. I have everything I need. Thank you for the help and have a nice day."
"Great! Well, have a nice first day at school. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything," she said cheerfully, waving him off as he walked away, gently closing the door behind him.
…
Location: Classroom
In the quiet classroom, Mashima-sensei stood at the front of the class, preparing to make an announcement. The students sat at their desks, some chatting amongst themselves, others lost in their own thoughts.
"Good morning, everyone," Mashima-sensei began, his voice echoing throughout the room. "I have some news to share with you all. We have a new transfer student joining us today."
As the students' murmurs began to quiet down, a soft knock on the classroom door interrupted the stillness. Mashima-sensei turned towards the door and gestured for the new transfer student to come in.
"Come in, please," he said, his voice welcoming.
The door creaked open, and all eyes turned toward the figure that stepped into the classroom. It was a young man, with sharp, angular features and piercing violet eyes that seemed to scan the room. His jet-black hair was styled neatly with a slight wave falling over his forehead.
"Please introduce yourself to the class," Mashima said.
Reiji stared at the class in an observing manner and introduced himself. "My name is Reiji Sukehiro. I just moved here from South Korea. My hobbies consist of sleeping, Sojutsu, eating sweets, and trying new things. Nice to meet you."
"Now does anyone have any questions for our new classmate?" Mashima asked, looking around the classroom.
The students were curious about their new classmates, and questions began pouring in. Reiji answered them all, ranging from his favorite sweets - Mitarashi dango & Ice Cream - to how he was adjusting to life in Japan. The students were impressed by his fluency in Japanese and his openness to trying new things.
After several minutes of questioning, Mashima interrupted the chatter. "Thank you for answering all of our questions, Reiji. Please take a seat in the middle next to Shirasaki."
Reiji made his way to the open seat and was greeted by Kaori, a black-haired girl with striking brown eyes. Greeting her, Reiji sat down at his desk as Mashima began teaching and quietly listened to the lecture.
——————————————————————
Author's Words For The Chapter:
Thanks for reading. Make sure to drop Power Stones if you enjoyed it.
