1 THE AVATAR OF MANIPULATION

CHAPTER 1 – IN THE BEGINNING

I lived in a shinobi colony with my dad and brother. I was clueless about what happened to my mom, my other brother, and my sister. I bet mom is taking good care of both of them, pampering them and providing them with everything they ever wanted, while my brother and I are stuck here, suffering, always running lame and annoying errands for dad, like buying tobacco and schnapps for him.

All I know about them is that they both went missing after the war, two years ago. Our land, the Land of Ice, lost the war against the Land of Fire. That's why we are under the regime of the Senshi of the Land of Fire. I am not sure how true this is, but that's what I was told by my dad.

My dad also said that for us to break free from this fix, we have to fight for them and help them conquer three more lands. That is the land of sound, the land of clouds, and the land of wind. That is a great task for everyone. So, a year after we were colonized, there was a decree by our feudal lord that everyone should become a ninja to help free our village. Ninja academies were established, causing the rise of shinobi in the land of ice, says dad.

"Afafa"!

Dad bawled.

"Yes, father. I'm on my way".

I replied.

"Why the heck is he calling me at this hour? I wonder what it could be. "

I thought. Whenever dad calls me in that manner, it is only natural to know that it is all about work, and that errand or task sucks. It is such a drag!

Soon, I appeared before Dad.

"Dad, I'm here."

I said. Dad didn't answer. When he puts up that dull, moody behavior, it means that he is in a foul mood, which also means that he wouldn't give me a lot of work to do.

"You have grown, son, and I think it's about time for me to let you have your freedom . . ."

Hey! What the heck is he talking about?! Why is he acting so weird?

I am very proud of you, son.to attend a ninja school!

He shrieked.

"WHAT!!Is this for real or what? I get to go to a ninja academy! Man, this is great news! Does my brother also get to go?

"Yes, but at a different academy."

He answered.

"Oh, no! I wish that would happen so that I'd prove to him what I am truly made of".

I uttered.

"Son, I have one piece of advice for you."

He put me in suspense.

"What exactly is it? "Go on, tell me "!

I hollered.

"Never tread in my shoes..."

"Which footsteps?"

I interrupted.

"You see, your mother wasn't missing after the war." I ran away from her because I couldn't afford to take care of her and your other siblings together. "Son, don't be the coward I am."

He explained. Then, he began sobbing.

I was astonished. I just couldn't believe or comprehend what I heard.

"I simply can't believe what you did, dad. For once, Dad, think about the feelings of others. Just imagine how helpless they will be! I thought you were a sincere person, dad. But now, I have seen your true colors... you are a coward! "

I yelled.

"That was just what I was telling you." Don't follow me. I have been hoping to tell you this for a long time, but I was afraid that you'd reject me. I wanted to wait for you to mature so that you'd understand and make the right choices.

"Dad said.

"You wanted to wait for me to understand, huh?" If this didn't come to your notice, it is harder for someone to understand something when they are younger. Emotions develop when people get older. You are a fool for waiting for me to grow up. "

I bawled at Dad.

"Very well, you have the guts and balls to talk back!" I thought you would understand and accept the truth in good faith, but you are taking things too far. If you wish to reject me, then I am sorry you are late; I will reject you first! The ninja academy is six miles away, near the abandoned training grounds I took you to last time. You can do whatever you want there because you'll be living with your brother. "

He said and left to do something.

"So, you are also leaving us." I didn't deserve a father like you. I bet we will be better off without you. "

I uttered and was ready to get out of the room to sob.

"I am not even your biological father." I am pretty sure that your father is just like you. He sure was feisty, reckless, rebellious, and insubordinate.

"Huh! What did you say? "

I asked.

"Nothing so important, dummy".

I heard him saying that he's not my biological father or something like that. The question is: if he isn't, then who is it? I must act nicely towards him if I wish to get an answer.

Okay, I just need to calm down. I can do this.

"Uh, I am sorry if I upset you, dad."

I said, trying to induce him.

"You think I am a fool to fall for a pathetic trick?" "You ought to try something better if you want to get back at me."

He said.

"Okay, fine, just tell me who my real dad is."

I requested.

"That's a question I have no answer to." It is pointless to ask me questions because you wouldn't get any intel out of me. I have made up my mind to get out of this place, and no one is reversing what I am working at. "Understand?

He hollered.

Dad entered his room and came out with a few clothes. He also took a bottle of alcohol and a tobacco pipe and left.

"So, you are really going to leave us in this state! What am I going to tell my brother? What if he doesn't believe me? How are we going to survive without you, huh "!?

I shrieked wildly, thinking that that would change his mind.

"On that table are five hundred Senshi coins. Use them to satisfy your needs. I do not want to hear any more words from you. I am leaving. Farewell, son".

He opened the door and disappeared into the darkness.

Is he truly gone? I thought as I began to sob.

He said, "Hey, bro! Why cry in that corner? That's not going to solve your problems".

Someone said something from behind. Judging from the voice, I could tell in an instant that it was my brother.

"Huh, what are you talking about?"

I requested, acting as if I was clueless about the situation.

"Don't play dumb with me." I am well aware of what happened. I know that you are not my brother. I also know what Dad did to the rest of the family.

He uttered.

"I knew that you weren't my brother from the very beginning." "It was too obvious; you were different from us in terms of looks and behavior".

He added.

"And why didn't you tell me? "Huh"!

I yelled.

I didn't want you to feel unwanted and rejected. Besides, as I previously stated, your true powers will be revealed."

"Which powers?"

I questioned him.

"You possess six rare powers that you are unaware of." "I wouldn't dare to go further, or else I might defy a certain law."

He explained.

"What in the world are you talking about?"

I asked.

"Nothing much, just cheer up because we are going to a ninja academy."

"Yeah, I know everything about the academy." Just tell me about those powers!! "What are they"?

I requested

"I already told you: you cannot know about it. I am not permitted to tell you about it. You should be grateful that I even told you something about it. Oh, and also, do not go around spreading it. It's just to be on the safe side. "Better safe than sorry, I suppose".

He said and walked away.

I had no alternative but to listen to my brother, Ichiro. I also left the hall and took a rest.