NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: The First Day
After a while, the weight of the emotions seemed to settle over them, leaving everyone drained—both emotionally and physically.
"Let's get some sleep," Toren said, his voice gentle as he rose from his seat. "It's gotten quite late." He walked over to Yamoshi and placed a hand on his head, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Good night, my son."
Elvira stood and approached Yamoshi, pulling him into a tight embrace, as if she were holding onto him for the last time. Her voice was soft but firm. "Don't take everything to heart, my dear. You are the most blessed child. Always remember that."
Yamoshi nodded, his eyes glistening but determined. "Thank you, I will. Good night, everyone." He turned and headed toward his room, his steps lighter than they had been earlier.
As Toren and Elvira headed to their room, Toren spoke softly, "He's so mature for his age, yet so curious. It's a dangerous combination, especially for Yamoshi."
Elvira nodded while settling into bed. "It is, but maybe that's what makes it right for him. It's who he is."
They went ahead and slept.
The Next Morning
"Yamoshi," Toren called out firmly, fastening the straps on his warrior armor. "Get up. It's your first day."
Yamoshi stirred groggily, his voice muffled by the pillow. "It's not even morning yet... I barely slept. Can't I rest a little longer?" He yawned, his eyes still half-closed.
"Now," Toren replied with a tone that brooked no argument.
Sighing, Yamoshi dragged himself out of bed. "Alright, alright..."
Near the Watchtower
"Is that Toren?" one Saiyan soldier asked, peering into the dim light of dawn.
"Yeah, no one else is that big," replied another.
"Wait... is that a kid with him? Am I seeing things?"
As Toren approached with Yamoshi at his side, the soldiers straightened up.
"Yo," Toren greeted casually.
"YAMOSHI?!" one of the soldiers exclaimed in shock. "Toren, are you serious? First of all, it's him, and second—"
Another soldier interrupted, starting to list concerns on his fingers. "He's just a kid! You know better than anyone how dangerous this job is."
"I know," Toren said, his tone resolute. "I've thought about it carefully. There's no other way."
The first soldier shook his head in disbelief. "Maybe, but not here. Not now. Go to the base and talk to the higher-ups. They might allow him to train with the younger ones instead."
"But what about my duty today?" Toren asked.
"We'll cover for you," the soldier replied with a smirk. "You owe us one."
"Thank you," Toren said sincerely, turning back toward the base.
Yamoshi looked over his shoulder at the soldiers, their scarred, battle-worn appearances telling stories of hardship. Yet, their strength and camaraderie impressed him deeply.
'Like my father... they've endured so much,' Yamoshi thought to himself. One soldier smirked at him, while the other waved.
For the first time, Yamoshi felt something unfamiliar swell within him—hope. Seeing how even these hardened warriors acknowledged him sparked a flicker of possibility. Maybe, one day, he could stand among them—not as an outsider, but as one of their own.
"Before we get there, Yamoshi, listen carefully," Toren said as they walked side by side. "Do not speak, glare, or show any sign of defiance. Just stay calm and wait."
"I got it," Yamoshi replied firmly, his voice steady but his heart racing.
At the Base
The arrival of Toren and Yamoshi caused a stir among the soldiers. Whispers broke out, some too quiet to hear, others loud enough to cut through the tension.
"So, it's happening."
"We knew this day would come."
"They're not going to like this at all."
"Things are about to get messy."
The murmurs painted a vivid picture of unease as Yamoshi felt their gazes, sharp and unforgiving, pierce through him.
From the far end of the hallway, a Saiyan instructor approached with an arrogant swagger. "Well, well, well. Look who decided to show up." His voice dripped with mockery. "So daring, so brave."
Toren ignored the taunt. "Enough of your jokes. I'm here for something important."
The instructor smirked and glanced at Yamoshi. "And dangerous, I see."
As Toren led Yamoshi down the dimly lit hallway toward the Captain's room, the disapproval from the surrounding Saiyans became palpable. Soldiers shot glares and whispered among themselves.
'This doesn't look good,' Toren thought, his jaw tightening.
When they entered the Captain's quarters, the man behind the desk looked up with a sly grin. "Oh, Toren, what brings you here—" His tone shifted sharply when he noticed Yamoshi. "With that thing."
Toren straightened, his voice steady but cold. "It is not a thing, this is my son. He's a warrior, like everyone else here. I want to enlist him."
The Captain's expression darkened as he leaned forward, his aura growing heavy. "Him? A child? He'll be dead in days—if not from the dangers, then from the Saiyans in this camp."
He rose from his chair, his gaze fixed on Yamoshi. "You know how tough this camp is and why it's designed to be this way."
Toren didn't flinch. "I know. But Yamoshi is ready, more than anyone realizes. Everyone fears him—that much is clear."
The Captain slammed his fist onto the desk, his power surging. "FEAR?" His aura pulsed through the room, causing objects to tremble and fall. The force made Yamoshi flinch, but Toren stood unaffected, as calm as ever.
The Captain exhaled sharply, reining in his energy. He turned to the window, his back to them, as if weighing his options.
Finally, he spoke. "I know what you're trying to do, Toren." His voice was measured, almost amused. "Fine. Let's do it this way..."
He turned back, a smirk playing on his lips. The sudden shift in his demeanor set Toren on edge.
'What is he about to do again...' Toren thought grimly.
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