[Book II Chapter 40] NEPHRITE: Confronting Light

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As expected, Light was seated in the skybox, enraptured by the combatants below. Following their return, Jayen had suggested daily coliseum matches and had lent them access to this space.

Hearth’s arena went by a flexible format where fighters of any caliber could sign up at any time. Against saints such as herself, multiple opponents were assembled, and she’d just finished a fight against a team of four. The timeslots for Haron and Arika were scheduled later.

The stand are still packed, even with the first group of airships departing tomorrow. In different corners of Harakoune, the other hidden villages were beginning their migration too. Tempest was heading to Remnant, and Ash had chosen to defend Bastion. Finally, Gloom was joining the Grey Kingdom, a decision which was the source of some consternation. If the war expands to Aery, we might face them in battle. Although right now Fang is a bigger problem…

Nephrite studied Light from behind. His new shadow wolf pet, named ‘Kuro’, had proved a boon, providing useful intel on the Kaygren’s sovereign lieutenants. Its general knowledge of Mount Gull would also come in handy soon. As for the boy, he was absolutely thrilled, spending much of his time training with the canine companion.

I haven’t properly chided him yet. Light’s actions had truly shocked her. Up until that point, the boy had mostly fallen in line with what her expectations. She’d even begun to think of him as an inexperienced prodigy, same as her younger self. Then he abandoned the mission to duel a shadow wolf.

Perhaps his upbringing was the cause. “I heard you grew up isolated in the arctic, with only Astra and your siblings for company. Was that hard?” She asked.

“Not as much as you’d think,” Light answered. “We had plenty enough to entertain ourselves when Astra wasn’t keeping us busy. Also, when you don’t understand what you’re missing, it doesn’t bother you as much.”

“Do your siblings share your sensibilities?” Nephrite continued.

“Not really.” Light smirked. “Our time apart from society affected us in different ways. They each have their own eccentricities.”

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Nephrite latched on to this wording. “So you’re aware of your abnormality?”

Light nodded. “Remember the weapons I show you? I nearly died from the curse when I retrieved them from the Field of Graves. The others gave me hell for it.”

So this is a reoccurring pattern? Nephrite groaned inwardly. Remember he’s just sixteen and off on his own for the first time. “Do you miss your siblings?”

“I do, some more than others.” Light answered. “But Hearth makes it easy to bare the separation. It’s like a dream come true: living in a hidden village of shinobi, joining a team team with other ninjas, taking part in missions with real stakes… I have become what I aspired to be all these years.”

I was a child the last time I thought that way. “You’re a hardcore fan of the The Tales Of The Shinobi, aren’t you?”

“Of course,” Light affirmed. “Aren’t you too?”

“Not really.” Nephrite gazed at the figures dueling in the arena. “To me, ninjas are profession, no different from druids or fencers. Even if their roots are in fiction, it’s long since transcended that.”

Light frowned. “I met a Harakoune ninja on the Isle. He was a fellow enthusiast. Was that unusual?”

“Of course there are many like that. The series is required reading here.” Nephrite explained. “However, most become ninjas because they value the benefits, same as any other specialization. Loving the aesthetic is just a bonus.”

“I see…” Judging by his voice, Light was dissatisfied.

Nephrite shook her head. “When we have the chance, I’ll introduce you to my younger brother. While a good ninja,” She stressed this part. “He also shares your passion.”

“I’d really like that.” Light said, his mood instantly improving.

Jayden warned me not to, but I’ll try anyway. Nephrite hated when people made no effort because something was deemed ‘useless’. “What you did with Kuro, revealing yourself in enemy territory and getting sidetracked… You aren’t the main character in one of those novels. This behavior will get yourself or others killed.”

“You gave me the lead, so I just couldn’t help myself.” Light joked awkwardly.

Nephrite said nothing and waited.

Realizing humor wouldn’t cut it, Light sighed, “I know what I must do…” He brought out the book from last time. “When Jayden gave me this, I honestly couldn’t believe it. Why was someone as responsible as him indulging my deviancy? After finishing, I understand.”

“Salazar’s dry analysis killed my obsession with curses. I now know their every detail as well as their stark downsides. The romanticism, the mystery, is gone.”

“What I should to do is collect in-depth guides on the advantages and disadvantages of being a shinobi. Let their utilitarian perspective infected me, as did Salazar’s work.”

“But I don’t want to. I love ninjas and can’t accepting them becoming mundane. My fascination got me through a difficult period, and I’m not ready to let go just yet. Forgive me.”

Light turned away, retreating to watch the fighting.

Nephrite pursed her lips. Although she appreciated the honesty, her concerns remained. They’d been given their most dangerous assignment yet. In a few days, Jayden and Gladiator would infiltrate Mount Gull. They’d be facing facing hordes of demonic beasts, their sovereigns, and members of the hidden village of Fang. She could only pray nothing would go awry.