Chapter 28: Hidden Strength
The evening sky cast a warm orange hue over the Takumi Family Training Grounds. On the eastern side of the main arena stood a simple yet sturdy structure—Hisashi Takumi's residence. Inside, Hideo stood before a long wooden table cluttered with papers and rows of small glass bottles filled with various potions.
"Uncle, we can't keep relying on the old medical stores," Hideo said firmly, his gaze unusually sharp. "If the herbs we need are becoming scarce, don't send just one person to look for them. Send several. Each one should focus on finding a specific type."
He leaned forward slightly, touching a clear glass bottle near him.
"And most importantly—no one should know the full reason we're gathering these ingredients. Not even the ones collecting them. They only need to know their part."
His tone was calm, yet it carried weight. Gone was the spoiled heir that the servants once whispered about. He now spoke like a young leader laying the groundwork for something far greater.
"Even after we've gathered everything, I'll inspect them myself. Every drop, every fiber—it needs to be checked before we process anything."
Sitting in an old wooden wheelchair, Hisashi Takumi looked at his nephew in silence. Then, a faint smile appeared on his weathered face.
"Hideo... you've grown into someone dependable."
Hideo let out a small, awkward chuckle. "Uncle, don't say things like that so seriously. It feels... weird coming from you."
"Weird because you're not used to praise? Or because you know it's true?" Hisashi laughed, his raspy voice softening the room's heavy mood.
But the smile faded as Hideo continued. His voice lowered, steadier—firm.
"The Takumi family is on the edge. But if you recover... everything could change. Those hoping you stay crippled—they'll lose their advantage. You're our trump card. And the world still doesn't realize we've kept one deadly piece off the board."
Hisashi fell silent, his gaze deepening.
"Even if I never walk again... at least I know you'll lead this family your own way."
Just then, the sound of synchronized footsteps echoed from outside. The guards were going through their evening drills. Wooden strikes, clashing steel, and shouts of determination filled the air like a rhythm of duty.
"What do you think of their training?" Hisashi asked, glancing out the window.
Hideo watched for a few seconds. His expression remained flat. If anything, a trace of disappointment surfaced.
"It's all surface. No substance."
"No substance?" Hisashi raised an eyebrow. "They're all experienced soldiers."
"They're training their bodies, not their minds," Hideo said. "Look at them—once they're slightly tired, they stop. They don't push past their limits. That's not preparation for war—it's a workout routine. If they survive on the battlefield, it won't be because they're skilled. It'll be pure luck."
His words stung, but Hisashi didn't refute them. Deep down, he knew Hideo had a point.
"I can make them better. But they'll have to be broken down first. This isn't just about strength or flashy magic. It's about discipline. Awareness. Emotional control."
Hisashi nodded slowly. "So how will you start?"
"From the very beginning," Hideo replied. "Discipline. Repetition—drills until it becomes instinct. Understanding the field. They won't be swinging swords for show. They'll swing to survive. Tactical exercises, mental pressure simulations, no-magic duels, situational reading—everything they need to act and think clearly in chaos."
His voice stayed calm, but each word landed with force. Hisashi listened carefully.
"I know the soldiers we see now… aren't our true strength," Hisashi murmured. "They're the façade. The real force… remains hidden."
"The Takumi elites," Hideo agreed, finally taking a seat beside him. "The ones who never step into the spotlight. But if we truly want to rise again, we'll need more than just warriors. We need those who can read the battlefield before the first arrow flies."
A faint smile crept onto Hisashi's face. "And do you think you can train them into what you've just described?"
His gaze was sharp—part challenge, part hope.
Hideo didn't answer right away. He turned to look out at the soldiers still moving through their drills… and took a deep breath.