A hero who wants to help others wants to live a normal life - Chapter 61

Chapter 61   Advice from the Head

“Alright then, shall we introduce ourselves properly this time? This is actually our first time meeting face-to-face, isn’t it?”

“Yes, that’s right. Previously, we only had brief conversations, and most of my training was with the previous head.”

After Kiriya left, the head of the family wasted no time and started talking, but it’s true. We’ve seen each other before, and we’ve introduced ourselves briefly. But it was only ever briefly.

Although I was living in the Kamiarizuki household, most of my interactions were with the former head, and I led a mostly solitary life without meeting many people.

Back then, I was only in elementary or middle school, with plenty of things on my mind, and I wasn’t exactly eager to talk to people. I just didn’t feel like it.

For those reasons, to be honest, I don’t remember this person very well.

Although, I’m sure this person knows quite a bit about me.

“Well then, let me formally introduce myself. I am Tennsei, the current head of the Kamiarizuki family. My name is written as ‘Appare,’ though it’s pronounced Tennsei, which is rather unusual. I hope the two of you will get along with me from now on.”

With a gentle smile, likely intended to put us at ease, the head projected a warm demeanor. Clad in loose-fitting clothing that hid it well, he was probably quite muscular, fitting for a warrior family head.

“I’m Seiji Sahara. Pleased to meet you.”

“I’m Inori, his younger sister. Pleased to meet you as well.”

“Well, that’s a rather brief introduction, isn’t it? Surely you both have other titles and epithets you could use.”

It’s true; we could refer to ourselves as the “Blessed Ones,” and I even have other nicknames. But those are unofficial, private jokes shared within the family. I have no intention of saying such things, and honestly, I’d like to ask how he even knows about them.

“…Don’t you think it’s a bit embarrassing to call yourself a ‘hero’?”

“Haha. You’re right. I also have a few such titles, but while others may call me that, I hardly ever refer to myself that way.”

This person has probably achieved far more than I have, so it’s no wonder he’s picked up a few titles along the way.

Still, even if someone gives you a title or nickname, actually using it to introduce yourself is kind of awkward, isn’t it?

After this brief exchange to lighten the mood, Tennsei smoothly shifted his expression and began to speak.

“Alright, now that the introductions are over… I’m truly glad you could come.”

“It’s been a while.”

“But, what brings you here? You only did the minimum required training before, and since then, there hasn’t even been a single message from you. …Oh, I’m not blaming you, of course. It’s not my place to do so. I was just curious, that’s all.”

Even though he says he isn’t blaming us, hearing that from someone at the top makes it feel like a bit of a reprimand.

“…Well, I guess the main reason is that a friend invited me.”

Honestly, that’s probably the whole reason. If it weren’t for the invitation, I wouldn’t have come here at all.

“A friend, huh… I didn’t expect it to be someone from a related family, but if you made a friend, that’s great.”

“And, well… I was kind of just bored.”

“Bored, huh…”

“Yes, pretty much.”

It felt a bit embarrassing to admit “I was bored” to someone who’s clearly busy with work. But it’s the truth; I didn’t have anything to do, so here I am. Look, even Tennsei is giving me a wry smile.

“As an adult absorbed in work, I’m a bit envious of your free time, though maybe it’s not exactly a good thing in your case? Have you not found the ‘normal’ life you wanted?”

“I wonder… Whether I’ve found it or not… I honestly don’t know.”

The days before I was “discovered” as a “Blessed One” were probably normal. But whether that was what I truly wanted, I can’t really say for sure. The place was unusual, but studying, talking with classmates, chatting with family over dinner… those moments were undoubtedly “normal,” weren’t they?

“Well, that place isn’t exactly a ‘normal’ environment to begin with. Making friends like an ordinary student, falling in love, worrying, striving… all those typical experiences might be hard to achieve there. In fact, even struggling to attain ‘normalcy’ isn’t exactly normal. What is ‘normal’ anyway? It’s a bit philosophical. But if I were to give you one piece of advice, it would be: don’t become too fixated on being ‘normal.'”

Don’t get caught up in ‘normalcy’…

But for me, it’s the only thing I want. No—have to want. Because if I don’t, I won’t be able to have the kind of life I used to.

“Everyone lives constrained and limited to some extent. We do the best we can within those limits and pursue what we desire, ultimately as a way to attain our own form of happiness. It’s great if, as a result of your efforts, a normal life becomes part of your daily routine. But if you restrict yourself to attain ‘normalcy’ and drift away from those around you, I think that’s a mistake.”

“…Even so, I still want to be ‘normal.’”

“In a unique environment, is it so strange to act in unique ways? Isn’t that its own kind of ‘normal’? At least, as long as you’re in that environment, there’s nothing unusual about your actions. What’s considered normal changes easily depending on the times and the situation around you. Things that were once normal are often seen as strange today. So it’s fine to seek normalcy, but maybe you should think about why you’re pursuing it.”

Why am I seeking to be ‘normal’…?

As I mulled over this much harder, more important question than anything from school, I heard Tennsei let out a small sigh.

“—Well, I may be getting a bit preachy, especially since we’re just meeting again after so long.”

“…No, thank you for the valuable advice.”

“Of course. I understand that you’re in a unique position. But you’re still kids. It’s a bit of a cliché, but don’t feel you have to carry it all alone. It’s okay to rely on others.”

“Thank you.”

It’s true, it might seem like meddling. But maybe this is something I really need to think about.

“…Alright, this has gone on long enough. Let’s get to the main point, shall we?”

“The main point?”

“Yes. You came here for training, didn’t you? That’s what we’re here to discuss. After all, it wouldn’t really work to put ‘Blessed Ones’—especially someone like Inori—through the same training as the others.”

Ah, I see. We just had a rather important conversation, but the significance of that was important to me, while for this family, the main topic is clearly the training.

“Ah… right. Well, um, if possible, I’d appreciate it if you could go easy on me during the training.”

When I expressed that request, Tennsei raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at me with a puzzled expression.

“Go easy on you? Why would you want that? Didn’t you come here to train?”

That question was reasonable. After all, we came here for training. If I were told that I could slack off during the training, it would make anyone wonder why I even came.

But, unfortunately, I didn’t come here to train seriously.

“Well, yes, I came for training, but… it was more because a friend invited me. And, to be honest, I’m not too keen on receiving the same guidance from the previous head… if you understand what I mean.”

“I see. But that’s unfortunate. The one you’ll be training with is me.”

“…!?!”

“Haha! You two are still too naive. How could you not notice something so obvious?”

Reacting to the sudden voice, Inori and I turned around, and at the same time, the sliding door was forcefully opened. Standing there was a tall, imposing figure—someone much more clearly distinguished than Tennsei.