Book One: The Rise of the Blue-Haired Devil.

      Rico began the lesson. As he spoke, I realised that he was not a ninja, but a very competent person in terms of understanding world politics and economics. He could have presented the material in a complex scientific way, but he did it in a different way: he gave a single definition and then explained it in a more understandable, common language, giving examples from life. This approach helped us to learn the material faster and easier, although it took more time for lessons.       - "Psst!" I heard from outside. I didn't pay attention to it, trying to concentrate on the material we were given. It took about a minute of trying to get my attention from my partner from morning practice, and then the girl's patience broke. She elbowed me in the rib, causing me to jump up on the spot. It was very unexpected for me. I turned my disgruntled gaze to her.       - Hi, my name is Yumiko, what's yours? - The girl asked me, smiling the most carefree smile in the world. To such a smile, it was simply impossible not to do the same in return. I even forgot for a few seconds that I would have to survive in this place for the next couple of months.       - Michiko. - I answered her, trying to add hostility to my voice so she wouldn't interfere with my new knowledge.       - Michiko it means. Well, thank you, Michiko, for your help in this morning's training. - She continued happily as before. I had already shifted my gaze to Riko, letting her know that the lesson was more important than her words.       A few seconds passed, and I already thought that the girl had accepted the fact that our conversation had failed, although, to be honest, I didn't see the point of this dialogue at all. However, I was so engrossed in the words and explanations of politics and economics from the teacher that I did not notice how my partner, slightly rising from her seat, approached me, and then, quickly kissing me on the cheek, returned to the chair. The realisation of what had happened didn't come immediately. I sat quietly for a few moments, but when I realised what the blonde had just done, my cheeks changed their colour to a light red. I just didn't remember anyone in my past life other than my parents kissing me. I tried my best to pretend that nothing had happened, but I was very bad at it, because Yumiko started giggling quietly to herself. She was apparently amused by the situation.       - You're so cute when you're shy. - She said as she continued to chuckle.       - Why did you do that? - I asked her, syllabicising each word. That way I tried to hide my trembling voice. It was very unusual to feel embarrassed.       - I was just thanking you. - The blonde replied, still laughing. - If you want me to do it again, you'll have to help me one more time. - she added when she had already calmed down.       - I won't help you again. - I tried to answer coldly, but I failed. My voice ended up sounding like a resentful one.       - What are you doing? Are you offended? Don't be upset. I was only joking, and you immediately puffed up your cheeks. - said my partner. In her girlish voice I could hear a note of apology.       She poked me on the cheek with her finger to get my attention. I couldn't ignore her action.       - I wasn't offended. I just want to listen to sensei to gain useful knowledge. - I tried to hint to her that talking wasn't the best thing to do right now.       - This subject isn't that important. - Yumiko replied with a sneer in her voice. I was about to contradict her, because I always thought that knowledge is an incredible power, but she beat me to it. - This is politics and economics on a global scale. Unless you become the head of a clan in the future or a daima, you won't have much use for information about all this, and this subject isn't part of the exams. - She said, "It's not a subject for exams," she said.       - You know, in the future, if we survive here, we will have to protect the head of an entire country and fulfil his orders. To soberly assess the complexity of the mission and prepare for it well, you need to know the situation in the world, as well as to have information about the terrain where potential battles will take place, about possible opponents and their abilities, about the readiness or unreadiness of the competitor to your appearance. All these factors will give you an advantage over your enemies, because you will be able to come up with a plan for most of the possible scenarios, selecting the necessary equipment for each individual case separately. - I explained to her the importance of politics and economics. I didn't even notice that I raised my voice a few decibels. When I finished speaking, I realised that at that moment everyone in the room was listening to me. Rico stopped his lecture, listening intently to my speech. He always had one ear to listen to the whispers of the students, but my speech struck him. There was a moment's silence, during which all the boys were digesting my words. A faint smile appeared on the teacher's face, but it did not escape me. I bit my tongue as I didn't plan to stand out from the crowd again. Yumiko stared at me dumbfounded, as if I were the incarnation of some deity. Before anyone could start making their point, Riko spoke up.       - Lesson time has come to an end. You will now be taken by the guards to your bunk rooms. - The teacher said in a calm voice. Fifteen ninjas entered the room, taking one child by the hand, and then they left the room. My partner was taken in the first go. In total, the ninjas came in about seven times. I wasn't going to be taken to the cell until the last one. When the ninjas came for the seventh time to pick up the students, Rico spoke up.       - I'm taking this guy to the Baron. - He turned to the man holding my hand. - Your name is Michiko, if I'm not mistaken. - Tengo's chief aide said when we were alone. I just nodded, already beginning to guess what punishment awaited me. - You're a very gifted child, Michiko. I'd even say you're the most gifted child I've ever seen. At such a young age, you think like the head of a great clan. But know that giftedness is a curse as well as a gift. If you push people away from you, you'll be alone forever. - the man gave a cautionary tale.       - Am I not already lonely? - I asked the logical question.       - Not yet. - Rico answered me with a smile on his face. - I'm going to help you fulfil your potential. Follow me. - He added, heading for the door.       For about fifteen minutes we walked through the maze. I tried to memorise every passageway and fork, but after a while I began to feel that all the forks were repeating themselves. As I started counting the turns again, I realised that we were going in circles.       - Where are we going? - I asked, not knowing what was going on.       - To the Baron. - The teacher who was leading me answered me briefly. After another turn we came to a fork, where there should have been two passages, but they turned out to be three, which surprised me. We went through a new passage, coming out into the hall where I had been before. The Baron was sitting on his throne, diligently studying a scroll. When he heard the sound of footsteps, he put the document aside and turned his attention to the guests.       - Rico, why did you bring that boy here? - The Baron said grudgingly, not even looking in my direction.       - I would like to ask you to give this young man a special daily schedule. - The servant said, bowing his head before the rich man.       - Hmph, this is the first time I've ever heard you rate someone's skills so highly. What was it that pleased you about this child? - With interest in his voice Baron clarified, already transferring his gaze to me.       - He is already thinking like an adult ninja. His stamina is at a higher level than the other prisoners. I'd say he's a genius, but it's too early to tell. - Riko clarified his point by raising his head.       - Good, this kid can be sold at a higher price, and we can also make a lot of money on bets if no one finds out about his training. - The arena master said with a smile on his face. After all, the first thing this man was interested in was money, not moral values.       We left the Baron's hall. Rico led me to my cell. The way passed in absolute silence. It made me feel bad that they just wanted to make more money off of me, that's all. I was valued here as a commodity, not as a human being.       - Today you'll go through your normal training, and tomorrow you'll start a new routine. I'll make your training schedule myself. Don't get excited about training differently. You're going to have a much harder time than the other kids. Be prepared for that. - My chaperone clarified the situation when we got to my room. I knew from his tone that I was in for something unthinkable in terms of training. After his speech, he turned around as he was about to leave my room.       - Thank you. - I thanked him. I tried to say these words with sincerity in my voice, but I failed. There was still an unpleasant residue inside me.       The man stopped in the exit passage. He turned half-turned to look into my eyes, as if he wanted to see something in them, to look into my thoughts. After a couple of seconds, he nodded, as if to his thoughts rather than to me, and then left the room without another word.