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Chapter 9: Their First Meeting

"I... I don't like it," she said.

"Don't like what? Old martial arts?"

"I like moving my body. But... hurting people... scares me."

I see. It’s a reasonable sentiment. 

She’s just a young girl, after all. 

This isn’t just martial arts; it’s a combat art form designed to overpower others. 

It’s rare for someone so young to enjoy such a dangerous practice. 

Even for someone mentally mature, the idea of injuring others is daunting.

That’s why I never got into sports like boxing. 

The thought of causing someone harm because of me is intimidating.

"Still... I’m the only one who can carry on our legacy. But... I just want to live a normal life. Make lots of friends, go places... But every day is training."

It seems she was born into a demanding family. 

A family that has practiced old martial arts for generations must uphold their traditions, necessitating a successor. 

Preserving bloodlines, skills, and names may be important, but it’s ultimately just human selfishness.

Passing down what ancestors have built is significant, but forcing future generations to bear that burden is selfish. 

Unless it’s a matter of world-ending importance, there are other ways to preserve family pride and achievements. 

Forcing a reluctant child could lead to a cycle of negativity and irreversible mistakes.

(Though, there is the weight of being part of a historically significant family...)

It's natural not to want to undo what has been built over time, hence passing it down makes sense. 

However, seeing a child suffer under that weight makes it hard to ignore.

"If you don’t like it, you should say so."

"What?"

"I want to live a life without regrets, at least."

In my past life, I made many excuses and didn’t take on challenges. In this life, I want to do everything I desire.

"You should voice your feelings."

"But that would trouble my parents..."

"So what if it troubles them?"

"Huh?"

"That’s what family is for."

Being family means they likely wouldn’t even see it as a burden. Especially parents; they probably wouldn't consider it troublesome.

"Is it okay to trouble family?"

"As long as it’s not selfish or hurtful, yes. You’re just suppressing yourself for their sake. If I were your parent, I wouldn’t want that."

"Suppressing myself...?"

"A parent wouldn’t want their child to live a life where they can’t do what they truly want."

That’s my subjective opinion, but parents should prioritize their children. 

Protecting not just the child’s body, but their heart, should be a parent’s duty.

"So, you should speak your mind. If your parents are kind, they’ll understand."

"They are kind! Mom is always cheerful, and Dad, though strict sometimes, is strong, cool, and kind!"

Her words clearly conveyed her love for her parents. 

This should make it easier to talk honestly without conflict.

"Then it’s okay."

"But..."

She looked down, and I asked, "Are you scared?" 

She nodded. 

She probably wants to meet her parents’ expectations, not just them, but anyone’s.

(She’s a good girl, but hopefully not overly self-sacrificing.)

People who act for others are admirable, but excessive self-sacrifice isn’t good. 

Protecting others at the cost of oneself isn’t something those protected would want.

(For now, the focus should be on the current situation.)

"How about I come with you?"

"Together? You’d come?"

I expected rejection, but she seemed receptive. 

It felt a bit risky, but I could advise her later.

"Sure. We’ve met, so I can help a little."

She gently tugged at my sleeve, eyes glistening.

"...I’d like that."

Where did she learn such endearing behavior? If she grows up, she might become quite the enchanting woman.

"Alright. Shall we go?"

"Yes!"

She gave a wonderful smile.

"Oh, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Satsuki Okinaga. And you?"

"Hi–Hinobe Nakuru!"

This was the first encounter between Satsuki Okinaga, a reincarnated individual, and Hinobe Nakuru, a key figure in this world.