Part 4: A Day to Rest
The students followed Daigo out of the academy building and onto the training grounds.
Normally—
the moment outdoor training was mentioned, complaints would fill the air.
Today was different.
The complaints came.
But they felt weaker.
Half-hearted.
Like nobody had the energy for them.
Daigo walked ahead while the students followed behind in a loose group.
Haruto walked beside Ayame and Kaito.
Nearby, Amaya and Arashi were arguing about something neither of them seemed particularly invested in.
Izumi quietly listened.
Daichi and Haruki talked among themselves.
Riku and Shin walked near the back.
Sanae and Hina spoke quietly.
Raizo looked as bored as ever.
Even Souta was walking with the group.
Though far quieter than usual.
Eventually they reached the training field.
The students immediately began preparing themselves.
Some stretched.
Others grabbed practice weapons.
A few simply waited.
Then Daigo spoke.
"...Stop."
The students paused.
Several looked confused.
Daigo glanced around the field.
Then at the students.
Then sighed.
A small one.
But everyone noticed.
"...Put everything away."
The confusion immediately doubled.
Arashi blinked.
"...What?"
Amaya looked suspicious.
"...You're planning something."
Daigo ignored her.
"...Put everything away."
Slowly, the students obeyed.
Practice weapons were returned.
Equipment was put down.
The field became quiet again.
Daigo crossed his arms.
His eyes moved across the group.
Haruto.
Kaito.
Misaki.
Souta.
Amaya.
Arashi.
Daichi.
Haruki.
Everyone.
Then he spoke.
"...None of you are in the mood to train."
Silence.
Because nobody could deny it.
Daigo continued.
"...You're distracted."
"...Tired."
"...Worried."
Several students lowered their eyes.
Others looked away.
Daigo nodded slightly.
"...Which means today's training would be a waste of time."
The students looked surprised.
That wasn't something they expected to hear.
Then Daigo pointed toward the far side of the field.
A large open area.
Usually used for recreational activities.
"...Go play."
Silence.
Complete silence.
Arashi blinked.
"...What?"
Daigo stared at him.
"...Did I stutter?"
Several students looked at each other.
Unsure if this was some kind of trick.
Amaya narrowed her eyes.
"...You're definitely planning something."
Daigo looked completely serious.
"...I'm not."
The students continued staring.
Daigo sighed.
"...Listen carefully."
Everyone quieted.
"...There are times to train."
A pause.
"...And there are times to rest."
His gaze swept across them.
"...Today is one of those times."
Nobody spoke.
Daigo's expression softened slightly.
"...You're children."
Several students looked surprised.
"...You don't need to carry the entire village on your shoulders."
The field became quiet.
Even the wind seemed softer.
Daigo continued.
"...The war is not your responsibility."
"...The explosions are not your responsibility."
"...The hospital is not your responsibility."
A pause.
"...Your responsibility is to learn."
Then he pointed toward the open field again.
"...And occasionally remember how to be children."
The students stared at him.
Then slowly—
a few smiles appeared.
Small ones.
But genuine.
Arashi immediately grinned.
"...So we're actually free?"
"...For the next hour."
Arashi practically celebrated.
Amaya laughed.
"...This is the greatest day of my life."
"That's a very sad life."
"Shut up, Arashi."
A few students laughed.
The atmosphere immediately became lighter.
Not perfect.
Not normal.
But lighter.
Much lighter.
Daigo walked toward a nearby tree.
"...Stay where I can see you."
Then sat down beneath the shade.
The students stood awkwardly for several moments.
Unsure what to do with unexpected freedom.
Then Riku suddenly spoke.
"...Football?"
Immediately several heads turned.
Haruto looked up.
Kaito did too.
Arashi grinned.
"...Now you're talking."
Within minutes—
groups began forming.
Some chose football.
Others chose tag.
A few sat together talking.
Some simply enjoyed the fresh air.
And for the first time since yesterday's explosion—
the academy grounds were filled with something other than worry.
Laughter.