Archive Of Potentialities.

Short story:A Salaryman's Supernatural Induction 12.

"No, you're not ready. Never bring this up again."

The same response, the same tone, the same situation. Nothing has changed. Mixing up words does not make your intentions any different.

"You're a child, you'll know when you're ready."

It has always been like this, my supposed inadequacy thrust into my face. Of course, I tried to fight back against it.

"But I'm the next head of the Tokugawa clan, telling me now shouldn't hurt!"

All on deaf ears. All in vain.

"You are impatient, and your worthiness is still up for debate at this point."

Again and again, I was shut down.

"Father. Am I ready to know what is in the restricted zone?"

"This again? When will you understand that you have to wait?"

Even as I grew older, the response remained the same, until one day.

"Are you going to tell me now, father?"

That day, my father who I always looked up to looked distraught and exhausted, with him was a man I didn't recognise. He seemed about my age, but something was off about him….I turned away from him and prepared myself for another rejection.

"Tetsuya….I-i don't know….and you don't want to either."

His different response startled me, but it also opened the floodgates that held back my boundless curiosity.

"Why? Why wouldn't I? Why do you keep it from me? Why are all the clan elders so scared? Why? Why? Wh-"

"SHUT UP! I'm doing this to protect you! It's all for you! But now…now it's no use…."

I didn't understand. What was happening? The more he spoke, the more curious I became, no fear whatsoever took hold of me, only anticipation. In hindsight, this behaviour was weird of me, but it's who I was and I couldn't change that.

The man that accompanied my father wore a stoic expression, unchanging even at my father's sudden outburst. His presence was weak, it felt like I would lose track of him at the slightest lapse of attention, like a shadow.

"What are you talking about, father? Tell me, what?"

I pressed on, not willing to let this golden opportunity go.

"Ah, it's over. It really is…Come, Tetsuya, Ishikawa. I'll tell you what I know."

Finally! Disregarding the strange wording my father used I was filled with elation at the thought of finally being acknowledged, the presence of the other man did nothing to down my good mood.

We headed to my father's office, immediately we arrived he collapsed into his chair. He looked so….worn out. But it didn't matter, if it took immense exhaustion to make him more responsive, then it's fine.

"Now, to begin, let me ask you a question. Don't worry, just answer. It's part of what I am about to tell you."

I was a bit confused, but I nodded in response.

"Good. Now, what clan do you think holds the most influence in our society?"

What does such an obvious question have to do with this?

"Ours, the Tokugawa."

"Hmm, indeed. And why is that?"

Why..?

"Isn't it our versatility and great leadership? We are not confined to one thing, so we can't be overwhelmed."

"Hmm, that is quite true, though there is something else, but I'll get to it later. Another question, what is one goal that the oldest clans share?"