The Becoming of an Assassin

Chapter 40:

Two Years Later

Aidan adjusted his tie, and Ian stood in the doorway. Today was the day he was getting his diploma. He had gotten his master's degree in curriculum design and bachelor's in special education. He wanted to be able to teach a wide range of students based on their learning style. He didn't believe a one size fits all, so he put in extra work to make sure he could be the best teacher.

"I don't think I have ever seen you in a suit."

"Well, don't get use to it, I hate wearing suits. And you have seen me in a suit, when we first met, on my high school graduation day."

"I did... oh that's right! You were holding a cap and gown, and okay. I remember now because you were complaining about the suit being uncomfortable."

"Yep, and I am back at wearing one, again."

Aidan ran his hand through his black hair. He had dyed it back from the white for graduation so that he didn't get any looks. He wanted to keep professional looking. He turned around and saw Ian in slacks and a white button up.

"You coming?"

"Of course, I can't miss it." He said with the annoying grin on his face. Aidan rolled his eyes and put his grandfather's watch and necklace on.

They drove to the campus, and Ian went to the auditorium, while Aidan went to the side where the other students lined up. It was a lot of people but typically graduations didn't last nearly as long as American graduations did. Typical American graduation lasted roughly four hours. But Japanese graduations was no longer then two hours.

They started the ceremony with the speeches from the officials who worked at the university, before awarding each person their degree. When they called Aidan's name, he walked up to the stage, and shook each person's hand before getting his degree. The college professor had Aidan stand off to the side since he was the valedictorian.

"Next, we will have Johnson Aidan, give his speech. He has graduated with passing every single class. He had the highest-grade point average. He was nominated by each professor and faculty member. Now please, come give your speech, Johnson." The dean stated.

Clapping was heard, before it quieted down, and he cleared his throat.

"Good afternoon, Thank you for joining me today. As someone who has been one of the youngest to start college here in Japan, and finished with two degrees, it's an honor to be recognized for the hard work. I've experienced a different kind of academic journey, and even though I couldn't meet everyone single one of you in person, nor did I sit in a traditional classroom alongside you, it was still a great experience. Today isn't just about celebrating our graduation as we move forward in our lives to our chosen degrees, but its about acknowledging the hard work, unique challenges that we faced to get here. When we get out there, it won't be easy, but the skills we have overcame will help us move forward in our career paths. My goal has always been to become a teacher, and this graduation marks the beginning of that chapter. Some of you will be doctors, nurses, teachers, accountants, business owners. All are very different yet very important roles. We are the next generation to keep the economy running. Education is more than academic achievement; it's about learning to develop the knowledge to make differences. As we move forward, let's apply what we have learned, not only from our studies but from the experiences to make this world better. Congratulations to all of us. We've achieved something significant, and I'm looking forward to seeing where our paths lead next. Thank you."

Aidan stepped down from the podium as clapping was heard. The ceremony eventually ended, and Aidan sighed softly. Ian clapped Aidan on the shoulder, when he walked out.

"You did that from memory?"

"Yeah, I just threw something together, I didn't think I would have to give a speech."

"Congratulations!" Ian said with a grin and leaned over to whisper. "Daiichi was here, but he left before you could see him."

"Wait what?" Aidan looked around but Daiichi was no where to be found. It had been two years since he last talked to Daiichi.

"Yep, he didn't want you to know because he thought you would be angry, he came,"

"That idiot." Aidan was smiling though. He couldn't help it, the thought that Daiichi stilled cared made him feel warm inside.

"So, what now?" Ian said, changing the topic.

"Find a school that's hiring."

"Have you told the boss yet?"

"Nah, I will today."

"Let's go then."

Ian drove them back to the base and made their way to the office. Ian left Aidan to talk to the boss alone, so he knocked on the door,

"Come in," A gruff voice said.

Aidan walked inside, and the boss was looking out the window. He had a cigar in his mouth and exhaled the smoke out. Aidan closed the door behind him.

"How was graduation?"

"It was good," Aidan said.

"You are here to tell me that you are gonna retire as our number one assassin?"

"Yeah, I will still be available anytime you need me, but I want to focus on teaching."

"I won't bother you with gang activities when you are teaching. You should focus on that, but you are welcomed back anytime. You aren't leaving completely just taking a different path."

"Yeah, but anytime security is breached, or you need me behind the scenes, you can call on me."

"Of course, you are our number one hacker, and with you our security has only gotten tighter over the years. Your grandfather would be proud though, you are getting out of this job before it's too late. He always wanted you to follow the path you thought was best for you, and you are doing just that."

"Thank you, sir."

"Anytime you need RB just know, we have your back. If that Orlando guy causes trouble again, come to us. Don't do everything on your own. This life is too short to spend it alone, like your grandfather did."

"I won't, I know that you guys are my family. I am never truly alone, as long as I have you guys."

"Good, now go celebrate, or look for a teaching job. I got stuff to do, brat."

Aidan cracked a small grin and left his office.

The End

But it's not actually the end. He will see you in Book 2.