Echoes of Legacy

"Storms within and without"

After Norio, Mayumi, and Asahi returned to their headquarters, the atmosphere was relatively calm until one stormy night, when Kenji and Mayumi played a prank that caused chaos in the hostel, disrupting the entire night. The principal was furious.

He called an emergency meeting at midnight, gathering all the high school teachers. In the dimly lit room, the tension was thick as the principal glared at both Mayumi and Kenji. "This behavior cannot be tolerated," he growled, turning to Robin, their class teacher. "What punishment do you suggest?"

Robin, standing quietly, surveyed the two culprits. Mayumi had buried herself deep inside her oversized hoodie, her face flushed red and stained with tears, while Kenji was staring straight ahead, his face drenched in sweat, trembling with fear.

After a moment of silence, Robin spoke calmly, but with authority. "Sir, years ago, I had to deal with a similar situation with Lee Mayumi. He pulled the same kind of reckless stunt. I punished him in a way that left a lasting reminder. I made a small scar on his right eyebrow, something he would carry with him always, as a mark of his actions. It worked."

The principal considered this, then nodded. "Very well. You may proceed."

Robin stepped forward, taking out his pocket knife. The room fell silent as everyone watched. He approached Kenji first. The boy stiffened, bracing himself for what was coming. Robin made a swift, shallow cut on Kenji's right eyebrow. Kenji winced but held himself together, not daring to move.

Then, Robin turned to Mayumi. Her hoodie covered most of her face, but her quiet sobs were audible. Gently, Robin lifted the edge of her hoodie to reveal her tear-streaked face. She was crying hard, her breath shaky. Robin hesitated briefly, then, with a steady hand, made a small cut on her eyebrow.

The moment it was done, Mayumi bolted out of the room without saying a word, her sobs echoing through the hallway as the storm raged outside. Robin watched her leave, knowing the scar would remain with her not just on her skin, but in her memory.

The next morning brought a cool breeze across the practice grounds, with just a hint of sunshine breaking through the clouds. A group of the best high school fighters were training the younger students, and among them was Mayumi, who was pushing her trainees hard. She barked orders with precision and intensity, expecting nothing less than perfection from them. Robin stood at the edge of the field, watching her with quiet interest.

Noticing Robin's gaze, Mayumi hesitated for a moment. She felt embarrassed by what had happened the night before, reluctant to face him. But when Robin called her over, she forced herself to put on a cheerful demeanor and jogged over, bowing lightly.

"I'm sorry for what happened last night," Mayumi said, her voice a little shy but trying to maintain her usual composure.

Robin shook his head slightly and began, "Mayumi, my child, I can't believe you'll be leaving the school in just three months. In my eyes, you're still the same little kid who stepped into our school all those years ago."

Mayumi smiled warmly at his words, though a tinge of sadness lingered behind it. Robin observed her carefully and noticed something different about her appearance. She had cut her hair short-trimmed almost to a military style.

Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Why so boyish all of a sudden?"

Mayumi awkwardly moved her hand through her cropped hair, glancing away. "Sir, you always said long hair is a distraction," she replied sheepishly.

Robin chuckled softly, shaking his head with a knowing smile. "Well, I know you've never followed most of what I said all these years. So, this sudden change... there must be some reason behind it, right?"