Chapter 10: A New Determination

13 1 0
                                    

The events of the past few days had shaken me deeply. I couldn’t forget how powerless I had felt in that moment with Ryuen and his men. Despite everything, my mind had always been my greatest weapon, but now I realized that it wasn’t enough. That weakness, the inability to physically defend myself, was eating away at me.

For the first time, I skipped school. My friends were worried, and I just wanted to be alone, lost in thought.

Later that evening, there was a knock at my door. When I opened it, Ayanokoji and Matsushita were standing there. I was surprised but felt a small relief seeing them.

Matsushita stepped forward, her eyes soft with concern. “You’ve been missing for a last 2 days, and we were worried. Are you okay?” she asked gently, sitting beside me on the bed.

I sighed, trying to hide my feelings. “I’m fine. Just... thinking.”

Matsushita smiled softly, her voice kind and warm. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. We all have moments when life feels heavy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We're here for you.”

Ayanokoji, standing by the door, spoke up, his tone calm but firm. “You can’t run from your weaknesses forever. Everyone has them. The important thing is to acknowledge them and work to overcome them.”

I looked at him, feeling a surge of frustration but also understanding. He was right. Running wouldn’t help. I needed to face this head-on.

“You’re stronger than you think,” Matsushita added, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “And we’ll support you, no matter what,” She said by putting a hand on my shoulder gently.

Their words lingered long after they left. I realized that despite my doubts and fears, I had people who believed in me. That night, I made a decision.

The next day, I enrolled in martial arts and archery classes. I knew that if I was going to change, I had to start somewhere. The first few days were tough—my body was still weak, unused to such physical exertion. My muscles ached, and I struggled to keep up with the instructors, but I pushed through the pain, determined not to let my past haunt me anymore.

 My muscles ached, and I struggled to keep up with the instructors, but I pushed through the pain, determined not to let my past haunt me anymore

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

Each punch, each arrow I released, brought me closer to my goal. The movements were difficult at first, but over time, I felt my body growing stronger, more agile. Every class was a small victory, a step toward regaining the confidence I had lost.

My friends noticed my absence from social gatherings and asked me if I was alright. “You’ve been distant,” they’d say with concern in their eyes. I smiled at them, masking the weight of my emotions. “I’m okay. Just working through some things,” I’d respond lightly, but the worry in their expressions didn’t fade.

Kei, Haruka, and even Kushida pulled me aside at different moments, offering their support. “If something’s bothering you, you can talk to us,” Kei had said, her usually confident tone laced with worry.

“I know,” I’d reply with a soft smile. “But really, I’m fine.”

They couldn’t know how much I appreciated their care. I didn’t want to burden them with my struggles. I needed to prove to myself that I could overcome this on my own.

---

The Journey to Strength

As the days passed, my training became more intense. I began to love the feeling of my muscles burning after each session, the ache in my arms as I perfected my archery stance, the controlled power of my punches during martial arts sparring. It was as if with every drop of sweat, I was washing away the insecurity and fear that had held me down.

There were days when I was exhausted, physically and mentally. Days when I felt like giving up. But each time I thought of how I had felt in that moment with Ryuen, I pushed harder. My body was beginning to reflect the inner strength I was cultivating. I could feel it in the way I moved, more agile, more confident.

My friends continued to worry about me, but I reassured them, "I'm just focusing on myself for a bit. Don’t worry."

---

The Return of Cheerfulness

By the end of the month, I felt like a new person. My body had grown stronger, leaner, and more athletic. The physical confidence I lacked before was now visible in my posture, in the way I carried myself.

I returned to school with my usual cheerful demeanor, smiling and interacting with my classmates. Kei teased me, “What happened to you? You’ve been MIA for so long, and now you’re like a different person!”

I laughed, brushing it off. “Just needed some time to recharge. I’m back now, and better than ever.”

Matsushita, always perceptive, gave me a knowing smile. “It’s good to see you smiling again. Whatever it is you’re going through, I’m glad you’re handling it.”

I grinned at her, feeling a sense of warmth from her words. The weight of my previous worries felt lighter now, and for the first time in weeks, I felt like I was truly myself again.

---

A Renewed Purpose

That night, lying in bed, I reflected on everything that had happened. The fear and powerlessness that had once consumed me now felt like distant memories. I was no longer the same person who had stood frozen in fear in front of Ryuen. I had taken control of my own destiny, shaping myself into someone stronger, someone who wouldn’t be easily broken.

Looking at the ceiling, I thought about the future. There would be more challenges, more battles to fight, but I felt ready. With a renewed sense of purpose, I clenched my fists in determination.

I had overcome one weakness, and now I would continue to strengthen myself, both mentally and physically. For my class, for my friends, and most importantly, for myself.

With that thought in mind, I drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep, a small, content smile on my lips.

--Chapter 10 ends--

My New Life As Suzune Horikita (COMPLETED)Where stories live. Discover now