The following morning, Tatsuo and Chang Hui resumed their sword style practice.
In the afternoon, they took a break by the training field. As they relaxed, Tatsuo inquired, "Master Hui, could you teach me archery?"
Hui's eyes lit up with pride. "Indeed, I can. And I can also instruct you in the art of knife throwing. I am not merely proficient with the bow; I am a skilled sniper," he declared.
"Impressive! Show me," Tatsuo said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He was eager to observe Hui's technique and absorb it with his ability.
Pleased to demonstrate his skills to the prince, Hui rose to his feet. He tucked several throwing knives into his belt and retrieved his bow. He strode to the archery range, while Tatsuo observed from the sidelines, ready to learn.
Hui drew his bow and released an arrow. In a seamless motion, he drew a knife from his belt and hurled it. The arrow and the knife struck the target simultaneously. Tatsuo was genuinely impressed. "Remarkable," he thought. At that moment, the System chimed in.
Ding! Analyzing archery and knife-throwing techniques... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Ding! Master, you have acquired Basic Rank Sniper skill. Practice is required to enhance and strengthen this skill.
Tatsuo approached Hui. "Master, you are truly exceptional. May I attempt it?"
"Certainly, Tatsuo," Hui replied.
Tatsuo picked up a knife and the bow and walked to the shooting range. He released an arrow and threw the knife. Hui watched, his eyes wide with disbelief. He almost forgot he was observing the once-perceived "foolish" prince. Tatsuo's projectile missed the target.
Tatsuo returned to Hui, who was still slightly dazed. "Master, I missed," he said with a light chuckle.
Hui snapped out of his reverie and looked at Tatsuo, his voice filled with admiration. "Tatsuo, that was incredible! Even though you missed, the attempt itself was extraordinary! I am deeply grateful to the Emperor for entrusting me with your tutelage. You are a prodigy!"
"Master, you flatter me," Tatsuo said, smiling warmly. "It is all thanks to your guidance. You are a truly exceptional master. However, I still have much to learn. You are the expert."
"Tatsuo, I am honored to serve as your master," Hui replied, bowing slightly.
They continued their practice throughout the afternoon.
As they walked back to the palace, Tatsuo turned to Hui, his voice earnest. "Master Hui," he said, "I wish to join the army and earn my own merits. May I enlist?" He looked at Hui, his eyes burning with determination.
Hui met Tatsuo's gaze, his own expression thoughtful. Before responding, he inquired, "Tatsuo, may I ask the reason for your desire?"
Tatsuo looked ahead, continuing to walk as he answered. "Because I aspire to be a ruler who understands the welfare and circumstances of my people. I want to experience their hardships firsthand and offer assistance. And I desire my father to view me as his rightful heir, to feel pride in me, rather than perceiving me as the 'fool' everyone believes I am."
Hui watched Tatsuo's back, his expression softening. "Tatsuo," he said, "as your advisor, I am hesitant to see you venture into the battlefield. It is a perilous place, and I fear I would be unable to provide adequate protection. There are other avenues to prove your worth to the empire. However," he paused, his voice taking on a soldier's resolve, "as a soldier, I understand the longing for a ruler who comprehends our struggles. Only the Emperor can grant your request. I urge you to ask him directly."
Tatsuo stopped walking, turning to Hui. "Thank you for your counsel. I will speak with my father," he said, and resumed his walk.
Hui watched him go, a sense of admiration growing in his heart. "One day," he thought, "this young man will become a great, perhaps the greatest, ruler this empire has ever known."
Upon reaching his room, Tatsuo sat down, his mind racing. "Which army would be the best place to join?" He studied a map of the empire, his gaze lingering on the border with the Skylance Kingdom. He recalled the memories of his new body: the Empire and the Skylance Kingdom had been at war for over fifty years, locked in a bitter conflict over a strategically important land. The border was a bloody battleground, a testament to the decades of conflict.
Tatsuo's eyes gleamed. "That's where I'll go," he thought. "There, I can earn the achievements I crave."
After two hours of planning, a servant knocked on his door. "Prince," the servant announced, "His Majesty the Emperor requests your presence at the family dinner. All your siblings are here."
"Very well," Tatsuo replied, standing and changing into more formal attire. "I'll follow you. Thank you." He followed the servant to the grand dining hall.
….
Tatsuo entered the grand dining hall, offering a polite greeting. "Father, Mother, Sisters, good evening," he said, taking his seat.
The Emperor's gaze fell upon Tatsuo, his expression stern. "Tatsuo," he began, his voice laced with unspoken pressure, "how is your training with Chang Hui progressing?"
"Father," Tatsuo replied casually, "he is a remarkable teacher. I've learned a great deal."
Before the Emperor could respond, Princess Ao interjected, her tone dismissive. "Yes, he's a great teacher, but he's teaching an idiot."
Princess Fen, her expression disapproving, defended her brother. "Sister, don't be so cruel. He's doing his best." Princess Yui echoed Fen's sentiment, her voice filled with anger. "Yes, eldest sister, don't be so mean to brother!" Yui and Tatsuo shared a close bond, and she was fiercely protective of him.
"Oh, please! He's still an idiot," Ao retorted, rolling her eyes.
"Enough!" The Emperor's voice boomed, silencing the bickering. His eyes flashed with anger as he surveyed his children. "This is a family dinner, not a battlefield." he continued, turning his attention back to his son, "continue your training with Hui. Now, let us resume our meal."
Tatsuo raised his head, his gaze meeting his father's. "Father," he said, his voice clear and resolute, "I wish to join the army on the border."
A collective gasp filled the hall. Everyone, including the Emperor, was taken aback. The Emperor, however, quickly regained his composure. "Very well," he said, "you shall go to Massugo. Your uncle will ensure your safety. And you shall have a thousand royal guards under your command."
"No, Father," Tatsuo replied, his voice firm. "I wish to join the Northern Army. I will not go to Massugo. They will treat me as a pampered prince. I will not bring any soldiers. I will go alone and start from the bottom, earning my way to command. I will earn my achievements, not rely on my title." As he finished speaking, his eyes met Ao's, a meaningful challenge in his gaze.