Budō

The Way of War
Gracia Hughes swept her eyes across the classroom filled with her precious charges. It was almost time. Just one more week and the latest crop of would be ninjas would graduate, she thought to herself. She glanced toward a lone boy with corn-rolls and sloppy clothes in the back row fast asleep again. Or maybe not, she thought.

Smiled, thinking on the past year that was coming to a close. Choking back a few tears, she began, "There are a few things I'd like to say to you all. Next week is the final exam. We've worked hard all year. Now it's time to show off what you've learned. "

She paused for a long moment, measuring her words. "Before then I want to tell you a story."

Affinity
"As you all know there are six elements: earth, wind, fire, lightning, water, and sound. These elements..." Gracia paused as a pupil raised their hand.

"But sensei... how can sound be an element. It's not made of anything. It's just something else vibrating!"

Gracia chuckled at the student, nodding her head. "That's a very good question. Let me answer it with another one. How can fire be an element?"

The young girl held a bemused expression on her face. "But that's silly! Fire is real and tangible! You can see it shine! You can feel the heat!"

"Are you sure about that? Think about it again." She glanced at the clock and stood up suddenly. "I'm afraid that will have to be all for today. I want all of you to think about what I've said."