Team and Leadership

His voice grew softer as Geno put a comforting hand on Shen's shoulder. His words were, "I have to leave now," "There are duties I must attend to in other regions of the kingdom, but I look forward to seeing your progress when I return."

Shen, who was still getting used to the amazing idea of having a brother, began to like Geno's strict but encouraging manner. Shen realized he was alone again as Geno's figure slowly faded into the distance. However, his will to succeed simply became stronger in spite of the isolation.

After Geno left, Sergeant Raiden took the field, instantly grabbing everyone's attention with his authoritative presence. Similar to Shen, a number of fresh recruits had assembled on the training grounds. With strained faces of both expectation and dread, each was a future commander in the making. Raiden's piercing, assessing gaze swept over the group before he spoke in an authoritative voice.

"Let me be clear," he said, his voice piercing the early dawn. "Shouting commands is not what a commander does. Building a team—a cohesive organization that functions as a well-oiled machine—is the key to true strength. On the battlefield, a commander who works alone won't stay long. For this reason, each of you will be placed in a team during your training. You will gain leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking skills. Your teammates will become more than simply your teammates—they will become your family.

Raiden made a forceful sweep of his palm in the direction of the gathered recruits. "All of you aspire to be commanders, but not all of you have what it takes. We are creating leaders who can lead entire armies, not just teaching individuals.

Shen listened carefully as the seriousness of the position he wanted to play sank in. 

In the middle of the grounds, Raiden indicated a sizable board covered in intricate symbols and designs. "The chain of command is built on discipline and hierarchy," he said. "Depending on your abilities, you will be categorized as an archery specialist, infantry leader, or cavalry commander as you go. The warlords are at the top, followed by the admirals, the commanders of the royal guard, and the siege engineers. Gaining the steadfast faith of their troops is just as important to a commander as making sure their commands are followed. The unity of your squad and your strategic thinking are what will determine your success on the battlefield. Working as a team is the most important lesson you will take away from this experience.

Raiden's comments took on an almost personal weight as his eyes remained fixated on Shen. "A commander's success is determined by the performance of their team, not by their own skill. You are responsible for your team's failure. Your leadership will be demonstrated if they are successful. Keep in mind that this is about group strength, not individual glory.

Shen took in all that was said, the weight of the great responsibility pressing down on him like a physical burden.

Raiden took a slow, purposeful step forward. "Get yourselves ready," he said forcefully. "This will not be a simple training. The only people who will persevere and gain the right to lead are those who are emotionally, psychologically, and physically strong.

Raiden then started forming teams out of the applicants, matching people who appeared to be very different from one another. "This will be your team," he said, gesturing to Shen and five others. Despite the fact that you all have diverse backgrounds, you are all one now. You can only succeed if you both learn from each other's skills and shortcomings.

Shen looked about him at the others. They were a diverse group of individuals, each exuding a sense of intensity or mystery. He was first drawn to a silent man in a black mask who was watching everything with a spooky, disconcerting composure.

"This is Kael," Raiden remarked, gesturing to the recruit wearing a mask. "His ancestors were executioners. The mask represents his ancestry. Do not interpret his quietness as weakness. He always completes what he starts, and his perseverance is unrivaled.

Shen observed Kael and felt an unbreakable atmosphere of concealment surrounding him. 

Shen's focus then turned to a young lady with piercing eyes and short hair. Her posture was attentive and confident, and she carried a longbow on her back.

"This is Kelly," told Raiden. "A skilled archer who seldom fails to hit her target. She is strongly devoted to her team and maintains her composure under duress.

Shen acknowledged the strength in Kelly's gaze and gave her a small nod. 

With a mischievous smile and a wink at Shen, the third member introduced himself. He said nonchalantly, "The name’s Fenix," with his hands tucked into his pockets. "I'm going to assume that the excellent sergeant here has already informed you that I was a thief once. Don't worry, I've changed. For the most part.

Raiden gave Fenix a stern glance. "He is fast and cunning," he explained. But be cautious when you trust him. He always finds a way out, even if it means sacrificing others.

Shen laughed to himself at Fenix's arrogant behavior. He could already see how Fenix's creativity might prove to be beneficial, even in spite of the sergeant's caution.

A burly man with strong shoulders and a face scarred from innumerable conflicts made up the fourth member. He stood silently, his presence commanding and strong.

"This is Toren," Raiden introduced himself. A mercenary in the past. In battle, he is merciless, but his devotion has always been... dubious. He is here to establish his worth.

Toren nodded to Shen in a tiny, barely noticeable way, his face unreadable. 

Shen finally went to the final team member, a young woman who looked tough but worn. Her face was scarred by adversity, and her posture conveyed an unwavering fortitude.

Raiden said, "Meet Zara," She has years of experience as a soldier. She made the decision to overcome her past and become a commander after losing her family. She's endured the cannibals' atrocities, just like you, Shen. Despite her strength and determination, she is distrustful due to her past experiences.

Zara stared at Shen intensely. Her voice was firm as she stated, "I've heard of the Takeda family." "But if you’re only here because of your name, you won’t last long."

In order to formally announce their last member, Raiden then turned to the group. "This is Shen," he said confidently. "He comes from the Takeda family."

The group looked at each other in amazement. All across the kingdom, the name Takeda was held in high regard as a symbol of extraordinary power and leadership.

A sly smile formed across Fenix's face as he raised an eyebrow. "You mean Takeda? Are we in a regal presence or something? Although his tone was playful, there was a glimmer of sincere interest below it.

Kelly's eyes were more analytical and piercing. Her words, "The Takeda name carries weight," "But a name alone does not make a leader."

Toren spoke in a low, rough voice while crossing his enormous arms. "Everyone here has earned their spot, Takeda or not. We won't give you any preferential treatment.

Kael was silent the entire time, his disguised face showing no expression. The man's true thoughts were still a mystery, but Shen could feel the weight of his scrutiny.

Raiden took a step forward and broke the tension with a forceful voice. "Here, it doesn't matter what your names, histories, or reputations are. The way you perform and collaborate with others is what counts. Your very survival is dependent upon one another from this point on. Now demonstrate that you are deserving of the commander title.