"Why would I accept this offer coming from you specifically?"
"Why wouldn't you?"
Noboru's gaze was met with a gentle smile coming from Yori.
"The story of my courage and exceptional talent will spread fast and far without a doubt. Too many mortals were present for anyone to be able to hinder the spread. What I'm saying is, there will be others who offer me the exact same. Why should I accept your offer and not, let's say, the offer of the number one ranked Enlightened instead?"
The smile that had previously formed on Noboru's lips faded and he gazed at Yori with both expectation and coldness reflecting from his eyes.
"I anticipated such an answer from a person like you young man. You are not as hard to read as you believe yourself to be. You don't want to accept my offer because you believe that the benefits gained from other's could be superior. You are very aware of your unmatched talent. You don't even want a master to begin with. You merely want the opportunity to become an Enlightened."
"I was similar to you in my youth. I was more fortunate and born into a rich family that, unlike yours, did not die. I can't resonate with the money and survival problems a poor mortal such as you may have. Not fully at least."
"We shared one important characteristic. I thought myself to be my own absolute master. The thought of bowing to someone else made me want to throw up. You are just like I was. It is why you are so hesitant."
Yori's gaze was gentle and empathetic, a slight scratchiness was audible in his voice after speaking for more than a few sentences without a break. He smiled his signature soft and calming smile. A smile that spoke to Noboru, screaming at him that he was understood and in good hands.
Noboru's gaze remained ice cold and unmoved as it always did. Within his heart, he could only feel surprise and a sense of respect for Yori. He was not only strong but he was also able to resonate with others easily. It was a quality rarely seen in strong Enlightened. An appreciated one regardless.
"You are right Yori. I don't care who gives me the opportunity to start my cultivation journey. I merely want the most benefits."
"Yet, I wonder, why would your analysis of my motive give me any reason to allow you to train me? Does resonating with my enemies kill them on the battlefield?"
"Haha, no. It doesn't. That wasn't my point at all. I just wanted to let you know that, playing tricks on me will have no effect for I understand you far better than you may think. To make it this far as a mere mortal, you must have plenty of tricks up your sleeve, right?"
By now, Noboru was getting fed up with Yori's behaviour. He didn't even give him the reason as to why he thought himself to be a good enough master. Noboru's body needed rest and yet he couldn't get it due to this old man.
"Name your point already, Yori. I'm not here to get toyed with by you."
"Nobody will want to train you, Noboru. If you truly think that every Enlightened fights and lives for the benefit of the first stronghold than you are mistaken. All of them will save recourses by simply never training an apprentice. They will, if anything, try to suppress you and attempt to hinder your ascension to the best of their abilities so you could never be able to rival their strength."
Yori's gaze was both filled with disgust and absolute seriousness. It was as if his entire body hardened and there was no trace of the previously shown gentleness left. He was enraged.
"Noboru, I shall not ask again. Will you become my apprentice?"
Noboru was unfazed by Yori's words. He has been aware of this for a long period of time. Those at the top of the food chain are always power hungry, merely searching for a way to increase their own strength while suppressing everyone else.
They are like the clouds hailing down on people from above, forcing them to seek shelter and rendering them unable to see the beautiful sun which they have reserved for themselves solely.
"And what should make me trust you? What guarantees you aren't the same?"
Noboru questioned expectantly yet calmly.
"It is simple. I am the same."
Noboru stared at the now gently smiling old man in confusion. Even if he was, why would he ever admit such a thing this openly?
"I may have gotten strong for an Enlightened in the first stronghold but in truth, I am a mere ant compared to others outside of these walls. I have yet to increase my lifespan and my time is almost up. I doubt I'll manage to do so before death inevitably takes me."
"What would my life amount to if I didn't leave anyone behind capable of taking my place? Nothing. If I do, it will bring my family honour and make my family prosper for generations to come if they are fortunate."
"I am as egoistical as all the others but it doesn't mean I won't help you, Noboru."
Yori's throat closed up slightly, feeling saddened by the fact that his life would only continue for a few measly years to come. His face reflected his feelings and gave a troubled impression.
Noboru felt slightly moved by his speech. He knew that Yori was egoistical, it was impossible not to be in his position. It was inspiring to hear about his wishes to give his family a prosperous life even after his death. Knowing that Yori had a great reason to train Noboru, he was finally able to make up his mind.
"I will become your apprentice, Yori. You've managed to convince me."
Noboru bowed deeply, showing respect to his new master. He hated doing so but he knew very well that it was necessary.
"Haha! I'm overjoyed to hear that young man!"
Yori laughed wholeheartedly and felt content hearing his words. His laugh reflected a huge amount of relief. He needed Noboru as much as Noboru needed him.
Both acted out of self interest and yet they formed a symbiotic bond. Noboru enjoyed the irony of this situation plenty and joined in on the laughter.