Takahiro
After seven long hours, we finally made it to Marine Village.
The moment we stepped into the settlement, villagers welcomed us like family, their smiles warm and open. A small crowd formed almost instantly. Kids trailed behind us, wide-eyed and relentless.
"Are you knights?" one asked, tugging at my sleeve.
"Where are your dragons?" another gasped, their eyes shining.
I sighed. "No dragons."
Yushiro's lips twitched with amusement. He was enjoying this way too much.
Before I could wipe the smirk off his smug face, an older man approached. Thin, early thirties maybe, but something about him carried quiet command. A sharp herbal scent clung to him. He looked like someone who'd healed more wounds than he'd caused—but could cause plenty if pushed.
"Greetings," he said with a polite nod. "I'm Jules Marine, Chief of this village."
Kenji blinked, momentarily thrown by the formality. Before he could fumble through a reply, Yushiro stepped in like a damn nobleman.
"A pleasure," he said, bowing with too much flair. "I'm Yushiro, rookie of Division 4. Please excuse my brothers—they aren't used to formalities."
Kenji and I just stared. What the hell had gotten into him? Mainland air turning him into a poet?
The chief chuckled, clearly amused. "Thank you, young one. What brings you to Marine Village?"
Yushiro turned to Kenji, and for once, stayed silent. Kenji straightened like he'd just remembered how to be a person.
"We're here to collect the herbs for delivery to Zia Village," he said.
Chief Jules nodded. "Right, that request came through recently. Please rest a moment. I'll have someone bring the cart."
We sat near the chief's home, letting the village ease around us. The air smelled of tilled earth and cooking fires—familiar enough to make me miss home.
A kind old woman brought us water. We drank in silence.
Then a soft voice:"Good evening. I've brought the cart."
A girl stood there, brushing off her skirt. She looked like she'd come straight from the fields. Kenji and I bowed and took the wooden cart, piled high with herbs.
We didn't rest long. Kenji volunteered to push first while Yushiro and I walked flanking guard.
The night deepened. Leaves rustled, creatures stirred, and for a while, it was just us and the quiet.
Then Kenji broke it.
"I'm hungry."
I glanced at him. "You think we can hunt in the dark?"
"Blondie's right," Yushiro added.
I shot him a look. He knew I hated that name.
Then he stopped. His smile widened.
"It's only dangerous if we go looking for the beast," he said, turning slightly. "But it's not so dangerous... if the beast comes to us."
A deep snort echoed from the trees.
A massive boar stepped into view—easily half my size. Its eyes glinted with fury. It scraped at the dirt with one hoof. Ready to charge.
Yushiro and I drew our blades. Kenji reached for his but hesitated—he had to stay by the cart.
The boar lunged.
"Way of Nature Technique: Mountain-Splitting Wave!"
I dashed in, blade high. Steel met bone—my katana struck the skull clean, but the beast didn't drop.
It roared, thrashed, then launched me backward like a rag doll. I hit the ground hard, swearing.
"Damn it..."
The boar charged again—straight for Kenji and the cart.
"Way of Nature Technique: Mountain-Piercing Strike!"
Yushiro's blade flashed—sleek and perfect—piercing the boar's head from the side. The creature collapsed, finally still.
I groaned and sat up. "Show-off."
But I was grateful.
We roasted the boar over a fire, the rich aroma cutting through the night air. We ate in silence, content.
Then, back to the road.
Nine hours. That's how long it took to reach Zia Village. Flow kept us moving, Hashi pushed us forward, but we fought off beasts the whole way.
By midday, we arrived.
Zia was larger than Marine, its farmlands sprawling like golden waves. The villagers welcomed us kindly, fetching their chief.
Kenji had pushed the cart the entire way—didn't even switch out once. Yushiro and I had taken turns as guard. We were dead on our feet. Except Yushiro. He still looked like he could run another lap.
An old man appeared, flanked by a girl about our age. We stood as they approached.
Kenji, determined to lead this time, stepped forward. "Good day, my nam—"
"Huh? Whatcha say, boy?" the old man interrupted.
Kenji blinked. "My nam—"
"HUH?!"
Kenji's eye twitched. "My—"
"HUH?! Speak up, boy!"
Kenji's face contorted.
Yushiro and I looked at each other. Is this guy for real?
"Grandpa, stop teasing them," the girl said, brushing off dirt. She'd clearly been working in the fields.
"Yeah, yeah." The old man waved her off. "Name's Ku Zia. Chief of this village. This here's my granddaughter. Don't you dare look at her funny. You even think about sniffin' around her, I'll kill ya."
My mouth opened.
Was that... a greeting?
Kenji had had enough. "DAMN IT, OLD MAN! LISTEN! I'm Kenji Kimura! These are my brothers, Takahiro and Yushiro! Do you hear me?!"
Chief Ku squinted. "You brat, yelling at me like that?! You got a death wish?!"
They locked eyes like it was a showdown in some old martial drama.
Meanwhile, Yushiro turned to the girl. "We've brought the herbs from Marine Village. Can we leave them here?"
"Yes, of course. But... we weren't expecting you until tomorrow."
He gave her a charming smile. "I'm Yushiro."
"I'm Ru," she replied, slightly flushed.
"HEY! BRAT! What did I say about talkin' to my granddaughter?!"
"Old man! Don't yell at my brother, you shriveled fossil!"
The shouting match resumed. I sighed, smiled—then blacked out from sheer exhaustion.