The sun shined brightly over the Great Village.
Children played in the streets, merchants shouted over their stalls, and
carriages rolled through the main road transporting people and goods.
Mr. Taka, dressed sharply in his usual black suit,
walked calmly through the village. His katana hung loosely in his hand, his
jacket fluttering slightly in the wind.
As he passed, villagers paused to wave at him. Many
bowed deeply, offering gestures of deep respect.
A pair of women whispered to each other, eyes
following him.
"Mr. Taka really walks like a legend, huh?"
A small girl suddenly ran up to him.
"Hey, Mr. Taka!"
He slowed, lowered himself to her height, and
gently rubbed her head with a kind smile.
"Hi, little one. Be safe."
She giggled. "Okay!"
Mr. Taka rose silently and continued walking. As he
approached the edge of the village, a bread vendor called out to him.
"Hey, Mr. Taka! I made this bread just for you!"
Without a word, Mr. Taka extended his hand. The
vendor tossed the loaf, and Mr. Taka caught it mid-stride. He gave a slight nod
and walked through the village gate, where two guards stood waiting.
"Have a safe trip, Mr. Taka!" they said in unison,
bowing low.
Mr. Taka stopped briefly. "Keep this village safe."
"You got it!" they answered.
And with that, Mr. Taka set off on his journey to
the Laybirth Kingdom.
Laybirth
Kingdom
Team One arrived at the gates of the Laybirth
Kingdom.
The streets were packed. People flowed through like
rivers—talking, buying, and moving shoulder to shoulder. Stone-paved roads and
tall stone buildings surrounded them. Vendors shouted about their goods from
every corner.
Ryju glanced around. "It's really crowded."
"Yeah," Kaji replied. "Looks like Lloyd was right.
He's probably going to make his announcement as king."
Rei nodded. "It's a popular event."
"It's probably a cultural thing," Kenshiro added.
Kaji looked around with intent. "Let's move through
the crowd and scout the area. Don't act suspicious."
They weaved through the city streets, eventually
spotting a small golden palace in the distance.
"Whoa, so shiny," Shun said.
"Right?" Rei agreed.
"That's a lot of guards…" Goro muttered.
Several palace guards stood tall in radiant gold
armor, completely focused.
"Jinko's definitely in there," Kaji said.
Ryju crossed his arms. "Perfect place for a king to
sit."
"Exactly," Kaji responded.
Rei turned to the group. "Now… what do you want us
to do?"
Kaji smiled.
"We'll wait for the announcement. Then we'll see
what he's capable of."
Ryju nodded. "Got it."
"But for now," Kaji said, "let's walk around, eat,
and have some fun."
Goro frowned. "Sensei… this is a mission."
"I know. But the mood's too dark. Let's lighten it
up a little."
I've lost hope in sensei… Goro thought, sighing.
"Well, let's buy some food and drinks!" Kaji
grinned.
"We're fourteen," Kenshiro reminded. "Actually,
we're only ten in reality."
Kaji shrugged. "So what?"
"Because we're underage."
"It doesn't matter."
I've definitely lost hope in sensei, Kenshiro
thought, shaking his head.
Forest Outside the Village
Mr. Taka walked quietly through the forest path,
biting into the bread given to him earlier.
"Tasty," he murmured.
Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the woods
nearby.
Mr. Taka froze. His hand tightened around his
katana. His expression sharpened.
"…Someone's here."
Back in Laybirth Kingdom
Team One continued their stroll through the
kingdom's busy streets.
Kaji raised a bottle. "Woohoo! This booze is
amazing!"
Rei took a bite of a sandwich. "This sandwich is
fire."
"These powdered doughnuts are insane!" Ryju
grinned.
"You all need to act right," Kenshiro said sternly.
"But Kenshiro," Goro said with his mouth full,
"this meat stick is amazing!"
"You wanna try it?" Shun offered.
Kenshiro shook his head. "No."
"Sure?"
"No."
"Just try it."
"…Fine."
He bit into the stick—and paused.
"…Amazing."
"Told you," Shun smirked.
"I need to find the vendor. What stand sold this?"
Ryju laughed. "You're the one telling us to calm
down."
"Shut up!" Kenshiro snapped. "Shun! Goro! Where's
the vendor?!"
To be continued…