The sun had already set when the three reached a simple house on the edge of a hill, surrounded by tall trees. Ken quietly opened the front door and motioned for them to enter without saying a word. Akio and Yoko followed him in and found themselves in a medium-sized, surprisingly warm and clean home. The furniture was neat—not fancy, but organized.
Inside the living room, two boys about Ken's age came out, as if they had been waiting for him. The first had spiky orange hair, bright green eyes, and wore black glasses. Freckles dotted his cheeks, and he held a book in his hand, like he'd just finished reading.
Adam (looking at Ken, then the guests): "Oh? Did you bring visitors? Is this a dream, or are real humans actually walking through our door?"
Next to him stood a quieter boy with blackish-purple hair and cold violet eyes. He looked calm, and his voice was quiet.
Kaito (raising an eyebrow): "Didn't you say last time that people are exhausting?"
Ken (sitting calmly on the nearest couch): "I did. And I still think so."
Adam (putting his book away gently): "Still, I see something different in their faces. They're not just random people… are they, Ken?"
Ken didn't answer. He just leaned his head back on the couch and closed his eyes, like someone resting after a loud, heavy day. Akio looked around the room in awe, his eyes wide with childish wonder. Then he suddenly stretched out his arms.
Akio (with a big smile): "This place is amazing! So clean, so neat… and I was expecting piles of junk and broken walls! My house in Zetara looked like a battlefield… Dad said I was impossible to tame!"
Adam (smiling slightly): "Maybe because you don't need a fancy place… just a place that makes you feel like you're not alone. Sometimes, chaos grows when the heart doesn't have a place to rest."
Akio (looking at him, then smiling): "Are you a poet?"
Adam: "Sometimes… without meaning to be."
Yoko was sitting quietly on the edge of a chair, her hands folded, eyes looking down. Her heart was beating in a quiet rhythm only she could feel, but it filled her whole body.
Yoko (blushing, thinking): "I… I'm the only girl among four boys… what am I even doing here…?"
Kaito noticed she was feeling shy, but he wasn't good with words. So, instead, he walked toward the kitchen and said in a dry voice:
Kaito: "Anyone want something hot? Tea? Soup? Or water… if you're afraid I'll poison you."
Akio (joking from behind the couch): "Is that your usual welcome? I'd give it a two out of ten."
Kaito (without turning): "I don't welcome. I just make drinks."
Adam chuckled softly, then sat across from Yoko. He could see she was tense.
Adam (gently, kindly): "If we're making you uncomfortable, I can step out for a bit… or open a window if the air feels heavy."
Yoko quickly lifted her head, surprised by his unexpected kindness. Adam smiled at her warmly, then reached for a small cushion on the table and placed it beside her, without getting too close.
Adam (softly): "Sometimes… new places bring back old memories. It's okay if you need a little time. We're not total strangers… just other humans trying to survive."
Yoko (clearly nervous): "Th-thank you…"
She felt a warm feeling in her chest—not from the tea Kaito made, but from Adam's voice. It felt like he understood what she couldn't say. She looked at Adam for a moment, then her gaze shifted, almost involuntarily, toward Ken. He was sitting on the couch, head tilted back slightly, eyes half-closed like always.
Yoko (thinking, heart pounding): "Why… why does my heart beat so fast every time I look at him?"
Her mind wasn't focused on the coffee, or the warm room… it was focused on the boy sitting on the other side of the room. Her eyes stole glances at him shyly, like she couldn't stare too long—but couldn't stop either.
Yoko (inner voice): "If only I could just sit next to him…"
She looked at his gray eyes… cold and deep. Then her gaze moved to his left hand holding a cigarette, then to his arm, his shoulder, and finally his whole face… and something inside her tightened. It wasn't fear—it was something deeper. Fascination, or maybe a strange attraction she didn't yet understand.
His face was handsome, his expression calm, but it held the weight of life's hardships. The cigarette burned slowly between his lips, and every puff of smoke looked like it carried a pain that couldn't be spoken.
Yoko (quickly looking away): "Why do I feel like… I want to be close to him…?"
She lifted her cup and pretended to drink, but her heart was beating like a drum. She stood up quietly after finishing her tea and headed to the kitchen to wash the cup… but her mind wasn't on the cup, or the kitchen—or even the floor beneath her feet. It was all on Ken.
Yoko (thinking as she walked aimlessly): "I wonder how Ken lived during those eight years…"
And then… as she took a distracted step, she tripped over the edge of the small rug in the middle of the room. She tried to balance, but lost control—and fell forward… landing directly on Ken's knee. Ken looked at her, frozen above him, her face practically on his chest, and her hair falling over his face.
Akio (bursting into laughter): "Ahhh! Now that's what I call a surprise attack!"
Adam: "Looks like the heart is stronger than focus these days."
Kaito: "Target acquired. Ken was the victim."
Ken calmly raised his hand, placed two fingers on Yoko's forehead, and gently pushed her head back.
Ken: "Is this your way of assassinating men? Emotional, but ineffective."
There was a moment of silence… then everyone burst into laughter—even Yoko, despite her bright red face. She covered her mouth, trying to laugh quietly, but a shaky giggle escaped.
Akio (clapping and laughing): "I swear, I haven't laughed like this since our journey began!"
Ken had a small, hidden smile—barely visible unless you looked closely at the corners of his lips. Yoko's face felt hotter, her heart beating like a war drum, her brain screaming: "Disaster… total disaster."
Yoko (nervous smile): "I-I think I'll go outside for some air…"
She didn't wait for a response. She turned quickly and almost ran outside. She gently closed the door behind her, leaving behind a funny, but deeply embarrassing moment. The garden was quiet, and the night breeze had started to blow. Yoko stood at the wooden porch and covered her face with both hands.
Yoko (whispering): "Idiot… I'm such an idiot… Why wasn't I looking where I was going?!"
She gasped softly as tears started to form in her eyes. She didn't even realize she was crying—from embarrassment and tension.
Yoko (holding in a sob): "Even his laugh… felt like it was meant just for me…"
She sat on the wooden steps and wiped her tears gently, trying to calm herself down.
Yoko (taking deep breaths): "Calm down… just some air… then I'll go back in like nothing happened."
But deep inside, she knew something had happened… something had awakened in her heart that she could no longer stop.
Inside, Ken sat silently, then looked at Adam and Kaito with a calm but serious gaze.
Ken (in his usual cold voice): "I'm leaving tomorrow."
The room went quiet. The laughter disappeared. Even Akio, who had been laughing earlier, stopped.
Adam (setting his cup down slowly): "Leaving? Where to?"
Ken: "With Akio… I'm starting my revenge journey."
Adam's eyes widened immediately. His face looked like he'd been slapped.
Adam (clearly worried): "What do you mean? Ken… you're joking, right? You barely recovered from everything! You haven't finished your training… your powers aren't fully stable! You can't go now!"
Kaito (calm but firm): "The answer is no. I won't allow it. Ken, this isn't just any decision. You're heading into a world where you could die easily."
Ken (calmly): "I'm not asking for permission, Kaito."
Adam stood up and walked toward him, clearly emotional.
Adam (voice filled with feeling): "Did you think about yourself for one moment? Or about us?! We don't want to lose you, Ken… We don't want to wake up one day and hear that you burned to death in some dumb battle because you weren't ready!"
Ken: "I know I'm not fully ready… but I'll never be if I keep hiding here."
Adam and Kaito exchanged looks. Adam's face was full of worry. Kaito's stayed blank… but he said nothing more. Finally, Kaito sighed and placed the water jug on the table gently.
Kaito (coldly): "We said what we needed to say… but you won't change your mind. Right?"
Ken (steady gaze): "Right."
Adam (softly, giving up): "Then… there's no use arguing. But promise me one thing, Ken… Don't disappear without a trace."
Ken: "I promise."
Adam sat back down quietly. Kaito turned away and took a sip from his cup. Akio suddenly jumped with excitement like he just won a battle.
Akio (shouting and waving his arms): "Yes!! We're going tomorrow!! That means I'm staying here tonight! Haha! Comfy room, free tea, and a roof over my head—my Shogun life starts now!"
Ken (dryly, without looking at him): "You're sleeping on the couch."
Akio (grinning): "That's fine! Couch is better than nothing!"
Before things got even more cheerful, the door opened quietly, and Yoko came back inside. But something was different about her face. Her steps were slow and unsure, her expression tense, like she was fighting something inside. She tried to act calm, but when her eyes met Ken's silent gaze… she broke.
Yoko (softly, choking): "I'm sorry."
Suddenly, tears fell and she began crying like someone who had held it all in for too long. She covered her face and sobbed.
Yoko (in a shaky voice, tears flowing): "I'm sorry… I don't even know why I'm crying… but I'm scared… and happy… and dumb…"
Ken stood up quietly and walked to Yoko, who stood crying in front of everyone, not daring to look at any of them. He stopped in front of her and looked at her with calm gray eyes.
Ken (serious but low): "Enough."
His words weren't harsh… but sharp like a blade. They cut through the flood of emotions without hurting her.
Ken: "If you're scared… then sit. If you're dumb… don't apologize."
Yoko slowly raised her face, tears shining in her eyes. Her voice was weak and shaky.
Yoko: "But… I lost control in front of all of you, I…"
Ken (cutting her off): "We're not strangers. No need to pretend."
He turned and walked calmly back to his seat without saying another word. That was all he said… but the effect was more than anyone expected. Yoko went quiet, breathing heavily, wiped her face quickly, and sat down… her heart beating wildly, her lips trembling.
Adam (smiling quietly, whispering): "His way is strange… but he knew exactly how to calm her."
The next morning, warm golden sunlight entered the windows. Ken stood by the table in the corner, packing his things quietly and carefully. His fire sword was wrapped in black cloth. A small box held some papers and personal items. He wasn't taking much—just what he needed.
On the other side, Akio was running around like a hurricane, carrying his bag then forgetting where he put it, grabbing food from the kitchen, then remembering he forgot his shoes—again.
Akio (shouting from another room): "Kaito! Have you seen my coat? I only found my left sock! And who took my sword?! Nobody touches the Shogun's sword!!"
Kaito (from the couch): "You put your coat in the fridge, and your sword in the bathroom. Don't ask me how or why."
Akio (confused): "Whaaaaat?!"
Suddenly, the front door opened gently. Yoko walked in. She wore a simple cream-colored dress, her hair tied back. Her face was calm, but her eyes carried a quiet tension.
Yoko (softly): "Good morning… can I come in?"
Ken looked toward the door, then nodded without speaking.
Akio (shouting from the kitchen): "Yoko! Morning shame! You cried a lot last night, huh?"
Yoko's face turned red instantly.
Yoko (raising an eyebrow): "And you laughed in your sleep hugging your pillow… shut up!"
Ken stepped toward her, his bag in hand, his gray eyes calmer than ever. Yoko was trying to speak without stumbling. Her heart was pounding like she was in a battlefield, but she wanted to say something… anything before he left.
Yoko (soft, hesitating at first): "I… I know you don't care for words… and you don't like goodbyes…"
She raised her head and looked directly into his eyes, then smiled gently, a mix of sadness and gratitude.
Yoko: "But… I'm glad I saw you again. And even more glad… that you're okay."
She slowly reached out her hand to him, offering a silent goodbye shake.
Yoko (quietly, trying not to tremble): "Goodbye… Ken."
Ken looked at her hand for a few seconds… then raised his and shook it lightly.
Ken (soft but steady): "See you later… Yoko."
He let go of her hand gently and walked past her without looking back. Ken and Akio left the house, each carrying a backpack and a small bag.
Ken (calm but firm): "So, where are we going?"
Akio (scratching his head nervously): "Uhh, honestly… I haven't picked a destination yet. Wherever the wind takes us?"
Ken stopped and gave him a long stare, then said flatly:
Ken: "What? You dragged me along and don't even know where we're going?!"
Akio (cheerful): "Don't worry, we'll figure it out on the way!"
Right then, they saw a small wooden sign on the road. It said: "Fawila Province" with an arrow pointing ahead.
Akio (excitedly): "Fawila! Found it! That's our destination!"
Ken (same tone): "I know you just read that off the sign."
A few minutes later, they reached a small port where a passenger ship was getting ready to sail to Fawila. They paid and boarded, then went up to the deck to enjoy the air.
Akio (staring at the sea): "How long until we get there?"
Ken (lighting a cigarette): "Fawila is close to Orakano… the trip will take a few hours."
Ken focused on his cigarette at the edge of the ship while Akio disappeared into the cafeteria. A few minutes later, he came back holding a huge plate of soufflé, eating it wildly in front of everyone.
Akio (mouth full): "Hey Keeeen! The soufflé is amazing! You have to try it!"
Ken (not turning): "I'm not hungry."
Some passengers started noticing Ken—especially the girls. He looked different. His gray eyes, quiet presence, and calm way of standing and smoking made him stand out. Whispers began:
Girl 1 (whispering): "Who is that?… He's handsome in a strange way…"
Girl 2 (giggling): "I've never seen eyes like that! He reminds me of someone… but I can't remember who…"
One girl bravely walked up to him.
Girl 1 (shy): "Hi… do you have a girlfriend?"
Ken (without looking): "None of your business."
The girl flinched and stepped back. Then a bolder girl came up and grabbed his hand.
Girl 2: "You don't talk much… that makes you more mysterious."
Ken (pulling his hand back, sharp glare): "Don't touch me."
Akio watched from afar and burst out laughing as he walked over.
Akio: "Dude… a little kindness wouldn't kill you. You're like a walking ice block."
Ken (coldly): "Too much attention makes noise. I hate noise."
Then a third girl appeared, holding a plate of fruit and smiling.
Girl 3: "Do you like mango?"
Ken (simply): "No."
Girl (insisting, taking a bite): "Try it… maybe you'll change your mind."
But as soon as she bit the mango, she started choking and coughing hard, her face turning red. Everyone panicked.
Akio (dramatically): "It's a superfruit! It gave her weird powers! Maybe… explosive coughing Vakin?!"
Most passengers laughed—even Ken smiled slightly and joked:
Ken: "Superfruit? Did you come from another planet?"
Akio (raising a hand in the air): "I don't know, but I feel like somewhere out there, fruits give us powers!"
Ken (laughing hard): "What kind of nonsense is that?!"
Akio (staring in shock): "Whoa… You laughed! Oh my god! I made Ken laugh! This moment should be written in history!"
Ken quickly returned to his calm self like nothing happened. He put the cigarette back in his mouth and took a deep breath.
Akio (laughing): "Don't deny it! I saw it! That was a real laugh!"
Ken (without looking at him): "You know what's really rare? That I let you ramble this much without putting my cigarette out in your mouth."
Then he blew smoke directly in Akio's face on purpose.
Akio (coughing like crazy): "Aaaagh! Can't you stop smoking for just one second, you addict?!"
Ken (blowing smoke again slowly): "No."
Akio (waving his hand to clear the smoke): "You'll see! One day, I'll surpass you… and I'll ban your smoking by order of the Shogun!"
Ken (giving him a side glance): "I'll be dead before that happens."
Akio (laughing): "Yeah, from all the cigarettes!"
Ken turned his eyes back to the sea while Akio stood beside him, a bit calmer now. He looked at the horizon with a wide smile.
Akio (quietly): "You know… despite everything… this feels like a good beginning, doesn't it?"
Ken (without turning): "Don't judge the beginning… judge the ending."
Akio (looking at him): "And what if… we don't have an ending?"
Ken didn't reply, but the wind carried the smoke away this time… as if it was taking a past that hadn't been forgotten. And in the distance, the ship moved closer and closer to the province of Fawila… where a new path awaited them—and a fate that wouldn't be easy for anyone.
To be continued…