_Here you go "Kuro"..
_Meaw..
_It's a piece of bread.
_Meaw..
_Yeah, it's a bit stale, but at least it's something to eat.
_Meaw..
_Thanks to "Miyu" Oba-san for giving it to us.
_Meaw..
_I helped her with some chores at her hose.
_Meaw..
_Details..? Maybe tomorrow, "Kuro". Let's get some rest, we've got a big day ahead of us.
_Meaw..
_Good night, "Kuro"..
Hi there! I'm "Mr. N", your narrator. Before we dive in, let's get a clear picture of what's going on. Then, we'll continue our story.
So That tender exchange was between "Shina", a young boy of about six years old, homeless. And his loyal friend "Kuro", a name that fittingly means 'black' in Japanese.
He is a black cat with a white patch on his muzzle.
We are now in Japan, Tokyo; exactly Shinjuku, in a small alleyway within a neighborhood called "the Red", which is currently the home of these two friends.
Aw.. it seems "Shina" is waking up..
It's still early in the morning, but it looks like he's gotten used to it.
He's opening his eyes.. gently pats his cat's back with his hand attempting to rouse him from sleep.
_Shina: "Kuro".. "Kuro".. come on buddy wake up! (in a soft and sleepy voice).
But the little sleepy cat doesn't seems waking up.
_Meaw..!
_Shina: okay buddy, you can sleep, but I have to go.
"Shina" now is sitting on a worn-out piece of cardboard, his legs tucked under him, and his back casually leaned against the wall. Meanwhile, "Kuro" is snuggled up in his lap, fast asleep.
Carefully lifts his cat and put it back in its place. Standing tall, he gazed up at the sky with a fresh smile and shinning eyes.
..I love this kid!
Slap! Slap!
He slapped his cheeks twice with both hands.
_Shina: Yooosh! Let's start the day! (in an optimistic loud voice).
_Meaw..!
_Shina: was I too loud? Sorry buddy, hehe (with a goofy laugh).
He starts walking..
The streets are deserted at this our in this area.
_Shina: okey.. let's see.. today is "Mr. Yamada's" turn. (talking to himself while walking).
So it's like this.. "Shina" has a daily routine helping people out in various places - shops, stalls, gardens, or homes - and gets a small reward in return.
Today is Monday and yesterday Sunday was "Miyu" Oba-san's turn, Oba-san means 'old lady' in japanese, she's arround 74 years old.
He visited her house to lend a hand with the household chores, but he ended up doing all the work himself. To top it off, his reward was just a dry piece of bread.
Now let's be honest, what would be your reaction if that happened to you? Personally, I would grab her jaw and shove the piece of bread into her toothless mouth, so she wouldn't do that again.
But "Shina" was very happy, and received it gratefully.
He genuinely believes she's a good person. But I clearly don't share this opinion!
Now let's get back to Monday.. it looks like "Shina" has arrived at his destination. So "Mr. Yamada" is.. ah, the backey man!
_Shina: good morning "Mr. Yamada"! (in a loud voice, with hopeful eyes and a beautiful smile).
_Yamada: ah, "Shina" you're here! come, come, quickly! (in a low and nervous tone).
The bakery man's nervousness and urgency are driven by his concern about maintaining his business's reputation. As a homeless kid, "Shina's" presence will likely harm the bakery's image, given some customers potential perceptions of him as unappealing or unhygienic.
_Yamada: come on let's go inside. (again in a hushed tone).
Inside the bakery, a corner door opens into the workshop where "Yamada" prepares and bakes his bread.
_Yamada: same routine, clean those three machines, the floor, and organize the utensils. When you're done, there's a paper bag on top of the fridge, take it and leave through the back door, got it? (in a low tone).
_Shina: okay, got it! (in a similarly subdued, innocent tone).
"Yamada" goes back, and "Shina" starts working..
It looks like this is going to take a while. While "Shina's" busy, let's slip out of the bakery and check on "Kuro". I wonder if he's still sleeping or if he's awake by now.
We've got to head back to "the Red" neighborhood, it's just a short walk from here.
Okay, we're out of the bakery now... let's get moving.
Hold up, what's going on here? There's a group of cops rushing around, looking for something... or someone. It's still early morning, what's the commotion about? Let me check... Ah, apparently, there's a report of a suspicious person on the loose.
Not our circus, not our monkeys. Alright, we're in "the Red" neighborhood, and... oh, sweet! There's "Kuro", probably searching for his morning meal.
Oh, look! A stunning white kitten with piercing blue eyes is approaching "Kuro"!
He notices her and lights up with joy! She's heading straight for him...
And she's here!
They're... sniffing noses? Ah, I got it! They're giving each other a little kitty kiss!
.."Kuuurrroo", you sly thing!
_Meowww!
..Alright, sorry, sorry! But before I leave, what's this little beauty's name?
_Kuro : ...
Fine, be that way! "Snow White" it is, then.
While "Kuro's" busy getting cozy with "Snow White", I'll take a stroll around the neighborhood and give you the rundown of what I see.
I'm walking along, and it's around 9 am, the shops are opening up. There's a flower shop, and the scent is amazing!
Next to it, a cafe is coming to life. The owner, a distinguished older gentleman, is... wait, why is he closing his eyes while walking? Is he blind? Actually, it looks like he's using his other senses to navigate, he's tapping his shoes on the ground, feeling the vibrations. That's so cool! He's carrying some groceries in one hand and... what's that in the other? A birdcage? Yeah, there's a bird in there! He's unlocking the cafe now... and he's going inside.
This neighborhood's pretty quiet, isn't it? I can see why "Shina" likes it here, fewer people means less problems. But I'm getting a bit bored, to be honest. Let's fast-forward a bit...
And it's now noon! Time for a break!
I wonder what "Shina's" up to? Let's go check on him.
We're inside the bakery now, and it's a bit quieter during lunch hour. Where's "Shina"?
Ah, there he is! He's munching on something... let me take a closer look. Oh, of course, it's that stale bread from "Miyu" Oba-san's place again. Bless his heart, "Shina"!
Now let's go back to the lovely couple!
Okay.. we're now in "the Red" neighborhood but, where are they?
Aw.. there he is!
..Oooy "kur..", "Kuroooo"!!! You're injured, what happened to your tail!!?
_Meaww!!
..What do you mean "Snow White" is in danger! Where is she?!
_Meaww!
..Got it, lead the way!
I see a bunch of dogs gathering together and barkin at something..
No way!
.."Snow White"!!
She's trapped on top of a wall, surrounded by those dogs!
Someone.. Someone to help.. anyone..
Finally, someone's coming! But... there's something off about him. He's wearing a tattered, old robe with a hood that's covering his entire face, not a single feature visible. He looks incredibly suspicious, could he be the fugitive the cops are after?
Doesn't matter!! "Snow white"!
He's advancing on the dogs, stick clutched tightly in his hand.
The stranger's voice boomed, "Shh! Go away!"
The dogs scurried off, tails between their legs.
He gently scooped up "Snow White" in his arms and set her safely on the ground. "Kuro's" relief was palpable, he rubbed against the stranger's leg, purring loudly, clearly grateful.
_The stranger: come here.. I see you're wounded (said to "Kuro").
He ripped a strip from his cloak and bound it arround "Kuro's" injured tail.
Let's get back to "Shina"; it's about time for him to finish up. It's around 5 pm now, and we're in the workshop. "Shina" looks perplexed.
_Shina: did he say inside the fridge or on top of it? (thinks to himself).
His small stature making the fridge's top seem like a distant planet.
"Shina" opened the fridge.
_Shina: let's see inside.. aw.. there it is, a paper bag!
The bag felt heavier than expected as "Shina" grasped it. With no sign of anything above the fridge, he decided it had to be inside.
_Shina: must be inside, then ! (he thought, feeling a bit more confident).
..I'm getting a bad feeling about this. I hope that bakery man doesn't give our kid any trouble!
"Shina" now is going back to his place..
He arrived.
When he saw his cat he started running toward him with a big grin!
_Shina : "Kuuuroooo" I see you've got company, I have a surprise for you! (in a loud and cheerful voice).
But when he got closer, "Shina" noticed the tail.
_Shina: what happened to your tail?!! (exclaimed in a very worried voice).
_The stranger: the white cat was attacked by dogs. This one intervened and got injured. (in a deep voice and a flat tone).
_Shina: what happened to the dogs?
_The stranger: I came and—
_Shina: so you helped them! (exclaimed loudly his voice full of gratitude not letting "the stranger" finish).
_Shina: thank you.. thank you.. thank you..!!
_The stranger: you're very friendly for someone you've just met. Your parents didn't warn you to be careful around strangers? I might be dangerous. (in a threatening and warning tone).
His voice dripping with menace.
_Shina: no you're not. (respond very quickly).
His usual smile still plastered on his face.
_The stranger: ...
"Shina's" bag caught his eye..
_The stranger: where did you get this? (pointing at it).
_Shina: aw, yeah, "Kuro" look what I got for us! (with excitement).
_The stranger: did you steale it? (in a serious tone).
"Shina" shook his head.
_Shina: "Mr. Yamada" gave it to me.
_The stranger: "Yamada"..?
_Shina: the bakery man. I helped him clean his workshop, and he gave it to me.
_The stranger: did he hand it to you directly?
_Shina: no, he told me that when I finished, I could take the bag and leave.
_The stranger: I think you made a mistake. That looks like a very expensive pre-order cake bag.
_Shina: I don't know.. maybe..
His face etched with worry.
_The stranger: what's done is done, but I'd advise you not to go back to him. (in a flat tone).
_Shina: why? If I made a mistake, I have to take responsibility. My mom used to tell me that all the time! (in a very proud and confident voice).
_The stranger: ...
"Shina" now is opening the bag..
_Shina: wwwhoaaa.. that looks so delicious! (with sparkling eyes).
_Shina: here you go 'Oji-san' take one!
Oji-san means 'uncle' in Japanese.
_The stranger: don't call me Oji-san i'm not a man.
_Shina: Oba-san..?
The stranger let out a long, drawn-out "Aaaahhhhh..." as he exhaled.
_Shina: just kidding, you clearly have a very deep voice for a women! (talking while laughing).
_The stranger: what are you? You've got a girl's name and a boy's voice. Are you a girl? (trying to tease him).
_Shina: I'm a boy, of course! I think... At least that's what my mom used to tell me! (retorted with a hint of innocence and annoyance).
_Shina: what's the difference?
The stranger burst into laughter ignoring the question, and repeated, "You think ?!"
"Shina's" face scrunched up as he said "Don't laugh at me! Now it's your turn.. what are you?"
_The stranger: I'm neither man nor woman. Let me see.. you can call me "Creature".. I think.
"Shina's" laughter boomed, pure and unfiltered. "You think too!"