Hirokage's eyes fluttered open, and he was met with the harsh glare of the sun. He squinted, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The streets were already alive with activity, the smell of street food wafting through the air and making his stomach growl with hunger.
'So hungry...'
The thought replayed in the back of his mind as he tried to take stock of his current situation.
The journey from Nirma to Baijjah was no easy task. He had to hitch a ride with a dishonest merchant who had drained him of all the money he had, a mere fifty koku copper coins nonetheless. The two day trip was the worst but the merchant did have the sympathy to give him a plain crusty loaf of bread and a water jar.
"I guess I really didn't think this through..."
Hirokage sighed. With no money and no Idea what to do, he'd decided to save what little strength he had napping but now the sun was against him.
"Damn, I'm starving," he muttered to himself, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Couldn't finish the job quickly, so the heat came to do it itself, huh?" He gazed up at the unforgiving sun, feeling its intense rays beating down on him like a physical presence.
With a frustrated sigh, he turned away from the sun-baked street and ducked into the shade of a nearby fruit stall, seeking refuge from the heat that seemed to be draining the life out of him. As he stood under the worn canvas canopy of the fruit stall, the sweet scent of ripe mangoes and the earthy smell of fresh apples enveloping him as he gazed out at the bustling market. The shade offered a brief respite from the scorching sun, and he closed his eyes, feeling the coolness of the shadow wash over him as he tried to collect his thoughts.
"You gonna get anything, boy, or you just here to drool away?" A gruff voice asked cutting Hirokage off from his brief moment of pleasure.
"What?" Hirokage looked up to see the fruit vendor, a muscular man with broad shoulders and a prominent and scary looking scar along his eyebrows.
"Tsk, If you are just here to drool over my precious fruits then get lost." The vendor said with a harsh tone, his patience wearing thin.
"What do you mean drool away?" Hirokage's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze flicking from the scar to the vendor's gruff expression. "I'm just looking."
The vendor snorted, his thick arms crossing over his chest. "Looking? You've been standing there for five minutes, staring at the mangoes like they're gonna jump into your hands."
"And here I was debating on whether to buy up all the mangoes or all the apples...oh well" Hirokage said with a dramatic, fake sigh, his eyes never leaving the vendor's face. He hadn't realized he'd been zoning out for so long and hastily composed himself, adopting a nonchalant air.
"Your loss, I guess" Hirokage said, the hint of a smirk played on his lips, a subtle jab at the vendor, as he pretended to be a potential big spender, all while his empty pockets mocked him in silence. With a flourish, he turned to leave, his words lingering in the air like a challenge.
Hirokage walked through the bustling market streets, the scent of spices and fresh bread wafting through the air, mingling with the hum of vendors calling out their wares and the chatter of shoppers haggling over prices. The sun beat down on the cobblestones, casting long shadows behind the stalls. His stomach was growling, and his pockets were empty, a familiar feeling.
"Jobs, jobs, jobs... there has to be something," he muttered to himself, scanning the crowded market stalls. Maybe he could find some work for a few days, just enough to scrape together some coins.
As he walked, he spotted a bulletin board and decided to check it out. "Maybe I'll get lucky and land a good job" he said to himself, his mood lifting slightly at the prospect as he scanned the notices pinned to the board. Job postings, lost and found notices, and advertisements for local services were all jumbled together.
As he scanned the board, his eyes landed on a section with several missing children posters. The faces of the kids stared back at him, their hopeful smiles and innocent eyes. Hirokage's gaze lingered on the posters, a faint sense of unease growing in the back of his mind. "So many missing kids," he thought to himself.
'That's odd...well I got enough problems of my own, Not like I could do anything about it anyways' He thought but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
"Okay, focus on finding a job," he said to himself, refocusing on the task at hand. He scanned the board again, his eyes landing on a posting for a dockworker. "Not a bad gig, if I can get it," he thought, making a mental note to inquire about the job.
He turned to leave and caught a glimpse of one of the posters again. "I hope they're okay though." he muttered to himself, before shaking his head and continuing on his way. As he turned a corner, he noticed a young girl with long, dark brown hair and a smudge of dirt on her cheek, rummaging through a nearby trash heap. She looked up and caught his eye, flashing a bright smile as she brushed off her clothes and smoothed out her hair.
"Hey, you look like you're in a tough spot. You okay?" she asked, her voice soft and tinged with a hint of embarrassment.
Hirokage raised an eyebrow, gesturing to the sun, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he tried to hide a grin. "Just trying to catch my breath," he said, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. "The sun's just being its usual lovely self, isn't it?"
The girl chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yeah, it's like it's trying to cook us alive, right?" She nodded sympathetically, her gaze taking in Hirokage's worn clothes and dusty boots. "I'm Asako. What brings you to this part of town?"
Hirokage smiled wryly, assessing the situation. Asako seemed around his age, maybe a bit younger. He wasn't sure what her angle was, but he decided to play along. "I'm Hirokage. And I'm just...between situations." He shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant despite his growling stomach.
As they walked, Hirokage found himself sizing up Asako, trying to determine what her motivations were. She seemed friendly enough, but he'd learned to be cautious in situations like this. Despite his reservations, he found himself sharing stories about his travel and struggles.
"And then there was this one merchant," he said, shaking his head.
"Worst guy I ever met. Drops you off in the middle of nowhere, no warning, no nothing. I swear, I had to walk for hours before I found my way here."
Asako's eyes widened in amusement. "What, he just left you in the middle of the night or something?"
Hirokage chuckled. "Literally. I woke up to the sound of the cart driving away. I was like, 'What in the world...?'"
Asako laughed, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "That's awful. What did you do?"
Hirokage shrugged. "What could I do? I just walked. But I learned my lesson. Never trust a merchant with a sly grin."
Asako's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Actually, I met a merchant and he happens to have the slyest of grins. You think we can trust him?"
Hirokage's curiosity was piqued, but his instincts ultimately won out. "I wouldn't bet on it," he said, his tone cautious.
Asako's face fell slightly, her grin faltering as she breathed out a disappointed sigh. "He did promise to give me some food if I came to visit again with some friends..."
"Let's go." Hirokage said cutting her off with a decisive nod. Hunger had clearly won the internal battle, and his growling stomach was calling the shots.
Asako's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Wait, what? I thought you didn't want to go?" She tilted her head, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips. "You're really that hungry, huh?"
Hirokage shrugged, his expression unreadable. "No, I just changed my mind...Besides, I'm curious about what kind of person gives food for free." His eyes locked onto Asako's, a hint of skepticism lurking in their depths. "Or what's in it for him."
Asako's smile returned, and she nodded enthusiastically. "We still have to meet up with the other kids before we go there though." Hirokage let out a low groan, his eyes rolling in mock exasperation. "Fine, but let's make it quick."
Asako and Hirokage walked side by side, leaving behind the tidy streets and bustling shops of the town's main area. The scenery shifted dramatically as they turned down a narrow alleyway, the pavement giving way to dusty earth and crumbling buildings. The air thickened with the smells of poverty and neglect. The sounds of laughter and chatter they approached were tinged with a rougher edge, and the shacks and makeshift shelters seemed to lean in, as if sharing a collective secret. The contrast to the well maintained streets they'd left behind was stark, like stepping from a bright, sunlit garden into a dim, crowded marketplace. Hirokage's gaze took in the scene, his eyes adjusting to the grittier reality that existed just a short walk from the town's prosperous facade. Hirokage's eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the ramshackle shelters and makeshift stalls.
He turned to Asako, his voice low and brow furrowed in curiosity. "Where is this place?"
Asako nodded slightly, as if expecting the question.
"The Lower tub." she said, her voice low.
Hirokage's gaze lingered, taking in the stark contrast to the rest of the town. "You live here?" he asked, his tone a mix of surprise and inquiry.
Asako's expression turned slightly bitter. "Not much of a choice, no money remember." She said, her voice laced with resignation.
Hirokage's eyes held a questioning look. "What about your parents? Can't they...?" Asako's expression suddenly twisted, her eyes flashing with a mix of pain and vulnerability, a stark contrast to her usual calm demeanor. Her voice barely above a whisper, she spoke words that seemed to scrape against her throat.
"They're gone."
The words hung in the air, and Hirokage's expression softened slightly, his eyes filled with a quiet understanding. He had not seen her like this, and for a moment, he was taken aback by the depth of emotion that seemed to simmer just beneath her surface.The air was heavy with unspoken words, the silence between them thick and palpable. Hirokage didn't press for more, sensing that Asako's emotions were still raw and tender. Instead, he nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving hers, as if acknowledging her pain without needing to know the details. Asako's gaze faltered, and she looked away, her shoulders sagging slightly as the weight of her emotions seemed to settle back onto her.Hirokage stood there, frozen in a moment of shared understanding, the world around them fading into the background. Asako's eyes remained averted, but he could sense her struggling to regain her composure. After what felt like an eternity, she took a deep breath, her shoulders squaring slightly as she turned back to him. Her expression was guarded once more, the vulnerability she'd shown now locked away, hidden behind her usual stoic mask. The moment hung between them, a fragile thing that might shatter if touched wrongly. Hirokage's eyes searched hers, but Asako's gaze was opaque, offering no further glimpses into her inner world. He nodded slightly, a small movement, and let the subject drop. The silence that followed was less tense, but still heavy with unspoken understanding.Asako's gaze drifted past Hirokage, her eyes refocusing on the surroundings as if anchoring herself in the present.
"We should get moving," she said, her voice even once more, the earlier crack in her composure seemingly mended. Hirokage's eyes lingered on her face for a moment before he nodded, falling into step beside her as they navigated through the makeshift community. The silence between them was comfortable now, a mutual understanding hanging unspoken in the air.
As they walked through the makeshift community, Asako nodded towards a weathered building with a faded sign creaking in the wind.
"Let's grab a drink," she said, her voice a welcome respite from the tension that had hung between them earlier. Hirokage raised an eyebrow but followed her inside. The dimly lit interior was a stark contrast to the bright sunlight outside. The air was thick with smoke and the murmur of hushed conversations. Asako navigated through the crowd with ease, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on a figure sitting at the bar.
The boy was a bit taller and broader than them, with a messy mop of dark hair and a bright smile. He looked like he'd just rolled out of bed, but his piercing blue eyes sparkled with energy as he turned to face them.
"Asako!" he exclaimed, jumping up from his stool and wrapping her in a loose hug.
"Who's the new friend? Is he joining us?" His gaze settled on Hirokage, curiosity and warmth sparking in his eyes.
Asako stepped back, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips. "Rai, this is Hirokage. Hirokage, Rai." The two exchanged nods, Rai's eyes lingering on Hirokage's face before he gestured to the bar. "Hey, come join us, Hirokage. What can I get you to drink?"
Hirokage's eyes scanned the bar, taking in the assortment of drinks on offer. "Just water will do." he said, his voice a bit rough from the dryness of his throat. Rai nodded and gestured to the bartender, who poured a glass of cool water from a clay jug. Hirokage took the glass gratefully, feeling the refreshing liquid soothe his parched throat.
As he drank, he noticed Rai's curious gaze still on him. "So, Hirokage, what brings you to this part of town?" Rai asked, his tone friendly but probing. Hirokage set the glass down, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Just passing through." he said, his expression neutral. "I'm looking for a new place to settle down."
Rai's eyes sparkled with interest. "What made you leave your old place?" he asked, leaning forward slightly.
Hirokage shrugged, his shoulders barely rising off the stool. "Just looking for something different, I guess."
Rai looked like he was about to throw another question his way but Asako intervened, her voice smooth. "Rai, don't pry. He's just getting used to things."
Rai's face fell slightly, but he nodded, his grin returning. "Sorry man, I just got curious."
Asako turned to Rai and asked, "Hey, are you guys free to go?" Rai raised an eyebrow and leaned in to whisper to Hirokage, "Man, can you believe this girl? She says some merchant offered her and her friends free food with no catch." Hirokage stared at him blankly, his expression unreadable.
Asako chuckled, seemingly amused by their conversation. Rai's eyes widened in surprise, and he asked Hirokage, "You're in on it too?"
Hirokage shrugged, his voice laced with skepticism. "I mean, surely there's a catch, but free food is free food, right?" Rai's eyes darted between Hirokage and Asako, his expression a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
Asako smiled and said, "I'll go get the others, give me a couple of minutes." She nodded towards the door and slipped out of the bar, leaving Rai and Hirokage alone.
Hirokage's gaze wandered around the bar as he waited, taking in the dim lighting and the murmur of hushed conversations. His eyes landed on a bulletin board near the door, where various notices and posters were pinned up. He noticed a few posters for local events, some job postings, and a couple of missing children posters in the corner. He didn't think much of it, his mind focused on the job postings.
Rai looked at Hirokage expectantly, waiting for him to say something more, but Hirokage just sipped his water, his eyes fixed on the door as he waited for Asako to return with the others.But Hirokage just sipped his water, his eyes fixed on the door as he waited for Asako to return with the others.
Asako returned to the bar a few minutes later, a group of around a dozen kids in tow, their ages ranging from about 6 to 10 years old. They chattered excitedly among themselves, their faces lighting up with anticipation.
Asako smiled at Rai and Hirokage. "Alright, they're all here. Let's go meet the merchant."
Hirokage stood up, his eyes scanning the group of kids before nodding. "Let's go." The group began to file out of the bar, their excitement and chatter filling the air.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the Lower Tub, Asako led the group through the winding streets. The air grew cooler, and the shadows deepened as they walked. Asako navigated the group with ease, her knowledge of the area evident in her confident strides.
Rai and Hirokage followed closely behind her, their eyes scanning the surroundings as the darkness grew thicker. The kids chatted excitedly, their laughter and shouts carrying through the evening air.
Asako stopped in front of a large wooden door, adorned with intricate carvings. She knocked three times, and the door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit hallway. "This way," she said, gesturing for the group to follow her.
Rai raised an eyebrow, his eyes flicking to Hirokage before he stepped forward, leading the group into the unknown. The door creaked shut behind them, and Asako led them deeper into the building, the sound of murmured conversations growing louder with each step.
As they turned a corner, a large room came into view, with tables set out with simple but hearty fare. A figure stood at the far end of the room, watching them with an unnerving smile.
"Ah, Asako... as expected you came... good to see you again." he said, his voice low and smooth. "And you've brought some friends. That's good... indeed." His eyes seemed to gleam with an unsettling intensity as he gazed at the group. "You can call me Hashimoto. Please, help yourselves. Eat, drink... rest." The kids' faces lit up with excitement, but Rai and Hirokage exchanged a wary glance, sensing something off about the merchant's demeanor.
As the group ate and drank, Hashimoto, the merchant, walked around the tables, chatting with the kids and laughing with Asako. "I'm so glad you all could make it," he said, beaming. "I love seeing young faces around here. You're all so full of energy and life."
Rai raised an eyebrow, his eyes flicking to Hirokage. "Yeah, it's great," he said dryly. "Free food is always a plus."
Hashimoto chuckled. "Well, I'm happy to share. Asako here tells me you're all good kids. I'm glad to have you all as my guests."
Asako smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Thanks, Hashimoto-san. This is amazing food. You're a great cook."
Hashimoto laughed. "Thank you, Asako. I'm glad you like it. Eat up, everyone! There's plenty more where that came from."
As the minutes passed, the kids began to nod off, one by one, their heads drooping onto the tables. Asako and Rai followed suit, their eyes glazing over as they slumped forward. Hirokage felt his own eyelids growing heavy, and he knew he was in trouble.