The morning sun rose pale and golden over Minato, spilling light across the wooden shacks and small docks of the fishing village. The tide was calm, and a gentle breeze rustled through the sails of unattended boats. For Kenji, this calm was a rare gift—a chance to plan, to think, to breathe, and to teach Sora more about the life they were building together.
Sora bounded along the shoreline, his bare feet splashing water. "Papa Kenji! Today feels different! The sea smells… promising!"
Kenji smiled faintly, adjusting the strap of their newly purchased net across his shoulder. "Different or not, we need focus today. A boat isn't built in a day, and neither is a fisherman's fortune."
Sora tilted his head, eyebrows scrunched in determination. "Then let's start building it today! Teach me how to catch bigger fish! I want to help!"
Kenji chuckled, ruffling the boy's messy hair. "All right, but patience first. The sea rewards patience."
Preparing for the Day
Back in their small shack, Kenji carefully laid out their fishing tools—the new net, ropes, and a simple basket for their haul. He placed a small pouch on the shelf, coins from their previous days' earnings clinking softly. Sora peered at it, eyes wide.
"Papa Kenji… how much more do we need for a boat?"
Kenji knelt, pulling the pouch closer. "A proper boat, even a small one, will cost at least 300 copper. We've saved 164 so far."
Sora's jaw dropped. "Three hundred? That's… that's a lot!"
Kenji nodded. "It is. But step by step, haul by haul, we'll get there. Today, we'll try to double our catch if we can. And if we can't, that's fine too—we're still learning."
Sora's small fists clenched. "Then I'll try extra hard today! I want to help!"
Kenji's chest tightened at the boy's enthusiasm. Blessed by the sea, he thought, remembering the first time Sora had instinctively felt where the fish would be. Or maybe it's just his determination. Either way, it would serve them well.
Village Relations
As they walked through the village toward the docks, Kenji noticed more smiles than whispers. Villagers who had once mocked him now nodded politely or even offered small encouragements. Yui the seamstress waved at them, holding a bundle of fresh cloth.
"Kenji! Sora!" she called cheerfully. "I've sewn a little bag for your coins, Sora. Something to keep them safe until your boat comes."
Sora's eyes shone. "Thank you, Miss Yui! I'll take care of it!"
Kenji nodded in gratitude. "Your kindness means more than you know."
Not all villagers were friendly, however. Riku lurked at the edge of the docks, arms crossed and jaw tight. His eyes followed Kenji and Sora with a mixture of envy and irritation. "They think they're better than us," he muttered to his companions. "Just wait—fortune can turn on fools like them."
Kenji didn't notice the glint in Riku's eyes as he prepared for his next move, but he felt a twinge of unease. Some rivalries were unavoidable, and some dangers waited silently, like the tide before a storm.
First Haul of the Day
The morning's tide was favorable, gentle waves rolling in rhythm with the wind. Kenji and Sora waded into the water, their new net ready. Kenji demonstrated the correct casting technique, watching Sora closely as the boy imitated his movements.
"Keep your arms steady," Kenji instructed. "Feel the pull, don't fight it. Let the sea guide you."
Sora nodded solemnly, gritting his teeth. With a strong heave, he cast the net. It landed awkwardly at first, but then it spread and sank.
"Something's in!" Sora cried, eyes wide.
Kenji braced himself, guiding the boy as they pulled together. The net was heavier than before, full of glinting mackerel and sardines. Sora laughed triumphantly, breathless. "I did it! We did it together!"
Kenji smiled, pride warming his chest. "Yes… together. That's how we grow stronger."
The haul was significant, more than they'd managed before. Kenji carefully measured and separated the fish for the market, ensuring they kept some for their own meals. Sora's enthusiasm never waned, his little hands helping with sorting and counting.
Trouble Brewing
By mid-morning, Riku had grown restless. Watching Kenji's success fueled a dark determination. He quietly approached the docks, keeping to the shadows, and began loosening ropes and tampering with small nets left unattended.
Kenji noticed something unusual as he returned to the dock with Sora. A slight slack in the ropes of another fisherman's net caught his attention. His eyes narrowed.
"Riku," he muttered under his breath. "I should have expected him."
Sora looked puzzled. "Papa Kenji… what's wrong?"
Kenji crouched to Sora's height. "Sometimes, not everyone in the village is happy when you succeed. We must stay careful."
The boy frowned but nodded, a solemn understanding in his gaze. "I'll help watch too!"
Midday Challenge
As they prepared for a second haul, dark clouds began to gather overhead. A sudden gust of wind rattled the docks, and waves began to pick up. The sea, so calm that morning, was showing a restless side.
Kenji tightened his grip on the net. "This storm isn't severe… yet. But we need caution. Stay close, Sora."
Sora nodded, gripping Kenji's arm. His little hands trembled slightly but his eyes held determination. "I'm ready, Papa Kenji!"
They cast the net. The pull was stronger than expected—larger fish trapped in the swirling current. Sora's instincts guided him, and with Kenji's steadying hand, they hauled in a massive load: mackerel, sardines, and even a few large sea bream.
Sora gasped. "It's… enormous! Papa Kenji, the sea really likes me!"
Kenji laughed, heart swelling. "Blessed by courage, Sora. That's what matters."
Confrontation
Before they could celebrate, a shout rang out. Riku appeared, stepping between them and the shore, eyes glinting with malice.
"You think luck makes you stronger?" he barked. "The sea gives, but it can take away. Today, it's my turn to teach you a lesson!"
Kenji's jaw tightened. "Riku. Leave now. You're only endangering yourself."
Riku lunged at the net, trying to cut it loose. Sora jumped in front of him, little but fierce. "No! Leave Papa Kenji alone!"
Kenji grabbed Riku's wrist just in time. "This ends now. We don't fight for anger. We fish for life."
Riku hesitated, eyes darting between the boy's brave stance and Kenji's firm grip. With a growl, he backed off. "This isn't over," he spat.
Kenji released him, watching Riku disappear into the crowd. Sora exhaled shakily. "That was… scary."
Kenji hugged him close. "Yes, but we faced it. Courage isn't the absence of fear—it's acting despite it."
Evening Reflections
The storm clouds passed, leaving a golden sunset reflected on the calm sea. Kenji and Sora returned home with their catch. They sold most of the fish at the market, their earnings climbing steadily.
📜 Kenji's Earnings (Updated)
Previous balance: 164 copper
Day 12 sales: +60 copper
= 224 copper total
Sora counted the coins, eyes wide. "Papa Kenji… we're almost at 300! A real boat is getting closer!"
Kenji smiled. "One step at a time, Sora. Today we learned more than just coins. We learned trust, courage, and how to face those who oppose us. That's worth more than gold."
Sora grinned sleepily. "I want to be the best little fisherman, Papa Kenji. We'll sail far and see the horizon!"
Kenji watched the sunset, a feeling of peace mingled with determination washing over him. The horizon stretched wide and open, full of possibilities, and he knew—whatever storms came, he and Sora would face them together.