The morning sun painted Minato in shades of gold and amber as Kenji and Sora hurried along the docks. Today was no ordinary day—it was the day they would finally claim their dream: a boat of their own.
Sora bounced along beside Kenji, tugging at his father's sleeve. "Papa Kenji! Can we see it soon? Can we really sail it?"
Kenji smiled, a mixture of pride and caution in his eyes. "Patience, Sora. Owning a boat is more than just money—it's responsibility, planning, and respect for the sea. But yes… today we see what our hard work has earned."
The Shipwright
At the far end of the harbor stood the shipwright's workshop, a sturdy wooden building with tools and timber stacked outside. The smell of fresh wood and tar filled the air. Master Ishikawa, the shipwright, wiped his hands on a rag as they approached.
"Kenji," he said, squinting in the morning light. "I hear you've saved enough for a boat. Not just any boat—you've earned something special."
Sora's eyes widened. "Special? Really, Papa Kenji? Can it really be ours?"
Kenji nodded. "Yes, Sora. Thanks to our patience and hard work, we finally reached this step."
Master Ishikawa led them to a small but sturdy fishing vessel bobbing gently in the water. Its polished wood gleamed, a freshly painted hull reflecting the sunlight.
"This," Ishikawa said proudly, "is the Triton, Son of Poseidon. She's small but fast, strong enough for deeper waters, and perfect for a family like yours."
Sora gasped. "Triton… like the sea god's son? Papa Kenji… the sea is blessing us again!"
Kenji laughed softly, ruffling the boy's hair. "Yes, Sora. May the Triton carry us safely and reward our efforts."
Preparations for the Maiden Voyage
After a brief lesson from Ishikawa on ropes, sails, and navigation, Kenji and Sora stocked the Triton with essentials:
Extra nets and ropes
Food for several days
Freshwater and small barrels of salt
A small chest for coins
Kenji carefully counted the remaining coins from their savings:
📜 Kenji's Savings After Boat Purchase
Total before purchase: 354 copper
Cost of Triton, Son of Poseidon: 300 copper
= 54 copper remaining
Sora clutched the remaining coins. "Papa Kenji… we have just enough for supplies!"
Kenji nodded. "It's a modest start, Sora, but the Triton is now ours. Tomorrow, we sail further than ever before."
First Voyage
By dawn, they were aboard the Triton, small sails fluttering in the morning breeze. The village watched as the boat glided across the water, Kenji at the helm and Sora eagerly handling small tasks.
"Papa Kenji! Look at the horizon! It looks endless!"
Kenji smiled, adjusting the rudder. "Yes, Sora. And this is just the beginning. Out here, the sea teaches patience, courage, and respect. Every haul is earned, every wave a lesson."
Sora leaned over the side, scanning the waters. "I can feel the fish nearby! Papa Kenji… they're telling me where to cast!"
Kenji chuckled. "All right, little one. Let's see if your instincts are as good as you say."
Sora guided the net over a small school of mackerel, hauling it in with Kenji's steadying hands. The Triton rocked gently but held firm, and soon their catch was sorted and secured aboard the boat.
Village Observers
Back in Minato, Riku's eyes narrowed as he watched the Triton glide across the horizon. "So… they finally bought a boat," he muttered. "Kenji thinks he can take the sea for himself. That boy is dangerous, and their luck is growing. I'll make sure it ends before they go too far."
The villagers whispered among themselves, some proud, some wary. Kenji's reputation was now undeniable—he and Sora had gone from humble beginnings to owners of their first vessel. Yet envy and rivalry still simmered in the village.
Afternoon at Sea
The Triton sailed steadily, cutting through gentle waves. Kenji and Sora practiced hauling nets, setting traps, and observing the currents. The boy's "blessing of the sea" continued to shine: he instinctively sensed where fish gathered and directed Kenji's actions.
"Papa Kenji… over there! Big ones!"
Kenji followed Sora's instinct, and within minutes, they hauled a massive catch: sardines, mackerel, and a few sizable sea bream, enough to sell in the village for a small profit and keep some for their meals.
📜 Kenji's Earnings After First Open Sea Catch
Previous balance: 54 copper
Day 14 sales: +40 copper
= 94 copper total
Sora grinned. "Papa Kenji… we're already earning with the Triton! The sea really likes us!"
Kenji laughed. "Not luck, Sora. Skill, courage, and patience. That's what counts."
Evening Reflections
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting gold and violet hues across the water, Kenji and Sora prepared the Triton to return to Minato. Sora leaned against Kenji, tired but exhilarated.
"Papa Kenji… I want to sail farther each day. I want to see the whole sea!"
Kenji smiled, warmth in his chest. "One day, Sora. We'll explore beyond the horizon. But first, we must respect what the sea gives and prepare carefully. Every journey starts with small steps."
The boy yawned. "I understand, Papa Kenji. But I'll be ready for the adventure… with you."
Kenji gazed at the water, the gentle rocking of the Triton beneath them, and felt a surge of hope. The horizon stretched endlessly, full of promise. They had taken the first real step into a wider world, together, aboard the Triton, Son of Poseidon.