The morning sun painted the horizon in warm streaks of orange and gold as Kenji tightened the ropes securing the sails of the Triton, Son of Poseidon. The sturdy fishing boat, their pride and livelihood, creaked gently as if eager to greet the open sea once more. Beside him, Sora bounced on his heels, a net in hand, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Papa Kenji!" Sora called, his boyish voice ringing clear against the surf. "Are we really going farther than the reefs today? Beyond where we usually fish?"
Kenji glanced down at him, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "That's right. We've mastered the shallows. It's time to test the Triton where the sea doesn't give her treasures so easily."
Sora's small hands gripped the edge of the boat. "It feels… different, doesn't it? Like the sea's calling us farther out."
Kenji looked at him for a long moment. The boy had always been sensitive to the currents, able to notice subtle changes others ignored. It wasn't superstition—Sora truly had a gift, one Kenji had grown to trust. Perhaps the sea was blessing the boy.
"You're right," Kenji said at last, ruffling Sora's hair. "The sea calls to us. And we must answer with courage and respect."
Aiko's Farewell
Aiko arrived with a basket of rice balls and pickled vegetables wrapped neatly in cloth. Her hair was tied back in a ribbon, and though she smiled, her brow was lined with worry.
"You're going farther out?" she asked, handing Kenji the basket.
He nodded. "The waters near the village are becoming crowded. Riku and his crew are casting nets aggressively, leaving less for the rest of us. If we want to grow, we need to go where others won't risk it."
Aiko's lips pressed into a thin line. "And if the sea proves too rough?"
Kenji placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Then the Triton will carry us safely home. Trust me."
Sora beamed. "Don't worry, Aiko! I'll help Papa. The sea tells me things, remember?"
Aiko knelt to look Sora in the eyes. "Then listen carefully, Sora. The sea is beautiful, but it can also be cruel. Promise me you'll be careful."
"I promise," Sora said solemnly.
Out to Sea
The Triton cut through the waves, leaving behind the chatter of gulls and the safety of the village harbor. The familiar reefs soon vanished behind them, replaced by endless blue. The air grew sharper, cooler, and the rhythm of the waves changed.
Kenji adjusted the sail. "Hold the line steady, Sora. The currents are stronger here."
Sora leaned over the edge, staring into the depths. "The fish… they're different. Bigger. Faster. I think they've never seen a net before."
Kenji chuckled. "That's good. Means they won't know how to escape."
They cast their nets, waiting as the Triton rocked gently. Kenji hummed a low tune, something his own father once sang when they fished together. Sora joined in, his voice higher but just as steady.
When they hauled the nets in, they sparkled with silver. Dozens of fish flopped and wriggled, scales glinting like coins in sunlight.
Sora's eyes went wide. "Papa! Look how many!"
Kenji grunted as he pulled the net aboard. "This… this is enough to feed the village twice over."
The Challenge of the Deep
But the sea was not done testing them. Later in the day, as they cast again, the line jerked violently. Kenji's muscles strained as he gripped the rope.
"Papa, is it a monster?!" Sora cried, eyes wide with both fear and excitement.
Kenji's jaw tightened. "Not a monster… but something big. Help me pull!"
Together they tugged, the Triton rocking dangerously. A massive fish thrashed against the surface, scales like armor. Kenji recognized it at once: a sea bream, larger than any he had seen.
With Sora guiding the net and Kenji steadying the rope, they hauled it aboard, the boat groaning under the weight. The fish thudded heavily against the deck.
Sora jumped with glee. "We did it! A fish this size… it must be worth so much!"
Kenji nodded, panting. "Yes. Enough to take us one step closer to our dream."
Evening Return
By sunset, the Triton returned to Minato Village with its deck piled high. Villagers gathered at the docks, murmuring in awe at the sheer size of their haul. Even Ishikawa raised his brows.
"By the gods, Kenji," Ishikawa said, inspecting the catch. "You've gone and brought the sea itself back with you. This… this will make you rich."
Kenji shook his head. "Not rich. Just prepared. We're building something, Ishikawa. Step by step."
Riku watched from a distance, his jaw tight, his men whispering behind him. Kenji ignored the glare, instead helping Sora carry the baskets ashore.
Aiko ran up to meet them, relief flooding her face. "You're safe! And… oh, Kenji, look at this catch!"
Sora puffed his chest proudly. "I told you the sea was calling us farther out!"
Income Record – Day's Haul
Large baskets of silver fish: +70 copper
Rare giant sea bream: +50 copper
Total income: +120 copper
Running balance: 389 copper
Kenji counted the coins carefully that night, each clink a reminder of progress. He set some aside for boat maintenance, some for daily needs, and tucked the rest into a wooden box—their "dream fund."
As the stars spread across the night sky, Kenji sat outside their modest hut, the wooden box in his lap. Sora leaned against him, half-asleep.
"Papa Kenji…" Sora murmured drowsily. "Do you think… when we build our house… we'll be able to see the sea from the window?"
Kenji looked toward the horizon, where waves shimmered faintly in the moonlight. He smiled softly.
"Yes, Sora. From every window."
Thank you so much for reading the beginning of Volume 2 of Kenji and Sora's journey aboard the Triton, Son of Poseidon! This new chapter marks the start of bolder adventures, deeper waters, and dreams growing closer to reality.
If you enjoyed this chapter, I'd truly appreciate your likes, comments, and thoughts below. Every bit of support helps bring Kenji, Sora, and Aiko's story to life even more. Tell me—what do you think of Sora's blessing by the sea? Do you believe their dream of building a house and farm is finally within reach?
Your encouragement gives me the strength to keep writing, just as the sea gives Kenji the courage to sail farther. ⚓💙