After a few hours of fishing, the sun was falling on the horizon, the skies are orange, and Kenta’s clothes are finally dry. The fishing expedition was great, Kenta caught a total of 4 fish, 3 medium sized yellow perches and 1 below average golden perch, Kenta excited by his success looks over towards Hachi. In his cart Hachi has caught numerous fish of various types, the number well exceeded 20.  Seeing this Kenta had a disappointed look on his face.

Hachi notices this, he leans over and pat Kenta on the back.

“When I began fishing, it wasn’t until my 5th try that I succeeded in catching something.” Hachi said with a sympathetic look, “Ya’ needn’t worry about such trivial things, such things get better with experience. Ya’ can’t teach experience.”

“I know.” Kenta sighs.

“Look why don’t ya’ come back to my place and I treat ya’ to dinner?” Hachi requests.

“Are you sure? I mean you’ve just met me.” Kenta replies.

“Hahaha. True it may be that I just met ya’, but in the short period we’ve know each other, we’ve become friends, and ya’ seem like a nice person.” Hachi exclaims, “It’s only natural after all.”

“Haha, I guess we have become friends.” Kenta answers, “And if you insist, I’ll be glad to be treated dinner.”

“Hahaha. That’s the spirit.” Hachi says, “Follow me now, we’ll arrive home in ‘bout 30 minutes.”

“Lead the way.” Kenta replies.

Taking back the rod, he chucks both on top of the fishes in the cart. He pulls it alongside the river, before he follows a small dirt trail leading up the hill.

“Hachi… let me pull the cart.” Kenta says seeing this middle-aged man struggling to pull the cart, “It’s the least I can do.”

“Hahaha. I knew it… ya’ are a nice person.” Hachi answers while stopping and letting Kenta take over, “If ya’ do get tired, don’t hesitate to tell me.”

Kenta taking over begins pulling the heavy cart up the hill.

This old man is crazy if he does this often.

Up the hill, they begin walking down the dirt path. The sun split by the horizon, it’s almost dark. In the distance with his improved vision, Kenta clearly sees a village, he can see people on the main road, he can see a farm and he can see a sign. Although unable read the sign his vision has greatly improved.

Walking past the sign, Kenta glances at it, it reads Village of Shingo.

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They take a right before they get to the village centre and enter a farm. Walking along the dirt trail, surrounded by grains, vegetables and herbs, they reach a large white house with a barn next to it in the centre of the farm.

“Here we are.” Hachi says while instructing Kenta to leave the cart outside, “Grab two large yellow perches and bring them inside.”

Entering the home, Hachi greets his wife, and his two lovely children.

“Kaede, I’d like to introduce ya’ to my new friend.” Hachi says as he invites Kenta in and give Kaede the fish, “This here is Kenta, we became friends while fishing, so I invited him over for dinner.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Kenta.” Kaede says, “I hope enjoy your stay.”

Hiding behind Kaede is their two lovely children. One boy and one girl. The girl has blonde hair, the boy who is slightly taller has pale brown hair.

“The boy is Isamu, the girl is Moriko.” Hachi says as he pats the children on the head, “They’re a little shy, please forgive them”

“Not to worry, it’s only natural for kids to be cautious around strangers.” Kenta says as he crouches and stretches out his hand, “My name is Kenta, I hope you’ll take care of me.”

The girl cautiously steps forward, shakes his hand and bows. The boy following his sister, steps forward, shakes his hand, stomps on his foot and runs away giggling.

“Ouch! Damn brat.” Kenta retorts.

“Hahaha. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention.” Hachi says with a grin on his face, “Isamu is a bit of a rascal, so make sure to watch out for him.”

“You could have told me that before he stomped on my foot!” Kenta replies.

After about 30 minutes talking, Kaede comes out of the kitchen with a plate of pan broiled fish and a bowl of steamed rice, she places it on the dining table.

“Dinners ready!” she says loudly.

Walking over to the table Hachi sits next to his wife and Kenta sits at the head of the table. Seconds later creaking and stomping can be heard as the children come down stairs and sit at the table.

As everyone has a plate full of food, every begins to dig in. Kenta, eating it, is in heaven, it’s the best dish he’s had since coming to this new world, remembering the dirt, rocks and leaves. Finishing the meal in minutes, Kenta reaches over and pour himself a cup of water.

“That was delicious.” Kenta happily says, “Thank you for the treat.”

“It’s our pleasure.” Kaede says.

As dinner finishes Kaede, Hachi and Kenta remain, the kids disappeared upstairs.

“Come to think of it, I don’t believe I’ve seen ya’ around this area. Where did ya’ come from?” Hachi politely asks.

“Where did I come from?” Kenta replies.

Where did I come from? Hmm, I guess I can’t say I came from a different world. They’d never believe that.

…

After a minute of thinking. He speaks.

“I came from a very far away, remote village.” Kenta answers.

“Hmm… I guess we’ll leave it at that.” Hachi says, “I’m sure ya’ have ya’ reasons, so we won’t pry.”

“Thanks, truthfully it’s a tough question to answer.” Kenta explains.

“No worries.” Hachi says sympathetically, “More importantly, if ya’ don’t have a place to stay, we have a spare room upstairs ya’ can borrow. We’d be happy to have ya’ round for as long as ya’ need.”

“You’ve taught me how to fish, and you treated me to dinner.” Kenta responds, “I couldn’t burden you anymore.”

“Rather… I insist ya’ stay in my home for as long ya’ need.” Hachi insists, “If ya’ don’t accept, I’ll feel insulted as ya’ friend.”

*sigh*

“Fine, I’ll stay here.” Kenta dejectedly replies, “Thank you and please take care of me.”

“Hahaha. Now that’s the answer I was lookin’ for.” Hachi excitedly says, “Ya’ room is upstairs, 2nd room on the left, I hope ya’ enjoy ya’ stay.”

Seeing as it is night time, Kenta retreats upstairs and opens the door to his room. Inside is a singular bed, a desk and an open window. The breeze is blowing constantly blowing in fresh air.

Kenta lies down on the bed, closes eyes and immediately falls asleep, after such an eventful day.