Almost three weeks have passed since Ayumu's first day of training. Shin returned to his second year at the academy about a week ago. His days are now filled with rigorous training sessions and intensive study periods.

During these three weeks, Ayumu eventually recovered from the first day and resumed training with his brother. He steadily improved, with most of the kunai sticking to the board—signs he was throwing them at the right angle with the correct form. Each evening, they practiced together, their bond strengthening with every session. Ayumu's determination was evident, and it was clear he was making significant progress.

Scrolling out of the library and walking onto the street, something he had been doing for the last few days, Shin found a sense of calm in the routine. He stopped and looked into the playground, a place that had become a familiar sight on his daily walks. He noticed many children playing, most around his age or a year older. It was a sign these were the kids who weren't attending the academy yet. The playground was filled with laughter and shouts, a stark contrast to the disciplined environment of the academy.

Standing still, he watched how they "played" by engaging in a friendly competition where they kicked a can, a game similar that seems to blend tag, hide & seek and others.. The game seemed to bring them immense joy, and for a moment, Ayumu felt a pang of nostalgia for the simpler times of his own childhood. The carefree nature of their play was a reminder of a life that seemed distant, yet was still a part of him. Shin continued to observe, finding solace in watching the children.

Eventually, almost as if by an unseen force, his feet begin to move on their own, slowly but surely, in the direction of the lively and energetic group of kids who were playing and laughing together.

As he continued forward, a small figure broke away from the group and approached him. It was a four-year-old girl with hair similar to his own, pale blonde, and wearing clothes almost the color of the sand. She looked up at him with wide, curious eyes.

"Hi, my name is Maki," she introduced herself, her voice filled with youthful excitement.

He couldn't help but smile back, trying his best to show friendliness.

"Hey, Maki. I'm Ayumu" he said with a friendly smile, noticing they were about the same height. "Nice to meet ya."

"Do you want to play with us?" Maki asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Hesitating for a moment, but the infectious enthusiasm of the children was hard to resist. "Sure, why not," he replied, trying to match her excitement.

Maki beamed and quickly began explaining the rules of kick the can. "So, it's like tag, but there's a can in the middle. One person is 'it' and they have to guard the can. The others try to sneak up and kick it without getting tagged. If you get tagged, you have to go to jail, which is just a spot we mark over there," she pointed to a corner of the playground. "If someone manages to kick the can, everyone in jail gets freed, and we start over with a new 'it'."

He nodded, trying to keep up with the rapid explanation. "Got it," he said, though he felt a bit overwhelmed.

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"And remember," Maki continued, "the person who's 'it' has to stay near the can but can chase after anyone who gets too close. If 'it' spots someone hiding, they have to shout where they are and race back to the can to tap it before the person hiding kicks it. If 'it' tags someone, they go to jail. If 'it' leaves the can unguarded and someone kicks it, 'it' loses, and the game resets."

As they joined the others, Ayumu tried to blend in with the group of kids, but it quickly became clear that each child had their own strategy for the game, finding unique hiding spots. At first, Ayumu mimicked the other kids. He crouched low, moved slowly, and attempted to hide near a rock with a dip behind it, hoping it would provide enough cover.

He lay as patiently as he could, barely hearing the audible counting of the kid who was "it."

"25, 26, 27..."

The kid eventually opened his eyes, looking around warily. He walked slowly, scanning the area with a careful, deliberate gaze. The child's eyes darted from one hiding spot to another, trying to spot any movement. Ayumu held his breath, hoping to remain unseen.

The children's keen eyes and the open layout of the playground made it difficult for Ayumu to stay unnoticed. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as the kid who was "it" started to move closer to his hiding spot.

Ayumu's mind raced as he considered his options. Should he stay put and hope the seeker moved on, or should he make a break for the can and risk being caught? The decision weighed heavily on him, but he knew that any sudden movement could give away his position.

The kid who was "it" paused, squinting in Ayumu's general direction, but his gaze moved past him, not lingering long enough to detect him. Ayumu pressed himself closer to the ground, trying to become one with the shadows.

Eventually, the seeker, forgetful of his name, decided to try calling out, "New kid, by the rock, in a pit of sand!" The shout echoed through the playground. Ayumu's cover was blown, and he knew he had to act fast.

With a burst of determination, Ayumu sprang from his hiding spot and sprinted towards the can in the center of the playground. The seeker played it safe, legs pumping furiously as he closed the distance, his focus entirely on reaching the can before Ayumu.

Ayumu watched as the seeker managed to touch the can.

Ayumu was sent to "jail," becoming the first one to be caught. He panted heavily, a sheepish grin spreading across his face as he accepted his fate. The seeker, now laughing, clapped him on the back.

"Nice try, new guy!" the seeker said, clearly impressed. Ayumu nodded and asked, "How did you notice?" The seeker responded, "That's where most new people hide," leaving Ayumu shocked.

As he stood in the designated jail, Ayumu looked on as more of the hiders were eventually caught. He watched the seeker roam further and further away, occasionally peeking over his shoulder at the can.

Ayumu noticed something odd, almost as if something was etched forward in the sand bit by bit. His staring must have brought on the attention of everyone else in jail because eventually, everybody was looking in that direction, alerting the seeker.

The seeker turned around, trying to figure out what had captured everyone's attention. Just as he started to move back towards the can, Maki suddenly sprang up from the sand. She had been inching her way closer, using the sand to cover her movements. With a determined look, she dashed towards the can.

The seeker tried to sprint back, but it was too late. Maki kicked the can with all her might, the metallic sound echoing through the playground. Cheers erupted from the kids in jail as they realized they were free.

Ayumu grinned widely, surprised due to Maki's cleverness. The game reset with a new "it," and everyone scattered again, ready for another round of fun.

The games continued, with Ayumu playing several more rounds of "kick the can" with the children, each game allowing him to get better at hiding and eventually playing the seeker.

As time passed, the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the playground. The games gradually wound down, and the children, tired, started to say their goodbyes. Ayumu did the same after greeting everyone and saying goodbye.

"Come back again!" Maki called out, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"I will," Ayumu promised, giving one last wave before turning to head home.