WE MEET ONCE AGAIN

As we traversed the bustling streets of Izora, I couldn't help but marvel at the sight of its sophisticated civilization. The city's grandeur and beauty captivated me once more, leaving me in awe of this dreamlike reality. Arrayed before us were various establishments, ranging from quaint stores to exquisite restaurants, cozy inns to rejuvenating bathhouses.

When will I get the opportunity to explore this city? I found myself pondering the opportune moment when I could immerse myself in exploring the city's wonders. The thought of wandering through its vibrant streets, discovering hidden gems and experiencing its cultural richness, filled me with a sense of excitement.

Peering out of the coach, my eyes brightened as I took in the magnificent panorama. Itsuka, sensing my wonder, inquired, "How do you find the city?"

With a smile on my face, I replied, "I would absolutely love to explore it when I get the chance. Perhaps I could start with a visit to the bathhouse."

Itsuka nodded, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, and asked, "After everything, Youto will accompany you, right?"

My gratitude overflowed as Youto warmly responded, "Of course! You'll love it, I assure you. And we can grab some delicious food afterward."

"Thank you," I expressed my appreciation sincerely, touched by their kindness.

Curiosity bubbling within me, I couldn't help but inquire further, "By the way, who am I meeting?"

Sara's gaze turned observant, her expression filled with intrigue, as she replied, "Did anyone mention that you are meeting someone?"

"No, I just assumed, considering we are on a coach that you brought. I presumed this journey had some significance," I explained, wanting to understand the purpose behind our visit to the Shogun Office.

"I commend your keen observation," Sara acknowledged with a slight nod. "We are going to meet the Shogun herself. She specifically requested to meet you when she received the news."

The revelation left me intrigued and slightly apprehensive. Why would the Shogun desire to meet me? Perhaps she wanted to verify the truth of the rumors surrounding my sudden appearance. I knew I needed to proceed with caution, as any misstep could potentially label me a threat and lead to dire consequences.

Sara's observant nature shone through once again as she commented, "You seem to be familiar with the term 'Senshis' already."

"I learned about it from Itsuka and Youto while I was in the hospital," I replied, acknowledging the knowledge I had gained from my dear friends.

"You did, huh?" Sara said, her gaze shifting towards Youto, who deliberately avoided eye contact.

"I didn't say anything, I swear!" Youto whispered under his breath, causing Sara's attention to turn to Itsuka.

Before Sara could make any further remarks, the coach came to a halt. I peered through the curtain and caught sight of a grand gate leading to a massive structure, guarded by a contingent of stern-looking security personnel. As the coach continued its journey, the level of security intensified, underscoring the gravity and significance associated with this place. The imposing atmosphere left an indelible impression, heightening my sense of unease.

We stepped into the tranquil courtyard surrounding the Shogun's office, immersed in its pizzazz. Meticulously manicured bonsai trees and vibrant cherry blossoms adorned the traditional Japanese garden. The elegant bamboo swayed with a rhythmic clack, while the office itself stood as a grand masterpiece of ornate wooden carvings, golden embellishments, and a peaked tiled roof. Stone guardian lions flanked the entrance, promising secrets and power within. It was a picturesque setting, where nature harmonized with Japanese aesthetics.

Upon arrival, the coach came to a complete stop, and we were instructed to disembark, signaling that we had reached our destination. An unsettling feeling settled upon me, etching itself onto my face as I contemplated the uncertain fate that awaited me within these formidable walls.

"You seem tense. Did Sara say something to you?" a mysterious man inquired, descending the steps of the imposing building we were approaching. With his dark gray hair, penetrating brown eyes, and a katana gracefully adorning his side, he exuded a cool and enigmatic aura.

"Mr. Renji, were you actually with the Shogun? Pinch me, I must be dreaming," Itsuka exclaimed in disbelief.

"What are you saying, Itsuka? I certainly don't want to lose my job," Renji chuckled, responding to Itsuka's comment with a lighthearted tone.

Renji's curiosity got the better of him as she inquired, "And what might your name be?"

"My name is Kiro," I replied.

"Let us proceed, Kuro," Sara said, taking the lead.

"Well, Kiro, I have many questions for you, but first, let us not keep the Shogun waiting. I'm sure I'll find my answers inside. You two should wait here," Renji instructed Youto and Itsuka before confidently striding towards the imposing building.

As we entered the building, I exhaled a deep breath, attempting to dispel some of the lingering uneasiness that had settled within me. It is a dream, yet it feels so real and it kind of creeps me out, I thought to myself.

The Shogun's office was a captivating blend of minimalist simplicity and ornate opulence. Polished wooden panels adorned the walls, while soft rays of sunlight filtered through exquisite shoji screens. An imposing ebony desk, adorned with intricate lacquer work, commanded attention at the center. Delicate scrolls with profound wisdom lined the walls, and ornamental bonsai trees added a touch of harmony. The air carried the scent of delicate incense, and intricately painted folding screens depicted legendary tales. It was a space where power and grace converged, embodying a strong cultural heritage.

Time seemed to blur, and before I knew it, I found myself standing before a massive door, waiting alongside the others as the Shogun attended to her duties. After a few tense minutes passed, we were summoned to enter.

We stepped into a magnificent hall, where I surmised that the Senshis convened to deliberate on weighty matters. However, it was not just the Shogun whom I met. Seated across from her at a grand round table were three other prominent Senshis, their presence emanating power and authority.

"Master Katana, this is the boy I was speaking of," Renji declared, bowing respectfully.

"At ease. I see. Introduce yourself!" the Shogun commanded, her voice carrying an air of authority.

"M-my name is Kiro Miura!" I stammered, feeling a mix of nervousness and awe. Sensing my hesitation, Sara subtly nudged my foot, signaling that I should bow, and I quickly complied, showing respect to the esteemed Shogun.

"Raise your head. From what I can observe, your appearance suggests a mixed heritage. Explain everything you remember from the time before you arrived at the hospital," the Shogun requested, her tone measured and curious.

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"Well..." I began, but was interrupted by Katana, who interjected with a courteous apology.

"Apologies for the interruption, but please rest assured. We are merely seeking to understand the circumstances that brought you here. There is no suspicion surrounding you, or else you would have faced more severe consequences. I wish to assure you that everything is in order," Katana reassured me with a confident tone.

How reassuring. I have to be careful with what I say. I just need to briefly explain how I got here. No need to get into detail on anything and some stuff are just better being not told at all, feeling somewhat relieved by Katana's words, I reminded myself to choose my words carefully.

"I was going to sleep, and as I started dozing off, I found myself in space. But before I could comprehend what was happening, I began falling from the sky, and that's where my memories abruptly end. I don't even recall how I ended up in the hospital," I explained, hoping to convey the limited extent of my recollection.

"But this sounds impossible. It's highly unlikely anyone would survive such a fall," a bespectacled stranger interjected, his skepticism evident.

"I believe we need to investigate this case further. If Renji said the boy fell from the sky, then he did. The real question lies in the 'why' and 'how'," another stranger, a muscular figure, added, his voice carrying an undertone of determination.

The Shogun turned her attention to a man named Yukimura, seeking his input. After a brief pause, Yukimura spoke up, asserting the necessity of examining the scene of the incident.

"I have reached a decision. I will dispatch a team to investigate the location where the fall took place. In the meantime, until our findings are conclusive, you will be placed under supervision here in this town," the Shogun declared, her voice carrying a sense of finality.

Confused and uncertain about my fate, I mustered the courage to speak up, seeking clarification. "May I ask, what will happen to me?"

"As I mentioned, you will remain under supervision until our investigations are concluded. You will remain hospitalized during this period. Do you have any further questions?" Katana addressed me, his tone professional yet understanding.

I hesitated for a moment, absorbing the information provided, before answering with a simple "no."

"This meeting and its details must remain confidential among all who attended. You are all dismissed, except for Renji. Sara, please accompany the boy outside," the Shogun declared, finalizing the discussion and signaling the end of our audience.

Respecting the Shogun's orders, all of us in attendance left the grand hall, including myself. As we made our way out, Renji approached Katana, seeking to discuss something of significance.

"Did you notice it, ma'am?" Renji inquired, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"I told you to stop calling me ‘ma'am’," Katana retorted, her gaze fixed on Renji.

"My apologies, ma'am," Renji responded, meeting her stern gaze. " I did notice it. How is it possible? There seems to be no soul energy within him."

"It's as if we are looking at an empty vessel. There is no trace of energy flowing through him," Renji added, his voice tinged with bewilderment.

"We will continue our investigation, and I am entrusting you with the responsibility, Renji. Sara will provide you with the necessary details tomorrow," Katana instructed, her tone firm and authoritative.

"Yes, Ma'...," Renji began to respond, but quickly stopped himself upon receiving a sharp glare from Katana. The moment was interrupted by a loud growl emanating from Renji's stomach, breaking the silence that hung in the air.

"If you'll excuse me, I have important matters to attend to," Renji bowed respectfully and swiftly left the hall.

Outside, I was escorted by Sara, and there I found Itsuka and Youto eagerly waiting for me.

"You're finally back! How did it go?" Itsuka asked, her concern evident in her voice.

"Everything went... alright, I suppose," I replied, a tinge of uncertainty coloring my words as I let out a deep sigh.

"You'll be staying here, right?" Youto inquired, seeking confirmation, to which I nodded in affirmation.

Sara, standing nearby, interjected, her tone firm and serious. "What transpired within those walls must remain strictly confidential. It is an order from the Shogun. None of you should disclose any information to anyone. Do you understand?" Her words carried an unspoken gravity, and both Itsuka and Youto nodded solemnly, acknowledging the importance of secrecy.

"Well then, shall we go and grab a bite to eat?" Renji suggested as he emerged from the building, breaking the tension in the air. Sara bid us farewell and made her way back inside.

"Let me guess, Mr. Renji, you're craving hotpot?" Itsuka remarked rhetorically, a playful smile adorning her face.

"Well, I haven't had it in three days, so I'm definitely craving it. What do you say, Kiro?" Renji turned to me, awaiting my response.

"I don't mind," I replied, accepting Renji's offer.

"It's not fair, but I guess we have no choice," Itsuka remarked with a hint of resignation.

"Don't worry! It's on me," Renji assured us, bringing a smile to our faces.

"Well, I never turn down free food," Youto chimed in, and we proceeded to head to a nearby restaurant.

We settled into our seats, eagerly anticipating the arrival of our meal. As the hotpot was served, I couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance to the one back in my own world. Even the presence of chopsticks as utensils surprised me, but I didn't comment on it and began to eat along with everyone else.

"Kiro, you can use chopsticks?" Youto exclaimed in amazement.

"Yes, we have them back home," I replied, causing everyone at the table to pause momentarily in surprise.

"When foreigners come to this land, they often find it challenging to use chopsticks. I'm both confused and curious, Kiro," Itsuka commented before taking a bite.

"Well, my hometown has many similarities to this place," I explained. "It's called Japan. As I mentioned earlier, I'm 16 years old, and that's all I can think of for now. You already know my name."

"Don't worry about these two, Kiro. You're still adjusting to the environment, so it's understandable that you don't feel comfortable yet. I'm sure he'll answer your questions when he's ready in the future. Can you two give him a break?" Renji intervened, his tone calm and understanding, before returning his attention to his meal.

Renji is trying to make sure there is no pressure being put on me. I am kind of grateful, Renji's intervention eased the pressure on me. I appreciated his understanding and support.

"You're right, Mr. Renji. We apologize if we seemed pushy, Kiro. We're just curious, that's all. If you have any questions about this world, let us know, right Youto?" Itsuka apologized, and I expressed my gratitude.

"Mr. Renji, what do you think will happen to me?" I asked, directing my question to Renji.

"I don't know for sure. We'll first investigate how you arrived here and whether there's a possibility for you to return to your home. If that's not possible, then you'll have to adapt and live your life here. Or who knows, you might even become a Senshi," Renji replied, injecting a touch of playful sarcasm into his last statement.

A glimmer of excitement sparked within me at the mention of becoming a Senshi.

"I wouldn't mind being a Senshi," I remarked, a newfound determination gleaming in my eyes.

"It's not easy, though. To be a Senshi, you have to excel both physically and mentally in many aspects because you'll be tasked with protecting the people of this land," Youto chimed in, offering a more realistic perspective.

"I was just joking. Don't take it too seriously," Renji clarified, sensing my enthusiasm.

Becoming a Senshi and embarking on an adventure does sound intriguing. Perhaps it could even lead me to discover if Erika exists in this world. It feels like being the protagonist in one of those manga stories. That would be quite an experience, I thought to myself, tempering my excitement.

"Well, let's see what the Shogun has in mind after the investigation into your fall. For now, let's finish eating," Renji suggested, redirecting our focus to the present.

After enjoying our meal, we left the restaurant and stepped outside. Renji proposed that we visit a nearby bathhouse to relax, with the condition that he would only cover my expenses. Itsuka bid us farewell, stating that she was too tired to join us, and we went our separate ways.

"Man, that last mission really took it out of me," Youto commented, expressing his exhaustion.

"Tell me about it. I've had tougher ones, but this particular mission was very boring. Three days without hotpot, it felt like a lifetime," Renji added, seemingly relieved to have satisfied his craving.

"But you just had some," Youto pointed out, earning a chuckle from Renji.

"Well, it's the weekend, so we can rest up before Monday," Renji stated, hinting at the much-needed break.

"And when we go to the bathhouse, let me make it clear that I shouldn’t catch any peeking into the women's section," Renji warned, emphasizing his stance.

"I'm not a pervert, Mr. Renji," Youto assured with a hint of indignation.

"Neither am I," I quickly added, wanting to assure Renji of our integrity.

"Good, because I won't cover up for any of you," Renji declared firmly, and we both nodded in agreement.

"We're almost there," Renji announced, leading the way.

As we strolled through a slightly crowded area, a familiar presence brushed past me, causing a sudden jolt of recognition. Time seemed to slow down as my mind raced to process the possibility. I abruptly came to a halt, turned around, and couldn't believe my eyes as I saw the person standing before me.