On the train ride from Narita Airport to the Nomura household, Jake and Yoko kept catching up on old times, chatting happily as they reminisced. Meanwhile, Carter, Akane, and Luna admired the scenery of Japan through the train’s windows, taking in the vibrant mix of modern cityscapes and traditional buildings. After just 30 minutes, Yoko spoke up. "Guys, we need to get off at the next stop."
"We’re almost there!" Yoko announced with a smile.
"That was fast!" Carter remarked, impressed by the speed of the train.
Seeing Carter struggle with his numerous bags, Yoko offered her help. "Let me take one of those for you."
"Thanks, Yoko!" Carter replied, handing her one of his suitcases as they made their way to the Nomura household.
As they followed Yoko through the streets of Tokyo, not knowing which house was hers, she suddenly stopped in front of a traditional Japanese home. The design was a beautiful blend of cultural heritage and architectural finesse.
"We’ve arrived!" Yoko said, proudly introducing them to the Nomura residence. The group stared in awe.
"Yoko, is this your house? I remember it being smaller," Jake said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Yoko smiled warmly. "Yeah, my dad’s business has been doing really well over the past few years," she explained. "We moved from the smaller house to this one. Please, come in!" she added, leading the group inside.
As they crossed the threshold, the interior of the house was even more impressive. The renovation embraced the beauty of traditional Japanese culture, with the elegant arrangement of tatami mats underfoot and details that paid homage to the grace of Japanese design principles. Every room exuded a quiet elegance.
"It’s so spacious!" Carter marveled, taking in the grandeur of the house.
The interior unfolded like a masterclass in the art of space, where traditional sliding doors and broad windows revealed a serene garden—a masterpiece of landscape design. The seamless blend of form and function, with every line and curve serving a purpose, highlighted the balance between utility and aesthetics that defines Japanese architecture.
"I really feel like I’m in Japan now!" Carter exclaimed, grinning.
"Yoko, you have such a beautiful home," Luna added, sharing the sentiment, while Akane nodded in agreement with the group.
"You all can put your bags here," Yoko said, pointing to a corner of the house where the group could settle their luggage. As Jake took in the size of the house, he wondered why Auntie Nomura, Yoko's mother, hadn’t come out to greet them. He hadn’t seen her in over ten years either.
"Yoko, where’s Auntie Nomura?" Jake asked, curious to reconnect with his aunt.
"My mother?" Yoko paused before explaining, "She’s currently living in Osaka. She has some business to run there, so she couldn’t be here to welcome you. She’s always been drawn to the peace Osaka offers, which is a huge contrast to the fast pace of Tokyo. She decided it was best for my dad and me to stay here in Tokyo—my dad for his career and me for school—while she handles things in Osaka." There was a tinge of sadness in her voice, but also acceptance.
"I’m sorry to hear Auntie Nomura isn’t staying with you," Jake said, feeling a bit bad for bringing it up.
"It’s okay, Jake," Yoko reassured him. "My mother visits as often as she can, usually once a month! It’s not like she’s moved out of the country." She smiled but added, "It can feel a little lonely when both my parents are away, leaving me in this big house. But Tokyo is pretty safe."
Carter, ever the supportive friend, chimed in, "No worries, Yoko! We’re here with you for the next few days. You won’t feel lonely!"
Akane and Luna nodded in agreement. "Thanks, everyone!" Yoko replied warmly. "Please, settle in for a bit."
Then, seamlessly shifting the mood, Yoko introduced the day’s plan. "I’ve got today all mapped out for you! I suggest we get a move on—I’m taking you all to Harajuku! We’ll start with some culinary delights, followed by a stroll through the vibrant alleys. It’s the perfect way to experience the eclectic charm of Tokyo firsthand."
Her excitement was contagious, sparking enthusiasm in the group, especially Carter. "Alright, let’s make this quick!" he exclaimed, eager to explore Harajuku, a place that had long fascinated him. His energy surged as he quickly unpacked his luggage and began urging the others to hurry.
"Come on, everyone, no time to waste!" Carter called out with excitement. "If you need to use the restroom, do it now!" His enthusiasm was unmistakable, and the rest of the group couldn’t help but smile and join in the excitement.
With their luggage safely stored at Yoko’s house, the group, led by Yoko as their local guide, set off for Harajuku with eager anticipation—especially Carter, who had already prepared a to-do list. They boarded the train once again, heading toward Harajuku, a trip that would take about an hour and thirty minutes. As they traveled, the group continued chatting, exchanging stories and sharing cultural insights with Yoko, Jake, and their friends. Before they knew it, they arrived at Harajuku.
Stepping out of the station, Harajuku was exactly as they had seen in articles and online. Jake, Carter, Akane, and Luna were immediately captivated by the locals' bold and unique fashion, which pushed the boundaries of creativity. The restaurants promised culinary delights, their storefront displays so enticing that the group already felt their stomachs rumbling. Street performers entertained with fearless showmanship, further adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
"This place is incredible!" Carter exclaimed, his excitement mirroring the group's shared awe. Then, remembering his personal mission, he turned to Yoko. "Yoko, I’ve been dreaming about expanding my Gunpla collection. Is there a hobbyist figurine shop around here where I can find some rare pieces?" Carter asked, scanning the area, though most of the shops catered to youth-driven fashion, selling clothes and accessories.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
Yoko smiled with the confidence of a local, though admitting her lack of expertise in figurines. "I’m not really into figurines, but there’s a shop called 'Hobby Off Harajuku' that’s pretty popular at my school. It’s a haven for collectors like you. You might just find the rare pieces you're looking for there."
Carter’s excitement was immediate. "Awesome! Yoko, can you show me how to get there?"
"Sure, I’ll guide you," Yoko agreed with a nod.
Turning to the rest of the group, Yoko asked, "What about you guys? Will you join us?"
Jake smiled and waved them off. "You two go ahead. We’ll hang around here for a while." Akane nodded in agreement, and Luna added, "I’m not really into figurines. I’ll be staying here too."
"Hey, they’re not toys! They’re collector’s items!" Carter defended with a grin. "Anyway, Yoko, let’s go!"
"See you guys later!" Yoko and Carter waved as they headed toward Hobby Off Harajuku, leaving Jake, Akane, and Luna to explore the district on their own.
As Carter and Yoko arrived at the entrance of Hobby Off Harajuku, the storefront was bustling with activity. The shop was adorned with vibrant displays of anime and figurines, drawing a crowd of people outside, many of whom were busy snapping photos for social media. Inside, the shop was equally packed with locals and tourists alike, all hunting for rare collector's items.
Carter's eyes gleamed with excitement as he realized this might be his chance to find the treasures he had been searching for—provided they weren’t out of stock. "Yoko! I’m going in first! You can find me later!" he called out, his voice filled with the urgency of a treasure hunter.
Before Yoko could even finish her reply, "Hey—!" Carter had already dashed into the store, disappearing into the sea of shoppers, eager to begin his search.
With rows of Gunpla lining the shelves, Carter stood in awe. Around him, fellow collectors meticulously examined each model, searching for rare finds. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy as he spotted a few shoppers with limited edition Gunpla already in their baskets. This only heightened his sense of urgency.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/0d/Mega_Cat_Gundam.png]
Staying focused and silent, as if on a sacred hunt, Carter scanned the shelves with careful precision. Then, with a stroke of luck, his eyes locked onto something other shoppers had missed. There, nestled among other Gunpla kits, was a rare, limited edition Mega Cat Gundam. It was the result of a collaboration between two companies, with only 88 pieces ever made—and right in front of him was number 79 of 88.
The box seemed to glow in his eyes, its rarity undeniable. Without hesitation, Carter extended his hand, ready to claim the jewel of his quest. Just as his fingers brushed the box, feeling triumphant and certain he’d secured it, another hand appeared out of nowhere, touching the box at the exact same moment.
A silent tension filled the air as both hands hovered over the Mega Cat Gundam, sparking an unspoken contest of who truly deserved the right to purchase this prized collectible.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/da/Pimiko_Nyanko_in_casual_clothes%2C_with_the_innocent_persona_she_often_displays.png]
The challenger was a Japanese girl with burnt orange hair, styled into two long pigtails tied with red bands. She wore a fashionable brown casual jacket, but what stood out most were her accessories: a hairband adorned with brown cat ears and a matching black choker, both clearly signaling her love of cats. Everything about her screamed "ailurophile," a cat lover through and through.
Carter, still gripping the box of the rare Mega Cat Gundam, found himself locked in a silent battle with the girl, who refused to let go of her side. Neither was willing to give up. Their hands held firm on each end of the box, both determined to claim the treasure.
"I saw this first!" the girl asserted, looking up at Carter with wide, innocent brown eyes. Her voice, high-pitched and sweet, reflected her adorable persona as she spoke in her native Japanese.
Carter, not understanding a word, found himself in a strange conflict. On one hand, he was disarmed by her cute demeanor, but on the other, he couldn’t let go of the opportunity to take home this prized Gunpla for his collection.
"Sorry, I don’t understand Japanese," Carter responded, his grip still firm on the box. "But I’m pretty sure I spotted this Gundam first."
The standoff continued, their eyes locked, neither willing to yield. The rare Gunpla remained between them, the tension rising as they both silently willed the other to let go.
As the standoff dragged on, Yoko, who had been left behind by Carter in his excitement at the storefront, entered the store to find him after noticing how long he'd been gone. When she spotted the tense scene between Carter and a Japanese girl, both gripping the rare Mega Cat Gundam, she walked closer to understand what was happening. Upon closer inspection, Yoko immediately recognized the girl. With her trademark brown cat-ear headband and matching black choker, it was none other than Pimiko Nyanko, a well-known figure at Seiryu High School, Yoko's schoolmate. While Yoko wasn’t close with her, Pimiko’s unique look made her quite popular.
Seeing Yoko’s arrival, Carter felt a wave of relief. "Yoko, help me!" he pleaded. "Tell her I found this first! And maybe she’ll let it go since I came all the way from America. This is a rare piece for me!"
Understanding the situation, Yoko decided to help. She turned to Pimiko and spoke in a friendly and gentle tone. "Nyanko-san, this gentleman is a dear friend visiting from America. Would you kindly allow him to have this Gundam?" she asked in Japanese, hoping Pimiko would sympathize.
After a moment of consideration, Pimiko released her grip, gracefully conceding. She gestured for Carter to take the Gundam, which he did eagerly, placing it triumphantly into his basket with a cheer. "Thank you, Yoko!" he exclaimed, grateful for her help in resolving the standoff.
As Pimiko prepared to leave, she smiled softly at Yoko. "See you at school," she said in her high-pitched, cute voice. Twirling a lock of her pigtail around her fingers, she silently walked out of Hobby Off Harajuku, leaving Carter and Yoko to wonder whether she was truly okay with giving up the rare Gundam or simply accepting the situation with grace.
Pimiko Nyanko vanished from Carter and Yoko’s view, walking alone down the bustling streets of Harajuku. Her expression, now free from the mask of cuteness, showed clear displeasure—something she had hidden from them during the encounter. She continued to twirl a lock of her pigtail around her fingers as she took out her mobile phone, initiating a call.
"I didn’t get my Mega Cat Gundam, and I’m pissed," Pimiko said, dropping the high-pitched, sweet voice she had used earlier. Her tone was now assertive, commanding, and filled with frustration.
"What’s wrong, my princess? Who dared to upset you?" the person on the other end of the call asked, sounding concerned.
"I ran into that samurai girl, Yoko, and her foreigner friend," Pimiko complained. "They took the Gundam from me, and I’m not happy about it."
"That samurai girl again? Didn’t we already teach her not to mess with us?" the voice on the other end darkened, clearly irritated at the mention of Yoko.
"Maybe she doesn’t realize I’m connected to you because I look cute and harmless," Pimiko teased, her tone playful but with an edge. "It’s fine, though. I have something in mind for tomorrow. Before Yoko even steps into the school gates, I’ll make sure she knows not to cross me again."
The person on the phone chuckled confidently. "Don’t worry, my princess. I’ll have someone ready to teach her a lesson. She won’t mess with you again."
Pimiko ended the call with a satisfied smile, her mood lifted. Meanwhile, back at Hobby Off Harajuku, Carter and Yoko were still smiling and shopping, unaware of the trouble brewing. A confrontation awaited Yoko the next day—one she hadn’t anticipated after helping Carter claim his prized Gundam.