Recovery

I woke up in a familiar futon. Looking over the corner, I saw the person who helped me throughout my childhood. My motivator and teacher. My only sensei, "Yasashi-sensei, is the morning good?" I asked. Yasashi smiled worriedly and walked towards my side. Sitting in seiza, he patted my head showing comfort and love.

"It has been a full week, I haven't seen you opening your eyes. Did that demon exhaust you?" He said. It was sudden, he's right, I lost consciousness after fighting a demon. It was a powerful one and I didn't expect myself surviving against that demon. I'm still weak and cannot use my senses and abilities that frequently. Mostly, I could only use them occasionally depending on myself.

I could feel sadness fill in the atmosphere. It was because he thought I died after the battle, he hated people close to him die before him. I slept for long due to severe injuries and exhaustion. I didn't know so much injuries could not wake me up after a day or a week.

"Tsuyoi, you're still young. As I said before, your body is too weak to handle injuries. But it was indeed a miracle that you survived but consumed your time in sleeping. I'm so proud of you." He said smiling genuinely. Sadness turned into happiness and proud.

His smiled turned into a slight frown as I looked at him in confusion.

"What's wrong, sensei?" I asked.

"I couldn't tell when my time will come, but I knew it's close. Maybe after a few years or so on. But this is just a dream, and it reminding you of something that might occur unexpectedly. Informing you to keep your actions as risk and try to help and save people around you. Especially those you truly care for you. In the near future, you will meet them and teach you improve your abilities." He said.

My confusion grew even more.

A dream.

I am 15 in reality, yet I looked 10 in this world.

Indeed, I'm dreaming.

"This is just a reminder about the future. Thank you sensei, for reminding me." I said.

Slowly, the world around me started to go black. That was when I knew, I'm slowly waking up in reality.

I woke up in a familiar place. Two familiar figures was slowly visible in my blurry vision. The other one being happy and cheerful, the other being...I can't tell. But she kept a smiling face, that's rare.

As my vision started to go back to normal, the two Kochō sisters then looked at me worriedly but kept smiling.

"Ara, Tsuyoi-kun! You're finally awake. You've been into coma for a few days but it seems like you're recovered, but not completely." She said and handed me a bag full of oranges.

"Here, to improve back your immune system. We've found out recently that your immunity was slowly giving up after taking multiple stabs of toxic poison." She continued.

Shinobu gave me a cup of fresh hot water.

"You mumbled on your sleep to consume water from hot springs. So we traveled all the way from Swordsmith village back here to deliver this. There are multiple hot springs that have various categories so no need to worry about them." Shinobu said.

I nodded and both grabbed the fruits and the cup. After having my fruit eating session and drinking the water, my body starts to feel better.

I remembered something from my last battle. I should give Hayakudo's bracelet back to his father.

"Can I have the permission to stroll?" I asked.

They both looked curiously at me as they both nodded.

I immediately got up and wore a purple kimono. I left my haori so that the servants can wash it as well as my uniform.

I went outside and felt a slight slap of wind through my cheeks. The weather wasn't too bad at all. I kept my eyes at the sun, watching its rays through the corner of my eyes.

There's also that feeling when someone has mixed emotions around the area. I knew who it would always be.

"Shinobu, are you sort of angry all the time?" I asked.

She was walking past behind as I asked that question. She was shocked when hearing it and stopped at her tracks.

"I'm always annoyed, don't mind me. It's not like you're concerned or anything." She replied.

My question was actually unnecessary. But I can feel that she's sometimes silly and angry. I don't know her reason yet, I mean, did she and Kanae got into a fight? I don't know. Or maybe I did something that annoyed her. She wasn't like this the moment we talked days ago.

"But I do." I said. Stupid of me. I should just stroll.

"I hope you'll control your emotions for me, Shinobu." I said and started to walk away.

Shinobu just looked down and proceeded to do her job. I think I'm underestimating her. I'm really good with mixed emotions but I think I experienced it without realising it.

I went to the address Hayakudo sent me and arrived at a village. He mentioned that his father lives beside a hill, I think. But this village sounds jolly. I kind of think to visit this place again, if only I could have a free time to myself.

As I was entering the entrance of the village, a sick old man was visible falling slowly to the ground. He has the appearance of a homeless worker as he was holding huge tree logs on his cart. His clothes was filled with torns and dirt.

I quickly ran to the man and caught him. I as well caught the handle of the cart to avoid the logs falling off. I placed the handle slowly to a boulder to balance the height of the cart. I slowly and carefully lied the man beside the tree.

"Hello, are you alright?" I asked him. He opened his eyes weakly and reached out his hand. He caressed my cheeks slowly and weakly.

"Is...that you...Hayari?" He asked.

Hayari? Who's Hayari?

"My son...I haven't seen you...for ages." He continued.

Is he Hayakudo's father?

"Uh, does your son has a bracelet?" I asked. I must confirm it.

He dropped his hand onto his knees as he slowly cried. He held his chest where his heart was located and looked at me.

"My...bracelet...I remembered. I...gave it to Hayari...when I told him...about my illness. He was...crying...the last time...I saw him." He said between sobs.

I quickly grabbed the bracelet from my pocket and handed it over to him. The bracelet has a tiny heart-shaped locket which was made with gems. The moment when the sun hit the locket, it shined through the man's face. He happily received the bracelet and hugged it.

"Thank you...stranger...for handing it over...back to me." He said. I looked at him for a while. I've never felt anyone thanking me this wholeheartedly, aside from Kanae-san. He must really loved that bracelet so much that he gave it to Hayakudo, maybe to remind him of this man.

I will bring this man to a doctor until he gets healed. I wish he could survive. He looks thin and weak. I don't really think he could survive, but it would be best to at least treat him with medicine.

I nodded at him and carefully carried him towards the village. I asked him where a doctor could be found and he told me to go further. I asked few more people as I was greeted by a man.

"Hello, I'm Katsuba Rashi. I'm the village doctor. Can I help you?" He said. He voice sounds nice and gentle. Maybe I could trust him to take care of this man for a while.

"This man has illness. I don't know what it is but I want you to treat him for me. I will pay you in advance until I arrived back." I said.

Rashi looked seriously at me as we entered his house. There were few people inside and a lot of tools and equipments for treatments. I followed Rashi to the second floor of the house. He opened a door then pointed to the bed signalling me to lay him down.

I did as I was told then laid the man on the bed. I had a talk with Rashi as I also paid him. It was expensive and good thing I brought enough money from my daily allowance and from my savings. Hayakudo or Hayari's father's name was Hayoro Risuku according to the record. Hayoro's illness was Tuberculosis, I don't know what that is but I hope he'll get better.

I said goodbye to both Hayoro and Dr. Rashi as I went back to the wisteria house.

It was already evening when I arrived. I knew Kanae-san would be angry if I don't arrive early so I sneakily went inside the house.

"Hello, Tsuyoi-kun!" I jumped when I heard Kanae calling my name from behind.

Oh no, I'm doomed.

I'm really scared whenever I made someone angry. Especially these butterfly siblings. They're both so terrifying. Even if I don't really have proper communication with them, I could still feel that I did something that displeases them.

"So, it is already evening. How was your stroll, Tsuyoi-kun~?" Kanae asked.

I didn't looked at her and kept my back on her front. If I ever turn back, I'll see the darkness of her face and her bulges.

"Um, it was quite relaxing, Kanae-san. Thanks for asking, maybe I should take a bathe for now, bye!" I said. I quickly ran inside but I was grabbed by the back.

"Ara-ara, it's disrespectful to leave without my permission~." She said.

I tensed when she slowly gripped my right ear.

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Kanae-san! It hurts!" I whined while trying to remove her hand from my ear.

"That's what you get for being disrespectful, Tsuyoi-kun~. Next time, don't do that again, okay?" She said as I nodded quickly.

I smiled internally, superiors mostly do this small punishment to discipline who's lower than them. But I felt not much of a pain when a gentle and delicate person does this to me. Even though they're practically strong when forced. Kanae-san was no exception.

She must've read my mind and slowly gripping my ear more tightly. Okay, I should stop thinking now. My stomach is growling. I need fruits.

Tsuyoi is vegan.

After quite sometime, I managed to cool down Kanae-san and let go of my ear. I could feel the numbness from the tight grip she just given me. That was a lot of force compelled.

Suddenly, we hear footsteps coming from the corridor. It was Shinobu.

"Oi, what're you still doing here? Eat your dinner or else we'll beat you up." She said.

I nodded and thanked the Kochou sisters as we went inside to eat. It was just any other ordinary meal. All of us were practically vegetarian.

...

It has been weeks and my wounds are finally healed. Sadly, the Kochou sisters had to depart to partake their missions, in order to increase their strength and title. I did have to as well, but the bonds that I had with these gorgeous ladies will now last until this day. I hope we'll all meet again someday.

"Caww! Tsuyuri, Tsuyoi! Next mission! Tokyo! Caww!" Orowakuna, my crow, said as he landed on my shoulder.

He didn't land on my head anymore, since I got a small injury. My crow is really caring.

I nodded and looked for them. They were saying thanks and goodbyes to the servants who helped us during our recovery. As the servants also gladly said welcome and farewells.

After a few moments, we finally left the house. We talked to each other for the last time as I started to leave towards the opposite direction.

I shall proceed to my next mission, but first, let me check up on Hayoro.

I thought and went to the same village I went earlier. I entered Dr. Katsuba's house and went straight to Hayoro's room, opening the door slowly. Seeing Rashi and  Hayoro getting along, both talking about their lives and other topics. Being a teen I am, I didn't quite understand their conversation, but they felt my existing presence as they both stopped talking and looked at me.

Hayoro looked better since the day I met him. It seems that Dr. Katsuba is indeed a trustful person and that I could rely on him in taking care of Hayoro.

I smiled at them as I completely entered the room. They smiled back at me and greeted me wholeheartedly.

"Long time no see, young man. How are you?" Dr. Katsuba asked calmly.

"I'm doing pretty good, doctor. Thank you very much." I replied.

"Tsuyoi-kun, thank you for saving me. It means a lot and I made new friends. Thank you." Hayoro said which made me happy even more.

"It's a great pleasure to help someone, sir. Also, thank you for the things you did for my sake, even though they're little. But they helped me a lot, thank you once again." I said.

"Tsuyoi-kun, can you tell us what made you visit?" Dr. Katsuba asked.

Oh right. I was going to say goodbye to them.

"Yes. So, I just wanted to say that I'll be away for my next mission, and this will be a farewell visit." I said.

"We are hoping for you to have a good condition during your battles. We are also hope that luck will help you. Thank you for continuing in serving people for humanity. I wish that your organization will get enough praise in exchange for your effort and hardwork." Hayoro said. I bowed down and nodded.

"Tsuyoi-kun, farewell. We're hoping to see you again very soon. Goodluck with your battles." Dr. Katsuba said and patted my head as he smiled.

"I'll be sure to return whenever I have time. Thank you for everything you've done for me. I also wish luck for ya'll. Farewell!" I said one last time and waved. They both said farewell as well and waved their hands.

I turned to face my front and headed out to my next destination for my next mission.

Now starts for a new mission! I hope to see sensei once again. I wonder when that chance would be. But I'll continue to serve people and do what is right! I'll see you soon, sensei!

I smiled and proceeded to go my next mission.