The wood was carved with kanji, reading: Sun Sea Ship Ticket. The letters were neatly carved, but the marks of a carving knife still remained on the edges. The sunlight reflected off the carvings, making the words glisten against Captain Midorikawa's shadow, which partially obscured the wood.
The faint scent of pinewood mingled with the salty smell of the sea that clung to his skin, blending with the fishy scent of a pile of wet fishing nets in the corner of the pier. In the distance, the sound of anchor chains clanking softly added a rhythm to the harbor that never truly sleeps.
"Here's your ticket. Show this to the crew tomorrow, and you can board immediately," Midorikawa said, handing the wooden ticket to Aoki, his voice dropping an octave, as if the words were more like a vow than a directive.
Aoki accepted the wooden ticket with both hands, his slightly sweaty palms feeling the cool wood against his skin. Aoki bowed slightly in respect, his eyes fixed on Midorikawa, trying to read what lurked behind the old man's wrinkles and faint smile.
"Yes, sir. Then we'll take our leave. See you tomorrow." Aoki's voice was steady, though there was a slight tremor at the end of the word tomorrow—sea voyages always carry unspoken stakes.
Aoki took a step back, his shoulders tensing for a moment as if still considering the Captain's words. Then he turned and walked toward Mei, Tetsu, and Ajisai, who were waiting at the edge of the pier, lined up like three little birds braving the cold sea breeze.
The sea breeze caressed Mei's loose hair, causing a few strands to cling to her cheeks. A few strands lifted, dancing around her ears, framing her pale face, but her eyes remained intently fixed on Aoki, waiting for good news.
"Here's your ticket. Keep it, don't lose it," Aoki said, handing the wooden ticket to Mei. Aoki's fingers trembled slightly, perhaps from the wind, perhaps from the nervousness of entrusting such a small object to someone who carried their pride and safety.
Mei took it carefully, her fingers briefly touching the cool wood, feeling the rough grain graze her delicate skin, before tucking it under her shirt, feeling the cool edge against her sternum.
"Thank you, Aoki," Mei said softly, as if she were holding back a smile. The corners of her lips now lifted slightly, her eyes blinking twice, as if holding back something that shouldn't spill out in this bustling harbor.
Aoki patted Mei lightly on the shoulder. The brief touch felt like a shield between them, holding back the cold, holding back anxiety.
"Come on, let's find a place to stay. It's cold at night in the harbor like this and it could make your teeth fall out." At that, Aoki let out a short laugh, expelling the remaining tension in the salty breeze.
They began to walk away from the dock, where Captain Midorikawa's ship rocked gently, creaking softly, like a sea creature waking in the early morning. The mooring ropes squeaked, restraining the ship's hull, which occasionally bumped against the wooden anchorages.
The sound of waves gently lapping against the wooden anchorages, combined with the clanking of the anchor, created a familiar rhythm to the sailors' ears. The still-chill sea breeze bit his skin, seeping into his bones, making Aoki occasionally tug at his shirt collar.
The sun's rays creeping over the eastern horizon reflected off the water's surface, creating a golden path rippled by the small boats sailing away.
The light illuminated the path to the port village, which was slowly beginning to stir, thin smoke rising from the stoves of the stalls, carrying the faint aroma of grilled fish and salty broth to Aoki's nostrils.
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[Announcement: A New Novel Has Been Added!
The Puppet Maker in the World of Naruto
A man who is a scientist, researcher, and expert mechanic in robotics dies in a massive explosion that occurs in his laboratory while developing an advanced robot project. However, instead of experiencing death as he thought, the man awakens in another world—a strange place with vast stretches of desert.
There, the man is surrounded by people who can jump high, calling themselves ninjas. The confusion he initially felt grows as he realizes that this world is not unfamiliar to him. This is the world of Naruto! However, there is one thing that surprises him.
"Isn't this Sunagakure? Why am I not in Konoha? This poorest village... Oh my God, this is serious!"
Now, in the midst of a new life filled with danger and uncertainty, the scientist must find a way to survive in Sunagakure, a harsh place full of limitations. With his robotic knowledge, can the man change his fate in this ninja world, or will he fall along with the village?]
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