Chapter 53: Mito's Tavern
The village on Whale Island wasn't large, and after wandering leisurely, Haze finished exploring it in less than half a day.
He stayed the night, during which the innkeeper recommended several local specialties and explained the island's layout.
Although the scenery and climate were pleasant, Whale Island wasn't a tourist destination there were no trams or buses, only motorcycles or long walks to get around.
Even a seasoned traveler like Haze was surprised to find such a place.
The main village sat at the foot of the mountain by the harbor. Though small, it had all basic public facilities. Most residents worked in fishing or carrying cargo, so there were many laborers. There were also boatmen and occasional travelers passing through.
This simple cycle of trade and work formed the foundation of the island's modest economy.
From the sea, Whale Island looked small, but in truth, it would take an average person two to three days to walk around its perimeter.
Apart from the main settlement, several smaller residential zones dotted the island, maintaining a clean and natural environment.
The next morning, Haze set off alone toward the mountainous heart of the island.
The mountains were lush and wild dense shrubs and towering trees filled the landscape. Haze almost felt as though he had returned to his days of harsh wilderness training. The air was crisp, and the forests teemed with wildlife of every size. Naturally, this also meant danger lurked nearby.
As he climbed, he could occasionally see the distant coastline through the gaps between trees.
Because of the island's proximity to the sea, its central area was dominated by dense jungles and numerous springs and streams.
In short, it was a pristine wilderness untouched and unspoiled.
This was also the "natural training ground" where Jin and Gon had grown up.
There wasn't anything particularly special about the place it was Jin and his son who were special.
Upon returning, Haze asked the innkeeper for a map, intending to visit Mito's Tavern.
At the mention of Mito, the innkeeper immediately pointed him toward a river inland, explaining that the walk would take at least half a day for the average traveler.
Though Whale Island wasn't large, Mito's Tavern was famous among the locals. After a day's work, laborers often gathered there to drink, eat, and unwind.
And then, of course, there was the infamous Jin Freecss the man who once caught the legendary King of the Swamp. Even after all these years, his feat was still the talk of the island.
Everyone here knew that family.
By the time Haze (Haze) found Mito's Tavern, night had already fallen.
The houses in this area were spread out, much like a rural hamlet. Some stood on slopes, others on flat land simple and peaceful, with as much as a hundred meters between homes.
It was dinnertime. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and the air was filled with the aroma of home-cooked meals.
Among the houses, one stood out a cozy building entwined with a massive tree. Haze recognized it instantly as Gon's home.
By coincidence, he arrived just in time to witness a rather heartwarming scene.
A small boy six years old, disheveled, with leaves in his hair stood at the door, bowing apologetically to an orange-haired woman: Mito.
"Little Gon, how many times have I told you to come back before sunset?"
"Aunt Mito…"
The boy looked embarrassed.
"Don't do it again."
Mito didn't sound too harsh. After all, a child his age was bound to be mischievous. Besides, the old woman had said before that the forest was like a "father" to Gon, who had grown up without one so there was no need to be too strict.
Still, every time she looked at him, she couldn't help but think he looks too much like Jin.
Having grown up as Jin's cousin, Mito didn't want the boy to follow in his footsteps. Yet as Gon grew, his resemblance to Jin became impossible to ignore.
"Excuse me… is this place open?"
A man's voice interrupted their conversation.
They turned to see a stranger wearing a white shirt, a jacket draped over his shoulders, and a faint, polite smile.
Mito blinked for a moment, then nodded. "Welcome."
Gon, standing nearby, also looked curiously at the man. He clearly wasn't from the island there was an unmistakable air of sophistication about him.
Mito opened the door for him, and Gon nodded politely.
As Haze passed by, he reached out and gently patted the boy's head. Gon's hair was rough and bristly beneath his hand.
Inside, the tavern was warmly lit and homey. A few regulars sat chatting and drinking. Seeing Gon enter, they smiled and teased:
"Hey, Gon late again!"
"Your Aunt Mito was worried sick about you!"
Gon scratched his head awkwardly and smiled, embarrassed by their teasing. He glanced at Haze, who had taken a seat at the bar, then went to wash his hands and get ready to eat.
That brief touch on his head had left Gon with a strange feeling this visitor gave off a peculiar "aura."
"Would you like to eat something? Or have a drink?"
At the bar sat two women the old grandmother of the Freecss family, and Mito herself, who addressed Haze.
"Brother, I recommend—"
The regulars eagerly chimed in, recommending Mito's cooking.
"I'm a little hungry," Haze said with a soft smile. "I'll take whatever you recommend and for drinks, surprise me."
He removed his sunglasses and glanced around. Besides food and drink, the place also sold small goods a mix of tavern and general store.
The first floor was clearly for business; the second floor was probably living quarters.
"For one person, one serving will be enough. The portions are quite large," Mito reminded him kindly.
Haze, dressed neatly and refined, clearly didn't look like an ordinary worker. His suit alone hinted at wealth.
"No problem," he said, smiling politely.
Mito nodded and went to prepare the food.
While she cooked, Haze struck up casual conversation with the other guests telling them he was a traveler, here to see the island. The locals were surprised; few tourists ever came here.
They thanked him warmly for appreciating their home.
As they talked, Haze's eyes wandered toward Gon, who sat quietly in a corner, eating from a tray careful not to disturb anyone.
He noticed the boy sneaking glances at him. Whenever their eyes met, Gon quickly looked away, embarrassed.
"Very perceptive…"
Haze's lips curved slightly.
He could tell this boy wasn't ordinary. That natural caution that awareness was something few children possessed.
He was different.
(End of Chapter)
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