Drip.
A specific notification sound rang out—the one he'd set for his "Grandfather."
"Tsk. I just cross the border and a text arrives. I'm definitely being watched," Alistair sighed. He didn't check it yet. He wanted to settle in first.
"This is the place?" Alistair looked at the long, traditional perimeter wall and the sign that read 'Takai Hot Spring Resort.'
"Yeah. Takai renovated the place. He markets it as a 'family-style' traditional stay. Let's head in. It's the off-season, so there should be plenty of room," his uncle said, reaching for the gate.
Creak—
The gate swung open before they could knock. Standing there was a tall, rugged man with slightly long hair and a bit of stubble. He was wearing a traditional yukata, looking more like a guest than a host.
"Nakamura? Great timing. I heard the car pull up," the man grinned.
"Your instincts are as sharp as ever, Takai," Alistair's uncle laughed.
Takai? So this is my Uncle Takai? Alistair studied the man. He had a bit of a "wild" vibe to him, standing nearly 6'1"—significantly taller than Uncle Nakamura.
"And this must be little Alistair! It's been, what, five or six years? Remember me?" Takai turned his attention to Alistair, noting the boy's impressive height and lean, athletic build.
"To be honest, it's a bit blurry," Alistair admitted.
"Fair enough. I was working away from home a lot back then. I'm Takai Naruji. You can call me Uncle Takai or just Uncle," he said with a friendly nod.
Takai Naruji? Wait, like the legendary stunt actor? Alistair blinked, then shook the thought away. "Good to see you, Uncle."
"You're here for your grandfather's 'item,' right? He told me all about it. The second floor is strictly for family. Your old room has been kept exactly as it was."
They walked through the gate, past a manicured lawn with stepping stones, and into a massive wooden manor. The interior was a blend of rustic charm and high-end ryokan aesthetics.
"Eight guest rooms on the first floor," Takai explained. "The ones on the left are 'VIP suites' with private open-air baths. The ones on the right are standard. Guests use the large communal bath in the back. The stairs at the end of the hall lead to our private quarters."
"What's that desk in the center for?" Alistair asked, pointing to a polished wooden counter.
"That's for Chitose to play receptionist when she's bored or when we're busy during the holidays."
"Chitose? Your wife?"
"My daughter," Takai corrected. "She goes to the local high school. It's a 'prestige' academy now—pretty much the same level as the private schools in the city."
"A prestige academy in the middle of nowhere?" Alistair was skeptical.
"The local families crowdfunded to hire top-tier teachers," Takai explained with a proud smile. "We want our kids to have a real shot at the elite universities."
They headed up to the second floor. It mirrored the first but with fewer, larger rooms. There was a private lounge where Takai mentioned Chitose often had sleepovers with her friends. Aside from Takai's master suite and Chitose's room, Alistair's room sat at the end of the hall.
Alistair walked in and froze.
"Uncle said this room hasn't been touched since I left... but why does it look exactly like my room from my previous life?!"