Haruto returned home and pushed the wooden door open.
I'm home, he called out.
From the kitchen, a gentle but worried voice answered.
Haruto, his mother, Miyuki Kurosawa, said, "how many times have I told you not to go near the riverside? It's dangerous."
Haruto scratched his head awkwardly. Sorry, Mom…
She sighed, hands on her hips. You never listen. I really don't know what to do with this child.
Trying to change the topic, Haruto quickly asked,
Mom, where's Dad?
Miyuki narrowed her eyes slightly. "Every time I scold you, you do this."
She shook her head with a helpless smile.
"Your father is out. He'll be home soon."
"Go wash your hands and feet," she continued. "Then come eat dinner."
"Okay!" Haruto replied and hurried outside.
As he started running, Miyuki called after him, her voice filled with concern.
"Don't run! It's night already you could slip and get hurt. Hurry back, or the food will get cold!"
Haruto laughed lightly and waved his hand.
"I'll be quick!"
Under the quiet night sky, the warm light from their house flickered softly
They ate dinner together, the warm atmosphere filling the small house.
After finishing his meal, Katsuro Kurosawa,
Haruto's father, spoke calmly.
Tomorrow, I'm going to the forest to hunt some animals.
Then he turned his gaze toward Haruto and smiled faintly.
You should come with me tomorrow, Haruto.
Miyuki immediately looked up, her expression tense.
What? she said firmly. "That's dangerous. Haruto is still a child. Taking him into the forest is too risky."
Katsuro raised his hands gently, trying to reassure her.
Don't worry, honey. I understand your concern I worry about him too, he said seriously.
But tomorrow we're not going deep into the forest. We won't be hunting monsters, only small animals.
He continued, We'll stay near the edge and come back safely. I promise.
Miyuki stayed silent for a moment, then sighed softly.
If you say so… then I'll trust you, she said at last.
But you must watch over him carefully.
Katsuro nodded. Of course.
Haruto quietly listened to their conversation, his heart feeling strangely uneasy as if tomorrow wouldn't be just an ordinary day.
Early the next morning, Katsuro and Haruto prepared to leave for the forest.
Katsuro slung a worn leather bag over his shoulder, filled with hunting tools and supplies. Stepping outside the house, he reached for a long wooden spear leaning against the wall. At its tip was a carefully sharpened blade simple, but deadly enough for hunting.
He looked down at Haruto and smiled.
"Haruto, are you ready?"
Haruto nodded firmly. "Yes, Daddy."
From the doorway, Miyuki watched them with worry in her eyes. She crossed her arms and spoke gently but firmly.
"Haruto, be careful, okay? Don't wander off anywhere. Stay by your father's side at all times."
Haruto turned back and smiled. "Okay, Mommy. I'll stay with Dad."
Miyuki sighed softly. "Come back safely."
With that, father and son began walking along the side road leading out of the village.
Not far ahead, Mio and her mother were coming from the river, carrying buckets of water toward their home. Mio's eyes lit up the moment she spotted Haruto.
"Haruto!" she called out. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going hunting with my father," Haruto replied proudly.
Mio immediately puffed out her cheeks, clearly upset.
That's not fair! You get to go hunting and become stronger while I'm stuck doing nothing! she complained. I want to go too!"
She turned to her mother quickly. "Mom! I want to go with them!"
Her mother shook her head without hesitation.
No, Mio. It's too dangerous. You're still too young.
"I'm not a kid anymore!" Mio protested. "I'm stronger than Haruto! If he can go, then I can too!
I said no, her mother replied firmly. "When I say you can't, it means you can't."
Mio bit her lip and turned toward Katsuro, her eyes shining as she made a sad face.
"Uncle Katsuro… please help me. You know I'm strong, right?"
Katsuro chuckled softly and knelt slightly to her level.
That's true," he said warmly. "You're the strongest kid in this village. No one your age can defeat you.
Mio's face brightened until Katsuro continued.
But not today. You can't come.
Why? Mio asked, her voice small.
Your father is away for work, Katsuro explained. "And today, I'm leaving the village too. If you come with us, who will protect the village?"
Mio froze, thinking hard.
So today, Katsuro said gently, "you stay here and protect the village. Next time, I promise we'll go hunting together."
Mio clenched her fist proudly.
"Okay! I'll protect the village!" she declared.
"Next time, my father, Uncle Katsuro and Harutowe'll all go hunting together!"
Katsuro smiled and nodded, then continued walking with Haruto.
From behind them, Mio and her mother waved goodbye.
Bye! her mother called out.
Mio cupped her hands and shouted loudly,
Good luck, Haruto! Do your best on your first hunt!
Haruto turned back, smiling nervously as he waved.
Unaware of it, his first step toward the forest marked the beginning of a path that would soon change his fate forever.