(Continuing)
"N-No way, i-it can't be," Akishima stammered in shock, toothbrush still in his mouth as he stared at the standpipe.
Hisashi, also in disbelief, stood frozen with his toothbrush in hand.
"Yu-Yuji!" Both Akishima and Hisashi's minds raced, their eyes locking in unspoken agreement.
Simultaneously, they sidestepped away from each other, positioning themselves on either side of the imposing figure.
"Hey! Just who are you?" Akishima demanded with a tense tone, cautiously turning around.
Hisashi mirrored his actions, his voice wary, "Yeah, what he said. Who are you?"
"Are you Yu-" Both Akishima and Hisash paused in shock, their eyes widened as they finally took in the appearance of the man before them.
"A skinny old man?" Hisashi blurted out, his confusion evident.
"Hold on, who are you? And did you see anyone suspicious around? We were sure Yuji or someone like him was here," Akishima interrogated the old man, his guard still up.
"Now, that's not a great way to greet someone is it?" The old MSN rhetorically asked.
"Let's all calm down and discuss this rationally, there's no need for hostility," the old man advised, stroking his long white beard.
Hisashi agreed, "Yeah, I guess we can hear him out."
"I'll start by saying that the person you call Yuji was not here, I was the one to greet you," the old man clarified.
Akishima remained sceptical, "Really? Then what was that ominous presence we felt a while ago?"
The old man sighed, "That, that was my Manki."
"Man...ki?" Both Akishima and Hisashi exchanged puzzled glances, their heads tilting in unison.
"Yes, Manki," the old man confirmed. "But this is not something you two should concern yourselves with at your current level." He told the boys.
"Huh? What'd you mean by 'current level'?" Hisashi inquired, his confusion growing.
"Oh, I almost forgot, I should introduce myself," the old man mused.
"My name is Matsumoto, a Martial God. The pleasure is mine."
This old man has a thin frame, he's very tall and has a long white beard with a white moustache. He's wearing clothing oddly similar to monks, and has a old walking stick that seemed to be taken right from a tree.
.....
Somewhere northeast of this massive junkyard stands a formidable wall crafted from an amalgamation of planks, metals, and various sturdy materials scavenged from the piles of discarded garbage.
Flanking this barrier are two watchtowers, stationed on opposite sides, while multiple small outposts dot its perimeter.
A wider perspective reveals that this formidable wall encircles what appears to be a palace of sorts, constructed entirely from junk. This impressive structure goes by the name of the Gomi Palace.
Dominating the palace's highest floor, at its epicenter, is a grand throne.
Seated upon this throne of power is none other than the Palace's Sovereign, known far and wide as, The Beast, Yuji. An individual often said to embody cruelty, malice, and malevolence In their purest form.
"Your Highness, I humbly apologize for this intrusion, but I bring grave tidings," the kneeling man's voice quivered with nervousness.
"Speak," the ruler replied with a deep voice, his gaze fixed upon the supplicant.
"Scouts have made an intriguing discovery," the man began cautiously.
"To the southwest of Garton, near one of the standpipes, Akishima, Hisashi, and an old man named Matsumoto were found engaged in conversation." The kneeling man nervously said.
"Huh? Did you just say 'Matsumoto'?" The sovereign inquired with a hint of doubt and shock.
"Yes, sire." The kneeling man replied.
A faint smile curled upon the monarch's lips as he mused, "Ah… How interesting."
"Indeed, Your Highness. Such is the report," the messenger confirmed with a respectful nod.
"You may depart now," the ruler decreed.
"Huh? But, Your Highness, do you have any orders for us? How shall we respond?" the messenger inquired with a mix of curiosity and unease.
"My order to you was to withdraw, was it not?" The ruler's response held a note of impatience.
"Y-Yes Your Highness. My apologies," the messenger stammered, hastening to make his exit.
"Also, convey this information to The Ranks," the ruler added as the messenger began to leave.
"Of course, Your Highness," the messenger acknowledged before leaving the presence of the throne.
"It seems they've finally come for me." The sovereign mused. "I guess it's true then... God's Child has really been born." He continued. "However, there's something you don't know or would've even expected Matsumoto..."
.....
"Uh? Martial…God?" Both Akishima and Hisashi tilt their heads in confusion.
"What's a Martial God?" Akishima inquired.
"Is it some kind of food?" Hisashi's question mirrored his intrigue.
"Food? Seriously? Does that sound like food to you?" Akishima's response was tinged with irritation.
"Hey, come on, cut me some slack. It's my first time hearing about this sort of thing," Hisashi retorted with his usual jovial demeanor.
"Hm... You boys seem to be very close." Matsumoto interjected.
"Oh, well of course we are. We're the only ones still alive on this junkyard besides Yuji's forces." Hisashi stated.
"Ah, I see, and just how long have you boys been on this island?" Matsumoto inquired, his curiosity about the boys growing.
"Well, for as long as we could-wait did you just say 'island'?" Akishima inquired wanting to clarify Matsumoto words.
"What do you mean by island? Aren't we somewhere in Asia?" Hisashi now questioned, also confused by Matsumoto's words.
"Hm, what do boys mean? Your saying you didn't know that your on an island?" Matsumoto was confused.
"Let me ask you boys again... just how long have you been on this island?" Matsumoto questioned, however, this time his tone carried seriousness.
"...For as long as we could remember..." Akishima answered.
"Huh?" Matsumoto's confusion growed, his previous calm demeanor vanished.
"What do you mean 'for as long you could remember'? Don't you know what Garton is? Don't you know what this junkyard is?"
.....
At the Gomi Palace. "...You would've never expected to find talents on the level as God's Child." The sovereign slowly grinned as he thinks.
"Especially that one... that boy... my former slave... Akishima."
(To Be Continued)