SAI SHINU
After Namae had finished introducing everyone, Taro clapped his hands lightly and said, "Alright, let's get you all settled. I'll show you to your rooms."
We followed him through the village streets, the sun dipping lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestones. Even after everything, the village felt alive — quiet, but alive.
Taro led the way with ease, pointing out landmarks as we passed. "That's the marketplace. The inn is just past it, and over there," he gestured toward a small cluster of houses, "are the guest rooms for you and your companions."
He moved like he owned every step of the village, though there was no arrogance in it. Only familiarity. Namae and the kid followed closely behind, while Yosuke and I kept our eyes on him, trying to gauge how much we could trust this calm energy.
When we reached the cluster of houses, Taro opened the door to one of them and gestured inside. "This will be yours. The rooms are simple but comfortable. There's food stored and water for washing. Make yourselves at home."
The room was modest, yet clean and inviting. I dropped my bag by the bed and let out a long sigh, feeling the weight of the last few days pressing against me. Taro leaned against the doorframe, watching.
"Everything okay?" he asked casually.
I nodded slowly. "Yeah… just trying to process everything."
Taro smiled knowingly. "Take your time. You've been through hell. Rest, regroup, and tomorrow we'll figure out the next steps."
For the first time in days, I felt the edges of my tension soften. Seeing Taro, hearing his calm voice, and having this small, steady place to rest — it reminded me that even after blood, battles, and loss, we could still find moments of peace.
I looked at Taro and said, "There is one person I need to see right now."
Taro gave a knowing nod. "Yes, I know. But it's still a bit early in the morning. She'll be sleeping. Don't worry — in an hour, she'll be awake."
I thanked him and closed the door behind me. It had been a long while since I had a room to myself. Quiet. Private. The kind of silence that lets your thoughts breathe.
The hour passed faster than I expected. I busied myself, arranging the few belongings I had, double-checking the weapons I never truly set aside, and staring out the window at the awakening village. Just as the sun climbed higher, there was a soft knock on the door.
I stood and opened it to see Namae, her expression hesitant but warm.
"What happened?" I asked.
She stepped in, closing the door behind her. "The kid is still sleeping, so I thought I'd come see you first."
I gestured toward a chair. "Come in."
She took a seat, and I studied her for a moment. Her eyes, still a little wide with wonder at the new surroundings, held a mixture of caution and curiosity. I broke the silence. "How are you feeling?"
Her voice was quiet, almost uncertain. "I… don't know. A bit happy and weird. I've never left my home village all the years I've lived. And you? How are you feeling?"
I couldn't help it. A smile stretched across my face — wide, ridiculous, almost majestic. "Happy. I haven't met anyone aside from Yosuke in three years. Yet… I still have someone I wanted to see."
Namae's lips curved into a soft smile. "Well… if you're happy, that's more than enough reason for me to be happy too."
I felt the weight of the past three years — the battles, the losses, the endless loneliness — press against me for a moment. And then it lifted slightly, because here she was. Alive. Smiling. And in that smile, I found a small fragment of the peace I hadn't felt in years.
I took a slow breath and said, "It's been a long time, Namae. And yet… somehow, being here with you makes it feel like some of it was worth it."
Her gaze softened, and for a brief, fleeting moment, nothing else existed but the quiet room, the sunlight spilling over the floor, and the sense that we were — at least for now — safe.