The storm had passed, but its mark lingered across Minato. Broken crates washed up along the shore. Ropes dangled loose from battered poles, and fishing boats tilted awkwardly on the sand. The sea was calm again, almost as if mocking the chaos it had unleashed the night before.
Kenji stood by the shore, tightening the patched rope of his net. His arms still ached from hauling Sora and their catch through the squall, yet there was relief in every breath he took.
Sora sat cross-legged beside him, cradling a crab in his palms. "Papa Kenji… we almost lost everything."
Kenji knelt, resting a hand on the boy's head. "But we didn't. We came back stronger, and we kept our promise to the sea."
Sora tilted his head. "What promise?"
Kenji smiled faintly. "That we'll never take more than we need. That we'll respect what she gives us."
Rumors and Resolve
By noon, the market was buzzing—not just with sales but with stories. Word spread quickly: Kenji and the boy had braved the storm, survived sabotage, and still returned with a catch.
Some villagers whispered in awe. Others frowned in suspicion.
Hanae the innkeeper shook her head as Kenji passed. "That storm should have swallowed you whole. Either the sea has blessed you… or cursed you."
Kenji gave a weary smile. "I'll take the blessing, if it means Sora eats tonight."
Behind him, he could hear Riku muttering to his crew, voice thick with bitterness. "They should've drowned. That boy's cursed, mark my words. The sea doesn't favor beggars."
Sora heard too, his little fists tightening. But he kept silent, remembering Kenji's lesson—the sea rewards patience.
The Net Mender
Later, Daichi the net maker waved Kenji over. "Heard you lost half a rope last night."
Kenji held up the frayed end. "A clean cut. Not the storm's doing."
Daichi spat into the sand. "Riku's hand in it, then. Thought as much." He rummaged through his shop and produced a sturdier rope. "Take this. No charge. Can't have honest men punished by cowards."
Kenji bowed deeply, humbled. "Thank you, Daichi. I'll repay you."
The old man grunted. "Just keep fishing. Show the village it's effort that fills the nets, not curses or miracles."
Sora beamed. "We'll show them, Papa Kenji!"
Another Day's Catch
With their repaired net, Kenji and Sora returned to the sea. The waters were calmer than ever, as if offering an apology. This time, when they cast the net, it came up heavy with sardines—hundreds of them, flashing silver in the sun.
Sora squealed, hopping in circles. "Papa Kenji! Look at them all! We'll eat fish for a month!"
Kenji laughed, though his muscles strained as he hauled the net ashore. "Or sell them and eat bread and stew for a week. Let's not forget copper is food too."
Market Success
At the market, sardines sold fast. Housewives filled baskets, and innkeepers bought by the dozens. Hanae even winked as she handed over her coins.
"Storm can't stop you, hm? I'll make grilled sardines tonight. You and Sora eat free."
Kenji nodded gratefully. "We'll be there."
📜 Kenji's Earnings (Updated)
Previous balance: 124 copper
Day 11 sales: +40 copper
= 164 copper total
Sora's eyes sparkled as Kenji tucked the coins away. "Papa Kenji… we're really saving for that boat, aren't we?"
Kenji smiled. "One step at a time, Sora. One coin at a time."
Nightfall Promises
That night, as the fire crackled outside Hanae's inn, Sora leaned against Kenji's side, belly full from grilled fish.
"Papa Kenji," he murmured sleepily, "if the sea really is blessing me… do you think I can protect us when it's angry again?"
Kenji kissed the boy's forehead. "You already did, Sora. You gave me strength when I was ready to fall. That's what it means to be blessed."
The boy drifted off, his hand clutching Kenji's sleeve. Kenji gazed into the fire, determination hardening in his chest.
The sea was vast, the village wary, and rivals dangerous—but with Sora beside him, Kenji knew he could weather any storm.