" Far to the west, near the boundary between demons and humans, lies the village of Ranji."
Outside the wooden office, the distant sound of hammers and children's laughter echoed through the crisp morning air.
Rafiki sat behind a desk, sorting through the community's endless paperwork, his brows slightly furrowed in quiet focus.
"Master Rafiki, a letter just arrived-from the mayor of Rasgail," a subordinate reported, slightly out of breath.
Despite being only 26, Rafiki carried Ranji's burdens like a seasoned elder.
Puzzled, he looked at the subordinate, then slowly removed his glasses, turning to gaze out the window, lost in thought.
"I met him recently, so why is he inviting me again? Did something happen?" he wondered to himself.
He turned back to the subordinate and said calmly,
"Prepare for my departure tomorrow."
"Yes, Master!" the subordinate replied, his voice ringing with urgency.
Outside, the soft sound of hurried footsteps and clinking armor echoed through the village streets as guards and staff began preparing for the journey ahead.
That evening,
Rafiki stepped out of his office and made his way to his private chamber.
He sat down before a faded, timeworn photograph resting on the small wooden shelf. The image had blurred with age, the details of the woman in it nearly lost-but Rafiki's eyes locked onto it with a mix of sadness and guilt.
"I'm leaving for town tomorrow," he whispered. "The mayor sent an invitation... I just wish you were here to send me off with that smile of yours. Just like the old days... Hina."
As he sat in silence, lost in the ache of memory, a lone yet beautiful comet streaked across the night sky.
The full moon bathed the world in silver light, and a gentle breeze stirred the air, brushing against him like a whisper.
It was as if Hina had heard his wish... and answered, in her quiet way.
That night, Rafiki had fallen asleep gazing at her photograph. Now, as sunlight broke over the mansion, the day of his departure had arrived.
The following morning
Outside the mansion, villagers and soldiers stood gathered, the morning sun casting long shadows over the stone path.
Rafiki stepped out dressed in a simple yet dignified robe-neither lavish nor plain. It carried a quiet nobility, the kind that belonged to no class, only character.
As he descended the steps, the crowd stirred. Heads bowed. Soldiers placed a hand to their chest-not by command, but by choice.
They didn't kneel out of duty. They bowed out of respect-for the man who stood not above them, but beside them.
Rafiki raised a hand gently. "Please... there's no need for that."
The crowd smiled. A few nodded quietly. And Rafiki walked toward the waiting carriage, the journey to Rasgail ahead of him.
The journey to Rasgail took three long days, winding through forests and valleys beneath shifting skies. By the time Rafiki and his escort arrived at the mayor's mansion, the sun was already slipping below the horizon..., bathing the estate in a soft amber glow.
A small ceremonial welcome awaited him-soldiers standing in formation, attendants lined up with lanterns in hand, and the mansion gates open wide in respect.
The carriage came to a gentle halt before the grand mansion, where guards stood in polished formation and lanterns glowed softly along the walkway.
As the carriage doors opened, Rafiki stepped down to find Ishita and Kubota already standing outside the mansion, waiting to greet him with warm smiles and open arms.
After entering the mansion, they exchanged greetings and small gifts. Rafiki was shown to his guest room, where he freshened up and rested for the night.
The following morning,
As Rafiki walked down the marble hallway toward the mayor's office, a familiar voice echoed behind him.
"Morning," said Ishita.
Rafiki slowed, then turned to glance over his shoulder.
"You still take forever to respond, huh?" Ishita teased, catching up with him.
Rafiki gave a short chuckle. "Morning, Ishita. Cheerful as always?"
"Well, well... look who's talking about cheerfulness," Ishita said, grinning as they walked side by side.
Rafiki raised a brow, slightly grumpy. "What's so surprising about that?"
Ishita smirked. "You usually walk around looking like a ghost. Of course, it surprises me."
Rafiki sighed. "Well... can't be helped."
Ishita's smile faded a little. "Yeah..."
He glanced at Rafiki ahead of him, eyes softening.
"After what happened back then... It's no wonder he changed. He lost everything. I wonder if he'll ever be the same again..."
Lost in thought, Ishita didn't notice Rafiki watching him.
"You heading to the mayor's office too?" Rafiki asked. "Wait... You look like something's bothering you."
Ishita blinked, then forced a bright grin. "Yeah, don't worry about it. Let's go."
At the mayor's office, a soft knock echoed through the door.
"Who's there?" Mayor Kubota called from inside.
"It's us-Rafiki and Ishita," Rafiki replied.
"Ah, perfect timing. I just finished today's paperwork. Come in," Kubota said, his voice sounding relaxed.
The door creaked open as Rafiki stepped in. "That's good to hear, Kubota-san."
Ishita followed behind, flashing a grin. "Good for you, Kubota-san. Thanks for all your hard work."
Rafiki's expression shifted as he took a seat. "I came to know why you summoned me so suddenly."
"Ah yes, that matters," Kubota said, leaning back in his chair. "Actually... it'd be better if Ishita explains it. He's more familiar with the situation. Would you mind, Ishita?"
Ishita gave a small nod. "Of course. I can explain."
-
Ishita began explaining everything to Rafiki-the strange circumstances, the child with no core, and the rumors that had begun to spread.
As he listened, Rafiki's gaze sharpened.
"I want to see this child," he said quietly