When I finally found Hiroshi's store, I decided to walk in. I saw that he was at the counter polishing some type of gun. He was just standing there with his eyes closed and slowly sipping his cigar. His attitude was just like this morning, Cold and serious.
On the other hand, his shop was much different from his aura. The atmosphere it had was like an old-time medical store, but it felt nice and warm. There were many guns on the shelves, very much cleaned and polished like hundred times before. Some powder, smaller versions of some guns, extra hilts, and installable parts.
It was maybe the most detailed gun shop I have ever come across, being the first one that I saw.
But just as I was about to wander around it with curiosity, Hiroshi realized me looking at his shop in a goofy way, and decided to talk to me.
"How can I help you, partner?"
His way of talking was very working toward an attitude. His voice felt like it had deep anger in it, however, he was very calm while talking. It was like he didn't intend on doing something, but he was ready for it.
So straight to the point, I didn't want to waste his time,
"I saw your movements with the gun today. And thought it was pretty smart and effective. You have to practice many many times before you can get that one on spot."
"Practicing many times before is a phrase that I'm not familiar with anymore. To gain something that I want, I don't calculate my aim or count shots, I focus on the current one and shoot right at it."
He then lifted his head and added,
"Why are you here anyway, Kid? I don't usually chit-chat with kids and I don't say I like doing it either."
"I think that what you have done there is pretty respectable. Helping someone is not always someone's intention. And doing it with such efficiency is something that I admire. At least that is what I have learned from some people I know."
"You've seen my moves, huh? Very few people usually see the moment I pull the trigger. So I got caught?"
Then he looked me dead in the eye and added once more,
"I remember you. You're the one who saved that woman. Just like, you have your own moves too, Kid. You were quick acter and weren't that bad. So, why are you here?"
And that moment finally came.
The first-ever moment that I felt that I have to make a choice. After training with Ronk for months, and everything that my uncle left me and taught me, this was the very first moment my journey could start. It was finally the moment I found a person that could have helped me.
Someone whom I can trust.
So I reached out my hand to Hiroshi, I tried my luck and said with a sure voice tone,
"My name is Ryuu, nice to meet you, uhh...."
Maybe I had heard his name before, but not knowing his surname would be offending, I thought to myself.
But Hiroshi smiled slightly. Took the cigar in his mouth, and shook my hand,
"Hiroshi, Hiroshi West. Nice to meet you, Kid."
And as he got back to talk, he asked,
"Now tell me what I can do for you, Kid?"
Just like before, straight to the point.
"I came here because I need your help."
"What kind of help, kid?"
He seemed confused at first. After all, I didn't have any explanations that I told him before, and we just met that day.
What was I going to say? How was I going to introduce myself? Was he going to kick me out, or find the words that I will say logical?
With no words, nor hesitation, I still asked,
"I have actually come to talk to you about something. Something that matters to me and leaving you without a thank and something unanswered would be bad."
"You are making it complicated, Kid. Just tell it."
He said with a little bit of anger in his voice. I guess it was annoying for him to be left out at work. And also, the situation was getting more nervous than it should have been. So I stood in front of him. Changed my expression into a more serious one, and told him.
"I'm forming a group."
"And what does that group stand for?"
The prejudice and pre-created thoughts that were currently wandering inside his head, were kinda visible to me at that moment. Through his eyes, I saw that he didn't look at this idea that close. At least, just like me at that moment.
But even though the idea was crazy, the process was going to be difficult too.
"This is a group that will stand against the Epics. Actually, towards all evil and bad people that live within it. I am forming and gathering many types of people because I am thinking that no man or woman nowadays has the willpower to stand against it anymore."
Then I added with a smile, "At least, I can say I'm trying."
"You are kidding right?"
Kidding? What does he mean by that?
I scratched my head and replied,
"No, I am not good at jokes."
*sigh*
"I just don't want to leave them out suffering, I just want to he-"
"Wait for a second, let's see if I understand you correctly."
He stopped for a moment, looked at me, and added,
"You need help, and instead of asking for help from someone more competent, you come to me. A shopkeeper that should have no business with you at the start."
"I'm not looking for their job, I'm looking for people that I can trust their personalities to."
Hiroshi getting less interested in the idea, rubbed his eyes.
"Kid, if you need help, you have to ask other people. I'm not a mercenary. And I'm not willing to work for money."
I couldn't give up at that moment.
"I know It is so quick to ask this but I really need your help, Hiroshi."
"Then let me ask you, why are you forming a group?"
"To fight against Epics. I have to form this group for the sake of people. There are so many people out there in danger, calling for help. You have to understand me, Hiroshi!"
"Are you out of your mind? You cant take down Epics just by forming a group. Kid, If you are not here to buy anything you have to go."
Apparently, there was nothing we could agree on. Hiroshi didn't intend to make any sense out of what I said, and I didn't have any sentences that could make it make more sense. So it was a lose-lose situation for both of us, and I had to leave his shop after the conversation.
No matter what I said from now on, he seemed unconvinced.
"I have to try later on."
But I had no intention of giving up.
"One more."
It was a must for me to accomplish something before I went on something so dangerous. Neither no experience nor somebody who could guide was there. So Hiroshi was my best chance at that moment and I felt like I could trust him.
At nightfall, I started looking for a restaurant and thought about the things I could do in the morning. I spent all my money on food that day, and I camped in the woods to sleep. After all, the countless pieces of training with Ronk taught me a lot and I was able to camp quickly.
So tomorrow, I went back to Hiroshi's store. On the way, I found myself thinking about how to convince him. About the things he could get along with, I was trying to figure out the words he would actually understand.
But to my surprise, all of my attention drained away after what I saw.
No one was around when I came in, and the shop was completely empty. So I started looking around and thought he could be out to buy some other sources of material.
Hiroshi had all kinds of guns in his store. On the walls, on the tables. From long-range to short-range, it was a store for all kinds of people. There were various weapons everywhere. And they were all carefully cleaned and placed. It looked like he spent a lot of time taking care of those.
And after a little wandering, I saw a picture of a family. A family portrait was standing on the counter and its glass was shining due to little sunshine entering through the old window.
The picture was an old one. A crowded family, sitting on a balcony laughing, maybe only smiling. But they seemed so happy just in a frame. I thought it could be some people that are valuable to him, He also seemed to have a very crowded family.
A big family, and a little boy in the middle.
It looked just like Hiroshi. Sitting right beside a middle-aged man, he was looking at his mother and holding a little box in his hand. It was probably the moment they celebrated his birthday. A moment most people couldn't forget and would like to frame.
But if he had a family like that, why was he here alone? In a store that would suck every drop of happiness from a person. Maybe it was just peaceful. Not fun, but calm.
And soon enough, I heard a sound,
"Not you again."
"Hello, Hiroshi. I was here to talk again."
I was nervous, but like I said I wasn't going to give away a chance like this.
"Why are you here again, Kid? You really didn't think I was going to change my mind in a single day, didn't you?"
"I was just wandering around, and thought I could pay a visit before saying goodbye."
*sigh* "Yeah, yeah. That is probably why."
"And since I was wandering enough, and caught up to the cool things in your store. I saw this thing."
I pointed to the frame, and asked him with an expression he wouldn't think of me as unserious.
"I wanted to ask who are the people in this picture? They seem like people that are very important to you. And you seemed very happy with them."
He looked at the picture, then me, knowing that this wasn't coming anywhere.
"And what is your point?"
"Were they your family? Or some people you couldn't give up that easily?"
I wanted at least to make him trust me on he can talk to me. Even on a matter of importance.
"Yes, they were. A long time ago."
But he said this with a very quiet voice. He seemed sad while he said that too.
"Sorry." I tried to shake it off and not make him much more disturbed.
"Don't mind Kid, I was thinking about putting that away anyways."
But unfortunately, at a very important moment like that, my stomach rumbled involuntarily. I felt very embarrassed and knew I couldn't continue the conversation any further.
So I tried my last luck trying to open up another conversation.
"I'm sorry, I spent all my money on food yesterday, and today was a little difficult."
And luckily, he grinned,
"Your actions reminded me of someone I loved."
He then looked at my face and said,
"I'll tell you what, Kid. I know a restaurant in town and it isn't that far away. I'll buy you dinner there, and you can tell me what's on your mind again. But this time much properly and in a way that I can understand."
"Thank you very much, Hiroshi. I will tell you everything."
I wasn't expecting him to be gentle towards my behavior, especially after yesterday.
But who knows, everything can happen at any moment.
Around a late time, it had been, we went to the place where Hiroshi was talking about, and we continued our talk there, while we ate a thing or two.
And after a long hour of conversation, Hiroshi lit his cigar at the end of dinner,
"Those things are such a hassle from the very start anyway. But I still find it dumb for you to just go out like this. Why are you so full of revenge at this young age? Why do you want to destroy the epics so much? It is something that will cost you a lot too."
"People suffer a lot because of Elites and Epics. Their villages, houses, places they call home, and everything along with the people they love and care, disappear with just an order. A single order that erases lives."
"I know they are some evil group that can't be stopped. But there must be some target you have in mind, don't you Kid? At least there must be something or someone triggering you to do this."
"All of them are, but especially people like Miron. Because of him, most of my bloodline was unnecessarily killed. They were slaughtered and left to perish like their history never existed. They were people just like me, normal people that wanted to live and do things. Some of them even accomplished great things and even helped people.
"Like Alpha Prime."
"Like Alpha Prime. Exactly. But there is much more to it."
As I leaned backward, I added,
"This a thing that couldn't be explained practically or in a way that is logical. After all, this is a thing that needs faith and belief to make it to reality. It is revenge for my bloodline."
"Revenge for your bloodline?"
"My own bloodline. Wolf Bloodline."
"Stop right there, Kid. You said Wolf bloodline left extinct years ago."
"Yes, they were left to die. Maybe in a much more horrific way."
"Then how the heck are you still alive?"
"Nobody explained to me before, but there are survivors like me that made it through. They gave all of their last chances and shots on something and luckily I was born and raised without a problem. But still, I have no clue about other ones that were left alone and don't know if they survived or not."
Hiroshi was, all the way drained with answers. After all the things I have told to him, he just sat back and processed things.
*sigh* "You have been through some messed up things, Kid. I'll understand about that. But even if you survived up until now, it's just only a matter of time before Miron comes after you. After all, he is a hunter, isn't he? He must be looking out for you in every kingdom. Every house or even every corner. Just to kill you or have an advantage over you. And since that guy doesn't serve anyone, as you said, we don't even know where he's coming from."
"..."
"You are taking a lot of risks at once. It is just too dangerous."
"But I have something he doesn't have."
I opened the little bag that I brought with me, before coming here, and showed him the map I had.
"It's not activated yet, and we have to open the seal first. But if we can do that, we will have an advantage over him, before he does it to us."
"This is a map, Kid. Not some type of gun."
"Yeah, maybe it's not a cool gun, but maybe we can have those if we use this."
"What do you mean?"
"This map shows the things we want. Things we can search for, that will help us on any matter that we need help with. So if we can use this properly, and activate it just in time, we will not be caught by people like Miron. And maybe even find things we can use against him."
"You have so many things to surprise me, kid."
We were talking, having a chat, and maybe even having fun, while I was surprising Hiroshi with everything I said. It was a long time before I had a warm conversation with somebody. And Hiroshi was very understanding too. It was just like a small dinner talk with Ronk or my Uncle.
Either way, it was fun.
But a fun thing interrupted halfway.
At that time, when I was trying to explain other things to Hiroshi, I saw a fat, big guy, bullying a female waiter with his men and harassing her badly. Right the opposite way from our table.
It was just disgusting to watch, and made me jump from my table to find myself walking towards them. Hiroshi tried to warn me or even stop me, but I was so frustrated, that I kept walking toward them.
Until I finally ended up behind them.
"Come on, you don't have to do this. You can just entertain us just a little bit, can't you?"
"That's enough. Let her go."
All of a sudden, the music stopped, and everyone started watching me quietly, while talking in a whisper. It was a frozen moment for my brain and body. I had only realized what I was doing at that moment and was involved with someone serious.
Even his men started to provoke him,
"This kid's done. Big JJ's gonna tear him apart."
But unfortunately, it wasn't a show for me.
Right across the point where we were standing, Hiroshi put his foot on the table and started watching us with a cigar in his mouth,
"This is going to be a very fun show."
Then the fat guy stopped messing with her and approached slowly towards me.
"You moron, who are you to interfere in big JJ's business? I'm somebody you don't want to mess with, you know?"
He was too big and tall for me. Creating his gigantic body, it was impossible for me to not take him seriously. But even though I was hormonally stimulated, I couldn't let him do such a thing like this. I had to let my fury go out of my body.
"The boy swallowed his tongue out of the fear Boss! I think it's best not to hit him! Haha!"
Almost everyone started laughing at my situation, and I was just standing in front of him quietly. Staring at him with a furious glance.
The fat man bowed and talked to me for the second time,
"What happened, kiddo, are you going to cry or run, come on!"
At that very moment, he mocked me and got closer to me, that's when I gathered all my strength on my arm and punched him rock hard in the stomach before he even finished his words.
"How did he!?" screamed were heard out as one.
The fat man flew up to the wall with the impact of the punch, and couldn't get up after he landed firmly. Everyone now was looking at me in amazement. Just like before they were mockingly laughing and rolling their eyes, now they hesitated to even look.
Even his men were preparing themselves to attack me.
And I could have easily defeated them, but as they were going to attack, Hiroshi quickly fired warning shots at them all. He fired all his bullets to scare them one by one, and stopped all of the action. Out of fear, they took their boss and left, leaving us to sit in peace.
So letting go of my leg, I sat back in my chair, and continued to talk,
"Thanks for the help, Hiroshi. I didn't want to make you help me again, but I'm happy that woman is safe now."
"No Kid, it is no problem. I'm the one who is sorry for the things I said to you. Reconsidering everything, I'm even in the mood to see your plan as a second chance."
"Really?"
"That is my idea for now. But in return for a favor of course."
"I'll happily help you if you would like to do it."
"Calm down, calm down. Let me tell you the thing first."
Putting out his cigar, he started telling a little story and ended it with a little information.
"....And I had one of my guns stolen. A weapon called "Exer". It was a weapon that was made out of very rare parts, that you couldn't find in normal stores. It's also one of the fastest weapons in the West, so I don't usually go after a gun this hard. But all I have left from my family is that gun, and I definitely need to get that back."
"Do you have a lead about where it is?"
"I searched for it everywhere for a long time, and I finally found out that it was in the hands of an elite soldier. But I couldn't get it back. I want you to help me get that gun back and in exchange, I'll decide on helping you out on the thing you want."
"Ok, I understand. And where does he keep the gun exactly?"
"On a base. A place that is filled with soldiers. And our big problem is, that he is always with a soldier when he is around. If I fight them all alone, it will take a long time, and I probably return without even taking it. Over time this problem would get bigger and they start setting traps for me. But if I have your support beside me, I can escape before other forces arrive."
"It is a thing that needs punches and kicks, huh? I can help you with that. But I don't understand why don't we try to do this secretly?"
"We can't. Like I said it'll take us a long time to find the gun, and we don't have time just to search for it."
"Why? Are they doing something to the gun?"
"I have received a rumor that the elite soldier will leave the city early tomorrow morning, and I do not know where he will go. If he leaves here, I will definitely lose track of him, since I don't have any device for myself to track him. He might even give the gun to other Elites, and there is a chance I might never get it. So that is why we are moving all of a sudden."
"Where is this elite soldier now, Hiroshi?
"He's staying with his men in a big mansion a little further from the city. If we attack now, we have to be very fast, we have to escape before backup arrives. Or they'll just kill us both."
Hiroshi was talking about it as he wanted to complete this with no mistake at all. He was determined. Focused. And maybe felt lost without his goal.
So just to help him, being my goal, I asked,
"If we can get this back, will you really fight against the Epics with me?"
Even though he rejected my offer, at least I was going to help him,
"If we take this back, I'll be with you until death, Kid. I was bored of living here anyway. At last, I am a man of my word."
He was very straight and deep with his words. I felt shocked when he said that and he was just sure just like before when he said that. I was happy. And blood was pumping with excitement.
Just like every time before.
"When are we going to do this?"
"I have to get a couple of guns and stuff from the store before I go there. I'll meet you there, Kid."
I went to the place Hiroshi said and waited for him. Half an hour later, Hiroshi came to me with two or three guns and a bag. We were now ready to take control and attack their place. I didn't know how Hiroshi planned out things, but it was my biggest chance to convince and help him on his case.
So, as we moved on, we made our way to the mansion. And when we arrived at our location, Hiroshi looked at me, and mumbled some words,
"I hope you are ready, Kid. Because after this shoot-out, our lives will get bumpy than before."
"I'm ready. I chose it to be bumpy, and have to do this if I don't stay in the middle of it."
It was going to be a lot of work to get through there. We didn't know the exact location of the gun. The location of the men he held there, nor the reinforcements they have prepared.
But in every means, we were going there.
So just then Hiroshi lighted a cigar, and replied,
"Good, let's get started."