Imai and Rei soared between the floating islands, with Uta being carried safely by Kuu, the yellow bird. Imai studied the landscape carefully, her eyes scanning for the safest destination.
"Let's head to that village," Imai said, pointing to a cluster of small homes nestled on one of the floating islands. "It looks like people are living there."
"Roger, Captain!" Rei shouted, descending quickly toward the village.
Kuu followed suit, diving gracefully and gently dropping Uta to the ground. The bird remained on edge, glancing nervously at Imai, who shot it warning glares, a silent reminder of what would happen if it stepped out of line.
The village had an ancient charm, its houses made of bricks, wood, and thatched roofs. The design was rustic, almost as if time had stopped here centuries ago.
"Captain, you said there were people here," Rei muttered, nudging Imai lightly with her elbow. "Where are they?"
"They probably went into hiding when we arrived," Imai replied, brushing Rei off. "They must think we're enemies."
"Then I'll make sure they know we're not!" Rei declared confidently. She cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, "Hey, everyone! We're not enemies! We just have some questions!"
Imai groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Rei… stop yelling."
To their surprise, an elderly woman stepped out of one of the houses. Her frail frame and weathered face reflected years of hardship.
"Quickly! Get inside!" she urged, beckoning them with frantic gestures.
The trio followed her into the modest home.
"Jeez, Grandma. Why the rush?" Rei asked, plopping onto a stool.
"I didn't see any enemies," Uta added, looking puzzled.
Imai leaned casually against the wall, her sharp gaze studying the old woman. Her eyes narrowed as she noticed something unusual—feathers adorned the backs of her arms.
"Am I mistaken, or are you part human and part bird?" Imai asked bluntly.
The old woman shook her head. "Not quite. All the people in this village are born with feathers on their arms. It's just how we are."
"That's so cool!" Rei muttered, her eyes sparkling. "Hey, can you fly with those?"
"Yah!" Uta poked Rei in the ribs, making her yelp. "Don't ask such silly questions!"
Imai ignored their antics and turned her attention back to the old woman. Her expression grew serious. "Are the people here short on food?"
The old woman hesitated, her frail hands trembling slightly as she tried to conceal her thin arms. "W-why do you ask?"
"You look malnourished," Imai said matter-of-factly, her piercing gaze unwavering. "Are there others in the village like you?"
The woman's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly looked away, as though ashamed. "It's because all the men and young maidens are summoned to the royal palace. Those of us left behind can't do much, so we just… manage as best we can."
"Summoned for labor, I assume?" Imai pressed.
"Yes," the old woman admitted, her voice tinged with sorrow. "If we resist, it's the end for all of us."
Hearing this, Rei's expression darkened. "Captain," she said, her tone uncharacteristically serious, "isn't Shiki the one coming after us?"
Imai nodded. "He's the one. For twenty years, he's been forcing people into labor and discarding them when they're no longer useful."
"Such cruelty," Uta murmured, her fists clenching. "We have to stop him."
"That's the spirit, Uta!" Rei exclaimed, springing to her feet. "Let's beat him up right now!"
Before Rei could rush out, Imai grabbed the back of her coat and forced her to sit down.
"Not yet," Imai said firmly. "We don't even know where he is."
"Did you say… Shiki is after you?" the old woman asked, her voice trembling with fear.
"Yes," Imai said. "But don't worry. He won't harm anyone here."
"Really?" The doubt in her tone was unmistakable.
"Of course!" Rei declared proudly. "We're the strongest crew in the world—even if there's just three of us!"
"That's right," Uta said with a warm smile. "We'll protect this village and take him down."
The old woman's eyes welled up with tears as she whispered, "Thank you."
Suddenly, Uta pointed to the window. "Look! That giant snail… it looks like a Self-Propelled Image Transmission Den Den Mushi!"
The old woman's face fell. "That's Shiki's surveillance. Those snails watch everything we do. Any images they capture are sent directly to the royal palace."
"What happens if someone's caught breaking the rules?" Imai asked.
"They're killed instantly," the old woman said, her voice barely above a whisper.
A heavy silence fell over the room.
"As I thought," Rei said darkly, "we need to take him down immediately."
"Such cruelty goes against everything I stand for," Uta added.
Imai sighed. "I said we're not making rash decisions—"
"HEY, YOU STUPID SNAIL!" Rei suddenly bellowed, throwing open the door. "TELL SHIKI THIS: THE HUNTER IS ABOUT TO BECOME THE HUNTED!"
"Rei!" Uta gasped, her face pale. "What are you doing?!"
Imai shook her head, already resigned. "I expected this. Shiki will come now—he won't ignore a challenge like that."
"Shiki… is coming here?!" the old woman asked, panic creeping into her voice.
"It seems so," Imai replied calmly.
"The people! They'll be in danger!" The old woman tried to stand, but Imai gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry," Imai said with quiet confidence. "We won't let him harm anyone."
For the first time, hope glimmered in the old woman's eyes. She smiled and clasped her hands together.
"Please… come back safely," she whispered.
Imai and Uta stepped outside, ready to face whatever lay ahead