As the sun began its slow ascent over Carowa Village, Hiro and Gin prepared for their morning ritual: the great farming duel. It was an unspoken contest, a friendly rivalry to see who could clear the most weeds, plant the most seeds, and cultivate the most flourishing patches of soil.
Unsatisfied with the Chief Garden, they headed out to the village fields. The Chief Garden, despite its central location and significance, had become a place of routine and predictability. The soil was well-tilled, the plants meticulously organized, and the tasks straightforward. Hiro and Gin, however, craved the challenge and freedom that the village fields offered.
The village's fields stretched out before them, dewy and glistening in the early light. Gin hefted a hoe over his shoulder, a competitive glint in his eye. "Ready to lose again, Hiro?"
Hiro smirked, grabbing his own hoe. "In your dreams, Gin. This time, I'll beat you for sure and claim the win."
With a nod, they both set to work, the rhythmic scrape of their hoes mingling with the chorus of morning birds. Hiro focused intently on his section, uprooting weeds with practiced precision and tossing them into a growing pile. Gin, not to be outdone, moved with swift efficiency, his movements a blur of activity.
"Think you've got what it takes to handle this row?" Gin taunted, nodding towards a particularly tangled patch of ground.
Hiro chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Just watch me, little boy."
He attacked the weeds with renewed vigor, each pull and twist a testament to his determination. The ground surrendered its grip reluctantly, but Hiro's persistence paid off. With each cleared section, he felt a surge of satisfaction, his competitive spirit fueled by Gin's presence.
"So, Hiro," Gin said, pausing to catch his breath, "ever thought about what you want to do in your life, like adventuring or traveling?" He wiped the sweat from his brow, glancing over at Hiro.
Hiro glanced over, considering the question. "Honestly, I haven't given it much thought. My whole life has been about this village and Grandma But I've been curious my whole life about the things outside our village, so I think somewhere in the future, I will leave this village." He bent down, pulling out a stubborn weed with a grunt.
Gin nodded, understanding. "Yeah, I get that. But there's something to be said about having a place to call home, too. Especially after everything we've been through." He took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh morning air, and continued hoeing the soil.
Hiro chuckled. "Maybe you're right. Who knows, I might end up like Chief Helga, knitting scarves and tending to a garden one day."
Gin laughed, picturing the image. "I'd pay to see that." He struck the ground harder, breaking up a clump of dirt.
They worked in companionable silence for a while, the pile of uprooted weeds growing steadily. Hiro's section looked neat and organized, each row a testament to his meticulous nature. Gin's area was equally impressive, a patchwork of flourishing plants and freshly turned soil.
"You're not half bad at this, you know," Gin admitted, nodding in approval at Hiro's progress. He leaned on his hoe, catching his breath.
"Neither are you," Hiro replied with a grin. "But don't think for a second that I'm going to let you win." He adjusted his grip on the hoe and continued working with renewed determination.
Gin raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at his lips. "Oh, I'm counting on it. What's the point of winning if there's no real competition?"
With a renewed burst of energy, they both returned to their tasks, the morning slipping by as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Sweat dripped from their brows, but neither faltered, their competitive spirits driving them forward.
As the field began to look transformed by their efforts, it became harder to tell who had the upper hand. Hiro's section was pristine, every weed meticulously removed and each seed planted with care. Gin's side, though slightly more chaotic, showed signs of flourishing plants and rich, turned soil.
Finally, as they neared the end of their task, both friends stood back to admire their work. It was a close call, and they turned to each other, ready to declare a winner.
Just then, a familiar voice rang out across the field. "Hiro! Gin! Time to come home and eat lunch!"
Sasa appeared at the edge of the field, hands on her hips and an amused smile on her face. "You two will work yourselves to death if I let you."
Hiro wiped his brow and grinned at Gin. "Saved by Sasa, it seems."
Gin laughed, slinging his hoe over his shoulder. "Guess we'll have to call it a draw for now."
They walked towards Sasa, who handed them towels to wipe off the sweat and dirt. "You two never change," she said, shaking her head. "Always competing over something."
Hiro laughed, accepting the towel. "It's what keeps us going, Sasa."
"Ah, Hiro, let's go and visit Grandma Laura's grave tomorrow," Sasa said. "Also, let's go to your house."
"Okay," Hiro replied, wiping his face with the towel.
"How about me? Don't you think I'm being left out?" Gin added, stretching his sore muscles.
"No, you can come, hehehe," Hiro replied, giving him a playful nudge.
Gin grinned. "Wouldn't miss it. Besides, someone has to make sure Hiro doesn't get lost on the way."
Hiro rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right. You just want to eat all the snacks Sasa brings."
"Can't argue with that," Gin admitted with a laugh.
As they walked back, Sasa turned to them. "By the way, I've been thinking about starting a small community garden. What do you guys think?"
Hiro looked intrigued. "That sounds like a great idea, Sasa. It could bring everyone together."
Gin nodded in agreement. "Count me in. It'll be nice to grow something other than competition for a change."
They continued chatting, their rivalry momentarily set aside as they followed Sasa back to the village, the promise of a hearty lunch and a well-deserved rest awaiting them.