The day after the fall of Flameborn's first platoon...
"Urgh, my body is still hurt after the fight from yesterday. Despite Line having already fully healed them. She said the physical trauma was still lingering on my body and told me to rest for at least a week. But, I'm too restless I don't know what to do. Rio and Mika are still unconscious, and I don't see Kiyo this morning. That leaves I'm gonna check on the others."
Ryuma inhales, then exhales... Ryuma himself realized that It's been a while since he took it easy, especially on his body. On the walk, he met Eden, Ramilia, and Zoey, one by one. But he only exchanges a small talk with them thus he's on his own not long after.
And that's when he stumbles upon Jin who's carrying the multiple box. Out of impulse, Ryuma went to greet Jin...
"Hi there, where you going with those boxes?" The box was hiding Jin's face, so Jin leaned a bit to get a better look.
"Oh, it was you... This is just a charity stuff I'm bringing to the town."
"You're really bringing that much of a box to the town?"
"Huh? Despite my age, I could kill two corrupted white bears, you know?" Jin stared dagger at Ryuma as he said that.
"The way you talk made me sound like I'm talking about how old you are."
Without a second time to waste, Ryuma picked up half of the box Jin was carrying.
"Still, I'm a bit bored here. Don't mind me lending a helping hand on ya, is that right with you?"
"You definitely think I'm too old for this stuff aren't you?"
"God, you sound like my father right now."
Thus, the two four eyes that could beat 10 people by themself went to the town to bring the box that contained the charity stuff. Ryuma witnessed the aftermath of the bloody fight. There are a lot of people collecting the corpse, the family's grief for their lost one, and the burned building.
"It's been pretty bad on this side..." Ryuma is unaware of those things that happen in his blind spot since he went to the west side. Thinking what would happen if he went to this side instead.
"You've sure be lucky, since this town is under the protection of The Sage. But as you can see, if The Sage himself comes down to get rid of these imbecile, the amount of death might be halved maybe even less than that. But if the word that The Sage was residing in this small town that mostly anybody was heard of. That'll just invite a dangerous and unwelcome disaster, be it sooner or later."
"You're referring to... The people with their greed?"
"Yes, once the word about The Sage was inside of this city has gotten out, be it from the syndicate, maybe even the small group of bandits would get interested in this little town."
"But, the word about our bounty also has gotten out, Thus pulling the bounty hunter to this town. What possibly it matter if The Sage comes out or not?"
"That is true, that's why we made these plans as soon we heard about the bounty. Every student that is residing inside this school, has to move out of the town."
"Wait wait wait, are you saying you're driving us away?"
"Quite the opposite, what I'm saying is... You all will have to go on the school trip."
"A school trip..."
"Yes, and in order to make the bounty hunter to just paying attention just on your lot, we'll be giving your whereabouts location to the black market. So they will focus on you but not this town."
"So basically we're the bait, is that it?"
"That's right. By the way, Ryuma Ochirou. We both have spent a significant amount of time here, in this school. And I've noticed a few things about you..."
Ryuma gulped nervously when Jin said that.
"Yes, the bounty hunter may have hunted you down out of greed. But, the word 'greed' isn't only implied on them but on you all too, including me of course."
"W-What do you mean?"
"You may or may not have realized this, but all people are born with greed. The question is, what form of greed is shaped inside of them... It could come in the shape of money, women, and... You specifically, greed of power." Ryuma was confused when Jin said that.
"Greed of power? What are you talking about? All I'm doing is to overcome my limit-"
"Yeah, and decides to get stronger. No matter if your reasoning is good or bad, greed is what shaped people into what they are. Greed is unharmed, that's until you lose yourself and gain too much over that greed. So as one of your teachers, all I'm gonna say is, do not lose yourself. Even if one day you've become strong enough to crush the boulder. Stay humble and care for those around you..."
Jin bats an eye to the family who's in grief, mostly from the loss of their loved one. Ryuma also could understand a bit of the word from Jin.
...
"Hello, I'm here to send the charity." Upon reaching their destination, Jin and Ryuma were greeted by an old lady that's probably older than Jin.
"Oh, Mr. Jin. It's been a while since you've come to this place. The children also missed you a lot. Here, put the box. And... If you don't mind you can take a sit and take a drink here..."
"Ah, no. I'm fine, really." At the same time, Ryuma took a look at the building which is their destination...
"This is... Orphanage?" The old lady noticed Ryuma as she went to greet him.
"Hello there child... Mr. Jin, I don't even know you've already got the children."
"Ah, no. This is..." Jin went and explained to the old lady.
"Haha, I'm sorry, It looks like my sight has failed me. Well, how about I invite you here to play with those children?" Said the old lady as she patted Ryuma's head.
"Before you say anything, ma'am, I'm 16 Years old."
"Haha, that's hardly older than most of the children here. Here, let me introduce you to them."
"W-Wait ma'am, I'm good..." Ryuma was introduced to the children who hardly look like they were same age. A kid from 6 to 7 years old to be specific.
"You're short, big brother!" The word 'short' hit Ryuma in the sensitive spot. But Ryuma is still keeping a straight face.
"W-Well, thank you for that..."
"Say say, why don't we play a horse?!" Ryuma didn't answer, yet the child was already riding him.
(I rather get gang up on by the thug rather than these kids...)
Ryuma had a lot of time dealing with the children there. Jin and the old lady, on the other hand, just watch Ryuma playing with the children, as one might call it 'playing'.