The fresh river water caressed my skin, as if washing away all the worries that had been hovering in my mind since we arrived in this unfamiliar world. Although this body was not one I recognized, there was some relief while being in the water. I could feel my nine tails moving gently on the water's surface, creating small, soothing ripples.
As I began to wash my face, I suddenly heard footsteps approaching from behind. Since we've been in this world, my hearing has become sharper, and this time my instincts were not wrong.
Before I had the chance to turn around, a rough hand suddenly grabbed my shoulder, pulling me onto the ground. I screamed out of surprise and fear, my whole body moved by an instinct to fight back.
"Don't even think about resisting, sweetheart," his voice was hoarse and full of malice, like a snake hissing in my ear. I felt disgusted and terrified, trying every possible way to free myself from the man's grip.
In my panic, the only thought that crossed my mind was to call out Jiro's name. I knew Jiro must be somewhere nearby, and he—my fearless friend—could surely save me from this situation. "Jiro, help!" I cried out with all my might.
Moments later, the sound of footsteps rapidly approached. The man pinning me down was distracted, giving me a bit of space to move. I took the opportunity to struggle harder, though it was still difficult to breathe with his weight pressing down on me.
Once Jiro saved me from the man's grasp, a flood of gratitude and relief washed over me. The tears that had frozen at the corners of my eyes now flowed freely. Without thinking, I ran to him and hugged Jiro tightly.
"Thank you, Jiro... Thank you so much..." I sobbed into his embrace. Gradually, the emotional exhaustion made my eyes feel heavy. I quickly drifted off to sleep, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart guiding me into slumber.
In my dream, I was transported back to the past long before all of this happened.
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In the colorful kindergarten, it was my first time stepping foot into a new school. I was a child who often moved from place to place due to my parents' jobs. Every time I had to adapt, it always felt difficult.
During the first few weeks, I felt like a stranger. My classmates weren't very friendly. They often bullied me every day. I also saw Jiro a few times from afar; he seemed calm and unaffected by the surrounding atmosphere, but I didn't dare approach him.
Every day, the other children made me an easy target for bullying. They considered me weak and unworthy of respect. Every taunt and hit caused me trauma where I would be terrified when a fist was directed at me.
The trauma they instilled in me made me fear the next day, anxious that they might target me again.
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That day, as usual, they cornered me in the schoolyard. The taunts were relentless, accompanied by shoves and little punches. I tried to hold back tears, enduring the pain that I felt.
That's when, unexpectedly, Jiro appeared. He approached us with a calm expression. His voice was firm as he said, "Leave him alone."
The bullies protested.
"Who do you think you are?"
"Do you want to end up like him too?" A boy pointed at me.
"You talk too much," Jiro said.
"Arrogant!" The bullies said angrily, trying to reprimand Jiro.
But Jiro didn't give them time to say more. He attacked them one by one, the fight broke out, and they fell to Jiro's quick and relentless punches. Amid the cries and complaints of their pain, I stood transfixed, amazed yet shocked.
He saw the bullies run away in fear. After everything was done, Jiro approached me. He gave a small smile, offering his hand, and said, "Hey, are you okay?"
Trembling, I took his hand. "T-thank you..." my voice quivered. "My name is Takeshi... By the way, may I know your name?"
Jiro's smile widened. "Jiro," he replied briefly, introducing himself.
That was the beginning of our friendship, though I wasn't aware of it at the time.
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Back in the present, I woke up with a warm feeling in my chest, still sleepy, I slowly opened my eyes and was surprised.
For Jiro was looking at me with gentle eyes, a slight smile on his lips. "Feeling better?" he asked in a calm tone.
I nodded slowly, still enveloped in immense gratitude. "Yes, Jiro... Thank you, once again," I whispered, realizing how lucky I was to have a friend like him.
As I finished saying that, Shira realized something strange about her current position—she was lying on Jiro's lap with her arms still wrapped around his waist.
With a flushed face, Shira slowly released her hold. She looked down, feeling embarrassed about her behavior.
"S-sorry, Jiro. I didn't mean to—" Shira paused for a moment, trying to calm her racing heart.
Jiro casually said, "It's alright." He gently patted Shira's head, trying to comfort her.
Seeing that Jiro wasn't bothered by it, she sighed in relief, then looked at the man currently lying on the ground clutching his stomach. Hmm, how to say this—like a shrimp.
As if thinking of something, Shira looked up, eyes sparkling at Jiro. "So, what happened? Who is that man? Can he help us get out of this forest?"
The reason for asking if the man could help them was because he came from outside the forest where they currently were.
That's why Shira thought he might be able to help them get out of this forest.
Jiro nodded, "Yes, that man is a bandit named Taro. It seems he got lost in the forest with his gang. They might be able to give us information about the way out."
Hearing this, Shira immediately got excited. "Really? Then we need to talk to him right away!" She moved to approach Taro, but Jiro held her arm.
"Be careful, Shira. Even though he's injured, he's still dangerous. Let me talk to him." Jiro said firmly, not wanting Shira to take any risks.
Shira nodded obediently, then stood back beside Jiro. She watched closely as Jiro approached the still pained Taro.
"So, Taro, you said you and your gang got lost in this forest?" Jiro asked in a calm tone, but with an underlying threat.
Taro swallowed, fear evident in his eyes. "Y-yeah... We were trying to find a way out but got separated. I got lost alone and then encountered... well, the fox girl." He glanced briefly at Shira.
Jiro frowned, "And what do you mean by 'encountering' the fox girl?"
Taro swallowed hard, "I-I just intended to take anything I could sell. But... she started screaming and then you attacked me."
Shira clenched the hem of her garment, trying to hold back the anger bubbling within her. How could he so nonchalantly explain his malicious intent?
Jiro glared at Taro. "Do you think I would believe such a low excuse?" he hissed threateningly. "Tell the truth, or I won't hesitate to beat you again."
Taro flinched, fear clear in his eyes. "A-alright, alright! I did intend... intended to kidnap the fox girl. We heard rumors about unique creatures living in this forest, ones that could be sold for a high price in the black market."
Shira was struck by Taro's confession. So, he intended to kidnap her just for money? Shira was scared thinking about what might have happened to her if she had fallen into this man's hands.
Jiro clenched his fists tightly, holding back the rising fury. "So, where are your friends now?" he asked coldly.
Taro hesitated, but seeing Jiro's deadly glare, he finally answered, "T-they're nearby. Maybe not more than a mile from this spot."
Jiro nodded, "Alright. I will let you lead us to where your group is, but don't try to deceive me or you'll suffer." He then turned and approached Shira.
"I wouldn't dare," he said in fear.