Raiden followed the man down the cobbled streets, his mind racing with anticipation. The man had revealed that the island was a land of ninjas—something Raiden had only heard about in stories. His heart swelled with excitement. A ninja. That's exactly the type of person he wanted on his crew—someone strong, skilled, and independent. He could already imagine the possibilities.
The inn came into view, a modest two-story building with warm light spilling from its windows. A sign with a simple carving of a sword hung above the door. As they stepped inside, the innkeeper, a stout man with a thick beard, greeted them with a friendly nod.
"What's your name, young man? I forgot, you know we old timers don't have good memory" the innkeeper asked.
"Raiden," he replied, his eyes scanning the room.
"Raiden, eh? Welcome. Are you in need of food and shelter?"
Raiden nodded, too eager to think of anything else. "Yes, definitely. Do you have a room available?"
The innkeeper's face softened into a knowing smile. "For a traveling young man like yourself? We've got just the place. Three days, 23 talons."
Raiden's brow furrowed slightly at the price. He wasn't exactly swimming in talons, but he wasn't about to let that ruin his plans. Still, he hesitated for a moment, wondering if he could barter or negotiate, when the innkeeper noticed his uncertainty.
"Hmm, not quite what you expected?" the man asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, how about this? That really cool green necklace you've got hanging there. Might be worth something, eh?"
Raiden instinctively reached for the necklace he had received from his father He shook his head, refusing the offer. "No. I'd rather keep it."
The innkeeper chuckled and waved him off, his voice low but warm. "Alright, alright. You can stay. No need for the necklace. Settle in. The room's upstairs. First door on the left."
Raiden followed the innkeeper's directions, climbing the narrow wooden stairs that creaked beneath his weight. The room was small but cozy, with a large bed, a small table by the window, and a candle flickering on a bedside shelf. It was enough for the night.
He dropped his bag onto the bed, surveying the simple, clean space. The window across from him offered a clear view of the night sky, the moon casting soft light over the island below.
His stomach growled as he unpacked the food he'd taken earlier from the ship —bread, cheese, and dried meats. He ate quickly, too excited to savor the taste. His mind wandered back to the conversations of the day—the sacred jewel, the Rikoru's offer, and the knowledge that this island was home to the kind of warriors he needed.
After finishing his meal, Raiden leaned back against the window sill, staring out into the darkening world below. His thoughts drifted, restless and full of anticipation. The innkeeper had mentioned the legend of the sacred jewel again, and Raiden couldn't help but wonder if the necklace he wore had something to do with it. Maybe it was connected to the jewel in some way.
But his excitement about meeting a ninja was overpowering. His hands drummed on the window sill as he shifted in his seat, still unable to settle his racing thoughts. The flickering candlelight only seemed to amplify the tension inside him. Tomorrow, he thought. Tomorrow, I'll find a ninja.
The hours stretched on, and sleep eluded him. Every time he closed his eyes, he imagined the challenges that lay ahead—meeting a true ninja, learning their ways, and then... freeing people from the chains of slavery. He had a plan, but his mind kept running faster than his body could catch up.
Eventually, the exhaustion of the day overcame him. He laid back, closing his eyes, but even then, his thoughts swirled in an endless storm of excitement and curiosity.
Little did he know, his restless night would soon lead to an unexpected encounter that would change the course of his journey.