Time passed, and life returned to its usual rhythm. The inspection period by the World Government had ended, and once again, trash was being dumped from the back of the kingdom. The garbage mountain resumed its former state, and soon the homeless would reappear atop it.
In front of the Dadan family, Kaito and Ace were, as usual, engaged in their sparring. Kaito had charged up his rubber fist, launching it with significantly more distance than before, but his control was still lacking, causing him to spin in place like a top when the force snapped back. Ace erupted with laughter, teasing him without restraint, which ignited yet another argument between the two.
"Alright, alright, Kaito just needs more practice," Ace interjected.
"It's time for us to have a showdown, Ace!" Kaito declared confidently.
Typically, this would be the moment Sabo would step in to mediate, but when Kaito and Ace turned around, they only found Bai Yun standing there.
"Though I know you guys miss Sabo, seeing you with that expression makes me sad," Bai Yun remarked with a hint of a bitter smile.
"That's not it, Bai Yun! I just suddenly realized that Sabo is such a gentle brother," Ace retorted, flaring up.
"What do you mean by that?! Do you think I'm fierce?!"
"Do you think so yourself?!"
The argument escalated again, and Bai Yun shook his head. "Alright, it's time for lunch."
"How about we compete in hunting? Let's meet back here in half an hour."
"Sure! I'll definitely win!" Kaito and Ace replied in unison, demonstrating their mutual understanding.
"Then I'll head to the right. You two can decide whether to stick together or split up."
With that, Bai Yun turned and walked to the right.
Kaito and Ace exchanged glances. "Let's stick together. I'm not sure about your abilities," Ace said, though his concern for Kaito was evident beneath his tough exterior.
"Who's weak?!" Kaito exclaimed defiantly.
"Fine! When we encounter our first beast, I'll handle it alone! You can't help me!"
At their young age, a little provocation was enough to rile them up, though Kaito remained just as impulsive even as he grew older.
Meanwhile, Bai Yun strolled leisurely along the path. After a short while, he spotted a tree under which four rabbits were grazing—one large rabbit accompanied by three smaller ones. Bai Yun shook his head, contemplating how adorable rabbits were. Should he braise them or steam them?
In an instant, he raised his hand, the flintlock gun already in his grip. Without aiming, he fired off two quick shots.
Bang! Bang!
Both shots found their marks, hitting one large rabbit and one small one. Bai Yun knew his physical abilities were lacking; while Ace and Kaito worked hard to enhance their strength, he chose to focus on honing his skills, particularly his shooting, which required less brute force compared to others.
After hitting his targets, the remaining two small rabbits were startled, causing them to scatter. Bai Yun quickly aimed again, but just as he raised his gun, the two frightened rabbits collided with the tree trunk, dying instantly.
Bai Yun was momentarily stunned, lowering his gun, which transformed back into a bracelet as he did so. "Lucky me," he muttered, approaching the fallen rabbits to gather them up. "A family should stay together; I'll cook you all in one pot later."
Humming a tune, Bai Yun returned to the meeting spot. Just as he was about to sit down and rest, he heard a loud shout.
"Kaito!!"
It was Ace's voice, filled with panic.
"What the hell happened this time?!" Bai Yun exclaimed as he rushed toward the source of the sound. Along the way, he ran into Ace, who was carrying Kaito on his back.
Blood streamed from Kaito's chest, running down Ace's back and dripping to the ground.
Bai Yun was taken aback! Seeing Bai Yun, Ace's frantic heart rate calmed a little, but he still struggled to find his words.
"Bai Yun... I... Kaito... bear!!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Bai Yun rushed over to help Kaito down. "Okay, calm down, Ace! It's going to be alright!"
Back at the Dadan family's home, Bai Yun had already administered first aid to Kaito, applying medicine and wrapping the wound in bandages. However, the injury was severe enough that Kaito would need to rest in bed for several days.
Ace squatted by the door, his head buried between his knees, tears streaming down his face as he murmured, "I'm sorry, Kaito..."
Bai Yun stood up, intending to console him, but Ace suddenly leaped to his feet and dashed outside.
"Ace, where are you going?!" Bai Yun called after him.
"Magu, can you please take care of Kaito?"
Noting that Ace was ignoring him, Bai Yun turned to Magu for help before chasing after Ace.
Following Ace, Bai Yun kept up with him as they climbed over Kolbo Mountain, eventually arriving at Windmill Village. Just as Ace was about to barge into Makino's bar, he suddenly stopped and knocked on the door.
Makino stepped outside.
"Ace?"
"What brings you here?"
"A greeting method?"
"Because I'm Kaito and Bai Yun's brother, it's only right for me to check in on the captain who takes care of them."
Ace replied.
Makino squatted down, wearing a warm, approving smile. She recognized that Ace was learning how to be a good brother, ready to take on that responsibility.
"Hahaha, so that's why you're here, Ace," Bai Yun said as he approached from behind with a grin.
"Then please teach this rude little brat how to be polite, Makino," he added.
"What do you mean by that?! Bai Yun! I'm older than you, I'm the brother!" Ace snapped back, his temper flaring.
"Sure, sure. How about this: teach me and Kaito how to show respect to our rude brother instead."
"Is that okay? Ace, brother?"
Ace's face flushed red. "Do whatever you want!!"
Makino couldn't help but laugh at the sight of the two, prompting Kaito and Bai Yun to glance over at her.
"Ah, sorry about that…"
"Now, first..."