"Master Vegapunk, there you are."
Under the moonlit street, a butler in a tuxedo approached steadily.
"Ah! The annoying guy is getting involved!" Vegapunk said, looking displeased.
"Master, it's late. You shouldn't be out here with strangers; it's dangerous."
The butler glanced at Kaizen seriously, his mustaches moving like oars as he spoke.
"This is my friend!" Vegapunk held Kaizen's hand firmly.
"Hello, I happened to meet this little guy tonight. We got along well and became friends. If that's a problem, deal with it. Some things can't be controlled."
Kaizen smiled mischievously, matching Vegapunk's tone.
"Our young master has always been simple. He even makes friends with flowers and plants."
The butler smiled, trying to weigh the meaning of "friend."
"Indeed, his charm is beyond imagination." Kaizen calmly responded to the butler's words.
"Master, we should go. Madam will be worried."
The butler turned to Vegapunk, ignoring Kaizen.
"I want to stay with my friend a bit longer. You go back first!"
Vegapunk insisted, not giving the butler any face.
"Master, you'll catch a cold out here."
Although he spoke to Vegapunk, the butler glared at Kaizen as if he were the cause.
"No, the night is gentle."
Vegapunk pointed to the darkness, speaking innocently.
"Master, you shouldn't say such things..."
"It's better to go back! Making your parents worry isn't right."
Before the butler could finish, Kaizen interrupted, advising gently.
His words were like a breeze, impossible to refute.
"Okay." Vegapunk nodded.
The butler held his hand, and they disappeared into the night.
"Friend, will you come again?"
Vegapunk's voice penetrated the darkness and reached Kaizen.
Turning around, he saw the little guy's hopeful expression.
"Maybe I will." Kaizen replied, noting the anticipation on Vegapunk's face.
"What does 'maybe' mean? Are you coming or not?"
Vegapunk was as persistent as a weed, staring at Kaizen.
"Master, let's go."
The butler urged, wanting to leave quickly.
"Then promise to meet here tomorrow!"
Kaizen said firmly, knowing Vegapunk might not sleep well without a promise.
Vegapunk nodded and followed the butler.
"Master, don't come here tomorrow. It's too dangerous, and Madam will worry."
Kaizen could hear the butler's voice as they left.
Leaning against the stone pillar, Kaizen thought deeply.
Staying here wasn't wise.
Rejecting Marine's offer meant potential arrest. Staying would bring trouble.
At least one more night!
Finally, Kaizen decided.
Vegapunk reluctantly followed the butler.
His home was so large he needed to rest sixteen times to walk around it.
Why does he know it so well? Because he tried it himself.
To him, even boring things were interesting adventures.
He made surprising statements and did things others found ridiculous, but he enjoyed them.
He revered life, especially overlooked things.
Sometimes he'd stop on his way to school, fascinated by a flower, forgetting class.
He talked to everything. Anything beautiful became his friend.
Stools, tables, flowers, trees, even the air were dear to him.
To classmates, he was a weirdo; to teachers, a naughty fool.
Ridicule followed him, but he didn't care. He loved the essence of things.
Others' understanding wasn't his concern.
He loved many things but hated class.
Classes seemed artificial to him, and teachers couldn't answer his questions.
This confused him.
Why were people's thoughts so pale?
Perhaps young Vegapunk's thinking was ahead of many scholars.
Though ridiculed now, he'd surprise them later.
"Master, that guy who made promises isn't trustworthy. Stay home tomorrow."
The butler advised.
"Breaking promises isn't manly."
Vegapunk responded firmly, leaving the butler speechless.
"You're really worrying, ugh!" the butler sighed.
Vegapunk's father was a busy scientist, rarely home.
"Dad, is he back?" Vegapunk asked.
"Master is busy with world-changing work."
The butler said proudly, as if sharing in the glory.
"Oh, I see." Vegapunk sounded disappointed.
"Master mentioned you recently!"
The butler added, softening Vegapunk's disappointment.
During this conversation, they reached home.
"Hey! Vegapunk, I've been waiting for you."
A short-haired boy approached, eyes big, nose tall, and a mischievous smile.
"Caesar! Why are you here?"