The gentle morning mist lifted as Shimotsuki Island's shoreline came into view. Erwin stood at the bow of his small ship, a mixture of excitement and anticipation buzzing through him. For the past year, his life had been a blend of isolation and survival. The mere sight of a village—of actual buildings, roads, and people—stirred emotions he hadn't felt in a long time. It has been a miracle that he survived the sailing. Relying only on what his father, a fisherman, taught him bits about sailing in his previous life.
As his ship glided toward the modest docks, he noticed the soft bustle of village life. Fishermen carried their morning catch, merchants arranged wares for display, and a few children darted around, laughing as they ran. The small port had an air of calm industry, with the people moving quietly to start their day. Everything was different from the harsh solitude of the island he'd trained on or the chaotic pirate camps he had encountered.
After securing his ship at the dock, Erwin disembarked, taking in the sturdy wooden piers and weatherworn shacks lining the waterfront. A villager, a wiry old man with a worn face and a straw hat, looked at him curiously.
"Morning, traveler," the man greeted him with a slight nod. "New around here?"
Erwin smiled, feeling oddly grateful for the friendly welcome. "Yes, I'm just passing through. I came to resupply and find something other than fish and berries to eat."
The old man chuckled, the deep lines of his face crinkling with amusement. "Then you've come to the right place. Shimotsuki Village has good food and kind folk. You'll find what you need up the main street, just past the harbor. There's a tavern there—Kazu's Place. Best spot for a meal."
"Thank you," Erwin said, bowing slightly in appreciation. The man nodded back, watching as Erwin made his way down the road.
Erwin followed the old man's directions, taking in the village's modest yet charming streets. The wooden houses and shops had an old-world elegance to them, painted in soft colors with well-maintained shutters and neat little gardens. It was clear that Shimotsuki Village was a place of tradition and discipline—a place where people lived with purpose.
At the end of the main road, Erwin found Kazu's Place, a cozy-looking tavern with a painted sign swinging gently in the morning breeze. The smell of cooking food wafted from inside, rich and mouth-watering. His stomach rumbled at the scent, and he realized just how long it had been since he'd had a proper meal.
He stepped inside, where the warmth of the room and the hum of quiet conversation greeted him. The tavern had a few patrons seated at tables, sipping tea or eating bowls of rice and fish. A broad-shouldered man with a welcoming smile stood behind the counter, cleaning a cup with a rag. He looked up as Erwin entered, and his smile widened.
"Good morning, stranger! You look like you've been out at sea for a while," he greeted Erwin. "What can I get you?"
Erwin grinned, feeling his hunger sharpen at the sight of food on the counter. "I'll take whatever you have. Everything on the menu, if possible."
The tavern owner chuckled, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "You must be hungry. That'll be a decent bill, you know."
"Don't worry, I'll cover it," Erwin said, fishing into his pouch and pulling out some berries he'd taken from the Hawk Pirates. He handed a portion over to the man, who looked briefly astonished at the amount.
"Well then, I'll make sure you're well-fed!" The man pocketed only a fair portion of the money and called to the back for food. "No need to spend that much. A meal here doesn't cost half of what you just paid."
Erwin nodded, pocketing the rest, realizing how valuable his loot from the pirates was to a small town like this. He settled into a table by the window, enjoying the view of the bustling village as the tavern owner brought plate after plate of steaming food: a bowl of rice, grilled fish, a mug of beer, pickled vegetables, stir-fried vegetables, and a generous serving of braised meat. Erwin wasted no time digging in, savoring every bite.
The tavern owner watched him with amusement. "Not often I see someone enjoy their food like that. You must've been living off rations for a while."
Erwin nodded, swallowing a mouthful of rice. "It's been a long time since I've had a real meal. I was on a remote island for the past year, and let's just say… berries and roasted meat get old fast."
The owner chuckled, nodding in understanding. "I suppose that explains the appetite. So, what brings you to Shimotsuki Village, aside from the food?"
Erwin glanced around, then leaned in slightly. "Actually, I'm here looking for someone—Shimotsuki Kouzaburou. I heard he's a master swordsman and runs a dojo nearby."
The tavern owner's eyes widened, and he nodded, an appreciative smile crossing his face. "Ah, so you're looking to learn the sword. You've come to the right place. The Isshin Dojo is just up the hill on the edge of town, past the main road. Kouzaburou is well-known around here. But let me warn you—he doesn't accept students lightly. He only trains those he thinks are serious."
Erwin's gaze grew determined, and he straightened, finishing the last bite of his meal. "That's exactly what I'm looking for. I want to prove myself, and I'm willing to work hard."
The tavern owner looked at him appraisingly, nodding slowly. "I can see that. You've got a look in your eye, like someone who's seen a fair share of battles already. But keep in mind, that strength alone won't impress Kouzaburou. He values discipline and dedication above all else."
Erwin took the words to heart, feeling a mixture of anticipation and respect for the dojo master he hadn't even met yet. "Thank you for the advice. I'll keep that in mind."
The tavern owner placed a warm hand on his shoulder. "Good luck. The path of the sword isn't an easy one, but if anyone can teach you, it's Kouzaburou. Just follow the road to the end and up the hill, and you'll find the dojo."
With a grateful nod, Erwin rose from his seat, leaving the last few berries as a tip before making his way to the door. The tavern owner waved him off with a friendly smile, and Erwin stepped outside, the fresh air filling his lungs as he prepared for the next step of his journey.
The village was coming to life as he made his way up the main road. Villagers moved through the streets with baskets of goods, and the sounds of morning routines filled the air. Now and then, he passed small groups of children practicing stances with wooden swords in their hands, mimicking the movements of older students they must have watched at the dojo. Their determination, despite their young age, made Erwin smile. It was clear that Shimotsuki Village valued the way of the sword, and he felt a renewed sense of purpose seeing it.