The morning of Erwin's departure was clear and bright, with a gentle breeze rustling through the trees as he made his way through Shimotsuki Village for what would be the last time, at least for now. The sun bathed the village in a warm, golden light, casting long shadows that danced across the ground. Every detail seemed sharper, more vivid as if the village itself was leaving a lasting memory in his mind. The peace of the place resonated deeply with him, and he realized just how much he had come to appreciate this village, its people, and the quiet rhythm of life they had cultivated here.
Erwin's initial arrival in Shimotsuki had been met with cautious glances and guarded expressions. As a stranger and an outsider, he had been a curiosity, if not a potential threat. But over the days and weeks, the villagers had warmed to him. He had felt a gradual shift in their attitudes—from wariness to quiet acceptance, and finally to the kind of camaraderie that comes from mutual respect. It wasn't just the training he would miss, but the simplicity of this place and the sense of belonging it had given him.
Before heading to the port, Erwin stopped by a small shop to buy provisions for the journey ahead. The shop was run by an older couple who had greeted him warmly each time he'd come in during his stay. The shopkeeper's wife, a petite woman with silver hair tied neatly in a bun, smiled as he entered.
"So, you're leaving us?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of warmth.
Erwin nodded, returning the smile. "Yes, I have to keep moving. There's a lot out there I still need to see and learn."
The shopkeeper, who had been arranging goods on a shelf, turned to face him, offering a hand. "You've brought a good energy to this village, young man. May your journey be safe." They exchanged a firm handshake, and Erwin felt the sincerity in the man's grip, a gesture of respect that went beyond words.
Erwin gathered up some dried fish, meats, fresh fruits, and a couple of fishing rods, thinking they would be useful both for sustenance and perhaps for the moments of quiet he might find on the open sea. He also picked up a new set of clothes—something that felt sturdier and more comfortable than the worn, patched outfit he had been traveling in since his last journey. The new clothes felt like a fresh start, a black shirt with blue, red, and white flower pattern, black pants with silver flower pattern, and brown sandals.
As he paid for the items, the shopkeeper's wife tucked a small cloth bundle into his bag. "For luck," she said with a wink. Erwin didn't open it then, but he thanked her, feeling a small, unexpected swell of gratitude. It was gestures like these, small acts of kindness, that had made Shimotsuki Village feel more like home than he could have ever anticipated.
With provisions in hand, Erwin made his way down the winding path toward the port. Each step carried a weight of finality, and he allowed himself to linger, taking in the sights and sounds one last time. The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze, the faint echoes of the villagers as they began their morning routines—all these details seemed to engrave themselves in his memory as if the village itself were saying goodbye.
As he neared the docks, a familiar figure appeared ahead of him, standing near the water's edge. Shimotsuki Kouzaburou, his mentor and guide in these recent weeks, waited with an expression that was both stern and fond. It was clear that he had come to see Erwin off, and Erwin felt a surge of gratitude as he approached him. Kouzaburou's presence was calming, his steady gaze a reminder of the lessons he had imparted, lessons that would stay with Erwin long after he left this place.
Kouzaburou nodded in greeting, his hands folded behind his back. "So, you're leaving," he said, his voice carrying a mixture of pride and wistfulness.
Erwin returned the nod, glancing back at the village. "Yes. I feel like I've learned so much here. But there's a lot more out there, and I can't ignore the call to explore it." His words felt heavier than he had expected, a reflection of the pull he felt between staying in the comfort of the village and the unknown adventure awaiting him.
Kouzaburou's expression softened, a gentle understanding in his eyes. "A man who seeks strength must also seek understanding of himself. You're taking the right steps, Erwin. But remember that power without responsibility is as dangerous as a blade without purpose." His gaze was piercing, yet kind, and Erwin absorbed the words, feeling them resonate deep within him.
There was one question that lingered in Erwin's mind, a question Kouzaburou had asked once before but that he had not fully answered. It hovered there, almost tangible in the morning air, and he felt the need to address it before he left.
As if reading his thoughts, Kouzaburou spoke again, his tone gentle yet probing. "What do you want to become?" It was a question that seemed simple on the surface, but Erwin knew it carried a deeper meaning. It was a question about purpose, about the direction of his journey.
Erwin hesitated, considering his answer carefully. For so long, he'd thought only of surviving, of growing stronger so he could protect himself and live on his own terms. But now, something else was taking shape in his mind—a new purpose, a calling that he hadn't fully acknowledged until now. The experiences in Shimotsuki had shown him a different side of strength, one that was rooted in honor, dedication, and community.
"Maybe a Marine or a bounty hunter," Erwin said finally. "But that's a choice for the future. For now, I'll just keep moving forward, learning what I can." His voice carried a quiet determination, a resolve that felt new yet natural as if he had always been heading in this direction without knowing it.
Kouzaburou gave a satisfied nod, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Good. Walk your path with purpose, Erwin. And if ever you return to Shimotsuki Village, you will be welcome here." There was a warmth in his tone, an invitation that felt as enduring as the village itself.
Erwin nodded, a deep sense of peace settling over him. He thanked Kouzaburou once more, bowing deeply in respect, the gesture carrying not only gratitude but a silent promise to honor the lessons he had learned. With one last look, he turned to board the small ship that would carry him to his next destination.
As the ship set sail, he looked back at Shimotsuki Village, watching as the shoreline faded into the distance. With the wind filling the sails and the map and compass guiding him, Erwin felt a sense of anticipation bubbling within him. The village grew smaller, blending into the horizon, but he knew it would stay with him, a constant source of strength and memory.
He was headed for Dawn Island, where he planned to stop at Foosha Village before making his way to the South Blue. The open sea stretched before him, vast and uncharted, a blank canvas for the journey he was about to embark on. Every swell of the waves, every gust of wind, felt like an invitation, a reminder that the world was wide and filled with endless possibilities.
And as the island disappeared from view, Erwin felt a surge of determination. His journey had only just begun, and he was ready for whatever lay ahead. In his heart, he carried not only the skills he had learned but the wisdom and purpose Kouzaburou had imparted.