"Hey everyone! 🎉 Let's give a huge, thunderous welcome to our Legend frandley mesidor! With them on board, our journey just got even more exciting and fun!"
🌟 These legends have taken the plunge, joined our exclusive crew, and are now getting all the extra perks and early access on this amazing journey!
Who's ready to follow in his and many others' footsteps? 😉 Don't miss out—there's a whole world waiting for you too!
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The Arisawa estate overlooked rolling hills and a serene lake, an ideal retreat from the bustle of the nearby city. It was a place of prestige, where every detail reflected the family's legacy.
Kenshiro, now seven years old, often felt the weight of this grandeur but found solace in the garden. This morning, the air was fresh with spring blooms, and he sat beneath a cherry tree, a book balanced on his knees.
Misaki watched him from a shaded bench. "You're not really reading that are you, Kenshiro-sama?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.
Kenshiro sighed, snapping the book shut. "What's the point when it's all stuffy history? I'd rather explore the lake."
Misaki laughed. "Exploring the lake means getting mud on your shoes. Your mother won't be pleased."
Before Kenshiro could argue, the hum of an approaching car drew their attention. The sleek black sedan pulled into the circular driveway, followed by a second vehicle laden with suitcases and trunks.
Misaki stood, straightening her skirt. "That must be the Shimizus. It's been years since they visited."
"The Shimizus?" Kenshiro tilted his head.
"Yes, old friends of your family. You used to play with their daughter when you were younger—Kiyoko, I think." Misaki smiled at the memory. "She must be about your age."
Kenshiro perked up at the thought of someone his age visiting. It wasn't often he had company beyond the occasional lessons or formal gatherings.
A few minutes later, the Shimizus emerged from their cars. Hideki Shimizu, a tall man with a commanding presence, greeted Ayato Arisawa with a firm handshake. Aiko Shimizu, poised and elegant, exchanged warm words with Hana Arisawa.
Behind them stood two children—Kiyoko, clutching a sketchpad to her chest, and her older brother, Ren, who looked about ten and carried himself with quiet confidence.
Kenshiro's eyes darted to Kiyoko. She had long black hair tied into a neat ponytail, her sharp brown eyes scanning the estate with interest. She seemed calm, yet there was a hint of hesitance in her posture.
"You should go say hello," Misaki urged gently, nudging him forward.
Kenshiro approached with measured steps, suddenly feeling nervous. He wasn't sure why—after all, they were just kids like him.
"Kenshiro," His father called out, gesturing for him to join the adults. "Come greet our guests. You remember the Shimizus, don't you?"
"Barely," Kenshiro admitted, his voice quiet.
Hideki chuckled. "You were quite small the last time we visited, but you and Kiyoko were inseparable."
Kenshiro glanced at Kiyoko, who offered a polite bow but avoided his gaze.
"Hi, Kiyoko," He said, his voice firmer now.
"Hello," She replied, her tone reserved.
"And I'm Ren," Her brother added, extending a hand. "Nice to meet you again, Kenshiro."
Kenshiro shook Ren's hand, impressed by the older boy's confidence. "Nice to meet you too."
Once the Shimizus settled into the guest wing, Kenshiro found Kiyoko alone in the garden. She sat on a stone bench, her sketchpad open to reveal a half-finished drawing of a crow in mid-flight.
"That's really good," Kenshiro said, breaking the silence.
Kiyoko was startled, closing the pad quickly. "Oh… thanks."
"You like birds?" He asked, sitting down at the other end of the bench.
"They're fascinating," Kiyoko admitted, her voice soft. "The way they move, their freedom… It's inspiring."
Kenshiro nodded, intrigued. "Do you have a favorite?"
"Crows," She said without hesitation. "They're misunderstood but clever. They stick together, too."
"Smart and loyal," Kenshiro mused. "I guess that makes sense."
Kiyoko finally looked at him directly, her guarded expression easing. "Do you have any hobbies?"
"Exploring," He said with a grin. "The woods, the lake… anywhere interesting."
Kiyoko's lips quirked into a small smile. "Maybe you can show me sometime."
"Deal," Kenshiro said, feeling a spark of camaraderie.
Two nights later, the Arisawas accepted an invitation to dine with the Shimizus in the guest dining hall. The table was set beautifully, with dishes showcasing Aiko's cooking skills.
"Kenshiro-kun," Hideki said during dessert, "Kiyoko mentioned you've been showing her around the estate. She's enjoying herself."
Kiyoko looked down, her cheeks tinged pink. "I-it's nice here."
"That's an understatement," Ren teased, nudging her playfully. "She talks about it nonstop."
"Ren!" Kiyoko hissed, glaring at her brother.
Kenshiro laughed. "Don't worry. I think it's nice having someone to explore with."
Their parents watched the exchange with quiet smiles. It was clear that the children were forming bonds that could grow into something meaningful.
The following week, Kenshiro and Kiyoko ventured into the wooded area near the lake. Ren accompanied them, curious about the "secret spot" Kenshiro had promised to show.
"This is it?" Ren asked, examining the small clearing with a critical eye. "I expected something more… grand."
"It's about the atmosphere," Kenshiro explained, gesturing to the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.
Kiyoko sat on a fallen log, opening her sketchpad.
"It's perfect," She murmured, already lost in her drawing.
But their peace was short-lived. A group of older boys, locals who often roamed the area, stumbled upon them.
"Well, look what we have here," One of the boys sneered. "Rich kids playing explorers."
"Let's go," Kenshiro said quietly, sensing trouble.
"Not so fast," The leader said, stepping in their path. "Think you can just walk through our spot without paying a toll?"
"What toll?" Ren demanded, stepping forward protectively.
The boy smirked. "Whatever you've got. Money, snacks… that sketchpad."
Kiyoko clutched her pad tighter, her eyes wide with fear.
"Back off," Kenshiro said, his voice steady but his fists clenched.
The boy laughed. "Or what?"
Ren didn't hesitate. He shoved the boy backward, his stance firm. "Or you'll regret it."
A scuffle broke out, chaotic and messy. Kenshiro and Ren held their ground, shielding Kiyoko, who watched in horror. The fight ended when Misaki, having gone looking for them, appeared with a sharp yell that sent the bullies running.
"You three!" She scolded her hands on her hips. "What were you thinking?"
"They started it," Ren said, brushing dirt off his sleeves.
"Doesn't matter," Misaki snapped. "You should've come straight back to the house."
Kiyoko looked down, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault," Kenshiro said, his tone gentle.
The incident left them shaken but brought them closer. That night, Kiyoko thanked both boys quietly.
"I'll protect you," Kenshiro said firmly. "Always."
Ren smiled, clapping Kenshiro on the shoulder. "Looks like you've got her back. Good."
Over the months, Kenshiro, Kiyoko, and Ren became an inseparable trio. They shared adventures, arguments, and secrets, their friendship deepening with each passing day.
One evening, as they sat by the lake skipping stones, Kiyoko spoke up. "Do you think we'll always be friends?"
"Of course," Kenshiro said without hesitation.
"Always," Ren added, throwing a perfect skip. "We're like family now."
Kiyoko smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in years. She knew, deep down, that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
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