Walking down the dirt path, back to the main road and into the village centre. Kenta couldn’t stop thinking to himself.

Bandits? What bandits? Is there a problem with bandits? Do I look like one of the bandits? That kid Isamu said that he was trying to protect the family. Does that mean the family is having problems with bandits? Maybe it’s the entire village? Hachi hasn’t mentioned anything, so maybe he was trying to make me not worry. Stupid Hachi! If you have a problem, tell me!

Walking through the village, people are bustling, every is doing something. It’s quite enjoyable to watch. There’s shops on either side, house all around, and there is even a tavern.

“Hey, Hachi.” Kenta calls out, “Where does your friend work?”

“He works at a fish stall in the market district.” Hachi answers, “He usually fishes in the afternoon or early in the morning, so he can have fresh fish to serve.”

“Uh… then why do you give him your fish?” Kenta asks confusedly.

“Oh, ‘cause I love fishing silly. Hahaha.” Hachi clarifies while grinning, “My job is to run the farm but on my off time, I help him catch fish. Of course, he gives me a little bit of money for the help, but I do it because I love to, and he’s my friend.”

Kenta accepts Hachi’s reasoning. Following Hachi, they make their way to the market square. On every side, there are numerous stalls all selling something different. Over on the far side, Kenta can see a fish stall, with a man standing behind it. He assumes this is Hachi’s friend.

Following Hachi they reach the fish stall Kenta was looking at. His assumption was right. Taking a closer look, the man has a shorter stature, he has fiery red hair mixed in with grey, brown eyes and is wearing a green vest with brown pants.

“And who’s this you brought with you, huh?” The asks looking towards Hachi.

“This here is a new friend of mine, we bonded over fishing.” Hachi answers.

Kenta stretching out his hand.

“My names Kenta, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Kenta politely says.

“The name’s Akira.” He responds as he shakes Kenta’s hand, “This here is my pride and joy. I love to fish, so why not make a job out of it. Hahaha.”

Kenta smiling. Looks at the various fish on for sale. After a few seconds, he spots the large yellow perch he caught yesterday.

“Good eye.” Akira states, “This here is a beautiful yellow perch.”

“Hahaha. The boy does indeed have a good eye.” Hachi says, “Did ya’ know that Kenta is the one who caught that fish?”

“Hahaha… you’re kidding, right?” Akira asks looking at Hachi, “Oh, you’re not joking… ahaha. This is wonderful, kid you got quite the catch. How about one day the three of us go fishing, huh?”

“That’d be nice.” Kenta replies, “I think I’ll take you up on that offer.”

As the two friends continued talking and laughing together, and while they were still selling fish. Kenta heard something that got his attention.

“Dear, take the kids and go inside. I heard Kabuki’s henchmen are on their way here.” A man says to his wife.

Hearing this with his improved hearing. Kenta had a worried look on his face.

Are these the bandits that Isamu was talking about?

Not thinking about anymore, Kenta began helping with the fish stall, whilst Hachi went off to take care of some other business.

…

A few hours have passed. The sun is setting. People are packing up for the day. Hachi returns smiling as usual.

“Hey kid, you did a good job today.” Akira says, “Having you around made the work load easier, and we managed to sell more fish. For your hard work, here’s your payment.”

Akira hands over 2 silver, Kenta graciously accepts, taking the two silver. He puts his hand into his pocket, he creates a mini portal to the storage dimension and drops the money in. Everyone around is completely oblivious.

Hachi arriving at the fish stalls, sees that I got paid.

“We’ve done a good day’s work.” Hachi says, “Haven’t we. Hahaha.”

…

Suddenly.

“Listen up everyone!” A man yells wearing iron armour and wielding a sword, “Kabuki needs his money. He will arrive tomorrow morning, anyone who does not pay up, shall face the consequences.”

Kenta seeing this is in utter shock. He realises this is one of the bandits.

“Tavern lady.” The bandit says, “Organise me, your best room, and I’m sure you’ll give me a fair discount.”

“Yes sir.” The lady says, “The room is currently empty. Stay as long as you need sir… free of charge.”

The bandit proceeds to the tavern, no longer in sight.

“Oi, Hachi.” Kenta says, “Who was that?”

“Quiet!” Hachi quietly says, “We’ll talk about it when we get home.”

…

Arriving home, Hachi instructs his wife to go upstairs and to make sure the children don’t come down.

“Okay, I’ve waited long enough.” Kenta says, “We’re alone now, you can tell me.”

“I was hoping I wouldn’t have to.” Hachi replies, “Okay, settle down.

For a few months now, we’ve had a problem with bandits. That’s also why Isamu was acting odd this morning.

We’re not a large village and we don’t have any guards. We needn’t have them, there was no crime here. Everyone got along well. That was until Kabuki’s Bandits showed up.

They immediately saw that there was no protection. They preyed on that and took advantage of it. The day they arrived they enforced Kabuki’s tax. This meant that 50% of all money went towards them. They gave us a warning the first time, saying that the next time they show up, they expect to be paid.

1 week later, they returned. This time money was expected. Everyone paid up, until they reached the last person.

The one of the previous elders of the village, refused to pay, saying he wouldn’t give into their demands. He was always kind man, but he was straight-forward and would do what he thinks is right. He was a good man.

Without hesitation, Kabuki stepped forward and sliced his throat. He died in seconds. Murdered in cold blood. Kabuki used him as an example stating that anyone who doesn’t pay shall receive the same punishment.

Ever since then, the townsfolk, myself included, have accepted their demands. We fear for our lives.

They’re a ruthless bunch. They keep track of every single person, making sure everyone pays. Only 2 weeks ago, a fellow villager, Naruki refused to pay and when they were about to kill him, he retaliated. He landed one strike in, before being killed. As punishment for his careless actions, they went to his house and murdered his family. A wife and daughter.

They’re dangerous. I’m sorry we’ve inadvertently involved you.”

Kenta hearing all this, is still processing it.

Those bastards!

“And, they’re coming tomorrow?” Kenta asks to confirm.

“Unfortunately, yes.” Hachi says looking sad, “Well that’s enough for tonight. It’s time to sleep. Oh, and make sure you stay here for the whole day, they don’t know you’re here, so it should be fine.”

As Hachi finished speaking, he gets up and heads upstairs. Kenta follows behind. Each going to their rooms. Kenta lies down on his bed and with a bit of a struggle manages to fall asleep.