Chapter Text
On one of the islands near the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills one of the last depetrifications of the moment took place. The scientific kingdom was searching for its captain, who would take them to the other side of the world, so they were guided by a beautiful reporter from the old world. She knew many people who would be of great help in the new task. However, there was one sailor who did not place all his trust in him. He was skilled, but very ambitious, even eccentric. But as always, Senku preferred to listen to his voice of reason.
—We need an expert on the topic.
That's right, ladies and gentlemen, after being asleep for millennia, he comes to this world to conquer it. He wants everything and everyone, regardless of labels or gender. The most ambitious man who has ever walked this earth may be poor at the moment, but that won't stop him. His attractiveness was envied by Adonis himself from Greek mythology, with hair as blond as gold, chocolate-coloured hazel eyes, capable of taking your breath away with a single snap. They waited for him for a long time, and finally he has arrived.
He is Ryusui Nanami.
—HAHA! Thanks for the introduction— laughed the half-naked young alpha as he snapped his fingers.
—Minami, who is this guy talking to? —Nikki asked worriedly.
—I don't know, just pretend he's crazy, —suggested the reporter. —Finish getting changed! We're leaving!
—Sorry for the delay, I don't want to make a bad impression, —he said as he adjusted his orange raincoat.
—Get on, it's best if you see the construction first-hand — said Senku.
The blond man climbed excitedly onto the raft, noticing how sturdy the small vessel was. The sail was hand-woven, and the details of the boat gave him his first clue: it was a raft from a small village, so he probably wouldn't encounter many people.
From a distance, he could see the large infrastructure that was being assembled. It would be a great ship, and he wanted to be the one to steer it.
—Welcome~ —said a young man with strange hair, two colours so opposite, similar to Yin and Yang, but something about his presence told him to watch his pockets, then he remembered he had no money— You must be our captain.
—Ryusui Nanami —he shook his hand with the other, flashing a big, flirtatious smile— should thank you for waking me from my long sleep~.
—If Senku-chan woke you up, that means you must be someone very talented.
—I'm the best~— he boasted of his knowledge— although it would be rude of me not to know your name, my young friend.
—Gen Asagiri, I'm just here to support.
—A pleasure, don't hesitate to ask me to help with whatever you need to survive.
—Great! Then I'll leave it to you, Ryusui-chan— he said sweetly.
—Hey, don't be late, come here— said the green-haired man that Ryusui associated with Senku. Behind him was an old man carrying some tools, presumably the local carpenter.
—Oho, I'd like Chrome to come and see the great progress we've made.
—Sorry, Kaseki-san, but Ukyo-chan asked him to help carry some materials.
—Do you have the design? —Senku asked.
—Yes, I never part with it — the old craftsman took a roll of paper from under his tunic,
and showed the drawing to the newly arrived sailor. Ryusui was amazed by the design.
—It's not bad at all, I want to sail it.
—Sailing ships are impressive! —the craftsman exclaimed excitedly.
—What do you think, Ryusui? Could it take us to the other side of the world?
—Oh no~ —added Gen— That's impossible. A captain accustomed to sailing modern ships doesn't have the skills necessary for a sailboat like this one.
—Before I answer, we have to protect the ship well, —the tallest one interrupted the mentalist— My sailor's instinct never fails me. The temperature has risen to 14 degrees.
—You're right, —confirmed the scientist, looking at the wooden thermometer he was holding.
—The humidity has risen to 90% and the wind is blowing from the south-southwest. It's quite likely that the air from the Yangtze has pushed the air from Siberia. Capillatus clouds are approaching at 60 kilometres per hour. In other words, there will be a spring storm. We'll have May rain! — He snapped his fingers as he reached his conclusion.
The men hurried to cover all the wood in the area, some carrying boxes to the laboratory, while the women sheltered the children in the temporary tents near the shipyard. Within minutes, the storm began to sweep across the area, immediately soaking those who were still outside, including Chrome, who was running towards Senku.
—SENKUUUUUU! —Chrome shouted in alarm— THIS IS BAD! IT'S STARTED RAINING! WE HAVE TO STORE EVERYTHING!
—Don't worry about that, we managed to prevent it before it happened.
—Huh?! — The boy turned and saw the tallest alpha next to Gen —Ah! The naked man!
—Chrome-chan! Where did you get that from?!— said Gen, alarmed. —I know that those who are petrified don't have clothes, but when we free them, we give them something to wear!
—Eh? Kohaku told me that he spent a long time modelling on the beach naked— he said simply.
—Haha... We ran into her while we were gathering firewood — said a young man with white hair who had just arrived, speaking softly.
Ryusui could barely make out the new people approaching. The two boys seemed to be younger than him, although something told him not to be fooled by appearances. The first was the more exotic of the two, with white hair, aquamarine eyes, and the appearance of Robin Hood, but in yellow. The second was brown-haired with slight foreign features, but he was very loud.
—I see... Well, let me introduce you! This is our newest member of the scientific kingdom, Ryusui-chan —he said melodiously next to the alpha, who was already smiling with all his fangs showing.
—HAHA! It's a pleasure to meet you! —he said loudly, noticing the confidence shining in the boy with the bandana.
—Nice to meet you! I'm Chrome, and I'm the coolest of all the stones—I shook his hand with great confidence and excitement, just like a child.
—Nice to meet you, Ukyo Saionji. You can count on me if you have any questions about the activities—he said calmly, flashing a friendly smile.
He could gather a lot from this. Ukyo is undoubtedly a very handsome boy, exotic with those green eyes, unlike anything in Japan, and something tells him that he has a hidden talent that he wants to discover. Gen was peculiar, his hair was what stood out the most, his skin was smooth for someone in the stone world, but something inside him told him to keep his distance from him. Senku had an appearance that did not stand out from the others, being described as an ordinary boy by normal standards, but his intelligence was magnificent, with so much knowledge that had led him to survive until now. How admirable! And Chrome seemed to be a healthy boy.
—We'll have to leave the introductions for later. We need to make sure the boat's base structure stays firm. There's a chance the tide will rise with all this rain —said Senku as he brought more leather blankets.
—I'll go with Kaseki to secure it, —said Ukyo as he called a couple more people to help him.
—That's too bad, we could have lost all this wood because of the water — said Chrome as he helped arrange the blanket.
—If we were in the open sea, it would be the end of us. The wood is quite weak, it hasn't been fastened for decades. It's not very safe to cross with this.
—That's what I thought — replied Senku — so we'll make a hybrid, a motor sailboat.
—Are you serious?
—Oh Senku, were you testing me? —he laughed — To see if I would accept something inferior. You're cheeky, I wish you had worked for the Nanamis. —He crossed his arms and moved a little closer — And what would I use for energy? The low-quality coal they use in their furnaces? With rubbish like that, the ship will sink. It will be impossible to go to the other side of the world without decent fuel.
—Hey~ what do you mean? I'm not very good at science — he said, feigning ignorance, although his companions didn't believe him at all.
—HAHAHA, don't play dumb —he smiled, showing all his fangs, exuding confidence — You know what I mean, don't you, my dear Senku?
—All right, the scientific kingdom wants the same thing... it's time to go find it —the teenager smiled excitedly —Let's go find the supreme king of resources! Let's go dig for oil!
—EHHHHHHHHHHHHH Where are we going to get oil in Japan!? Here?
—Yes! — he smiled victoriously, as the blizzard of rain covered his entire body. Ryusui would say he was a very amazing boy if it weren't for the fact that the younger boy was dragged away by the leather that had come loose from the wood.
—SENKUU! — Taiju shouted from afar— I'M COMING FOR YOU, SENKU!
They went to meet at the laboratory they had set up near the beach. Upon arrival, the sailor saw several shelves full of jars, baskets with plans, and a jar of charcoal shaped like pencils. Around the table, he found multiple pieces of paper.
—I remember that the route was past the river, I don't think they'll get lost.
—It would be best to go with an exploration team.
—I'll let Kohaku know! —Chrome shouted as he ran towards the tents.
—Chrome! Be careful! —Gen shouted as he watched him run through the rain, looking worried as the youngest ran without any fear.
—HAHAHA, IT'S OKAY! —He turned around cheerfully until he tripped over one of the logs. The older ones just sighed when they saw him lying on the ground and then saw him running again. —I'M FINE!
—It's best to wait for the rain to pass before leaving.
—It's safer to do it tomorrow, that way we'll have more time to get to Sagará and camp before nightfall.
—I'll let Jasper know that you'll be passing near the village, in case you need more help.
—Is there another village besides this one? — asked the new member curiously.
—The village of Ishigami — said Gen.
—Senku has his own village?!
—There's a lot to tell, Ryusui-chan~
At dusk, the few lanterns installed around the camp were lit, the rain had stopped, giving way to the sound of cicadas and the laughter of the few children playing on the beach. For the sailor, it was very different from what he was used to seeing in his modern life.
—Is something bothering you?
—What? —He turned to look at the person next to him, the young man who called himself Ukyo, his own face reflected in his aquamarine eyes. —No, it just feels very small.
—Umm, I guess you were expecting more people.
—Nah, I mean more stuff, more houses, hotels, and a big restaurant. This view is perfect for a weekend getaway.
—I think you'll have to wait a long time for that, he chuckled at his musings, we still need to wake up more people.
—I know! What's stopping them?! Don't they want to move faster?
—Well, as Senku said, we need fluid to revive them.
—... Didn't you say you could make it with shit?
—...Yes, —he replied uncomfortably— but we also have to consider the resources we have access to.
—Like what? —
—Food — he said, offering him a bowl of ramen.
—Ah —he held the bowl, looking at him with a little dissatisfaction.
—I'm sorry, but it's all we have to offer —his delicate face gave the impression of modesty, but the sparkle in his eyes gave a hint of mockery. Was he laughing at him?!
—Don't worry, I can survive on this! —He sounded confident in his willpower. It wasn't one of his favourite dishes, such as seafood or caviar, among others, but he would be able to adapt, or so he told himself.
—By the way, Senku says you'll be sharing a tent tonight.
—I guess it will be with you~.
—No, with Chrome.
—...Well, I hope he doesn't move around too much.
—I can't guarantee that.
—GUYS! —Nikki shouted, passing the word around— Come here! They brought watermelon!
The night was ‘slightly’ uncomfortable. Having Chrome as a tent mate was a challenge he would not like to repeat. The boy moved countless times, kicking him in the process, and his snoring was so loud that anyone who valued their eight hours of sleep would not be able to sleep. Even sleeping next to a ship's boiler was more comfortable than this. He was secretly grateful that the boy got up early. He was able to sleep for about 40 minutes until he came back and resumed his napping routine. He didn't realise the sun had risen until they came to pick them up.
—Chrome! We're leaving! — shouted a blonde girl.
—Huh!? — They both jumped up.
—WHAT!? I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD BREAKFAST! — he shouted desperately as he searched for his shoes.
—Ukyo says it's better to leave now, grab something and eat it on the way.
—AAAAAAHHHH! — He ran off in the direction of the laboratory.
—What happened to you? Didn't you manage to sleep? —Kohaku asked when she saw his dark circles.
—Does your friend... always sleep like that?
—Chrome? Well, like everyone else —she spoke calmly— although I remember Senku's face when he shared the hut with him for the first time, I remember him complaining about a lot of things.
—I share that sentiment.
—Kohaku-chan, we'll accompany you to the edge of the forest. Senku-chan wants to coordinate a few things with Chrome before you leave —said Gen, who had just arrived.
—I don't think that's necessary. We know the way.
—SO BAADDD! —a shout was heard in the distance.
—Forget it, I'm going there, — the blonde grumbled, something inside her knew she had to drag Chrome away before breakfast.
—We're going to get that oil! Leave it to the search team! — the youngest shouted euphorically.
They said goodbye to the small group that was leaving on their next expedition. They were supposed to be in charge of advancing the construction of the ship they would use for the expedition. With that, Senku already had more than 1,000 plans he wanted to carry out when they found the oil, including new scientific advances and implementing new amenities.
—If we manage to get oil — said Ryusui, leaning against a tree trunk — I promise to take you to the other side of the earth with my great skills, but on one condition —This caught the attention of both heads of the scientific kingdom. —You know that all your lives will be my responsibility—said the blond alpha with a touch of confidence, raising Gen's alarm bells—so I should receive compensation for that, for my services, obviously.
—Huh?
—In that case, as a reward, I want all the rights to the oil! — he smiled grimly.
—What! Are you crazy?! — Gen shouted — That's excessive!
—It's a shame you put such a low price on life. But if you think it's too expensive, ask someone else.
—You're the only one with this much talent for this, you know that, and that's why you're asking for so much.
—Even if we managed to find oil, if Ryusui keeps the oil, how can we use it?!
—Isn't it obvious? You'll buy it from me! —He laughed loudly, showing all his teeth.
—There's no money here! — complains the mentalist.
—Ah~ I see, you want to bring back the economic system.
—Please Senku, you give me too much credit, but think about it, at some point they had to come up with a monetary system, after all, resources are limited and there always has to be some kind of order to prevent chaos.
—Are you referring to the barter system?
—I don't think that's very beneficial. It's like saying that the value of hunting a big lion is the same as fishing on the riverbank. Money establishes the value of actions and the price you give for your service. I'm sure building a whole boat for yourself is a hobby, but I doubt you know how to take care of it and maintain it properly.
—Yeah, it's not my thing.
—Here's what I propose: the boat is yours. You can use it for whatever little mission you want to do on the other side of the world, but you can sell it to me, and I'll gladly buy it, thus rewarding the efforts of everyone who is building it.
—And your little detail is...
—The gasoline, of course. The oil will power the engine for as long as you want, but remember, who's going to drive that boat? —He leaned dangerously close to the boy's face, smiling. —I don't do favours for free, Senku. You ran out of fluid to revive me when I woke up, and you don't have another expert who knows how to sail motorboats. The decision is yours.
—Senku-chan, can we talk? —the mentalist laughed as he took the scientist's shoulder.
—Uhm? —the teenager was dragged away without losing sight of the sailor— speak quickly.
—Okay, let's evaluate the options—he covered part of his face with his long sleeves—you woke up an ambitious ex-millionaire, only he knows how to handle large ships since Ukyo only knows the technical side of communications and navigation with submarines. He wants to take the oil in exchange for agreeing to sail, and on top of that, he wants to keep the ship.
—Well, what would we do with a ship after making the trip to Treasure Island and around the world? —he spoke simply.
—Let me finish—he looked at him with annoyance—we ran out of nitric acid and the last person you woke up is him! —they both looked at the older man, who just waved flirtatiously at them—Senku-chan, I'm starting to think you have some very peculiar luck.
—And you're complicating things. At some point, we had to get to capitalism.
—Senku-chan, we're past the industrial age.
—There was no way to avoid these things anyway. At some point, the 7 billion people will have to establish their own system. He's just getting ahead of the game.
—But to get the oil, we'll have to raise a lot of funds.
—Well, I'll leave that to you.
—WHAT!?
—We'll think of something— he said, turning around— Hey! Ryusui!
—I hope you don't regret this— said Gen as he pulled his sleeves down from his face— Ryusui-chan~
—So what's your verdict? — he laughed when he saw them.
—Fine, you'll have the oil, but you'll handle it— said Senku.
—Great, in that case, you'll have to sign this —he took a rolled-up sheet of paper and a piece of charcoal out of his raincoat. When he unfolded the sheet, it looked like a contract or agreement, specifying that all rights to the oil would belong to Ryusui. At the bottom of the sheet were separate lines, one of which already had the elder's signature.
—Where did you get the paper and pencil? —asked Senku.
—An adorable masked girl gave them to me when I asked her if she could bring me some things~
‘Suika...’ thought the pair.
—All right, give me that—he placed the sheet on one of the logs.
—Leave some space so Gen can sign it too.
—Me?
—Yes, aren't you like his partner, advisor, or lawyer? —Ryusui said, looking him up and down. —Never mind, just sign it.
—Do I really have to do this? — he looks at the scientist, confused.
—I don't know, don't ask me that — he replies to the metalworker as he signs— Fine, but how do you suggest we pay you for the oil? We don't have any money, and the old one is worthless now. My 500 yen must be dust by now.
—HAHAHA, with dragos~
—What...?
In an instant, the sailor could be seen being attended to by many people, receiving a variety of fruits and soft skins. He ordered a hut to be built on top of the empire's caves. It was painted gold, and in Ryusui, he handed out large bundles of paper with a drawing of a dragon and the number 100 on them as if they were sweets. At the same time, multiple stalls selling different sweets and ramen were set up, including the drawing business set up by the mankaga who had awakened.
—This won't be enough to cover the oil — Gen commented when he saw the girls selling.
—Considering the product, we can only limit ourselves to this for now.
—Any needs you want to cover?
—Apart from electricity, maybe the telephone.
—Could you create an entire telephone network to charge for the service?
—If we weren't focused on the ship, yes.
—Ruled out then.
—Attractions?
—Perhaps, although for that we would need the entire team.
—Damn, I can't think of anything.
Just then, the phone rang. They both looked at each other and went inside. Senku was the first to answer.
—What's going on?
—Um... how can I put this? We're having some problems...— It was Ukyo's voice, and in the background, Chrome could be heard screaming with excitement. —The geography is completely different from the map you gave us.
—Wait, let me go up to the top to get a better signal— Those present left the small laboratory, followed by Mirari, Nikki, and Suika— What happened?
—We were on our way to Shizuoka, but we came across a large waterfall that blocked the road— said Ukyo — It's similar to Niagara Falls.
—I see... The coast is also a disaster.
—The interior is the same.
On the Chrome search team's side, he was jumping from one side to the other, excited by the waterfall he had found, throwing out many new names for how he wanted to name this spot.
—I've always explored the west side of the village, but I've never explored this — the young man was climbing down one of the cliffs, the only one watching him was Kohaku.
—Chrome, where are you going? Ukyo is still on the phone, we have to wait for new instructions.
—It'll only take a moment, I want to get to the shore —he took a wrong step and slipped down the cliff — CRAAAAAPPPPPPPPPP!
—You idiot... — Kohaku sighed as she quickly climbed down to help her friend. She managed to catch him as he held onto one of the roots protruding from the hill. —YOU'RE AN IDIOT! THEY TELL YOU ONE THING AND YOU DO THE OPPOSITE! — She scolded him, hitting him on the head.
—Ouch... — Chrome whimpered as she pulled him back up.
—There's nothing we can do for now — said Senku before ending the call.
—It's best to go back.
—Let's go to the village! — shouted Kohaku, who had finally finished pulling Chrome up. —There are some things I want to take to Turcois!
—Okay, we'll be there for now, —said Ukyo. —I'll let you know when we're on our way.
—Ukyo, could you count the children who are there? I know some stayed in the village, and it's best to get everything ready before classes start — Gen replied this time.
—Yes, but remember that the schedules are missing. There are two places we would have to go to.
—We'll probably have to split up. We can't be in both places at the same time.
—We'll coordinate later. It's better to leave now before nightfall.
The call ended, leaving the pair with the little girl, who asked Gen intrigued as she walked down holding Mirai's hand.
—Classes? Will there be any new activities?
—There will be a small science school— said Gen, getting the attention of both girls— we will teach writing, maths, and some traditions that we want to revive.
—Woah— through the moons on the little girl's mask, you could see the sparkle of excitement in her eyes—that means I'll finally be able to understand what Senku writes.
—That and much more!
—Older people who are interested can also participate— Senku spoke this time— learning is for everyone who is interested, whether they are from the village or the modern era.
—Some people might be interested in finishing their studies— Nikki murmured shyly.
Almost at the end of Roppongi Hills, they ran into Ruri, who was carrying a tray of tea.
—Ruri-chan, just the person I need. Can I ask you a few questions? —Gen asked.
—Of course.
The mentalist led her to one of the cabins to talk more comfortably with the priestess, leaving the couple who were coming down the hill alone.
—What does Ruri have to do with all this? —Nikki asked as she watched them walk away.
—Gen knows what he's doing. For now, we have to gather the entire construction and crafts team, —Senku said as he took some charcoal out of his belt pouch. —We have to make a balloon.
Yuzuriha and Taiju couldn't believe their eyes. Perhaps the former had expected it a little, but that didn't make it any less shocking. They knew first-hand what Senku was like: a logical boy, kind in his own way and who cared about those closest to him (also in his own way). They knew how far Senku could go with his projects, but seeing him laugh maniacally with someone other than himself was what surprised them both the most. In short, they had just cheated a millionaire out of a large sale of all the clothing designs they had in the storage room.
—I'm glad Senku-kun has a new friend— said Yuzuriha, coming out of her shock.
—Eh?
—I remember you telling me that when Senku-kun and you did your experiments in primary school, he used to let out eerie laughs that scared some girls, although in secondary school he was popular.
—I remember that some admired him and others hated him — said the big guy, trying to remember.
—But that's normal — said the girl — something I learned in secondary school is that envy exists.
—But that's wrong, we all have different talents, they shouldn't bother with something like that, they should support each other to achieve great things together — defended the older one, looking at his friend who was counting all the banknotes he had collected, his eyes showing excitement.
—Senku-chan, what do you think if we propose selling different pieces of jewellery in our next business venture? —his partner suggested mischievously.
—There are some minerals left over; they must be on the shelf.
—We'll put only tiny stones on each necklace or bracelet to make them look like they're sparkling.
—I'd say he's more the type to wear rings and earrings, —he laughed grimly.
—Let's make them in different sizes so they fit all the fingers on his hand~
—I like the idea, let's do it.
—Let's sell them for 10,000 dragons each.
The friends watched fondly as the pair of demons conspired to make the most profit from the new product that would be released on the market.
When they landed in Ishigami Village, they were greeted by all the members who had stayed behind, among them their chief representative, Turcois, who had been left in charge.
—Any news? —asked Senku— I heard that you ran out of suppressants.
—Yes, but that was a while ago, and no one has shown any signs of heat yet. Ukyo has helped me with that issue with some of those who remained, but most of the omega population is over there in the empire.
—I see. I'll make some reservations.
—Thanks —she said as they left the laboratory. — By the way, who is that? — she pointed as she saw the blond alpha climb into the observatory.
—He's the new captain of the ship.
—The naked guy?
—So Kohaku told you, huh...
—It was the first thing she said to me when she saw me.
—HAHA, I want it! — Ryusui shouted as soon as he landed on the ground — Senku, how much is that big telescope? I want it.
—It's not for sale.
—Hey, first of all, that's my house.
—Chrome. Everyone sleeps in that hut, Kohaku said, turning to look to one side and noticing that Ukyo was leaving. —Ukyo, where are you going?
—It's time for class, I'll go ahead.
—I'll catch up with you later, —said Senku.
—Classes? —asked Ryusui.
—Something we organised for those interested in learning to read. Gen and Ruri will take care of the people who stayed in the empire.
The sailor watched as the white-haired young man walked away, greeted by several adults and children carrying a couple of notebooks.
—Before the petrification, was he an education student?
—A student? —said Chrome, incredulous at what the alpha was saying.
—Did he already finish university? —he asked, more nervously.
—University? —said the girl. Senku made a superhuman effort not to laugh in his face, turning to look at Chrome and Kohaku, who were confused.
—Eh—I mean, yes, but no, he finished his studies, pfff—he couldn't stop his jaw from trembling, resulting in a horrible grimace—You don't have to be a teacher to be able to teach others.
The scientist quickly left before saying anything else, leaving the three people who were still in the hut confused.
—Well... We'll introduce you to the others in the village!
That night, the other members enjoyed the banquet that the village elders had prepared for them, a fish buffet, a first-class feast for Chrome, and for Ryusui, a dinner full of fish without a variety of dishes. The blond man thanked them for the kind dinner they had given him, but he was not entirely satisfied. He was used to extravagant dishes from great chefs, but today he had only eaten the same dish in different presentations.
—Are you coming up? —a voice asked behind Ryusui. The sailor had remained standing on the steps of the hut while he digested his last supper, thinking of a new way to get top-quality meat in this world of stone.
—Eh? Yes, but you can come up yourself, can't you? —he replied in a tired tone without turning to look at him.
—I would, but you're blocking the stairs by leaning on them— Ryusui got up from one of the boards and looked at the new tenant of the hut.
—Ukyo... why don't you just crush me in my misery?
—Woah, what's got you so upset? —he said with a small sly smile. The alpha let out a heavy sigh and turned his gaze towards the laboratory.
—You wouldn't understand.
—I won't understand if you don't tell me —said the aquamarine-eyed one— Do you want to walk for a while before going in?
—What for? There are no lanterns.
—Come on, sailor, weren't you the cheerful, free-spirited guy a week ago?
—... Fine, as long as I spend less time sharing a room with Chrome, I'll go.
The starry night in Ishigami Village was reflected on the large lake that surrounded it. Walking along the shore, you could see how the warm water revealed the full moon with a slight movement caused by the small waves.
—I guess dinner wasn't what you expected, said Ukyo.
—Meat! — he shouted in exasperation— I want beef, veal, chicken, and even pork! —he raised his arms as he vented— It's been about a week and a half since I was released, and I've only eaten fish.
—Didn't they give you ramen in the empire?
—At lunch! —He grabbed him by the arms, staring at him with his face very close as he complained— EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
—Okay. I see you were used to eating different things. —The white man slowly pushed him away, trying to understand his complaint.
—Tell me they don't live on that alone!
—No, sometimes they hunt rabbits or deer, but fishing is easier.
—NEED MY CHEF, A PROFESSIONAL CHEF, OR I WON'T LIVE —he grabbed his hair, dropping his hat— NO! THAT WILL ONLY GIVE SENKU PLEASURE TO SEE MY AGONY! I HAVE TO SURVIVE! BUT I WANT MEAT!
—I thought you wanted to sail around the world.
—That too! I want to steer the ship! That's my wish too! I want everything!
—Ryusui, maybe... you're finally realizing that you no longer have everything you wanted within your reach.
—What are you talking about? I already know that — he looked at him incredulously — I knew it the moment I was de-petrified, but I can't help feeling frustrated about the things I want to have now.
—And you'll give up?
—Of course not — he looks at him a little calmer— Just because this world is no longer the same as before doesn't mean I'm going to sit idly by —he smiles with more confidence— but I would like to buy my own hut in this village, I don't think I can stand sleeping with Chrome again.
—I thought you'd sleep with Senku?
—I'm leaving before I go into the observatory!
—I thought you'd stay on the first floor...— he said resignedly. He planned to sleep in the observatory and lock the door so no one could come up. He didn't want to hear them snoring. —Sleeping in the forest sounds more comfortable right now...
—Do you think we can get Chrome out of the first level of the hut?
—If he doesn't come up yet, you can send him to the second level with Senku.
—What if we leave him outside? — He joked, but the other boy looked at him disapprovingly. —OK, bad idea.
—Come on, captain, we have to get up early tomorrow —the white-haired boy picked up the blond boy's hat and smiled at him — You can't escape reality anymore.
—Damn, fine — he took his hat and put it on, setting off on the way back to the science hut — Hey, I don't want to be rudeeee, buut...
—Ask whatever you want.
—How did you feel when you realized that everything that made up the modern era had disappeared?
—How I felt... —his green eyes focused on the sky, his face thoughtful. For a moment, Ryusui saw the stars shining through those eyes — frustration...
—Oh, yes, the delights of...
—Frustration with myself.
—Hm? Why?
—So many things had happened in Tsukasa's empire that I felt everything was slipping through my fingers, and for a moment I just decided to give up.
The alpha couldn't respond to what the shorter one had said, he just swallowed hard at what he had said, feeling that he had asked something very personal. He was about to say something but was interrupted.
—But that's a long story.
—Huh? — he felt very intrigued — What? No! Tell me, I want to know!
—It's too late, Ryusui. Another day, I'll tell you everything.
—Noooo! Come on, Ukyo, tell me!
—Ummm, no~
—Yes? Yes? —the taller one behind the green-eyed one kept insisting, grabbing the back of his polo shirt and pulling him to try to stop him —Come on~.
—Hahaha How much do you want to know?
—Everything! —he declared with a snap— I want to know the whole story, from Senku's secondary school, how the village was formed, what they used to freeze Tsukasa. I want to know all the details of everyone's lives.
—That's a lot of information.
—And I'm willing to know the truth —he laughed, showing all his fangs— Otherwise I'll miss the connection between everyone.
—As far as I remember, Kohaku told you the story.
—Something superficial in my opinion, besides, I was distracted by several things they implemented in the village. Also, in the observatory, I found a basket full of bags with lots of flowers, pebbles, and raisins.
—They're Gen's.
—What does he use all that for?
—It's part of his trick.
—That explains why he has so many pockets in that cloak he always wears.
—Have you seen the inside?
—No, but I always see him pulling lots of things out of his sleeves, and Senku told me he used to be a magician. In my opinion, he had a lot of potential to succeed in show business.
—I saw him on a game show with Tsukasa. It was quite a challenge.
—HAHA, I would have loved to see that, but he was probably busy with the ships.
—I'm sure he was —the green-eyed one stopped on the steps of the hut— That's enough chatting, Ryusui, see you tomorrow.
—Wait —the taller one stopped him by grabbing his wrist— Stay.
—Wh-what?
—Help me get Chrome out of the hut—he said with an expression of desperation, which made the other one even paler.
—No.
—Ukyo.
—I already said no.
—Come on! We're just asking you to go sleep with Senku and the two of us will take the first level, everyone wins.
—Ryusui, it doesn't work that way —he began to struggle against the grip.
—Come on~, I'll be quiet, I don't snore or kick, you won't even notice me in the hut —he continued without letting go.
—Then sleep outdoors.
—There's no tent to cover me if it rains.
—There are plenty of trees.
—My back will hurt.
—Sleeping in the woods isn't so bad. Think of it as a survival class.
—I know how to sleep on boats in the middle of the ocean, but not in a forest. Have you ever done it? —I pull him harder.
—Yes, many times. It's even easy to set up a small shelter.
—What?! Were you some kind of Boy Scout or something?!
—In the navy, they teach you the basics of survival —he continued to struggle.
—HAHA! TEACH ME!
—Don't shout!
—COULD YOU BE QUIET!? —Chrome shouted, poking his head through the door of the hut— DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS?! WELL, I DON'T! BUT I WANT TO SLEEP!
—DAMN YOU, CHROME! DON'T YELL, YOU'LL WAKE UP HALF THE VILLAGE! —Senku shouted angrily, poking his head through the open roof of the observatory.
—Why are you blaming me?! It should be those two! — he accused, pointing at the two older boys struggling.
—Chrome! If you don't want to be in the middle of our fight, you should go with Senku! — said Ryusui, while Ukyo looked at him intrigued.
—Well, that's what I'll do! You noisy people! — he complained frustratedly as he climbed the stairs— Senku! Open up!
—No... go sleep with Ryusui downstairs —he growled under his breath —this is my room.
—It's my hut!
—Remember, you lost it in a science challenge — he opened the door while arguing with the brown-haired boy.
—Okay! This is our chance —he tried to pull him, but the other boy managed to break free from his grip.
—Good night —he was turning around.
—Are you seriously going to sleep in the field? Do I disgust you?
—No, of course not.
—Then don't let that stop you from sharing a room with me. Remember~, new world, new rules~
—I think there are certain rules you should consider.
—Don't worry, I told you I'm not noisy —he smiled — I noticed you're very sensitive to noise. If I snore, you have the right to kick me out.
The white haired boy took a long breath, closed his eyes and thought, then relaxed his posture, opening those eyes that reflected every face he saw.
—Okay, it won't be that different from boarding marine or Tsukasa's empire, I guess.
—That's the attitude! —The alpha settled into one of the futons Chrome used, and before closing his eyes, he watched as the ‘beta’ drank some water before going to sleep.
That night was not repeated. In the weeks they were in the village, Ukyo managed to grab the observatory floor before any of the others came up.
—Shit! The door's stuck! — Senku complained.
—At this point, buying one of the huts sounds like a good idea.
—Maybe his cycle came early? — Chrome said.
—No, that was in April, remember — Senku commented, as he continued to struggle with the door — this is a bad joke.
—Uh? What cycle? Is he alpha? I thought he was beta.
—What are you talking about, Ukyo is omega, —Chrome corrected him.
Like a bucket of cold water, the alpha felt a chill run through his body, understanding why he had been hesitant the night before and why he preferred camping. Damn, his proposal must have sounded indecent to the boy, even though he hadn't meant it that way. At that moment, he remembered what he had seen during his first week in the empire, before flying in the balloon.
—Senku! Wake up! It's time to fly! —he entered the scientist's cabin excitedly, slamming the door behind him.
—Huh? — With one eye open and one closed, he got up from his futon, which was covered in blankets and furs — Knock on the door like a normal person.
—Ryusui-chan? — Gen's sleepy voice came from under the pile of blankets that slowly revealed the mentalist wearing only his turtleneck shirt and his messy hair.
That left the sailor cold, as he understood that Gen and Senku were omega and alpha respectively and those idiots weren't supposed to be a couple. He shouldn't have ignored his judgement when he first saw them. An hour later, Kinro would tell him that they were just friends and that they always shared a cabin, and even though the guard was very serious, he made it clear that it wasn't the first time he had seen them like that...
—Damn it, is there anything I don't know about you, Ukyo?! — he shouted from the ground. At that moment, the roof of the observatory opened, and the aquamarine-eyed man appeared.
—I'm older than you — he replied amusedly, sticking out his tongue. Leaving the blond feeling nervous.
—UKYO! OPEN THE DOOR! I'M OPEN TO SHARE A ROOM WITH YOU! —Senku shouted.
—UNFAITHFUL! —the sailor shouted.