I’m a Man Who Rides the Wave

The season of the Bushin Festival had finally arrived.

I walked through the bustling streets of the Royal Capital, noting that the faces in the crowd looked different than usual. The people thronging the thoroughfares were a melting pot of races, nationalities, and professions, yet they were all united by a single goal: enjoying the Bushin Festival. A strange sense of unity had blossomed among these strangers—people I had never spoken to and likely never would.

Festivals were funny that way.

And I didn’t hate the atmosphere. Not one bit.

After all, this was my chance to do that.

When everyone’s attention was focused on a single point, the ultimate stage was set.

The Bushin Festival.

"I have no choice but to ride it—this big wave."

I was going to accomplish one of the top-ranking items on my Things-to-do List.

You know the one: the trope where a mysterious powerhouse enters a tournament, and the crowd goes, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, that guy’s gonna get killed!" followed by, "Wait, he’s actually strong!?" and finally, "Just who the hell is he!?"

To pull that off, I needed a little help.

I pushed through the sea of people and arrived at the Mitsugoshi Company Royal Capital Branch. Operating on the logic that it was my friend's shop and therefore totally fine, I ignored the long queue and waltzed right inside.

The store was frantic with the typical chaos of the peak season, but I was instantly spotted by a beautiful shop girl and escorted away.

"You might not believe me, but I’m actually friends with the owner," I told her.

"I am well aware, sir."

I wondered for a second if she actually knew what she was talking about, but it seemed she really did.

I was shown to that same room with the extravagant chair I’d used before. I took my seat in it without ceremony.

Yep, this chair really does make you feel like a ruler.

A glass of 100% apple juice with ice was placed before me. They knew their stuff. I was definitely more of an apple juice guy than an orange juice guy. The chilled liquid felt incredible against the summer heat.

Chime, chime.

The sound of summer drifted on the breeze.

"A wind chime, huh..."

I looked toward the window. A wind chime was dangling there, and beyond it, I could see the blue sky and massive, towering cumulus clouds.

"Please wait just a moment," the clerk said.

I gave a short nod. She went to fetch Gamma, while another girl began fanning me with a large folding fan. She was wearing a summer dress that showed off a fair amount of skin.

"I want something to eat."

"I shall have it prepared immediately."

Gazing out at the clouds, I decided right then and there: if I ever had trouble feeding myself, I was totally freeloading off this place.

GAMMA

The moment she heard that her beloved master had arrived, Gamma dumped her work on her subordinates and rushed toward the Shadow Chamber.

She had chosen a thin, knee-length black dress and paired it with white heels for a summer look. After a quick spray of refreshing perfume, she finally stepped into the room.

"Excuse me."

Her master was seated upon the Shadow Throne, legs crossed, gazing out at the sky. Was that sharp gaze of his fixed on the cumulus clouds, or was he seeing "something" else entirely?

Gamma couldn't decipher it yet.

"I have a request."

Her master turned his gaze toward her as he spoke.

Her heart throbbed at the sight of that perpetually dignified expression. A stray, somewhat inappropriate thought crossed her mind: I wonder if he’ll notice I changed my hairstyle.

"Please, command me as you wish."

"I want to enter the Bushin Festival while keeping my identity a secret."

The moment her master spoke those words, Gamma’s brilliant mind began racing at a terrifying speed.

She tried to read his intent, desperately searching for the hidden meaning behind the request.

And yet... she couldn't find an answer.

Why would he need to do such a thing?

The mystery was unsolvable. Finally, Gamma swallowed her pride and asked.

"Might I ask why, My Lord?"

Her master averted his eyes and looked back up at the sky.

When his gaze left her, Gamma felt as though his interest had left her as well. Her eyes wavered.

"The reason... I'd prefer if you didn't ask."

He spoke with his eyes fixed on something far in the distance.

Gamma lowered her gaze and bit her lip.

When she had heard the report that her master had fought the Witch of Calamity Aurora, she had wondered: If I had been there, would I have been able to grasp his true intentions?

She lacked the confidence to say yes.

Not a single member of Shadow Garden present at the time had been able to read his mind. In the end, his choices had proven to be the absolute best path, but it was clear that no one else stood in the same realm as he did. However, as the one who held the title of The Brains of Shadow Garden, she had to be able to understand him.

That was the reason for her existence.

If she couldn't do that, there was no point in her being in Shadow Garden at all.

And yet, here she was.

She had made another mistake.

"I'm sorry... it's not something I can tell anyone."

Gamma had failed to read his intent or his feelings. Not even a little.

It was a pathetic blunder. It would have been far better to think of nothing and simply move as she was commanded.

"I shall ask nothing more. I live only to fulfill your will, My Lord."

Gamma knelt and bowed her head, hiding the tears of regret that pricked at the corners of her eyes.