At 6:00 AM, Kawaki woke up out of habit. Even though he had the day off and didn't need to go to the factory, years of routine made this early hour feel natural. He stretched comfortably and glanced over at his wife and daughter, both still peacefully asleep.
Seeing their calm, gentle faces brought an involuntary smile to his lips. Moments like these, quiet and peaceful, were what made life truly good. Not wanting to wake them, he quietly slipped out of the bedroom and headed to the smaller living room.
Since their family of three lived in a house specially arranged by the grass Shinobi Lord, they had a bigger bedroom but a smaller living room. The only downside was the lack of a private bathroom; they had to use the communal washroom outside for washing up and other needs.
Stopping briefly in the living room, Kawaki's eyes landed on the "Outstanding Employee" award hanging on the wall. He stood there silently for a moment, then a small smile appeared as he murmured, "Outstanding Employee…" He kept his voice low, careful not to disturb his family.
The recognition gave him a quiet boost of motivation. Gathering his toiletries, he headed outside, the door clicking softly behind him.
Just as he closed the door, he heard another door close nearby. Kawaki instinctively turned his head and met the gaze of the man who had just stepped out of the neighboring house.
For a brief moment, they both froze, then exchanged smiles and slight nods. Their neighbors, the Ishigami couple, didn't have children, rumor was that the war had made them hesitant to start a family.
Originally, they planned to live quietly and wait out their days, but when they heard about the job openings in the Land of Grass, they decided to take a chance. The Ishigamis had also moved here and, like Kawaki and his wife Hanako, both worked hard as dual-income earners. They even said they planned to have a child once they settled down.
"Good morning, Mr. Ishigami!" Kawaki greeted.
"Morning, Mr. Kawaki! Up early too, huh!" came the friendly reply.
The two men exchanged warm hellos before continuing their day.
Though their jobs kept them busy and often apart, so they only caught glimpses of each other in the mornings and evenings, seeing each other dressed in the same green work uniforms always brought a warm sense of connection to their faces.
Both had come from the Land of Rain to the Land of Grass, just ordinary workers with no reason to keep distance between them. Together, they walked toward the washroom area, humming a familiar tune that added a cheerful note to the chilly winter morning.
Despite the cold dawn, neither of them felt the chill; instead, they looked energized and ready to face the day. At the washbasins, a few others had already gathered, exchanging smiles and greetings until they felt like old friends rather than strangers. After finishing their morning routine, they headed back side by side.
When they reached their own doorways, Mr. Ishigami gripped his doorknob and looked out at the heavy snowfall, his eyes full of feeling as he quietly asked, "Are you all planning to go out today?"
"Yeah!" Kawaki replied, understanding Ishigami's meaning and sharing the sentiment. "It's a rare day off. Are you going out too?"
"Yes. Yoko and I plan to go buy some things."
"You're such a lucky couple!"
"And you too, Mr. Kawaki, with a cute daughter, no less!"
They exchanged a few simple words, wished each other a good time, and then Ishigami opened his door and went inside. Kawaki smiled as he watched the door close, then glanced outside at the snow and murmured, "So peaceful..." He opened his own door and called softly inside, "I'm back!"
"Welcome back," his wife replied, already up and smiling. "Breakfast will be ready soon!"
"Thanks for everything, Hanako." Kawaki sat down nearby, watching his wife bustle about with a gentle smile on his lips.
Quietly, he felt grateful to the Lord for blessing them with such a peaceful life. Before long, their daughter Ruka woke up too. After washing up, the family gathered around the table for breakfast.
Since moving to the Land of Grass, they'd always eaten at the work cafeteria, never cooking at home. Today, however, would be the first time they'd prepare a meal together at home.
When they first heard that no meals would be served in the cafeteria during the holiday, they couldn't help but feel a little worried. After all, they hadn't stocked up on food at home, and for the next few days, they weren't allowed to go outside until they got the official notice.
How were they supposed to eat? Were they going to go hungry? But then, when they received their paychecks, the Kusa Shinobis surprised them with a year-end gift package filled with vegetables, meat, and rice.
That instantly eased their worries. As they had expected, the Lord was kind, there was no way he would let his workers go hungry.
Soon enough, the family finished their breakfast and tidied up. Kawaki touched the paycheck in his hand and exchanged a hopeful smile with his wife.
Now, it was time to head out! Lights off, windows closed, door locked!
Ruka clapped her hands happily. "Yay! We finally get to go out and play!"
"Remember this," Hanako said, smiling at her excited daughter. But after a moment, her expression grew serious. "Stay close and don't cause any trouble."
"I know! Don't worry, we have permission to go out!" Kawaki ruffled Ruka's hair with a grin. "Dad's got some money today. Ruka, you can buy whatever you want!"
Her eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?"
"Really!"
"Awesome! Dad's so generous today!"
"Kawaki!" Hanako called out playfully.
"It's nothing! It's rare for us all to be this happy." Kawaki smiled at his daughter, then glanced at his wife and shook his head slightly. Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand decisively. "Today, we're going to have fun. Let's go!"
Hanako smiled, resigned but happy to see her daughter so joyful. She threw her fist forward like Ruka and laughed, "Let's go!"
"Let's go!"
As they passed through the gate, one of the Kusa Shinobis on guard called out, "Be sure to come back early!"
Finally, the family stepped outside. Along the way, they saw other workers dressed in green uniforms heading out as well.
They exchanged glances, shared small smiles and nods, careful not to disturb one another. Everyone seemed excited for the day. Looking out at the busy street beyond, Kawaki's eyes briefly grew misty, but then a bittersweet smile spread across his face.
He murmured softly, "The Land of Grass is really our home."
Tightening his hold on his wife's hand, he stepped forward with purpose, a small smile tugging at his lips. Next year...
We'll give it our all! To repay the Lord!