Eventually, even the person with the worst problems of anxiety or depression
will find a beautiful day, a radiant and happy day to fight for and gain the
strength to overcome those inner demons that can do so much harm.
However, it is not always so simple... some situations lead to the limit,
regardless of how strong that person is at a sentimental level. Having a
normal life, with ups and downs and daily problems of a human being, you
can suffer quite often this kind of internal conflicts, but if you have been
imprisoned for 3 years at only 15 years of age, maybe the intensity of these
problems has become so strong that it has forged you a strong and
impenetrable character without making you someone violent for no reason.
"This is... the street, the vehicles? Yes, of course, it is" Benji Shoyo, now 18
years old, appreciates after 3 years something as normal as the cracked
asphalt outside the prison. The boy was taking his first steps, beginning to
enjoy his newly acquired freedom and at the same time, depriving a couple
of tears that were imprisoned in his eyes. Benji looked around him as if he
were a newborn baby receiving its first rays of light. Each sigh seemed a
thank you more intense than the last. Benji was wearing a pair of brown
shoes that a friend had given him as a gift during his time in prison. In
addition, he was wearing a white shirt with a long-sleeved jacket over it and
black pants. During his days in prison, as is typical, Benji trained his body as
well as his mind. Benji performed physical exercises and read books, mostly
on psychology, medieval fantasy, and martial arts. One titled "The Strangling Dragon" is one of his favorites.
Due to the exercise, Benji had developed a chiseled body, with marked but
not overly large muscles. He had opted for definition, rather than bulk, as a
worthy lover of martial arts. Just a lover, not a professional, for at his young
age and taking into account that he had spent a small part of his life so far in
prison, he had not had the opportunity to dabble in that world.
Benji pressed his hand as he made his way to the bus stop, which was still the
same after 3 years. *I could say that Kantou has changed almost nothing in 3
years and that makes me feel nostalgic," thought Benji to himself, while he
continued to admire the region like an impressed tourist, attracting the
attention of some people who watched him thinking he was a madman.
When he was a couple of months away from his release, Benji asked the
relevant authorities if he could start to grow a little hair and, taking into
account that he was an exemplary prisoner, obeying and being an example
of good behavior for others, they permitted him... When he came out, a
couple of strands of hair, as black as night, fell between his eyebrows, and at
the same level as the rest of the hair. However, the sides of his skull were
quite short, almost shaved, as well as the back of his skull, which was also
covered with long hair that was falling out from the roots. His eyes were
quite clear, but with a very particular light shine in them... It seemed to be
from birth, perhaps inherited, but what was certain was that that shine was
quite intimidating, and currently more, when Benji's gaze seemed devoid of
fear.
The bus had arrived and Benji stood up to board it. They were certainly
different from the last buses he rode 3 years ago. Benji assessed every
situation, every person, every object, and every behavior. "Sorry, ma'am,
take my seat." Without losing his politeness at any time. After giving his seat
to an old lady, Benji was now standing and a thought came to his head after
thoroughly assessing the elements around him.
*Those guys in the background... They are undoubtedly gang members.
The eaten asphalt, the bad manners of some people...* Benji began to think,
while he threw a fleeting glance at a couple of guys with headphones who
were lying right next to him, and who were already there when he got on
and who had not been able to give the seat to the old woman who also had
a cane. *... And the same empty feeling in my spirit when I realize these
things. The Kantou Region has changed, yes, but very little. What's wrong is
still wrong, and I find it impossible not to get frustrated about it. However...*
Benji interrupted his thoughts, as his fate seemed to be approaching.
The young boy raised the fist that had been clenched to the level of his face
and opened his hand, detailing a note and nodding in satisfaction. He had
arrived at his apparent destination. "Thank you very much..." he said as he
paid, receiving no response other than a sidelong glance with a disdainful
expression from the driver. Benji passed him by and ignored him. When he
was standing at the bus stop and the bus itself started off continuing on its
way, the gang members in the back gave him a potent defiant look. With a
tired and unconcerned expression, Benjiwatched them with slight disdain,
and, looking back at the note and forward again on the sidewalk he had
begun to walk, Benji continued on his way to the address on his note.
It wasn't long before the place he was looking for appeared before him, or at
least Benji was able to see it after he managed to peel his gaze away from a
group of children playing wrestling on the huge sandbox in a park.
*Is this something new? I don't remember seeing kids rolling around in
sandboxes like huge cats... Whatever. Oh! I think I've arrived*
thought Benji, he immediately set about putting the note in his pocket and
taking a look at the site. "TigerLilly," he said in a whisper to himself, while
observing the atmosphere of the place from outside, which strongly
suggested to him that the place, a tea store, was closed. Benji sets out to
knock on the door and only had to wait mere seconds to be answered by a
beautiful girl. "Hello, good afternoon, how can I help you?" asked the girl
with courtesy and everydayness. Benji,, for his part, had not spoken to a girl
for 3 years, let alone such a pretty one.
"My name is Benji Shoyo, nice to meet you..." replied Benji, stretching out
his outstretched hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Hinata Youn."
The girl also introduced herself and Benji understood, upon hearing the last
name, that he had come to the right place. "It's a pleasure for me to meet
you. I'm looking for Mikasa Youn." Benji adds. "Oh, it's my mother... she's
not here right now, but she should be here soon," Hinata replies, looking
Benji up and down with a questionable expression.
Shoyo noticed and slyly he too watched himself, with an expression of
uncertainty. "Let's see, why don't you go to one of the bathrooms near the
tea store? You take a bath and then come back. Surely by then, my mother
will already be here." Hinata suggested with such a sweet and sincere
expression, that Benji forgot for that moment, the urge he had to be
swallowed by the earth when that girl, in other words, had told him that he
was dirty and maybe smelled bad... or at least that was what the boy's mind
thought. Benji currently has a fighting spirit and a moderately advanced
knowledge of the human mind. However, it seems that he can only employ
these skills and abilities when it comes to a fighting conflict, a territory
dispute, or some other gang or martial or criminal organization situation.
On the other hand, in basic matters such as dealing with a strong comment
from a girl younger than him, Benji sucks.
Still unable to get over it, Benji was heading towards the public bathrooms,
after saying goodbye to Hinata and letting out about 5 sighs.
*It can't be. Do I smell that bad? Poor girl*
thought Benji, as he looked in his bag and saw some clean clothes that he
would wear after taking a bath. Without realizing it, she suddenly finds
herself right in front of the door of one of the bathrooms. Benji opens it and
starts walking while bowing briefly to everyone inside, as a cordial greeting.
The vast majority of those in the bath return the greeting. Others enjoy their
bodies submerged in the water so much that they only open one of their
eyes to see what it is about and then close it again without further ado.
Some, on the other hand, do not even notice Benji's presence in the
bathroom. Benji ignores everything and, when he intends to start
undressing, a phrase coming from behind him hits his ear with force.
"Hey you, did you just come out of a dumpster? I'm not questioning the fact
that you had to come to a bathroom." Using a low, mocking tone of voice, a
man around 28 or 30 years of age disrespectfully addresses Benji.
The latter ignores him in an Olympian way after giving him a completely
neutral look as if those words had been carried away by the wind before
reaching Benji's ear. This did not please the bad-looking man who was lying
almost completely submerged in a bathtub. This man began to ascend until
he left his completely naked body outside the bathtub and addressed Benji.
"Didn't you hear me, asshole? Your clothes are stupid, and your spirit gives
off weakness everywhere. That's not to mention your strong pig smell." Adds
the thug-for-hire-looking fellow. However, the result, this time, was even
more useless, because Benji, despite having the guy standing right in front of
him, did not react and decided to continue taking off his shoes, and sitting
down.
The truth is that Benji knew that that subject, a couple of seconds later,
during which he felt a wave of infinite anger towards his person, would
throw him a powerful kick to the side, but he decided to do nothing... "Let's
see if with this you are still being rude to me," said the subject, connecting to
Benji another kick almost immediately after the first one. Shoyo couldn't
take off his shoes anymore, so he lay sitting down, with his gaze fixed on the
ground and his eyes wide open, as if concentrating on a thought while
receiving that punishment. "Hey, what's the matter with you? Leave that boy
alone, he's not responding." Another boy, showing great courage, reacted to
that infamous and unfair scene. "Shut up! Or I'll make you know pain up
close too, you asshole, you meddler!" exclaimed the man, who was still
kicking Benji's body, which had fallen to the ground.
*I promised to give up violence... I promised myself and I just found a proof
in record time. I can't fail, I must get used to the pain. I will not cause harm
to anyone else, I will not repeat the mistakes of the past.* While his eyes
remained wide open, Benji desperately sought to rejoice in the pain he felt.
It was not easy for him to get it, but at that moment he remembered the
phrase from a book, in this case, it was not The Strangling Dragon, but
another, psychology entitled. "Could you bear it?"
*Pain is just an alert...a pretty strong one that reminds you that you are
alive and that you must do something. But in my case, can I ignore the
alert?* the kicking stopped, but only because the thug had paused to charge
a particularly more powerful kick. "Are you going to react and defend
yourself or not? You fucking coward!" Said that fellow, impacting Benji's
stomach with that powerful kick that made him spit a little.
*Yes, I can ignore it* thought Benji, sketching a very slight smile on his face,
his eyes just as wide. Losing control, even more, the ruthless guy who was
beating Benji opts for another tactic, and decides to tear off the boy's
clothes. However, the depth of fear that would seize him upon discovering
Benji's completely tattooed torso was ineffable.
The man's expression faded, as did his spirit and conviction. The expression
of fury was progressively being supplanted by an indescribable fear
bordering on terror. "I'm sorry... I don't know how to apologize properly,
forgive me. Don't do anything to me." Stuttering, trembling, and even falling
sitting down with a thud to the floor after slipping on a bar of soap while
slowly backing away, that muscular fellow left the bathroom as if it were a
hellish branch. The boy who tried to help Benji couldn't believe his eyes and
thought *Could it be possible that that man thought that boy belonged to
some kind of gang? Although... now that I stop to think about it, who is this
guy, how did he endure a beating of that caliber without even complaining?
And now he's dressing up like it's nothing while bowing to us all as if this was
his fault. I don't get it* the thoughts of everyone else in the bathroom were
much like these boys. Benji had let out a sigh as he finished taking off his
pants and finally got into the bathtub, a little bruised and not realizing that
he had left everyone shocked again by revealing the other flawless set of
tattoos on his legs. Benji was completely tattooed, except for his face,
hands, and feet...
The shower was brief, Benji wanted to get the hell out of there and it was
almost completely past the time Hinata had asked him to. The boy got
dressed and, "Hey, thanks a lot for trying to help me. That was very brave of
you." Benji said to the young boy without looking him in the eye, and
continuing on his way. The boy stood with a puzzled expression, watching as
Benji left the bathroom, and lost his way down the street. Lost in thought
and still suppressing the pain with the strength of his mind, Benji did not
notice that, just a few meters away from him, a very familiar figure was
standing, staring at him like someone who is almost certain he knows
someone else but fails to identify him. "Hey! Benji Shoyo... It's you, isn't it?
Of course, it is." Benji immediately stops with a neutral expression and turns
around looking over his shoulder. His expression immediately changes, now
being one of great surprise and a bit of joy...
"Kitawari Saitama... It's been a while, hasn't it? Yes, it's me. I'm free now."
Benji replies. Both old friends meet and shake hands after a long time. "Tell
me, Benji... How did it go in prison, when did you get out?" Kitawari seems
very curious to know about what has become of Benji's life, but Benji,
although he has no intention of being unfriendly, is in a hurry... "I got out
just today, Kitawari. However, I don't have time right now, there are many
things I have to take care of, do you understand me?" Benji flashes a smile to
his friend while resting one of his hands on one of Kitawari's shoulders, as a
sign of appreciation.
"Hey, Benji..." says Kitawari, raising his voice a little as he notices his friend
walking away. "Join me again... If you're looking for work, I can help you. I
need a man with your spirit in my gang. And I suspect that's only you in this
world." Kitawari said, as he lit a cigarette and a glint of burning hope was
born in his gaze. Benji stopped dead in his tracks and stood with his back to
Kitawari for a couple of expectant seconds.
"I have left that life behind, Kitawari. I will never commit a crime again, and I
will never hurt anyone again either. I've decided to live a life I can be proud
of..." said Benji with confidence in his words. "See you later, Kitawari, I am
infinitely glad to have seen you and to realize that you are well." Benji
finished, looking over his shoulder at his old friend, throwing him, perhaps
unintentionally or premeditatedly, that characteristic glint in his dark eyes,
which gave Kitawari hope. "I'll be here, Benji Shoyo..." replied Kitawari, with
a small smile on his face, after taking a puff on his cigarette and waving to
his friend with the hand he just took out of his pants pocket.
"Izaki, come here... Go on and watch Benji carefully. Don't let him spot you."
Kitawari ordered one of his men who was waiting for him behind one of the
trees near that area. Saitama only moved from his place when Benji was out
of sight. Benji, unaware that he was being followed and watched, eagerly
walks towards the Tigerlilly tea store. "Welcome home, son." A mature,
slender-bodied, light-eyed black-haired woman, rather like Hinata, came out
of the store somewhat hurriedly to give Benji a warm welcome. The woman
ran to hug him, being welcomed by Benji, who looked at Hinata and it
seemed to him that the girl had a big question mark instead of a head, which
made him feel a little uncomfortable. Mikasa Youn noticed this. "Mother, I'm
so sorry..." added Benji, looking into her eyes with a sad expression. "You
have nothing to apologize for, son. Come, come in." Mikasa adds, taking
Benji by the hand and entering the tea store, followed by a perplexed
Hinata.
Mikasa asks Benji to please make himself comfortable while asking Hinata to
prepare some of the best tea the store can afford. The girl takes a few
seconds to comply with the order but then ran, in a hurry, into the kitchen.
Mikasa sits down next to Benji and rests her hands on his, on the table. "I
have waited so long for this moment, son...at last I am granted to see you
and be able to receive you and attend to you properly after that hell it must
have been to stay 3 years of your short life locked in that hole." Mikasa's
voice slowly breaks as she hides her lower lip under her upper lip, trying not
to let out a sob.
Benji makes a superhuman effort not to start crying but concluded that he
was finding it even harder than enduring the kicks from the bathroom bully.
"Excuse me, mother. I really feel useless just being able to apologize." Benji
said, looking Mikasa straight in the eye as they both clasped their hands on
the table. "I forgive you, my son, no problem, but we must stop suppressing
these tears that fight to come out and rather turn them into smiles, don't
you think?" added Mikasa, who started by forcing a smile that ended up
being genuine. Benji, in an emotional outburst, pounced on her, over the
table, and gave her an emotional hug.
A couple of seconds later, Hinata enters the room with tea for Benji, and
Benji notices that in the center of the teacup is a Tigerlilly flower. Benji
thanks Hinata warmly and Mikasa asks her to please sit down. "Hinata... I
know how strange all this must be for you, but as for the vast majority of
things, this too has an explanation." Mikasa began to say, while Hinata's
expression was one of incredible bewilderment. "This is Benji Shoyo, Hinata,
your brother. Benji was an orphaned child who, due to circumstances that
are beside the point, was imprisoned. I applied for adoption last year when
Benji was 17 years old so that when he got out, he would have a home, and
a family to take him in, and I am now ready. I hope that you, my daughter,
will support me and accept your brother into our family." Mikasa explained,
taking both of their hands at the ends of the table, and staring at Hinata. The
girl of incredible resemblance to her mother kept her puzzled expression for
a few more seconds, but eventually on her flawless angelic face was drawing
a smile. The smile illuminated the heart and spirit of Benji, who stood up at
the same time as Hinata with the same intentions as her, to embrace. At that
moment, in front of Mrs. Youn, Benji Shoyo and Hinata Youn gave Mikasa
one of the best scenes her eyes had ever seen. At that moment, tears could
not be held back any longer.
Mikasa was filled with happiness. While Benji and Hinata were getting to
know each other thoroughly through a very fruitful conversation at the
table, Mikasa was preparing an amazing dinner for her family. In her gaze
was a glint that, from time to time, Hinata would observe from the table and
beckon Benji so that he could appreciate it as well. "See that? It's been years
since I've seen it. She's happy, and it's thanks to you. That's something I'll
never forget and for which I'll be eternally grateful to you." Hinata whispered
to Benji at the table, while Mikasa spiced the stew with extra pepper to the
rhythm of an old song she hummed with unending happiness.
However, the threat of Izaki, the man sent by Kitawari Saitama to follow and
watch Benji, was ignored by the 3 people who were so happy at that
moment in the tea store, Tigerlilly.