The sound of birdsong and flowing water echoed faintly across the hills.
Sumiyoshi sat on the floor, rubbing his eyes. The soft morning breeze slipped through the open window of their wooden home nestled on the mountain edge — a quiet, isolated place surrounded by forest, with a great wide river glimmering in the distance like liquid silver.
From outside, a familiar voice echoed loudly:
"Sumiyo—! Wake up already! Breakfast's ready!"
Sumiyoshi groaned and dragged himself up.
Outside, his elder brother Shintaro, about 24, stood near a wooden table set with simple rice, pickles, and grilled fish.
"Eat quick," Shintaro said, picking up a basket and glancing toward the boat tied at the riverside. "I'm going to get the boat ready. You bring the net, alright? We need to catch some fish and head to the market later."
Sumiyoshi, still half asleep, nodded lazily.
"Yeah yeah, I got it..."
Scene Shift – Fishing on the River
The old wooden boat rocked gently as the two brothers floated down the wide, quiet river. Mist clung low to the water, curling around the oars with each stroke.
Sumiyoshi sat on one side, watching the water ripple beneath them while Shintaro stood, gripping the fishing net.
"Alright. Let's get today's catch."
With practiced hands, Shintaro cast the net far across the river.
They waited.
Silence.
Then, he pulled the net back — but his brow furrowed instantly.
"…What the hell is this?"
He yanked the net up fully and held it in both hands. The rope tore apart in two spots. It was old, frayed — useless.
"This… This is the old one! The one I threw out! he shouted, glaring at the holes.
He turned sharply toward Sumiyoshi, voice rising:
"You brought the wrong damn net?! I told you to check them!"
Sumiyoshi flinched.
"W-What? They were together! How was I supposed to know—?"
Shintaro gave him a frustrated smirk — the kind that meant he wasn't really mad… but kind of was.
"Just… don't screw up again. Now we've got nothing for the market."
Scene Shift – The Market Town
Later that morning, Sumiyoshi walked alone through the dusty, lively streets of the town. Stalls lined the roads. People called out prices, children ran between carts, and the smell of grilled squid and fresh rice filled the air.
He carried a basket with only a few fish inside — barely worth anything.
Shintaro had gone toward the west side market. Sumiyoshi was supposed to sell at the east.
But he kept grumbling under his breath.
"Not even my fault. Those nets were tied up together. How would anyone know which is which..."
As he wandered, his eyes were caught by a flash of color — bright red lanterns being hung across the square. A crowd was gathering. Music floated from somewhere in the distance — lively drums, wooden flutes.
A festival?
He edged closer, curiosity growing.
Performers in masks danced across a small stage. Children laughed. Merchants handed out candy and rice cakes.
Sumiyoshi stood frozen for a while, then slowly wandered into the crowd.
His basket hung loosely in one hand — forgotten.
Time slipped by.
An hour. Two. Three…
Twilight – Realization and Regret
The sun had already begun to sink. Orange bathed the streets. Shadows stretched long and eerie.
Sumiyoshi's smile faded as he suddenly looked up.
"…Shit."
He looked down at his basket.
Still full. Still unsold.
"I spent the whole damn day here…"
His chest tightened as he glanced toward the darkening sky.
"He's gonna kill me. Not because I didn't sell anything… but because I'm this late."
The streets were now emptying. The laughter had faded. Lanterns flickered gently in the dimming light.
He began walking faster… then running.
Near the Riverbank – A Silent Watcher
Across the street, standing in the shadows of a tall tree, a figure in dark clothes stood still — watching Sumiyoshi disappear down the road.
The man looked 24 or 25. His face was partly hidden by a low hat.
He whispered to himself, almost in disbelief.
"…I think I've finally found him."
A pause.
"Yes… I'm sure of it."
His eyes gleamed with something unreadable — excitement, maybe… or something darker.
Fade to black.