CHAPTER 43 — Little Inventor of Foosha
📅 2 July, S.C. 1510
👦 Ren — 7
📍 Windmill Village → Makino's Bar → Village Square
---
The Ridgeback Boar lay tied at the forest edge, unconscious but breathing.
Even after everything, Ren still made sure it wasn't killed — a detail that spread through the whole village in minutes.
By morning, the village square buzzed with voices.
"Ren saved the children!"
"No, no — it was that wolf creature!"
"Both of them did!"
"And he beat the Ridgeback? Unbelievable!"
"How old is Ren again?"
"Seven!"
"What kind of seven-year-old does that?!"
Makino kept Ren hidden behind her for most of the morning, shielding him from the overwhelming praise.
Zemo sat pressed against Ren's leg, keeping strangers at a safe distance with a low rumble.
Makino sighed.
"You two caused quite the storm."
Ren looked down.
"…We didn't mean to."
She softened instantly.
"I know. I'm proud of you.
But you scared me half to death."
Ren swallowed.
"Sorry."
Makino placed her hand on his hair.
"Just… don't make a habit of it."
---
PART 1 — THE CHIEF CALLS A GATHERING
By noon, the village chief requested Ren's presence at the square.
Ren walked slowly, Zemo beside him, Kiro and Luffy following proudly behind like Ren's personal bodyguards.
Luffy announced loudly,
"MAKE WAY FOR THE PROTECTOR OF THE VILLAGE!!"
Kiro slapped the back of his head.
"Stop yelling, idiot."
Zemo huffed approvingly.
Villagers gathered around as the chief raised his hand.
"Ren."
Ren swallowed.
"Yes, sir?"
"Step forward."
Ren did. Zemo followed like a shadow.
The chief nodded.
"You risked your life yesterday.
You protected your friends.
You defended our village."
Ren shook his head.
"Zemo protected us. Not me."
The chief smiled.
"A protector chooses who to follow.
Zemo chose you."
Ren froze at those words.
The chief continued.
"And your quick thinking with herbs and traps weakened the beast.
Your inventions saved lives."
Makino beamed proudly.
Kiro nudged Luffy,
"See? Ren's a hero."
Luffy crossed his arms.
"I HELPED TOO—"
"You tripped on your stick," Kiro whispered.
"BUT IT WAS INTENTIONAL!" Luffy argued.
---
PART 2 — RECOGNITION
The chief placed a small wooden medallion in Ren's hand.
A simple carving of a windmill.
"Our village's emblem.
Given to those who protect our home."
Ren stared at it.
"…I don't deserve this."
Makino smiled gently.
"Ren. You do."
The villagers clapped and cheered.
"Little Inventor!"
"Ren the clever!"
"Ren and his wolf!"
"Foosha's protectors!"
"That child will go far!"
Ren felt heat rise to his cheeks.
Zemo barked proudly.
Luffy jumped onto a barrel.
"EVERYONE! REN FOUGHT A DEMON-BOAR AND WON! HE IS A LEGEND!!"
Kiro grabbed him.
"Luffy, shut up before they think he killed it!"
"…Oops."
Ren chuckled softly despite himself.
---
PART 3 — A MERCHANT MAKES AN OFFER
Marlo, the merchant Ren had been working with, approached with a grin.
"Ren, I heard the whole story!
That kind of courage deserves a reward."
Ren blinked.
"A… reward?"
Marlo nodded.
"How would you like better equipment?
Real barrels, metal tools, stronger ropes.
Half price."
Ren's eyes widened.
"That's… too much."
Marlo shook his head.
"You saved my goods the day we met.
Now you saved the village's children.
This is the least I can do."
Ren bowed slightly.
"Thank you."
Marlo smiled.
"And if you want to sell more salt, I'm ready to buy more.
Your product is already getting attention."
Ren blinked.
"Already?"
"Oh yes. I've had two towns ask about it.
Your little business may become something big."
Ren felt something stir in his chest.
Not pride.
Not greed.
Purpose.
---
PART 4 — MAKINO'S WORRY
Later, back at the bar, Makino sat Ren down with a warm cup of tea.
He looked up.
"Did I do something wrong?"
Makino shook her head, smiling sadly.
"No, sweetheart. You did good.
Very good."
"Then why do you look sad?"
Makino sighed.
"Because the world noticed you."
Ren frowned.
"I didn't protect the village to get noticed."
"I know," she said softly.
"That's why I'm proud of you.
But talent draws eyes — good and bad."
Ren thought of Vance.
Zemo growled at the memory.
Makino brushed Ren's cheek gently.
"Just promise me you'll stay careful.
And stay close to us."
Ren nodded.
"I promise."
Zemo placed his head on Ren's lap, warm and heavy.
Makino smiled.
"You two… you're something special."
---
PART 5 — NIGHT THOUGHTS OF REPUTATION
That night, Ren wrote:
> Village Response:
• Recognition
• Support from merchants
• Stronger social ties
Risks:
• More attention
• Potential danger
Conclusion:
I must become stronger.
Not to be a hero—
but to protect the people who trust me.
He paused, looking at Zemo asleep beside him.
"And to protect you."
Ren touched the windmill medallion.
"…I'll honor this."
Outside, villagers still talked about the boar incident.
About the boy with inventions.
And the wolf with impossible abilities.
Foosha Village had a new legend.
Ren felt pressure.
Responsibility.
But also…
Hope.
---
END OF CHAPTER 43