Two weeks had passed since the conclusion of the police force entrance exams across all divisions. The air was thick with the scent of fresh beginnings, of untested resolve, and of dreams taking root. Villages and towns buzzed quietly with life—new faces, new hopes, and the anticipation of service lingered in the sunlight. The call to duty was imminent; the time for action had arrived.
The sun hung high in the sky, its bright rays scorching the earth, reflecting off the rooftops and glinting across the blades of freshly sharpened swords. Sentarō worked diligently, chopping wood in the yard of his home, the rhythm of his strikes echoing through the heat-soaked air. His faded green kimono clung to his back, damp with sweat, but he ignored it. Ujiyuki, dressed in a dark blue kimono, watched from the shade of the porch, arms crossed and eyes gleaming with pride and amusement.
THUD! THUD!
"Nice chopping technique, kid!" Ujiyuki called out, his voice carrying over the sun-drenched yard.
Shigekatsu, in his bright yellow-and-white patterned kimono, emerged quietly from the house and leaned against the wooden frame. "You're actually putting him to work now?" he asked in mild amusement.
"Of course," Ujiyuki replied with a grin. "He might leave any moment, so I have to work him while I still can. A man must never stop honing his body before his journey begins."
Sentarō, red-faced from exertion and heat, could only smile sheepishly. He knew better than to argue; even after everything he'd endured, Ujiyuki's methods were impossible to resist.
From the distance, a figure approached, breaking the quiet hum of the morning. A man of average height walked steadily, dressed in a dull blue kimono. His face was hidden beneath a straw hat, and in his hands he carried a wide, square box. Over his back was a long cloth, wrapped tightly around what could only be a sword.
"It's finally time," Ujiyuki muttered, his expression hardening as the figure drew closer.
"Hey, Sentarō, it's time!" Shigekatsu called, his tone sharp but warm, and Sentarō immediately understood. A rush of excitement coursed through him, bringing a wide grin to his sun-kissed face.
The man reached the porch and paused respectfully. "You are welcome to our humble home," Shigekatsu said, bowing lightly in greeting.
"Thank you," the man replied with a gentle nod before stepping forward. He and Shigekatsu entered the main room with Sentarō and Ujiyuki following behind. Once seated, the man removed his straw hat, revealing a kind, composed face.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Satō Jūzō," he said, bowing once more, this time with subtle formality.
"Ah, no need to bow. Sit, sit," Ujiyuki waved his hands, a warmth in his gestures that immediately eased the tension in the room.
"Now, to business," Satō continued, straightening. "You must be Sentarō Hachibei, correct?"
Sentarō nodded, his excitement barely contained. Satō handed him a letter. "This is the official letter of acceptance from the Police Force Fourth Division."
Sentarō's hands trembled slightly as he accepted it. "Ah… thank you," he said, trying to mask the overwhelming joy that surged through him. His eyes shone with disbelief as he carefully unfolded the paper, reading the words that confirmed his place among the police force.
Satō then placed the square box in front of Sentarō. "This is the official uniform of the Police Force," he said, voice formal and respectful.
Ujiyuki stepped forward and opened the box. Within lay a pristine black Kosode and Hakama, meticulously folded. Sentarō's eyes widened, and he jumped in excitement. "No way… it's a samurai uniform!" he exclaimed. The thrill of finally holding a tangible symbol of his journey was almost too much to bear.
"Why don't you try it on, Mr. Hachibei?" Satō suggested politely. Sentarō didn't hesitate. He bolted to his room and, moments later, emerged clad in the new uniform. It fit perfectly, tailored to his frame. The black fabric contrasted beautifully against his hair and skin, the very embodiment of a budding samurai.
"I… I can't believe it. I'm actually wearing it, and it feels incredible!" he said, spinning once to admire the fit. His grin was infectious, reminiscent of a young boy seeing his first toy.
"Looks good on you, Sentarō," Shigekatsu said, his grin widening.
"And now… my sword," Sentarō added, reaching eagerly toward Satō.
Satō carefully handed over the long, cloth-wrapped object. Sentarō's fingers trembled as he unwrapped it, revealing a katana with a sleek black hilt adorned with three red diamonds. Its black sheath gleamed in the sunlight. With reverent hands, Sentarō drew the blade. The steel gleamed, bright and pure, with the kanji for justice engraved near the hilt.
"This is an official police-force authorized sword?" Ujiyuki said, awe in his voice.
Sentarō's eyes reflected a mixture of joy, disbelief, and determination. "I… I'm really an authorized samurai now," he whispered, the weight of the words sinking into him. He sheathed the katana carefully and adjusted it at his left side.
"Now you have received your letter, your uniform, and your sword," Satō said, rising with a formal bow. "From this day forward, you are an Ashigaru in the Police Force."
"Wait… Ehh… Ashigaru?" Sentarō's voice carried comical confusion.
"Don't tell me you don't know what an Ashigaru is," Ujiyuki said with a sigh, shaking his head in mock disapproval.
"Shigekatsu," he called, prompting a response.
"Of course, nii-san," Shigekatsu replied. "See, Sentarō, the Police Force has ranks for every officer. Ashigaru is the lowest. Then Kashi, Chūshi, Jōshi, Gokenin, and Hatamoto, with Hatamoto being the highest."
"Honestly," Ujiyuki continued, a note of exasperation in his voice, "how do you intend to rise to the top if you don't understand the hierarchy?"
"WAIT! I'm starting from the bottom!" Sentarō exclaimed, ignoring Ujiyuki's scolding, his eyes shining with determination.
"OF COURSE YOU ARE, YOU IDIOT!" Ujiyuki shouted back, half in jest, half in anger. Satō, observing in silent formality, was left impressed and slightly bewildered by the dynamic.
"Anyway," Satō said, regaining his composure, "it is now time to report to the Fourth Division."
"Yes, ALRI—" Sentarō began, only to be interrupted by Ujiyuki.
"Hold on, kid." Ujiyuki disappeared into his room and returned with a folded cloth—a white haori adorned with red checkered patterns, its design complementing Sentarō's hair and uniform perfectly. "Take this," he said, placing the garment in Sentarō's hands.
Sentarō donned the haori, the fabric soft but commanding, and felt an overwhelming rush of pride. Ujiyuki placed his hands on Sentarō's shoulders. "We've done all we can. Now it's up to you, Sentarō," he said, a steady smile on his face. Shigekatsu, standing behind, mirrored the gesture with a hearty grin.
Tears welled in Sentarō's eyes. The thought of leaving the safety of home, of leaving those who had shaped him, weighed on him heavily.
"Stop that, kid," Ujiyuki said gently, his smile unwavering. "A strong man like you should smile at moments like this."
"You're right, Mr. Ujiyuki," Sentarō said, wiping his eyes with his sleeves and letting out a smile that radiated both joy and resolve.
Satō nodded, signaling it was time. Together, he and Sentarō stepped out of the house. After walking a few paces, Sentarō stopped and turned back, tears brimming yet his smile unbroken.
"THANK YOU!! FOR EVERYTHING!!" he shouted, his voice carrying through the morning air, filled with emotion—gratitude, joy, and determination all intertwined.
"ALRIGHT, SENTARŌ!! NOW GO BECOME THE GREAT SAMURAI!!" Ujiyuki bellowed, his voice echoing with pride and encouragement.
And with that, Sentarō began his journey—the first steps of a young Ashigaru who would one day fight for justice, uphold order, and carve his name into history. His heart swelled with determination, his every step a promise to the mentors who had guided him and the dreams that lay ahead.
The road was long, the trials many, but for the first time, Sentarō felt the weight of his destiny balanced perfectly with the fire of his ambition. The sun shone brightly, the breeze whispered encouragement, and the world seemed to await the rise of a samurai who would not only serve but define what it truly meant to protect justice.