We're reaching closer to the sixth installment! Wow...this is the longest installment I've ever done before.
Chapter 21: Support
As the day winds down, Sakamoto packed up all of his stuff when he leaves to go off to war and though it'll be the biggest thing he'll ever do, he knows in his heart that he will succeed and do what's best for the country.
He heard a knock on the door and as he turned around, he saw his dad standing there and he said, "Hey, dad."
"Quite a celebration today, huh?" asked Oak.
Sakamoto chuckled softly as he continued on packing and he responded, "I honestly did not expect this to happen. I mean...I didn't know we were gonna tell them yet."
Oak came in the room and helped Sakamoto pack and he said, "Neither do I...but I am glad that the whole entire Valley is proud of what you will do for them."
Sakamoto definitely felt more happier than ever, though he will deeply miss his family and friends and everything about the Valley while he's gone and he said, "Will you and mom be okay?"
"Do not worry about us. We will be all right. I'll take care of everything around here." Oak said, assuring him it'll be okay.
Soon enough, Sakamoto looked at his dad in the eye and said, "I couldn't imagine being in this position; going off to war and fight for our country and our home and the people we love and being away from home. I know that it's a good decision to make, but I would miss the people I love terribly."
"Saka, you've been away before when I sent you to live in the Jade Palace with Master Oogway and you were in good hands. The war will be a little different though because day in and day out, you risk your life on the line for our country, but at the same time, you're looking at other people who you'll eventually be close with and consider them your army family. Nothing can replace your real family. As long as you fight side by side with someone in war, one that is willing to be there for you...that makes all the difference." Oak added.
Sakamoto's eyes widened up after those wise words that his father told him, almost as if he knows this from experience because he's been a war veteran a long time ago and knows the risks and how to handle himself during extreme measures and he said, "That's really all it takes?"
"Of course it is. You're an excellent fighter and I believe in all my heart you will succeed in this battle. And I know I will be very proud of you." Oak added.
Sakamoto's eyes were getting misty-eyed and he began to have a series of mixed emotions about this, but all of those culminate into appreciation and he said, "Thanks, dad. I've always looked up to you as my hero."
"Oh, Saka..." Oak said, almost choked up.
"You really are. Everyone sees you as a warrior, but I see you as my hero. One that I'll be very proud to say...'I wish I can be the same as my dad'." Sakamoto added.
With that, Oak gave Sakamoto something to bring along on this expedition and as Sakamoto opens it, he was surprised to see that it's a golden samurai necklace...one that his dad wore while he was at war and he asked, "Is that...?"
"This was my father's. This has been given in all five generations of the Bushido-Akio clans. It belonged to me, my father, my grandfather, my great grandfather and my great-great grandfather. Now...I am proud to say that it belongs to you. Wear it proudly, son. Let our love, strength, humility and courage carry you through." Oak said.
Sakamoto immediately placed it on his neck and he definitely feels like he's closer to fulfilling that legacy and he said, "Thanks, dad. It really means a lot to me."
"Watching you grow from a cub to man...that's what I'm really proud of." Oak added.
Both pandas looked at each other and they came together in a very tight hug and there was much love poured out of both of them and Oak whispered, "I love you, son."
"I love you too." Sakamoto replied.
After they let go, Oak then told him, "Before you go off tomorrow, you need to head over to the hospital to see your grandfather. Turns out his illness is getting much worse and he wants to see you one more time before you leave."
That deeply concerned Sakamoto the most because he was so close to his grandfather and he's a little nervous that he might not see him again when he comes back, but it's comforting enough to know that he'll see him one more time before he goes.
"Sure, dad." Sakamoto replied.
What's happening to his grandfather? You'll see on the next chapter!