15th Shot: People = Power
It was nice to be back to the world of living considering you stood in between life and death the day before. It was nice knowing your dearest friends wouldn't have to worry or fret anything much longer and just focusing on the tasks they have in hand. However, it was not nice realizing that they treated you as if you're a glass–fragile and must be watched with utter cautiousness. Shinko was just out of commission for a while–maybe in a matter of a week or two, her stitches will be removed and she could start helping around because it's quite obvious that Kingdom of Science needs as much as man power it could get.
But, no. They insisted for her to get a lot of rest.
Ukyo didn't let her go outside–well, he didn't even let her sit down on the bed for too long. She was grateful for his company and understood his stubbornness this time, but she couldn't help feeling like a liability. Instead of lending a hand, she's just sitting and practically doing nothing. It was quite annoying and extremely boring, knowing she usually jumped and swung from tree to tree for a lookout every day with the young man.
Shinko sighed for the umpteenth time that day she couldn't even keep her count on it anymore. She just finished her lunch brought by Yuzuriha and Kohaku. The two did stay a little longer to help her wiped her body and changed her bandages–she couldn't wait for time she's deemed okay to jump into the clear river and clean herself thoroughly. She couldn't help but feeling an immense disappointment when the two bid her goodbye.
However, she it wasn't fair that she halted them from going just because of her absurd excuse of being lonely. Shinko had to hold herself back because being selfish in this condition would only become more hindrance. It was bad enough that they lacked manpower, they didn't need another problem resurface.
"And what do you think you're doing sitting instead of lying down?"
She couldn't help but laughed sheepishly from the very familiar voice scolding her. Just as Shinko thought, Ukyo stood by the entrance and looking displeased with her current position. "I'm bored just lying on the bed."
He sighed in defeat, probably from how many times he had to reprimanded her and how she's still wouldn't listen to him either way. The young man approached, sitting crossed legs by her bed–his bow and quiver discarded beside him on the rocky ground. She automatically extended her hand to reach out for his, which he immediately responded by intertwining them together with hers. It became a habit Shinko learned to love–Ukyo's hands always hold gave out a certain sense of security for her when she holds them. They didn't do it often, but it became more frequent after some time–especially after she confronted Ukyo for his ideals in trying to avoid bloodshed as much as possible.
"You don't have to always come here, Ukyo-san," she remarked, playing with his fingers. "You should've help everyone. I'm fine."
"It's hard to concentrate when you're not around." he replied. "I'm used to have you close, it's quite difficult to get used being alone."
Shinko could feel warmth blooming in her chest–it was just simple words, however it brought so much impact and meaning to her. Having him constantly reminding how important she is made her feel special somehow, like she mattered.
"So, what did everyone do today? I hear quite rowdiness even from here." she decided to change the topic, referring to the layers of voice made by the crowd loud enough until it reached the cave.
Ukyo chuckled before answering. "Senku said we'll have an expedition across the ocean to find the petrification device. The villagers thought it was mental since it's still impossible for them to sail so far away, it even made Magma and Yo fought."
It should be expected–the most far part of the sea the villagers tend to visit in order to fish probably around just a kilometer or two at best. They never sailed further knowing the ocean is incredibly wide and stretched so far to the horizon it almost looks endless for naked eyes.
Ukyo did mention some of them thought beyond those side of the world was a cliff that would lead them to their death–they still haven't learned how the earth isn't flat. Yo just straight up mocked them for it and even called them savages, which didn't surprise Shinko a bit knowing how rambunctious the man is.
"So, we will build a ship?" she concluded, laughing slightly at their next extreme project. "Knowing Senku-san, it will be grand."
"Actually, Gen just declared a competition for designing it." Ukyo added, snickering as he was reminded of the previous event. "The best design that everyone pick will be the winner. Senku, Yo, and Magma will participate."
Shinko couldn't help but giggle in amusement. "It sounds so much fun. I hope I can watch too."
"Do you want to?" Ukyo asked, which she responded with blinks of confusion. "You can go if you promise me it will only about watching, no running or walking around doing heavy things."
Those words were enough to give her immense happiness. "I promise!"
.
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"Alright, it's time for the big show!" Gen announced, his voice could be heard until the far back of the crowd–it received series of cheers of excitement, everyone was indeed waiting eagerly for the presentations. "The contest between everyone's boat ideas!"
Before the huge showdown between their three contestants started, Shinko's appearance became an unexpected surprise for the day. The first person to welcomed her with an overwhelming happiness was Yuzuriha, who literally sprinted towards her and jumped into her arms. It was quite hard catching her lithe body with the injuries she had, however the pain couldn't even close to compare the pure delight she experienced.
Soon, it was Suika who squealed in glee as she gave her a hug. The little girl is an embodiment of sunshine itself it was impossible to not feel glad having her in her arms. Then it was followed by the others–Kohaku slung an arm over her shoulder while minding her injured side, pleased with her attendance after two days of staying in place. Gen gave her a welcoming pat on her shoulder along with a smile, it was simple but it filled with such genuine Shinko couldn't help but return the gesture.
Chrome cheered for her, his overflowing energy instantly recharged her just by looking at him. Ginro was clearly looking for chance to hug her or something else she didn't want to imagine, fortunately Kinro instantly smacked him on the head and apologized for his brother being inappropriate. Taiju did cry in relief, his loud voice booming followed by stretched arms–a sign he wanted to give her his own crushing hug. Senku stopped him halfway by kicking him on the face, though. The scientist directed a smile towards her and nodded in greeting.
After noticing that everyone was already present, the contest began.
Ukyo never left her side the whole time–standing close while she sat down on one of the deserted logs lying on the ground. He insisted for her to not standing up too long, worried it would put another unnecessary pressure on her wound. Suika chose to sat beside her, giving her company.
The first one who came up to presented his ship proposal was Magma. He stuck a wide paper upon the stone wall for people to look and Shinko's definitely impressed with the design he submitted. It was a tribal traditional boat she saw in many museums or documentaries back in their modern world.
"It's so cool!" She complemented, clapping her hands in satisfaction. "As expected from a village of water!"
Yo's boat was… so him–she couldn't find the exact words to describe it in detail. Understanding that the ex-policemen was a sort of simpleton, a man-powered raft as his idea wasn't a surprise.
"This drawing," Senku started, gaining her attention as she watched him studying Magma's ship proposal. "Are these sails made from woven straw?"
"Huh? I don't know about anything like that." Magma replied, looking confused just by Senku's words.
Rather than explaining, the scientist chuckled in amusement. "Amazing! Truly wonderful! It's just as you said, Magma. As expected of the villagers of water! Experience is worth its weight in gold. It's been proven that even in the worst condition, straw sails can still function. And with sails like that, we can begin building this ship!"
The young man unruffled his own ship blueprint–it was far bigger than the others by size, she noted because it almost reached Senku's ankles. Shinko's jaw instantly unhinged the moment her eyes scanned the proposal–inspecting the incredible details it provided and how meticulously made it was.
Senku always brings many surprises and surpasses their expectations.
"THAT'S THE ONE!" without a doubt, everyone unanimously voted for Senku's proposal. The design alone was impressive, but it also the correct type of ship they needed for their voyage across the ocean–a huge vessel that could challenge harsh waves in the open water.
"Is this thing for real!?" Yo shouted in disbelief, looking at the blueprint closely. "If we could make something like this, then we'd be set!"
"Wow, it's a straight up ship, isn't it?" Ukyo commented breathlessly, mind still trying to comprehend.
"Nothing less from Senku-san!" Shinko praised.
.
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Then the plan was executed also on that very same day–Senku stood by the cliff along with Kaseki, discussing the measurements and other components needed to build their massive water vehicle. With all the manpower they got, by noon they managed to assemble a whole-body structure made from wood. The water way around the area they built their ship on helped log distributions a ton.
Gen huffed tiredly as he added another log on the pile–unlike Kohaku, Magma, Nikki, or Taiju, he's a normal human being with a normal range of stamina, there's going to be a certain time exhaustion catch up to him. The mentalists straightened his back, loosening the stiff joints before approaching Shinko who sat on a log with stacks of papers in her hand.
Beside her, there were rations such as water and food to replenish their energy after doing heavy lifting the entire day. Noticing his presence, she put down her work upon her lap and reaching out for an empty bamboo glass. Filling it up with water, she offered the drink for him–which he accepted gratefully. Gen didn't waste his time to gulped it down until the last drop.
"Keep up the good work." she said, giving him a smile, which he returned with a weary one.
"I never guessed we're going to start making the ship today." the mentalist groaned as he slumped on the ground to stretched his tired legs. "This is harsh."
Shinko chuckled. "I wish I could be more of a help."
"Are you sure you're okay with working? You should've stayed in the cave and recover." Gen commented, averting his gaze towards her.
"This is better than just sitting and doing nothing. Besides," she showed him rows of words along with numbers written in black ink on the paper. "Senku-san only told me to watch over our materials and supplies. It's not tiring at all."
In the end, Shinko didn't return to the cave after the showdown. She was ushered so by Yuzuriha and Kohaku who insisted she should rest for at least a few days before joining them in their grand project. Ukyo didn't even hesitate to turn down her suggestion in doing some work that didn't even require much movement–seeing how stern the young man could be intimidated her slightly. He made room for no protests.
However, Senku decided to give her a task instead of agreeing with the three–saying they needed someone to listed down their materials and watch over its using since most of them were already busy with something. At first, Ukyo rejected the idea, but the scientist gave him the most logical reasoning which finally made him reluctantly agreed on.
Still, Ukyo frequently checked on her as he did his own work–reminding her to keep herself hydrated, asking if she's hungry or if there's any pain came along.
She was grateful; however, she would like it more if he didn't waste his energy on her.
"Oi, Gen! Quit lazing around and get back to work!" the two jumped from Senku's scolding, the said young man stood not far away from their place–sporting a displeased look.
"You're too harsh, Senku-chan!" the mentalist whined.
"Go easy on him, Senku-san, he's just fetching a drink." Shinko remarked before pushing herself to stand up and walked towards the scientist–handing over her notes and calculations. "This is the current number of materials we have. I think we should up it a little bit or adding spares just in case."
"Yeah, I already planned for that." he replied, eyes never leaving the papers in his hands–trying to multitask between having a conversation and scanning the report to look for errors or possible shortcuts.
"So, how will you find a formidable someone who could stir a ship?" she questioned, glancing at their extravagant vehicle. "We have to find an extremely skillful someone because this voyage will be all or nothing."
Senku chuckled, his ruby eyes clashed with her purple-colored ones as he faced her. "That's where we're going to make a good use of the reporter."
Shinko tilted her head. "You mean Minami-san?"
The scientist threw her a very familiar accessory which she caught with ease–an 18th century sailor hat design similar to colonial chapeau. "Her information and connection will score us a god-like captain! Someone with a sailing ability of ten billion! We're going to increase our allies. People equals power!"