Inosuke rose that morning, glancing at the moon still in the sky, the night yet to transition into day. As he got up, the messy-haired blonde boy surveyed his simple room. Slipping his feet onto the ground, he rose from his bedroll and scanned the space that belonged solely to him. It was a modest, old-fashioned room steeped in memories, each corner holding its own story.
Taking in the room, he noticed the old desk where he completed his work, the simple dresser to his right holding all his clothes, and the classical trunk beside it containing everything else of significance. The walls, mostly bare, featured only a picture of himself and his grandfather from a few years before. He had one other photo in the bare room, and that was of himself and his parents. He looked at the happy couple, his father with messy brown hair, and his mother with long blonde hair that was held up at that moment in a ponytail. He smiled as he looked at it. His eyes filled with love as he missed them a great deal. Yet, he knew they were always in his heart.
Standing before the mirror in a simple old white shirt and boxers, the youngster observed his disheveled blonde hair, reminiscent of his father's messy brown hair in the photo. Looking ahead, his beautiful blue eyes reflected back at him, most likely inherited from his mother. Slightly taller than average and in great shape, he paused to reflect on the moment before quickly heading to wash up for the day.
After washing up, Inosuke would change into the traditional robes of his clan; of course, he had his little extra touch too. He wore a purple undershirt as well as a pair of purple shorts. He put on the white robes with their subtle teal lining and a bit of purple too as he got ready for the day. He looked at himself in the robes. He looked every part the worker of a traditional shrine. He smiled as he headed out; the sun was still not up in the sky as he headed to work, taking the steps to work quickly.
He moved quickly the half mile or so up a hill to work as he cut using the well-worn path that was laid out. He smiled as he got to the shrine with its view over the surrounding area, the fields that were laid out before it in all directions with farms, flowers, and old country roads in different directions.
Inosuke smiled looking at this wonderful view. It was the best thing in his view in the whole world. He walked over and took the broom and gathered some water and a rag to start cleaning the shrine. He was going to make sure the place was spotless without a single flaw in it if he could help it.
Inosuke first swept the shrine, a medium-sized one that was open in nature and allowed the nice wind to blow through it. It was not hard, but it was a bit of work. Before he went to work on washing the wooden floors by hand as he took the rag and cleaned as much as he could of the floors that morning as he did every other day. He worked hard, and by the time that the sun was rising, the place was spotless. He got up and looked over his work, the shine of the floors, the shine of everything that he worked to help clean gave him a sense of pride and purpose.
Inosuke took in the fresh smell of the place and smiled as he looked over his shoulder and saw his grandfather walking up. His father's father, as it were; he did not have his father's name, for his father died before he was born or before he had the chance to marry his mother. Yet, he was the one who raised him and took care of him.
"Inosuke, good morning," Ryota said with a smile, his laid-back attitude and relaxed manner obvious as he walked up. Ryota was a man in his mid fifties. He was a man who carried himself with respect, though, and had seen a lot in his life — a life that he didn't talk about much as he approached Inosuke. His long gray and brown hair tied up neatly in a ponytail, he was tall and lean but also very strong. Inosuke figured he was the most amazing person he would ever meet in his whole life.
"Ryota-san, good morning, sir. I finished up the temple work this morning, and it is looking ready for anything, sir," he said with a firm bit of respect in his eyes and in his tone as he looked at his grandfather.
The grandson was much more formal than the grandfather, but that was just the nature of the boy. He was very much an old man in that way. He stood at attention, ready for any work that was needed of him that morning.
"Work? What are you talking about, my boy? We got the letter for you this morning. You were approved for UA; you were accepted. You start in a week as the new school year begins," Ryota said with a smile as he patted his grandson proudly on the shoulder.
"Grandpa, I am not sure. I mean, if I go, then who is going to help out around the shrine? I think I am needed far too much here to leave you alone and go off for myself. That would be too selfish of me," Inosuke commented softly, as he didn't like the idea of leaving his grandfather alone.
Ryota looked at Inosuke with a knowing expression, his eyes reflecting a mix of pride and understanding. "Inosuke, my boy, I've watched you grow into a responsible and capable young man. The shrine will always be here, and I'll manage just fine. This opportunity at UA is a chance for you to explore your potential, to learn and grow in ways that staying here won't provide."
He continued, "You carry the traditions of our family, and I'm proud of the dedication you've shown to the shrine. But life is about balance. You can honor our heritage and pursue your own path. The hero course of UA is not a easy, but it is the right choice for you. There you will be able to learn and grow in ways you don't even k now about yet. You will be prepared to be a great hero, one who can help others."
Ryota's voice softened, "Besides, I won't be alone. We have friends in the village who will gladly assist around the shrine. You've earned this opportunity, Inosuke. Embrace it, and remember, the shrine and our traditions will always be a part of you, no matter where you go."
"Yeah I guess so, Ryota-sama," Inosuke said as he looked at his grandfather, "I just, well it will be strange being away from home and you gramps, you're my only family and I will miss this view, this place so very much."
"And I will miss you too, my boy," Ryota said with a warm smile as he placed his hand on his grandson's shoulder. "Now, life always changes, and there are things that challenge us and push us forward, but we have everything in ourselves to become better than we are now. I believe in you, Inosuke-san."
Ryota looked at the old photo of his son, and smiled., "You'll make new friends,and I know that you will become a hero. I know you will represent where you came from and honor those who came before you."
Inosuke nodded, a mixture of emotions visible in his eyes. "Thank you, Ryota-sama. I'll do my best at UA and make you proud."
Ryota squeezed his grandson's shoulder gently. "You already made me proud long ago, Inosuke-san. This journey is about you finding yourself and finding your place in this hero world out there"
The two prayed that morning before Ryota helped Inosuke pack up his things. It was important that he took what he needed, as he was going to be staying in the dorms at UA, with no other place to live in the big city. Ryota had an old pickup that was kept in great shape, which he used when moving things around the shrine and helping out the families who lived in the farms around the area.
"Come on, let's pack it up. It's an hour drive to the city, and then we can drop you off, and your adventure can truly begin, Inosuke-san," Ryota said with a soft smile. The one piece of furniture was the old desk that belonged to Ryota since he was a kid, was used by his father, and now him.
Inosuke moved what he had left to move, as he felt sadness and nostalgia on one hand. Then on the other this excitement and sense of anticipation. The two sides were welling up in him as he packed. Memories of times with his parents, his grandfather, and the many people he met in the small country village they lived near came to mind. Yet, he knew he had to move forward, and find a new direction. He picked up his bag and carried it out to the old trunk, before moving the rest of his things as well. Including his desk which was a piece of his family history made by his great grandfather years before.
As the pair of them loaded the truck, the atmosphere was bittersweet. The shrine, the open fields, and the simplicity of rural life were all etched into Inosuke's heart. Ryota could sense his grandson's emotions and offered a comforting smile.
"Remember, Inosuke-san, this journey is a new chapter, but it doesn't erase the ones we've written here. The shrine will always be a part of you, and your roots will guide you in this bustling city."
They drove in comfortable silence, the truck carrying not just furniture but the weight of transition and change. Inosuke stole glances at the passing landscape, committing the familiar scenes to memory.
Upon reaching UA, Ryota helped Inosuke carry his things to the dormitory. The bustling campus felt both exciting and overwhelming. Inosuke took a deep breath, grounding himself in the present moment.
"Thank you, Gramps," he said, sincerity in his eyes. "I'll make the most of this opportunity, but I'll always carry the shrine in my heart."
Ryota ruffled Inosuke's hair affectionately. "I know you will, my boy. Now, don't forget to write home or call. I do worry about you, and hearing from you will make my old heart a bit happier."
"Of course, I will, I promise," Inosuke said with a smile before he hugged his grandfather.
With a final embrace, Inosuke stepped into the dormitory, ready to embark on his UA adventure while carrying the essence of his humble beginnings. Ryota watched proudly, knowing that the shrine, the fields, and the traditions would continue to shape Inosuke's journey, no matter where it led.
Inosuke found his way to his room. It was a lovely nice small room, it was well kept, it had clean white walls, and a nice window the let in light. He started to unpack the things that were brought in, as he moved stuff around, and he prepared his bed. He made his home feel much more like a home than just a place he was living rather quickly.
Inosuke approached the bed, adorned with teal and purple linens that mirrored the colors of his traditional robes. The mattress felt firm but comfortable, and he ran his hand over the smooth fabric, marveling at the difference from his simple bedroll back home.
The old desk, carefully transported from the shrine, sat against one wall. It bore the marks of time, scratches and worn edges telling a story of generations past. Inosuke placed a small framed picture of his grandfather on the desk, a reminder of the family he left behind. The desk faced the window, offering a view of the bustling city below.
Next to the desk, a wardrobe stood tall, ready to house his clothes. Inosuke opened it and carefully hung up his traditional robes, taking a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors against the plain interior. He placed his more casual clothes aways, in a small row of drawers that were part of the bed's frame.
He then went to finish as he placed other things in key areas. The miniature altar, an incense burner, and a few family heirlooms – placing them on a small shelf near the window. The soft glow of the morning sun illuminated these objects, casting shadows that danced across the room.
Inosuke noticed a small nook in the corner, perfect for a makeshift meditation space. He set down a traditional cushion and a folded cloth, creating a serene corner for quiet reflection amidst the busy life of the city. The familiar scent of incense filled the air as he lit it, bringing a touch of home to this new environment.
As the room took shape, Inosuke felt a sense of accomplishment. The melding of tradition and modernity in his dorm created a unique atmosphere. He unpacked a few books, a mix of literature and texts related to his family's shrine practices, placing them neatly on a shelf.
He looked out the window to find what type of view he would have. He looked down to find a lovely well kept courtyard, where he guessed that some students milled about. A place where they would most likely engage in conversations about school and life.
His gaze returned to the room. A small wooden flute caught his eye; a gift from his grandfather. He picked it up and played a few soft notes, the gentle melody filling the room. The sound resonated with memories of evenings at the shrine, and for a moment, Inosuke was transported back to the tranquility of home.
Inosuke took a final look around his dorm, a fusion of his heritage and the new adventure that awaited him. The week before school started stretched out ahead, and Inosuke felt a mix of anticipation and nerves. He figured that he should see what was around, explore, and get used to the area around the dorm. He closed the door behind him and put his key in his pocket before he headed out.
