Chapter 34: Parting (I)

On a sunny afternoon that would have been perfect for a picnic in the skyscraper-filled 21st century, Major Yamaguchi had no mind for the scenery. His gaze was fierce, fixed intently on Akira Sakurai and Zhang Tiejun, who were sitting on a derelict pier not far away. The safety of his Nambu Type 14 pistol was already disengaged; if he detected any untoward move from Zhang, he would fire instantly.

In fact, it wasn't just Major Yamaguchi. The entire vessel, the Asuka Maru, radiated a stern, disciplined aura of lethal intent. Aside from Kawakawa, who lay wrapped like a mummy in the cabin, everyone was on high alert. The Type 92 heavy machine gun had been fitted with a feed tray, ready to spit fire at a moment's notice.

All of this tension centered on one person: Akira Sakurai, the future princess of the Japanese underworld, a young lady whose stature in certain circles could rival that of the Emperor.

Yet, the protagonist herself did not seem particularly happy. She simply sat on the pier with Zhang Tiejun, watching the sea, where the setting sun cast ripples like fish scales across the water. Akira elegantly popped a few pieces of bread into her mouth; days of desperate flight had left her utterly exhausted.

"This black bread is nowhere near as good as venison," Akira said, trying to find a topic to break the awkward silence.

"If there’s time, come back again," Zhang Tiejun offered comfortingly.

At these words, Akira’s already heavy mood sank to the bottom. The reputation of an underworld princess would bring her endless honor and power, but it had also become her inescapable shackle.

"If I don’t return, will you miss me, Zhang?"

At some point, Akira’s address for him had shifted from the formal "Mr. Zhang" to the more intimate "Zhang-kun."

Zhang Tiejun did not answer. Instead, he lifted a small stone and tossed it into the vast, boundless ocean, watching as circular ripples spread toward the horizon. The pier offered the most beautiful view, entirely unobstructed. Dusk had arrived, draping the shimmering sea in a golden cloak. A cold wind blew through the pine forest, causing it to sway slowly—a vast landscape of wind-swept pines.

"Sometimes I wonder who I really am. Uncle Kawakawa used to say I was just an ordinary schoolgirl—to live well, study hard, and marry into a good family. I never expected to become the young heir of the Sakura family..." Akira opened her heart for the first time.

"I understand," Zhang Tiejun comforted her. "Sometimes, time just pushes people forward."

These words had been bottled up in Akira’s chest. Finally finding someone who understood her, she naturally wouldn't let the opportunity pass.

"I didn't expect you to have such a philosophical side, Zhang-kun," she said with admiration. "You are truly extraordinary. Even though you live deep in the mountains, I can clearly feel what you want. Not like me. In the world I’ve known, I’ve never stepped foot into that distant place. According to Uncle Kawakawa, I shouldn't even exist. My father was a schoolteacher, and my mother was his first student. Such a relationship isn't easily accepted in this country, so I’ve never had any friends growing up."

As she spoke, Akira curled up, her pleated skirt falling to the side. Zhang Tiejun caught a glimpse of her fair, rounded thighs.

"I’ve never told anyone else this. It sounds strange, but I’ve always had a good memory. I still remember the first time a group of boys surrounded me on the way home, calling me a half-breed, a descendant of the Japanese, claiming my whole family were traitors."

Overcome with grievance, Akira buried her head against her inner thighs, and soon, the sound of soft sobbing drifted through the air.

Zhang Tiejun empathized deeply. As someone with only half-Japanese blood, Akira would surely face such dilemmas again once she reached Japan. And the internal power struggles of the Japanese imperial palace would only be more cruel and heartless.

"Young Lady!"

Seeing Akira sobbing, Major Yamaguchi was instantly incensed. He rushed over, his eyes blazing with such fury that it seemed he might tear Zhang Tiejun apart on the spot.

"Yamaguchi-kun, Zhang-kun is my guest." Akira lifted her head abruptly, wiping away her tears, trying her best to appear composed.

"But, Young Lady!" Yamaguchi started to protest, but Akira cut him off.

"My life was saved by Zhang-kun. If he wanted to harm me, I wouldn't be alive now."

"Yes, Young Lady, my apologies." Major Yamaguchi cast a cold glare at Zhang Tiejun. "Young Lady, the ship is ready. We don't have much time; you must hurry."

"I understand. How is Uncle Kawakawa?"

"We have provided some treatment; he is fine now."

"Good, thank you for your hard work. Give me ten more minutes."

Hearing this, Major Yamaguchi said no more, though he shot a strange look at Zhang Tiejun as he turned to leave.

"Zhang-kun, we are about to part ways. Keep this as a memento." Akira handed her Colt pistol to Zhang Tiejun.

"This doesn't seem right. I haven't earned such a gift," Zhang Tiejun said, shaking his head in refusal.

Akira didn't give him a chance to react, shoving the pistol directly into his hand.

"Zhang-kun, you saved my life; it is only right that I give this to you. Besides, living in these deep mountains, it isn't safe without a weapon for protection." She sounded a bit shy as she added, "I hope you will take good care of this gun. Whenever you see it, I want you to think of me."

"Very well, I will accept your kindness. The sea is rough; take care of yourself," Zhang Tiejun nodded.

Akira took a deep breath, exhaling heavily. Her tone lightened, and she forced a smile through her reddened eyes. "Don't worry. If I felt resistant at first, that's true, but now I have something to look forward to. My mother told me that those destined to meet will find each other across the ends of the earth. Zhang-kun, we will meet again."

"Yes. When we do, I’ll treat you to authentic wild boar meat with pickled cabbage and vermicelli."

"It's a deal. I’ve already had Major Yamaguchi prepare the money I promised you. He is my father’s personal guard and a soldier of the Anti-Fascist Alliance. His hands have never been stained with the blood of your countrymen. He was just worried about me, which is why he was so harsh just now—I hope you won't mind."

Zhang Tiejun shook his head. "I am relieved. With their protection, your safety is at least guaranteed."

"It's getting late, and they are waiting for me," Akira said, watching the sun slowly sink into the sea.