"Oboro, are you leaving?"
"You're going back to work, right... What a shame. It's rare to meet someone I get along with this well... We barely even got to know each other..."
"Pengi, what are you thinking? Oboro came from a big city. He obviously has important business to handle... How could he be like you, loafing around and drinking yourself stupid every day?"
"Hah? Peyton... You looking for a fight?"
"Bring it on!"
Mito's tavern was filled with noise and merriment.
A bleary-eyed man raised his cup toward Oboro, who sat at the bar, offering it as a farewell drink. His voice was full of reluctance.
But another person quickly mocked him.
The two were both displeased and prepared to take their dispute outside, only to be stopped in time by the people around them.
"Don't worry. If I have the time, I'll come back..."
Oboro raised his cup in return.
"Next time you come, visit my house!"
"Whale Island is a wonderful place. It's worth coming back to!"
"We'll miss you!"
Everyone joined in the clamor.
But in truth... Oboro was only being polite.
Although Whale Island held a special meaning for him, that was only because of the anime... Once was enough for a place like this.
Over the past month, he would occasionally leave the mountains and return to the tavern.
Before long, he had become familiar with the locals. He planned to leave early the next morning.
Some friends who had heard the news had come specifically to join the fun... and Oboro was paying for everyone's drinks tonight.
Oboro felt that the people here... were quite interesting.
They were all simple, honest people who loved their hometown deeply.
"Thank you for taking care of Gon during this time."
Behind the bar, Mito suddenly bowed