Master Ancient One said, "I simply feel that when change arrives, stubbornly remaining unchanged would go against the principle of going with the flow that we once upheld. Change may lead to worse outcomes, but the future is always changing. Until all things meet their end, no one knows the result."
"The future is both near and far. I only need to hold on to what I can."
"And the future does not belong to me alone. Let them inherit the work I have yet to finish. As for their future, since it belongs to them, they should take responsibility for that part themselves."
Odin smiled. "You really can let things go."
Ancient One smiled as well. "At least from where we stand now, the outcome is not bad, is it?"
Odin and Ancient One talked for quite a long time, discussing not only serious matters but also reminiscing about the past.
What those nearing death could not let go of was not only the future, but also the past.
Because the future no longer belonged to them. All they could hold on to were memories of the past.
Odin's life had been extraordinary. When he was young, he had actually been much like Thor was now—warlike, impulsive... That temperament had stirred up countless conflicts, made countless enemies, and led to many terrible consequences.
That was why he tried so hard to keep Thor from repeating the mistakes he himself had made in his youth.
Yet there was one way Thor resembled him greatly as well: rebellion.
Just as Odin had rebelled against his father Bor's teachings, Thor rebelled against Odin's earnest advice.
Like father, like son.
It was like a cycle repeating itself.
Thor settled Hayato in the royal palace, then personally took him on a day-long tour.