Expectation

The whole way, they said nothing. Hattori led Li Ziming to an island.

"I'm back." When Hattori stepped onto the island, he called out once, then carried the supplies onward without a care, seemingly having forgotten Li Ziming behind him.

"Hm?" Li Ziming was somewhat puzzled. The island was far too quiet; it did not feel as though anyone lived here.

And as Li Ziming followed Hattori deeper into the island, that feeling only grew stronger.

As they slowly walked across the island, everything was beautiful, yet it simply did not feel inhabited. Li Ziming saw birds and animals everywhere. Then, a village suddenly came into view. Hattori was slowly placing the supplies in his hands inside a house.

"Um..." Li Ziming spoke up and tentatively asked, "Do you need my help?"

"Here, hold this bottle of liquor." Hattori handed Li Ziming a bottle, then rummaged through his own pack again. "Take this too." Hattori kept passing things to Li Ziming. Before long, one hand was no longer enough for Li Ziming to carry everything. Bags hung from his arms, and he even had one clenched in his teeth. They were not heavy, but they took up quite a bit of space.

"Alright, follow me." Hattori briefly straightened his clothes, then silently walked ahead. Li Ziming followed behind him without a word.

"Kichizo, everyone, I'm here." Hattori's voice carried a trace of grief. "Everyone, I finally found Issho. I can finally avenge you." He touched the cold tombstone, his face filled with indescribable sorrow. "Kid, give me the liquor."

"Okay." Li Ziming answered like a lackey, hurriedly dug out the liquor from the things he was carrying, and handed it to Hattori.

Hattori opened the bottle, took a sip himself, then poured the rest onto the ground. Yet he did