Page 67 of Son of Shadows

Meanwhile, Ryuichi-kage was on the farthest end of the boat he could retreat to. When Koichi had started being sick, the shadow boy started to dry heave. Eyes wide, he’d rushed away and had yet to return. Koichi hoped this wasn’t a sign that Ryuichi-kage was growing weaker. He hoped that wherever Ryuichi was, he wasn’t in danger of losing himself.

Time wasn’t their friend, after all.

Koichi was pulled out of his thoughts when another member of the crew approached Haru, who was standing within earshot. “This whole plan is stupid. Really stupid. How could you even conceive of something this idiotic?”

Haru laughed. “So stupid it just might work.”

Those words angered Koichi. Of course, they were also brilliant. In fact, they were just the kind of words he’d tell doubters too.

As much as he hated to admit it, he and Haru were kindred spirits, who should have been friends, not foes.

The crewman, however, wasn’t impressed. “Not every stupid plan is a stupidly genius plan. Mostly, they’re just stupid.”

“There’s no such thing as a stupid plan that works,” Haru countered.

The crewman crossed his arms over his chest. “Hasn’t worked, though, has it?”

Haru smiled. “I have all the confidence that it will.”

Koichi wished he could take notes right now. Haru was a philosopher of the highest level. No wonder he was able to get the upper hand over him.

“And how are we supposed to kill him anyway? We don’t have that many soldiers on this ship.”

Haru grinned at his doubter. “We use the product, my friend.”

There it was—the mysterious “product” Haru kept referencing ever since they boarded this boat. Apparently, it was Haru’s magical solution to everything that could possibly harm you.

Headache? Product.

Giant squid? Product.

Stubbed toe? Product.

Oni at the gate? Product.

What this product was, Koichi had no idea. But he couldn’t help but be curious.

Haruki could overhear their conversation too. Shaking her head, she smirked at Koichi. “It’s like dealing with a giant toddler who’s discovered a new toy, isn’t it? He’s convinced this mysterious product is the solution to all life’s woes. Troublesome neighbors? Use the product. Food sucks? Add a little product. Crew member acting up? Dip him in a little product.”

He was amused that she was thinking the same way he was.

Haruki, however, didn’t share his amusement. “Why do I always find the most bizarre characters?” She turned back toward Koichi. “Do you even know what it is he’s talking about?”

Still sick to his stomach, Koichi groaned before he answered. “Absolutely no idea. Wish I did. This product sounds amazing. Do you think it’ll fix my stomach problems?”

“From the sound of it, it’ll fix all your problems, including your mental ones.”

Again, death would be preferable.

“Maybe we should steal some, then? I’m willing to test it.”

“I don’t know. He always has this sinister undertone when he mentions it. It could kill you.” She paused. “So maybe we should consider it.”

“I’ve heard worse solutions. Go be a dear and fetch some for me, please?”

The ship tilted, almost knocking Koichi off the side and onto his back. He groaned again. “Ugh, now everything’s spinning.”

He turned over on his side and saw Ryuichi-kage sitting still on the ground, surrounded by guards. He seemed to be holding his own, which was reassuring. That meant Ryuichi was still okay.