A new identity

"They still don't know I'm here; they won't know until I want them to," said the Twin as he continued to stroll in the city's modern atmosphere. The surroundings were filled with posters. "Vote for me for the continuation of true peace," "Justice is our foundation; no one can corrupt this city," "Unity time for everyone's prosperity" were inscriptions hanging on the walls along with pictures of men trying to attract people. The poster that caught the Twin's attention the most was, "I am a person who came from a ruined city; I will never fall back to that city again, and I won't let you fall. Let's rise together. - Larry." The Twin focused on Larry's face first, "I know what you're thinking, Larry; but your plans will end with me, I will be the winner of the game," he pressed his hand to Larry's face and ripped the poster off the wall, throwing it to the ground.

"Hey hey hey, what are you doing?" People started to gather around, "Just because you don't like that election candidate, you don't have to exhibit such dirty behavior; save your anger for election day," someone said. People were staring at the Twin. "Ahhh, that's the guy with two different eyes," a child pointed at the Twin with his hand. "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm new here. I'm a stranger to these parts; he's an old friend of mine. We've had a few problems in that old dark city, and I couldn't help myself."

"Oh, so you're a newcomer, I'm sure you'll be very happy to be here. After that disgusting place, this will seem like heaven to you. Please be more careful next time; we're trying not to relive the old days here. Please, resolve personal matters with that person," the man next to him said, trying to calm down the Twin by putting his hand on his shoulder. "Come on, people, disperse; you're pressuring him," he said. The crowd began to disperse with him. As everyone walked away, the Twin's eyes widened, his pupils shrank. He was trembling, "I will make them all pay when the time comes," he said. Suppressing his anger, he regained control; he had to unravel this city completely.

"Hello," he suddenly opened the shop door and walked in, "Hello," the man standing in front of the cash register focused on the Twin, "I guess you're new." "Yes, I am." "It's been a long time since there was a newcomer, I was saying there was no one left there. So there are still a few survivors." "Yes, that's right; I decided to come here when I became the last one," the Twin replied, scratching his hair, "It's unfortunate, condolences; it must be really tough, to stand on that side to not leave your family." "Exactly," said the Twin, smiling.

"I understand your pain, not entirely but somewhat. That's why I have special gifts for you; both in honor of your new arrival and with the intention of alleviating your pain a bit." The man took out materials from the shelves behind him, "Please, have a seat, I'll prepare a special recipe for you from the chef." "Thank you very much, but it's not necessary." "No no, you are my guest right now. Please, this is a small gift from me." The man took his pan from the lower cabinet, "By the way, my name is Anton; what's yours, handsome?" "A name?" Did the Twin have a name? No, he didn't; he never had. Ken hadn't even given him a name. He could call him Kenshin, but he didn't want that; even though the body was the same, he was someone else. "My name is... Masaru," he said, and a smile appeared on his face. "Ah, I see. It's a beautiful name; nice to meet you," said Anton, reaching out, and they shook hands together.

"Why didn't your parents want to come here, Masaru?" "You know, they couldn't let go of the lands they grew up in. Despite how bad it was, in the end, with no one left, they gave their last breaths due to hunger, disease, and such," explained Masaru, lowering his face. "Don't be sad, Masaru, I have a recipe that will heal you." Anton put on his gloves, quickly continued preparing the meal, "You will be happy here, Masaru; I'm sure this place will seem like paradise to you after that." "I'm sure it will."

"By the way, did you have anyone to chat within that place? Were there others who couldn't say goodbye to their lands anymore?" "There were a few more people; even though we didn't talk much, we used to gather occasionally for a meal." "Oh, I'm sorry, I guess they shared the same fate as your family." "No problem, I'm trying to focus on my new life now." "I'll be with you as much as I can; you seem like a good person. If you need help, come to me, I'll do what I can." "Sure, I'll drop by," said Masaru. Anton smiled at Masaru, "Your meal will be ready soon, I'm sure you'll love it." "I'm sure I will," said Masaru. After a few quiet minutes, he opened his mouth, "I think there's a different life here; I saw posters, all saying things about people choosing for themselves." "Ah, you mean the elections; here, one president is elected, and the president provides services for the people, preserving peace." "So, kind of like being elected." Anton suddenly fell silent; Masaru understood the reason. "We've left the past behind here; you better not say these things in front of others, Masaru. I wouldn't want you to get into trouble." "I'll be careful, thanks," said Masaru. Anton placed the meal on the plate in front of Masaru, "I'm waiting for your comments." Masaru's eyes widened with the first bite; Anton wasn't making empty words. The sweet and salty balance in his mouth was amazing; the soft, easily chewable texture of the food added a special touch. For the first time in his life, Masaru had eaten such a delicious meal. "This is really good." "I told you; now enjoy your meal," said Anton. Masaru continued with his meal.

"Hey, what does it take to become a presidential candidate?" He placed the empty plate on the counter in front of him. "Seriously, is that what you're thinking, interesting guy, Masaru. But I'll answer; because you're a good person, people don't usually talk to me much, so thanks for that." "I actually thank you; you prepared such a fantastic meal for me." "Not even worth mentioning, now if we turn back to answering the question, first, you need to announce your candidacy at the big house." "The big house?" "Yes, the big house, we can say it's a kind of administrative center of the city, the people there work with the president. You have to announce your candidacy to them. It's not very difficult, but people don't often run for presidency because of the responsibilities it brings." "Alright. Thanks again, I have one more request from you." "Sure, Masaru." "Do you have scissors?" "Of course, it's yours." He opened the bottom drawer next to the stove and took out the scissors. "Here you go." Masaru took the scissors handed to him. "I'll pay you whatever the price is very soon; thank you very much." "No, no, it's absolutely out of the question. This is from me to you, whatever you need, I'll do my best." "Thank you again," said Masaru. Anton pushed Masaru to the door. "Really, thank you very much." Masaru smiled at Anton. "Oh, you're exaggerating, goodbye." Masaru waved to Anton and came to the alley where everything began; the puddle was still there. Bending towards the puddle, he began cutting his hair with the scissors in his hand. The strands extending next to him fell to the ground. He styled his hair backward, giving it a sleek shape. His hair had become tangled. His eyes were burning as he looked at the reflection in the puddle. "Ken is no more; there's Masaru now... President Masaru."