chapter1: all alone

Big brother, please... come out of the rain!" Kalino said, but his words just faded away as Shinzu was lost in his thoughts. "Mother, why?" With tears filling his eyes, he stood in front of her grave, remembering her final request: "Shinzu, you are the oldest. Please take care and protect your younger brothers. You are all my treasure. I will always love you." As Shinzu began to recall her words, Kalino called out again, "Big brother... brother..." Shinzu snapped back, "Yes, Kalino, let's go home. Where's Ganix?" A voice from behind a tree replied, "I'm right here." "Father didn't show up today," Ganix said bitterly. "He probably got caught up with work," Shinzu replied. Ganix's frustration boiled over, "Work? Mother is dead, Shinzu! Are you kidding me? Father could have taken a day off, but he didn't, because he never cares about us we are nothing but the spawn of hatred. I've had enough. Let's just go home." With a heavy heart, Shinzu agreed.

1 month later, July 1st, 2023:

"Knock knock." Ganix called out, "Shinzu, someone's at the door. Hurry up and get it." "Fine, it's probably Father," Shinzu replied, unlocking the door. In front of him stood a tall, shaded man with glasses. "I'm Ichiro from the Board of Social Development. Can I come in?" he asked. "Sure," Shinzu replied, inviting him in. Ichiro explained, "I was told by your neighbors that three children are staying here without a guardian, and your electricity bill is due." Ganix erupted, "Those old hags sold us out! I thought they liked us..." Ichiro reassured, "I'm not here to harm you. I'm from the Board of Social Development. Please, let me help." Ganix demanded, "So what now?" Ichiro stated firmly, "You'll be taken to an orphanage until you come of age. It's not negotiable. Start packing." Ganix asked worriedly, "What about our house? Are you planning to sell it?" Ichiro clarified, "No, I can't sell your home. Your mother signed it over to you three, so the government can't sell it either. Don't treat me like some kind of villain." Shinzu suggested they go, "It's for the best. Kalino can make some friends too." Ganix agreed reluctantly, "Fine, let's go already."

"Finally, we've arrived at your new home," Ichiro announced. Kalino and Shinzu responded politely, but Ganix remarked, "This looks like something out of a crime scene. Do children actually stay in this place?" Ichiro hushed him as the caretaker approached. "I'm Miss Inko. Nice to meet you all. From today, I'll be taking care of you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask." The three boys introduced themselves as Miss Inko bid farewell to Ichiro. Ganix teased Ichiro before he left, "Are you into caretaker types?" Ichiro playfully knocked Ganix's head and said, "See you later, brat." As they entered their new home, Miss Inko introduced them to their new family, and Shinzu's mind raced, trying to remember where he had heard the name Shibori before.