The Hidden River Adventure

All groups participating in the stamp rally had finally returned, and the kids' next activity was a scheduled splash in the river.

"Man, those kids have it easy," I muttered, watching them get ready.

"Looks like we're on free time for a bit," Shiwahime remarked, checking her watch.

"Yeah, but what're we supposed to do out here? My phone's dead, I didn't bring any books, and there's not much else to do out here in the middle of nowhere."

"Why don't you train or something? Isn't that kind of your thing?"

"Here? Now?" I replied, eyebrow raised. Even I wasn't that hardcore.

Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice.

"Whoa! Akaya, Shiwahime, you're really here!"

I looked up to see Rindou, her dark hair tied back, balancing a bundle of firewood in her arms. She looked like your typical cheerful girl-next-door type—just a bit too much energy.

"Rindou? What're you doing here?" I asked, surprised.

"That's my line!" she laughed.