Shiki's Sympathomimetic Satisfaction

5 D-Ranks:

It was hard work to keep Shiki from feeling boredom. Since arriving in this land he had been taking as many odd-jobs as possible, both to stimulate the mind as well as to fund his eating and drinking habits. When it came to dining on delicacies or enjoying a vibrant drink, then Shiki could hardly ever say no. Today he was in a settlement on the coast, having been staying here the last few days. The man had lined up a few jobs to keep himself occupied, which is why he now found himself heading to the markets.

Shiki had always enjoyed the lively atmosphere of food markets. The bustling crowds, the mix of enticing aromas, and the vibrant colours of fresh produce and cooked meals were a feast for the senses. Today, he found himself in the heart of such a market, ready to lend a hand to an older member of the community who needed help running their food stand.

The stand was small but well-organized, featuring a variety of delicious dumplings. There were steamed buns filled with savoury pork, crispy fried dumplings stuffed with vegetables, and sweet red bean paste buns for dessert. Shiki's mouth watered just thinking about it. He had always had a soft spot for dumplings, and today he would get to share that love with others.

The owner of the stand, Mrs. Yamada, was a kindly woman in her late sixties. Her weathered face bore a constant smile, and her eyes twinkled with warmth. She welcomed Shiki with open arms and quickly showed him the ropes. The dumplings were already prepared and kept warm in bamboo steamers and frying pans. Shiki’s job was to serve the customers, handle the money, and attract more people to their stand.

"Thank you so much for helping me today, Shiki," Mrs. Yamada said, her voice gentle but firm. "My old bones can't keep up with the crowd like they used to. Just make sure to be polite and friendly, and don't forget to call out to the passers by. People sometimes need a little encouragement to try something new."

Shiki nodded, eager to get started. He took his place behind the counter and immediately noticed a few people glancing their way. Time to put on his best smile and draw them in.

"Step right up, folks! Fresh, delicious dumplings right here! Get your steamed pork buns, crispy vegetable dumplings, and sweet red bean buns! Perfect for a snack or a meal!" he called out, his voice carrying over the din of the market.

A few curious customers approached, and Shiki quickly got into the rhythm of serving them. He made sure to be timely and polite, offering recommendations and chatting with the patrons as they waited for their orders. His natural charm and enthusiasm seemed to work, as more and more people began to flock to their stand.

"So, what's your secret to making these dumplings so delicious?" a young woman asked as she handed over her money.

"Well, that's Mrs. Yamada's secret," Shiki replied with a grin. "But I can tell you that a lot of love and years of experience go into each and every one of these dumplings."

The woman laughed and took her order, looking delighted. Shiki turned to Mrs. Yamada, who was beaming with pride.

"You're doing great, Shiki," she said. "Keep it up, and we might sell out before the day is done!"

As the morning turned into afternoon, the crowd only grew larger. Shiki kept up his cheerful calls, and the stand remained busy. During the occasional lull, he took the opportunity to chat with Mrs. Yamada.

"How long have you been running this stand, Mrs. Yamada?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"Oh, it's been nearly thirty years now," she replied, her eyes distant with fond memories. "My husband and I started it together. He loved cooking, and I loved seeing people enjoy his food. After he passed, I couldn't bear to close it down. It feels like he's still here with me, especially on days like this."

Shiki nodded, feeling a pang of sympathy. "You've built something wonderful here. I can see how much people love your food."

Mrs. Yamada smiled warmly. "Thank you, Shiki. It means a lot to hear that."

By late afternoon, the last of the dumplings had been sold, and the stand was finally empty. Shiki gathered the money they had made and handed it to Mrs. Yamada, who counted it with a satisfied nod.

"We did very well today," she said. "Thank you again for your help, Shiki. I couldn't have done it without you."

"It was my pleasure, Mrs. Yamada," Shiki replied. "I had a great time, and I’m glad I could help."

As the market began to wind down, Shiki helped Mrs. Yamada pack up the stand. They worked in comfortable silence, the camaraderie of the day's efforts lingering between them. When everything was finally put away, Mrs. Yamada handed Shiki a small bag.

"Here, take these," she said. "A little thank you for all your hard work."

Shiki peeked inside the bag to find a few leftover dumplings. A pleasant surprise to say the least, and one that Shiki would indulge in at a later date. For now, he would go find a spot for a quick nap. His schedule was a busy one and the man had yet another job lined up for the night hours.

Shiki had faced many challenges in his travels, but being a bouncer at a local bar was a new one. The owner, a burly man with a stern face but kind eyes, had approached Shiki with an offer that was hard to refuse. The bar's reputation was soaring, drawing in crowds every night, but with the influx of patrons came the inevitable troublemakers. Fights were becoming a regular occurrence, and the owner needed someone with Shiki's skills to keep the peace.

Shiki agreed, it was hard to turn down the opportunity for something that could prove so exciting. The job was simple, prevent fights from escalating, escort unruly patrons off the property, and ensure the safety of everyone in the bar. Also don't badly injure anyone, though that seemed obvious.

The first few hours were relatively uneventful until the rush hour started, and soon the bar was packed. The air was thick with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional shout. Shiki stood near the entrance, keeping a watchful eye on the crowd. The night seemed to be going smoothly until a loud crash echoed from the back of the bar.

Two men were at the centre of a growing commotion, shoving each other and shouting insults. Shiki's heart rate quickened as he pushed through the throng of people to reach the altercation. He assessed the situation quickly. The fight was still in its early stages, but it had the potential to spiral out of control.

"Alright, break it up!" Shiki's voice cut through the noise, firm and authoritative. The two men momentarily paused, sizing him up. Shiki stepped between them, using his body to create a barrier. "You both need to calm down and take this outside."

One of the men, a burly fellow with a shaved head, took a swing at Shiki. With practiced ease, Shiki dodged the punch and grabbed the man's wrist, twisting it just enough to make him wince without causing harm. "I said, calm down," Shiki repeated, his voice colder.

The other man, seeing his opponent subdued, tried to make a break for it. Shiki released the first man and quickly caught the second by the arm. "You're both leaving, now."

He guided them toward the exit, their protests and grumbles ignored. Outside, Shiki let them go, warning them not to return for the night. The bar's owner, who had been watching from a distance, gave Shiki an approving nod.

"Good job, Shiki," the owner said, clapping him on the shoulder. "You've got a knack for this."

Shiki smiled, though the adrenaline still coursed through his veins. "Thanks. Just doing my job."

As the night wore on, Shiki's presence continued to keep the peace. A few more minor scuffles broke out, but none escalated beyond a few harsh words and glares. Shiki's calm yet commanding demeanour made it clear that he wouldn't tolerate any nonsense.

The night continued, with the earlier excitement being the only real action that occurred. It made sense, yet was also disappointing at the same time. As the night wound the owner approached him once more. He received his pay for the night, and was told his job was done.

"Appreciate it." Shiki smiled as he shook the owner's hand. "Hope business keeps booming." Before taking the short walk back to the small inn he had been staying at. The day had been busy, and for the first time in awhile he could feel the fatigue starting to get to him. Shiki would collapse in his bed upon returning back, and slept for the next twelve hours.

It was two days later that he took up his next job, finding one that was of particular interest to him.

Shiki had always admired the skill and craftsmanship that went into woodworking, so when he heard that a local carpenter needed help, he eagerly volunteered. He made his way to the carpenter's workshop, a quaint building on the edge of the village, nestled among tall, sturdy trees that seemed to guard the secrets of the woodcraft.

The workshop belonged to Master Takeda, a seasoned carpenter with a reputation for creating beautiful and durable furniture. As Shiki approached, he could hear the rhythmic sound of a hammer and the whirring of a saw. The scent of freshly cut wood filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the surrounding forest.

"Good morning, Master Takeda!" Shiki called out as he entered the workshop.

The carpenter, a man in his late fifties with strong, calloused hands and a warm, inviting smile, looked up from his workbench. "Ah, Shiki! Welcome. I’m glad you’re here. We have a lot to do today."

Shiki nodded, eager to get started. "I’m ready to help. Just tell me what to do."

Master Takeda handed Shiki an apron and a pair of gloves. "First, let's start with some basic tasks. I need you to help shape these wooden planks. We're making a set of chairs, and the wood needs to be perfectly shaped before we can assemble them."

Shiki took the planks and set to work, carefully following Takeda's instructions. He used a plane to smooth the rough edges and a chisel to carve intricate designs. It was meticulous work, but Shiki found it strangely therapeutic. The repetitive motions and the smell of the wood had a calming effect.

As he worked, Shiki couldn't help but admire the precision and skill that Takeda demonstrated. The carpenter moved with practiced ease, his hands guiding the tools with a deftness that spoke of years of experience.

"You’ve got a good hand for this, Shiki," Takeda remarked, watching him shape the wood. "Have you done this before?"

"Not really," Shiki admitted with a chuckle. "But I’ve always been interested in woodworking. It’s fascinating to see how raw wood can be transformed into something beautiful and functional."

Takeda nodded. "It’s an art and a craft. You need both creativity and precision. But it’s also about patience and respect for the material. Wood has a life of its own, and you have to listen to it."

They continued working in companionable silence, the hours passing quickly. Once the planks were shaped, Takeda showed Shiki how to prime the wood. They applied a coat of primer to each piece, preparing it for staining. Shiki carefully brushed the primer onto the wood, making sure to cover every surface evenly.

"Priming helps seal the wood and creates a smooth surface for the stain to adhere to," Takeda explained. "It also helps bring out the natural grain and beauty of the wood."

After the primer had dried, it was time to stain the wood. Takeda demonstrated how to apply the stain with smooth, even strokes, allowing the rich colour to soak into the grain. Shiki followed suit, marvelling at how the wood transformed under his hands, taking on a deep, lustrous hue.

"You’re a quick learner, Shiki," Takeda said approvingly. "These pieces are looking great."

"Thanks, Master Takeda. It’s all thanks to your guidance."

As the day wore on, they assembled the chairs, fitting the pieces together with precision and care. Shiki held the parts in place while Takeda used clamps and glue to secure them. Once the glue had dried, they added the final touches, sanding down any rough spots and applying a final coat of varnish to protect the wood.

By the time they finished, the sun was starting to set, casting a warm glow over the workshop. Shiki looked at the completed chairs with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

"They look amazing," he said, admiring the craftsmanship.

Takeda smiled. "You did a great job, Shiki. Thank you for your help. I couldn’t have done it without you."

"It was my pleasure, Master Takeda. I learned a lot today."

"How about we take a break and get something to eat?" Takeda suggested. "I usually just have a simple meal after work, but I’d appreciate the company."

"Sounds good to me," Shiki agreed. "Why don’t I cook something for us? It’s the least I can do after all your guidance."

Takeda nodded, pleased with the offer. They cleaned up the workshop, putting away the tools and sweeping the floor. Then they headed to Takeda’s small kitchen, where Shiki rolled up his sleeves and started to prepare a meal.

He found some fresh vegetables, rice, and a bit of fish in the pantry and set to work. Shiki had always enjoyed cooking, and it was a skill he had honed during his travels. He chopped the vegetables, seasoned the fish, and set the rice to cook. The kitchen soon filled with the enticing aromas of the meal.

As he cooked, Shiki and Takeda chatted about their lives and experiences. Takeda shared stories of his early days as an apprentice, the challenges he faced, and the satisfaction of creating something with his own hands. Shiki talked about his travels, the people he met, and the odd jobs he took along the way.

"You’ve had quite an adventurous life, Shiki," Takeda said with a chuckle. "It’s good to see someone so young embracing life and learning new skills."

"Thanks, Master Takeda. I’ve learned that every experience teaches you something valuable. And today, I’ve learned a lot about woodworking and patience."

They enjoyed the meal together, the simple but delicious food a fitting end to a productive day. Takeda praised Shiki’s cooking, and they ate heartily, savouring the flavours and the companionship.

As the evening drew to a close, Shiki helped clean up the kitchen. Before he left, Takeda handed him a small wooden carving, a token of appreciation for his hard work.

"Take this, Shiki. It’s a little something to remember today by."

Shiki accepted the carving with gratitude. It was a beautifully crafted piece, depicting a tree with intricate details. "Thank you, Master Takeda. I’ll cherish this."

"You’re always welcome here, Shiki. If you ever want to learn more about woodworking, you know where to find me."

"I’ll definitely take you up on that offer," Shiki replied with a smile. "Thank you for everything."

With a final wave, Shiki left the workshop, the carving safely tucked away in his bag. As he walked through the village, he reflected on the day’s experiences. Helping Master Takeda had been rewarding in more ways than one. He had learned new skills, made a new friend, and felt a deep sense of fulfilment.

Shiki knew that he would be back to the workshop someday, ready to learn more and help out again. For now, he continued his journey, eager for the next adventure and the next opportunity to lend a hand.

On the road again the next day, Shiki found himself travelling familiar paths. He had been here before definitely, and soon came across a landmark that was familiar to him before. The animal shelter from before, one that he had helped repair from the aftermath of a storm. Pleasantly surprised to come across it seemingly randomly again, the man decided to pay a second visit.

As Shiki returned to the animal shelter, he was heartened to see the improvements that had taken place since his last visit. The once-dilapidated building now sported freshly nailed boards and repaired sections of fencing. The atmosphere seemed livelier, with fewer signs of neglect and more glimpses of hope for the animals housed within.

The shelter's owner, Mrs. Matsuda, approached Shiki with a warm smile. Her eyes reflected gratitude and determination as she explained the new challenge at hand. "Shiki, I can't thank you enough for your help so far. With your efforts, we've managed to stabilize the building. Now, our next task is to ensure these animals find loving homes."

Shiki nodded thoughtfully, taking in the sight of numerous cats and dogs peeking through the shelter's windows and eagerly wagging their tails. "I'm ready to help however I can, Mrs. Matsuda. Where should we start?"

Mrs. Matsuda led Shiki through the shelter, explaining the daily routines and introducing him to the various animals. There were dogs of all sizes and breeds, some bouncing with energy while others cowered in corners. The cats, too, varied in demeanour, from playful kittens to shy older cats seeking quiet corners.

"We need to make sure each animal is clean and presentable," Mrs. Matsuda said, stopping at the bathing area where several tubs and grooming supplies were neatly arranged. "A good bath and grooming session can make a world of difference in how potential adopters perceive them."

Shiki rolled up his sleeves and set to work. He started with a timid border collie mix named Momo, patiently coaxing her into the warm water and gently shampooing her fur. Despite her initial nervousness, Momo soon relaxed under Shiki's soothing touch. He talked to her in soft tones, earning her trust with every gentle stroke of the brush.

Next came a pair of rambunctious terrier puppies, Tango and Salsa. Shiki chuckled as they splashed around in the tub, their energy infectious. He scrubbed them clean, trimmed their nails, and dried them off amidst playful barks and wagging tails.

Throughout the day, Shiki moved from one animal to another, washing, grooming, and paying special attention to each one's unique needs. He trimmed mats from a fluffy Persian cat named Tora, played fetch with a ball-obsessed retriever named Max, and taught a clever border collie named Ace how to perform simple tricks like sitting and shaking paws.

As he worked, Shiki couldn't help but form bonds with the animals. Each one had a story, a past filled with uncertainty and a future that depended on finding the right home. He made mental notes of their personalities and quirks, knowing that understanding them better would help in matching them with potential adopters.

By late afternoon, the animals were looking their best. Their fur gleamed, their nails were trimmed, and some even sported colourful bandanas or bows that Mrs. Matsuda had provided. The shelter seemed transformed, buzzing with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.

"Now comes the important part," Mrs. Matsuda said, leading Shiki to a bulletin board filled with photos and descriptions of the shelter's residents. "We need to attract potential adopters and find these animals their forever homes."

Shiki nodded, his gaze moving from one picture to another. Each animal's story was displayed alongside their photo, details about their age, temperament, and any special needs they might have. He admired Mrs. Matsuda's dedication to ensuring that each animal found the right match.

"We could use some creativity to draw attention," Shiki suggested, his mind racing with ideas. "Perhaps we could create flyers showcasing the animals' progress today, before and after photos, along with a brief story about each one."

Mrs. Matsuda's eyes brightened at the suggestion. "That's a wonderful idea, Shiki! We can hang them around town, at local businesses, and even online. Visuals really do make a difference."

They spent the evening compiling the flyers, carefully selecting the most compelling photos and writing heartfelt descriptions. Shiki shared stories of his interactions with the animals, highlighting their personalities and the bonds he had formed with them.

Once the flyers were printed and ready, they set out early the next morning to distribute them. Shiki visited nearby cafes, community centres, and even approached passers by in the park, enthusiastically sharing the animals' stories and encouraging them to visit the shelter.

Back at the shelter, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Potential adopters began trickling in, drawn by the flyers and eager to meet the animals in person. Shiki greeted each visitor warmly, introducing them to the residents and sharing anecdotes about their unique traits.

He watched as families interacted with the animals, some immediately forming connections while others took their time getting to know each one. Mrs. Matsuda provided guidance and answered questions, her dedication evident in every conversation.

Throughout the day, several animals found new homes. Momo, the timid border collie mix, was adopted by a couple who had recently lost their own dog and were looking for a gentle companion. Tango and Salsa, the terrier puppies, were adopted together by a family with young children who fell in love with their playful antics.

As the sun set on a successful day of adoptions, Shiki reflected on the journey. The once-rundown shelter had been transformed not just physically, but emotionally as well. The animals had found loving homes, and the shelter had become a hub of hope and compassion in the community.

"Thank you, Shiki," Mrs. Matsuda said gratefully, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy. "Your help has made a world of difference to these animals and to us. We couldn't have done it without you."

Shiki smiled. Mrs. Matsuda provided him with a small pouch of coin for his help, though he had tried to turn it down initially. She insisted he take it for the help, and Shiki finally relented and departed once more from the shelter at the end of the day. Maybe he'd come back for another visit.

Shiki had seen many things in his travels across the lands, a plethora of odd jobs, unexpected challenges, and encounters with all sorts of characters. But when news spread that the circus was coming to town, he felt a pang of nostalgia for the lively spectacles of his youth. The colourful posters that adorned the village walls promised acrobats soaring through the air, clowns with painted smiles, and animals that seemed to defy nature itself.

As the day of the circus's arrival dawned bright and clear, Shiki made his way to the outskirts of town where the performers were busy setting up. The air buzzed with excitement, a palpable energy that thrummed through the canvas of the grand tent being erected against the skyline.

Approaching the bustling scene, Shiki was greeted warmly by the circus manager, a stout man with a booming voice and a twinkle in his eye. "Ah, you must be Shiki! We've heard you're here to lend a hand. Welcome to our humble circus!"

Shiki grinned in response, his curiosity piqued by the sights and sounds around him. "Thank you for having me. I'm eager to help out wherever I'm needed."

The manager wasted no time in outlining the day's tasks. "Excellent! First things first, we need to prepare the grand tent. Help the crew with setting up the poles and securing the canvas. We want it to stand tall and proud for our audience."

Shiki joined the crew, heaving ropes and guiding poles into place under the guidance of seasoned hands. Together, they worked swiftly and efficiently, each movement synchronized like a well-rehearsed dance. As the tent rose, Shiki marvelled at its sheer size and the intricate patterns that adorned its fabric, a testament to the craftsmanship that had gone into its creation.

With the tent nearing completion, the manager clapped his hands with satisfaction. "Well done, everyone! Now, let's tend to the animals. They're our pride and joy."

Shiki followed the manager to the area where the animals were kept, a series of spacious pens and enclosures nestled amidst the trees. There were elephants with gentle eyes and wise faces, pacing gracefully as they awaited their turn in the spotlight. Lions lounged lazily, their sleek forms exuding an air of majestic indifference.

"We take great pride in caring for our animals," the manager explained as they approached the elephants. "They are family to us, and we treat them with the utmost respect and love."

Shiki nodded in appreciation, his gaze softening as he observed the bond between the animals and their caretakers. He assisted in ensuring the elephants had ample food and water, their massive forms dwarfing him as they rumbled contentedly.

Next, they moved to the lions' enclosure. Shiki watched with a mix of awe and caution as the circus handlers approached the big cats. The manager demonstrated how to safely sharpen their teeth, a task that required precision and patience to ensure the lions' comfort and well-being.

"It's all about trust," the manager explained as he worked alongside Shiki. "We build relationships with these animals from a young age, earning their trust through care and consistency."

After attending to the animals, Shiki was introduced to the clowns, who were busy applying colourful makeup and trying on oversized shoes. Their laughter was infectious, echoing through the camp as they prepared for their comedic performances under the big top.

"Would you like to give it a try?" one of the clowns asked, holding out a palette of vibrant paints and a fluffy wig.

Shiki hesitated for a moment, then grinned. "Why not?"

With the clowns' guidance, Shiki transformed his face with exaggerated features, rouge cheeks, a bright red nose, and a wide grin that stretched from ear to ear. The clown shoes were comically large, making him stumble and laugh along with the seasoned performers.

"Perfect! You're a natural," the clown declared with a chuckle, patting Shiki on the back.

As the day progressed, Shiki found himself immersed in the bustling preparations for the evening's show. He helped string lights around the perimeter of the tent, ensuring the audience would have a magical experience as darkness fell. He fetched props for the acrobats and jugglers, marvelling at their agility and precision during their rehearsals.

By late afternoon, the circus was abuzz with anticipation. The audience began to gather outside the tent, families with children in tow, couples holding hands, and elderly folks reminiscing about circuses of years past. The air hummed with excitement and the promise of an unforgettable evening.

With everything in place, the manager approached Shiki with a warm smile. "Thank you, Shiki. You've been a tremendous help today. Now, why don't you take a break and enjoy the show? You've earned it."

Gratefully, Shiki settled into a seat near the front row as the tent filled with eager spectators. The lights dimmed, and the strains of music filled the air as the circus began in earnest.

Acrobats soared through the air with grace and precision, their bodies twisting and spinning in breath-taking feats of athleticism. Jugglers tossed flaming torches high into the air, catching them with practiced ease. Tightrope walkers balanced delicately above the heads of the audience, their every step met with gasps of awe and applause.

The clowns brought laughter with their slapstick humour and playful antics, interacting with the audience and turning mishaps into moments of pure joy. Children giggled and adults joined in, swept up in the infectious spirit of the performance.

Midway through the show, Shiki found himself captivated by a mesmerizing display of strength and courage as a lion tamer entered the ring. With a commanding presence, he directed the lions through a series of tricks and stunts, showcasing their power and agility while maintaining a deep bond of trust.

As the final act drew to a close, Shiki felt a sense of wonder and fulfilment wash over him. The circus had not only entertained but had also brought people together, creating memories that would last a lifetime. He applauded along with the crowd, grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a magical experience.

After the show, Shiki lingered near the performers' area, exchanging smiles and words of gratitude with the circus troupe. The manager approached him once more, a glint of appreciation in his eyes.

"Shiki, you've shown us today that kindness and dedication can make a world of difference. You're welcome back anytime."

Shiki nodded, his heart full. "Thank you for having me. It's been an honour to be a part of your circus, even if just for a day."

With a final wave, Shiki bid farewell to the circus as it packed up and prepared to move on to the next town. As he watched the colourful wagons disappear into the horizon, he carried with him memories of laughter, camaraderie, and the enduring magic of the circus.

And as he walked back towards the town, he knew that wherever his travels took him next, the spirit of the circus would stay with him, a reminder of the joy found in unexpected places and the beauty of bringing dreams to life under the big top.

This island had proven to be a fascinating place. The wide variety of people, and food, never ceased to amaze him. Having originally only planned to stay for a week or so, given how small the island seemed on a map, Shiki was now considering staying for a longer length of time. It had been awhile since he so felt the need to immerse himself fully in a place such as this.

[Closed]

[5000]

11000 Ryo
54 AP
50 Chakra
167+333=500/500 Body Flicker
1500/1500 Shadow Clone
2500/2500 Minus Field
833/1000 False Surroundings Technique

Shiki wrote:
[Closed]

[5000]

11000 Ryo
54 AP
50 Chakra
167+333=500/500 Body Flicker
1500/1500 Shadow Clone
2500/2500 Minus Field
833/1000 False Surroundings Technique

Approved!