We approach the farmhouse on foot, walking in from the shuttle drop-off point around a mountain to the west. The journey is two hours long, but hiking is a more pleasurable experience when I’m not sick or throwing up every hundred meters. Julia takes the lead, her eyes glued to the surrounding forest. Natsu and Taya spread out amongst the group, also scanning the surroundings for any danger. Kazuo follows Julia, his sword on his back. He hasn’t spoken to me since I gave him his new job. I hope he comes around, but I’m not counting on it.
This time we’re returning to the region in better shape than we left. Our path takes us through the opposite end of town, and as we leave the forest for the dirt roads and houses of the outlying dwellings, a little girl playing with a ball outside spots us and runs up to Julia.