Nextgen Kids: Legend of the Nine Newborn

Sulfurina

This may be the last chapter before the Origami Hiatus.

Gourmet 4: Sulfurina

Science Kingdom

Kohaku and Senku led the explorers to the shore of a vast river. A rope bridge connected the shore to a group of islands with straw houses. Twilight glimmered along the river, presenting the village with a peaceful air. There were people out and about and children playing, but most peculiar were the telephone pole, its wires stretching into the forest; a smithy where swords were forged from melted rock; one of the tribe girls was taking pictures of her sisters with a camera; and there were light poles that were on the verge of coming on, the children eagerly watching for it to light up. There seemed to be a device for cutting wood into boards.

"So, this is... Science Kingdom?" Augustus asked.

"I first came to this kingdom on an expedition with some friends of mine." Senku began. "The travel agency made us hand over all our stuff. We split up while searching for materials, and I found Kohaku trapped under a tree, the poor girl."

"I was in a fight with someone!" Kohaku shouted in defense. "Still... I'll never forget that day." She smiled warmly as she kept Nel in a gentle embrace. "Senku spent all day trying to help me. He created something called a 'pulley' and lifted the tree into the air. It was almost like magic. I brought him to my village and told everyone what happened... and since then, we've come to know the magic of Science."

"Nel never forget day she met Aughsucks." Nel said. "Aughsucks not smell like poo like other cavemen, but smell poo from Aughsucks' friends. Aughsucks have other smells that make Nel want to mate, but Nel too young at the time."

Kohaku stared at the cavechild with slight disgust. "A lot of stuff happened back then," Senku followed, "but that's the basic gist of it. It was law that this world wasn't allowed to evolve, but I had to wonder... was that really the best fate for these people? I get that this tribe survived for thousands of years, but there was so much they were missing out on. I wondered if my coming here was fate... but then I realized that 'fate' is an illogical phenomenon!"

"You taught science to the Stonies because you thought it was your duty?" August asked.

"Don't call us that." Kohaku requested.

"I wanted to know if this world could evolve if it had the chance." Senku replied. "All these devices you see are made with natural materials found in this country. Don't get me wrong, I ain't trying to turn Historia into a second Earth, but I think I did a few favors for this country. Just ask Suika."

"Uh-huh!" Suika reached into her melon's eye socket and pulled out a lens. "Suika had Blurry Eye Disease, but thanks to Senku's science lens, Suika can see!"

"You were nearsighted." August smiled knowingly. "I'm impressed. You have me beat, Senku; even Stewie couldn't science anything up on this rock."

"Senkuuu! Kohakuuu!" The group turned as a blue-robed boy with dark-brown hair raced over with a katana in hand. "Check out this baaaaad sword that Kaseki made! He says it can cut rocks in half!"

Kohaku set Nel down and took the sword. It cut through the air with ease, was smooth, and shiny. "I'm not sure if it'll work with my technique, but I'll give it a try!"

"Hey, who're these guys?"

"Chrome, these guys are from outer space like me." Senku explained. "I only just met them personally, but if I remember the wanted posters, this man is pretty famous."

"More outsiders? What're they here for?"

"To start off," Augustus flicked his lolli stick to the ground, "turn your attention to the little spirit on Tama's back."