My Precious Cargo ⚔ Volume 2 (An AtsuKage ff) ✔

XVIII

A quiet evening passed amongst the crew, and late the next morning they were docking the ship at Itachiyama's port. Bustling crowds and stalls that looked and smelled wonderful met their eyes, happiness running through them all after being away from people for so long. 

Kita had a list of supplies, taking Ren, Aran and Suna with him to carry everything back later. Osamu headed straight for the meat market, thinking of the delicious meals he could make to lift the spirits of the crew as well as his own. Cooking always did make him feel better. Hmm, maybe they could have some spicy tuna onigiri if the market had fresh fish caught.

Tobio and Atsumu went off in search of Sakusa. Apparently the merchant didn't travel himself, preferring to hire people to do the work for him whilst he stayed in his clean house and documented all of his imports and exports. Over the years his business had grown, meaning now he was living in a nice house in the village just beyond the marketplace, where the streets were cleaner and quieter. 

The houses were a mixture of one, two and three stories. Clerks, tinkers, and grocery stores littered inbetween. The Prince enjoyed being able to wander in and out of stores again, marvelling at the different creations on sale. They of course visited the bakery, buying two iced buns that they ate quickly.

"You're such a mess." Tobio shook his head before wiping away some icing on the Captain's chin with his finger.

"Sorry." the Captain replied, his teasing tone audible through his mouth full of food.

Tobio sighed, trying to seem disappointed, but a small amused smile seeped through that made Atsumu grin back. 

"Come on, Omi's just up this path."

It was a plain house, made of an off-white brick with grey slated roof tiles. Two stories, and latticed windows, as well as a small balcony on the side. Tobio thought that even some of the merchants in his country weren't as fortunate as this man.

Atsumu grabbed the door knocker and slammed it three times heartily, grinning as he imagined Sakusa's dreaded expression upon hearing their arrival: he would know it was them, nobody else would knock so obnoxiously. Within moments footsteps came closer to the door, and Atsumu grinned even wider.

"What do you-" The male who opened the door paused, looking at the pirate before sighing and opening the door wider. "Come in. And wash your hands before sitting down."

"Nice to see ya again Omi!"

"Hello." Tobio gave a short bow of the head in greeting, getting a raised brow from the merchant.

"What's your name?" Sakusa asked.

"Tobio."

"Tobio..." Sakusa made a vague gesture, asking for his last name.

"Just Tobio."

"Hm, I see."

Once hands were washed and shoes were off, Sakusa poured them all some tea which they drank happily, Tobio in particular: he couldn't remember the last time he drank hot, delicious tea.

"It's wonderful." Tobio complimented, not just about the tea but also the warm and modern decor to the place, and the plush cushions and carpet around him. "You must work very hard."

"Most people would ask what dirty work I have done to afford such luxury. Why not you?" Sakusa questioned, making the Prince look away.

"Well Omi, Tobio isn't just most people." Atsumu sent a wink his way, making Tobio sigh and give a subtle kick to the Captain's leg.

Sakusa hummed before pouring some more tea.

"Why are you here Miya? What do you need from me?"

"Always right to it! We're wonderin' if yer got any information on the Ocean's Heart. The ancient treasure of the sea."