I push open the door and duck underneath it. In one night, my height had grown to six feet. Considering this body seemed to be around thirteen years old, I was tremendously tall for my age.
A man dressed in a suit and tie stands up hurriedly, reaching for a knife in his belt. I assume he is the father of the house.
"Who are you, stranger?! What gives you the audacity to suddenly barge into my house? Leave immediately!" His voice is loud and fearful, as expected. Anyone would be afraid for themselves and their family if a tall and muscled man suddenly walked in.
"My name is Gyomei Himejima, Takoyoru-san. I have returned with the logs that I promised in my bargain with your wife." I bow deeply after my quick explanation, then turn to leave. I have no intention to intrude on such a happy family.
I sense behind my back that his wife has stood up, urging him to put down the knife. She calls to me.
"Himejima-kun, it's alright. Please, come inside for dinner." Turning around, my eyes take in the sight of Mr. Takoyoru. He is a well-built man with an expensive-looking suit. I can see smile lines on his face, and clear joy whenever he looks at his wife or daughter. A loving man indeed.
I sigh under my breath. "Takoyoru-san, it is fine. My bargain was only for one bowl of rice. You have paid me many times over what I wished for. There is no need for more."
She waves her slender hands in the air hurriedly. "No, no, it's fine! Please, come and meet my husband. He may be a little rough, but his heart is very kind!"
"Harime! We don't know what his intentions could be! What if he is..." The husband's words fade away as his wife menacingly picks up the knife he had set down.
"Hello, Himejima-kun! Is it alright if I call you Gyomei?" His suddenly cheerful attitude is jarring, and I stumble to respond. Vibrations tell me that he is in a cold sweat from fear and that he is experiencing some form of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Defying all logic, a strand of hair on his head suddenly turned white.
"...of course, sir." Answering his question, I turn my eyes to his wife. Harime seems to be smiling, but I can sense her intentions if her husband doesn't behave.
"Alright Gyomei, let's get down to business." The husband, who I assumed didn't matter, suddenly straightened his back.
"It is because of my wife's generosity that you are here, alright? And you better remember that you little..." He sputters off as Harime pulls the knife towards his crotch.
I wince a little. A quick diagnosis shows the husband's crotch is lined with small scars. It is clear that his wife is a true devil.
"Namu Amida Butsu," I mutter softly. It is good to pray first before dealing with such a terrifying person.
He coughes.
"Ahem...as I was saying, Gyomei, we could really use your services. Stay here, we will provide you sufficient food and lodging, and you will chop logs for us."
"However, I have one final condition." His wife brandishes the knife, but his manly spirit has ignited. Nothing can stop him now, not even castration.
"If there is a fire in our house, you must be burned first. If there are pirates, you better die first. We will include you in our family, give you everything you need, support you as parents should, but you must act like a man of the house. Protect your new little sister as a real big brother would. Protect us like a filial son would." He extends his hand for a handshake.
"Deal?" I can sense no fear from him now. Just brave and unyielding spirit.
I shake his hand.
"Deal."