Footsteps Across the Jomon Sky

[Episode 5] A Promise Under the Morning Sun

Seven years had passed since that stormy day in the deep forest.

Asahi was now ten years old, grown remarkably tall and muscular. Practicing bowmanship daily until dusk, his skill astonished even the adult hunters of the village. By his side stood Hayate, now a magnificent adult hunting dog whose golden coat gleamed in the morning dew and whose lean body was as nimble as the wind.

Today was a special, once-in-a-lifetime day for Asahi—his "First Hunt" ritual, entering the forest alone to fell game by his own hands.

"Asahi, come here a moment."

Beside the great stone-encircled hearth, his mother Nagi called him over. In her hand lay a beautiful amulet combining finely polished green jade and white seashells. She placed it gently around Asahi's neck.

"This jade connects our mountain village with distant coastal communities across the sea, and protects you from all misfortune. Stay calm and listen to the voice of the forest."

Feeling the cool yet comforting weight of the jade against his chest, Asahi nodded deeply. He wore custom hunter's attire woven from plant fibers by Nagi over many months and finished by Todo with layers of red and black lacquer—a garment infused with parental love and protective wave patterns.

His father Todo polished his stone axe in silence, his firm gaze conveying unspoken faith: You can do this.

Shouldering his wooden bow and strapping a black lacquered quiver of arrows to his waist, Asahi called, "Let me go, Hayate." Hayate barked softly in response, his tail wagging with pride. Sent off by the villagers, they stepped into the mist-shrouded morning forest.

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Silence enveloped the woods, broken only by birdsong and twig snaps beneath their feet. Hayate trotted ahead, sniffing the air, while Asahi adjusted his breathing, touching his jade amulet. Flowing in his veins was the blood of his hunter father and the forest wisdom of his mother, accompanied by his faithful partner Hayate. He feared nothing.

Deep in the woods where ancient trees stood tall, Hayate froze. Ears pinned forward, a low growl escaped his throat, his fur bristling in alarm. Asahi dropped low, erasing his presence.

The thicket ahead shook violently. With a pungent wild scent, a gigantic shadow emerged—a massive boar with a stiff black mane, a body like solid rock, and a prominent, unmistakable deep bite scar across its forehead.

It's him…!

Asahi's heart pounded. It was the same boar that had attacked him seven years ago, scarred forever by Hayate's desperate rescue.

Recognizing Hayate, the boar snorted fiercely, its ancient scar twisting. Remembering its old nemesis, the boar stamped its hooves, preparing to charge.

But Asahi was no longer the helpless child of seven years past.

"Hayate, we won't run this time. Together, we overcome him."

As Asahi drew his bow, Hayate circled wide, understanding instantly.

"Grrr-ARGH!"

The boar charged with earth-shaking force, snapping saplings in its path.

"Now, Hayate!"

Hayate bounded forward like the wind, feinting a head-on clash before leaping sharply left, barking fiercely to draw the beast's focus. Flustered by Hayate's speed, the boar lost its balance, veering off course.

In that split second, Asahi drew his bow to its absolute limit from behind a tree trunk. His mind fell completely still; the wind and his heartbeat faded, leaving only the target.

"Hah!"

The bowstring snapped. The arrow sliced through the air in a graceful arc—Thwack!

The arrow struck true into the boar's vital spot. The colossal beast reared once toward the sky, then collapsed onto the earth with a heavy thud, motionless.

Silence returned to the forest.

Holding his bow, Asahi held his breath, staring at the fallen beast and then at Hayate, who trotted over to nuzzle his knee.

"We did it… We did it, Hayate!"

Dropping his bow, Asahi threw his arms around Hayate's neck, and Hayate licked his cheek in joy.

Saved seven years ago, they had now conquered their greatest trial together. Only Asahi and Hayate knew the true origin of that scar—their private secret of courage.

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At dusk, Asahi and Hayate returned triumphantly to the village, hauling the giant boar.

The villagers erupted into thunderous cheers: "Asahi brought down the giant boar alone!" "What a magnificent hunting dog Hayate is!"

Todo and Nagi rushed through the crowd. Wiping his eyes, Todo embraced Asahi and Hayate with his broad arms, laughing louder than ever before. Nagi wept tears of joy, gently touching the jade amulet at Asahi's chest.

"Well done, Asahi. You have grown into such a strong, gentle young man."

As the setting sun bathed the land in crimson, giving way to the morning sun of tomorrow, Asahi stroked Hayate's head, looking toward the future. They would live on this land together, protecting their beloved family and community under the eternal stars.

📖Reversechapter：
🌐OriginalJapanese：

"Thank you so much for reading to the very end!"💗