Disclaimer: I don’t own Shenmue or any of its characters. Sega does. Well, Sega and more specifically Yu Suzuki. So don’t sue ok?! ^_^
Ryo Hazuki was what one would call a morning person. He could easily get up at 8:30 and be alert and ready to go with no coffee or stimulants needed at all. So on this particular Friday morning in early December of 1986, he was all ready to leave the Hazuki house by 9:30. He had about 5000 yen on him including the daily allowance that Ine-san gave him and was just walking out the door to continue his search for clues to his father’s untimely death when he was stopped by Ine-san. “Ryo-san… please, be careful out there.” Ryo nodded. “I will Ine-san, I promise.” The old woman nodded and went back into the house. Ryo then continued to the traditional wooden gates that separated the Hazuki household from the rest of Yamanose. He walked through the little area until he reached the small shrine there. He went up the steps and prayed for a moment. “Otousan, I will avenge your death, I will find Lan Di and make him pay. This I promise. Give Okaasan my love please, sayonara.” With that Ryo stood up and walked back to the main path. Along the way he stopped and fed the tiny kitten that Megumi found some fish he had bought the other day. The kitten happily ate the sliced fish while Ryo calmly stroked it’s back. He then stood up and headed for Sakuragaoka. He ran past the two gossiping ladies and the small shop and made his way towards Dobuita. He ran for a few more minutes before slowing to a casual pace. He took a right at the corner and walked up to Aida Flower Shop, where his “friend” Nozomi worked. Nozomi was talking to another guy who was apparently harassing her. “Hey baby, you’re pretty cute, wanna come with me? It’ll be worth it, trust me. The thug grinned at her lecherously. Ryo’s face darkened and he strode up to the big oaf, determined to teach him a lesson in manners. The thug was still grinning at Nozomi when Ryo came up behind him. Ryo calmly tapped him on the shoulder and the thug turned. Nozomi saw him and her eyes widened. “If Nozomi wants something from you, then I am sure she will let you know, until then, get lost.” Ryo stated in an angry but calm voice. “Listen you little punk, I’m called Genjo Masahara, and I don’t appreciate little punks like you getting in my face when I’m trying to get a girl, so why don’t you get lost.” Genjo then took a swing at Ryo who sidestepped it and grabbed the oaf’s still outstretched arm. He then twisted said arm until Genjo’s face was a mask of pain. Ryo released the appendage and side-kicked Genjo in his fat stomach. Genjo fell flat on his back from the blow and Ryo grabbed him by his collar. ”Now you listen! I don’t want to see you even coming near Nozomi ever again. If I do see you, then I won’t hesitate to beat you to a pulp! You got that?” Ryo said angrily. Genjo nodded fearfully and Ryo let him go. The fat thug took off running as soon as he got up. Ryo sighed and turned to Nozomi. “Are you alright Nozomi? Did he do anything to you I’m not aware of?” Ryo said as his face darkened. “Oh no, Ryo. I’m okay, thanks to you.” Nozomi said, smiling at him. Ryo nodded. “Well, I just came to say hello. I’ve got to get going now.” “Oh, Ok, see you later Ryo, and take care please.” He smiled at her and started to head further into Dobuita. Nozomi ran up to him though and stopped him. “Ryo please remember that you said we could spend Christmas Eve together. So don’t forget okay?” Ryo grinned. “Of course I didn’t forget Nozomi. I’m looking forward to it.” She grinned back and nodded. “Okay, sorry to bother you, bye.” She then ran back to work. Ryo smiled faintly in her direction for a few more seconds before sighing sadly.
