The six canoes drifted sluggishly in the kegare creek. Karasuma's famished young warriors were having a late breakfast.

Rice balls and boiled eggs.

The village's warrior code was very particular about food and nutrition. It prescribed two conservative meals a day, one for energy and protein (eggs, fish, meat, along with rice) and the other to fulfill essential nutrients (nuts, vegetables, fruits).

Canoe 2: Shigeo (M,15), Akako (F, 16), Kento (M, 16)

Canoe 3: Hajime ...