But, two years later, it was time for the bird to leave its nest.

     “Are you sure about this?” Daigo said to Toshihiro, as the two sat in the living room one evening.

     “I need the opportunity to find myself,” said Toshihiro.

     Toshihiro, now in his mid teens, yearned for a higher purpose in life. He wasn’t the same child who once relied on others, whether it was his friends in the streets or the Crow Claw Brigade, but he didn’t feel as if he was going to learn how to grow up while residing in someone else’s home indefinitely. At the same time, he had fallen head over heels for Itsumi, stepdaughter of Hiroshi Micho, by this point, thus he needed to learn how to become a provider. This would mean joggling his new employment at a local mart with school life, while sharing living space with other age mates.

     “But, what about the ninja suit? I don’t think I can wear it in the dorm without drawing attention to myself,” Toshihiro commented about his Neon Ninja outfit, as he, on occasion, assisted the Michios on fighting crime.

     “Good question,” said Daigo. He took a brief pause, focusing his eyesight on the other side of the living room, then said, “Leave it with me. I’ll give you a spare key to the house in case you ever need it.”

     But, before Toshihiro was set to leave for an all boys’ dormitory, a few miles into a nearby district, Daigo would follow up on their conversation, saying, “Whenever you need the suit, call me first so to let me know when you’re coming.”

     “Understood,” said Toshihiro.

     Toshihiro kept it to himself up to this point but, as he had time before the cab driver arrived, he expressed his gratitude with a bow to Daigo.

     “Thank you, Daigo, for taking me in, and giving me my moral compass. I would have been lost if we hadn’t met at the tea shop,” said Toshihiro, referring to the moment that would lead to the arrest of the Crow Claw Brigade.

To his astonishment, Daigo too would bow, saying, “No. Thank you for keeping me company throughout the years. You were like a son to me. You’re always welcome to visit whenever, but be sure to call first.”

     “I will,” said Toshihiro.

     The two said their first goodbyes as Toshihiro dragged his luggage to the car.

Several months had passed since Toshihiro moved into the dormitory. By this point, he and his roommates had gotten to know each other more than just acquaintances sharing a living space. In fact, they would even partake in activities together from playing video games to streaming. It was as if Toshihiro was with his old friends again, but less spoiled, and more experienced in life. In turn, unknowing to him, the boys discussed plans with Toshihiro, especially after observing his hobby as an illustrator, and attention to detail.

     “Let’s talk to him,” one said to the rest, who all agreed on the idea.

     They knocked on Toshihiro’s room door, taking him by surprise as he sketched away on his tablet.

     “Toshihiro, do you have a sec?” bellowed Kai from the other side.

And soon enough, everyone gathered around the dining table, with Toshihiro facing the other three of the roommates.

“So, what do you want to discuss?” Toshihiro asked the boys, feeling a bit unprepared for what came next.

Kai slid a couple of manga volumes, one stacked over the other, towards Toshihiro.

     “Have you seen these?” Kai asked.

     The question drew Toshihiro’s eyes to the covers, observing the names of the artists and storytellers.

     “I may have seen these series at bookshops. You made this?” Toshihiro asked.

     “We all did. It’s a team effort,” said Kai, before asking, “How would you like to work for us?”

     “I dunno. I already have my studies, as well as my job as a shop clerk. I may not have the time,” said Toshihiro.

     “We can work things out. It doesn’t have to be full time,” said Kai. “The truth is… we’ve stretched ourselves too thin; we kept missing deadlines set by our publishers, and we can use your help,” With a short pause, and having gotten Toshihiro’s attention, Kai then added, “Toshihiro, If you don’t help us, our publisher might cancel our manga; we won’t be able to pay the rent.”

The other roommates gave Toshihiro a stare with expression of hope, but also of worry, eagerly awaiting an answer.

     “Okay, fine,” said Toshihiro.

     The roommates jubilated.

     “Thanks, Tosh,” said Kai. “You can just assist us with background designs if your schedule is tight, but we’ll discuss. But I can promise you; the pay will be too tempting to turn down.”

Toshihiro was already making adequate income as a clerk, just enough to pay for expenses, but finding an extra revenue stream as a part-time mangaka was an opportunity to make savings. He would even put some aside for weekend plans with Itsumi, at times with Sakura and her boyfriend tagging along. Who knew that a hobby you love would one day become the key to open the door of opportunities?