Chapter Text
Genji Shimada.
Second-born. Rich. Ninja. Playboy. Mistake. Runaway.
These are the things that people he has known has described him as. Runaway is a rather new title that he figured was bestowed upon him by many people that had finally realised his absence from the small life he tried to live. In the end, it was all too much. Genji finally accepted his damned fate and now has made sure it was an even more damned intriguing story after it ended altogether.
His first destination after saying goodbye forever to Japan was the harbor of Seoul, South Korea. He would have preferred to travel further away from those treacherous memories back in his former home but the cargo ship he managed to sneak into didn't consider his feelings or opinions. Instead, it took its luggage and dropped it in Seoul.
He found he didn't particularly dislike the city. It was active and bright. From the shadows of the alleyways it seemed to be similar to the town back in Hanamura. He would have enjoyed exploring the lively night street. He would have enjoyed challenging locals in fighter games in the arcades, shoveling Korean street food into his empty stomach, flirting and making new friends that he would soon forget after a few too many drinks. He would have.
Genji's fingers gripped the strap of his duffel bag tighter, his nails digging into the tough fabric to ground himself. He ignored the sweat that tickled skin on his neck as he observed the crowd, hoping to somehow blend in unnoticed. The side streets and dark corners had become his home the last few days. He had to hide, otherwise someone would find him. Either the assassins his former clan had sent after learning of his departure, rival clans and mobs seeking reputation due to whispered rumors, or, worst of all, Hanzo.
He found out his older brother was involved in searching for him after an accidental encounter with an assassin. The poor dude's last words before he was utterly and officially destroyed by Genji's blade were, "Good luck with dealing with your brother." Someone who didn't know any better would have thought that maybe after he was caught Hanzo, head of the Shimada Clan, would be giving him a lecture and punishment when Genji is smuggled back to Hanamura. The thing is, Hanzo actually would have nothing to do with the punishments. That would be handled by the dear old clan elders who apparently knew best as it would be wasting Hanzo's precious time. The only way Hanzo could be involved was if he was adamant on finding Genji himself.
After that scuffle with the assassin, Genji knew he had to get out of Seoul as fast as possible. They may already know he is there.
He glances back at the limp body hidden behind a pile of rat infested trash bags. His blade would have to be cleaned later. Taking in a shaky breath, Genji flips his hood over his head and ducks into the flowing crowd. He almost regrets it as the cluster of bodies moving past bumps into him from every direction, shortening his breaths and restricting his chest. He didn't remember ever being claustrophobic, or ever disliking being in the crowd. Now that he was on the run, everyone became his enemy. He became anxious that someone would get close enough and recognise him. He would have no where to go if he ever got surrounded by his enemies.
Genji, swallowing the lump in his throat and kept pushing forward with his eyes focused on his feet as they shuffled forward. He had to get to the port and board the first ship that did not say Japan as the next destination. He could not linger any longer and risk getting caught.
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Surviving without eating proper meals three times a day isn't the best idea Genji has had. Given that he cannot stop and sit for a nice meal on his journey, Genji had to resort to quick snack breaks every chance he gets--which is not as much as he would have preferred. Right at this moment he was hungrily ripping into a nut bar that he may have stolen from one of the crew members on the ship he had boarded at Seoul's sea port.
His hiding place on the ship these last few hours of the morning was concealed within multiple large stacks of shipping containers. He found he was able to eavesdrop on the crew, discovering he did not understand their language. He should have expected it but it was probably not important. He was a bit daring to board the ship that was on it's way to Hong Kong. He could have waited a little longer for the Shanghai one to depart but it was safer to board one that could get him furthest away from the area.
Zipping open a pocket on the side of his bag, Genji stuffed the wrapper inside and closed it up again. He let out a tired breath. He was exhausted. He needed to rest or he could just go crazy after two more days of no sleep. His blade balanced on his lap in case of emergency, his shuriken were in a pouch by his side. Deciding it was best to get some shut eye, Genji leaned his back against the container and closed his eyes. He had no idea where he would go once he got to Hong Kong. He had no place to stay. No home. No one. He would figure it out once he gets to his next destination.