Chapter Text
Two years ago being taken to Howl Island
The wind howled across the snowy slopes of Shelter Island.
White snow blanketed the mountains as pine trees swayed beneath the gray winter sky. The trail leading toward the island's highest peak was rough and steep, but a small wooden wagon continued steadily through the snow.
Or rather—
It was being pulled by a very large white dire wolf.
Sun trotted proudly through the snow, her thick fur protecting her from the cold. Behind her, the wagon bounced gently over the uneven terrain.
Inside sat seven-year-old Teka.
Wrapped in several oversized winter layers, the little girl looked more like a bundle of blankets than a human. Her long black hair poked out from beneath a wool cap while her red and gold eyes wandered across the snowy scenery.
Curled comfortably in her lap was a much smaller white wolf cub.
Snowflake.
The cub yawned before burying his nose against Teka's stomach.
Behind her sat a small leather rucksack stuffed with supplies, snacks, notebooks, and several items Sakazuki insisted were "essential for survival."
Walking beside the wagon was Sakazuki.
A heavy rucksack rested on his broad shoulders.
Even bundled in winter clothing, his imposing figure looked completely out of place among the peaceful scenery.
Most people would have assumed he was heading into battle.
Instead, he was taking a seven-year-old girl camping.
Though he would rather die than admit it.
Teka tilted her head upward.
"Dad?"
Sakazuki grunted.
"Hm?"
The title still felt strange to him.
Not unpleasant.
Just strange.
Teka hugged Snowflake tighter.
"Why are you teaching me all this weird stuff?"
"What weird stuff?"
"Tactics."
She puffed her cheeks.
"And adaptability."
Sakazuki raised an eyebrow.
"You know those words?"
"You taught me."
"Good."
Teka groaned.
"That's not the point."
She pointed dramatically at him.
"You already taught me how to fight."
Sakazuki kept walking.
"You think that's enough?"
"Maybe?"
"No."
The answer came immediately.
Teka slumped deeper into her wagon.
"There it is..."
Sakazuki ignored her.
"Strength alone doesn't keep someone alive."
The little girl listened.
Whenever Sakazuki used that tone, it usually meant one of his long lessons was beginning.
And despite all her complaining—
She genuinely enjoyed them.
Sakazuki glanced toward her.
"Let's say someone kidnaps you."
Teka blinked.
"What?"
"Human traffickers."
"What?!"
"They grab you."
Teka immediately pointed at herself.
"Why me?"
"Because you're small."
"..."
"Easy to carry."
"..."
"And you steal food."
"..."
"People tend to remember thieves."
Teka crossed her arms.
"I only stole from you."
"Which proves my point."
Teka huffed.
Sakazuki continued.
"They take you somewhere unfamiliar."
"A ship."
"Or a camp."
"Or a prison."
His eyes narrowed.
"What do you do?"
Teka thought for a moment.
"I punch them."
"No."
"I kick them?"
"No."
"I bite them?"
"No."
Snowflake barked.
"See? Snowflake agrees with me."
Sakazuki sighed.
"You study."
Teka blinked.
"Study?"
"The enemy."
He pointed ahead.
"The terrain."
Another point.
"The resources available."
Another point.
"The habits of your captors."
Teka listened carefully.
Sakazuki continued.
"Strength is useful."
"But information wins battles."
The wind whistled around them.
"How many guards?"
"When do they sleep?"
"Who carries the keys?"
"Where is food stored?"
"Where are the exits?"
His voice remained calm.
"You learn everything."
"Then you adapt."
Teka's eyes widened.
"Like changing plans?"
"Exactly."
Sakazuki nodded once.
"The battlefield never obeys your expectations."
"You can have the perfect plan."
"And then something changes."
"So what do you do?"
Teka smiled.
"Adapt."
"Good."
The corner of Sakazuki's mouth twitched upward slightly.
A rare sight.
"If you're trapped in a forest."
"Use the forest."
"If you're trapped on a ship."
"Use the ship."
"If you're surrounded."
"Create an opening."
His gaze hardened.
"Never become predictable."
Teka stared up at him.
Completely focused now.
No complaints.
No distractions.
Sakazuki noticed immediately.
"These lessons are important."
His voice became more serious.
"More important than fighting."
Teka blinked.
"Really?"
"Yes."
The answer surprised her.
Sakazuki was the strongest person she knew.
She expected him to say fighting was everything.
Instead—
"Tactics keep you alive."
"Adaptability keeps you alive."
"Understanding people keeps you alive."
His expression remained unreadable.
"A fool with strength dies."
"A smart person survives."
Teka looked down at Snowflake.
Then back up at Sakazuki.
Her red and gold eyes sparkled.
"So if someone kidnaps me..."
Sakazuki nodded.
"I'll study them."
"Good."
"I'll learn their routines."
"Good."
"I'll use whatever I can find."
"Good."
"I'll adapt."
"Good."
"I'll escape."
Sakazuki finally gave a small nod of approval.
"Exactly."
Teka grinned proudly.
"I'll never get kidnapped."
Sakazuki looked ahead toward the mountain peak.
The cold wind blew across his face.
For a brief moment—
Something uncomfortable settled in his chest.
The future was uncertain.
The world was cruel.
And no amount of training could guarantee safety.
But if anyone could survive it...
His eyes drifted toward the little girl riding in the wagon.
Snowflake sleeping in her lap.
Sun pulling her through the snow.
Still smiling confidently after his lesson.
...it would be her.
"Good," Sakazuki said quietly.
"That's exactly what I want to hear."
Teka beamed.
Unaware that she would remember this lesson for the rest of her life.