Chapter 70 - Hinata-C Kominato-sensei (1/2)

Hinata and Rika entered a small village that was the foot of a mountain. Near the exit ramp of a main highway.

Hinata frowned when saw that a lot of military vehicles and trucks were parked before the local shrine and large minka. As they need the minka house, he could see it was a local inn. Rika parked the car around the back of the inn. And way from the army jeeps.

”Are you able to help me carry these into the inn?” She asked.

Hinata nodded and lifted a few sacks from the lorry. He followed her around the corner. His heart raced when they passed a group of men in army uniforms.

”Don't make eye contact.” He chanted in his head.

The group watched them pass, sharing some chatter and snap observations. No one approached them.

Hinata expelled a sigh of relief when they entered the inn's storage room where a worker was waiting for them.

He was suave in an Oxford brown suit and white doctor's coat. A strange appearance for an innkeeper or worker.

”Saito-san! Thank god!” The man sighed with relief. ”I don't know how long these people can last without food.”

Hinata tilted his head to one side, perplexed.

”Do you work here?” He blurted.

The man peered at Hinata, formulating an assessment of him.

”Oh. You also need medical aid.” He concluded based on the mild scars of Hinata's bruises and his poorly stance.

”That he does. Although, he's almost healed on his own.”Rika answered for Hinata.

She commenced with introductions. ”Chikafuji-san. Meet Kominato, Ryōsuke sensei. An army doctor.”

”Army doctor?” Hinata asked.

”I travel the country with wounded soldiers from my unit. Those who were able to return from war.” Ryōsuke soberly confirmed.

Hinata peered at the young debonair doctor who was too stylish for war. His wavy dark hair was smoothed back from his clean shaven singular face. And his western suit was of high quality despite discreet and faded blood stains near the cuffs and hems. His light almond eyes held a wisdom he suspected was a consequence of seeing too much war.  It made him wonder.

”Did you serve at Iwo Jima?” He timidly asked.

Ryōsuke sighed. ”No. I served at the base in Kokura. My orders were to maintain the health of the returned solders back to their homes.  A lot of my unit served in Kadena, flown back when...”