In The Next Life, I'll Have To Get Stronger

10 Years Later

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*Chirp...Chirp*

"...Hmm?"

*Yawn*

Morning already? The birds go about their day letting the world know that a new day is upon us. They chirp away without a care in the world...Wait I guess they do, beginning every morning by making sure everyone beckons to the morning call. 

The doors swings open and my mom enters the room, opening the window blinds to get me out of the bed. I sat up out of the bed and stare at her for a moment; this is the woman who gave birth to me, she makes it her routine to wake me up when I oversleep. When you have a mother, there is no boundaries that will keep her away from you. Her name is, Mirai Morisawa.

"Sotaro, it's time to wake up. How long are you gonna sit there? When you're finished getting ready, come downstairs for some breakfast."

I got off my butt and headed into the bathroom to brush my teeth. As I spread some toothpaste on my toothbrush, I look at myself in the mirror, wondering why I was given a second chance to live my life. I shook my head as to try not to think so hard about something like that.

"Downstairs I go" every step of the way down, my descent allows the light to guide me towards my destination. Upon reaching the lower level I locked eyes with my father, Kenji Morisawa. This man sips his cup of coffee, in a way to almost urge me to say something, and I made sure to entertain it. "Good morning, father."

"Good morning, son. How do you want to spend your birthday today?"

Oh right, it's my birthday I completely forgot about that. I should really make the effort to remember that. I was born August, 18.

"I want to go to the aquarium today, then afterwards get some ice cream, and..."

I had to really catch myself there because I realized that I was about to go on a rant about all the things I wanted do.

"Well before we do that, you'll have to eat your breakfast first."

"Okay."

I sat down and ate my breakfast while both my parents sat down and ate as well. I miss these kinds of things, moments I cherish, having the luxury of eating with family. My mom looked like she was going to ask me something.

"Sotaro, did you like the food?"

"It was amazing, mom." Whenever I grow up I'll make sure to marry someone who can cook as well as my mother.

Dad chimed in as well.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

When we opened the door, we took in the smell of fresh air. We didn't get in the car to arrive towards our location instead we just walked as an alternative. I walked in between both of my parents, allowing them to grasp my hands as we walked. I would assume that this would be a very childish look for someone who is supposed to be 10 years old but I didn't care.

"Where should we start first?" He seemed like he was holding that one in until we made it out the door.

I think the aquarium would be a good start. I think ice cream is something that would be better to have afterwards.

"Lets go to the aquarium first"

"Sounds good"

We didn't rush there was no need, we walked around the city and I managed to catch glimpses of people, the ones that caught my eye seemed oddly familiar.

Oh wait, there is no way. These are people from anime and manga I've read. They all seemed to think they were hidden well as, a passing pedestrian, but for a person like me, I'd notice in a heartbeat of their strength.

I could tell just from looking at them that they were skilled. I guess you could say I was skilled as well because I was born in a family that practices martial arts, dad is a jujitsuka and a karateka and mom practices taekwondo and judo. They are both really strong but just because they practice martial arts and are exceptional at it, doesn't mean I am as well. At some point, I'll have to train with them. 

Mom spoke up. "Oh...there it is, the aquarium."

As soon as she said "the aquarium," my eyes shot up and locked on to it. The aquarium is so amazing, like who wouldn't want to visit this place and be infatuated with something like this. All of this means more to me when I have the people I love with me.

"Well, shall we?"

"Yes, lets go."

The doors to the aquarium were wide open, the reflection of the water within drew us in. We weren't the only ones being drawn in, families surrounded the area with their presence, an almost overwhelming amount of people. I don't know the specific number of people who flocked about but what I do know was that we all wanted one thing...To get beyond those door and be amazed.

 The first thing I noticed once we entered the aquarium was, the wall on the left because it had a black line in the middle with two yellow lines as it's outline. I think this was a nice touch, it gives off that, marine animal, kind of feel to it. The right side was the same as the one on the left.

"The adventure starts, just beyond this hallway!" 

 "You're absolutely right dad!"

We got through the entryway and it looked as if the we were somehow underwater. Among the floor were corals which, acted as an ecosystem for all sea creatures present to flock to. There were schools of fish everywhere either flocking in groups or staying among the corals to make them their home.

My mom and dad called out the biggest in the aquarium. "Hey, Sotaro, look there."

"Is that a Manta ray?"

"Yep."

I'm glad I took my attention off the schools of fish and looked towards the Manta ray. White spots covered it's body, It had wing like body parts that made swimming look so graceful almost like it was gliding in the water 

We spent about an hour in there looking at all the fish and even attending some events where we could see trainers perform with a dolphin. It was so amazing to see a person and an animal move in sync with one another.

We all walked out of there satisfied and grateful for the wonderful time we had at the aquarium.

Dad was preparing to say something.

"I guess it's time for ice cream"

"YES!" I said enthusiastically.

As we all walked, we happened to come across an ice cream station right not far from the aquarium. How convenient!

All of us got vanilla ice cream and we walked happily towards home. I mustered up the courage to ask my parents a certain question.

"Hey Mom and Dad."

"Yes, son", They both said.

"Can I train with you in martial arts."

Both of them looked shocked but they both smiled and told me.

"Of course you can train with us, we were wondering when you were gonna ask?"

How did they know that I wanted to train with them? Maybe they just assumed since they both train in martial arts, I guess.

I walked home with a smile on my face, not just about the fun I had on my birthday but also the fact that I can finally start, martial arts.

I can finally overcome weakness! This will certainly be worth it!