Nathan and Shigeru's group made their way deeper into Minami-Kyoto, moving with the current of the crowd rather than against it. The streets widened the further they went, the buildings pulling back to make room for something more open, and eventually the packed merchant rows gave way to a series of large outdoor structures that resembled arenas more than anything else — raised platforms, rope barriers, viewing stands with rough-hewn benches already filling up despite the morning still being young.
The noise was different here. Louder, more focused, the kind of crowd sound that came with anticipation rather than just foot traffic.
"This way," Shigeru said, and Nathan fell in beside him.
