The sun hung low over Kainoura, its golden glow stretching across the endless waves. The wind carried the scent of salt and adventure, something Nate had grown used to in his seventeen years of living here. The town was split into two worlds—the privileged elites who lived in the high-rise estates overlooking the cliffs, and those like him, who thrived on the freedom of the sea.
Perched on the edge of an old wooden dock, Nate skimmed a stone across the water, watching the ripples disappear into the horizon. Beside him, Kaito crouched over a dusty old map, his fingers tracing the faded ink lines with intense focus.
"You sure about this?" Nate asked, glancing over.
Kaito nodded, his eyes burning with a rare excitement. "This was my dad's. It's gotta mean something."
The mention of Kaito's father made the air between them heavy. He had disappeared years ago, leaving behind nothing but whispers and unspoken grief. If this map was truly his, it meant they had a chance—no, a responsibility—to find out the truth.
Footsteps approached. Ava, Sakura, and Ryuji joined them, their faces a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
"What's the big deal?" Ava asked, arms crossed.
Kaito held up the map. "A treasure. A real one."
Sakura let out a short laugh. "You're serious?"
"Dead serious," Nate replied. "And if Kaito's right, this could change everything."
Ryuji adjusted his glasses, studying the map. "It's old. Really old. The kind of thing people would kill for."
A silence fell over them, but it wasn't hesitation. It was the weight of knowing that from this moment forward, nothing would be the same.
Then, from the far end of the dock, a slow clap echoed through the air.
"Well, well," a smug voice called. "Looks like the rats found something shiny."
Nate's jaw tightened as he turned. Daichi and his crew stood there, watching with knowing smirks. They were the kings of the elite, untouchable in their wealth and power. And now, they were interested.
Nate clenched his fists. The game had begun.