Manga Story

A full two-page spread. The port city of Dunhal from above—the sky is still a dark blue, the stars almost gone. Oil lamps along the docks cast a faint orange line of light stretching out to sea. Large ships are moored, their sails folded. The city hasn't woken up yet—but the docks are already alive: a few porters are already moving, and smoke from cheap food stalls is beginning to rise from the corners of the alleys. Dunhal. A port city at the western end of Umigawa. A place where people come to make money, or to escape from something. Often both. A close-up of 11-year-old Kaito, sleeping with his head propped up on a pile of ship's ropes. His hair is disheveled, and there's a small scar on his chin. His expression is calm—not a peaceful calm, but a calm accustomed to sleeping anywhere. Beside him is a small package containing the remains of hard bread from last night.