Benkei Musashibo

How about you?

Benkei gave a giant grin and spread his arms towards me.

Shanao

Wha—

I stared blankly at him, stunned by the suddenness of his suggestion.

Shanao

(How about you...? What the hell did he mean by that...?)

Benkei Musashibo

Come on! Up we go!

Shanao

(Is he...is he trying to pick me up?!)

Shanao

Yeah, no. I'm fine, thanks.

I was confused, and Benkei leaned in closer to me.

Benkei Musashibo

Oh come now, don't be shy!

Shanao

W-Whoa!

Benkei picked me up and lightly placed me on his shoulders!

Shanao

B-Benkei! What are you doing?!

Benkei Musashibo

It's no fair to let the kids have all the fun!

Benkei Musashibo

How's the view from up there?

Shanao

I-it sure is high! Wow! I can see everything! It's so beautiful! B-but—

Suddenly, I remembered myself. Surprised and embarrassed, I panicked. The children shouted with joy from the ground.

Girl

That's amazing! You sure are strong, mister!

Boy

He's bigger than us, and you can still carry him so easily!

I didn't know what to say as the children began to frolic and dance around us.

Shanao

A-alright that's enough, right? Time to put me down. You must be exhausted.

Benkei Musashibo

Not at all! You're as light as a feather! I could climb a mountain like this.

Benkei Musashibo

You know better than anyone else just how strong I am!