Chapter LXXIX: The Nonchalant Personnel
Gin wakes up early, just as dawn begins to break. The sky is painted with shades of pink and orange, promising a beautiful day ahead. He quietly slips out of bed and heads to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for his grandparents.
The smell of freshly cooked rice, grilled fish, and miso soup fills the air as Gin works efficiently, moving between the stove and the counter. His grandparents wake up to the inviting aroma, and they soon join him in the kitchen.
"Good morning, Gin," his grandmother says with a warm smile.
"You always make the best breakfast."
Gin grins.
"Morning, Grandma. Morning, Grandpa. I just wanted to make sure you both have a good start to your day."
After enjoying breakfast together, Gin heads to the bike shop. The shop, a modest but well-kept space, has become his second home. He gets to work, tuning up bikes and fixing issues for the travelers who pass through.
Day after day, Gin sees different accidents along the highway from his shop’s vantage point. Each incident reminds him of the risks associated with biking, especially on busy roads. He can’t help but feel a knot of anxiety tighten in his chest whenever he thinks about hopping on his own bike.
Today, as he finishes repairing a particularly worn-out bike, a weary traveler thanks him profusely.
"You really saved my trip. I don't know what I would've done without your help."
Gin nods, his usual stoic demeanor softening.
"Just doing my job. Safe travels."
As the day progresses, the familiar sounds of tools clinking and engines revving provide a comforting rhythm. Yet, the memory of the accidents he’s witnessed continues to linger in his mind. He tries to shake it off, focusing on the task at hand, but the nagging fear persists.
Finally, as the sun begins to set, Gin decides it’s time to head home. He looks at his bike, a sleek and well-maintained machine that usually fills him with pride. Today, though, he feels a pang of skepticism.
Taking a deep breath, Gin mounts his bike, the engine purring beneath him. He starts the journey home, cautiously navigating the familiar roads. Every turn and bump feels magnified, his senses heightened by his apprehension.
He arrives home safely, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. He knows he can't let fear control him, but it's hard to ignore the reality of the dangers he's seen.
As he parks his bike and heads inside, Gin resolves to continue doing what he loves while taking all necessary precautions. He'll keep repairing bikes, helping travelers, and riding his own bike – but with a newfound respect for the road and an awareness of its risks.
Later that evening, as he sits down with his grandparents for dinner, Gin feels a sense of comfort in the routine and the support of his family. They share stories and laughter, and for a while, the weight of his worries lifts.
Gin heads to bed, knowing that tomorrow will bring new challenges and new opportunities. He falls asleep with a determination to face his fears head-on and to keep moving forward, one day at a time.
The classroom buzzes with excitement and anticipation as Ms. Soumei distributes the forms for the On-the-Job Training Program. The program aims to enhance the skills of senior high school students as they prepare to enter college, offering a glimpse into their future careers. Gin takes his form and sits quietly, staring at the blank spaces he needs to fill in.
He takes a deep breath and starts critically thinking about his future. This decision isn't just about choosing a job; it's about finding a path that aligns with his values and benefits mankind. He thinks back to the influences of his favorite philosophers, whose teachings have shaped his worldview.
“What am I truly passionate about? What kind of life do I want to lead? These questions have haunted me for as long as I can remember. In a world full of chaos and uncertainty, I’ve always sought meaning. Socrates taught that an unexamined life is not worth living. Have I examined my life thoroughly enough? Have I delved deep into the recesses of my soul to understand my true purpose?
Plato envisioned a society where justice prevails, where each person contributes to the greater good. But what is my contribution? Aristotle believed in fulfilling one’s potential, in living a life of virtue. But how do I define virtue in my own existence? Is it merely about following rules, or is it about something deeper, something more profound?
Kant spoke of duty, of the moral law within. It’s a daunting thought, to live a life guided by duty. But perhaps that’s what I need—a guiding star, a principle that transcends personal desires and fears. Mill’s utilitarianism, the idea of achieving the greatest happiness for the greatest number, resonates with me. It’s a noble goal, but how can one person contribute to such a vast ideal?
When I think about these philosophical teachings, I realize they all point toward one central idea: living a life that is not just for oneself, but for others. A life of service, of dedication, of commitment to the greater good. What profession embodies these principles? What path allows me to live a life of purpose and meaning?
As I ponder these questions, I remember the times I’ve helped others, the satisfaction of making a difference. I think about the accidents I’ve witnessed, the lives I could potentially save. A police officer’s role is not just about enforcing the law, but about protecting the vulnerable, ensuring justice, and maintaining peace.
This is it. This is what I want to do. To serve, to protect, to ensure justice. To live a life guided by the philosophical principles I hold dear. It’s not an easy path, but it’s the right one. It’s a path that allows me to fulfill my potential, to contribute to the greater good, to live a life of virtue and duty.”
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Gin starts to see a clear picture of what he wants to do. He envisions a role where he can help others, contribute to societal safety, and ensure justice. A role that allows him to embody the philosophical ideals he admires.
Gin’s first day at the police station is tougher than he expected. The tasks are physically demanding, and the discipline required is intense. Despite the challenges, Gin manages to get through it with determination and a strong work ethic. His performance stands out, earning him praise from the officers. Unlike the other On-the-Job training students, who often slack off or do the bare minimum, Gin is diligent and committed.
A few days later, Gin heads back to school after his shift. As he enters the classroom, he finds Kota sitting alone, scrolling through his phone.
“Hey, Kota,” Gin greets him, dropping his bag on a nearby desk.
Kota looks up and grins. “Hey, Gin! How was the first day at the station?”
“Exhausting but rewarding,” Gin replies, sitting down next to him. “How about you? How’s architecture treating you?”
“Pretty good. Lots of drawing and planning,” Kota says. “But it’s fun. Oh, by the way, you have to hear this. The teacher next door has the funniest accent.”
Gin chuckles, curiosity piqued.
“Really? What kind of accent?”
“Like a mix of British and Southern drawl. It’s hilarious,” Kota explains, trying to mimic the accent poorly.
Gin laughs at Kota’s impression. Then he notices a gap and hole in the wall separating their classroom from the one next door. An idea forms in his mind, and he smirks mischievously.
“You know what would be fun?” Gin says, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Let’s have some fun with that class next door.”
Kota raises an eyebrow.
“What do you have in mind?”
Gin heads over to the props box from their last school play and pulls out a bamboo stick. He motions for Kota to follow him to the gap in the wall. Carefully, Gin threads the bamboo stick through the hole, aiming it towards the unsuspecting students in the next classroom.
Kota stifles a laugh, watching the scene unfold. Gin starts wiggling the stick around, making it seem like a ghostly presence. The students next door start to notice and get visibly startled.
Emboldened by their reactions, Gin does his best Scooby-Doo impression, “REHEEHEEHEE!”
The class next door erupts in chaos. Students scream, and the teacher, already unnerved, faints dramatically. Kota and Gin quickly pull back the stick and collapse in a fit of laughter, celebrating their prank.
“Man, that was epic!” Kota exclaims between laughs. “We totally spooked them!”
Gin grins.
“Yeah, it was hilarious. I didn’t expect the teacher to faint, though.”
After their laughter dies down, they sit back and catch their breath. Kota looks over at Gin thoughtfully.
“So, Gin, why did you choose to be a police officer?”
Gin leans back in his chair, reflecting.
“I’ve always wanted to do something meaningful, something that helps people and keeps them safe. Plus, I’ve always admired the discipline and dedication that comes with being a cop. It’s not just a job, it’s a commitment to serve and protect.”
Kota nods, understanding.
“That’s really admirable, man. For me, I picked architecture because I love creating things. I want to design buildings that people will love and use. It’s like leaving a mark on the world, you know?”
Gin smiles.
“Yeah, I get that. We both want to make a difference in our own ways.”
The two friends sit in comfortable silence, contemplating their futures. Despite the different paths they’ve chosen, they share a common goal: to make the world a better place. And in moments like this, they know they can rely on each other for support and a good laugh.
As the bell rings, signaling the start of the next class, they pack up their things and head out. But the bond between them, strengthened by shared dreams and mischievous pranks, remains as solid as ever.
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