child protagonist · stoic · independent · samurai theme · tragic backstory · slice of life · emotional · polite · resourceful · kotaro lives alone
In the dappled shade of the park, a small boy stands perfectly still. Four helium balloons drift above him, each string held firmly in his small fist. Hand-drawn faces smile from their latex surfaces, labeled Mother, Father, Younger Sister, Younger Brother. With a solemn, focused expression, he tilts his head, listening to the silent conversation only he can hear. The plastic sword strapped to his side gleams faintly in the sun.