Chapter 1: The Beginning of the Mysterious Island
Long ago, there was a small island floating across the sea. This island was not an ordinary one. For thousands of years, no one had set foot on it, and it quietly bathed in the moonlight. On this island, there lived a boy with the strength of Momotaro, a young man with the gentleness of Urashima Taro, and a woman with the mysterious beauty of Princess Kaguya.
The island was called “The Island of the Moon” and drifted quietly in the sea. People knew of its existence, but no one ever visited it. The Island of the Moon was passed down in stories, much like a legend.
One year, an old man lived on the Island of the Moon. His name was “Okina” and his wife’s name was “Ouna.” They were sailors who had drifted ashore on the island many years ago and, over time, settled there and lived happily.
One day, Okina and Ouna found something strange on the beach. It was an object that resembled a large peach, shining brightly under the moonlight. Okina took the peach in his hands and thought of taking it home to eat with his wife. But the moment he cut open the peach, what came out was, astonishingly, a boy.
“Why, this is…” Okina exclaimed, wide-eyed.
“This is unbelievable…” Ouna said, equally surprised, but immediately she gently embraced the boy. The child was enveloped in a soft, glowing light, as if he had emerged from within the peach itself.
The child was named “Momotaro” and was raised by Okina and Ouna. Momotaro was very energetic and possessed great strength, more so than any other child. However, it was not just his power—Momotaro soon felt a sense of duty to protect the people of the island.
One day, Momotaro discovered a large island across the sea. This island was located on the opposite side of the Island of the Moon, and he had heard rumors about it many times. The people living on the Island of the Moon spoke of a legendary, mysterious force residing there.
Momotaro decided to set off for that island. He wasn’t sure if there would be someone waiting there to test his strength or if there was some great trial awaiting him. But according to the people of the Island of the Moon, if he could uncover the secret of that island, the Island of the Moon would be safe and prosperous forever.
Momotaro set out toward the island. Along the way, he would be helped by animals he met on his journey. A dog, a monkey, and a pheasant all pledged to assist Momotaro on his adventure, each possessing a unique power.
On his journey, Momotaro met an extraordinary person. He was a gentle and calm young man, resembling Urashima Taro, named “Ryunosuke.” Ryunosuke, like Momotaro, had lived on the Island of the Moon and had spent many years protecting the island.
“Did you come from the Island of the Moon too?” Momotaro asked.
“Yes,” Ryunosuke replied. “I have lived on the Island of the Moon and worked for its well-being. But now, a crisis is approaching the island. To prevent it, we need you.”
Ryunosuke told Momotaro.
“With your strength, we might be able to protect the Island of the Moon. But for that, my strength is also needed. If you are able to uncover the secrets of that island, I will fight alongside you.”
Momotaro, believing in his words, made the decision to unite their forces. However, no one knew what trials lay ahead on the island they were heading toward.
Chapter 2: The Island of Trials and the Mysterious Guardian
Momotaro, Ryunosuke, and their companions—the dog, the monkey, and the pheasant—sailed toward the mysterious island across from the Island of the Moon. The island was eerily silent, and an unusual atmosphere hung in the air. The sky was dark, and it seemed as if even the moonlight couldn’t reach it.
“This is the island…” Momotaro muttered.
“Yes. This island is in stark contrast to the Island of the Moon—it is in a state of ruin. But within it lies hidden power. If we can uncover it, the future of the Island of the Moon will be secured,” Ryunosuke calmly replied.
When they arrived on the island, the first thing they saw was a giant rocky mountain, with eerie trees growing over it. The trees’ branches twisted together, moving as if alive. As they ventured through this strange landscape, they soon came upon a large gate.
“This is the entrance to the ruins at the heart of the island,” Ryunosuke said. “But before we go in, I must warn you—there is a guardian of the island. A powerful being, and not one to be easily defeated.”
“A guardian?” Momotaro asked, a little confused.
“Yes,” Ryunosuke replied. “The guardian of this island was once like Princess Kaguya, said to carry the light of the moon and protect the island’s secrets. But this guardian has been trapped by his own power and lives in solitude.” Ryunosuke’s face showed a faint trace of sadness.
“Do we have to defeat the guardian to uncover the island’s secret?” Momotaro asked.
“Yes,” Ryunosuke answered. “But it might not be necessary to fight. If you take on the trials of this island, the guardian may awaken and choose to help us.”
Believing in Ryunosuke’s words, Momotaro and his companions passed through the gate and stepped deeper into the ruins.
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