When the World Turned to Stone

Shells, Suds, and the Spark of Civilization: Sixth Day

"That's the most pathetic sentence I've ever heard," Senku muttered.

Tsukasa smirked. "At least now you have a battle scar, Taiju. Wear it with pride."

Taiju gasped, suddenly inspired. "You're right! I survived a snake attack! This proves my toughness!" He puffed out his chest, striking a dramatic pose.

He immediately puffed out his chest and struck what he probably thought was a heroic pose, fists on his hips, chin lifted toward the sky. "From this day forward, I shall be known as—Taiju, the Snake Survivor!"

Hanako snorted, barely holding back her laughter. "Oh, wow. Such bravery. So heroic," she teased, clapping her hands together. "I bet the stories of your legendary battle against a palm-sized albino noodle will be passed down for generations."

"Hey! It was scary!" Taiju whined, pointing an accusing finger at Shiro, who was now lazily coiled in Hanako's hands, flicking his tongue in a way that made it clear he had no regrets. "You weren't the one who woke up with this trying to eat your face!"

Senku rolled his eyes. "For the last time, he wasn't trying to eat you, dumbass." He crossed his arms, sighing. "Honestly, your survival instincts are pathetic. You went into full dramatic death mode over a non-venomous snake. If that's all it takes to take you down, then I'm seriously worried for you."

"Senku's right," Tsukasa added with an amused smile. "If you panic this much over a harmless snake, what would you do in a real fight?"

Taiju immediately straightened. "I—uh—I'd fight with everything I have, of course!" he declared.

"Sure you would," Senku muttered dryly.

Hanako giggled and rubbed the top of Shiro's tiny head. "Well, I think Shiro's the real winner here. He bit you twice and got away with it."

Taiju looked absolutely betrayed. "Hanako! You're supposed to be on my side!"

Hanako just winked playfully. "Sorry, Taiju. Shiro's my baby. Gotta support him."

Shiro flicked his tongue, completely unfazed by the conversation.

Tsukasa chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, at least no real harm was done."

"Yeah," Senku muttered, massaging his temple, "except for the damage to my brain cells from listening to Big Oaf's nonsense this early in the morning."

Taiju pouted, rubbing his 'battle scar' dramatically. "You guys are so mean..."

Hanako and Tsukasa exchanged an amused glance while Senku exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose as he felt a dull ache forming in his skull. Dealing with Taiju's over-the-top dramatics first thing in the morning was not how he planned to start his day.

His mind was already occupied with more important matters—like carefully monitoring the alcohol levels, the revival fluid on the cave and strategizing their next steps before Tsukasa caught onto their secret. But no, instead of productive thinking, his brain had been forced to process Taiju's ridiculous near-death performance over a harmless snake bite.

The more he thought about it, the worse his headache became.

"I swear, if stupidity was contagious, I'd be in critical condition by now," he grumbled internally.

Hanako, noticing his weary expression, tilted her head. "Senku, you good?"

He gave her a dry look. "Oh yeah, just fantastic. Nothing like an unnecessary adrenaline spike first thing in the morning."