Prologue: Land of Kino’s Journey -Road Show・a-

“Kino-san! Hermes-san! The movie production is complete! Ahh, I’m so happy we managed to finish it before you left our country!” exclaimed the man wearing a business suit as he entered the room.

Kino, in the middle of Hermes’s maintenance, glanced up.

The room had been lent out to Kino, and now she was busy at work, oiling Hermes’s chain, ensuring that each bolt was properly fitted, and checking for damage on the box above his rear wheel. 

A window revealed an expansive, blue sky outside. The radiant sun shone unobstructed by a single dark cloud, as if announcing the coming of spring.

“Woah!” Hermes cried out happily. “I didn’t think you’d finish in time! Yay!”

“I see. Good for you.” On the other hand, Kino’s usual cool demeanor didn’t flicker for an instant. Though she did pause from her work.

“What’s wrong?” the suited man said. “Won’t you come watch it?”

“Now?”

“Yup. Obviously the first public screening won’t be for another month, but you can watch it in the producer’s room at this very moment. You two plan on leaving tomorrow, right? Which means today is your first and final chance. Ahh, how lucky! Normally it takes a lot longer to make a movie, but this time, just about everything went as smoothly as possible. It’s a miracle!”

“Amazing!” Hermes gushed. “Let’s go see it! Kino!”

“Not interested…”

“The movie is one hundred minutes long. It’s a bit lengthy, but you’ll be done by sunset.”

“Let’s go, let’s go! Kino!”

“We can’t… I still have maintenance work to do.”

“You can do that after the movie! Motorrads don’t break that easily, anyway!”

“Out of everyone… aren’t you always pestering me to check that everything is in perfect order?”

“Well, that’s that and this is this.”

The man beamed. “You’re also feel free to take any of our snacks and juice in the producer’s room. I recommend the caramel popcorn and cinnamon churros- our nation’s specialties. I’m guessing you haven’t tried them yet, Kino-san.”

Kino paused. “I guess it’s fine.”

“That’s why?” Hermes said, sounding somewhat indignant. “Well whatever. I won’t complain. Let’s go!”

Four months ago.

It was the end of autumn, and Kino and Hermes were camping in a forest. 

“What should we do, Kino?”

“I wonder.”

Kino glanced upwards. Most of the leaves had already fallen from the trees. Winter was close at hand. The weather would rapidly get colder, and snow would soon follow.

For travellers like Kino and Hermes, there were two options, only one of which was desirable.

Firstly, to travel as fast as possible to a warmer climate.

That essentially meant travelling south if one was in the northern hemisphere, and vice versa. However, without a guarantee that they’d have a efficient route, not to mention getting permission to travel through countries, escaping the snow wasn’t an entirely safe bet. The viability of this option wouldn’t be clear until they tried it.

The second option was to apply for temporary residency at a country for the duration of winter. 

Such an option was common among travellers. In many cases, even if a traveller applying for permanent residence at a country was denied, they’d still be permitted to stay for the winter period.

Naturally, a traveller would need to find a job in the country, since no one would be paying for their expenses.

For instance, skilled travellers frequently acted as bodyguards or taught Persuader skills in exchange for money.

In other instances, travellers made use of whatever skills they possessed, from medicine to agriculture to handcrafts to cooking, to earn money. Essentially, anything went.

Eventually, Kino and Hermes decided on a combination of the two options. They would stop by the next country they came across and apply for winter residence. If they were accepted and there was a job that Kino could work at, they’d spend the winter there. Else, they’d travel towards warmer lands without delay.

A chilly autumn breeze blew past a motorrad, carrying a single passenger.

“Now then, I wonder if this country will let you hibernate for the winter,” Hermes said.

“That’d be nice. I’d love to sleep all day without working.”

And with that, Kino and Hermes arrived at a certain country.

“Oh? You wish to pass the winter at our country? No problem at all! We welcome you with open arms! You must agree to do the work assigned to you though!”

The speaker was an immigration officer standing at the country’s entrance, a beaming smile on his face.

“Woah! You hear that, Kino? So, what work will you assign?” Hermes asked excitedly.

“Well, if it’s something I can do, I’ll do it, but otherwise, you’re asking the impossible,” Kino said.

“Did you really have to say that?” Hermes protested to Kino.

“No worries at all!” the man said delightedly. “Anyone can do it! It’s super simple! By the way, not a single traveller thus far has declined the job!”

“See? It’s fine, Kino!”

“Whatever you say. So, what’s the job?”

“Be a movie model for us!”

“Huh?” “Huh?”

The immigration officer explained.

In this vast country, the movie industry was booming, and movies were citizens’ greatest pastime. Large numbers of movies were produced and screened, and even television programs broadcasted them daily.

However, due to their popularity, a problem arose.

That is- the lack of stories.

It was a serious problem, the fact that they were quickly running out of movie story ideas. And due to the shortage of stories, movie production began to decline.

Despite their best efforts, including taking public submissions of stories and remaking old movies with present day technology, the death of the movie industry seemed inevitable. The public had simply grown fed up with watching the same plots unfold again and again.

Therefore, the country came up with a new idea: to listen to the stories of travellers.

Travellers well acquainted with the outside world surely also possessed fascinating stories, enough for one or two episodes, that would delight their citizens

However, travellers staying for merely one or two days didn’t have much time to tell their stories.

Instead, they decided to focus on travellers staying for the winter.

Telling their stories would be a condition for winter residence.

Thus, to all travellers applying for winter residence, travellers had to abide by three conditions.

“Offer enough material for the creation of at least one episode.”

“Give permission for the material to be made into a movie.”

“No sales or profits from or relating to the movie will go to the traveller.”

In exchange, the country promised to provide food, shelter, and clothing for the duration of winter.

When spring came around, a movie titled something like ‘The Traveller’s Story’ would be released, and would without fail reach that year’s top five rankings. This system quickly became one of most popular policies in the nation.

Once the man finished explaining, Kino’s decision was no longer in question.

“What will you do, Kino?” Hermes asked.

“This is obviously preferable to killing people,” Kino replied.

The conditions for living in the country were quite desirable, so the two decided to spend the winter here.

Upon reaching their decision, they were introduced to the movie production staff, then given their own room at a nearby apartment complex.

From that point on, every day, the staff asked them questions regarding their journey.

Kino answered them in a way not too different from the time she’d been interviewed in a different country.

The reason she’d left her country of birth, how she’d trained under a certain person afterwards, and of her various experiences abroad.

She also talked about the stories she’d heard along her journey.

Hermes also spoke about what he remembered. Though his stories sometimes contradicted with Kino’s, causing the staff endless headaches.

Compared to other travellers, Kino’s episode was filled with far more stories of joy, sadness, wonder, and disgust. The staff couldn’t help but revel in their bountiful catch.

It had already been decided that they would produce a single movie. Then, if the ratings were good enough, they’d produce a sequel, then finally a series.

This country’s movie technology was incredibly advanced. 

In a short period of time, actors, set pieces, and CG had all been prepared. According to the producers, the movie would be completed within four months.

“Ah, but I guess there’s no way they’ll be finished before you leave,” Hermes commented.

“I don’t mind.”

“Eh- but aren’t you curious? About the story your journey will tell, or the impression it’ll leave?”

“I’m not prolonging my stay just for that.”

“How boring.”

Soon, Kino and Hermes completed their end of the job.

For the remaining three months, Kino occupied herself with various activities during the snowy winter, from reading novels to practicing long-range sniping to hand-to-hand knife skills, all while leisurely enjoying the country’s comforts.

Then, on the day before their scheduled departure, the movie was completed.

Kino, Hermes, and the man wearing a suit sat in the producer’s room, equipped with cutting edge movie equipment that one might find at a movie theater. Several tens of other people were also in the room.

Hermes stood in the center aisle, propped up by his center stand. Kino sat in a seat next to him, and the man sat in the aisle behind Kino.

“Now then, the private screening will now commence! Though as you two may have noticed, we’re not alone here. By the way, all the staff have been pulling constant all-nighters, so they’re currently sleeping like rocks. Please forgive them for not greeting you on your way in.”

“The movie industry sure seems tough.”

“Well of course! But thanks to their efforts, we’ve created a marvellous piece of art! Everything was worth it! It’ll definitely be a huge hit!”

“Let’s watch! Kino, no falling asleep during the movie!”

“I won’t,” Kino retorted, placing her bucket of popcorn, can of soda, and paper bag filled with churros on the seat beside her.

“I see!” Hermes exclaimed as a matter-of-factly. “You won’t fall asleep as long as you’ve got food and drink!”

“Please feel free to ask if you have any questions,” the man said. “Since we’re the only ones watching, you won’t be disturbing anyone if you talk during the movie.”

“Roger!” 

“The movie will now begin. The movie is simply titled ‘Kino’s Journey.’”

And with that, the movie began to play.

Large text appeared on the screen. ‘Based on the true experiences of a certain traveller.’

* * *

The gunfight started. Clumps of grass were blown in every which direction as bullets fell incessantly like rain in the spectacular battle.

Cruel, villainous-looking men never paused their shooting as they chased a lone figure. Their target was a woman wearing a beautiful red jacket. Her abundant chest inevitably stood out, whether she liked it or not. Altogether, she was undeniably sexy.

* * *

“Um, excuse me…” Kino said, keeping her voice low while addressing the man behind her. 

“Yes, Kino-san! Ask away!” the man cried out, his deafening voice drowning out even the movie’s gunshots.

“So um, could it be that, right now, the woman fighting is-”

“Correct! The protagonist, Kino! The traveller wielding Persuaders of immense power!”

“She looks a lot older than me…”

“Correct again! In the story, she’s twenty-five! Her character is played by the most famous actress in the action movie industry, and despite appearances, she’s already thirty years old! You can’t even tell!”

“Wow! She’s way sexier than Kino too!” Hermes said enthusiastically.

“Yes! In the movie, she’s known as the wielder of the three sizes that’ll make anyone jealous! Especially her bust. Don’t tell anyone this though… we actually enlarged her breasts slightly using CG.”

“Um… why?”

“Because recently, huge boobs have become all the rage! That our heroine would have huge boobs was decided from the start!”

“Huh? Ah…”

“When you say ‘from the start,’ when was that exactly?”

“Well, before you two arrived!”

Kino opened her mouth, then closed it without saying anything, falling silent as the movie continued to play out.

* * *

A motorrad rested on its side stand under the shade of a rock. 

“Come!” came Kino’s sharp voice from far away.

“Roger! Let’s fight!” The motorrad started its own engine and began travelling without a rider. It glided through the wasteland, racing past boulders and hurdling over a river. 

When the motorrad reached Kino, it braked, letting its back wheel slide until its body was turned sideways, acting as a shield against the enemy’s gunshots.

Bullets bounced off his torso and engine, echoing loudly as each and every one was repelled. 

“It hurts! But, this is for Kino’s sake!”

* * *

“Question.”

“Ask away, Hermes-san.”

“Is that motorrad-”

“Naturally! ‘Kino’s’ Journey’s trusty partner, ‘Hermes!’”

“Ehe! He’s so cool!”

“But… that’s not what Hermes looks like. Also… how is he moving without anyone riding him?”

“He’s cool so who cares, Kino! Though I’m curious where that design is from. I’ve never seen it before

“You never cease to impress, Hermes-san! That’s the newest model made by our country’s largest motorrad manufacturer. It’ll be released to the market on the same day our movie premieres!”

“I see! So it’s a parkership!”

“…You mean, ‘partnership’?”

“Yes, that!”

“You’re exactly right, Hermes-san! The partnership allows them to promote their new vehicle!”

“…Can the motorrad drive by itself like in the movie?” Kino asked quietly.

“No, of course not. Although, toy makers plan on releasing a remote-controlled toy model that does.”

Kino let out a breath. “Hah…”

“Isn’t he cool, Kino?” Hermes sounded delighted.

* * *

The battle in the jungle began.

“Hmph! I see you! Over there!” Kino yelled, letting loose a continuous barrage of bullets. She looked on, amused, as evil-looking enemies succumbed one after another to the rattling shower of metal.

“Crap! That women’s a monster! Either that or a witch!” A man who appeared to be the enemy’s boss cried out. Completely disregarding the lives of his compatriots, he turned tail and fled.

From afar, an object came sailing through the air, tracing out a parabola before landing at his feet. It was a grenade.

“Eh?”

His smiling expression froze momentarily before the explosion encased him entirely, erasing him from existence.

* * *

“Um, excuse me…”

“Ask away, Kino-san!”

“The rifle that I’m, or rather, the ‘Kino’ in the film, is using…”

“Correct! That’s an automatic rapid-fire rifle that our military adopted. It’s a .223 caliber. The grenade launcher is also equipped with a sight developed with cutting-edge optics technology!”

“Um. But I’ve never used that in any country before…”

“Do you even hear yourself right now, Kino?” Hermes chided. “That’s another partnership, right?”

“Indeed. The department of defence asked us to boost the military’s image. A lot of our scenes are filmed with live ammunition at the army’s live training grounds.”

“I see!” Hermes hummed.

Kino didn’t say another word.

* * *

“So you’ve finally run out of patience and come to me, huh?” Kino scoffed.

“Should I come too? My engine’s warmed up.”

“Alright! Let’s go! Hermes! Full power ahead!”

Kino straddled Hermes, his engine full throttle as they raced across the grassy plains. Ahead was a black swarm of enemies awaiting them.

“She’s coming!”

“Idiot! It’s just one person! This will be your grave!”

Shouts rang out.

* * *

“Um…”

“Yes! Kino-san!”

“This ‘Kino’ and ‘Hermes,’ they’re facing the entire army of a country but… I’ve never done that before.”

“Indeed. We heard about your numerous tales of fighting battles in self-defense. For the sake of a brilliant production, we decided to consolidate all those stories into one, and this is the result.”

“Still, if I was against this many people, I’d either run or surrender… there’s no way I’d win.”

“Ah, please watch just a little longer. It’s almost time for ‘Hermes’s’ big move!”

“Really? Ooh, they’re gonna charge straight into the enemy’s midst! So cool!”

“This is the climax of the first half! It’s two versus three hundred. Watch the three hundred enemies carefully! Each one is animated independently by the CG staff! They did such a good job!”

“Wow! But, how can ‘Kino’ win?” asked Hermes.

“Just wait and see!”

* * *

When they’d covered half the distance between them and the enemy, Kino took both hands off the handlebar.

“Hermes! Ready! Show me your power!”

She deftly raised both hands, as if performing some strange purification ritual. “I, as your master Kino, command you! Unseal gates eight to twelve and unleash the weaponry within!”

“Understood! At once!”

Without losing any speed, Kino and Hermes plunged headfirst into the enemy.

“Hermes Missile!” Hermes yelled. At the same time, compartments opened up on both sides of his body, revealing compact missiles. They fired in succession, launching outwards only to be replaced by more.

Leaving trails of white smoke behind, the missiles exploded on contact.

“W-what the hell!”

“Missiles!”

The enemies shook in terror as explosive upon explosive rained down into their numbers.

“Argh!”

“Geh!”

Their dying cries sounded one after another as they were blown up.

* * *

“So coooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool!!”

“… Um, excuse me. What was that?”

“Hermes Micro Missiles! Hermes’s killer move! Ah, of course, that was done in CG! Only the smoke is real. We created it using rockets. Even movies have limits, sadly.”

“Ah…”

“Kino! Stop interrupting the movie! You’re being rude! Look at how cool they are! Stop complaining! Oh, it’s the missiles again! I wonder how many missiles he has stored!”

“Canonically, ‘Hermes’ can store up to one thousand two hundred missiles.”

“There’s no way that many would fit-“

“Incredible! Can the motorrads in this country do that too?”

“Unfortunately, it’s impossible in real life, but there’ll be a missile gimmick on the toy motorrads!”

* * *

“So I guess this is goodbye… I guess I can’t stop you from leaving, can I… You’re a free-spirited woman. Our battle will forever be etched into my heart…” A young, slender, handsome man spoke, gazing longingly at Kino. He wore a green cardigan, a saber strapped to his waist.

“I know what you mean! You’re… a good guy too! Let’s meet in the afterlife, baby!” Kino flashed a thumbs up, and with those parting words, started Hermes’s engine and rode away, kicking up dust behind her.

The young man, encased in the cloud of dust, smiled sadly. 

Until suddenly-

Cough cough.

The man began choking on the dust.

* * *

“Who was that?”

“The man Kino-san called ‘Shizu.'”

“I knew it!”

“No but, that’s…”

“After all, if there’s no romance, we’ll lose the majority of our female audience. This way, when we make ads targeted towards females, we can have a hot guy dead center. This time, since we’re also targeting children, we won’t include it, but if it was an adult movie, we’d add some bed sheets too!”

Kino let out a deep sigh.

* * *

Kino, while visiting a country, decided to attend a ball. 

She wore a flashy, lemon-yellow dress and a necklace that fell to her bosom. Her hair seemed to defy the laws of physics, having been arranged in a spectacular fashion.

“Look- it’s that traveller. I hear she’s a prodigy…”

“She’s so beautiful…”

With her eye-catching attire, Kino’s radiance was especially pronounced.

In the midst of the ball, Kino was approached by a young man.

“Will you permit me a dance?” He was the ruling king of the country. 

“Forgive me if I step on your foot,” Kino responded quietly.

And with a brilliant step, she instantly drew the gaze of every man in the hall.

* * *

“Who’s that? A new character?” Hermes asked.

Kino sat motionlessly. Not a single sound escaped her lips. 

“I suppose so. By the way, we’re to set a trend with that dress’s color. It’s not a partnership per se, but we had a discussion with the editorial department of a fashion magazine to determine the most likely trends this year.”

“That’s really awesome!”

“Um, excuse me…”

“Yes, Kino-san!” 

“Can I get more sweets?”

* * *

The last place ‘Kino’ and ‘Hermes’ visited was their home country.

Former members of the military had turned rogue and now controlled the country in its entirety, exploiting the land and people for their own ends. The country had been nearly reduced to ruins, and its inhabitants spent their days wallowing in grief and misery.

“You unpatriotic scum!” Kino cried. “You’re all utter trash who don’t deserve to live here! Get out or die! Take your pick!” Her resolve was set. To fight on behalf of the very people who had chased her out of her own country.

And despite her deadly strength, the road ahead would be long and difficult. Her ceaseless, bitter struggle of one against many would continue.

“Shit! You think you can take us?!”

“You got this, Kino!”

* * *

“He should’ve used the missiles! If I counted correctly, there should still be 364 left, right?” Hermes exclaimed.

Meanwhile, as the lengthy movie played-

“Oh, one more box please. Of the churros.”

Kino had her fifth helping of churros and popcorn.

“Woah! This scene is so cool!” Hermes remained firmly engrossed.

* * *

On the night before the final battle, a group of people approached Kino, who was in the middle of loading her magazines with bullets. They were citizens of the town who remembered Kino, and how they and their country had chased Kino out. 

Kino glanced up at their apologetic faces. Not missing a beat, she spoke. “Who said I’d fight for free? You’re paying me for every kill I get. Got it?”

But the amount of money Kino proposed per kill was hardly anything compared to the risk of losing her life. The citizens were astonished, but quickly realized the truth.

I see! the citizens thought. She demanded money because she doesn’t want us to feel indebted towards her-!

The next morning.

Kino stood under the blue sky, wearing a T-shirt and a vest stuffed full with bullets.

“Ahh, it’s a good morning to die! Isn’t that right, Hermes?”

“You’re not gonna die though.”

The two proceeded towards the battlefield.

“Well, whatever. Let’s go, Hermes!”

And like that-

The fighting ended.

---

Previous Chapter

Table of Contents

Next Chapter