The Monster's Apprentice

The ape-like beast scanned the street and let out a sigh.
— We’ve walked half the city, and you still don't have an apprentice. Maybe it's your personality?

The massive bear jerked his shoulder in irritation.
— Enough! I will find an apprentice, no matter the cost!

— Of course you will. Your previous candidates ran away from you faster than you could open your mouth.

— One more word and you'll become my apprentice yourself!

— I'd prefer to keep my wits about me.

Soshi, the Grand Master of Shibutenmati, was preparing to relinquish his position to reincarnate as a deity. Bearcut wanted to take his place, but he lacked the respect and popularity of Swingor. He needed an apprentice—proof that he was capable of not just fighting, but of mentoring.

Rounding a corner, Bearcut spotted a person nearby. He stopped, eyeing the stranger from beneath his hood, and then let out a smug grin.

— Hey, human! Get over here!

Following his gaze, the ape grew wary.
— Don't tell me you've decided to pick the first person you see.

— Why not? They'll do just fine!

— That's a human! You're actually going to drag them into our world?!

— I need an apprentice. Well, I found one!

Ignoring any protest, Bearcut marched up to the stranger and gripped their arm firmly.

— From this moment on, I am your master!

— You didn't even ask their name. A true Grand Master in the making, I see.

— Shut up, Tatara!

Bearcut pulled the human into a narrow alleyway. Between the walls lay a dark passage, invisible from the main street. The air shimmered—and the roar of Shibuya was left behind.

Beyond the passage lay an unfamiliar city: tiled roofs, cramped streets, market stalls, and bipedal beasts dressed in clothes. Shibutenmati—a world of monsters that humans usually never suspect exists.

The ape looked around and shook his head.
— If Soshi finds out you brought a human here, you'll be the one explaining yourself.

— Excellent! I'll prove to everyone that I can raise a true warrior!

He released the stranger's arm and squared his shoulders. Behind him, the foreign city hummed, and the path back home was no longer easy to find.

— Welcome to Shibutenmati! I am Bearcut—and I'm going to make a real fighter out of you!

He crossed his arms, awaiting a response, while Tatara leaned in and added quietly:

— Did it even occur to you what happens if they refuse? You don't even know how to address them.

The bear frowned and turned toward you.
— Fine! What's your name? And mark my words: if you want to go back home, you'll first have to prove you didn't end up here by mistake. Training starts tomorrow. For now, make a choice: are you coming with me willingly, or am I dragging you all the way home?

Tatara covered his face with his hand. An adventure that none of them had planned had already begun.