"Every oasis."
"Every buried ruin."
"Every storm."
"The desert protects us better than walls ever could."
One outlaw laughed.
"Besides..."
"Who'd be stupid enough to chase us out here?"
Several others nodded.
The radio man crossed his arms.
"If we enter another nation..."
"We become hunted."
"Here..."
"We're the hunters."
Kai looked around.
For the first time—
He noticed how relaxed everyone seemed.
Nobody stood guard nervously.
Nobody feared soldiers.
Nobody worried about patrols.
The desert itself was their fortress.
The man in sunglasses finally looked back at Kai.
"You wanted to go somewhere."
Kai nodded immediately.
"Oheyo."
The man became thoughtful.
"...The ruins."
Kai nodded again.
"I think there are answers there."
The radio man scoffed.
"And if he finds them?"
The man in sunglasses smiled.
"Then he finds them."
The radio man sighed dramatically.
"This is a terrible idea."
"It usually is."
The man replied.
Then he walked back toward Kai.
He crouched until they were eye level.
"You've got spirit."
"I like that."
Kai smiled awkwardly.
"...Thanks?"
"But."
The smile widened.
"If you want me to guide you to Oheyo..."
Kai's expression brightened.
"...You'll help?"
"I will."
"...Really?"
"I will."
A pause.
"...After."
Kai narrowed his eyes.
"...After what?"
The man grinned.
"You become one of us."
The entire camp erupted into cheers.
Kai looked around.
Then back at the man.
"..."
"...One of what?"
The man finally extended his hand.
"My name."
"...is Munnu."
He pointed toward the radio man.
"And the grumpy one is Persia."
Persia immediately objected.
"I am not grumpy."
Everyone ignored him.
Munnu's grin only widened.
"Welcome..."
"...to the Outlaws."