Seishi observed the Japanese humanitarian team that had already been in place for a month in the small camp in Mali where he and his team would stay with them for many months. He judged that the oldest must be Ikeda Yoshio, the leader of the expedition. About forty-five years old, thin, with short black hair and a rather marked face, it is in collaboration with this doctor that Seishi, himself a young surgical intern, should lead the Franco-Japanese camp. He then began the introductions. Seishi brought with him Moussah, a twenty-six-year-old nurse of African origin whose knowledge of this part of Africa would be very useful to them, and Irene, a thirty-five-year-old nurse with a gentle face framed by long brown hair. Ikeda-sensei, for it was him, introduced the rest of the team in turn. Takahashi Hiroshi was also a nurse in his thirties, wearing glasses and a short bob. Ikeda-sensei sighed in exasperation before introducing the last member, visibly absent, of the team. He pointed at a young man with a long, loose ponytail busy with children, apparently from the village where the team had settled.

- "Saneda Ryô," whispered the doctor.

Irene and Moussah looked at each other, a little surprised that he did not even deign to move. Seishi smiled and waved his hand as he saw that the young man was glancing at them. The latter jumped, as if caught at fault, then shrugged his shoulders and turned his head away.

- Saneda-kun is eighteen, Ikeda-sensei continued. But don't pay attention, it's better not to bother with him.

Seishi looked at him, intrigued.

- He would do anything for the children, with whom he is always. In a month he even seems to make himself understood and understand them but for the rest, we... He doesn't give a damn. He never integrated, we can't ask him for anything.

Ikeda-sensei led the small group to the camp.

- I don't know why he came here. Probably because his difficult and rebellious character seemed freer here, in opposition to the conventions and life in Japan. Come now, I will explain how the current camp works and then we will discuss our organization.

Taking one last look at the young man, Seishi followed him.

Ryô, on the other hand, had grabbed a little girl of about eight years old, who stubbornly remained with her head turned away.

- Yesterday you sick... Cough, the young man tried to explain.

The girl shook her head as she tried to free herself.

- Tell me problem... We cure...

- No! The sorcerer says evil eye. Leave me!

Taking advantage of a moment of surprise, she escaped Ryō's grip and ran away.

- Samaaaa...

Ryô remained puzzled for a moment then sighed and walked away to take care of his chore of cooking the rice... In addition, he was going to have to count extra covers now!