Way of the Delivery Blade

The script

• Jinbei: Mid-60s, broad-shouldered and rugged build. Deep-set intense dark eyes, weathered tan skin, graying hair tied back in a messy topknot. Wears a high-vis neon-green delivery jacket over dark faded gi pants, with a thermal delivery backpack strapped tight and a scabbard-like wooden umbrella at his hip.
• Kenji: Early 20s, slender and slightly slouched posture. Pale skin, messy black shaggy hair, tired dark brown eyes with prominent dark circles beneath. Wears oversized gray fleece sweatpants, a crumpled navy blue graphic hoodie, mismatched slippers, and round black-rimmed glasses resting askew on his nose.

1. Panel 1

   Jinbei charges through a torrential downpour down a neon-lit Shinjuku alley on a bicycle, water spraying from his tires like sword arcs.

   Jinbei (thinks): Five minutes remaining. The noodle path brooks no delay.

2. Panel 2

   Jinbei's focused glare reflected in the glowing screen of his handlebar-mounted smartphone, which flashes a sharp navigation turn alert.

   Jinbei (thinks): Target acquired: Third floor. Unit 304.

3. Panel 3

   Jinbei performs a sharp drift-stop on wet asphalt at the entrance of a concrete apartment block, kicking the kickstand down flawlessly.

   Jinbei (shouts): Hah!

4. Panel 4

   Kenji opens his apartment door, staring in wide-eyed shock at Jinbei standing tall in the dim corridor, steaming thermal bag held steady.

   Kenji: Wait... I only hit order four minutes ago?!

5. Panel 5

   Jinbei bows deeply at a precise ninety-degree angle, presenting a perfectly intact, piping-hot ramen container between both gloved hands.

   Jinbei: Your broth remains boiling, my lord. Not a single drop was spilled.