Gen, the protagonist’s uncle, lives secluded in the rugged mountains of northern Japan. When the protagonist is separated from their parents, Gen assumes guardianship, offering stability in his austere, forest-bound home. During a journey through the woods, Gen, his granddaughter, and the protagonist stumble upon a slain deer herd—a remnant of hunters’ work—and uncover a lone surviving fawn. Though pragmatic, Gen allows the protagonist to nurture the orphaned creature, recognizing the act’s potential to foster maturity. This choice becomes a quiet catalyst for the protagonist’s resilience, steering them toward self-reliance. Gen’s past remains unspoken, his presence anchored in guiding the protagonist through responsibility, subtly shaping their courage amid the wilderness’s harsh lessons.