Shoekki Hareki

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"You know what I’m fucking talking about!! You think I wanna be with you now… after that?! No chance, babe." — Shoekki, after finding out that File is a trap

Shoekki Hareki
character image
晴氣はれき•しょうき, Hareki Shouki
Detailed Information:
Appearances:	Dragon Ball Z: The Forgotten Planet Earth Saga A Quest for Booty (mentioned) Monkeyboy's First Vacation Dragon Ball: Heart of the Dragon
Species:	Human
Gender:	Male
Birthplace:	Hosomaki, Earth
Birthdate:	September 20, Age 756
Date of Death:	May 7, Age 774 (revived)
Birth Power Level:	0.0001
Maximum Power Level:	6
Personal Pronouns:	己おら
Height:	5'11"
Weight:	133.8 lbs
Hair Color:	Blond
Eye Color:	Blue
Organizations:	New Red Ribbon Army (Age 774)
Favorite Food:	Mahi Mahi tacos
Favorite Vehicle:	Motorcycle bought from Capsule Corp.
Hobbies:	Doing drugs, riding motorcycles, smoking, playing online poker
Family:	Takebashi Hareki (father) Kasumi Hareki (mother) Ryori (brother) File (girlfriend in Age 774) Yasahiro Ohano (grandfather) Fumiko Ohano (grandmother) Jia (girlfriend)

Shoekki (晴氣はれき•しょうき, Hareki Shouki), pronounced show-key, is a human in Dragon Ball Z: The Forgotten. He is featured in the fourth saga and is introduced in the chapter "Capsule Corp.".

Shoekki is a secondary character in Monkeyboy's First Vacation.

Overview

Appearance

Shoekki is a human. He is an 18-year-old male. He has long blond hair, which is wild and dirty, and blue eyes. He is tall and skinny but not muscular. He has a small, scraggly beard on his chin, but no sideburns. While never directly stated in the text, Shoekki suffers from insomnia. This shows in that he has noticeable bags under his eyes. His frequent smoking and drug use has lead to his face also looking much older and more worn than should be.

Personality

Shoekki has a rather subdued personality. Being a high school dropout, he stays around his house or does other unseeable things for most of the day. Shoekki is very big brother-like to Ryori, and he likes to joke and mess around with him. However, Shoekki is still very protective of his brother. He also tries to be a role model to Ryori, but perhaps is not the best suited for that.

After getting revived, Shoekki becomes a more serious man. He slowly weans himself off partying, developing a relationship with Jia in Monkeyboy's First Vacation. He is more introspective going forward, filling the role of Ryori's older brother better. They share moments in Monkeyboy where they attempt to overcome their grief of their parents' deaths, Shoekki taking a nurturing role in that. Shoekki leans heavily into his alcohol and nicotine addictions going forward.

History

Dragon Ball Z: The Forgotten

Planet Earth Saga

Shoekki, as the older brother of Ryori, was introduced in the Planet Earth Saga. His actual presence was not all that significant until Cardinal came to town. Because thereafter, Shoekki began to intermingle with Cardinal's lackey, File. Later on in the story, after Cardinal stole Ryori, Shoekki was tasked with finding Ledas. Immediately after, Shoekki found out that File was actually a trap, and killed her. This forfeited his life, and Cardinal soon forced Shoekki to commit suicide in order to save his brother Ryori from a similar fate.

A Quest for Booty

In the fourth scene of chapter 2, Ledas told Beelzebub that he and Ryori were collecting the Dragon Balls to wish Ryori's brother back to life.

In the sixth scene of chapter 3, Ledas remembered when Ryori had told him what had happened to his brother. He felt guilty, for it had been because of him that Cardinal had killed Shoekki.

In the fourth scene of chapter 4, Ledas gathered the seven Dragon Balls and summoned Shenron, the Eternal Dragon. He used the third wish to bring Shoekki back to life, fulfilling his promise to Ryori. In the seventh scene, after forming a bounty hunting partnership with Beelzebub, Ledas flew off, for he had to go pick up the newly-revived Shoekki.

Monkeyboy's First Vacation

In the first scene of chapter 1, on June 5, Age 776, Jia led Shoekki, Ryori, and Ledas through the streets of West City to their new home (three blocks north of Capsule Corp.). The size of the three-story mansion blew them away. Jia warned them to open their storage capsules outside so they wouldn't damage the house.

Ryori declared he and Ledas would take one of the master bedrooms, which Shoekki found odd since there were enough rooms for everyone. Ryori refused to explain why. Jia noted Shoekki was unaware Ledas and Ryori were dating. Shoekki took the other master bedroom while Jia settled for one of the guest bedrooms. Once inside, the boys raced upstairs to explore while Shoekki and Jia checked out the kitchen.

Jia told Shoekki Ryori had been in high spirits ever since he had been revived by the Dragon Balls, trying to make small talk. Shoekki asked her if she really worked for Cardinal. She confirmed that she was but was not doing anything nefarious, as she had watched over the boys for two years and hadn't known Shoekki would be coming back. She swore she wasn't scheming (which Shoekki remained unconvinced of) when Ledas and Ryori slid around the corner in their socks.

The boys were most pleased with the house, thanking Jia profusely for buying it. Then, Ryori walked over to Shoekki and hugged him, telling him how much he'd missed him and how happy he was to have him back. Ryori wanted to throw a party for his return. Shoekki threw out the idea of spending a night in the Guac with strippers and booze. Ledas admitted he and Ryori had been to that nightclub several times before, which made Shoekki laugh. He couldn't believe they hadn't been caught.

Ryori asked if he'd like to take a trip to the Crimson Fingers (a southern island chain) to visit their maternal grandparents, whom they hadn't seen in years. Shoekki was down with the idea. Jia couldn't stop them (not that she wanted to), confirming the budget would allow it. Shoekki dialed his grandparents to set up the trip while Jia excused herself to make a call of her own.

In the fourth scene, on June 8^th, Jia, Shoekki, Ryori, and Ledas took a plane from West City to South City where they boarded a boat to take them to the Crimson Fingers (as there were no airports down there). A pair of old fishermen would take them down. One explained that few people went to the Crimson Fingers this time of year, as most tourists usually left a week earlier to catch both the Kurenai Harumatsuri and Kurenai Natsumatsuri celebrations, so they'd be the only passengers.

Shoekki passed the time talking with the fishermen and helping them catch dinner, while Jia read a book or was glued to her phone and Ledas and Ryori played multiplayer racing games on their Switches. They had swordfish sushi and miso soup for dinner, along with saké. Everyone got fairly drunk (the boys weren't allowed to drink more than one serving, but Shoekki snuck them extra cups), having a great time while the sailors told outlandish stories. Eventually, Ryori fell asleep on top of a dozing Ledas on the couch.

In the morning, Ryori woke up with a hangover. Shoekki was in the kitchen, drinking coffee and hitting his vape. When he got water from the fridge, Shoekki confronted him about sleeping with Ledas, insinuating that he had noticed them fooling around after they'd thought everyone had gone to bed. Ryori feigned ignorance, even if he was internally melting down in embarrassment. He scurried outside to piss off the back of the boat and escape his brother's questioning. Everyone gathered for breakfast, having scrambled eggs. Soon after, the island of Hosomaki appeared in the distance. The sailors dropped them off at the port, Jia giving them a tip before leaving.

There were many people about as they made their way across the docks to Ohano's, a pub owned by Shoekki and Ryori's grandparents. Inside, a few sailors were finishing up their rounds before heading to bed. Ryori saw his grandfather behind the bar, wiping it down, and ran over to him, so happy to see him so many years apart. He hugged Ryori and Shoekki while Jia and Ledas watched (awkwardly).

Ryori told his grandfather about how they had moved to West City and how Shoekki had become a security guard for Dream Land. They introduced Jia and Ledas to Mr. Ohano. Jia explained she was the boys' caretaker and that Ledas had been living with them for the past two years. Mr. Ohano promised to take them on a fishing trip on his sailboat, the Blue Breeze, after his bar closed for the day (at 10:00 a.m.). Ryori asked him to make one of his grandmother's special seasickness tonics before they left, as he had felt queasy on the boat ride down.

While they waited for the bar to close, Ledas ordered three plates of chicken gyōza; Shoekki ordered a shot of shōchū. They engaged in small talk with Mr. Ohano while waiting for the bar to close. While they did, Ledas snuck off to join a group of men playing darts, but he kept returning to Jia for more betting money. Becoming exasperated, Jia tried to get Ledas to stop by telling him about the legend of the skinchangers, a group of demons who had haunted the Crimson Fingers for decades.

Mr. Ohano confirmed the legend, stating that the skinchangers had supposedly hunted down natives and tourists alike for many years. Nobody knew if they were demons, aliens, or human serial killers. Jia speculated they lived on Umihebiza, the most southern island in the Crimson Fingers. She reminded everyone she was a SAARO agent, and as such, had been stationed down in these islands years ago to monitor the skinchangers as part of her job. Shoekki remembered there being a weird castle-like formation in the waters to the north of Hosomaki, wondering if the skinchangers lurked there. Mr. Ohano told him hundreds of sailors had sworn on their ships they had seen skinchangers near that structure. He implored Ledas not to get involved, as dealing with the skinchangers was SAARO's responsibility, but Ryori knew Ledas wouldn't stop until he found them.

In the fifth scene, later that day, Mr. Ohano, Shoekki, Ryori, and Ledas went on a fishing trip together. Drinking his grandmother's special seasickness draught, Ryori watched Hosomaki disappear into the fog. Shoekki joined him. They discussed how it felt being back, with Ryori admitting he was missing his parents quite a lot. Shoekki tried to lift his spirits, reminding him that living well and being successful would honor their parents. There was no other way. Ryori expressed appreciation for Shoekki being back, at least.

They returned inside where Mr. Ohano was regaling Ledas about his octopus wrestling stories. Mr. Ohano refilled Ryori's drink, and he grew drunker as time wore on (as whiskey was one of the ingredients in his seasickness draught). Before long, the sailboat came to a stop and they began fishing. Shoekki and Ryori fished while Mr. Ohano taught Ledas. Up until the early afternoon, nobody caught anything of note.

Around 1:30 p.m., Ledas' line sharply cut to the side. He fought to reel in what appeared to be a great fish. The line snapped, sending Ledas into a wall. With his pride on the line, Ledas jumped up, swearing he'd be back soon, and dove overboard. Mr. Ohano and Shoekki were in shock, fearing the worst. They thought Ledas had just unintentionally committed suicide due to the deep ocean currents and the water's temperature. Mr. Ohano ran to the cabin, preparing to chase him down. Shoekki was in disbelief, thinking there was no chance they'd ever see him again.

Before Mr. Ohano lifted the anchor, Ledas burst from below the waves, holding a mighty bluefin tuna in one hand. He dumped it onto the deck, ending its misery with an elbow hit. Shoekki and Mr. Ohano were aghast. They didn't understand how Ledas had managed to hold a fish of that size, let alone fly.

Ledas admitted he was a Saiyan, showing them he could fly and use ki (shooting a blast into the water). Ryori explained that Ledas had been raised as a martial artist and was extremely powerful. He admitted Ledas was why Cardinal came to Seikishi two years back. They weren't entirely convinced, but Ledas' display left them flummoxed. Ryori confirmed Jia knew about him being an alien, too. Unconcerned, Ledas returned to the fish, boasting about what a big haul he'd brought in. Ryori knew they'd be eating good for dinner. Shoekki was more interested in learning how to fly, which made everyone laugh.

In the sixth scene, that night, Shoekki, Ryori, and Ledas went to the Sea of Clouds Onsen before returning home. There were a few people about, though none were in the same pool as them. While they enjoyed a nice soak, a man entered the room, making a beeline to them, and entering the pool nearby. The man broke the awkward tension in the air by conversing with Shoekki. He warned them to stick together when they left so the skinchangers wouldn't get them. Ryori didn't believe in the skinchangers, but the man was convinced something was out there, be it human hitmen or demons.

He asked them if they were packing heat. Foolishly, Shoekki admitted they weren't. The man told them to be careful, for tourists were the easiest prey. Ledas asked the man why they were called skinchangers. He revealed that the skinchangers could assume the appearance of their last victims, which was often how they lured prey to their doom. Not long after, the boys decided to pack in for the night, leaving the floating man behind.

On their way back, Shoekki found a bounty taped to a street light offering Ƶ1,000,000 per body for each skinchanger caught, dead or alive. Overjoyed, Ledas told them about how he and Beelzebub had set up a bounty hunting ground several days ago. This would be his second case. He was highly motivated to pursue it. Shoekki was doubtful, but Ryori reminded him of the strength and skill Ledas had shown on the fishing trip. Shoekki said that while he couldn't stop Ledas from going after the demons, he didn't want him to bail on any activities the Ohanos had planned, as that was the whole reason they had come here.

In the third scene of chapter 2, on June 10, Age 776, Ledas and Ryori along with Mr. Ohano, Mrs. Ohano, Jia, and Shoekki, visited the Asazari Wildlife Preserve. They took the Blue Breeze over. There were many people there. They toured the weather relay station first, Mr. Ohano providing commentary on the meteorological, biological, geological, and seismic research areas. Ledas was very tired on account of the demonic apples he'd eaten several hours prior and was having a tough time enduring the trip. He asked Jia where the government outpost was, insinuating he had skinchanger bodies to cash in. She didn't believe him but told him they'd visit the outpost on their way out.

It wasn't long before they returned outside and began trekking through the wildlife preserve. They observed birds and dinosaurs, Mr. Ohano providing commentary on them, while Ledas grew more tired and reckless and affectionate toward Ryori. Ryori didn't rebuff him, which was a relief. They viewed the island's sunken caldera from a high vantage before going to the jaguar exhibit, then the turtle exhibit.

They took an elevator down underground to view the ocean from below the island. The area was packed, though Ledas found it immensely cool. They were able to get a group picture together. Afterward, they left the park. On their way out, Jia and Ledas stopped by the government outpost while Shoekki, Ryori, Mr. Ohano, and Mrs. Ohano waited behind (thinking they had gone to use the restrooms).

In the fourth scene, on June 11^th, Mr. Ohano, Mrs. Ohano, Shoekki, and Jia watched the sunrise together at the summit of Haiirotori Mountain (the highest point on Hosomaki). They made comments about Ryori and Ledas sleeping in the same bed, which surprised Jia. She realized everyone else knew the boys were dating.

They watched the sunrise, sharing an emotional moment together. Mrs. Ohano lauded Jia with praise for raising the boys, knowing what a difficult task that was. She deflected, thanking them for inviting her to the Crimson Fingers. The beauty of the islands was almost enough to overwhelm her. She wondered if they would stay for the rest of their lives or had plans to move to a big city upon retirement. The Ohanos confirmed they weren't going anywhere.

Mrs. Ohano asked Jia why she had become Ryori and Ledas' caretaker, as she thought Shoekki was fulfilling that role. Shoekki came up with a lie that he had been imprisoned on a baseless charge of hitting a parked car with his motorcycle (when in reality, he had been dead). He said he got a huge settlement from the case, which Jia found amusing.

With the sun rising, they decided to return to town. Jia hung back, waiting to link up with Shoekki (he had wandered off to puff his vape). She asked Shoekki to keep a secret for her, which after some back and forth, he agreed to do. She told him Cardinal was dead and the New Red Ribbon Army disbanded (that part was a lie), trying to remove his suspicions of her. She told him that a large portion of Cardinal's funds had been granted to her by King Furry, allowing her to purchase the house in West City. They could live comfortable for decades to come (if not the rest of their lives).

She admitted that she was primarily Ledas' caretaker, since he was an alien. She had been sent to monitor him and make sure he wouldn't get into trouble. She knew that wouldn't be the case by this point. Shoekki wasn't surprised Ledas was an alien, as he had revealed that on the fishing trip in chapter 1. Shoekki told her she could stay as long as she wanted to, even after Ledas reached the age of eighteen, as the boys loved her and she was a great cook.

He didn't understand why she hadn't told them about Cardinal, however. She said that if they had known the money was coming from her and not Cardinal, their relationships might become transactional in nature, which would destroy her. She didn't want them to think they had an endless supply of money. Jia admitted that since she couldn't have kids, Ledas and Ryori were as good as it was going to get. She saw them and treated them as her children and wished for Shoekki to respect that. He promised to keep her secret. They returned to the Ohanos, and the four made the hike down the mountain together.

In the fifth scene, on June 11^th, Mr. Ohano, Shoekki, Ryori, and Ledas participated in a fishing tradition that occurred every year just before the start of the Kurenai Natsumatsuri. They gathered in Raskintown on the eastern beach with all of the other men. The elders passed out spearguns to everyone involved. The village chief gave a speech, thanking everyone for taking part in a most sacred rite. He advised everyone to catch as many fish as they could for the festival, for there would be many hungry people. He also told them to be wary of sharks and to use their spearguns in defense if necessary. Then, he unleashed them into the sea. Mr. Ohano, Shoekki, and the rest of them rushed out eagerly.

In the sixth scene, later that day, Mr. Ohano, Mrs. Ohano, Shoekki, Ryori, Jia, and Ledas visited the Sepiche ruins in Raskintown. They explored the town, visiting the depleted iridium mine, the marketplace, and the docks before coming to the Sepiche ruins. Mr. Ohano had a grand old time playing the tour guide, telling them all about the sculptures and how they got there, not to mention why the Sepiche had gone extinct (allegedly).

Without warning, Chervil and his skinchangers appeared, Chervil kicking Ledas into a Sepiche statue. He swore he'd get revenge for Ledas killing Tarrago. The pedestrians in the immediate area fled in terror. Chervil attacked Ledas, who retaliated with grim focus, shattering one of his arms and sending him into a tree. He told everyone to stay back, promising he had everything under control. Not wasting time (for his friends and lover were threatened), Ledas hunted down Chervil's retinue, killing every one of them with a singular blow. Chervil tried to shoot an energy blast at them, but Ledas rushed him, squeezing his wrist, forcing the ki to shoot into the sky. Battering him, Ledas threw him into a tree. Boasting stupidly, the Makyan limped away, shooting a ki blast into the ground to mask his escape.

Ryori and the others ran over, asking if he was okay. Ledas was, though he remained on guard. Mr. Ohano was stunned by what he had witnessed. Ryori provided cover, saying Ledas had been trained since he had been little and was immensely powerful (not to mention what he'd shown in chapter 1 by capturing that bluefin tuna). Ledas swore he wouldn't leave before destroying every last skinchanger, for the bounties were enticing. Mrs. Ohano and Shoekki were at a loss for words as Ledas threw a capsule to the ground, revealing a storage container. He piled up the bodies to take in for big zeni.

In the second scene of chapter 3, on June 12, Age 776, Ryori, Shoekki, and Ledas spent time together inside Ohano's. Shoekki was still raving about what Ledas did to the skinchangers in the Sepiche ruins. Ryori noted Ledas could compete in the next World Martial Arts Tournament if he wanted to. He was one of the most skilled martial artists on Earth. Shoekki wasn't buying it, thinking Mr. Satan would be too much to deal with. Ledas, who was eating multiple burgers, barely paid attention, though he said Mr. Satan could have the upper hand (obviously, he knew this wasn't true, but was being humble).

Shoekki asked him how he'd learned to fly. Ledas said his father had taught him when he had been three years old. He didn't think it was a big deal. Shoekki, thinking that was ridiculous, stated Chiaotzu had flown in the twenty-second tournament and had lost his only match. Ledas only hoped his next opponent would be a proper match. Shoekki asked if he had taken out the remainder of the skinchangers. Ledas said he'd gone to Umihebiza again and checked for them, but their island had been abandoned. Ryori wasn't surprised, since he'd annihilated them in two battles. They were probably hiding from him. Ledas swore he'd come back to the islands and eliminate them completely if they ever attacked the people again.

Just then, Mr. Ohano and his assistant manager, a man by the name of Kenpichi, appeared, carrying trays of ramen noodles for the boys. There were many bowls for Ledas. After serving them, Kenpichi returned to the kitchen while Mr. Ohano lingered behind. Mr. Ohano asked Ryori and Ledas to go into town to pick up some ingredients for him for the Kurenai Natsumatsuri feast that night. Ryori affirmed they'd do so. Mr. Ohano asked Shoekki to help him in the kitchen while they were running errands. He was down to help, though he couldn't promise to be any good at it. Mr. Ohano wasn't worried. He would walk Shoekki through what to do.

He gave Ryori Ƶ30,000 and told him he could keep the change. Ryori tried to decline, but his grandfather was insistent, so he gratefully thanked him. Mr. Ohano asked them to get everything as soon as they could, as the festival would begin at 5:00 p.m. Ryori resolved to do so. Mr. Ohano returned to the kitchen.

He begged Ledas to finish his ramen as quickly as possible. Ledas took that as a challenge, downing his bowls without using chopsticks. His gluttony was remarkable. Ryori and Shoekki reminisced about the festival, Shoekki hoping he could snag an island girl while Ryori was eager to participate in the drinking competition. Shoekki scoffed at him, thinking he had no shot of winning. They made a bet of Ƶ15,000 over who'd last longer. Ledas joined in after Ryori asked him to. Shoekki thought it'd be the easiest money he ever made. With that, he got up and disappeared into the kitchen.

In the third scene, that evening, Mr. Ohano, Mrs. Ohano, Shoekki, Ryori, Jia, and Ledas attended the Kurenai Natsumatsuri at the Black Sand Beach of Raskintown. There were loads of people there. Jia and Shoekki went off to socialize by the water while the others watched a procession of dancers come down the road.

After Ledas and Ryori participated in the all-you-can-eat competition, they noticed Shoekki entertaining a group of girls at a table while Jia talked to a man Ledas recognized at another table.

Later, when Ledas and Ryori participated in the saké competition, Shoekki appeared and sat next to them after making his way past the other contestants. Ledas knew they couldn't beat him.

The servers gave each participant a ceremonial shot glass, a bottle of saké, and a bucket to throw up in. Shoekki thought Ryori would have to use his bucket, but his brother promised it wouldn't come to that. He reminded Shoekki that they'd been to the Guac a few times before and had some alcohol tolerance, but he didn't think that'd matter. This time, there was no town elder. The competition began in muted fashion. The rules were simple: everyone had to take one shot per minute or bow out until a winner was declared. 47 people had entered. The referee blew his whistle and the contest began.

Everyone took their first shots, though Ledas and Ryori struggled with the taste. The second shot was almost as bad as the first, though Ledas was feeling it now. The third shot was a struggle for Ledas, but the fourth came easier, as he was properly drunk. By the fifth shot, he was worried he was going to throw up, especially considering the amount of food he'd just eaten at the other competition. Ryori asked him how he was doing. Ledas swore he could keep going. Ryori admitted he didn't think he could stomach much more. He wanted to quit. Ledas knew he could do at least a couple more shots, but if Ryori was done, he'd go with him. He convinced Ryori to do another before throwing in the towel.

Afterward, they left, Shoekki cackling, waving goodbye. Later, Ledas and Ryori watched the fireworks at the edge of town on top of a boulder. They were making out when Shoekki drunkenly stumbled into view, pissing against a tree. He didn't notice them at first. When he did, he asked them what they were doing all the way out there. They lied that they were just watching the fireworks. He told them to be careful, wondering if they were drunk. Ryori didn't think he was nearly as drunk as his brother. Shoekki admitted he hadn't won the contest but had had a great time, zipping up and stumbling out of the brush. He bid them farewell, walking off.

In the fifth scene of chapter 4, on June 13, Age 776, Ledas arrived at Ohano's just in time to witness a group of customers leaving a few minutes before closing time. Mrs. Ohano, Jia, Shoekki, and Ryori were sitting together at a table inside. He joined them, pulling up a chair. Around a dozen patrons were still in the bar. Mr. Ohano worked behind the bar, serving several sailors.

The group greeted Ledas, Shoekki wondering if he'd had the most alcohol in his life last night, as he looked rough. Ledas didn't know for certain but assumed that was the case. Mrs. Ohano promised they'd take it easy that day, as the Kurenai Natsumatsuri had taken a lot out of everyone. They were going to hang out in the bar and maybe explore Hosomaki later. There were no other plans. Ledas very much appreciated that.

Ryori handed him a menu, saying he could order anything for free. Ledas wasn't hungry. Mrs. Ohano asked how he'd liked the festival. Ledas had had a blast. He lamented, somewhat, how he hadn't won the eating competition, though. She was shocked he had even been in contention for the prize given his slim physique. He praised the fireworks, saying it was a night he'd never forget. Ryori nudged him, looking panicky. Mrs. Ohano invited them to come again next year. She and Mr. Ohano had missed their grandchildren. Shoekki promised they would so long as he could get time off work.

He was peeved about the women giving him no action, however. Maybe next year would be better in that regard. Ryori found it funny he hadn't hooked up with anyone last night. He blamed it on Shoekki getting super drunk, which Jia reprimanded him for saying. Shoekki wasn't offended, just thought he hadn't gotten lucky. Jia said he'd find a mate eventually, calling him charming and good-looking, which was unusually forward of her.

She told him not to be humble, as Ryori had boasted he'd been pulling in a new woman every weekend back when they'd lived in Seikishi. Shoekki didn't know what the reason had been. Maybe his time "in prison" had dulled his flirting skills. Ledas realized he was lying to cover for being dead for two years, which made him gain respect for Shoekki. Ledas said that there were tons of sexy women in the Guac, so he should try with them. Shoekki still couldn't believe the bouncers hadn't thrown him and Ryori out whenever they'd gone there. Ledas said he was too quick, which Shoekki replied was not the best quip to make regarding women. Jia wondered if Shoekki was boasting, which Mrs. Ohano found to be a bit over the line. Jia said that after Mrs. Ohano had ordered them alcoholic drinks, she was feeling careless, especially this early in the morning.

Ledas excused himself to use the restroom. Ryori went with him. When they returned, Jia was a lot drunker. Ledas didn't mind. She'd earned it after what had gone down the previous night. Ryori wanted to get a round of shots for the table. Jia was into it. Mrs. Ohano wasn't sure. Jia asked her to go for it, for since they were on vacation, they should have a little fun. That convinced Ryori's grandmother to relent, although she'd only do one more shot.

Soon after, the rest of the sailors and tourists were ushered out of the bar and Ohano's closed for the day. Mr. Ohano joined them at the table. They were discussing the trip to the Asazari Zoo a few days back. Mr. Ohano interjected, saying that whenever they were ready, he was going to teach them how to make a few of his pub's staple dishes. Shoekki was into the idea. Ryori was too, but he needed another round of shots first. Ledas thought his desperation for alcohol meant he was about to come out, which gave him hope. Mrs. Ohano got to her feet, saying she couldn't have any more. Jia joined her, although not after openly flirting with Shoekki. The women returned to the Ohano house.

Ryori was growing drunk, so he blurted out that Jia was thirsting for Shoekki. Shoekki wasn't opposed to having fun with her. He didn't know if she was flirting or being friendly, however. They asked Mr. Ohano, who refused to give counsel on matters of the heart. Ledas asked Shoekki if he found Jia attractive. He did. Mr. Ohano cut through their conversation, asking if they'd join him in the kitchen. They were eager to do so. Ryori needed a moment with his brother, though. Mr. Ohano gave them the privacy they needed, returning to the kitchen.

Ryori took another shot, and a second beyond that, steeling himself. Water was his chaser (what a noob). He told Shoekki he had something to say. Shoekki guessed it was about Jia, but it wasn't. With pain, Ryori admitted he and Ledas were dating and that he was gay. He hoped Shoekki wouldn't care. Despite the revelation, he loved his brother and hoped he'd remain in his life. Ledas gave Ryori silent physical support. Shoekki admitted he already knew and didn't care. He'd known since before Ledas had come into the picture. It didn't change anything. He loved Ryori just as much.

Ryori apologized for not telling him sooner. He had feared Shoekki's rejection. Shoekki was okay with it, telling him it was alright. He didn't care that Ryori was gay. It just meant more girls for him. Plus, Ryori would never try to steal his girlfriend. In all seriousness, he accepted him, and that meant the world to Ryori. He was surprised about Ledas, asking if he was gay too. Ledas confirmed he was bisexual, not gay. Even so, he was monogamous, so Ryori was the only one for him. Shoekki said he was happy for them. There was no drama. They were a family and would continue to be one. Ryori hugged Shoekki, crying his eyes out, telling him he loved him. Shoekki returned the gesture. After a few minutes, Shoekki broke off, saying they needed to go to the kitchen. Ryori and Ledas didn't disagree.

In the kitchen, Mr. Ohano began teaching them how to make red curry chicken. Ryori and Ledas started off by grinding up red chilis in pestles and mortars. Shoekki was tasked with dicing up a cup of shallots. Ledas was so happy to be with those he loved, doing everyday things, being in the moment and not cowering.

In the first scene of chapter 5, on June 14, Age 776, Mr. Ohano, Mrs. Ohano, Shoekki, Ryori, Jia, and Ledas explored the town of Hosomaki, sightseeing. In the evening, they took the Blue Breeze to Raskintown where they congregated with loads of people in Tikupau to take part in the face-painting festival that served as the finale of the Kurenai Natsumatsuri. Ryori vaguely remembered taking part when he'd been little. It was good to be back.

Mr. Ohano pointed out the various shops and stores on their way to the festival area, acting as a tour guide. They came across a place known as the Thirsty Clam, which Mr. Ohano had trouble explaining the purpose of. Shoekki told everyone it was a whorehouse, which caused Mrs. Ohano to rebuke him. Shoekki said that Ryori and Ledas were old enough to know what that meant. They hadn't grown up in a puritanical atmosphere like his grandparents had. Ledas wanted to look around inside, but Ryori told him that wasn't going to happen.

Arriving in Tikupau, they split off, Ryori and Ledas remaining together. There were tons of people around. Ledas led him to the food line, which Ryori found unsurprising. Ryori's grandparents mingled with a group of natives while Jia and Shoekki split off in opposite directions.

After getting their faces painted, Ryori and Ledas noticed that Jia had moved to Shoekki's table, hanging close to him. He entertained the idea of them getting together, thinking it wouldn't be so bad. The boys bought double shots of saké and watched the dancers and fire-breathers. Drunkenly, Jia enticed Shoekki to join her on the dance floor. He was gobsmacked, pointing it out to Ledas. Ledas thought they were going to get lucky. He hoped they wouldn't just be a one-night stand, as they could be good together. Ryori agreed, though he feared what would happen if they broke up.

After returning from the forest (where Ledas had shown Ryori his Great Ape form), Ledas and Ryori found Shoekki and Jia at a table with a group of sailors and joined them. A sailor regaled a story of how his father had coaxed a woman into his bed to tempt the young boy. When she called him over to her, the father burst out from the closet with a rifle in his hand, chasing his son into the living room to be laughed at by his sailor crew. Jia, Shoekki, and Ryori thought that the woman had been culpable for the events, considering her actions highly immoral.

Shoekki poured everyone another round of saké (Ryori asked for another and was given it). Ryori and Ledas were properly drunk now. Giving in to reckless abandon, Ryori massaged Ledas while everyone continued talking. Another sailor, Happu, described how when he'd get drunk, he'd jump in a shark cage and try to punch a white or a tiger. Happu said that another sailor, Pupuro, had gotten his pinky finger bitten off by a baby tiger shark he'd tried to catch with his bare hands. Everyone drank more, shared more stories, grew rowdier, and had a great time. Ryori continued to massage Ledas, growing more confident.

In the second scene, after waking up, Ryori and Ledas found Mrs. Ohano, Jia, and Shoekki in the kitchen. Mrs. Ohano was cooking eggs and bacon, which Ledas found most agreeable. Jia discussed the plan for the day, saying they were going on a whale-watching trip that afternoon. Everyone was alright with that. They were going to go on a hiking trip across Hosomaki afterward. Again, nobody had any complaints.

Ryori asked Shoekki if he'd picked up any girls the previous night. Shoekki said he had, though he refused to give the girl's name, saying that keeping it close to the chest was a theme common in their family. Ryori said that he'd eventually told him about his relationship with Ledas, but Shoekki didn't care, saying he should've told him sooner. He refused to disclose his hook-up. Ledas didn't understand, thinking Shoekki would have an easier time telling them about a one-night-stand than a relationship. Regardless, Shoekki refused to say anything.

Mrs. Ohano noted that she'd taken pictures of everyone from the previous night and would send them the photos soon. She said that Ledas was part of her family since he was Ryori's family. Ryori was embarrassed, although he went along with it.

After they ate breakfast, the four of them played the board game "Articulate!". Ledas wasn't super up-to-date on human culture, but he held his own, answering several questions correctly. He, Ryori, and Mrs. Ohano formed a team while Jia and Shoekki were their opposition. They had a grand old time. Ledas proved his worth more than once (he knew his geography pretty damn well) and knew that there was nowhere else he'd rather be.

In the third scene, the next day, Mr. Ohano, Mrs. Ohano, Shoekki, Ryori, Jia, and Ledas went on a whale-watching trip. The Ohanos were on deck with Shoekki (with most of the other passengers) while Ledas and Ryori were in the cabin. Jia joined the boys inside, as it was really cold. After Jia came out of the cabin, her thoughts turned to Shoekki. She wondered if he was the one for her or if sleeping with him last night had been a mistake. She thought that after surviving that horrific night on Asazari, she had to shoot her shot. She had almost died before loving anyone, before getting a long-term boyfriend. She wouldn't make that mistake again.

She walked over to Shoekki, who was talking to Mr. Ohano about his octopus wrestling days. After the conversation stalled, she pried him away. They retreated to an area away from anyone else. Jia asked him if last night had been a one-night stand or if they were dating now. She needed to know if being drunk had been the main reason they'd hooked up or if there was something more authentic going on. Shoekki didn't think it was a mistake, offering to change up his routine and do more for her the next time they had sex. She admitted the sex had been fine. That wasn't what she was talking about. She wanted to know if their relationship was real or not. He was down for having a serious relationship with her, although he admitted he hadn't known that was her desire. He promised to be there for her.

They were about to kiss when a whale breached on the port side. The onlookers screamed and whooped, taking videos with their phones before a torrent of water came down upon them. Ledas and Ryori ran out of the cabin to get a look. A second whale (or perhaps the first one coming around again) breached the surface. The onlookers watched the glorious moments through their phones. Ryori vomited over the railing, emptying his stomach at long last into the sea. Another whale broke through the surface, the crowd whistling and applauding. Shoekki threw his arm around Jia, saying he was down for a relationship with her. That meant everything to her.

In the fourth scene, later that day, after having dinner, Mr. Ohano, Mrs. Ohano, Shoekki, Ryori, Jia, and Ledas climbed up the Pukitehau Trail in Hosomaki. They engaged in lively conversation, which Ryori noted was rare for Ledas, although he was probably in a good mood as his belly was full. Shoekki noted they had walked this trail many times in the past, back when he and Ryori had lived here. Ryori tried to remember, vague recollections coming to him in fractured blurs, but he couldn't settle upon anything solid. He lied, saying he did remember.

Mrs. Ohano said Ryori had been hyperactive back in the day, which was a far-cry from how he acted nowadays. Ledas was super surprised. Ryori pretended that was because he'd gotten older, not because he'd endured death of his parents. He promised to visit his grandparents more often now that they were settled in West City. Mrs. Ohano was just happy Shoekki had been exonerated. Shoekki lied that he'd gotten a huge check from King Furry as compensation for his time "in jail". Mrs. Ohano told them that if they ever needed anything, they shouldn't hesitate to call. They'd be there for them.

Around the bend, they came across thatch-roofed restrooms. Mr. Ohano told them there wouldn't be another on the way up, so if they had to go, they should go now. Ryori and Ledas left for the restrooms while Shoekki and Jia snuck off to vape together.

In the distance, Shoekki and Jia vaped to their lungs' content. Mr. Ohano whistled for them to return to the pack after Ryori and Ledas came back. Once reunited, they made their way up the mountain together. Mr. Ohano brought them to a stop before the great Makipulu tree, which had been struck by lightning several hundred years ago. Mrs. Ohano reminded Ryori they'd been here many times before. Shoekki remembered, although Ryori struggled to bring the memories forth. Shoekki brought up the time Ryori had climbed the tree only to fall and sprain his wrist. Ryori pretended like he remembered.

They reached the summit, approaching a cracked boulder. Shoekki and Mr. Ohano ushered the rest of them over to the boulder, looking for a specific place. Mrs. Ohano gestured to the spot, and they looked upon it: in Age 769, they had written their initials into the stone (including Ryori's parents). Ryori remembered, overcome by emotion. Mr. Ohano handed Shoekki a rock, asking him to do the honors (etch their current trip into existence). Everyone etched their names into the stone, Mr. Ohano adding '776' at the end. They stood back, admiring the stone face. Ryori was overcome with emotion and nostalgia.

Trivia

• Like most of the humans in The Forgotten, Shoekki's name is based on the Japanese for dining utensils. His namesake is dinnerware.
• Shoekki is the only character who smokes in The Forgotten.
• Shoekki was not revived after the Earth was restored because he was not killed by someone else, but instead committed suicide.
• After acquiring his age adjuster in chapter 1 of Monkeyboy's First Vacation, Shoekki wears the device for the rest of his life. This is because he did not age for the two years he was dead before Ledas revived him with Earth's Dragon Balls.
• Shoekki's theme is For What It's Worth.