"There wasn't anyone else to do it. I love a good mystery." Senku hummed. "What caused the petrification isn't magic, it's scientific. It's really fascinating, actually." He would say that. "It just takes a long time to make scientific breakthroughs. There's a lot of trial and error involved."

Senku really appreciated the distraction, and even though his body wasn't appreciating the walk, it was better than just feeling it and dragging his feet.

He paused to think. "No, I don't think I've ever blown up the forge, which is good because rebuilding it would be a pain. It helps though, that there was an expert in the village. It really helps to avoid the trial and error part. I had a lot of book information on these skills, but without the practice I was an amateur at best. Kaseki, he's been making things his whole life, and that's his passion, so he's a lot better than I am at it, but I've definitely learned a lot from him."

He sighed. "You'd be surprised. My best friend is kind of like that, or maybe he just doesn't understand complex concepts, but he has a good memory." He grinned. "So if you break it down, he'll get it. He doesn't really seek out learning though."

Senku nodded. "Yeah. He'd be proud of me. He always was. He's that dad."

"Cooking is interesting because it's chemistry. The fact it's useful is just a bonus. I've been cooking all week, actually. I helped Tidus break down some bears and make the lunch boxes. We're in a primarily hunting and gathering society so breaking down animals is an old skill now. I made some other things for Gen and I, and I guess anyone else who needs them." He was more than willing to share his food if it was necessary. "Some jerky with the wolf meat, and some stollen with mango compote." He paused. "I don't have a lab." He said by way of explanation.