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[Ten Views Of Shonan -Bait-] - Takeshiba Route Short Story
Thank you to Luc for proof-reading the Japanese as always and my dear friend Tiny for proof-reading The British. Additional shout-outs to Melee, Birb, and Chatts for enabling me when I first conceived the idea of translating Takeshiba's Kansai-ben as Cockney.
The following dialect is not pure Cockney because I'd have to provide translation notes for the English (and indeed I've indulged in a few), but spiritually, the cock is there. Aside from being a distinct working class dialect, what better way to capture the spirit of Takeshiba than making his every word a dick joke.
It was a bright and clear Sunday.
In Katase, an ocean breeze was caressing the great white walls of Aqua World. [1]
Towering over the seaside,
the building had opened just this year,
and the smell of fresh concrete still lingered.
Aqua World was an open-air circular structure with a massive pool at its center.
Its waters were a deep blue
as if someone had scooped out a piece of the sea itself.
We were sitting on the uppermost deck.
Shimbashi-san was gripping a pair of binoculars
as he anxiously scanned the crowd.
Shimbashi: “—goodness, are you absolutely sure that man is coming?”
Oosaki: “Without a doubt.”
A few days ago.
A pearl ring belonging to Shimbashi-san’s theater troupe suddenly disappeared.
The members reported seeing an unaffiliated janitor flee from the warehouse—
I was hired to conduct a background check on that man.
During the process, I stumbled across a promising lead.
Oosaki: “The man was known to frequent pawn shops.
It seems he was committing petty thefts here and there to scrape together quick cash for a living.”
Shimbashi: “A seasoned thief, is he?
And of all things, he took the one prop we actually need for the play.”
Oosaki: “Fortunately, it doesn’t seem like the ring’s been pawned yet.”
Shimbashi: “Then it’s still within his possession?”
Oosaki: “Most likely. He was overheard boasting at one of his regular bars about plans to propose to his new lover with it at this weekend’s dolphin show.”
Which meant it would happen today.
Shimbashi: “...I’ve found him!”
Shimbashi-san cried out.
On the opposite side, at the end of the second-floor spectator seating, was a familiar face.
Shimbashi: “I suppose that’s his lover beside him.”
Oosaki: “Where?”
I took the binoculars from Shimbashi-san.
However, I was unable to see whom he was referring to.
Oosaki: “The only person next to him is a man.”
Shimbashi: “Which means that man is his lover, doesn’t it?”
The two of them affectionately linked arms.
A bright ray of sun suddenly struck my eyes,
causing me to lower the binoculars.
Oosaki: “...Were you not surprised?”
Shimbashi: “?”
Oosaki: “By the fact that his lover was another man, I mean…”
Shimbashi: “Why should I be?
It’s not like such relations are uncommon in the theater world,
so there’s no reason for me to harbor prejudice against it.”
Shimbashi-san's true personality always caught me by surprise.
Shimbashi: “More importantly!
It’s egregiously, disgustingly, perniciously hot today!”
Oosaki: “Please bear with it a little longer.
If we can acquire the ring, we’ll be able to catch this thief for good.”
Shimbashi: “I have half a mind to rip them apart right now, but I suppose it would be better to wait.”
Oosaki: “The timing’s the issue…
When do you suppose he’ll take out the ring?”
Shimbashi: “Isn’t it obvious?
He’s evidently waiting for the ring jump.”
The… ring jump?
There were balls and hoops lined up on the stage—
Toys for the dolphins to use.
Catching the light reflecting off the water’s surface,
they sparkled and glittered like jewels.
The most dazzling of these was the ring suspended mid-air.
Shimbashi: “The dolphin’s jump is the highlight of this show.
The second it leaps for that ring,
he’s sure to strike!
I- If it were m- me at least, I’d want…
I’d want to wait for the most beautiful moment to whip out that ring!
Oosaki: “...You’re getting awfully heated about this.”
Shimbashi: “What!? I’ll have you know it’s nothing but righteous anger.”
The fantasies of a dreamer and the indignation of a businessman—
—It seemed Shimbashi-san was unaware of his two conflicting sides.
However, he possessed the insight of a playwright.
With his understanding of the heart,
he could predict what the lovers’ next movements would be.
At any rate, there was nothing that could be done until the show began.
Before long, a cheerful tune began to play.
The sound of the sea dissipated
as the spectators redirected their attention towards the stage.
A person wearing a mascot costume plodded out.
The suit had large black eyes and a pure white body that slightly curved like a boomerang.
What I had initially thought were feet turned out to be a tail and fins.
Was it supposed to be… an anchovy? [2]
Baby Anchovy: “La~dies and ge~ntlemen! Boys and girls~!”
Oosaki: “...Takeshiba-san?”
Shimbashi: “Huh!?”
Oosaki: “That man’s voice, it was Takeshiba-san’s.”
Shimbashi: “Don’t be ridiculous. It couldn’t be.”
Shimbashi-san snorted.
Shimbashi: “This is Aqua World’s dolphin show.
Even if it’s just the opening act,
I hardly think anyone would ask the likes of him to be here.”
Oosaki: “I suppose you have a point…”
I couldn’t think of a way to push back.
However, my attention was now fully focused on the stage rather than the job at hand.
Baby Anchovy: “O—kay, everyone! Welcome to Aqua World Shonan!
Thank you for coming to see Mr. Dolphin!
I’m his good friend, Baby Anchovy!
You might know of Mr. Anchovy, my father!”
A constant buzz polluted the sound of the mic.
Feedback occasionally shrilled through the air.
I felt sorry for thinking it, but the pitiful set reminded me all the more of Takeshiba-san.
Baby Anchovy: “My dolphin friend will be coming out very soon!
But before that,
there’s a couple of things you need to know!
Is everyone listening?”
Children: “Y—es!”
Baby Anchovy: “Wonderful, wonderful~!
First things first!
Mr. Dolphin loves anything that glitters and shines!
He just can’t help putting sparkly objects in his mouth!
That’s why throwing things into the pool is an absolute no-go!
Got it, everyone?”
Children: “We got it!”
Baby Anchovy: “Wonderful, wonderful!
Next up!
Mr. Dolphin can be a rather mischievous fellow!
To my friends in the first row,
I hope you’re prepared to get a little splish-splashed.
If you don’t want your cameras and toys to get wet,
Please keep them in your bag!”
Children cheered and adults applauded to his words.
Baby Anchovy was a master at handling the crowd.
He neither faltered nor rushed,
clearly conveying his message bit-by-bit via his voice and gestures.
You could feel the audience warming up,
new guests gravitating towards the radiant energy that emanated from the stage.
Baby Anchovy: “—It appears my friend is just about ready!
On the count of three,
I need everyone to cheer for Mr. Dolphin and his big brother!
Ack! I completely forgot!
His big brother is a human who is very close to my friend.
Okay, are we ready now?
One, two, three! Hello Mr. Dol—”
“GET OUTTA THERE!”
A male voice boomed through the stadium.
My blood went cold.
—The dolphin pens were located behind the stage and connected to the main pool.
However, the gate separating them remained closed.
Instead, the dolphin leapt over the partition separating the enclosures,
a wall about 3 meters high, and dived into the pool—
It happened in an instant.
Everyone gasped in amazement at the splendid feat they’d just witnessed.
…Then, the reason why that man had yelled earlier finally struck.
The dolphin sprang onstage and clamped down on Baby Anchovy’s side.
Baby Anchovy: “GAAAAHHHHHH!”
Then, sliding across the stage with its remaining momentum,
it shunted him into the water.
The microphone gave one final gurgle as it sank into the pool and died.
Still holding Baby Anchovy tight in its mouth,
the dolphin began to lap the pool as if whipping up a vortex.
Every so often it would breach the water before diving down again.
…What was I watching?
A sweat-drenched man, the dolphin’s caretaker, appeared from backstage.
Registering the scene before him, he froze in astonishment.
However, he quickly regained his bearings
and raised his eyes to face the crowd.
The music switched to an even livelier piece—
Caretaker: “Hello, everyone!
I’m Mr. Dolphin’s big brother!
Welcome to our special summer show ‘Friends of the Sea!’
Now, let the show begin!”
Oosaki: “!?”
Caretaker: “Mr. Dolphin is a carnivore!
That means he loves eating things like squid, octopus, and tender fish!
It’s what makes him so lively and strong!”
Shimbashi: “Oh?”
Oosaki: “This is bad, Shimbashi-san!
We have a crisis on our hands!”
Shimbashi: “Well, I certainly agree that the show is distasteful,
but everyone else seems to be enjoying it enough.
In terms of entertainment, it’s a success, no?”
Oosaki: “...!?”
Bits of laughter began to crop up within the shocked crowd.
The caretaker who had yelled earlier was now clapping his hands to the beat.
Baby Anchovy was still being whipped around at a blinding speed.
This wasn’t a show.
This was… hell.
Of course.
I remember now.
His voice, his gestures, his ridiculously bad luck.
I was now certain Baby Anchovy and Takeshiba-san were one and the same.
As soon as Takeshiba-san was involved, the show was done for.
Suddenly, the dolphin accelerated and launched Baby Anchovy into the air.
He spun rapidly from the centrifugal force, spraying water droplets everywhere.
At that moment.
For some reason.
A memory from a drinking party flashes before my eyes.
Takeshiba: “Oi, Oosaki-kun. They say this shop’s got dolphin meat.”
Oosaki: “You certainly don’t see that every day. Are you going to order it?”
Takeshiba: “Eugh! As if!
That’s proper mingin’!
In the west, they fink them dolphins are the ‘messengers of God’.
Says they’re meant to ferry your soul to the other side.”
Baby Anchovy had finally come to a stop.
By a stroke of luck, he’d gotten stuck in the suspended hoop.
Directly below him, the dolphin poked its head out of the water and squealed with laughter.
…At the very least, I was glad he was safe.
However, even my relief was short-lived.
Shimbashi-san, who was holding onto the binoculars,
suddenly lurched forward in the opposite direction.
Shimbashi: “He’s moving, Detective!
His expression changed!”
Oosaki: “?”
Shimbashi: “That resolve in his eyes…!
I know he’s up to something!
Ah! There! He’s getting down on one knee!!”
Oosaki: “Huh…?”
Shimbashi: “Is that… the ring!?
It is!
He’s taking out the pearl ring!!!”
Oosaki: “That confirms it.
He was planning to propose here.”
Shimbashi: “I’m going!!!”
Shimbashi-san bolted for the stairs.
I redirected my attention back to the pool.
Baby Anchovy was being moved with the hoop still around him.
A pale-faced worker was frantically pulling on its rope.
Caretaker: “Bye-bye, Baby Anchovy!
See you next time—!”
The show went on.
I offered my seat to a nearby spectator
and left the cheers of the crowd behind.
I waited for him by the backdoor of the stadium.
Before long, Takeshiba-san appeared, his shoulders sagging with defeat.
Water still dripped from his wet hair.
Upon seeing me, his eyes widened with surprise.
Takeshiba: “Eh…? Oosaki-kun…?
Oosaki: “I knew it. You were Baby Anchovy.”
Takeshiba: “You… You didn’t see everythin’ that happened earlier, didja?”
The two of us wordlessly left the building.
We decided to drop by Aqualand in the adjoining annex.
Stopping in front of an enormous jellyfish tank, the two of us finally sat down.
Takeshiba: “-Just my luck.
Why’d the two of you ‘ave to come by today of all days.”
Oosaki: “I have questions for you, too.
Why were you on stage?”
Takeshiba-san was usually in Asakusa performing magic shows.
Takeshiba: “Mate of mine in the biz asked.
He threw his back out and couldn’t move.
I felt sorry for the poor fella an’ stepped in.
Oosaki: “I figured it was something like that.”
Takeshiba: “Nahaha, guilty as charged.
I’d never score a spot like that on my own, right?”
The roar of the crowd seemed worlds away.
The bubbling of the water pump filled my ears.
Jellyfish pulsed before us like a sigh.
The atmosphere was so somber that I felt like my heart, too, was drowning.
Oosaki: “...Takeshiba-san. I want you to promise me something.”
Takeshiba: “?”
Oosaki: “...Stop accepting every job that comes your way.”
Takeshiba: “Hnn…”
Troubled, Takeshiba-san closed his eyes.
To anyone else, it would’ve looked like he wasn’t taking things seriously.
Only I knew he was deep in thought.
Oosaki: “I’m not referring to the pay either.
I want you to be somewhere that respects what you do.”
Takeshiba: “Hnngh~”
Oosaki: “...I’m certain there’s a place that will love you for who you are.”
Takeshiba: “Cheers, Oosaki-kun.
I ain’t nothin’ but sixes and sevens, after all.” [3]
I was only a bystander getting worked up on my own account.
However, I couldn’t stand seeing such careless management
or the way Takeshiba-san was willing to sweep everything under the rug…
And yet…
The man himself unexpectedly began to look shy.
Takeshiba: “When I really fink about it though,
I couldn’t never give this sorta lifestyle up.
It just ain’t like me to leave someone in trouble.
If there’s somefin’ I can do, consider me there.”
Oosaki: “...”
Takeshiba: “Rings a bell, dunnit?”
Oosaki: “....”
Takeshiba: “That’s jus’ like you, ain’t it?”
Oosaki: “Even I don’t take on more than I’m capable of.
If I fail, then all my effort would be for nothing.”
Takeshiba: “Ah. So I did cock-up the show then?
Oosaki: “....It was a dire situation from my point of view.
However, in terms of entertainment, I suppose it was a success.”
Takeshiba: “Naha~♡”
Once his damp hair dried, we went back outside.
The sun was setting now, and it was getting cooler.
Unexpectedly, Shimbashi-san was waiting for us.
Shimbashi: “I’ve finally found you, Detective.
Here is your compensation for today.”
Oosaki: “I apologize for allowing the culprit to get away.”
Shimbashi: “Not at all. The ring has been recovered safe and sound.
—There was no way he could’ve escaped in that situation.”
Shimbashi-san took the ring out of his breast pocket before quickly stowing it away again.
Then, he turned to Takeshiba-san with a frigid glare.
Shimbashi: “Now tell me, what are you doing here?”
Takeshiba: “...You… didn’t notice me earlier?”
Shimbashi: “Meaning?”
Takeshiba: “Ah~ Umm~.
Say how ‘bout we get dolphin tonight!?”
Shimbashi: “Sorry?”
Takeshiba: “I’ve gotta bone to pick with them fishy bastards.”
Shimbashi: “What in the world are you talking about?
Dolphins are mammals, aren’t they?”
Takeshiba: “They ain’t fish?”
Shimbashi: “They are most definitely not fish.”
Takeshiba: “No wonder they’re so smart, I never stood a chance…”
Shimbashi: “...Ugh! Put a stop to this nonsense, Detective!”
Takeshiba-san clung onto Shimbashi-san’s arm.
As the two of them became even more entangled, I leisurely trailed behind them.
Humans are terribly complicated creatures.
For every person dazzled by gold and riches,
there is another who would be fully satisfied with a delicious meal.
The thief’s lover was surely the latter.
I still couldn’t consider myself as either.
However, perhaps someday I will.
I wanted to become the kind of person who would value a simple seafood rice bowl
over the shine of a jewel.
For some reason, I felt more alive that way.
Every time I sit down to eat, I’ll envision it.
Baby Anchovy being bitten.
And the smile on the dolphin’s face—
[Ten Views of Shonan -Bait-] 1957. Takeshiba Route [4]
Translation Notes
[1] Although the aquarium's name is Aqua World in the story, there is not actually an Aqua World in Katase. The referenced building is most likely Marine Land located at the Enoshima Aquarium, and the name was changed for copyright/legal reasons.
[2] "Baby Anchovy" is originally "Shirasu-kun." Shirasu are young sardines and anchovies that are cooked and served as a local delicacy in Shonan. Since Takeshiba specifies "anchovy" in this story, that's what I decided to go with.
[3] I couldn't resist throwing in the British-isms here, but what Takeshiba means to say is: "Thank you for your kindness. I ain't nothin' but an idiot, after all."
[4] The name of the story is actually a pun in Japanese. The kanji used is "肴" which means party food served with drinks. However, it is also a homophone for the word "fish" (both pronounced "sakana"). For the English title, I went with "bait" since shirasu can also be translated as "whitebait." However, Takeshiba was truly bait in more ways than one in this story...
[Ten Views Of Shonan -Beach-] - Shiodome A Route Short Story
Spoilers for Shiodome's A and B Routes!
A black mass was lying by the shore.
Its body was long and thick, while its tail was short.
It didn’t seem real at all, like something forgotten by the midnight sea.
—Police: “Danger. Do not approach the beach.”
The police were blocking off the path to the water.
They didn’t need to explain why. It was obvious with a glance.
Sunday.
A whale washed up on Koshigoe Beach.
A crowd was forming on the sidewalk by the beach.
Everyone was silent as they gazed towards the ocean.
Beneath the blazing sun, the whale’s stomach was slowly, but surely, expanding.
It was the first time I had seen such a somber summer sea.
Elderly Man: “Looks like a blue whale.”
Suddenly, I heard a voice beside me.
At some point, an elderly man had come between me and Shiodome-san.
Shiodome: “Fishmaster!”
Oosaki: “Fishmaster…?”
Shiodome: “He sells the fish I buy for dinner. He always helps me pick them.”
Oosaki: “It seems we owe you a debt of gratitude.”
Elderly Man: “Look.”
The man spoke curtly as he pointed to the whale’s stomach.
Elderly Man: “He’s a male calf.”
Shiodome: “How do you know?”
Elderly Man: “His pe*is is sticking up.”
…I couldn’t argue with that.
Elderly Man: “When the insides decompose, it builds up gas. This creates pressure that causes the pe*is to erect.”
Shiodome: “If he’s rotting, does that mean we can’t eat him?”
Elderly Man: “We can’t. What a waste…”
And with that, the Fishmaster left.
His back swayed back and forth wistfully as he ambled away.
Shiodome-san continued to stare at that black lump—the blue whale calf.
Shiodome: “...I wonder what his parents are doing now.”
Oosaki: “I don’t know, but they’re probably looking for him.”
Children returning home from the pool. An elderly couple sharing a shopping bag.
The whale drew everyone’s attention as they passed by.
It felt as if we were all nonsensical guests attending a great funeral.
ʚɞ
The direction of the wind changed.
With the rotting stench blowing our way, the onlookers finally began to disperse.
Shiodome-san’s eyes didn’t waver.
Shiodome: “How did he die?”
Oosaki: “Perhaps he ate something he shouldn't have, or hit his head on a rock.”
Shiodome: “What a reckless way to go. Are you referring to what I did last week?”
Oosaki: “Maybe that’s why I can’t help but feel a connection to him—”
With that, the two of us went quiet, joining the silent prayer.
ʚɞ
Day 2 since the whale’s appearance.
Even though it was a Monday, I took the day off.
Shiodome-san and I gazed at the sea with straw hats on our heads and ramune in our hands.
Word had spread, and the sidewalk was even more crowded than the day before.
The local aquarium and university had been notified of the whale’s existence.
The Fishmaster informed us in passing that they were waiting for the whale to “explode” before collecting his remains.
—Eventually, all the built-up gas in his stomach would cause the whale to burst.
As befitting of a fishing town, the residents were hardly concerned and treated the occasion like a festival.
They set up food stands along the beach, the smell of yakisoba intertwining with the fetid stench of the whale.
I, too, was busy holding my breath and suppressing my hunger.
The whale continued to expand. Hairline cracks ran up and down his skin.
Separated from the waves, his dry body was no longer a thing of the sea.
Access was still restricted to the ocean and beach, so it was another quiet day.
Although I searched near and far—
The calf’s parents were nowhere to be seen.
ʚɞ
Night 3 since the whale’s appearance.
There was no one at the beach.
Only the crashing of the waves filled the darkness.
We went down to the water.
Since it was the middle of the night, there was no one to stop us.
The powerful wind blew the rotting stench away.
Approaching the whale for a closer look, we noticed details that weren’t visible before.
—His left eye was an empty cavity plucked clean by birds.
—His left side was discolored white and peeling.
The whale looked larger under the moonlight than he did during the day.
I knew it was because of the swelling.
However, it seemed to me as if the whale was in the midst of a deep, deep breath.
Shiodome-san gently placed his hand on the whale’s enormous body.
The Fishmaster had said only researchers were allowed to touch it.
Yet, this ritual seemed to transcend the rules.
He began to mumble to himself.
Shiodome: “—This calf, he was looking for his mother.”
Oosaki: “...”
Shiodome: “He was looking for her when… he got lost… and hit his head. He washed up here. Perhaps his mother is already—”
Things no one else could see.
Things no one else could explain.
Shiodome-san could occasionally scoop the inexplicable to the surface.
I listened to him as if in a trance.
We were suspended in both dream and reality.
Shiodome-san removed his hand from the whale.
The reading was over.
If something had come and gone inside him, I didn’t ask.
As we were on the way back, we heard a pop in the distance.
The sound was so quiet, it might’ve been a figment of our imagination.
Meeting each other’s eyes, we hurried back to the beach.
The whale had finally burst without anyone to witness.
As the swelling subsided, he seemed to drift back to sleep.
Shiodome: “Sweet dreams, little whale.”
The whale had finally exhaled.
And now he was taking another deep, deep breath.
ʚɞ
Evening 4 since the whale’s appearance.
When I headed to the beach after work,
The whale was already gone.
Shiodome: “The university researchers came at noon and brought heavy equipment with them.”
The noise of the sidewalk and the lights of the street stalls were gone.
The sand on the beach had settled.
Chatter filled the seaside once again.
We sat down where the whale once lay.
Shiodome: “Something strange happened to me the day before the whale appeared—”
Shiodome’s Recollection: “I was in the middle of cooking when I heard your voice call out to me.
However, when I turned around, a stranger was standing there.
Since you were at work, I knew you couldn’t be home.
So I asked, ‘Who are you?’
And that seemed to startle him.
Then, without saying a word, he left.
When I turned the corner in the hall, he was already gone. It was like he was never there.”
Shiodome: “—I messed up, didn’t I?”
Oosaki: “What do you mean?”
Shiodome: “I asked him who he was. That must’ve hurt him.”
Oosaki: “Did you report the incident to the police?”
Shiodome: “No, because nothing happened. He didn’t take anything.”
Oosaki: “If it happens again, don’t say a word to him next time.”
Shiodome-san fell silent before slowly speaking again.
Shiodome: “At first, I thought I didn’t know him…. But, when I think again, he was definitely you, Oosaki-san.”
Oosaki: “...Why do you say that?”
Shiodome: “His voice sounded exactly the same. Like a drop of ink slowly seeping into parchment paper.”
Oosaki: “That’s a difficult description to understand.”
Shiodome: “What I mean is, he sounded kind. Ihihi”
Shiodome-san blushed at his own words.
Shiodome: “Has anything strange happened to you lately?”
Oosaki: “Not at all.”
Shiodome: “That’s good. You won’t get lost then.”
Oosaki: “Even if that was a dream, it was certainly a strange one.”
Shiodome: “It wasn’t a dream, though.”
Oosaki: “Then perhaps you were half asleep.”
Shiodome: “I guess it doesn’t matter too much whether it was real or not, so long as you only give special treatment to me~. If you ever run into another Shiodome, don’t fall for it, okay~?
—Another Shiodome-san.
Ah.
That’s right.
I thought it was a dream.
No.
I wanted to believe it was a dream, so that I could forget.
That day, I was in an unfamiliar house.
I met a Shiodome-san who seemed different from usual.
When he extended his hand, I had turned it away.
I had made him cry—
Shiodome & Oosaki: “Ah.”
We noticed it at the same time—footprints in the sand.
They started somewhere inland, descended onto the beach, and continued into the waves.
From the town, to the sea.
There was no sign of hesitation—it was as if they were simply making their way home.
Oosaki: “I suppose he made it back safely. The whale, and the other me.”
Rather than leaving, it’d be more accurate to say they'd returned.
Shiodome-san rested his heavy head on my shoulder.
His eyes were closed as if in prayer.
Shiodome: “...For dinner, I was thinking of somen with chilled summer vegetables and a Michio-kun on the side.”
Summer is when the lines between everyday life and the otherworldly intersect. [1]
This summer, too, was just beginning.
[Ten Views of Shonan -Beach-] 1959.Shiodome A Route
Translation Notes
[1] In Japan, summer is the prime time for ghost stories and supernatural occurrences. One explanation for this cultural belief is that telling ghost stories will send a "chill down your spine" and cool off the heat. Another reason is that Obon, a festival for the dead, happens during the summer. During Obon, the line between life and death grows thin, allowing the spirits of the dead to visit their family.
[Ten Views Of Shonan -Light-] - Ariake A Route Short Story
Spoilers for Ariake's A Route!
In summer, Kamakura is filled with the scent of the sea.
As bathers change from their swimsuits to yukata, they begin to crowd the area around Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine.
That day, we had agreed to meet up beneath the entrance torii gate.
Shinagawa: “Good evening.”
Oosaki: “Good evening, Shinagawa-kun. What—”
Shinagawa: “C’mon, where’s your greeting?”
Shinagawa’s Brother: “...”
Shinagawa: “Hey, introduce yourself.”
Shinagawa’s Brother: “......”
Hiding behind his older brother’s back, the boy tugged on Shinkiba-san’s sleeve and peered at me.
He had a red oni mask on his head made of paper—perhaps a leftover from Setsubun—with slightly crushed horns. [1]
From that, I could tell it was his favorite.
I crouched down to meet him at eye level, but he immediately protested and turned away.
Shinagawa: “Ringo. Stop being so antisocial already. It’s rude.”
Oosaki: “Please don’t worry about it. I’m the one at fault for wearing a black yukata. It makes me look scary, like a nurikabe.” [2]
Shinagawa: “No, no, no, not at all.”
Shinkiba: “If you’re a nurikabe, then perhaps I’m a nurarihyon in my brown yukata, and these two are a pair of crimson oni brothers.” [3]
Shinagawa: “What has our detective agency become…”
Shinkiba: “That said, I think everyone looks splendid in their yukata.”
Shinkiba-san looked the happiest to be here.
Actually, it was him who had invited us to the festival.
He’d even taken it upon himself to buy everyone matching yukata.
However, I was the only one who couldn’t seem to get used to the outfit.
Oosaki: “Did we have to wear these?”
Shinkiba: “Oosaki-kun, if you’re going to a festival then a yukata is mandatory.”
Then, Shinkiba-san turned with a light clack of his wooden sandals and passed through the torii gate.
The rest of us were left with no choice but to follow.
ʚɞ
The road leading to Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, also known as the Dankazura, was lined on both sides with trees which provided cool shade in the summer heat.
As the evening hours encroached and the lighting grew dim, shadows began to obscure the faces of the people around us.
Our sleeves rustled as we brushed past one another, but there was no one in a hurry and no one being rushed along.
The wide pathway narrowed before long and people streamed into the shrine grounds where the dazzling lights of the street stalls greeted them.
Festivals are rife with deceit—
Artifically-colored chicks.
Rigged children’s games. [4]
Lotteries no one can win.
—At a festival, such things are permissible.
To experience the extraordinary, we must first be deceived.
In the midst of this, my eyes alone wandered from stall to stall.
Shinagawa: “Senpai, are you looking for something?”
Oosaki: “Yes. …Could we take a closer look over there?”
Shinagawa: “I don’t mind, but, huh…”
There it was—the place I’d been looking for—a mask vendor.
Hidden below an assortment of foxes, monkeys, rabbits, and other lucky masks was a singular red oni.
I picked it up without the slightest hesitation.
It had a charmingly crooked smile like a child had scribbled it on.
When I placed the mask on my face and turned around, Ringo-kun suddenly popped up before me. He approached with interest.
Shinagawa’s Brother: “You’re one of us!”
Shinagawa: “Oh, so now you’re talking…”
Shinkiba: “It seems he’s a good kid after all.”
Shinagawa’s Brother: “Let’s hold hands!”
Oosaki: “Of course.”
Shinagawa: “I suppose it’s fine if Senpai’s fine with it…”
From there, we ventured deeper into the shrine grounds.
Water yoyos, ring tossing, shooting games. The laughter of children fills the air.
It occurs to me that the mask slipped off my forehead at some point, but even with my true face revealed, Ringo-kun continues to smile.
As the darkness settles in, the shrine maidens emerge and light the bonbori lanterns.
The Bonbori Festival is a purification ritual that occurs every August in Kamakura. [5]
Rectangular lanterns made of washi paper are displayed, each with a painting on one side.
These works were created by artists connected to Kamakura.
To see a hundred of these lined up in a row is a magnificent sight to behold.
The area around the warmly lit lanterns had fallen mysteriously silent.
Everyone was captivated by the illuminated images as if they were being drawn in.
Then, Shinkiba-san broke the silence with his conspicuously cheerful voice.
Shinkiba: “Alright, shall we go find our dear Oosaki’s lantern?”
At that moment.
Within the crowd, I thought I saw a familiar face.
He crossed the street and disappeared down an unlit road that led to a pond.
I couldn’t help but trace his path into the darkness.
Shinkiba: “Oosaki-kun? Are you alright?”
Oosaki: “Yes…”
Shinagawa: “Ah!”
Shinagawa-kun suddenly shouted and pointed at something.
—I recently took a job from a writer in Kamakura.
We ended up having a conversation about watercolor painting,
And as a result, I received a special opportunity to paint a lantern.
The subject I had chosen was a sunset-view of the sea.
It was the kind of fleeting scenery you wouldn’t be able to find in broad daylight.
Illuminated by the warm flame of the candles, the painting glowed a gentle pink.
It was as if the waves were sparkling beneath the sun.
Shinkiba: “Your painting has a quiet beauty—it cleanses the soul. I’m glad we all came to see it.”
Shinagawa: “...That island on the edge is Enoshima. And in the distance you can see the faint outline of Mount Fuji. Which is to say, this must be a view of the Shonan seaside. From the perspective, I’d guess we’re on the side of a mountain or perhaps gazing at the scenery from the veranda of a house… Well? Am I right?”
Oosaki: “On every point.”
There were only a few clouds in the sky on the day of this sunset.
The gradient that formed as noon turned to night was bright and clear.
From the strange color of the sea, it could’ve easily been morning.
We watched it together—he and I.
“How beautiful,” he’d murmured as he began to drift off.
Truthfully, there’s a certain person I wanted to see this painting with.
However, he’d turned my invitation down.
I was hallucinating phantoms of Ariake-san within the crowd.
It was as if I was possessed.
Just as I was about to clear my head, Ringo-kun suddenly tugged on my sleeve.
Shinagawa’s Brother: “Are you sure you don’t want to go? To find the person you’re looking for?”
…Who?
Oosaki: “I’m not looking for anyone.”
Shinagawa’s Brother: “But you are?”
Oosaki: “Even if I am, there’s nothing I could do right now.”
Shinagawa’s Brother: “He was dragging his foot, like it was in pain.”
Oosaki: “...”
Shinagawa’s Brother: “Are you really sure?”
Ringo-kun’s eerie voice felt like a gentle stab.
He couldn’t have possibly known anything about the two of us, yet he seemed worried all the same.
…It would appear he was just as sharp as his brother.
I freed myself from all the festival goods I’d been entrusted with—
Cotton candy, candy apples, water yo-yos, excessively long fugashi cakes.
—And distributed them to the rest of the party.
Shinagawa: “Senpai?”
Oosaki: “I remembered I have urgent business to attend to. Please excuse me.”
Shinagawa: “Huh!? What about praying at the main shrine? Or checking out the food stands!?”
Oosaki: “We’ll do it next time, no, later.”
With that, I put my mask back on and melted into the crowd.
Shinagawa: “Ahh, wait! I wanted you to get something for me from the shooting game too! Ugh, he’s already gone! …I should’ve just been honest about it earlier!” [6]
Shinkiba: “Being a detective certainly comes in handy.”
Shinagawa: “What are you talking about…?”
ʚɞ
It was silent around the pond.
There were only a few lanterns here, and the gagaku music playing near the temple sounded far away.
Ariake-san was sitting on a fence. A man was kneeling at his feet.
His fat fingers were crawling all over Ariake-san’s foot.
Letting this happen, he laughed as if it tickled.
I stood within the shadow of the trees.
…So this was the reason Ariake-san was being so evasive when I called him last week.
A gust of wind rustled the leaves, allowing light to seep through the cracks.
Ariake: “—Oosaki-san?”
Just as I was about to leave, a voice stopped me from behind.
If I wanted to run, I still could.
However, my hesitation became my answer.
Ariake: “Ah, it hurts—”
Ariake-san had attempted to stand up, but he fell.
I gallantly rushed over to him.
Supporting his arms, I helped him back up.
But he simply collapsed against me.
Ariake: “Since I don’t often wear these sandals, I ended up twisting my ankle… However, everything’s fine now that you’re here to help me, Oosaki-san.”
Oosaki: “...”
Ariake: “You are Oosaki-san, aren’t you?”
He asked, despite being entirely sure of the answer.
With no other choice, I took off my mask.
I didn’t know what kind of expression I was making, but I couldn’t help but feel as if some dark, ugly feeling had come to light.
…Who was that man?
Doubt had rooted itself into my heart.
Still clinging onto me, Ariake-san smiled at the man.
Ariake: “Thank you for accompanying me here, but I’ll be alright now. He’ll be with me from now on.”
Man: “Who is he…?”
Ariake: “Oosaki-san is my—”
I gave the man a quick bow and roughly steered Ariake-san away.
ʚɞ
We silently walked down the main pathway of the shrine.
Since the lantern viewing was in full swing, there was no one besides us heading out.
I sat Ariake-san down on the stone steps by the entrance torii gate and began to feel his foot.
I couldn't tell how badly the sprain was with just a glance, but he did have a few blisters on his toes.
Oosaki: “Can I pop these blisters for you?”
Ariake: “...Huh?”
Oosaki: “If you pop them now, the pain subsides faster.”
Ariake: “Oh… No, they’re fine as is. Is that what you usually do?”
Oosaki: “I did it often when I was young.”
Ariake: “...Did it not hurt?”
Oosaki: “Only at first.”
Ariake: “I… think you might be an exception.”
Oosaki: “...”
It was a perfunctory medical treatment. I had let my hatred of the doctor’s slip.
However, what made me even more restless…
Was the fact that I was in the exact position as the man from before.
Oosaki: “...I’ll call a taxi so you can go home.”
Ariake: “Are you not going to ask me why I’m here?”
Oosaki: “...”
I couldn’t come up with a reply.
His eyes were pinned on me, and I was sure I was looking back.
However, I couldn’t help but notice the sweat on the back of his neck, the slenderness of his fingers as they trembled.
There was no way to hide my wandering gaze.
Oosaki: “...Shall we take a break?”
ʚɞ
There’s a small teahouse on a path that splits from the road.
We were led to a tatami mat room on the second floor.
Ariake-san sat in a chair with one leg propped up, an ice pack on his foot.
A kind attendant had made it for him.
I sat in the seat directly across, gazing at the bright sky above the shrine grounds.
I think the conversation had stopped on my end.
Oosaki: “...Who was that person?”
Ariake: “A junior from work. He wanted me to come and see the lantern he’d painted.”
Oosaki: “Should you have left him behind?”
Ariake: “It’s fine. I’m sure he’s with the others.”
Oosaki: “The others?”
Ariake: “We came with a group of coworkers.”
Oosaki: “...I see.”
Hearing that, my shoulders clearly sagged with relief.
…Ariake-san didn’t come alone with that man after all.
Ariake: “He lives in Kamakura and often played around Hachiman Shrine as a child. When I hurt my foot, he knew exactly where to take me to rest.”
Oosaki: “It’s good he was a local, so you didn’t have to look around on your own.”
Ariake: “They’re probably meeting up around the main shrine now.”
Oosaki: “...That said. I heard only professional artists could paint a lantern. He must be exceptionally talented.”
Ariake: “Apparently, he’s won several awards and was recommended for the task. It really was a beautiful lantern.”
Oosaki: “...”
I pretended to drink tea to hide my lips.
To muddle my reply.
I meant to swallow it all down, but I couldn’t hold it in, and everything came pouring out.
Oosaki: “The two of you must be very close.”
Ariake: “Ehe?”
Oosaki: “I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”
Ariake: “Ah— What you saw back there… He’d said something that was a bit troubling for me, so I was trying to laugh it off.”
Oosaki: “What was it?”
Ariake: “Hmm, I can’t say.”
He shrugged his shoulders and smiled.
Ariake: “Why did you come to the festival?”
Oosaki: “I saw the lights on my way back from a job and thought I’d take a quick look.”
Ariake: “You had a job… that required you to wear a mask and yukata?”
Oosaki: “That’s… confidential information, so I can’t answer your question.”
Ariake: “Were you tracking someone?”
Oosaki: “I can’t answer that either.”
Ariake: “Well then, it seems like we’re both keeping secrets today.”
The ice in his glass rattled, making a light noise.
Or perhaps the sound was from Ariake-san’s eyes flicking towards me.
He was wearing a devilish grin.
Ariake: “Tell me, why are you angry?”
Oosaki: “Angry? I’m not—”
Ariake: “Is it because of him? Or perhaps me?”
Oosaki: “...”
Ariake: “It’s fine, you know. You can lash out if you’d like. We’re lovers, aren’t we? Shouldn’t we be able to tie each other down?”
It sounded like there was a tinge of sadness in his voice.
Ariake: “The very fact that we were allowed into this teahouse is proof of our love. Anyone can see how close we are.”
Oosaki: “The attendant was just concerned about your foot. …It’s the same as with your colleague.”
Ariake: “Oh, but I think he’ll ask me again tomorrow—who was that person? And this time, I’d like to answer him properly.”
Oosaki: “Stop it.”
Ariake: “Why?”
Oosaki: “I… don’t particularly mind, but I don’t think it’s good for you to associate yourself with me.”
Ariake: “If you don’t mind, then what’s the issue?”
Oosaki: “...”
Ariake: “Are you not concerned about me whatsoever?"
His perfectly composed smile slipped, unveiling his insecurity.
I had noticed this from the beginning, but Ariake-san was acting differently from usual.
Ariake: “What he said to me back there was that he wanted to bring me to his house and prepare an ice pack for my sprain. There was nothing about popping blisters or calling a taxi to send me home.”
I found my gaze drifting back towards the window.
Then, Ariake-san unexpectedly stood up and squeezed in next to me.
Since the seat was too small, we were practically on top of each other.
If this was a scale, I had the feeling it would tip in Ariake-san’s favor.
…I was completely unfit to call myself his lover.
Oosaki: “...I’m sorry.”
Ariake: “Do you really understand what you’re apologizing for?”
His breath was terrifyingly close.
Ariake: “It must’ve been fun playing that shooting game with all those children around you.”
Oosaki: “!”
Ariake: “That’s right, I saw you first.”
Oosaki: “I have nothing to be guilty about…”
Ariake: “Then why did you lie to me and say you had work?”
—It couldn’t be.
Crossing the road.
Stringing along that man.
Allowing his foot to be touched.
Was everything to spite me?
Ariake: “I couldn’t stand seeing how happy you looked.”
Oosaki: “That’s just the mask’s design…”
Ariake: “What about when you won the heaviest prize from the shooting game?”
Oosaki: “That was pure luck…”
Ariake: “Or when you landed every try at the ring toss?”
Oosaki: “That was a miracle…”
Ariake: “Or when you netted five yo-yos in a single round?”
Oosaki: “That’s… inexcusable.”
I had completely ruined the children’s festival.
Ariake: “However, what I absolutely can’t stand the most… is myself.”
Oosaki: “Ariake-san…”
Ariake: “Without judgment, will you listen to what I have to say?”
Oosaki: “Of course.”
Ariake: “Don’t hold anyone’s hand but mine—”
Even though his opponent was a child.
Even though he had nothing to worry about.
Ariake-san still spat those words out bitterly—
—As if he were a child himself.
His painful confession sank deeply into my chest.
As if to absorb as much of that pain as I could,
I kissed him.
ʚɞ
Love has a way of warping even the most ordinary people into enemies.
If this is the way love works,
Then it truly is a foolish and pitiful thing.
However. Despite my fear and anguish, I could never leave Ariake-san’s side.
This, too, is the work of love.
ʚɞ
The next morning.
We walk along the deserted pathway lined with glowing lanterns.
With the clamor of the festival long gone, the pale bonbori seemed reminiscent of ephemeral bones.
Ariake-san wistfully gazed at my painting.
He contemplated it for a long time.
Ariake: “—So this is why you came to the festival.”
Oosaki: “It’s also the reason why I invited you.”
Ariake: “If you had told me, I would’ve changed my plans…”
Oosaki: “I didn’t want to raise your expectations only to disappoint you. I’m only an amateur artist. Compared to everyone else…”
Ariake: “Your painting is amazing.”
He poked at the waves.
It was a subtle, gentle gesture so as not to damage the paper.
Ariake: “...Will you come over next week?”
Oosaki: “Of course.”
Ariake: “I’d love to watch the sunset with you again.”
He tucked his bangs behind his ear and smiled softly.
Then, he straightened up, grabbed my hand,
And took off running.
Ariake: “We have to hurry!”
Oosaki: “Please slow down, Ariake-san!”
Ariake: “I can’t! I have work soon, so I have to get dressed!”
Oosaki: “I understand, but…!”
It didn’t seem like his foot was in pain.
Almost as if there was never any to begin with.
If that was true, it seems I’ve been terribly deceived…
It appears I haven’t escaped the festival just yet.
[Ten Views Of Shonan -Light-] 1956.Ariake A Route
Translation Notes
[1] A Japanese festival that celebrates the coming of spring by throwing beans at family members wearing oni masks to purify the home.
[2] A yokai that appears late at night to obstruct a traveler's way. Sometimes it is depicted as a large wall with a face, other times as a dog-like creature with three eyes.
[3] A yokai that appears as an old man with a gourd shaped head. He is said to be the supreme commander of monsters.
[4] Originally "wet katanuki." Katanuki is a children's game that involves carving shapes out of a slab of candy without it breaking. If the katanuki is wet, the game becomes more difficult.
[5] The Bonbori Festival actually occurs over three days with a different focus for each day. This story takes place on the first day, also known as the Nagoshi-sai or "Summer Purification Festival" which is meant to ward off misfortune and danger.
[6] Shinagawa typically uses the same atypical first-person pronoun (jibun) as Oosaki out of admiration, but in his bewildered state, he switches to a more common one (ore) which I think is cute.
[Ten Views Of Shonan -Hill-] - Shimbashi Route Short Story
Thank you @/phampiremagic on Twitter for helping proofread!
Shimbashi: “I require your services.”
ʚɞ
That was all of the message Shimbashi-san left at the detective agency.
With haste, I hurried to meet him at the appointed location.
It was a Friday in the midst of August.
The mountaintop resting area was bustling with tourists.
It had been a while since I’d seen Shimbashi-san.
His hair had grown longer and was tied behind his neck.
His clothes were disheveled as if he’d just rolled out of bed.
Shimbashi: “Greetings.”
Oosaki: “Good afternoon, Shimbashi-san.”
Shimbashi: “My apologies for calling you here on such short notice. I hope this compensation fee will suffice.”
Oosaki: “It’s fine.”
Shimbashi: “You do realize I’m hiring you for a job?”
Oosaki: “There wasn’t much work at the agency today, so I took off early.”
Shimbashi: “...What a disgusting amount of free time. Just accept it already. You peon. Pauper. Peasant.”
Oosaki: “You won’t change my mind by calling me names. Please give it up.”
Shimbashi: “What am I to do if your family thinks me an unreasonable man?”
Oosaki: “I suppose you’ll have to act reasonably.”
Shimbashi: “Which is why I’m paying you a reasonable amount.”
And with that, he forced the money upon me.
We were sitting in a corner by the windows.
Outside, the town of Oiso and its beach stretched out beneath us.
This area was formerly known by the rather elevated name, “Senjoujiki”.
However, after officially becoming a scenic park, it was renamed to Shonandaira. [1]
Neither of us holds a connection to this place.
When I was summoned here, I had thought to myself—
“This must be important”— However…
Oosaki: “What’s the situation?”
Shimbashi-san brought out a single handkerchief.
Then, with trembling fingers, he carefully, reverently placed it on the table.
Although it was folded into quarters, I could tell it was a rather large piece of white cloth.
Shimbashi: “After our last performance, I found this handkerchief in one of the audience seats. My request for you is to find its owner.”
Mirroring his caution, I gently touched the handkerchief.
Printed along its edge was the name of this resting area.
Without a doubt, the owner had a connection to this place.
Still, it would be a difficult search.
Shimbashi: “I understand that I am grasping at straws. However, I thought that perhaps someone from Hiratsuka, such as yourself, would be able to discern more…” [2]
Oosaki: “While it’s true that Hiratsuka and Oiso are neighboring cities, Oiso’s tourism industry is much more developed. Even this resting area has been open since spring.”
Shimbashi: “Which is to say the handkerchief’s owner could’ve been a visiting tourist rather than a local…”
Oosaki: “Exactly. It would appear this place sells similar items over there.”
I pointed to the store by the register.
An array of souvenirs, including handkerchiefs, pens, and coffee beans, were on display.
The store was completely packed.
With no other place to escape the scorching heat of the sun, everyone on the mountaintop gravitated here in search of a cool respite.
Tropical music. [3]
Children’s laughter.
Clattering silverware. In the midst of this bright place—
Shimbashi-san was like a gloomy shadow as he sipped on his acrid, black coffee.
Shimbashi: “The handkerchief owner was sitting in the front row in the very last seat on the right. She was a woman with short hair.”
Oosaki: “You remember that much?”
Shimbashi: “She’s been a patron for some time.”
Despite being an author who could fill a thousand-seat theater, he still remembered a single guest hidden in its wings.
Oosaki: “If that’s so, then we could sketch a portrait and ask the waiters.”
Shimbashi: “Such was my initial plan. However, they haven’t even the time to take your order.”
Several waiters were flitting about, but they all seemed busy.
With no other choice, I swiped Shimbashi-san’s iced coffee and took a sip.
Shimbashi: “Ah—”
Oosaki: “In that case, there’s another way to return the handkerchief. If the owner is a regular guest, then at the showing of your new play tomorrow—”
Shimbashi: “I fear she won’t come.”
With that, Shimbashi-san pressed his lips together and fell silent.
His eye watered like he was about to cry.
I was startled.
For the first time, I noticed his agitation.
Shimbashi: “Perhaps, the owner of this handkerchief didn’t forget it at the theater.
Perhaps, they meant it as a gift for me.
Take a close look at the hand-stitched embroidery.
This streetlamp was the motif of last year’s play.
This magnifying glass was a previous motif as well.
And this, is the insignia of the Pluto Theater Company.”
Suddenly, the handkerchief felt warmer and weightier in my hand.
Shimbashi: “Consider this:
If the handkerchief was indeed intended for me, why would the owner choose to bequeath a handkerchief specifically?
Gifts come in all manner of shapes and sizes, such as watches, fountain pens, letters, and so on.
But to give a handkerchief…”
Oosaki: “What does it mean?”
Shimbashi: “To give a handkerchief as a gift, is to signify an eternal parting.”
He turned to face the window.
His eye welled with the color of the sea.
He was fighting back tears, pretending like his wavering gaze was nothing more than the reflection of the waves.
Shimbashi: “It’s said that the deceased leave handkerchiefs behind so the living may wipe their tears.”
Oosaki: “The deceased?”
Shimbashi: “When I saw the ocean today, I felt certain of it.
That guest will never again come to the theater.
That guest, she's already gone—”
Oosaki: “...”
Shimbashi: “You can tell the kind of person she was from the stitching—
—A delicate, sensitive soul.
The boundless ocean. The no-swimming flag.
Oh, it could only end in tragedy.”
Oosaki: “...”
Shimbashi: “All I wish is to return this handkerchief to her family.
However, I’m powerless to achieve even that…”
Oosaki: “Have you slept lately?”
Shimbashi: “I haven’t slept well for an entire week.”
Oosaki: “That would explain all the nonsense.”
Shimbashi: “You mock me—!?”
His vivid imagination was causing him to jump to the wrong conclusions.
As a detective, I had to intervene.
Firstly, I spread the handkerchief out on the table.
A street lamp, a magnifying glass, a red ribbon and heel.
The embroidered images seemed to trace Pluto’s artistic journey.
Putting my face to the table, I sniffed the fabric.
Shimbashi: “Disgusting…”
Oosaki: “The smell could provide us with a clue.”
Shimbashi: “Even so, it’s an unsightly act…”
Oosaki: “We’ll absolutely find her.”
Regardless of whether the owner left or forgot her handkerchief, there was a case to be solved.
Then—
Oosaki: “I smell coffee. It’s faint, but it’s there on the edge of the handkerchief.”
Shimbashi: “Coffee? Are you sure that’s not my drink?”
I thrust my nose into his coffee.
Shimbashi: “Ee—!!!”
Oosaki: “Just as I thought… It’s the same scent.”
A waiter approached us.
Employee: “My apologies for the wait. What would you like to order?”
Oosaki: “An iced coffee pl—”
Employee: “Ah!!!”
The waitress’s scream drew everyone’s attention.
However, she didn’t notice whatsoever.
Her focus was solely on the handkerchief lying on the table.
Employee: “That’s my handkerchief!”
Oosaki: “Huh?”
Shimbashi-san stiffened.
All around us, people returned to their previous activities.
Only I continued to look at her.
Oosaki: “Are you certain this is yours?”
Employee: “It has to be.
I stitched everything myself.
The street lamp, the magnifying glass, the red ribbon and heel—
—Pluto’s pawprint insignia.
Wherever did you find it?”
Oosaki: “It was on one of the seats at the theater.”
Employee: “I must’ve left it there.”
Shimbashi-san clutched his head and planted his face on the table.
Oosaki: “I figured that was the situation, so I came to return it.”
The waitress held onto the handkerchief tightly as her eyes welled with tears.
Employee: “Are you a fan of Pluto too, sir?”
Oosaki: “I am.”
Employee: “For how long?”
Oosaki: “It’s been about three, no, four years now.”
Employee: “What drew you to him?”
Oosaki: “His consideration for the audience.”
Employee: “He does seem like a very kind person.”
Oosaki: “The type to clean the theater himself despite being the playwright.”
Any other person would’ve deemed the handkerchief rubbish and thrown it away.
However, Shimbashi-san was part of the stage himself.
His thespian soul compelled him to pick up the handkerchief—
—For anything could be a valuable prop.
Shimbashi-san suddenly took off.
Bewildered, I chased after him.
The waitress quickly waved her handkerchief to see us off.
As we stepped outside, the droning of cicadas immediately filled our ears.
The midsummer sun made everything hazy, except for the shadows, which stood out in stark contrast.
Shimbashi-san partially turned around to face me.
He was pouting with a sulky expression.
However, a single wet droplet slid down his cheek.
It was a tear of relief.
Shimbashi: “I apologize for my unseemly behavior.
It appears I’ve worked myself up over nothing.
I hadn’t even considered that the owner could be an employee.
Had I realized sooner, I could’ve settled everything with a phone call.”
Oosaki: “I wouldn’t say it was all for nothing.”
Shimbashi: “...”
Oosaki: “You saved her.” [4]
Shimbashi-san was never wrong about people.
The waitress’s tears must’ve come from deep within her heart.
In the end, I was glad we came.
ʚɞ
The two of us boarded a bus back to town.
As if his strings were cut, Shimbashi-san began to doze off despite the coffee he’d drunk earlier.
Before I realized, his head fell against my sturdy shoulders as if that’s where it belonged.
The weight of his body was comforting.
Today.
He was a client and I was a detective.
Tomorrow.
He’ll be Pluto and I’ll be his audience.
The day after, Sunday.
A day when there are no roles assigned.
We’ll play as lovers.
[Ten Views of Shonan -Hill-] 1959.Shimbashi Route
Translation Notes
[1] "Senjoujiki" literally means "thousand mat room" but can signify an expansive rocky plateau. "Shonandaira" translates simply to "Shonan Plateau" which is significantly more straightforward.
[2] "Grasping clouds" in the original which is cuter than grasping at straws, a very Shimbashi phrase.
[3] Just a fun fact, but the restaurant Oosaki and Shimbashi are in is apparently Hawaiian themed. Shout-out to Luc, the editor, for this discovery.
[4] The one (1) word used in the original leaves the meaning of this line slightly vague. In one interpretation, Oosaki could be saying Shimbashi was able to "save" the woman by returning something that was clearly precious to her. In another interpretation, Oosaki might've meant that Shimbashi could've literally saved the woman's life had she truly been planning to jump into the sea. I think the latter is more empathetic towards Shimbashi since it encourages him to embrace his anxious nature on the off-chance that he's right.
Since I wrote my fic about junior Wei Wuxian trying to follow every rule, I’ve been wanting to compile a list of all known rules across multiple sources, and apparently today is the day for that.
General notes:
According to the MDZS novel, there are 3,000 rules at the time of the lectures, and 4,000 rules 13 years later after Wei Wuxian is resurrected. According to CQL, there are 3,500 rules at the time of the lectures.
These rules are presumably numbered, as when Lan Wangji is being beaten, Lan Qiren asks him “what is the 52nd doctrine of the Lan clan?” However, they are given in a different order in different sources so establishing how they are numbered is impossible. Since we can’t know the order they “belong” in, I’ve organized them by grouping them thematically. For the few I know numbers for, those numbers are included in parenthesis.
I don’t know how these rules are referred to in Chinese; in English they are translated as rules, principals, doctrines, or laws. Based on contextual clues, it’s possible that the rules are sorted into different categories (ie, principals vs. doctrines vs. rules)
I did my best to consolidate the rules listed duplicatively over multiple sources, but as I don’t speak Chinese and therefore cannot say which are identical in the original, there is likely some redundancy. This is exacerbated by a lot of rules apparently being given in both “do not” and “be” forms - ie, “do not disrespect elders” and “be filial” and “be respectful to teachers” are all rules. The reason I opted to leave these areas of redundancy is that this compiled list is around 175 rules. There are 3,000 plus of these things. If just ~175 have this much duplication the amount of redundancy in the actual list must be insane, so I think these overlapping rules are intentional and consolidating them would be inappropriate.
