This Japanese Monogatari Isn't Lame

"This is the cipher indicating that the balance between the real world and the hidden world can no longer be maintained.""

She touched the red mark on her wrist, her gaze steady.

"Ultimately, this is just speculation from the Mouchi family, with no actual evidence. And it's because of this that the Mouchi family wants to find the Mouchi Witch... They say only by finding the Mouchi Witch... can the Mouchi family continue to fulfill its mission.""

At this point, Mouchi Mashi had already tightly grasped her collar, showing a smile that couldn't fully form.

"Mr. Beichuan also asked me, right? Why do I want you and Miss Mirai to leave Kagoshima Prefecture... leave the Mouchi family. That's because—""

Mouchi Mashi took a deep breath, yelling out no longer in her previously elegant manner:

"That so-called glory of the Mouchi family! The mission of the Mouchi family! I never wanted to adhere to it! What does that have to do with me!?"

She covered her face, her shoulders quivering slightly, tears falling through her fingers.

"I just want... to stay with my parents... to live on... that's all. Mouchi Family Head... I don't want to be one... I just want to stay with my parents.""

Beichuan Si had nothing to say.

This was what Mouchi Mashi truly felt.

She only wished to be with her parents, but because of the Mouchi family's 'mission,' her parents died in the Mouchi Main Family which turned into 'Mouchi's Soul-binding Place.'"

It was all due to the Mouchi family's mission.

This was probably the reason Mouchi Mashi spoke those words when she first met Beichuan Si.

'A fisher's duty is to fish, a ferryman's duty is to ferry people across the river... some consider it their job, something they should do...'

'But in reality, they do these things merely to fish to survive, to ferry people for money... essentially, it's just for survival.'

The Mouchi family is just like that.

The duty of the Mouchi Main Family is to maintain the balance between the real world and the hidden world.

"But I don't want to maintain any balance between the real world and the hidden world! I just want to be with the people I want to be with! Why... Why does this have to happen to me...?"

Mouchi Mashi had no intention of suppressing her voice.

It's precisely because she's in the Nakajima family that she can shout like this.

Although she's called the Mouchi Family Head, she's only in her twenties, still at the age where she likes to cry.

The reason she wants Beichuan Si and Shen Gu Mirai to leave Kagoshima Prefecture is also very simple.

It's her little rebellion against the Mouchi family... Even if this small rebellion would eventually lead to her vitality being completely absorbed by the red mark.

However—

"Unfortunately, neither I nor Mirai have any intention of leaving Kagoshima Prefecture."

Beichuan Si shook his head.

Yes, he and Shen Gu Mirai had no intention of leaving Kagoshima Prefecture.

Because the red mark on Shen Gu Mirai's wrist was about to start emerging, perhaps due to the special nature of the "Stone of Calamity Green," she doesn't need to wait until twenty, as long as she uses the "Stone of Calamity Green," the red mark will naturally appear.

Red mark...

Anyway, the red mark on Shen Gu Mirai's wrist must be resolved.

For this, it seems necessary to enter the Mouchi Main Family, which has become the Soul-binding Place, to find records about the red mark.

If nothing related to the red mark can be found, perhaps they'll have to enter Yellow Springs.

Both places are not easy to deal with...

Especially Yellow Springs.

Exactly what kind of place is it? What does it hide...?

Honestly, Beichuan Si was unclear.

But seeing the cautious attitude of Shenzhu Village, Ihui Island, Four Directions Family, and Mouchi family towards the Yellow Springs explained a lot.

Instinct told him, this event far surpasses any usual event.

"With everything already stated... yet still going to the Mouchi Main Family?"

Mouchi Mashi looked up at Beichuan Si incredulously.

But she quickly understood: "I get it, that Mouchi Witch is also showing symptoms of the red mark, right? Otherwise, someone like you would wait until you can resolve it before coming back to Kagoshima Prefecture.""

"Instead of worrying about my matters... you ought to return to your Mouchi family."

Beichuan Si didn't even glance at Mouchi Mashi, saying flatly: "If I can find a solution for the red mark, it would be beneficial for you too.""

"Beneficial for me too?"

Mouchi Mashi forced a laugh, speaking as if heart was dying: "My parents are already gone... I'm just living in this world alone...""

The branch family members looked at her reverently.

All matters were left to be managed by her.

This unspeakable sense of loneliness had once made her unable to bear the pressure, but—

"For your aunt, you must continue to persevere.""

Beichuan Si's voice sounded at the right time.

He stood up, his tone unchanged: "Mouchi Qingluo has always been by your side, her sadness is no less than yours, at least more than ten years ago, she had just turned twenty right.""

"..." Mouchi Mashi.

Aunt Qingluo at twenty... had lost her father and mother since then...

What did she do at that time?

And what is she doing now?

Mouchi Mashi wiped her tears, tidied her attire again, and finally stood up:

"Mr. Beichuan, I hope you return successfully... able to solve the destiny of our Mouchi family. The red mark can definitely be resolved... As long as the method is found... I believe you and Miss Mirai can continue to live peacefully.""

She bowed deeply.

Then opened the sliding door, stepping out in small steps.

Feeling her retreating footsteps, Beichuan Si couldn't help but rub his temples.

No matter what, the information she just shared was truly astonishing.

First is the issue of balance between the real world and the hidden world.

The recent surge in strange tales and paranormal events was because of this reason.

No wonder Tokyo established a special countermeasure organization.

If it continues like this, other places will eventually establish corresponding departments as well?

Secondly, it's about Shen Gu Mirai's red mark on her wrist.

A mark that absorbs human vitality... Although Shen Gu Mirai's wrist hasn't appeared yet, it's already showing signs.

If it continues like this...

Beichuan Si thought as he sat down, while behind him Magong Yongshi approached, gently rubbing his shoulders, trying to relax him.

Besides the two issues mentioned earlier, there's one final issue.

That is the issue of Beichuan Si traversing into this world.

The time he traversed was exactly when the red mark and bizarre, paranormal events were surging.

Because it's recorded by a family like the Mouchi family, the data shouldn't be wrong.

Could his crossing over be related to paranormal bizarre events?

"At least I initially considered it natural... now there are contradicting elements.""

Beichuan Si flicked his fingers, murmuring.

Were clues already planted from the beginning?

These... maybe the answers lie within this time's Mouchi's Soul-binding Place.

But even if no answers can be found, everything must revolve around the safety of Shen Gu Mirai.

Beichuan Si's gaze was serious.

Yes... rather than pursuing the truth behind the matter, better to first protect those who need protection.

Thinking to this point, Beichuan Si looked up at the sliding door:

"What do you think of it? Miss Shen Gu Mirai, who's been hiding behind the door eavesdropping?""

Silence—

The air suddenly fell into quiet.

Magong Yongshi looked towards the sliding door.

Shenzhu Shihui looked towards the sliding door.

Nishijou Kurenai also blankly looked towards the sliding door.

Under this observation...

The sliding door stiffly opened.

Then from behind it came out a little girl with a smiling face.

"Hehe... Mr. Temple... and Yongshi, Miss Shihui... Kelian sister. Um... good afternoon?""

She said while blinking.

She seemed a bit cute.