AUGUST 15, 2009 (HEISEI 21)
Whoa! What's with the outfit?
I'm dressing up for the festival today.
How about you?
I'm helping to run things. It's at my family's shrine, y'know.
I have to be the Itsukihime.
Isn't Kaoru with you?
She said she would come, too.
She had something else to take care of first.
Oh yeah?
Well, I'm surprised to see you so enthusiastic about this. Wearing a yukata and all.
It's not a yukata. It's a kimono.
But yeah, I'm pretty excited.
I'm upholding a very old promise with a good friend of mine.
Let me guess... is it a girl?!
How did you know?
She must be a looker!
Of course.
She's a celestial maiden, after all.
See you later. I have to get going now.
Huh? Hey, wait!
Celestial maiden?
AUGUST 8, 1872 (MEIJI YEAR 5)
DEMON SOBA
A temple festival?
Yep. It's on August 15th down at the Aragi Shrine. There's gonna be a boatload of food stalls and such.
You should take Nomari-chan and check it out.
Nothin' wrong with a little fun, right?
And?
I love how quick you are to read between the lines.
I caught wind of a strange rumor. You interested?
You've heard of "Swan Maiden" tales, yeah?
Well, the Aragi Shrine is known for worshipping fox deities and has its own tale about a celestial maiden.
Except it's a wee different from the ones in other regions.
In this version, the maiden gets her cloak stolen and marries a young man from a blacksmithing village,
but then she falls very ill.
To save her, the young man tries to send his wife back to Heaven.
He does this by using a special mirror that connects Heaven and Earth.
And that's the sacred relic enshrined at Aragi - an iron mirror.
A mythical mirror connected to Heaven?
Here's where things get interestin'.
Sometime last night, a strange light came flooding out of the shrine's inner sanctuary where the mirror is kept.
According to the fella who saw it, it was followed by the silhouette of a person.
Well? This kinda stuff is right up your alley, ain't it?
Yeah, it does pique my interest.
That was worth listening to. I'll consider it payment for your meal.
Oh, ain't that nice.
A temple festival, eh?
My apologies for keeping you waiting.
I serve as the Head Priest here. My name is Kodai Kunieda.
My name is Jinya Kadono. I run a soba shop along Sanjo street.
So, getting straight to the point...
The iron mirror, yes?
I don't think there's very much I can tell you.
Last night was likely just some thief trying to pilfer offerings.
It's true the mythology behind that mirror says it acts as a bridge between Heaven and Earth.
But it's nothing more than that, a myth.
It's not something that happens daily.
I'm still curious about the mirror. May I see it for myself?
I'm very sorry, but it's not open to the general public.
I see.
Darling.
Oh, Chiyo!
Sorry to interrupt your conversation.
You have a visitor waiting.
Kadono-san, I'm afraid I must go. If you'll please excuse me.
Of course. Thank you for your time, sir.
Jinya-sama. Please visit again should you need anything.
We will be happy to help.
Thank you. Well, I'll be on my way now.
Invisibility.
Where the heck am I?
Hey! Can anybody hear me? Kadono-kun? Miyaka-chan?
Please let me find somebody soon...
Oh, thank God! I was hoping you'd be nearby!
We finally meet up!
Um, gosh...
What's the deal?
I'm not sure what to tell you.
Wha-? But you... huh?!
Well, let me start with my name. I am Jinya Kadono.
What? Is this some kind of prank?
Huh?
I don't really understand, but forget it.
More importantly, I would like to hear your story.
Uh, sure.
But before that, I have something that I want ask you, okay?
Why are you dressed like that?
Is something wrong with my outfit?
Well, uh, I guess it looks good on you, but...
Oh! Wait a second!
Hey, so, uh... where exactly is this?
The Aragi Inari Shrine.
That's not exactly helpful. Could you give me a more general region, uh, sir?
Near Sanjo street in Kyoto.
And you can drop the "sir," if that makes things easier.
Thanks.
Kyoto, huh?
One more thing! What year is it right now?!
The fifth year of the Meiji era.
Uh, thank you. I think I've got it figured out now.
Kinda depressing that crazy stuff like this doesn't even trip me up, though...
My turn to ask questions. What are you doing here?
Huh? Well...
I saw a really bright light and then bam! Suddenly I'm in this forest.
I have no idea what I'm doing here, myself!
I suppose I should ask. Where do you live?
Oof, that's a tough question. I don't even know how to get back...
These houses are awesome! Totally retro!
That was a horse carriage we just saw, right?
Wow! Look at all the umbrellas!
And so, you just brought her back with you?
You certainly seem to enjoy inviting random girls into your home, Kadono-sama.
H-hello. It's nice to meet you.
Please call me Kaneomi.
May I ask what your name is?
Uh, well, I'm...
Just call her Celestial Maiden.
Huh?!
U..um, say what, Kadono-kun?
You don't want to give us your name, do you?
Yeah. 'Cuz things might get weird later on.
But "Celestial Maiden" is a bit much...
Very well. Then how about "Asagao"?
Asagao?
That can be your name while you're here.
I remember he said I looked like her, but maybe...
Is that okay with you?
Makes sense.
Oh! Uh, yeah!
Since you have no place to go, feel free to stay here for now.
Are you sure?
I don't mind.
You can't go anywhere else, can you?
Yeah...
I'm only a guest here, myself. So I can't complain.
With that settled, I'll be heading out now.
I have a date.
A date?
Yes. With a very fine gentleman.
I can never get a read on her.
Anyways, I'm sorry. Back to your problem...
Will you stay or not?
Uh, well...
Are you really sure?
'Cuz even I realize how shady that I seem right now.
Not a problem.
Always a big-hearted guy, aren't you, Kadono-kun?
All right. Guess I'm crashing with you!
DEMON SOBA
So, yeah. It's nice to meet you, Nomari-chan!
My name is, um, Asagao.
Again?
Behave.
Nice to meet you.
Sorry, I know it's sudden.
Well, I respect your decision, Daddy.
Not to try and win you over, but how about we go out on the town together soon?
Really?!
I hear there's a festival at Aragi Shrine.
We should enjoy the local events from time to time.
A festival?!
That's right. Would you like to go yukata shopping tomorrow, so you have one to wear?
Okay! You better not change your mind, Daddy!
I thought you were just joking about being a dad, but I guess you really are one, huh?
Yeah, that's what I told you.
Where in the...?
Oh, right. I'm in the Meiji period.
I traveled back in time and met a guy from my class.
Ridiculous. Who's gonna believe that?
Go figure, all that silly stuff he said about being a demon over a century old was legit.
Good morning, Kadono-kun!
Awake already?
Um, I'd like to wash my face...
There's a well in the backyard. Use that.
A well?!
Oh, gotcha! For water!
She's just like Kaneomi. Youngsters these days really make no sense to me.
Welcome in!
Well, shucks. Did I go into the wrong shop?
Hi, Somegoro.
Hm? Oh, hey. Where's Kaneomi?
Out for a date with a gentleman, apparently.
What can I get you?
I'm hankerin' for some kitsune soba.
How about you, Heikichi?
Tempura soba, please.
Here. Your drinks.
Thank ya kindly.
Thanks.
Delish!
Hold up. I need to get some answers first!
Hey!
Wow. A celestial maiden, eh?
I guess strange things really do happen in life!
That's funny coming from you of all people.
Ya got me there!
U-uh, what is it?
Sorry. You're such a cutie-patootie that I couldn't help but stare.
Huh?!
W-well, gosh, thank you.
Allow me to introduce myself.
I'm Somegoro Akitsu. Jinya's best friend.
Not according to me.
Look at you, being all bashful!
I'm Asagao. Nice to meet you.
The pleasure is mine.
You're next, Heikichi.
You appeared in a shower of light? That's absurd.
She's obviously just another demon.
Um, well, you see...
Manners!
Ow!
Don't mind him, Asagao-chan.
He's just a little idiot.
What was that for, Master?
Best keep your mouth shut if you can't figure out why I smacked ya.
Um, Akitsu-san? It's okay, I'm not offended or anything...
That's mighty sweet of ya, Asagao-chan.
But listen, I didn't get mad at him just 'cuz he called you a demon.
Huh?
The proper response is to accept you with a smile, no matter whatcha are.
This disciple of mine has gotta prove he's open-minded and easygoing, or else we have a problem.
'Cuz I can't let him inherit the name "Somegoro Akitsu" otherwise.
M-Master...
Anyhoo, you're quite the hot ticket, ain'tcha?
What do you mean?
You've already got a daughter in the house and yet you bring in two girls on top of her?
Shucks! Just wait until Ofuu-chan hears about this!
Oh, relax. I'm only kiddin'!
Who's Ofuu-chan?
My mentor of sorts.
She helped me to learn many important lessons.
I definitely wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for her.
Oh? Was she someone special to you?
Well, she's like a friend and sister...
I can't really explain it in words.
What's so funny?
Nothing. It's just surprising.
Finding out you have a best friend and all.
I thought I made it clear he wasn't.
Oh, don't be coy!
I'm home.
Hello, little missy.
Oh! Welcome back, Nomari-chan.
Whatever.
Daddy! Do you remember what you promised?
Yeah. Of course.
I've just been waiting for you to come home.
I'll go get ready!
Kadono-kun. I'll close up the shop for you.
But I...
Nope, don't even start! Just go and keep your promise, Papa Bear!
You made it sound like you two had just met yesterday.
But, by gum, you get along like the oldest of friends.
TEXTILE SHOP
Anything catch your eye, Nomari?
You pick one for me, Daddy!
Okay.
That yukata there, please.
As for the pattern...
Do you have any moonflower?
Yes, we do.
Are you sure, Mom?
Of course!
Thank you so much!
My pleasure.
What is that?
Ah, that's a ribbon.
It's an accessory from the west commonly used to tie up hair.
They haven't come into vogue quite yet.
But all the trend-setting ladies around here already have their eyes on them.
Okay. Add one of those "ribbon" things, too.
I'd like a white-powder flower one... but I don't see any.
Do you have any cherry blossom ones?
Yes.
Hey, Daddy?
Hm?
What kind of person was my mommy?
Let me think...
Your mother's name was Yunagi.
And she was a huge liar.
A liar?
Yes. For example, she always insisted that she "hated kids."
But she embraced you with the warmest hugs.
No matter how much she lied, she could never hide her love for you.
That's your mom in a nutshell. A very awkward person.
The name "Nomari" comes from the white-powder flower.
I picked it because that flower blooms in the evening calm - your mother's namesake.
I never had a real mother, myself. So I don't know what they're actually supposed to be like.
But what I do know is that Yunagi loved you with all of her heart.
She was an ideal mother, as far as I'm concerned.
I see.
Thanks, Daddy.
It's been on my mind lately.
I was curious about... what my actual parents were like.
You knew?
Obviously.
Well, you're right.
I'm not your real father.
You'll always be my daddy.
But I've wanted to know about my mom for the longest time.
Like, why didn't I have one?
Of course, I always had you. So it's okay.
You're my real dad in all the ways that matter.
Nomari...
Shall we head home?
Mmm-hm!
What's the matter?
Just to be clear. I don't need a mother figure, okay?
What do you mean?
I'm talking about Kaneomi-san and Asagao-san.
You don't need to worry.
Really?
I never lie.
Besides, I already have my hands full with life as it is.
Taking a wife is the furthest thing on my mind.
That's good!
So, you never had a mom in your life, either?
Nope.
Okay, how about this? I'll just be your mom instead!
Now you're being silly.
Well, you stepped in to serve as my dad, right?
So after I'm all grown up, I'll serve as your mom and shower you with tons of affection!
Really now? Well, I look forward to it.
Asagao-san! We're back!
Oh, uh, welcome back! Did you find a good one?
Mmm-hm! I'll show it to you later!
What's gotten into her?
Well, it's complicated.
So, about tomorrow...
Hm?
I'm going out. What will you do?
Huh? Where are you going?
The Aragi Shrine.
The mythical fox mirror enshrined there was once used to return a celestial maiden to Heaven.
I think it's worth looking into.
Huh?