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Bouquet to give

If I was going to be torn apart anyway, I thought it would be far better to be torn apart.

I believed it.

...No, I believe in it.

I believe it even at this very moment.

But... I have a vague idea.

I want to believe it because I just don't want to admit it.

Her tearful voice sounded like she was convincing herself...it was so unbearably ridiculous...More tears...and her face became even more crumpled...

The mechanical repetition finally stopped and it became very quiet.

Only the sound of cicadas was... oddly noisy.

But...I still feel like I can hear her.

...There's no way I could hear it.

She's stopped saying it now.

I was the only one crying.

She didn't even cry.

Even as she repeated it, there was no expression or emotion.

If she has no tears to shed for me, then neither should I. ...There should be no need to shed tears for them.

And yet... why does it hurt and make my eyes water?

But I still want to believe that we're not torn apart.

Isn't it enough already?

Another part of me inside speaks to me gently...

I've had enough of heartache... and I've wondered many times whether I should let go of it.

But I was stubborn and refused to throw it away.

If I let it go...I'd feel more at ease... Even though I knew that, I chose to believe it.

I'm sure only I can understand and bear the painful hardships that you went through.

Hey, me. I've tried my best enough. I'll admit it. So, maybe it's time to relax now...?

And...don't throw it away.

Leave it with her... like offering flowers.

Now...calm down... Your right arm is probably numb by now...but do your best and swing it up.

And every time I shake it, I forget.

I was happy about the kindness.

Her adorable smile made me happy.

I liked having my head stroked.

I loved seeing you bashful like that.

This will be the last time. Once I bring it down, I'll forget about it.

This is my first and last bouquet to give to you...

Maybe... I think about you,

…………………………………I loved it.

With those words, he swung down once more.

...And then I dropped the metal bat, dripping red, to the floor...

Early summer, 1983

...It felt like someone was constantly apologizing.

What is she apologizing for?

I felt bad about eavesdropping on it, so I made a conscious effort not to listen.

I returned to the city for the funeral of a relative, it had been a long time since I last visited.

Even though I had been living there until just last month, I was overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the city.

High-rise buildings and multi-lane roads, the roaring melodies of the crosswalks, and even the noisy election speeches in front of train stations all bring back fond memories.

However, there is nothing so lively in the place where I live now.

All I can hear are the sounds of cicadas and the murmuring of a clear stream. And the sound of cicadas. It's only recently that I've begun to feel peace rather than loneliness in this silence.

It's true that there is nothing where I live now.

There are no decent hamburger joints, not even vending machines. There are no record stores, no restaurants, no arcades, and not even an ice cream parlor. The nearest town has one, but it's an hour's bike ride away.

But when I thought about it, there was no need to feel inconvenienced by it.

There were certainly record stores, game centers, and ice cream shops in my previous town, but I didn't frequent them that often. As for the ice cream shop, I'd lived there for ten years and never even been there once. I should have gone there at least once. It's a bit late now, but I regret it a little.

...Someone is still apologizing.

I wonder who she is apologizing to. She has apologized so much, so I think it's time to forgive her.

Even she wouldn't have to keep apologizing like this. I felt a little irritated with someone who would never forgive her.

No matter how much of a mistake you make, it shouldn't be unforgivable. There's no mistake that can't be undone. Just be careful next time.

…But she still keeps apologizing.

So... have I made an irreparable mistake?

I don't know what she did wrong, but if it's something that can't be undone, then she should be forgiven. No matter how much she apologizes, it won't change what happened...

And yet she continues to apologize in such a pitiful voice...

Hey, whoever she's apologizing to, please just forgive her already. She's apologizing in such a... pathetic voice...

"Keiichi, we're almost there. Wake up."

My dad's nudge finally woke me up. The train was starting to slow down, and the passengers inside the car were beginning to unload their luggage from the mesh shelves.

It seemed the train had reached its final stop.

It took several hours to get there, changing trains on the Shinkansen line and other trains.

The view outside the window makes it hard to believe that this is the same country, or even the same era, as the city I was in just half a day ago.

From here, it's another 30 minutes by car, and that's where I live now, Hinamizawa.

June 10th (Friday)

Even though it was summer, the morning air in Hinamizawa was bitingly cold. On the other hand, it was so clear that you could inhale it deep into your lungs.

If I open the window, I see a sea of green. Nothing but trees. My next door neighbor's house is way off in the distance. So I'm sure this view and morning air is all mine alone.

I take another deep breath, filling my lungs to the brim. It's only since coming to Hinamizawa that I've realized that air has a flavor.

I quickly got ready for school and went downstairs for breakfast. Only my mother was there; my father was not. He had probably been working hard until the early hours of the morning.

My father has a strange job as a painter. It's a very laid back business. He wakes up when he wants, sleeps when he wants, and works when he wants.

I envied that carefree lifestyle, so when I was in elementary school, I wrote down that I wanted to be a painter when I grew up, and my father was very happy about that. Of course, I won't tell you that it was because it seemed easy.

My mother sets breakfast on the table.

On the dinner table were seaweed, pickled vegetables, raw eggs, and grilled salmon. Even my mother was horrified. It was a perfect, typical Japanese breakfast, without a single moment's hesitation. Unlike my father, who had no idea about schedules, my mother was flawless. She always made sure to keep things in order.

"I'm so happy that Keiichi has become an early riser since we moved here."

"If I don't get up early, I'll miss breakfast."

I felt bad for myself for speaking in a slightly naughty manner when I was praised for being a good kid.

"Do you want a full plate of rice? Or is half enough okay?"

"A mountain of it."

First, I taste the steaming rice with nori. Then I pour on the beaten egg. In between bites of rice that has gone down my throat smoothly, I enjoy the crunch of the pickles. Yes, breakfast is delicious again today. And I seem to be in top form today as well.

"I'm glad that Keiichi hasn't missed breakfast since we moved here."

Mom smiled softly as she watched me eat my delicious meal. It was incredibly embarrassing to see her smile just for eating breakfast. But thinking back to the past, it was understandable why she would be so moved by something as trivial as this.

When I lived in the city, I had trouble waking up in the morning. I would sleep until the last minute to avoid being late, and I rarely ate breakfast.

It was a really silly, small act of rebellion.

Perhaps he thought that boycotting the breakfast his parents prepared for him every morning was the only silent form of rebellion he could take against their insistence on him attending cram school.

...Looking back on it now, I guess it was just a naive rebellious phase.

The old me would get up early every morning and neglect the breakfast she made for me, without even a second glance. If we lived in the same house, I'd probably slap her...!

When my mother checked her watch, she grinned and urged me to hurry up.

"Isn't it almost time to meet up with Rena? Hurry, hurry."

My mom seems to enjoy the idea of her son going to school with a girl. I just find it embarrassing for a grown man to go to school with a girl...

But it's true that it would be wrong to make my classmates, who wait for me so diligently every day, wait in the dark. But, what time does Rena start waiting there every morning...?

Finally, I gulp down the miso soup and run to the front door.

"Tell Rena-chan thank you for the pickles!"

Come to think of it, these weren't store-bought pickles. I see, they were gifts from Rena's family.

"Okay! I'll let him know!"

Ryuugu Rena

"Keiichi-kun! Good morning!"

A cheerful greeting echoed through the air, just as fresh and refreshing as the morning.

Rena greets me with a cheerful wave of her arms, like a dog wagging its tail when it finds its master.

"You're still as early as ever. Sometimes it's okay to take it easy and sleep in."

"If I oversleep, I'll keep Keiichi waiting."

"I'll leave it there then."

"K-Keiichi, you're so cold. I always wait for you..."

"Put it away quickly. Put it away quickly."

"Why is it cold?...right?"

Rena looked a little troubled. He was a really fun guy who got happy and sad over everything people said.

"Just kidding. I'll be waiting."

With that one word, all the tension in Rena's body seemed to release, and her face turned red in an instant.

"...I...Th-Thanks..."

"I'll wait forever for Rena to come. Forever."

"...Wa-wa-wa-forever..."

Rena's face is bright red, steam is coming out of her head, and her mind is short-circuiting.

This guy has a weakness for this kind of joke. It's rare to find someone who is worth teasing so much.

"Rena, have you ever read a romance paperback?"

"...Eh... Ah... No. I've never read it."

Judging from their reactions, they are very interested but too embarrassed to buy it. If they read it, they'll be in big trouble. They'll probably blush and faint.

"Oh, by the way, I got a message from my mom. She said thank you for the pickles."

"Uh, hmm, you're welcome. How was it? Was it salty?"

"...Before that, I want to ask. Was it Rena who made those pickles? Or Rena's mother?"

"Huh? ...Huh? Why are you asking? Was it salty...?"

This time, he suddenly becomes flustered and panics. His reaction is so funny that I can't help but tease him.

"Rena? Rena's mother?"

"...Wh, why would you ask who made it? Right?"

"The impression changes dramatically depending on who made it."

"...Huh, really...?!"

She recalled the cooking process, frantically counting her fingers as she tried to remember how much salt to use. Just from that gesture, it was clear that it was Rena herself who had made it.

Had he made a fatal mistake somewhere in the way he pickled the food? His confused expression, wondering where, over there, was so amusing that I couldn't help but tease him.

I don't mean to bully her or anything, but... I guess that's just the male instinct that makes you want to do something mean to a cute, lovely girl.

Rena swallowed several times before timidly opening her mouth.

"...It's Rena..."

"It was delicious."

"picture?"

"It was pretty good, just like last time. It went perfectly with the food."

I blush again, feeling dazed.

He really is a guy worth teasing. I can't help but hope that Rena won't be deceived by a bad guy. Do your best, Rena. I'll train you to be just like everyone else!... Or so I decided.

Rena still wasn't confident about her pickles, so I reassured her once again that they were delicious. Then she finally realized that I was just teasing her.

"More importantly, let's hurry up! If we keep Miine waiting, she'll be noisy."

"Y-yes! That's right. Let's go!"

This strange person who immediately turns bright red and stares blankly is Ryumiya Guurena.

We've only known each other for less than a month, but I think it's clear that the name isn't the only thing that's changed.

Mion Sonozaki

"Mii-chan! Good morning!"

We saw a figure waiting for us at our next meeting point. The figure noticed us and waved back.

"Oh, here they come. You two are late!"

"You're the one who's always late!"

In contrast to Rena's disciplined personality, she is a laid-back girl. Her name is Mion Sonozaki. She is a senior student and the class leader.

While Rena tries to act like a girl, Mion is the complete opposite. Although she has long hair, her personality is far more masculine.

If I may go even further, I would go so far as to say that apart from her long hair pulled back in a ponytail and her large breasts that asserted her femininity, she had absolutely no feminine features whatsoever.

"Good morning, Rena. And Kei-chan, it's been a while! How many years has it been?"

"I only had two days off!"

"Ahaha! Is that so? You were so cute the last time I met you!"

Mion's vulgar gaze drifted down from my chest and began to converge on my lower abdomen.

"Yes, you've grown up so well. It's amazing."

"Not only have I gotten stronger, I've even grown a beard~☆"

"It's hard being full of energy every morning. I'll show you next time, so come say hello."

"Don't say next time, now is the best time. Why don't you let me breathe some fresh morning air?"

"Okay, I get it. It's all revealed. Don't regret it...!"

Just as I reached for the zipper, Rena began rambling on in a panic.

"...Hey, hey, hey... what are you talking about? What are you talking about, what are you talking about...!!"

Although blushing and flustered, Rena feigns ignorance, there's no doubt that she's keeping up with the conversation.

"How was it? It's been a while since I've been to the city."

Mion returned from her vulgar mode and finally changed the topic to something appropriate for the refreshing morning mood.

"I just went there for a funeral. It was a hectic time."

"So! Could you please look for him? He's the one I was counting on!"

"You're not listening to what I'm saying. I just went to a funeral! I didn't have the luxury of going around to toy stores!"

"Tsk tsk. Toy stores and hobby shops are completely different, you know? Especially Western goods are hard to come by here."

"Mii-chan, are you talking about games again?"

Rena chuckled, and Mion nodded proudly.

"Yes! I wanted Kei-chan to bring me a catalog of Western games."

"I guess I can just order it online again."

"Well, I guess I will. I'll have some more exciting games in stock soon!"

"...Next time, I'd like a game that's easy for me to understand..."

Mion is a card and board game enthusiast and apparently collects a variety of games. According to Rena, Mion's room is like a museum of games from Japan and abroad.

"If there's a game I can understand, let me play it."

"Hmm... that's fine! As long as Kei-chan is okay with it. But our level is high, you know?"

"That's great. I'm into all sorts of fun, and I have no intention of falling behind!"

"...Wow... So Keiichi-kun will join us next time too... Maybe!"

Rena's whole body expressed her joy as she looked back and forth between Mion and me. When Mion gave her a wink signifying her approval, Rena's expression brightened even more.

"I thought boys would probably prefer to play outside, so I thought it would be no good."

"That's not true. Even men play under the roof when it rains. We play cards and baseball games are so much fun!"

"Ahahaha, I see. I guess that's good then!"

Rena laughed with delight.

Even though we were talking like we were so close, it had only been a month since I transferred here. I was sure they were taking great care to make sure I, a transfer student, fit in.

So I have to make an effort to blend in quickly so that I don't make them feel uncomfortable any more.

I'm sure someone who even thinks they might be a little too familiar is more appropriate for this occasion.

Satoko Hojo and Rika Furude

Hinamizawa is a small village, and there is only one school, let alone one class.

Moreover, the students in the class are of all ages and grades. What's more, there are only a little over 20 students in total. This alone makes it clear that Hinamizawa is a desolate village.

"...Hmm? Oh my, my, my. Hehehehe!"

Mion, who had been walking at the front of us until then, suddenly laughed and let me take the lead.

Standing in front of the sliding doors to the classroom, she gestured respectfully and tried to get me to open the doors and enter the classroom first.

Phew... Too bad, I won't get caught again.

"...Giving up the lead here? I guess he wants to see what I can do."

Mion grinned indignantly.

"What's wrong... you two...?"

"Stay back, Rena. It's dangerous. It's him!"

"Huh...? So... Sato and Koko-chan...?!"

Before we get to her, let me introduce her name first. Her name is Hojo Satoko. Despite being younger than me, she's a damn brat who doesn't know her age.

His tone is annoying, but getting angry over something like that would be unbecoming of an older person.

The problem is...this.

"...It's an obvious trap. A chalkboard eraser wedged on top of the sliding door. ...It's so obvious! Satoko!"

Muffled laughter could be heard from behind the sliding door.

Mion blew a whistle to praise me for successfully escaping the trap that had been set.

"Well done, Kei-chan! ...I wonder if you won this time?"

"...No, the other person is Satoko. I can't believe this is all...!"

It's because I was hit with a spectacular and brutal trap combo on my first day at school that I've become so cautious.

He combines multiple traps in a variety of ways, luring them into his main trap, and chaining traps that hit consecutively, etc. Even after these past few weeks, he still won't reveal all of his tricks!

"From what I can see, the eraser is normal. It doesn't look like it has any stones or anything in it."

The one I got hit with on the first day was a powerful one made of a blackboard eraser with a stone inside. It left a bump on my body for three days...!

"Well, then, maybe I should just open it and drop it...?"

"That's it!"

That's what Satoko is aiming for. To draw my attention up and get me to put my hand on the sliding door... That's where she'll make her move!

A terrifying trap had been set up on the handle of the sliding door, made of duct tape and tacked with pictures. It was a terrifying trap with a powerful attack. If I had been distracted by what was above and put my hand on it, I would have jumped! The eraser on top was a diversion to conceal this trap!

"That was a brilliant combo, Satoko! But in the end, it was just the shallow thinking of a kid!"

Confident of victory, I grabbed the part of the door that wasn't pinned and slid it open. I watched as the eraser fell right in front of me, then dashed into the classroom!

At that moment, I felt a strange sensation in my ankle. It was similar to the sensation you get when you hook a skipping rope around your foot.

By the time I realized I was done for, it was already too late! I fell at a beautiful angle.

"Kei-chan, get out of the way!"

Mion's sharp voice made me reflexively twist my body and fall to the floor.

"...It's...it's?!"

A water jar filled with ink was placed where I was going to fall...! I shuddered as I imagined the devastation that would occur if I had landed a critical hit. If I hadn't twisted my body in an instant, the fish prints on my face would have been removed by now!

"Oh my, what a surprise. Good morning, Keiichi-san. It's so lively from the morning!"

A mocking voice greeted me as I lay on the ground in a terrible state.

"That trap work has become even more special, Satoko!"

"Oh dear. I don't know what you're talking about. I've had a bad day this morning."

"Oh my gosh...!! ...Ouch, ouch..."

Unfortunately, I must have twisted my back when I fell, because I fell at a strange angle.

Then, her small hand suddenly rested on my head and gently stroked it.

"...Keiichi, your pain is gone, just fly away."

"Uh... ah, thanks. Thanks to Ririka-chan, the pain is subsiding."

"Wow... Rika-chan, good morning!"

"...Good morning to Rena. Good morning to everyone."

Rika greeted me by bowing her head repeatedly in an adorable manner.

Following suit, Rena, Mion and I all bowed deeply.

"Rika-chan is a good girl....compared to Satoko...!!"

When I glared at her, Satoko whistled and deliberately looked away.

"Satoko is a good girl, you know?"

"Good children wouldn't set such a vicious trap!"

"That's a false accusation! What evidence do you have...?!"

I grabbed Satoko by the collar behind her back. This made me look like a naughty cat. But cats don't set traps. ...It's even worse!

"Tell me you're sorry. If you don't...!"

I make a flick with my right hand and bring it close to Satoko's forehead, shaking it violently.

"I'm against violence! Where's the evidence?"

"Just so you know, my forehead flick really, really hurts! It could break a plywood!"

"Hiiiiiiiii... !!! Stop it, don't come near me, you beast! !!! 」

"Don't say things that other people might misunderstand!"

Just as my magnum forehead flick was about to explode, a small hand suddenly tugged at the hem of my shirt. It was Rika.

"...Satoko was lonely because Keiichi was absent for two days."

"Hmm... I... I see..."

"That's why I wanted to play with this trap for the two days that Keiichi was off. Mi..."

...Rika-chan is really a girl. What more can I do when she talks like that?

This girl's name is Rika, an old-fashioned girl. She's the same age as Satoko and is also Mumuni's best friend.

Rika is the complete opposite of Satoko, an exemplary girl who knows how to be polite to her elders.

In contrast to Satoko's short hair that gave off a lively image, Rika had neatly trimmed bangs and long, beautiful hair, making her look just like a doll.

She calls me by my first name, but it seems she does that to everyone, and she does it in a very cute way, so no one feels uncomfortable.

After being scolded by Rika-chan, Satoko closed her eyes tightly to endure the headbutt that could come at any moment, crying, and I gently released her.

"Fu, fuwaaaaaah... nnn!! I don't feel any regrets at all!! Fuwaaaaaan!"

"...Don't cry, Satoko. Fight on, O-san."

Rika gently stroked the head of her mischievous friend. It was hard to believe that the two were the same age. Satoko should make a tea out of Rika's nail dirt and drink about a liter of it.

"Next time, I'll set an even bigger trap to kill Keiichi, Nipa~."

...Wait a minute.

Seeing this scene, Rena was entranced, with a blissful expression on her face.

"...Ahh... Satoko-chan is crying... She's so cute..."

"You can't take it home."

"...Hi! ...But, but...it's so cute, right?"

"No matter how much I try, it's no good."

"But... just a little bit... would that be okay? Would that be okay? I'd just like to take it home with me."

"Apparently, that's what people call kidnapping. Did you know it's a crime?"

"Ahh, it's so cute, so adorable! I want to take it home!"

According to Mion, Rena has a weakness for cute things, and she tries to take home anything that looks cute. Be it an object or a person!

"Just give up. Kidnapping is a serious crime even if there's no profit involved..."

"Then I'll just watch. Just watch... That's fine, right?"

"...Hmm...It's true that there was no stalking ordinance in 1983. So...I guess it's okay then, right...?"

Rena is captivated by Satoko's tears of frustration.

If a kidnapping of a young girl were to occur in Hinamizawa, I would have to report Rena. Forgive me, Rena. I'll make sure to bring some treats...!

"Look, the teacher's here. Let's hurry up and clean up! Satoko, Suzuri belongs to you!"

Mion's words instantly brought the atmosphere back to normal.

The pins are bad, but the thumbtacks on the sliding door are even worse! I carefully peel off the tape, being careful not to get stabbed. Satoko may have set it up, but we all have to clean up after her.

When the teacher came into the classroom, the scene that had just unfolded had been neatly cleaned up.

"Ahahaha, made it in time!"

"Why do I, the victim, have to go along with hiding and destroying the evidence of Satoko's trap?"

"Hey, hey, the teacher has arrived. Please refrain from talking!"

"Cut it out, cut it out!"

Mion, the class representative, gave the command.

Hinamizawa Branch School

This grade was also difficult with only one teacher in a diverse class.

Each child must be taught something different. Moreover, younger children must be taught more carefully, which inevitably means that teachers are preoccupied with the younger children.

As a result, upperclassmen Mion and Rena are mostly self-studying.

In fact, he often helped the younger students with their studies together with the teacher, so it seemed like he had no time to focus on his own studies.

In fact, their progress in studying was far behind mine, and as a result, I ended up having to help Rena and Mion with their studies in place of the teacher.

"Keiichi-kun, you're good at teaching. It's easy to understand."

Rena took a breather after she finished marking the checked areas with a marker. Rena's serious demeanor made it truly worth teaching her. If she attended the right cram school and studied the right amount, I'm sure she would be able to achieve a pretty good grade even in the city.

"I lose confidence in myself from the start of teaching. I realize how little I understand."

"They say that in order to teach others you need to understand three times as much. Kei-chan is teaching us and reviewing at the same time. Yes, yes. Even though he thinks he's teaching, he's also being taught!"

"Mion, this isn't just someone else's problem. You need to take this seriously. You have exams this year, right? If you keep going like this, you'll end up in big trouble..."

Compared to Rena, Mion is carefree. Her knowledge of trivia is impressive, but she has zero knowledge that will help her grades. What's more, she has no interest in studying in the first place.

"I'm not aiming to go to a high school that specializes in academics. As long as I can do the things necessary for the entrance exams, that's more than enough!"

Her honest and unashamed attitude is second to none... It's very Mion-like.

"Mii-chan, Keiichi-kun is working hard to teach us, so let's do our best too."

"Rena is a good, obedient girl... I'm sure the teacher will get her into a good school."

"...W-Wow... Th-Thank you..."

"I'll be teaching you especially, Rena. It'll be a private lesson, just the two of you."

"...P-Private...Less..."

There was a popping sound coming from Rena's head and a round, ring-shaped plume of smoke rose up.

What kind of private lesson does she have to imagine to make her blush so much? I'd love to hear her say it out loud next time.

"In the city, do you really have to study this much?"

Mion asked absentmindedly while fiddling with her vocabulary book. It was obvious that she was tired of studying and was trying to kill time by engaging in casual conversation.

"Obviously, you won't be able to go to college with grades like this."

"Are you studying because you can't go on to higher education?"

"Well, to put it simply, that's true. ...I know it won't be useful in the future."

"That may be true in the city, but here, as long as you attend school enough times, you can go on to higher education."

"...Is that so...?!"

Even I was flustered and confused when this common sense, which is as fundamental as the law of gravity, that studying equals taking exams was so easily denied.

"Maybe. There aren't that many people to filter out for the exam."

"If anyone can go on to higher education, then there's no need to work so hard, right?"

"...Well, that's true... but it would be better if they could at least use common sense..."

"I think that instead of wasting time on pointless study, you should use this precious time of your youth to do something more meaningful."

Those words were too suggestive to just laugh off. Of course, knowing Mion, there probably wasn't much of a deep meaning to them.

Instead of the chime, the sound of the principal shaking the bell can be heard.

"Kei-chan, it's all over! Now it's time for a fun lunch!"

Completely different from her previous passive attitude, Mion now issues a command to the class.

"...Keiichi-kun, let's have lunch!"

Maybe I looked troubled, but Rena gave me an unusually bright smile.

"Yes! Let's eat!"

Lunch with a group of friends

Even though the class was made up of a wide range of ages and grades, there were still groups. This was clear at a glance during lunchtime.

At school in the city, students eat lunch according to their group schedule, but here there are no such rules. Groups of close friends sit close together and eat together in a lively and lively atmosphere.

Of course, I also had a close group of friends that I ate with.

Rena and Mion sit at their desks facing each other, and then Satoko and Rika come waddling over with their own desks.

"Keiichi-kun, hurry up!"

Rena hurries me while waving her chopsticks around mischievously.

Apparently, you can't even open the lid of the lunch box unless everyone is there.

Rena and Mion came to school together in the morning, Satoko and Rika greeted us at the trap, and the five of us were in the group having lunch together.

"Keiichi's lunch box is bound to smell like poverty and have bread crusts! Come on, don't be shy and show us! Come on!"

Even though Satoko hates me and keeps yelling at me, she won't open her lunch box until I'm there.

I quickly grabbed my lunch box, pulled out a chair and joined the group.

"Oh, sorry to keep you waiting!"

"...Then, at the command of Chairman Mii, we will eat."

At first, I felt very embarrassed to be in a group of only girls, but that feeling quickly faded. Now, I clearly feel that this group of people of all ages and genders is where I belong. I'm sure I wouldn't open my lunch box if anyone here was late.

We were different in age and gender, but we were friends.

"Here we go!!"

The beautiful chorus of the five girls echoed throughout the classroom.

Compared to the men who silently focused on their meals, women ate lively. So, meals with this group, which was all women except for me, were always very lively.

Normally, I should have joined the boys' group, but by chance, the other boys were in a different year than me, so I didn't have any contact with them.

Older men can seem intimidating to guys around this age, but girls, at least they don't seem to care about that at all.

They were the ones who first spoke to me, the ones who became friendly with me, and the ones who invited me to have lunch together, so it was only natural that I would become aware of myself as a part of their group.

Gather the side dishes in the center and everyone can poke around freely.

I was feeling a bit nervous, thinking that girls would probably be quite bothered by this sort of thing, but Mion didn't see through me and cheered me on quite a bit.

As a result of my efforts (?), I can now reach out with my chopsticks to eat any side dish in anyone's lunch box.

"Oh my, Keiichi-san, is your lunch box really extravagant today?"

"My my, Satoko's lunch is truly a splurge. The stew is chic and looks great."

They counter Satoko's words with a cross-counter, each shoving their chopsticks into the other's lunch box, then bringing them back with the same speed they thrust them into their mouths.

"Oh, delicious!"

"Oh, the Sato and Imo potatoes are delicious. The stew is tasty even when cold!"

When Rika saw my smile, her face lit up a little. It seemed that this stew was made by Rika.

"...I saved some of the stew from last night's dinner."

"I see. The broth soaks in even better after it's been left overnight! No wonder it's so delicious."

"Hahahaha! Is that so? Rika is really good at simmering food!"

"...Of course, I'm also very good at cooking other dishes besides simmered dishes."

Satoko and Rika smiled and poked at each other's stew.

By the way, Rika-chan and Satoko always have the same lunch. It seems that Rika-chan makes it for them every day.

Rika's cooking skills are quite impressive for her age. With her skills like this, I would have liked her to make my lunch as well.

"Did Rika make this stew too? This tastes just like my mom's cooking!"

I'm honestly impressed. The flower shape made from these carrots wasn't made with a mold, but with a knife.

"Rika-chan is actually quite good at that sort of thing."

"Not only is she good at cooking, but she also does the sewing and laundry by hand. It's amazing, isn't it? It's amazing!"

"Rika is amazing in many ways. Hahahaha!"

"You shouldn't be the one showing off!"

"...Rena is a better cook than I am."

"...Eh, ah,...that's...you see...☆"

Apparently the conversation had come at an unexpected time, Rena was at a loss for words and blushed.

Rena's lunch box was certainly the highlight of the dining table.

It looks delicious and it actually is!

Everyone else eagerly reaches out to eat Rena's lunch box with their chopsticks.

"This was well-received before, so I made a lot of it. I wonder if it's tasty? ...I guess?"

"A pretty good score! Ah, Mion, you got too many!"

I pushed Mion's chopsticks aside and leaned forward to get my share, but Satoko and Rika all leaned forward at the same time, causing a big mess.

Everyone was saying how delicious it was, and before you knew it, Rena's lunchbox was empty. It was scary how no one thought to leave any for Rena.

But Rena looked very satisfied when she saw it.

"I wonder. Rena is also a very good cook, you know? It's completely different from Keiichi!"

"So it's not your place to act bossy!"

"Satoko is no different from Kei-chan. Can you tell the difference between broccoli and cauliflower now?"

Satoko's face suddenly changed color. It seemed that this was one of her weaknesses.

"...Hey, even I can tell the difference between broccoli and cauliflower, right?"

"I, I, I understand! ...I understand!"

He really is a guy who can't lie. The more he tries to cover up his mistakes, the less he seems to realize that he's publicly saying that people can't tell the difference...

Realizing that I had the upper hand over Satoko for the first time in a while, I grinned and decided to corner her even more.

"Keiichi-kun, either way, eggplant tastes good with mayonnaise, right? It's a shame to bully them... And Mii-chan too!"

"Well, it's home economics class. So Satoko, what's this?"

Mion quickly picks up a cross section of green bacon wrapped around it with her chopsticks.

"...But that's asparagus...mugh."

After receiving eye contact from Mion, I covered Rika's mouth in three seconds.

Forcing me to choose between two options with bacon-wrapped asparagus... What a scary guy.

"Umm, well! Umm...! The yellow one is cauliflower, hmm, the green one is caulifla..."

"Now which one is it? Hmm?"

"Maybe the yellow is black and the blue is floral... but the green is... well... ah..."

"Do you really know which one it is? Wouldn't it be better to just surrender?"

He's the class representative, as expected. He's the oldest. The way he bullies and corners Mion is different from the way he was in his younger years. I have no reason to believe it, but I wonder how difficult it would be for him to marry into the Sonozaki family...

"I know...! I know!!"

"Then answer me!"

"...I know...I know...Waaaaaah!!"

Finally, unable to contain herself any longer, she burst into tears. At this point, Satoko had grown older and was responding accordingly.

"...Y-yes...it's so cute..."

Rena is ecstatic as Satoko cries in frustration.

She grabs Satoko's head as she jumps into her chest, caresses her, and rubs her cheek against hers, reveling in the utmost happiness. In this situation, Rena would surely not notice if she were stabbed in the stomach with a knife.

"Rena-san, Rena-san! Mion-san is bullying me! Waaaaaaaah!!"

"It's so cute! It's so cute! It'll be fine, big sister Rena will take care of the bad guys!"

Splat ...!!

It felt like an inspiration had come to me. Before I knew it, Mion and I were both sprawled out, our heads facing the ceiling.

"...Now...what exactly...?"

My face hurt. I was down. I'd been hit by some kind of attack from Rena. That was all I knew.

"...Kei-chan, this is your first time eating it, right? Today's is still... on the sweet side..."

With that said, both Mion and I bowed our heads at the same time.

"Look, Satoko, you got it done... Aah, it's so cute! I want to take it home!"

Satoko glanced at us and stuck out her tongue so that Rena wouldn't see. Damn you, you're using Rena so well. !!!

Rika was silent, yet she was smiling with satisfaction as she stroked the bruises on our faces...

Going home from school

No matter how long the journey, the walk home from school feels short. The shadows of the three of us are long.

"Hey Keiichi, do you have any plans for next Sunday? Maybe?"

"picture…?"

I couldn't help but blush at how proactive Rena was in her approach. If she asked me that, I'd normally assume she was asking me out on a date.

Seeing me at a loss for words for a moment, Rena realized how she had misunderstood me and blushed involuntarily.

"...Eh...Ah...N-No, it's not that...It's not that...Um...!"

"Oh, so that's not it..."

"Huh...?! Huh?!"

I slumped my shoulders in disappointment at his exaggeration.

"...K-Keiichi, why are you disappointed? Right?...Mii-chan!"

"...Phew, ahahahahahahaha !!! 」

Unable to bear it any longer, Mion slaps me on the back.

"I see! I never knew about that kind of attack. Wahahahaha !!! 」

"...Huh? ...Huh? What? What? What is it?"

Rena becomes distraught as she sees Mion rolling around on her stomach, unable to comprehend the situation.

I joined in, laughing out loud, and patted Rena's head with a slight feeling of guilt.

"Sorry, that was a joke. Sorry."

Such a cute guy.

"...Huh...Huh? ...Are you kidding me? Where is that from? Where is that from?!"

"Um, uh... halfway through."

"...Partway through? So Kei-chan, that first time you turned bright red wasn't an act?"

"...Huh...? ...Th-That's...?"

It was a momentary gap in my mind. There's no way Mion wouldn't take such a delicious piece of fried chicken leg...!

"Eh, well, that's..."

There was no way to say anything else... My careless panic put me at an even greater disadvantage. After that, Mion started to tease me a lot...

"...So, what's the point of being free on Sundays, Rena?"

"Huh...? So... what were we talking about...?"

It seems that Mion had been teasing me for so long that the person who had brought it up had forgotten about it. Mion giggled and brought us back to the main topic.

"Kei-chan, you still can't get around Hinamizawa by yourself."

That's certainly true. It was as Mion said.

It hadn't even been a month since I transferred here, and I still couldn't say that I understood the geography of Hinamizawa, even by a fair amount.

If I were blindfolded like in a watermelon-smashing game and spun around three times, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't know where I was.

"...That's true. I'm still not confident about anything other than going to town and school."

"That's right. So, the day after tomorrow, Mie-chan and Rena will go for a walk and show Keiichi-kun around Hinamizawa..."

It was a godsend. I was honestly happy about the offer.

"Of course you'll go, right?"

"If you have time."

"A girl is inviting you!"

"If you have time."

I dared to rebel against Mion's tone of voice, which didn't seem to leave any room for argument. I thought it was a godsend, but I couldn't bring myself to welcome it honestly, which was cute.

"Keiichi-kun, aren't you free? Maybe?"

As my exchange with Mion was fruitless, Rena timidly peered at me.

I thought I was a bit too hard on her earlier, so this time I'll go at Rena's pace.

"...Sorry, forgive me. I'm bored."

"Thank goodness!"

Not wanting to bend, Rena made a face.

"Oh my! There's quite a difference in attitude between Mion and Rena!"

"Let's go, Rena. Let's go out together on Sunday. Leave that annoying Mion behind."

He quickened his pace, leaving behind Mion, who was puffing out her cheeks.

"...Well, I... if Keiichi-kun is okay with that..."

"I was the one who suggested showing you around! Don't ignore me, Maeharabara Keiichi!"

"I'd love a picnic just the two of us! Should I bring lunch, Rena?"

"...If you need a lunch...Rena...maybe I'll make one...maybe!"

"Don't ignore me, Rena! I haven't seen the episode where the two of them disappear into the hotel district..."

The moment Mion tried to say something vulgar, something invisible hit her in the face and she fainted.

"Well then! Rena, I'll get excited and prepare the lunches...! I'm looking forward to Sunday! Keiichi-kun and Mii-chan! Bye!"

Rena ran off with steps that felt as if she were leaping across the moon.

The dust vanished, leaving me and Mion sprawled out, her face covered in bruises.

"...Are you okay...? Mion and Rena were standing at least two meters apart..."

"...Uh...Ever since you came, he's only gotten more and more angry...Uncle, I can't take it anymore..."

"Don't be discouraged, Mion. You're the only one who can see through Rena's jabs!"

"...I think it's just my knees..."

Mion and I renewed our determination to master Rena's special move...

Are our grades mixed?

"... Rena , you're the same age as me, right?"

"Yes, that's right. It's the same as the Chinese zodiac signs."

Come on, it would be weird if we were the same year but had different zodiac signs...

"That's not true. If they have different birthdays, they can be the same age but have different zodiac signs."

"Huh? Oh, I see. Mion, you're smart!"

"Ahahahaha. By the way, Keiichi, what month were you born? Rena's was in July!"

Rena  puffs out her chest in exclamation. ...Hey, what does that mean?

I hope he's not trying to show off just because his birthday is a little earlier than mine...

"...Huh! But give up. There's no point in challenging me on my birthday! ...I'll even bet you 100 yen for every month difference!"

"Huh? Huh?! Why? Why?!"

Rena is suddenly put on a bet and becomes flustered. Judging from her panic, she concludes that she is running low on pocket money for the month.

But...it's so much fun to see him get so flustered over something as trivial as his birthday.

"So Kei-chan, were you born in April?"

"That's right! Too bad for you, Rena ! I'm much older than you."

"Wow! That's right! So you're the same age as Mii-chan!"

"Well, maybe for a few months! I'll make up the difference again soon!"

Mion snorts and laughs. "Hey, hey, don't get all bossy..." Oh, are you talking about me?

"...Come to think of it...Mion is a senior student."

"If underclassmen are more cute, then I'm fine with being an underclassman from today onwards."

"Mii-chan, you're saying something I don't really understand..."

Looking at how blushing Rena is, it's clear that she understands perfectly well...

"So, Satoko and Rika are underclassmen... In fact, they're underclassmen who go to different schools, right?"

"Ke... Keiichi-kun, I think your age is a little too young for my taste... I don't think so..."

It's Rena who's saying things I don't really understand... First of all, I grab her head and roughly stroke her.

"Ahhhh!! Stop it...!"

"I've been wondering for a while now, why are the classes at this school mixed year?

"There aren't enough classrooms. It can't be helped, after all. We're renting space from the police station."

...Now that you mention it, that's true. I've always thought there was something strange about my school.

The schoolyard is covered in sand, there are rooms that have nothing to do with the school, and there's some strange construction machinery parked there.

"Why are you renting? What happened to your real school?"

"It seems that it had been standing there since before the war... but it had become old and dilapidated, so it became an abandoned school."

It must have been a very charming, old-fashioned school building.

"Well, the students will be attending school in town, but it's far away, right?"

"Which school did you go to?"

"Go through Okinomiya Station Street, turn at the hospital, and you'll see that the school is across from the pediatrics department?"

"Huh, huh?! It's so far away...!"

Although I have no idea about the geography, I can see from Rena 's surprise that it's quite far away.

"Well, that's how it is. Those who don't want to go to school in Okimiya are now attending temporary school buildings rented from the Forestry Bureau."

"About half of the kids in Hinamizawa? Quite a few of them even ride their bikes there early in the morning."

"Well, if you go to a crazy school like this, it's probably a bit difficult to get into a prestigious school."

"That's not true, Mii-chan. If you work hard, you can study anywhere."

"Oh, that's right, that's right! I agree with Rena !"

"Yeah, that's right. That's right! Good luck!"

"Please do your best, Seze. I'll do my best to help you out in any way I can."

"It's not us, it's Mion! You're a student taking exams, right? With grades like these, your future is bleak!"

"That's fine. If I ever end up homeless, I'll get a permanent job and have Kei-chan feed me."

"What, what is permanent employment? What is it?"

"Hey! It's too noisy there! Be quiet while you study!"

All three of us were scolded by the teacher. I feel so sorry for them.

Seeing this, Satoko bursts out laughing, to which I respond by sticking out my tongue and saying "Akanbe."

...It's true what Mion said. This school has nothing to do with going on to higher education.

On the other hand, I'm sure there are many valuable things that you won't find at any other school.

Is uniform optional at my house?

It's still June, but it's hot.

Outside, cicadas are buzzing and mosquitoes are out at night. This is definitely summer. The only relief is that it's cool in the mornings.

"It's so hot!"

Satoko was flapping her skirt listlessly.

"...That's indecent, dude. Even though she's just a kid, she's still a girl after all."

"Keiichi, it looks cool in just a dress shirt... I'm jealous."

"From my perspective, Satoko looks cooler in that skirt. You, as a woman, have no idea how steamy the crotch and seat of your trousers get at this time of year!"

"...Hmm...steaming...ahh..."

Rena, who had overheard what was going on, blushed involuntarily. This girl has let her lewd imagination run wild again...

" Rena 's summer clothes have cool colors, don't they? Looking at them makes me feel cooler too."

"Hahahaha. Thanks! It's really cool."

"I also like cool summer clothes like Rena-san."

"But Satoko's summer dress is so cute! I'd love to try wearing Satoko's summer outfit, Rena!"

"It's pretty humid here, you know? Rena-san is definitely cooler than you."

"But I'm sure it's more fun in cute clothes... ha!"

...I feel like Rena and Satoko have fundamentally different values.

"Now that you mention it... this school doesn't have a designated uniform."

"No, I don't. As long as it's appropriate, I'm fine with wearing my own clothes."

There are certainly many students who wear casual clothes. Some students wear uniforms, but they all have the same design and are very plain. However, all of my friends wear different uniforms.

"...What are those uniforms the others are wearing? They all look the same."

"That's the school uniform in town. There's no rule about it, but everyone wears it."

"When we go there, all our friends are wearing different uniforms. Did they order them from somewhere?"

"Yes. Mion will be the one to adjust it."

"Mii-chan has a relative who runs a second-hand clothing business, and apparently buys school uniforms from all over the country at very low prices."

"So you asked your relatives to order all sorts of unique uniforms for you? Mion must be having fun turning her friends into dress-up dolls."

………But it's a strange second-hand clothing store. I understand second-hand clothing in general, but do they stock uniforms from schools all over the country? …I don't really understand this second-hand clothing store. Surely uniforms from far-away schools they don't know are of any use?

"...Yeah. Rena thinks so too. We also sell used gym clothes and school swimsuits. I don't really like buying used items like that."

"It doesn't seem like a very profitable business... I'm sure Mion is doing her best to help them make even a little profit."

"...But Mion always says with such confidence, you know? I'm sure it'll be a big hit and become a huge business soon!"

...I guess second-hand school uniform shops are a big hit? ...I don't know.

June 12th (Sunday)

Then, on Sunday, I met up with them and realized that something had happened that was no joke.

In the end, Rena really did make a lunch box. And it was extra large!

"Kei-chan, I heard Rena was super excited after that!"

"I-I didn't provoke you or anything! I did talk about the bento, but, well, it was just the flow of the conversation, more like a little joke..."

"...It wasn't that hard... so don't worry about it... okay☆ Ha, haaa!"

"Apparently he was in that state from last night until this morning! Can you take responsibility? Can you eat it all?"

"I, I understand... I'm a man too. I'll take responsibility!"

"...Eh... S-S-Responsibility...?! What is it! What is it!"

Mion and I slowly turned back to Rena, then our gazes fell on the Boston bag, which looked extremely heavy.

It's hard to imagine that the impressive contents of that bag are actually lunch boxes... but it's Rena!

"...About two kilos...maybe?"

"Rena, when you were carrying your luggage, you said 'yokkorasho'...five kilos."

"...Th-That's an exaggeration! Keiichi-kun is a boy after all! I thought you'd eat a lot...a lot...☆ ...Ahaha...Let's go! ...Let's go!"

The way Rena was lifting it made it hard to believe that the contents were a bento.

"...Correct that. I'm five kilos too..."

"I'll help you, but... you're going to eat it all! I won't forgive you if you make Rena sad!"

It seemed like the only thing I could do right now was to exercise a little and make myself hungry...

For the time being, we put aside the question of whether we could finish the extra-large bento, and set off for the originally planned Great Hinamizawa Walking Tournament.

Hinamizawa is a remote village far removed from modernization, with old-fashioned houses built with palm-shaped roofs scattered here and there. Other than that, there are electric poles, fields, mountains, and forests. The more I was shown around, the more I realized it was a rural area with nothing in it.

But that simple, unadorned nature is what makes Hinamizawa so great. Everything is laid back, and no one rushes anything. That's what I learned so much from my time in the city, where I'd only been back for two days.

In my previous town, I didn't have any friends who would invite me out for walks like this.

Their concern for me, who had yet to fully integrate into Hinamizawa, was very warm and made me happy.

"Oh, hello."

"Hello. Oh, that's... I think... Maehara-kun?"

No matter how desolate Hinamizawa is, you pass many villagers as you walk down the street. Rena and Mion greet each person they pass. Everyone seemed to know each other. ...And everyone they passed knew my name.

"Why am I so famous?"

I've passed three people so far, and all three of them answered my name straight away, so I can't help but feel a bit suspicious.

"Haha, it's sad, there aren't many people in Hinamizawa. Everyone knows each other."

"So, if I see an unfamiliar face walking by, it automatically means that it's the newly moved-in young master from the Maebara family."

"Yes, that's what happened. The news that Keiichi-kun's family is moving was circulated on the notice board, so I think the whole village knows."

...A poor village is not to be underestimated.

From now on, I'll have to be even more careful about where I go out. If I were to carelessly look at some pornographic gravure photos in a bookstore, the news of my sighting would spread in the blink of an eye, and by the next day I'd be labeled a pervert by the entire village...! Hinamizawa is truly frightening...!

And the fear continues.

"So, Rena and the others know the names of all the people they just passed by?"

"Of course I know. The first person I met was Uncle Takezo from the Ring Store in Makino. His hobbies are bonbon cultivation and shakuhachi."

"Next is Daisuke, the second son of a dry goods dealer. His hobby is sniping, and he dreams of becoming a top-class sniper."

"So, the person here today is Miyoshi, a nurse at Irie Clinic. Her hobbies are bird watching and photography."

"...Do you know the names of everyone you pass by?... And even their profiles?!"

Even if you know someone by face, you don't know their name. That's the limit of the city. But to think that you know not only their name, but their hobbies and even their profile... You can't help but be amazed at the close local ties in the countryside.

Seeing my reaction, Rena and Mion looked at each other and chuckled.

"Well, yeah. It's not like the city where people get along with their neighbors so sparsely."

"Let me try asking you this: Who am I here right now?"

"Ahahaha. Maebara Keiichi-kun. He says mean things but he's actually a kind and shy guy."

"It's only been two weeks since I transferred here. My hobby is napping. I recently switched to Trunks...right?"

"That's enough, that's enough!!"

"...and Tranks..."

"That's good too!"

How did they know that I even went shopping for underwear in town?! It seems you can't hide anything here. Ah, the scary place...Hinamizawa!!

"This seems more like a teaser for me than a guide for me..."

"I agree."

"We were all marching around in such a lively atmosphere. I'm sure everyone is thinking that Kei-chan has really settled into Hinamizawa!"

"Hinamizawa is a very sparsely populated village. The villagers are very happy to have new people join their group."

Depopulation, perhaps?

Indeed, there were quite a few houses that had already been abandoned and were left to decay. I also came across abandoned fields that had been left fallow.

From an urban perspective, it is quite puzzling why people continue to live in such an inhospitable village. People are leaving, but no new people are coming in. This is what is known as depopulation.

That's why people like me who transfer in are so valuable. Everyone I've met so far knows my name and greets me warmly... that might be why.

I passed someone again, and again someone called out to me.

"Oh, hi. I'm glad you two seem to get along well!"

"I'm the aunt of Fujishima's family. Hello!"

"Oh Maehara-kun, you have two hands! How's it going? Have you gotten used to life here yet?"

A new friend has arrived in a village that is becoming lonely as people leave one after another... If it were the Maehara family, everyone would want him to quickly become accustomed to the village. I now understand the meaning of the nameless woman's question, "Have you gotten used to life here yet?"

So I swallowed my urbane polite words and nodded vigorously in response.

The aunt smiled and said, "You're so energetic, that's great."

"Good! That's a good answer, Kei-chan. That's all I need."

When I turned around, Mion winked at me. I finally understood the meaning of today's walk.

"...So, you see☆ Shouldn't it be time for lunch soon? ...Maybe?"

With a brilliant smile, Rena announced to Mion that a time they had both been trying to forget had arrived.

Mion and I looked at each other...

"...I'm a man too. I'll try my best... But the amount is too much!"

"...Okay Kei-chan, leave this to me. Let's call for reinforcements!"

...Mion has never looked more reliable. Just as you'd expect from the class representative!

"Rena, if you're going to eat, why not eat somewhere with a nice view?"

"...Wow...yeah! That's great. I agree!"

Mion's suggestion was quickly accepted, and we immediately headed to a place with a great view.

Lunch at Furude Shrine

Once I reached the top of the stone staircase, I found myself at a shrine that looked just as I had imagined.

Although it looked old, the fallen leaves had been neatly cleared away and it looked very clean.

"This place is called Furude Shrine. It's probably the place with the best view!"

"Make sure you remember this place! There's a festival here next holiday."

"Hmm. It's a little early for a festival, isn't it?"

"Watawata Nagashi is not a summer festival, it's a festival celebrating the end of winter."

I'm embarrassed about my city-loving nature, which led me to assume that festivals only happen in the summer.

"Now, let's open our lunch boxes... and..."

Colorful lunch boxes are lined up one after another on the sheet.

I have to admit it smells delicious. It's Rena's homemade. I'm sure it's delicious.

But is it really possible to eat it all? One after the other, bento boxes, Tupperware, and tiered boxes are lined up. Each one is packed with side dishes just like a New Year's feast.

"Hey, Mion... what's going on with the reinforcements?! It's a completely ridiculous plan to try and eat this much food by ourselves...!"

"Wait just a little longer! He'll be here soon!"

"...Hello."

Rika-chan and Satoko appeared with cute voices. Why are they here?

Mion gives me a grin.

I-I see, so they are the reinforcements Mion was talking about...!

I see, when you're at that age where you're growing up, it's really a case of fighting one man at a time when it comes to food! A battle that's impossible to win with three people, but with five people it's a different story!

"I came here because there was some commotion... What's going on here?!"

"You can see it, right? It's lunchtime now. It's buffet style. Tsuzumi is savoring Rena's homemade bento."

"I can tell just by looking! Why are you spreading a mat in someone else's garden?"

"Shrine is a public place. Don't monopolize it."

"...Keiichi is right. We'll make it everyone's garden."

"Ugh... Rika-chan is such a good girl...! Sit down there! Let's eat together!"

I made room for Rika and quickly turned my back on Satoko. Satoko went along with my provocative gesture.

"Wait a minute! Where should I sit?"

"You have no place to sit and no food to eat!"

"...It's okay...I have some left for Satoko too..."

"No way! I'll take Satoko's share too!"

"I can't allow that to happen. !!! Rikaaa!"

"...Here are your chopsticks."

Satoko and I jumped at the lunch box as if fighting.

"My goodness... Kei-chan is really good at getting people on board. Maybe he has some strange talent for it!"

"Here are the plates. Mii-chan and Rika-chan."

Rena handed over paper plates and chopsticks, which meant that the five of them had been prepared to eat together from the start.

"...If we don't work hard, Satoko and Keiichi will eat us all up."

"That's right. Okay! I wonder if the old men will join in too?"

"Eat as much as you want! There's enough for everyone ☆"

"Hahahaha! I'm not giving away that hamburger steak!"

"Hahaha! Elbows are a foul, Satoko!"

"What? Grabbing someone by the collar or neck is also against the rules!"

In the fierce battle, Satoko seemed to have the upper hand in the early stages with her abundant energy and elbow blocks, but a fatal difference in chopstick handling turned the situation around in an instant!

"Ahhh! The last meatballeeeee !!! 」

"Hojo Satoko is defeated!" !!! Wow, the juicy taste of these meatballs is amazing!"

"Then I'll have the last omelet over here! Ahh, it's melting in my mouth!"

...It's no wonder we're choking on food if we eat like that. Satoko and I both choked at the same time, choking and suffocating, and we tossed and turned over in agony.

Even though it's stuck in her throat, Rika strokes her head and holds her in comfort. Seeing this, Rena becomes excited, blushes, and looks ecstatic. Mion scolds Rena for her criminal look.

It was the same meal scene as always.

If this same scene continues from now on, I'll be willing to put in any effort.

The fierce fighting had calmed down for the time being, and it seemed that everyone finally had the time to talk.

I get some tea from the water dispenser and take a quick break.

"Why does the Japanese language have so few compliments on taste?"

"Isn't it because the idea of social gatherings during meals only came about in the modern era?"

"It seems that people in the old days ate their meals in silence. I'm sure the people who cooked it felt a little lonely, too."

"I'm sure people in the past were so busy eating that they didn't have time to praise the food!"

"That's you!" she said as she and Satoko started messing around.

"But even if they just say it's delicious, I'm happy. ... It makes me feel like all the hard work was worth it."

Rena said, her cheeks flushing.

"...It's delicious."

With perfectly timed timing, Rika's "compliment" hits Rena directly. ...Her eyes are so pure and honest. Her pure and innocent expression torments and kills Rena.

"………teeth,"

"…teeth?"

After an incomprehensible utterance, there was a "pop!" from Rena's head and a ring of smoke rose.

"Ahh!! ...Ri, ...Riri, ...Rika-chan, t, I'm not taking you home... but...! Thanks!!!"

"...It was really delicious."

Rena was bright red with excitement as she hugged Rika and rubbed her cheek against hers, making a squeaking noise.

"R-Rika-chan, as a thank you for your compliment... here you go! Here's a complimentary gift!"

"Pick it!" he said, stabbing the apple bunny with a toothpick, and then he handed it to Rika with a snap.

When Rika receives it, the mood in the room suddenly starts to take a strange turn.

"...What's with that challenging look in your eyes, Satoko?"

"Have you all prepared enough compliments to get Rena's apples?"

"Oh, you're being very assertive. What kind of compliments can you come up with when you have such a limited vocabulary?"

Mion took up the challenge and grinned, and Satoko grinned back in response.

"Hohoho... Well then, let's have a look."

Satoko's fearless smile faded as she cleared her throat and spoke to Rena in a strange, shrill voice with a frightening tone.

"Oh, you know! ...Rena-oneechan's lunch, Satoko-san, was delicious too..."

Satoko looked up and smiled shyly, speaking in a lisping voice.

What!? What kind of compliment is that?! Isn't this more of a crybaby's plea than a crybaby's plea?

But it has a special effect on Rena! She blushes and spins her head around...!! Don't be fooled, Rena!!!

"...Ha...ahh!!"

Of course, that's impossible. Rena grabs Satoko and starts rubbing her cheek against hers!

"So cute!! ...Satoko-chan is cute too...okay...☆ ...take her home...haaa!"

"Such a great work! Amazing!" Satoko is also presented with an apple rabbit.

After pouting at the rabbit, Satoko once again cast a challenging look at me and Mion.

It only took five seconds for Rena to sink. That's...filthy! Is that even a possibility...?

"If you're frustrated, come up with a compliment that will earn you a reward from Rena!"

Damn it!! What a sneaky move!! First of all, that's not a compliment !!!

"Satoko, you think you won by doing that? Let me show you something completely different from your shallow tricks!"

"That's very encouraging, Mion! What kind of trick is that?"

"It's Kei-chan who will do it." "Huh?!"

"Hohoho! Let me see it. An old woman's foot scratching!!"

...The strategy Mion proposed was harsh and brutal. But it was the only way to defeat Satoko!

After I finished sipping my tea, I started the conversation in a very natural and harmonious way. ...Perfectly.

"...It's really delicious. Is this all homemade?"

"Um, well... actually, most of this is frozen..."

"So which one is Rena's handmade?"

"...Eh... Huh? ...Um... That's... It's embarrassing... Do I have to tell you? ...Is it absolutely necessary?"

Rena's expression becomes ecstatic as she is influenced by the synergistic effect of the man and the homemade lunch.

"...I know. This is it, right?"

"Huh? ...Huh...?! ...Ahhh...!"

Rena blushed more than ever and had an expression of disbelief on her face.

"How... how do you know...? Maybe? Ah... it's Rena's handiwork..."

Of course, this is because Mion had told her about it beforehand. ...So far, everything has been perfect!

At this point, I pretend to be a little shy and wait a heartbeat. ...Next... it's the final blow.

"Because I could smell Rena's... scent."

The situation becomes silent.

...Rena turned bright red and couldn't move a muscle for a while.

Satoko lets out a short shriek and blushes. Of course, I blush too.

"...I want to eat Rena's homemade...apple bunny..."

Even though I was feeling rivalry with Satoko, I felt like I had easily crossed the line by 10 meters... And then, at that moment,

Thud! !!! It was slammed down with a tremendous bang and turned out to be a Tupperware container full of apple bunnies.

"Eat it up Keiichi-kun?! There's plenty, there's plenty...!!"

Guh!? In an instant, I fainted with over a dozen apples stuffed into my mouth.

"Haha, haha, ah, open up... kekeke Keiichi-kun... kekekekeke...☆"

I was caught by Rena and forced to lie on her lap as she shoved apples into my mouth one after the other. Or rather, I'm choking... I'm going to die... But Rena wouldn't let me go, and while making strange noises, she continued to push apple after apple into my mouth... one after the other... apple... apple...

"Ho, hohahahoho...hohetahinoo...hahiha...(What do you think, Satoko? We won.)"

"Kei-chan, what a magnificent sacrifice! What do you think, Satoko? It's a complete victory for us, isn't it?"

"I can't believe this... !!! I'm not disappointed!!!"

Hahaha, look at that, Satoko. What an overwhelming amount of apples! We've completely won... I wanted to say it out loud, but since I was choking on the apples, I could only say it in my mind. With a trembling consciousness, I became convinced of my victory...

...At that moment, Rena suddenly realized something and stopped making strange noises.

"...Rika-chan, aren't you going to eat it? ...The salt water...was too strong...? ...Maybe?"

I looked over and saw that Rika had removed the toothpick from the apple bunny and placed it on a bowl she had made with both hands, looking completely lost.

"...Usagi...I feel so sorry for her. I want you to help her."

Pfft! ...That was the sound of Rena's nose spurting blood.

"...K-k ...

His head starts shaking violently and spasmodically.

Then, coming back to his senses, he gathered up the apples around me and rearranged them on the plate with a 'shupapapapa!' noise.

"Now everyone won't feel lonely...! I'll give this to Rika...okay...okay!"

Rika, who had Usagi's plate shoved into her, looked dumbfounded and raised her hand like a referee, then muttered,

"...We won."

"...Huh...Whaaaaaaat?! We lost in a reversal?!"

"...Hou...hoheemohihyo... (Either is fine.)"

Thus, my death was determined to be a wasted death.

You shouldn't play with food, right? But it feels so unfair that the punishment falls only on me... Mmhmmmm...

Let's go treasure hunting

Considering the chaos that had occurred today, including the bento battle at the shrine, it was a chaotic day. It seemed like it would go on forever, but then Mion had to go to work, so the day came to a close.

"Well then, Rena and Kei-chan! See you tomorrow!"

"Thanks for today, Mion. It was fun."

"See you tomorrow! Don't be late for work!"

"Well, we have to say goodbye now. We both have to go shopping today."

"That's right! Today is the day when meat is cheap at Seventh Mart! Well then, Keiichi-san and Rena-san! See you tomorrow!"

Mion, Satoko, and Rika are gone, and it's just me and Rena left.

"Well, shall we go home?"

"Yeah. That's right."

We decided to head home enjoying the rest of the day.

I didn't notice it when the five of us were having fun, but before I knew it, the shadow had become this long.

"...Thank you Keiichi for joining me today. Did you have fun?"

"Ah, it was fun. I almost feel sad to go home yet!"

"Um, well, can I just take a little detour...? Maybe?"

"A detour? Is it far?"

"It'll be a bit of a walk, but it'll be over in no time!"

Maybe it was because I was tired after walking and having fun all day. I was feeling a bit down, so I nodded to Rena's offer without finding fault with her.

Once you cross the narrow road and slope, the view suddenly opens up.

The place was desolate and cool... it looked like the remains of a construction site, with huge piles of rubbish strewn on the slope overlooking the stream.

It must have been an illegal dumping. I remember it becoming a problem and making headlines in the newspapers.

"Ufufu! It's been a while since I've been here today, so I wonder what's going to happen...!"

"Long time no see, Rena... What did you want, that... pile of garbage?"

"It's not trash! It's a treasure trove for Rena..."

Rena was already in her usual "I'm cool" mode.

What good things are there for Rena here?

"...Wow...a new mountain. ...Exciting...Exciting...!"

He hops and hops down an unstable slope made from bulky trash... Just as you'd expect from someone who grew up in the countryside.

"Hey, wait a moment, I'm on my way... waaaaaaaa...!"

I grew up in the city, so I'm really pathetic...

"It's okay Keiichi, you stay there! It'll be over quickly!"

Being tired from the day, I decided to wait here after all.

Rena was so happy that she disappeared behind the pile of bulky trash.

...The sound of Higurashi's voice slowly cooled the air. I realized that the moderate fatigue was inviting a slight drowsiness.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of footsteps on gravel and sensed someone's presence, so I turned around in surprise.

There was a middle-aged man who looked like he was a photographer, looking at a camera aimed at me.

"Whoa! ...What a surprise!"

"Well, that's what I should be saying... If I was relaxing and enjoying the sunset and turned around to see a strange old man with a camera staring at me, that would be enough to make me jump."

"Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to surprise you. Are you from Hinamizawa?"

That one word told me he wasn't from Hinamizawa.

Just because they don't know my name, they can be so sure I'm not a villager, it really shows how terrifying Hinamizawa is.

"I'm Tomitake, a freelance photographer. I come to Hinamizawa every once in a while. There are so many amazing sights to see, and no matter how many years I go there, I can't capture enough on film."

"But isn't it polite to ask the subject for permission before taking a photo?"

I'm not a celebrity or anything. I don't mind having my picture taken, but it still makes me feel a little uncomfortable if someone takes my picture without me saying anything. I express what's on my mind by pursing my lips.

"Sorry, sorry. I mainly photograph wild birds. I've never turned down a request. Hahaha!"

"So what does that mean? Am I being treated like a bird?"

"No, no, the boy lingering in the twilight was just so picturesque... I apologize for looking through the viewfinder without his permission."

Adults are really good at this. They flatter me just enough that my anger at being surprised completely subsided.

Although the conversation didn't quite click, he didn't seem like a bad person. He continued to talk about things I hadn't even asked him about and introduce himself. I had to keep quiet a little because of his familiarity.

Of course, I have no intention of getting involved with this overly familiar old man. I want Rena to come back soon.

Suddenly, I saw Rena waving from behind a towering pile of garbage far below the slope of bulky garbage.

"Keiichi-kun! Sorry for keeping you waiting! I'll finish up now!"

"Oh, you've got company? What's she doing out there?"

Tomitake's question is perfectly reasonable, but I'd like to ask it myself. ...You said this pile of garbage is a treasure trove, but what kind of treasure could a girl like Rena possibly find in this filthy pile of garbage?

But even though Rena looks like a cute, normal girl, she has a lot of crazy things going on. She might be like, "That's cute, I'll take it home!" and try to take home strange things that are far removed from normal aesthetic sense as treasures.

...This deduction seems to be surprisingly accurate. I laughed muffledly at the thought and gave a suitable answer to Tomitake's question.

"I don't know. Maybe they're checking the dismembered body of someone they killed and buried a long time ago?"

"……picture?"

Tomitake's response left me confused for a moment.

...No, no. I had said something disturbing, an extension of the jokes I'd been having with the others this afternoon. Ah, I was just joking... I was about to say to cover it up when I turned to Tomitake. ...Tomitake's expression had completely lost the loving smile he'd had on his face earlier, and he was staring off into the distance at the pile of garbage.

"...That was a nasty incident. They still haven't found one of his arms, right?"

"……picture?"

This time, I was confused by the answer.

What did Tomitake-san just say...?

Just as I was trying to sort it all out in my head, I felt a strong slap on the back.

"Ahahaha! Sorry to have kept you waiting, Keiichi-kun. Did I wait? ...Maybe?"

"Hey, it's Rena-chan! That means, hahaha! Sorry about that! I guess I'll get out of here before the horse kicks me. Sorry for startling you, ok? Um, Keiichi-kun!"

Tomitake seemed to misunderstand something and left with the same friendly smile he had when he first arrived.

...It all happened so, so quickly.

I didn't even have time to organize my thoughts as I had to question Tomitake about something he had just said.

"...Keiichi-kun, are you angry? ...I wonder why. ...Right?"

His expression may have shown his confusion, but Rena mistook it for him being upset because she had kept him waiting too long during the treasure hunt in the garbage dump.

It's not that Rena is at fault, but I'll just criticize her for now.

Tomitake got on his bicycle, which was parked over there, and disappeared down a path leading into the forest...

"Um... erm, sorry sorry! So, how was it? Did you find anything good?"

"Yes, listen! Ah, you see! I found it! A Kenta doll!"

"Kenta doll?! Wait, is that the life-sized doll that's always placed in front of the Kenta fried chicken shop?"

"...That's right! Kenta-kun☆ ...Ahh...you're so cute...I want to take you home...☆"

I'm not quite sure what Rena's definition of something cute is, but for now, she seems to like it.

Well, it seems my guess was pretty spot on. Rena has a slightly different aesthetic sense than most people, and treasures that fit that criteria often end up mixed in with this pile of garbage. So, searching for and digging up those treasures is what we call treasure hunting.

At first glance, it may seem surprising that this is a hobby of Rena, who seems like a normal girl, but if you consider that it was the hobby of a naughty brat who always wears short sleeves and shorts and has bandages on her knees, it's not so strange.

People have all kinds of hobbies. If she's so excited about treasure hunting, I don't think it's right to criticize her. I've decided to understand Rena's hobby of scavenging...no, treasure hunting.

"That's trash, right? That's why the owner threw it away because they don't want it, so if you want to take it home, you can."

"Yes. If I could, I'd like to take it home right away, but... it's buried under another mountain... It's not easy to dig it out... And there's no light there, so it gets dark quickly..."

Rena seemed very disappointed that she couldn't take home the treasure she had found.

"Well, why don't you come back tomorrow? I'll help you out too. It'll be my way of repaying you for the delicious lunch I made you today."

"...Ah...Th-Thank you!"

The birds heading to roost signaled that night was fast approaching.

Just as Rena said, there don't seem to be any streetlights here. It's evening, but it seems to be getting quite dark already. ...It's probably time to call it a day.

I promised to help with the treasure hunt tomorrow once again and suggested that we go home.

"Keiichi will help me ☆ ...I can take Kenta home... ah..."

Just before leaving, I look back at the deserted pile of garbage.

...Then, I felt as if I heard again the ominous words that Tomitake had left behind earlier.

Now that I can't see Tomitake-san's back, I can't help but feel as if I've misheard what he said because I'm tired. But... I didn't mishear. I definitely said it.

That was a nasty incident. They still haven't found one of the arms, have they?

He certainly said so.

...Whatever that may mean, it couldn't help but stir up some disturbing thoughts.

However, that imagination just didn't mesh with the Hinamizawa I'd spent the whole day having fun in... So I wanted to make sure that I'd heard it wrong.

"...Hey, Rena. Did something happen there in the past?"

"I heard they were working on a dam. I don't know the details, but... hmm..."

Rena's mind seemed to be full of thoughts of the treasure she had just found, the Kenta doll, and she answered with a dreamy gait.

...Oh, so that was the remains of a dam construction site. Now that I think about it, there wasn't just a pile of garbage, I also seem to remember there being a materials storage area and heavy machinery that looked like a construction site.

"Did anything happen at the dam construction site? Like, an accident, for example?"

"i don't know."

It was an unusually clear voice.

It sounded more like a refusal than a reply.

It was a dignified voice, the like of which I had never heard before from the Ryuugu Rena I knew up until that point.

I was speechless for a while, but then Rena, realizing that she had made me feel intimidated, immediately softened her expression.

"Actually, Rena lived somewhere else until last year."

"Eh? Rena was also a transfer student? I thought for sure..."

"So, I don't know much about what happened before that. Sorry."

She laughed and stuck out her tongue... That was the usual Rena I knew so well.

But those few words just now contained a clear intention: I don't know much about it, and I don't want to talk about it. I could clearly sense that implication.

Thinking about it, it was obvious. It couldn't be an interesting topic for a girl. Something with one arm that still hadn't been discovered.

………It has one arm, but I still can't find it.

...What is this? ...What is this thing in this warm and fun Hinamizawa?

No matter how much I ask in my heart, there's no one to answer me. ...No, maybe there is. I've been hearing the cicadas for a while now.

Something happened in Hinamizawa.

It felt like only Higurashi and the others knew.

Maehara Mansion

"...Kei-chan, aren't you really rich?"

"What's this all of a sudden? When did I ever come to school in a limousine?"

"How much allowance do you get per month?"

"One thousand yen."

"Oh, that's quite petty."

"...The side dishes in the bento are also normal. I thought for sure that I would have a grilled eel bento every day."

"What on earth are you talking about?! You suddenly asked me how much pocket money I have and then you said I'm a commoner and not rich!"

"Ahahaha. Sorry, sorry!"

Apparently realizing the suspicious look on my face, Rena burst out laughing.

"Kei-chan's house is really big, isn't it? That's why it was called Maeharaya or Shikishiki throughout Hinamizawa while it was being built, and it was the center of attention."

"It was such a big house, so we all started gossiping about how rich they were."

Ah, I see. That makes sense. ...It's true that the house is big in size. That kind of misunderstanding is possible.

"My theory is that they spent too much money building their house and ended up poor!"

"...Poor poor guy."

...Rika pats my head with pity. She went from treating me like a rich person to treating me like a poor person in an instant.

"Well, I'm sorry to ruin your happy imagination, but we're neither rich nor poor. We're just an extremely average family."

"A house that big is not normal! What's more, the entrance is impressive, and the gate is large enough to accommodate large vehicles! It's definitely not normal!"

It's as if the size of your house is a measure of your wealth.

The reason our house is so big is because it includes my father's studio. There are several work spaces, and his past works are displayed here and there... and they're all huge.

So, the area where the family lives is probably only about one-third of the whole.

The design was conceived with the idea that he might hold a solo exhibition at his home in the future, so it was designed with consideration given to the movement of people and vehicles.

...By the way, the entrance that Mion is referring to as a grand entrance is the entrance on the studio side, which is usually closed off. The entrance that the Maehara family actually uses is just a very average, modest one. Appearance and contents are very different, I guess.

"I'd love to explore Kei-chan's house sometime. He claims he's not rich, but that mansion is amazing! I wonder what's hidden there!"

"I-I hope there's something good hidden there! Haaa!"

"I'm sure they don't have enough money to buy furniture, and the rooms are full of horrible things!"

"...If it's a room with carpet, I'd love to lie around in it."

"Wow! That's great, that's great! Rena wants to lie down too!"

...It seems like my imagination is expanding in a fun way...

But well... maybe in the not-too-distant future I'll invite everyone over to my house. My dad is very lenient with girls, so maybe he'll let me have a look around his studio.

The cicadas are singing louder and louder, and the sky seems to stretch out endlessly.

It was hot but clear, and it smelled like early summer.

Dismemberment murder at the dam site

Late at night on XX, Okimiya Police Station in Shishibone City arrested construction workers XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX, and XXX on suspicion of murder and mutilating/disposing of a corpse, and issued a nationwide wanted notice for the fugitive ringleader XXX. According to investigations, the six suspects are accused of assaulting and killing site supervisor XXX at the work office on the Hinamizawa Dam construction site around 9:00 PM on XX, and then dismembering and disposing of his body.

At around 8:00 AM on the XXth, a hospital in Shikabone City called the police to report that "there is a man who is hinting at having murdered XXX," and when police officers rushed to the scene and questioned him, he confessed to the crime. Body parts were found in the exact location as described, and the suspect was arrested that afternoon on suspicion of murder and desecration/abandonment of a corpse.

The other suspects were arrested on the same day, but the main culprit, XXX, remains on the run. Police are pursuing him.

Regarding their motives, they have stated that "I was scolded for drinking, and an argument ensued, and I killed him in a fit of anger," but there are many discrepancies in their confessions, and further investigation is planned.

June 13 (Month)

The next day after school, my close friends and I continued chatting even though it was after school.

Normally, everyone would head to the entrance together, so why are they staying behind today? Rena secretly tells me that something interesting is going to happen.

We had no idea what was going to happen, but until that happened, we spent the time like an extended lunch break.

"Kenta-kun is a doll!? Ah, that's exactly what Rena likes!"

"I understand why Rena wants to take Satoko and Rika home with her. They're certainly cute! But I just can't understand the Kenta doll! What's so good about that guy with glasses?"

"Well, why don't you just ask Rena directly? She'll probably just say, 'Because it's fine☆' anyway. Ahahaha!"

Rena's treasure hunt at the former dam construction site seemed to be known to everyone in her group.

"Does Rena often go treasure hunting over there...at the old dam construction site?"

"...He said he would come and see me often."

"Hmm... A girl of that age rummaging through trash..."

"...If it's fun for you, then I think it's fine."

Rika-chan had a point... No, Rena should be free to choose whatever hobby she wants as long as it doesn't cause trouble for other people.

More importantly...what I really wanted to know wasn't about the treasure hunt, but what happened at that treasure hunting location.

"What's going on over there? Are they doing some kind of dam construction?"

It was like a fishbone that had been stuck on my tongue since last night. I realized that I was getting hung up on such trivial things.

"Hahaha! Well, they did build the dam. But it was stopped a few years ago."

"We all joined forces and fought."

"Fought? What are you talking about?"

"That's right! It was an outrageous story! It was a one-sided proposal to have the whole of Hinamizawa submerged in a dam lake!"

I've heard stories of remote villages deep in the mountains being submerged in a dam lake due to dam construction. Apparently, there were plans for such construction in Hinamizawa in the past.

So, when Rika says "fought," she probably means the resistance movement that the villagers mounted against it. ...And the fact that we're here now means that that resistance movement has paid off.

At that moment, Rena and Satoko return from the bathroom.

"Sorry, sorry! Did I keep you waiting? ...Maybe?"

"I'm sorry, Keiichi-san. It took me so long to touch up my makeup!"

"Satoko, before you go to the toilet, make sure you fill it up first. It's quick and easy, and you can release it all at once."

"Oh my...oh my...how dare you speak to a girl so shy even a flower would shy?!"

Who's the maiden? Satoko responds with a reaction that she would never have if she were a maiden.

Bang bang! The rest was business as usual.

Invitation to club activities

But what is this? Everyone told me to stay in the classroom after school today. Surely there's no extra lessons. Are they planning to play in the classroom?

Mion then cleared her throat, stood up, and began speaking with grand gestures.

"So, today, in accordance with the club rules, I would like to ask all of you club members for your opinion! I would like to add Maebara Keiichi as a new member to our club activities... What do you think?!"

"Rena has no objections!"

"Hahahahaha! I wonder if a poor man like you can keep me company!"

"...Satoko and I both agree."

"Unanimous! Congratulations, Maebara Keiichi. We will grant you permission to take the prestigious entrance exam to join our club!"

"Explain it step by step! What club is it? I haven't said I'm joining yet!"

"Our club is a group that responds to an increasingly complex society, and we must find ways to overcome the various conditions that arise with each activity...sometimes in good times, sometimes in bad times...!!"

"...Rena is weak... so please don't bully her. Let's get along."

"Rena-san is being spoiled! It is the way of the world that the weak get devoured!"

"...In other words, it's a club where we all play games together. Nipa~☆"

Only Rika-chan gave a good explanation.

I finally remembered. Come to think of it, Mion had a hobby of collecting board games and the like.

In short, the idea behind this "club activity" is for everyone to have fun playing the games that Mion has collected so far after school.

Of course, it's not just about playing, there are rewards for first place and punishment games for last place depending on the ranking, so there's a lot to enjoy.

"I'll make it clear up front. This isn't some kind of playful level thing! You should be serious about it, like your life depends on one win and one loss!"

"I-It's fine as long as you have fun...! Don't be so threatening."

"Article 1 of the rules! We aim for first place only! We won't tolerate careless play just because it's a game! !!! 」

"Article 2 of the rules! We are obligated to make every effort to achieve this!"

...When Satoko says it, it sounds like she's saying that any means are acceptable.

"...Of course, I'll do my best too."

"Rena is weak too, but she's doing her best with all her might."

But I understood what everyone was saying.

It's unfair to think that it's okay to have fun in a game where everyone is competing to win. If everyone is aiming to win, then you have to aim too! That's why heated battles are sure to occur and the excitement is sure to be great.

"Okay, I'll do it seriously too... !!! 」

When I raised my fist to the sky with a loud roar, everyone nodded with a smile.

And so, I finally got to take the entrance exam.

"Well, let's do our best, Keiichi... The entrance exam is tough..."

"O-o-oh, thank you for your concern. I don't know what it is, but I'll do my best...!"

"Heh heh heh! Just a word of warning Kei-chan. Rena is pretty vicious too, you know? Uh heh heh!"

Mion's nasty laugh tells of the secret battle that is about to unfold...

"So, Kei-chan, it's time for the entrance exam, what event should you choose?"

Mion is rummaging through the student lockers at the back of the classroom.

…So you're bringing games to school? …Well, it's club equipment, so it's probably okay.

"A difficult game would be disadvantageous only to Kei-chan. Today, let's play a game that anyone can understand. Standard with cards... How about without Jiji?"

"Okay! I'll take it. !!! 」

"The punishment game is just the usual one... The first place player has to give an order to the last place player! How about this?"

"That's fine!! Hahahaha! I'll come in first and put Keiichi in last place, and I'll give you a terrible experience!!"

"Mee! I'm going to get first place too, and give Keiichi, who came in last, an embarrassing punishment game."

"I... I feel so sorry for everyone from the first day... ha."

Their glaring gazes are terrifying... It seems like this club thing...isn't going to be easy.

"Okay, I'll cut up the cards and hand them out to everyone!"

Jiji Nuki is basically the same game as Old Maid.

There's only one difference. There's no Baba. Instead, a card is removed at the beginning.

In other words, there will always be one card left at the end that is a match for the card that was removed.

You never know which card is the joker. It's such a thrilling game!

"Then I'll take one out."

Rena pulled out a card and placed it face down in the center of the circle.

Everyone stares intently at the card.

"Well, you'll understand it by the end of the game. I guess we'll just have to wait and see at first."

But... the other members are serious. They don't have the relaxed attitude I do.

He compares the cards in his hand with the face-down cards, and then looks around at the people around him.

It's as if I can see the back of a face-down card... No way...

"...This playing card is pretty damaged. Don't tell me...everyone can tell what card is hidden there just from the damage...?"

"That's Article 2 of the club rules. Keiichi, please do your best to win!"

"Some of the cards are particularly distinctive... Keiichi will be able to remember them quickly."

Ah, that's said so casually...

What a surprise... My teammates... No, my club members, have memorized the scars on this card and know what's behind it...?!

"Well, that's good! Don't think this will be a handicap. !!! 」

...But even though I made such a bold and enthusiastic statement, it was clear that I was at a disadvantage. Removing Jiji is essentially a game of luck. But when a cheater who can see the backs of cards comes along, it's obvious that I'm at a disadvantage!!

This is no longer just a simple Jiji-less move. ...To put it in Mahjong terms...Gan-pai Jiji-less move!!

"Well, that's good enough! Bring it on! I'll take advantage of your carelessness and kill you!"

...Of course, such unfounded confidence would soon be shattered...

"Heh heh heh! I'll say Kei-chan's cards from right to left, 3, 4, 9, J, Q."

"Guwaaaaahhh!!"

"...By the way, Jiji is the J of Diamonds."

"Ugaaaaahh!!"

"No matter how you switch the cards, it's obvious! You win!"

"Grrrrrrrrr!!"

I was prepared for this, but... I didn't expect it to be this... overwhelming... !!!

Not only do all the members know the damage numbers on most of the cards by heart, but they also have no hesitation in using those tricks! Just as Mion had predicted, this club's activities are not at the level of a simple game or pastime! If you win, you're in the official team, and it's a world of survival of the fittest, as if fair play is just the nonsense of losers...!!

"They're... demons... they're demons...! Rena... you're not... a demon, right...?"

"S-sorry Keiichi-kun. ...This is the three of hearts, right? ...Up!"

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!"

"Hahahahaha! Keiichi-san, you've already placed us in last place in a spectacular fashion!"

"It's so cute, Nipa~☆"

They're heartless... Even Rena and Rika...!!

This club is truly formidable. I'm sure that alumni of this club can survive in any harsh environment.

I'm sure he'd be a fish in water if the whole class was on a desert island with suicide collars and killing each other. I can just picture him hunting his classmates with glee...

"Yes, yes, the points are calculated using a deduction system. Your finishing position will be your negative points. The person with the fewest deductions overall will be the winner!"

"...So Keiichi is last, so he gets a 5."

A deduction of "5" was immediately written on my scoreboard...!

"...Well, I guess it's not fair to Keiichi if we don't play with beautiful playing cards..."

"It's okay, it's okay. Kei-chan is a man after all. You can bounce back from adversity like this, right?"

"Isn't it fitting for the poor to run away and wet their pillows with tears?"

As I trembled with frustration, a small hand suddenly reached for my head. It was Rika.

"...Fight, Oi."

"O... oh..."

With Rika's encouragement, I finally regained my composure. It's only when you're cornered that you can stay calm. That's my "power" in an emergency.

Think calmly, Maebara Keiichi. ...Take your time and study the cards carefully. As Rena said, the scratches on some of the cards are very distinctive and should be easy to memorize.

Okay, let's try everything we can to increase our chances of winning in this situation.

"Wow... That was good, Keiichi-kun. Keep it up!"

Cards with distinctive scratches on the edges should be placed in your hand or on other cards so that they are not visible.

"...The one with the broken corner should be the 5 of spades... I won."

"Hmm, I see, that card is the five of spades....Okay, I've got it memorized...!"

Don't miss any valuable hints from other players. Every bit of information is a weapon.

Then it was my turn. Satoko, sitting on the right, looked up and thrust out her cards in a fan shape.

"I want number 7... is this it?"

"...I wonder...? You won't know until you try it..."

"I see it!! This is it!!!"

Win! Seven of Spades... !!! Oooh! Cheers erupt!

"Wh, what's seven?! Seven is supposed to be the hardest to understand!"

It's not about memorization. Even the subtle reactions of your opponent when choosing a card can be very helpful! Alright, I'm starting to understand how to fight!

"Come on, Kei-chan, don't hide your cards! ...I'm sure this scratch is the Two of Diamonds. ...Huh?!"

Mion is shocked and shocked by her own misreading, and of course everyone else too...!

"...W-...It's rare for you to get the card wrong, Mii-chan."

"N-no... Kei-chan... you... can't be...!!"

They distinguish cards by their "scratches," which include "claw marks."

That's why I put it on. I'm the new one!!

“You’re telling me you tried to disguise the Two of Diamonds?! I’m trying to imitate it!”

"...Keiichi, you've gotten your revenge." *Applause*

"You did it, Keiichi! That was a great fight! Right?"

Having defeated the leader, Mion, I was ecstatic at my good performance. However, the total points had already confirmed that Mion had won and I had come in last.

...Damn, it's now impossible to take the lead, but...is there some desperate, life-or-death technique I can use to somehow escape from last place...? In that case...the only option left is the final match!

I carefully chose a tone of voice that might irritate Mion, and said with a laugh.

"Hehe. Well, I guess I'm definitely in last place. But I managed to brilliantly trick Sonozaki Mion-sama and get one point. So I'm very satisfied, hehehe!"

I later learn that Mion is a proud champion of the club, always competing for first place. For her, it would be unforgivable for her to be defeated by a completely innocent person taking the entrance exam.

As a result, Mion falls for my provocation!

"Even if Kei-chan comes in first this time, she'll still be guaranteed last overall... you hate that, right?"

"Of course!"

"Let's go head-to-head. This is our last chance! If we win, Kei-chan will come in first and I'll come in last, a huge reversal! How about that?! You'll go for it, right?!"

"What?! Are you trying to throw away the safety of already having the victory assured?! If you lose this last chance, all the wins you've accumulated today will be for nothing!"

"Hehehehe. That's right, Uncle will be putting that many chips into the next game. ...It's laughable that you think you've taken a point from me over something like that! After all, I'm 100% confident that I can win the next game. I'm not afraid of risking everything I have. ...It's precisely because I'm taking this much risk that I'm able to get back that chip I lost earlier. Right, Kei-chan...?!"

"Damn... what a domineering spirit...! Hehe, it seems you were really upset about that Two of Diamonds earlier! I really like your determination to throw everything away in order to redeem that stain! Alright, Mion, you'll explain this last chance to me!"

It would have been enough if I could have had one last one-on-one battle with Mion, but... I didn't expect her to get this excited... Hehe, that's interesting! It's fitting for the final showdown of today's battle!!

Mion discarded one of the two cards in her hand, added a Joker that hadn't been in the game until then, and shuffled it behind her back.

"The card in your right hand and the card in your left hand! If you can guess which one is the joker, Kei-chan wins! What do you think? Don't you think this game couldn't be simpler?"

………It's certainly simple. But the essence is the same as the Gunpai Jiji Nuki we did today. In other words, it's the same in that you have to try to figure out what the scratches on the cards you're presented are and what's on the back of them...!

"...I-Is it possible that you pulled out the Joker when you turned it around just now?"

"If Kei-chan loses, I'll reveal the cards on my other hand too. Is that okay?"

"...Y-yes, I'm on board...!!"

The other three swallow their saliva at this unexpected final gamble.

"Well, it turned into an incredible gamble at the very end! Hahaha, it was a sight to behold!"

"But Mii-chan is so serious... Keiichi-kun, I wonder if you can win...!"

"...No matter who wins, we won't come in last, so we'll just have to watch from the sidelines☆"

"I like it, Maebara Keiichi! Let's have a showdown! Who's the Joker?"

Mion suddenly thrusts one card in each hand at me! The back of the card! Look at the scars on the back!! It eloquently tells you what card it is!! In other words, this is testing how many scars on the cards I've memorized today. Heh, I see... If today's event is an entrance exam for some club activity, then this is a fitting final challenge!!

I calmed myself down and compared both cards... The card on the right had no distinctive scratches, so I couldn't tell what it was at all.

"...Which one is it? Keiichi-kun...be careful!"

"S-Stop talking to me, Rena! You're distracting me...!"

...Uh, ...Search your memory. It's the card I used in today's game. I'm sure I've seen the damage on that card at least once...!

Hmm? ...If you look closely, you can see that the card on the left has scratches, and it feels like I've seen it somewhere before.

"Uh...that card...!! Ugh!"

Satoko suddenly realizes something and blurts it out. Rika quickly covers her mouth, but it's too late. Mion clicks her tongue. That must have been an important hint.

The damage on the card on the left doesn't match the characteristics of the few cards I know by heart.

But judging from Satoko's reaction, whatever the card on the left is, it's a card that appeared in the game. If it appeared in the game, it definitely can't be the Joker! After all, today's event doesn't include Jiji. The Joker hasn't been used yet!

"...Hmm. Kei-chan, are you suspicious of the card on the right? So should we go with the right? The right?"

It's too hasty to jump to conclusions based on Satoko's reaction alone! Be more... careful... Ah!

...I remembered...!! That scar... The card on the left... There's no doubt about it! The Seven of Clubs !!!

"Yeah... I bet it's the 7 of Clubs..."

Rena secretly sends a rescue ship, and now I have complete certainty! It's definitely the Seven of Clubs!

So if the left one is the 7 of clubs, then the only thing left is the right one. The right one is the Joker. !!!

"Fu... Fuhahahahahahaha!! Mion, you've been defeated, take this!!"

And then, just as I was about to touch the card on the right, my hand suddenly stopped.

"...Hehehe...Hehehe...As expected of Mion."

Just when everyone in the room was convinced that the card on the right was a joker, I called out "Stop" and everyone started to stir.

"Huh? Keiichi, what are you talking about? Because the one on the left is a club..."

"...It's Shi."

While everyone was watching, wondering what was going on, only Mion had a nasty grin on her face.

"Hmm... Kei-chan, how are you so sure that the one on the right isn't the Joker?"

An unexpected remark from Mion. Everyone except me is confused.

"I don't know what the card on the right is, but I do know that the card on the left is the seven of clubs."

"So, the remaining card on the right isn't a joker? Isn't it a guarantee that either the left or right card will always be a joker?"

"Yeah... I guess it's true that there's a Joker on either the left or right side."

"...Keiichi has a good sense."

"Eh? Rika-chan, what do you mean..."

Hehehe... It seems Rika has also noticed Mion's trick.

"So basically... the 7 of clubs... is the card I discarded earlier along with Satoko's 7 of spades...!"

Everyone stares intently at the cards that have been discarded at once! With the cards all thrown away in a jumble, it's impossible to tell whether they're real or fake...!

"In other words... Mion picked up one discarded card... and placed it on top of the card on the left... In other words... !!! 」

"...Right, I get it! The card on the left... is disguised as the 7 of clubs, right?"

Mion had anticipated from the beginning that I would see through the card on the left as the 7 of clubs! Normally, I would have simply chosen the right card by process of elimination and fallen into the trap!! But I saw through it. Mion casually took a card from the discard pile and placed it on top of the joker to disguise it as the 7 of clubs!! In other words, in other words, in other words... !!!

For the first time since the game began, I noticed a shadow fall on Mion's face. And then... I did a triple-and-a-half twist and gave the command!

"The Joker is... on your left hand, the back of the 7 of clubs!"

It was such a passionate moment...! That one second felt like hours to everyone there.

The first to break the silence and speak was Mion.

"...As the first captain, I've seen a variety of playing styles, but... Kei-chan... you're the best. The best of the best of the best... !!! 」

This was probably the highest compliment Mion could give her. Mion gave up and lowered her hands, still clutching the cards.

...My...come-from-behind victory!!!

Rika-chan put her hand on my head and congratulated me on my comeback victory.

"Nipa~. I'll pet you."

"Heh, heh! Thanks Rika-chan! What do you think? Did you all see my brilliant comeback?"

But Rena and Satoko looked puzzled... as if they had seen a ghost. What's going on? Are they trying to make a fuss about my win?

"What's wrong, Rena and Satoko? I'm not cheating or anything, am I? I'm playing fair and square!"

"Um, Keiichi? Rika only strokes your head when she wants to comfort you."

Huh...? What does that mean...? At that moment, Rena let out a short scream.

"K...Keiichi...! ...What is this...?"

Rena freezes. She freezes when she sees the card Mion has exposed.

Wh-what did you see, Rena...? It was the left, right? The Joker was hidden behind the 7 of Clubs and it was on the left, right?

Mion's eerie laughter cuts through the eerie silence...

"Kei-chan, I knew you'd read this far... hehehe!"

Everyone freezes. ...No, maybe it's just me...

"It was a gamble. If Kei-chan had jumped to conclusions like a tomboy, then I would have lost. Kei-chan, you can be proud of your loss."

Mion turns over both cards. ...The Joker... is... the "Right Hand"...! Behind the 7 of Clubs is the completely unrelated 6 of Hearts!

"Um, well, well, so what does this mean? So I got caught in a trap just because I clumsily guessed that the card in my left hand was the Seven of Clubs?!"

"I thought Kei-chan would be able to see through this club's number 7...If I hadn't seen through it and left it to luck, there was a 50/50 chance I would have lost. But I believed in Kei-chan! I believed that Kei-chan had grown in today's battle to be worthy of being a new member of our club, and that he would definitely see through this guy! I also believed that he would read the other side of it and not easily choose the right! That's why I was confident that he would fall for this trap! So, although this loss is a loss, it's not a defeat. It was a loss that came about precisely because Kei-chan had shown such strong growth!"

"W, w, w, w, w, what the heck...! Reading too much into it was actually a trap!"

"That was a truly impressive defeat! In the name of the club president, Sonozaki Mion! Maebara Keiichi... I grant you permission to join our club! !!! 」

The moment I fell to my knees in a daze, everyone applauded me for this great game with thunderous applause...

"Well, that concludes it all! Today's winner is me! Sonozaki Mion! And the honorable last place goes to... Maebara Keiichi. !!! 」

Everyone cheers and claps with joy.

I felt defeated, but the wound was so sharp that it was almost refreshing...

"When Mii-chan used her hands behind her back, I got excited thinking she was going to do it again!"

"When Keiichi-san stopped just before he got the answer, I thought, 'I got it!'"

"...After all, those taking the entrance exam have to go through the penalty game, nipa~☆"

"...Huh? Wait a minute. Did all of you know from the beginning that Mion was setting a trap and were just watching over her? What was that all about, all that excitement?"

"...Mi! We all worked together to make it fun."

……………oh,

"You're all demons! You inhumans! !!! 」

"Now, it's time for a punishment game for Kei-chan...! Today is the first day of club activities, so maybe we should start with the softball... It'd be a problem if he suddenly refused to come to school!"

The remaining three girls held down my arms and shoulders tightly. They were so strong that it was hard to believe they were girls. No, I mean, I seriously couldn't move.

"Hey, hey, what are you planning to do? What kind of punishment game is this?"

Mion approaches me, licking her lips... Her right hand is trying to take something out of her pocket, but... Could it be... a knife or something?

"Heh heh heh! Well then, here we go. Get ready... hee hee hee!"

"Y-y-stop it ooooooooh ... !!! 」

In the pale twilight of Hinamizawa, my tragic end, Matsuma, deceived the woodcutter spirit...

Walking home with Mion

As soon as club activities ended, Rena rushed home.

I'm sure he's going to dig up the cute Kenta doll that he almost managed to bring home yesterday.

So today, unusually, Mion and I walked home together.

"It's a treasure trove. I bet the people who are throwing it away never imagined that Rena would be grateful to them."

"There's a dam construction site over there. Something must have happened there, right? A long time ago."

"Yes, there were battles! Sit-ins and demonstrations!"

It wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear, but I thought I'd listen.

"Our land is going to be submerged in the dam lake. I'd fight too."

"The officials were really one-sided. They were arrogant and haughty! When they realized that money couldn't solve the problem, they started harassing us in all sorts of ways! They were nasty!"

"I'm surprised you managed to win... You were up against a country, right?"

"The village mayor and other influential people in the village made excuses everywhere. We even went to Tokyo and made arrangements with various politicians....In the meantime, the plan was withdrawn. It was a complete victory for us! Ha ha ha ha!"

"Was there any violence involved? Assault or murder?"

"No."

...He said it bluntly.

Just like with Rena, there was a period in the words.

Tomitake-san mentioned "an incident" and said "one arm is missing." I thought for sure that there had been a dismemberment murder or something, but maybe I'm wrong.

But why? ...Rena said she didn't know, and Mion clearly said it hadn't happened, but for some reason I couldn't accept it. It felt like they knew the truth but were keeping quiet.

...But even if I knew, so what?

It's not that I want to know and do something about it. It's just that, well, it bothers me and makes me feel uneasy.

My insatiable curiosity sagged aimlessly in my heart...

"Well, see you tomorrow! Kei-chan, don't erase that until you get home!"

"I know, I won't erase it!"

Mion glances at me and tries to hold back her laughter. I wonder what kind of nasty doodle she drew...

The punishment chosen by Mion, the winner of today's club activity, was to have her face scribbled on with a magic marker!

After all, it was written on my own face. I wasn't allowed to see the mirror, so I don't know what was written. But judging by the way everyone was laughing, it must have been something pretty nasty...

Remember that, Mion...! If our positions were reversed, I'd scribble so much on your face that it wouldn't even come off with a scrubbing brush... !!!

When I got home, I bumped into my mother and was once again embarrassed...

One's home

There was a strange sense of tension in the house.

The source of this exhausting mood seemed to be my father, who was probably stuck for ideas for a new painting.

When things get tough, my dad gets short-tempered. He'll wander around the house irritably, like a bear with its cubs. I knew it was best not to provoke him in situations like these. Incidentally, I'm the complete opposite of my dad; the more serious the situation, the more calm I become.

In that case, staying at home wasn't a good idea, so I put my luggage down, changed my clothes, and quickly went outside.

Then I get on my bike and think about where and how to kill time.

I could browse books at a bookstore, but the town is far away, even by bicycle. If I go out now, it will be dark by the time I get back, so I'd rather not.

Since Hinamizawa is in the countryside, there are very few streetlights, it's pitch black at night, and it's also creepy.

Oh, that's right. I promised Rena yesterday that I would help her find the treasure.

Right now, Rena must be struggling with the piles of bulky trash on the rubbish mountain at the site of the dam construction. I promised her yesterday, so it might as well be a good thing to do her a favor.

...After all, now that I've been dragged into this strange club activity, I'll be forced to take part in those fierce battles from now on, whether I like it or not... It's better to have at least one ally.

Thinking about this, and feeling a bit selfish, I headed towards the remains of the dam construction site.

But that's not all he really thinks.

...Maybe Tomitake-san will be there again.

That was also his true feelings.

Dam construction site

When I realized it was the remains of a dam construction site and looked around, I saw that there were many things left behind that confirmed this.

It is likely that a large levee was built here, damming the stream and eventually slowly submerging the village.

The villagers then launched a protest movement, which led to the dam plan being cancelled.

Did something terrible happen at that time?

"O-... Ouch."

I saw Rena struggling on a pile of garbage on the slope.

Judging from the way she was working with complete concentration, it seemed that the treasure Rena wanted had been buried quite securely.

It seems Tomitake-san isn't here today. I slumped my shoulders a little and stumbled down the slope of bulky rubbish to help Rena.

"Hey Rena! I'm feeling energized."

"...W-W-Keiichi! What's wrong with you here?"

It seems that Rena has also forgotten about my promise to help her today.

"We've received an emergency call about an accident! Where are the injured?"

"What?! What?! An accident?! What?!"

"There was a report that a Kenta doll had been buried alive in a garbage dump...?"

"Huh? ...Oh, what's that? I'm surprised... Keiichi, don't scare me like that."

"Hahaha, I was just kidding. I thought you might be in trouble, so I came to help you. I promised to help you yesterday."

"...Huh? ...Wait...for...Rena's sake? ...Uh..."

Rena blushed. It wasn't that she had forgotten her promise, but it seemed she hadn't expected it to be kept.

It's strange, but when no one expects anything from me, I feel like I want to try my best to help out.

"I was just kidding. You're making me embarrassed too, how long are you going to keep blushing!"

"...Wha...? ...How did you get the idea that it was a joke? Where did you get the idea from?"

"Now, move, move. So, where is Kenta?"

"...Oh, sorry! ...Look, through this gap...can you see it?"

"Wow... I'm really buried alive...!!"

The Kenta doll was buried alive, trapped inside a complex web of lumber and building materials, like a prison.

According to Rena, it wasn't like this until yesterday. Apparently, another illegal dump truck had come last night and dumped more garbage, burying it even deeper.

"You really intended to excavate this enormous pile of garbage by yourself? With those skinny arms?"

"...But... the Kenta doll... is so cute... The Kenta doll at the store has a chain attached... but I can take this one home... ha..."

"...Wow. Rena, you really are willing to go to any lengths to bring home something nice...! I've lost. I'm so impressed by your courage in trying to tackle this pile of garbage alone, I, Maebara Keiichi, will help you!"

"Um, uh, thank you!"

If we were to give up on Kenta, Rena would probably rob the local Kenta Fried Chicken chain and steal the doll... As Rena's guardian, I absolutely cannot let her get involved in crime!

"Stay out of the way. I'll do it."

Rena is still blushing, but this time I don't want to tease her. I'm pressed for time.

After all, the illegal dump truck might come again tonight, which would make the situation even worse. The excavation work was already going to be quite difficult, but if it got any worse, it would be completely unmanageable.

"Keiichi-kun, Rena can help you too. Let me help you."

"You'll just get in the way, so stay back! Heyyyyyyy!!"

There was no point in thinking about it, so I made up my mind and started ripping out all the junk materials I could find and throwing them away.

It's no easy task, and I soon found myself covered in sweat and dust.

"...Panting, panting! I, if we were serious...we might need an axe or a saw...! I can't pull it out any further. All that's left is to cut it off!"

"It's enough, Keiichi! You're sweating profusely. There's no need to push yourself like that."

"I'm just doing it for Rena. Don't worry about it."

Rena was at a loss for words and blushed even redder than before, the color of a boiled octopus.

Uh, I misunderstood what I said... I meant to say that I'm trying my best to keep Rena from becoming a criminal... Oh well.

Since the man had said he would help, there was no way to back out. After that, he excavated as much as he could with his bare hands, but it was no longer something he could do with his bare hands.

"As expected... Rest assured...! This guy is... formidable...!"

I collapsed sprawled out onto the grassy slope. I cursed, but the sweat felt good.

"Sorry, sorry.... I'm so... sweaty...."

Rena's handkerchief touches my forehead, and the feeling is pleasant.

"Um, you can rest here for a bit! My house is nearby. I'll bring you some barley tea or something!"

Rena placed the handkerchief on her forehead and ran off.

"...She's worth teasing, but also worth helping. Ryuuguu Rena, huh? She's a really nice girl. I'm sure she'd be pretty popular if she went to a normal school in the city."

Of course, no one would imagine that rummaging through trash in a bulky waste dump would be a hobby.

The sound of Rena's running footsteps was completely muted, and only the quiet chorus of cicadas dominated the air.

「………………………。」

I sat up a little and checked again to make sure that Rena was not there. ...It was fine, not only Rena, but no one else was in sight.

I got up and walked over to the thing I had just found.

It was a pile of rubbish, piled high with bundles of newspapers and magazines tied up with paper string.

If I wasn't mistaken... I think they were piled up around here...

……………there were.

It was a bundle of not-so-elegant weekly photo magazines, back issues from the past few years stacked in order.

"...That was a nasty incident. They still haven't found one of the arms, right?"

If Tomitake's words were to be believed, it was undoubtedly an indication and incitement to dismemberment murder.

The world is a dangerous place these days, and there's no end to these creepy incidents.

And there are many people in the public who are curious about such incidents. So they must be in the magazine somewhere.

He quickly unwrapped the package, deftly pried open the pages that had stuck together due to the rain, and glanced through the table of contents.

No. Next. No. Next.

The worst part was not knowing when the incident had happened. I didn't know who the culprit was, nor who the victim was. All I knew was that it had happened here. …Occasionally I would look up to see if Rena had returned yet.

These kinds of weekly photo magazines usually come with sexy pictorials, so I don't want my classmates to see me rummaging through them... But in reality, there's more to it than that.

Both Rena and Mion said they didn't know.

But there was no doubt about it...unless Tomitake was lying.

If Rena or Mion had just said, "Yes, that's right," my strange curiosity might have subsided. But they refused...

An "incident" that neither Rena nor Mion want to talk about.

He is deliberately trying to expose something that has been hidden out of kindness...

The real reason for this unpleasant feeling that had been assaulting me for a while now was a sense of rebellion towards my friends who had been so considerate to me.

"Hinamizawa Dam construction site: worker lynched to death! Murdered and dismembered!!"

…there were.

The feature article appeared on a later page, with photos appearing on the opening color pages.

The special feature page is stuck together due to rain or something and doesn't open easily.

It wouldn't be strange if Rena returned soon... But for now, I gave up on that and opened the photo page.

Police officers carried away body bags, and reporters flashed their cameras. The photographs were dark and difficult to make out, but the white headlines were clearly visible.

"A nightmarish tragedy at Hinamizawa Dam! Lynching and dismemberment murder!"

...It was there. ...It was there after all.

"The perpetrators brutally murdered their victims by beating them with machetes, pickaxes, and axes,"

"Then he used an axe to split the body into six parts: the head, both arms, both legs, and the torso,"

The headline alone is enough to tell you that it was a truly horrific incident.

Normally, isn't lynching just about punching and kicking? With a machete, pickaxe, or axe? This isn't even lynching. It's literally a brutal murder, a cruel and atrocious killing...

Many of them came out in droves. ...with machetes. ...with pickaxes. ...with axes.

…At that moment, the figure appeared behind me, carrying a thick machete.

The figure looked down at me, and then raised the hatchet...

"Uh, waaaaaaahhhhh! !!! 」

"Ahh! I'm so sorry... !!! Are you surprised? Are you surprised?」

Rena was also surprised by my voice and dropped the hatchet in her hand into the bushes.

"Keiichi, didn't you say earlier that it would be useful to have an axe or a saw? So, Rena, I brought a hatchet from the storeroom...!!"

Rena continued to make excuses and apologize in a panic. …It seemed that I was giving her a very fierce look.

"S-sorry... I guess I was a bit too surprised."

"Uh, um, ... I, I'm sorry too! ... I'm sorry!"

The sun would soon set. The surroundings were suddenly beginning to get dark. I was exhausted, but I could continue tomorrow.

"It looks like the last beam can only be broken with that hatchet. Since you went to the trouble of bringing it with you, I'll borrow it tomorrow. Okay?"

"…Yeah."

"Why are you looking so depressed? Kenta will be able to dig it up tomorrow and take it home!"

"That's right... Ahahaha! I want to take Kenta home soon!"

They both knew full well that there was no point in apologizing any further.

We quenched our thirst with the barley tea that Rena had brought, wiped away the sweat that had cooled us down, and headed home.

...I felt very guilty about the weekly photo magazine that I had hidden inside my jacket.

Hinamizawa Dam Project

October 2002.

The Basic Plan for Power Development at the Hinamizawa Power Plant was announced by the Prime Minister's Office Notification No. XXX.

The planned Hinamizawa Dam was extremely large, and the impact it would have on Hinamizawa Village was enormous.

The area that will be submerged by the Hinamizawa Dam covers five villages: Hinamizawa, Takatsudo, Kiyotsu, Matsumoto, and Taniyakawachi. 291 households will be submerged, with a population of 1,251, as well as one elementary school, one junior high school, one post office, one agricultural cooperative branch office, one forestry office lumberyard, five shrines, two temples, one fish breeding facility, and many other public, cultural, and productive facilities and objects of worship, which will be permanently submerged at the bottom of the lake.

It was heartbreaking to think of the hundreds of years of hardships and suffering that our ancestors had endured to build this blessed and livable homeland with their blood and sweat. The entire village, including the submerged areas, resolved to defend their homeland to the death, and one after another rose up in solidarity, uniting to form the Onigafuchi Defence League. They continued to strongly demand that the dam construction be halted or that the plan be changed to a tributary.

Despite calls for peaceful and democratic negotiations, the government and its puppet, XXX, the president of the power company, refused. With an atrocity so wicked that it is difficult to put into words, they trampled on the villagers' democratic movement and their homeland of Hinamizawa. Undaunted, however, the villagers united more and more, strengthening their resolve to defend their homeland until they were finally victorious.

Today, the horrific Hinamizawa Dam construction project has been indefinitely frozen, and the villagers know that this freeze is being imposed by the higher powers of their unity, and they also know that this horrific project has not yet been withdrawn.

The Onigafuchi Defence Alliance has already completed its role and disbanded, but the flame of unity that was nurtured there has not been extinguished. As long as this flame continues to burn in the hearts of the villagers, it is absolutely impossible for their hometown to ever again be struck by the disaster of sinking to the bottom of the lake.

Chairman of the Onigafuchi Defence Alliance, Yoshiki Ichiro Koki

Weekly magazine feature article

A nightmarish tragedy at Hinamizawa Dam! Lynching and dismemberment murder!

On XX/XX, a blood-curdling dismemberment murder took place at the Hinamizawa Dam construction site in Shikabone City, XX Prefecture. It was a shocking incident that shocked the entire archipelago, yet the police are reluctant to reveal any details... What on earth happened at Hinamizawa Dam?

"They probably didn't intend to kill anyone at first, but when the victim started to resist by brandishing a shovel, the assailants all grabbed hold of their weapon and the fight escalated into a killing spree," said Mr. A, the aforementioned investigator.

Once the bloody massacre was over, all that was left were gruesome corpses that no one could believe were alive...

Mr. XX had always bullied the suspects with his rude behavior. At first, he only intended to get revenge...

"All of the perpetrators were terrified by the magnitude of their crimes. Some even threatened to go to the police."

However, only XX, the leader, suggested hiding the body. At first they were hesitant, but gradually they began to think that they didn't want to be caught. There were six of them, and it was a construction site, where there were plenty of ways to hide a body... They were supposed to leisurely hide the body and leave the scene...

"However, the leader, XX, fearing that the other five would no longer be able to bear the pangs of conscience or remorse and would turn themselves in, leading to the crime being discovered, tried to silence them in a horrific way."

XX came up with the devilish idea of cutting the body into pieces equal to the number of people and hiding them, each one responsible for their own actions.

"XX attempted to strengthen solidarity by making the crime not just a murder but a more horrific dismemberment murder, and by deeply implicating each victim."

Deeply involve each and every person... What does this mean? Mr. A hesitates to speak.

"XX ordered each person to dismember the body with their own hands. They were reluctant at first, but in the end no one could resist."

Perhaps it's a case of eating the poison and eating the plate as well... And so began a horrifying blood ritual that is hard to even imagine.

"The assailants mutilated the body while crying and vomiting. Some resisted stubbornly, but XX threatened them, saying, 'It's the same even if one more person dies now,' and in the end they were unable to resist."

However, XXX's pretense crumbled in just one night. XXX, who had resisted dismembering the body to the very end, broke down in tears and confessed at the hospital where he went to receive treatment for wounds sustained in the fight...

The perpetrators have been arrested one after the other, but the whereabouts of the leader, XX, remain unknown. Furthermore, the right arm that XX hid has never been found. Despite the police's daily investigation, this devilish man is still evading the law. What are the police doing...?

"Apparently, XX said he was going to dump the body (right arm) in the swamp. In fact, XX's car was found abandoned near the swamp, but we have no idea where he went after that."

XX suspected his friend's betrayal until the very end. It is hard to rule out the possibility that he fled somewhere other than the swamp, anticipating that his friend would confess to the police.

"Of course, I doubt that. ... He wouldn't have had a car, so I think there's a limit to how far he could have escaped. ... There are whispers within the police station that he accidentally fell into the swamp when he was disposing of the body and drowned."

This swamp is feared by the locals as a bottomless swamp, and its name is Onigafuchi, with the bottom of the swamp said to lead to the demon realm of hell.

This cruel and inhumane XX is truly a demon of hell. Could it be that he has returned to hell from the swamp?

June 14th (Tuesday)

I really doubt whether this school is functioning as a school. P.E. classes are a complete mess.

The only thing we did together was the initial warm-up exercises. After that, not even a teacher was there. Everyone started playing on their own.

"I-Is this really okay for gym class? I mean, we're in class after all..."

"It can't be helped. They're all different ages and genders."

"Just so you know, the only rule during gym class is that we exercise in the schoolyard."

Other than the appearance that everyone had changed into their gym clothes, it looked no different from the schoolyard during lunch break.

…Well, it's true that the kids of Hinamizawa have a different basic physical strength than the weak city kids. They may be well-trained without having to take physical education classes.

"...Oh dear. I guess the school board has overlooked this school."

"What's the matter? Then how about we give Kei-chan a special PE class menu? Hehehehe!"

Mion grins. "No kidding. Mion's special menu must be something like a Marine Corps training camp!"

"...Sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Now then, everyone. What shall we do for PE today?"

Rika-chan and Satoko, who were late getting changed because they were cleaning up after the previous class, joined us. Now all five of us were together.

"Okay. Now all the usual members are here."

"So, Mii-chan, what kind of PE class are we doing today? Are we even doing it?"

"Hmm," Mion said, crossing her arms haughtily and looking around.

"Extreme power and endurance. In the world of sports, there are no friends. Everyone is a rival! The only thing you can trust is your own body!"

"What's that? You must be reading too many manga."

"So, everyone! Let's play the old but all-encompassing outdoor melee game, 'tag'!"

Despite the impressive introduction, the play that came out was quite adorable.

"That's what I want. !!! The slow-witted Keiichi is the first demon!"

"...I won't lose either."

"Rena will do her best too! We won't lose today!"

"Why are you guys so motivated..."

"Article 3 of the Rules: Participants must have fun while playing the game. !!! 」

"So, is this a club activity?"

Everyone looks at each other fearlessly.

It seems that my idea of taking it easy and making up for my lack of daily exercise was a selfish one. It seems that this guy will once again become a "club activity" guy.

Yesterday we competed with cards, but today we'll compete with our bodies. ...I see, if we can compete for superiority, then any event really is possible. ...It seems I've been drawn into a crazy club...

But everyone seems very confident. I'm a guy, after all. I don't think I'll fall behind girls my age in terms of physical ability. Despite this, Mion and Satoko are confident they can win, while Rena pities me for my disadvantage.

"...That's great. Let's play tag together! !!! 」

Here are the rules.

The winner is the one who can survive until the bell rings to end the lesson. However, there is no change of Oni. Anyone who is touched by an Oni also becomes an Oni. As a result, the Oni multiply rapidly. Towards the end, the number of Oni will increase, resulting in a siege with screams and shouts.

"Around here we call this game 'Zombie Oni'."

"I see. The ones that get eaten turn into zombies and multiply."

"...Why would you say something so scary?...Right?"

"If I catch Rena, I'll rip her stomach out alive!"

"...No, no, no Keiichi, don't do that...!"

Rika placed her hand on Rena's head, who was in a panic.

"...It's okay. I'll eat it gently before Keiichi eats it. Nipa~☆"

"Rika, that's not much comfort."

I wholeheartedly agree with Satoko's plausible comment.

"So, Mion, how do we decide who will be the first demon...zombie? Rock-paper-scissors?"

"It's class time after all. Let's decide with a question. I'll give you a question, and anyone who can't answer it will be a zombie!"

I have no idea what the lessons are like.

"What is the English word for 'six'?"

Huh? Suddenly, I was asked a strange question. ...What's the English word for six? If it wasn't some weird quiz, even an elementary school student could answer it.

"It's Six!!"

"Kei-chan, that's okay! But what about socks?"

"Socks!"

"Rena, it's okay! The third letter from the back of the alphabet!"

"...It's X."

"Rika-chan is OK too! So how about 'gender' in English?"

"Of course I understand! Se..."

Satoko swallowed as she tried to finish her answer. "I see. That's a really nasty... or rather, a really embarrassing question."

"Satoko is an adult, right? There's no way she wouldn't know, right?"

"...I, I know...! I know...!!"

"Well, say it. It's 'that', 'that'. What's 'that' in English?"

Mion corners Satoko, trying to get her to say obscene words. Mion is a pretty cute girl when she's quiet. I wonder why she's so good at vulgar jokes.

On the other hand, Satoko, who is usually very cheeky, knows the answer but is too embarrassed to say it out loud, and is flustered... Seeing this, Rena writhes in agony and starts to bleed from her nose.

"...Ahh... Satoko-chan is in trouble... So cute!"

"Don't take it home. It's a crime."

"Come on, come on, say it out loud! How do you say 'that' in English?"

"I know...!! I know !!! ...Shh,"

"...That."

"Eh? ...Oh?"

We were taken aback by Rika's unexpected answer.

That's right. "That" is "that" in English. ...I've been tricked!!

...I wonder what I would have done if I were in Satoko's position. ...I wonder if I would have lost my temper and shouted that very word... Mion Sonozaki is a terrifying enemy! It's good to be born a woman. If you were a man, you'd just be a sexual harasser...

"Well, there's no other way. I, Hojo Satoko, will play the role of the first zombie. I'll kill and eat them all. !!! What should I do first? Should I count to one hundred?」

"Counting to 100 is for cheaters. You can follow me when you solve my problem."

"...Keiichi, please make it something simple..."

"Don't worry, Rena. It's a simple arithmetic problem that even Satoko could understand. I put one-fifth of a cake, one-sixth of a cake, and one-seventh of a cake on one plate."

"Ugh! The denominator is wrong...?!"

Satoko panics and starts drawing fractions and cakes on the ground with a stick.

"If Satoko, who can eat a whole cake in 60 seconds, eats the whole cake, how many pieces will be left on the plate?"

"Okay, once we solve that problem, the zombies will begin their move! Ready, set, go!!!"

At Mion's signal, everyone ran off in all directions, leaving Satoko behind.

"Hehehe... Keiichi, that's not math, is it?"

Rena giggled as she ran off in the same direction.

That's right. This isn't arithmetic or calculation with different denominators or anything like that. The moment Satoko started to think about it, she lost. After all, she ate it all, so there's zero cake left on her plate!

After parting ways with Rena, Mion, Rika and everyone else go their separate ways.

While I was pondering where and how to escape, the others seemed to have a clear escape route in mind. ...After all, they must be familiar with the school's layout. ...It was clear that I was at a disadvantage compared to them in terms of geographical advantage.

In a situation like this, I think it would have been effective to follow someone with good survival skills, like Mion. However, Mion has already run off somewhere and is nowhere to be seen. ...Damn, it's a shame I didn't realize that at the start of the game.

Glancing around the schoolyard, I saw Satoko just about to stand up and get ready to take action.

He's so angry. Hehehe! It seems he's only just realised that it's pointless to even think about it. ...What a cute guy, getting caught up in such a stupid problem!

So, how do you escape?

My current position is on the corner of the school building. I can see a long distance in two directions and quickly detect approaching targets. In the event of an emergency, I'll be able to respond quickly.

First, I take a deep breath and switch to the club activity-like mindset I had been practicing yesterday.

...Think calmly, Maebara Keiichi... What would I do if I were the demon? The biggest feature of the zombie demon is that the zombies multiply. In other words, increasing the number of allies is the shortcut to victory. ...So the standard is to target the weak ones first. ...In other words, it's me!

"So where is Keiichi? I won't let him get away. !!! 」

...Of course. Satoko blatantly declared that she was after me, and began looking around frantically, wondering where I was hiding.

But how can you prioritize finding me? Footprints, a scent... or some kind of trace.

If you can hide it cleverly...you'll be able to evade Satoko's pursuit!

But we're not the police. Is it possible to do that in a game of tag?

"Tomita-san~Okamura-san~! Haven't you seen Keiichi-san?"

Wh, what the heck is that!? Do zombies these days investigate where their prey has escaped to by questioning them!?

Tomita and Okamura obediently pointed to the spot where I was hiding. As soon as I saw Satoko running towards me, I abandoned this place...!

Anyway, this is getting pretty tricky! I have to avoid not only the zombies, but also the eyes of my classmates who aren't participating in the game! But it's not easy to completely hide from the kids who are running around freely. My lack of a foothold is becoming increasingly obvious...!

Then...when the zombies challenge us with an information war, we will fight back with an information war too...!!

I hid behind something and beckoned over to some girls who were playing ball nearby.

"Excuse me, but could you please deliver a message to Hojo Satoko? Her parents are at the school gate."

"Just a message, just a message, hahahaha~!! That's fine, that's fine!"

"Wait, don't go yet! And tell Mion Sonozaki that the teacher is waiting for her at the school gates."

"Satoko-chan and the class president? Ahahaha, I've got a message for you!"

The girls thought it was a game of message and ran off giggling.

Hehe, I know I'm being cunning...! If it all works out, Satoko and Mion will run into each other at the school gates!!

If I'm not careful, Mion will be caught, the number of demons will increase, and ultimately it will be to my disadvantage. But that's Mion. I'm sure she'll be able to maneuver well and escape. ...But that's fine. If it buys me time...!! To survive this game, I just need to make it to the end of class.

Hehehe, dance, Mion and Satoko! With the palm of my hand, aaaaahhhh !!!

After enjoying the feeling of being an evil magistrate, I decided to use this opportunity to find a place to hide.

However, if you think about it objectively, the time you can gain is very short. ...On the contrary, you will soon get your comeuppance...!

This information warfare through messages is not just my exclusive domain. Satoko, who has been manipulated, will likely use the same tactics to corner me.

In other words, Satoko will have other classmates act as messengers and help her search for me. But at the same time... that means there will be a massive outbreak of zombies, more than just the game participants!

...My mischievous mind created a small virus that has now become a massive infection... One by one, my classmates are turning into zombies... and they're wandering around looking only for me!

...This plan...maybe it just ended up being a noose around my neck... I searched for a hideout, terrified at the prospect of a biohazard unfolding.

"...Th-There seems to be quite a blind spot on top of the storeroom...!"

I found a storage shed next to the incinerator behind the school building, climbed onto the roof, lay down, and held my breath. ...Hmm, this is a pretty good hiding place!

Tag is similar to hide-and-seek, after all. The key tactic before running away from the demon is to avoid being spotted by him in the first place.

This wasn't a bad place to barricade yourself into a fortress. You can't be easily found because you're lying on the roof. But you have good visibility of your surroundings, and in case of an emergency, you can jump off in any direction you like and make an emergency escape! It's quite a stronghold... hehe!

There was a flurry of activity below. My younger classmates were running around under the storage shed.

"Maehara-san isn't here. Were you there?"

"He's not here. Where is Maehara-san? His father is at the school gate."

That's absolutely a lie. The school gate is the same keyword as mine, and I feel a sense of revenge. Is the person holding the hand Mion or Satoko...?

However, my quick reaction was a victory. Everyone was wandering around, never expecting him to be hiding in such a place. I'm sorry to my juniors, but I'll have to search around until the bell rings.

I smirk and look down at the troubled faces below.

"Hey, hey, Keiichi, do you know? Your mother has suddenly fallen ill and is in a difficult situation!"

"I have a message for Maehara-san. His house is on fire, so hurry to the school gate!"

"It seems a jumbo jet crashed into Maehara's house!"

"They said the police were here to question me!"

...Anything goes. This is just too much.

"His hobby is peeping into the bath."

"Is it true that you go around stealing underwear every night?"

"They put their panties on you and smell them."

Huh!? Who?! That's not possible!!

"Chairman Mion said she was also a victim!" え濁点 ----!?」

Guwooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

Was it your doing, Mionnnnnnn !!!

"Hey, calm down, Maebara Keiichi! This is Mion's plan to expose me! Hold on! She was forced to run headfirst into the demon in front of the school gates, so this is nothing more than Mion's revenge, burning with rage and humiliation! If my juniors think about me as an individual calmly, they'll realize that this is just a rumor!"

...But there's no way that young children could remain so calm. Once they recognized "it" as fact, they burst out laughing and scattered to look for me.

Kukukuku... Gahahahaha...! I won, Mion! I won! Gahahahaha...!!

After my juniors left, I lay alone on the roof, laughing and crying...

"Did you hear? The new transfer student, Maehara-san, is a pervert! Kyahahahaha!!"

...The price of trapping Katsuri and Mion seems too high...

Oh! ...Oh, someone's coming downstairs. Is that... Rena or Rika?

"...Haa haa. I wonder if Rika-chan is still safe?"

"...I'm doing my best."

"...It's like, somehow...Mii-chan has turned into a demon too..."

Mion!? Don't tell me... Did she turn into a demon because of my strategy?! I wasn't expecting such results... I see, I finally understand the reason behind Mion's relentless retaliation. ...But... if that's the case, that's not good... It would mean that the zombies have gained a fairly powerful ally...

"I managed to scatter Mii-chan, but... I wonder where Satoko-chan is..."

"...Satoko is searching the drainage pipe, so you'll be safe here for a while."

Hearing that one word, I, who had been listening intently, also let out a sigh of relief.

As Rena crouches down and tries to catch her heavy breathing, Rika approaches her with her footsteps strangely quiet.

It's normal for Rika to walk without making any noise, but... it's strange. ...Could it be...?

"Wha?! Rika?! What is it? What is it?! Huh?"

"...It's okay."

"Why is it coming near me? Is it coming? Rika-chan isn't a zombie, is she?"

"...Don't be scared. I'll be gentle."

"Gently...?"

"...I'll eat it for you. Mii."

"Y-y-you're kidding, right?! Rika-chan would say something like that...ah...!!"

Rena was cornered against the wall, and Rika slowly staggered closer, sticking out both arms like a zombie... Rena was trembling and pressed her back against the wall.

This is some seriously raw horror... It's just like any other zombie video.

At that moment, Rena and I met eyes.

"K-Keiichi-kun! Help meeeeeee! !!! 」

The Rika zombie turns 180 degrees like an exorcist and glares at me!

"Ouch! I found Kei-chan!!!"

When my eyes met Rika-chan's, I also heard Mion's spirited voice from somewhere far away.

I looked over and saw him standing on top of the block wall of the garbage dump, pointing at me.

This terrain is only advantageous when there is only one zombie. Pincer attacks are bad!

"What?! You found Keiichi?!"

Hearing the commotion, I could see Satoko running towards me from afar. It seemed Rika had let Rena get away, and now she was pointing her spear at me.

"Eeeeehhh....Ahhhhhh...."

"...Come on...Kei-chan..."

Three zombies wandered around the storeroom, cursing and aiming at me. Something shivering went up my back, and I, nearly peeing my pants, screamed out in agony!

"You guys are scary! Too scary! !!! 」

"I wonder what Keiichi's intestines taste like? Keiichi, ahhh...!"

"...Keiichi...I want you to join us too."

"Hahahaha! Come on, it's about time you gave up!"

"N-no-someone please help meeeeeee !!! 」

The only person left who can help me in this situation is Rena. But where is Rena now, who just escaped from Rika-chan?

Far away in the schoolyard, I saw Rena, looking my way and bowing profusely in apology.

...Apologize? Apologize? Sorry? So that means you're just going to let him die? ...Re, Renaa ...

Terrified, I jumped off the roof, but slipped and fell.

Satoko and Rika jumped on me and mounted me, tickling my entire body to the fullest.

"Gyahahahahaha !!! Stop! Stop!! Aaaaahhh !!! Satoko, stop, that's not good for your side!! Ah, Mion, that's even worse!! Huh?! Rika-chan, don't bite my earlobe either!! You'll never be able to get married!!"

Ironically, my sad, dying voice sounded cheerful when mixed with the hustle and bustle of the lively schoolyard...

"That means it's just Rena. Right? There are only a few minutes left until the bell rings!"

"...Renaaaahhh...!! How dare you...abandon me to death!!"

I feel like a zombie. I know all too well what it feels like to be a vengeful spirit. I'm going to get revenge on the people who abandoned me!

"...Poor thing, poor thing. But now Keiichi is a friend too."

Rather than feeling like a zombie, I feel like a victim whose blood has been sucked by a vampire and who has become a vampire himself.

It's a strange feeling to be welcomed by someone who has been chasing you up until now.

"The zombie demon is quite deep!"

"This is no time for airs! We have to catch Rena!"

"Oh no, the principal is walking down the hallway! The bell will ring soon, it's game over!!"

"Hehehe! Leave it to me. At this point, no one can stop me. I absolutely won't allow Rena to get away with it alone! Limiter released! Combat power increased! Woohoo, I'm giving up being an Earthling!!"

Now that I've become a vengeful demon, I must do everything in my power to kill and devour Rena! But now I'm no ordinary zombie. I'm a vampire with the dark underlings at my command!

The technique that had strangled him earlier can now be used as the most effective way to roast Rena!

He gathers together his juniors who are eager to join in the commotion of the club members and gives them a big order!

"Now, my servants, scatter! Find Ryuuguu Rena! Guwahahahaha!"

Thus began the terrifying fox hunt, with the entire class chasing after Rena alone. But there's only a little time left. Are we going to let Rena get away with it?

"Hmm, I wonder why Rena has to be chased by the whole class!!"

Even Rena can't get away with the whole class.

This isn't tag anymore, it's like a rabbit being thrown into a sea of sharks and running away...

However, Rena seemed to understand that the game was almost over, and she had no intention of giving up until the very last moment. However, this overwhelming disadvantage cannot be overcome!

Like a shogi puzzle, Rena was chased one after another and finally cornered in the back of the gym storage room.

"It's scary, everyone! Even Keiichi...! It's scary! !!! 」

The zombies slowly corner Rena. It must be scary. After all, the whole class is chasing you. I can more than imagine how scared you must be. But I won't sympathize with you!

"Rena, how dare you abandon me just now! You're prepared, aren't you...?!"

"S-Sorry about earlier, Keiichi-kun... but, I just couldn't help it...!!"

"Hahahaha! Just be quiet and let yourself be devoured!!"

"...Everyone got eaten, and now we're all good friends as zombies. Nipa~☆"

"Heh heh heh heh! Looks like today's battle against the Zombie Demons will end with no winner? Come on, Rena... say a prayer or something!! Uhyahyahyahya!!!"

Rena trips over a mat and lies trembling and crying in the back of the warehouse. I corner her. Her appearance reminds me of an extremely immoral situation, and I feel a little nervous, bending over.

Satoko and Rika had their hands out of the way. They were probably trying to tickle Rena. Rena knew this, and stiffened up, not wanting that to happen.

"...Keiichi...you wouldn't do something terrible like everyone else, right? ...You wouldn't?"

"...I wonder what will happen~~~"

"...Uh...Ah...Ahh..."

"...Now then...are you ready?"

"...It's okay...Keiichi-kun..."

His determined smile made my heart skip a beat for a moment.

"K...Keiichi-kun wouldn't do anything bad...I believe you, Rena..."

cormorant.

...At this last moment...such a cowardly thing to say...!! If a girl said something like that, wouldn't it put an average man on hold? Ahh, but what if she says that and then just gives up on him? But maybe she really does believe him? Aaaah, I'm a gentleman, a gentleman Maebara Keiichi!!

Just as I was clutching my head in agony, I heard the clear sound of a chime ringing. Game over.

"Yay! Yes, yes! I survived! Yay yay☆!"

Rena was overjoyed and seemed to have been released from a spell.

"...Huh...The sunlight was just about to shine through, reducing the evil zombie army to ashes... It's a staple in movies that only the heroine survives, after all... You've been completely defeated, Ryuuguu Rena..."

Rena said she trusted me, so I gathered all the dandy power I had and gave her a swagger... Then Satoko smacked her right across the back of the head!

"What are you trying to act like? Keiichi is just taking his time. !!! 」

"...We will punish the war criminal Keiichi."

"Aaaah, please forgive me!! Aaah, that's not okay! So Rika-chan, no earlobes!!"

Mion takes Rena's arm while looking down with amusement at Satoko and Rika-chan who are on top of me and tickling me.

"So the prize for survival goes to Ryuuguu Rena and Sonozaki Mion. Yay!"

"Eh? Huh...? Mii-chan, you weren't a zombie...?"

"I was just pretending. You know what they say: to fool the enemy, you have to be on your side."

Mion stuck out her tongue like a fool. ...But Mion hadn't been caught by Satoko after all. She'd lied and said she was already a zombie, and brazenly blended in with the group of pursuers!

"...Uoooooooooooooo!! Mion, you baaaaaaaah!! Ahyahyahyahyahya, Satoko, don't do that, ahhh Rika-chan, don't do that even more!!"

"Yes, yes. I need to hurry up and get changed. Don't be late for your next class!"

It's chaotic when they hang out after school. It's even more chaotic during gym class. What on earth is going on at this school called Hinamizawa?!

When the class started, I was worrying unnecessarily about whether it was okay to do something so casual, but by the time it ended, it didn't matter at all.

Physical education is a subject that has no bearing on the entrance exams, so I just need to do my best. ...I used to think that way, didn't I? ...Little by little, I began to realize that I was relearning what was truly important at school in Hinamizawa.

Tomitake again

After returning home, I immediately decided to get ready. Rena and I had promised to dig up the Kenta doll from that treasure trove.

What I learned from yesterday's work is that it's a pretty big job, so it's best to be fully prepared.

"Mom, do we have any work gloves at home? And towels?"

"Wasn't it in the storeroom out front? The towels are in the bathroom."

Okay, now we're all set. ...My mother looks puzzled when she sees this.

"What's up, Keiichi? Where are you going in this amazing outfit...?"

"Just for some digging. To keep my classmates from becoming criminals."

If the illegal dump dump dumps its garbage again, and this time it's completely buried and impossible to dig up... then Rena will undoubtedly try to get her hands on the Kenta doll, even if it means robbing the local fried chicken shop. We have to stop her!

"...I'm not sure, but I hope it's not too late."

As I was passing through a forest road that was a shortcut to the former dam construction site, I came across a figure pointing a camera at the trees in the forest. It was Tomitake.

Come to think of it, you said you specialize in photographing wild birds. I wonder if you found any good ones. ...I hope you're not just taking pictures of beautiful young boys basking in the sunset...?

"Hey, it's been a while. Keiichi-kun, right?"

"Thank you for your time. Did you get any good photos?"

I pushed any rude thoughts out of my head and greeted him in a safe manner.

"Are you meeting Rena-chan at the dam site by any chance?"

"...Yeah, that's about it."

"I see... Hmm... I wonder if I should say this..."

Tomitake-san seems restless. Is there something strange going on?

"Actually, I just passed Rena-chan a while ago... but something seemed a little strange. She was grinning and holding a huge, gleaming, exposed hatchet! I wonder what that was? Keiichi-kun, if she's called you... well, you should be careful. It's not very crowded there..."

"...Ha, ha..."

To Tomitake, it may have looked like Rena had summoned me to a secluded place and was going to kill me with that machete... But, well, it's understandable when you think of how dreamy Rena was when she talked about the Kenta doll. If the excavation goes smoothly, we'll be able to take it home today. I'm sure she won't be able to hide her lazy smile...

"I hid because I sensed danger, but maybe I should call the police...?!"

It's certainly dangerous to see a girl of that age wandering around with an exposed machete, but Tomitake's reaction is perfectly normal.

"It's fine, it's fine. Leave me alone. I'm just wandering around looking for more victims."

Tomitake's eyes widened at my careless response. Well, it would be very difficult for an average person with common sense to understand Rena's abnormality... I decided to confuse her as best I could.

"If Tomitake-san is killed here, he's probably the culprit. ...The best we can do is not sniff around."

I gave her a mischievous grin and quickly headed off to the dam site where Rena was waiting.

We had been walking for a while when suddenly Tomitake called out to us.

"Is that meant to be a warning?"

...Oh, I didn't mean it that seriously. I tried to explain, but...

"...I'll try to be careful. Haha, thank you."

With that said, Tomitake turned on his heels and left.

...I wonder why. I didn't know why, but I knew that it made him uncomfortable.

Finally discovered!

When Rena saw me arrive, she greeted me with great excitement.

"Keiichi-kun! I've been waiting for you. Let's do our best today too!"

...I certainly understand what Tomitake is saying. It's certainly dangerous to have fun swinging a hatchet around.

"Bring the hatchet with a sheath or something covering it. It'd be bad if it was exposed!"

"It seems I lost it, so it's not there."

"Well, but you know...! If you were to wander around with a grin on your face and a bare machete, you'd get stopped by the police, wouldn't you?"

"...Huh? I met the police officer earlier. I'm treasure hunting again today, and I said hello..."

"...Ugh."

...Come to think of it, she has no respect for public opinion. Rena's strange habits are probably well known throughout Hinamizawa. She's the only person in Hinamizawa who can wander around with a deadly weapon without being looked upon with suspicion...

Well, it doesn't matter!

"Alright, let's get started! We'll decide today! If we can destroy the last beam, we should be able to drag him out. We've even got gloves ready, so we're all set. Leave it to me!"

"Yeah!"

I take the hatchet from Rena and head down the unstable slope.

"Wait for me, Kenta. Keiichi will come and rescue you now...☆ Ha ha ha, I want to take Kenta home quickly~♪!"

Rena began to dance around as if singing. I thought she was getting too excited, but I decided not to make such a point. If she accepted and enjoyed everything that happened in her daily life, it was only natural that she would react like Rena.

I really need to break away from this rotten city mentality that believes it's virtuous to pretend to be indifferent no matter what happens.

"Right, I'm fired up! I'll definitely take you home! Let's settle this once and for all! Uow!"

The hatchet is swung down with great force, hitting the beam that traps the Kenta doll, creating a pleasant sound like a lumberjack's axe.

"...How is it? Do you think it will go well? If it doesn't seem possible, then you don't have to force it...?"

"If I can just give in here, the rest will be fine! I'm full of energy today! I can do it! !!! 」

...But the enemy was tougher than I thought.

First of all, I have never used a hatchet before. During a school trip, I volunteered to split firewood, but I lost rock-paper-scissors and couldn't do it.

Having been tossed about on unstable footing, we finally gave up and decided to take a break. Rena spread out a sheet and brought out a water bottle of tea and some sweet-looking snacks.

"It's okay! Just a little more. When you go to bed tonight, you'll be able to kiss Kenta goodnight."

Rena looked at me apologetically, drenched in sweat. I didn't want to be seen as unreliable, so this was the time to not complain.

"...Yes, thanks! ...Haa, Kenta-kun... a goodbye kiss... haa...☆"

Rena flushes again, her eyes filling with stars as she becomes dreamy. At first, I was taken aback by this Rena, but now I find her genuinely cute and amusing.

"Now that you mention it, Rena was also a transfer student, right? Where did you live before?"

While drinking tea, I casually asked Rena about it, because I had assumed that she had lived here for a long time.

"Hmm? It's in the Kanto region. Not as far as here, but it was still rural."

"Why did you move here? To Hinamizawa? You see, this is pretty rural, right?"

"Keiichi, why did you move here? Does it have to do with your father's work?"

"My father said he wanted to move his studio. He'd always said that a place like this in the mountains would be nice."

"Atelier? Is Keiichi's father an artist?"

"He paints landscapes all the time. Apparently he holds a solo exhibition somewhere about once a year."

"That's amazing! Show it to Rena next time!"

"Well, maybe someday." I answered vaguely as I got up. I knew my father was a painter, but he never showed me what kind of work he did, and to be honest, I wasn't all that interested.

Having a home and a workplace in the same place is quite a hassle for a son my age. I've often felt envious of the average father who goes to work and doesn't come home until late at night.

"But... you transferred schools in the middle of the semester, right? Wasn't that difficult?"

"Nothing really. I was tired of the city."

I thought I was asking Rena a question, but before I knew it, I was being asked a question myself. If the conversation went any further, it would turn into a boring story about my life, so I decided to end it here.

"Well then! Let's make one more effort. No matter what, we'll settle this by the end of the day!"

"Yeah!"

Before they knew it, the sun was already setting and the air was gradually getting colder. The Higurashi girls had begun to sing together, telling them to call it a day and go home.

Damn, I'm almost there. I'll definitely settle this today!

At first, he had been working while cracking jokes with Rena, but he no longer had the time for that. He continued to swing the hatchet without wiping the sweat that was dripping down his face.

"Ura! You! Damn it!"

He swung the hatchet, just as he had done countless times throughout the day. He struck. A satisfying sound echoed throughout the room. Pieces of wood broke into pieces.

…Maybe it was because the Higurashi chorus had begun, but for some reason, a disturbing sentence from that weekly photo magazine came back to me.

"The perpetrators brutally murdered their victims by bludgeoning them with machetes, pickaxes, and axes,"

The hatchet swings down and hits the beam. ...There are countless blade marks left behind, created by repeated strikes. ...It's a thick beam, so it's very strong, but ...if such a pitiless and cruel blade were to be swung down on a human being, ...an arm might be broken, or a head split open in one blow...

...the doll visible under the beam. For some reason, the image of myself swinging a hatchet at it seemed to overlap with an ominous scene...

At that moment, he felt something different. The final blow finally broke the beam that had been refusing to break.

However, the final blow not only split the beam, but also shattered the shoulder of the doll underneath.

The arm, which gained freedom before the body, slipped through the gap in the beam and rolled out at my feet...

"……ah,"

"Wh-what's wrong? Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"S-Sorry... I broke the doll's arm..."

"...Huh, what's that? I thought maybe Keiichi-kun was hurt."

Rena seemed to think that I had hit my hand on something and hurt myself, but when she realized that wasn't the case, she let out a sigh of relief.

"It's okay because we'll fix it. We'll just stick it together with duct tape or something and put a jacket over it. So it's not a problem at all."

"...I see. Then let's pull it out. Can you hold it for me?"

"Yeah!"

"...You still haven't found one of the arms, right?"

The way my arm had rolled around earlier seemed ominous, but then I suddenly realized something and chuckled wryly at my own pathetic state.

Rena and Mion both knew that it was a disgusting incident. If I found out, I'd surely have the same unpleasant experience. So they played dumb and pretended not to know anything.

So I got curious and decided to look into it. ...And now, pathetically, I've found out about something I didn't need to know about, and now I'm scared. ...How pathetic of me, having ignored Rena and the others' concern.

"...Alright, Rena! Let's go all out! On one, two, three!"

No one refused to rescue Kenta anymore. And so, after two days, the great feat of Kenta's excavation operation was finally accomplished!

He had been working at a fried chicken shop somewhere for a long time and was about to end his life in Hinamizawa, but Rena welcomed him back. Kenta, you're lucky. Your next master is a good person!

"...Wow... It's Kenta, it's Kenta! He's so cute!"

Despite the dirt, Rena happily rubs her cheek against it.

I was very tired, but seeing Rena's happy face made it all worth it.

"Well, I'll help you, let's take it to Rena's house. It'll be bad if it gets dark."

"...Yeah. That's right! Thank you so much, Keiichi! I'll never forget this favor!"

"Oh, a samurai never goes back on his word, does he?! Hehe, I'll think carefully about how I can repay your kindness."

"W-W-W-... How can I repay this favor?... A favor, right? Ha ha...!"

For the time being, I laughed mischievously and decided not to tease him any further for today.

On the way home, with the doll wrapped in a sheet and both of us carrying it, Rena was in a good mood the whole time. Seeing her, I was in a good mood too.

But as the Higurashi chorus cooled the sweat of the day...trivial thoughts began to come back to the back of my mind.

"...Is that meant as a warning?"

Although he was just trying to make a joke, Tomitake gave a response that didn't quite make sense.

...Something just doesn't seem to make sense.

Just as I was trying to push that feeling out of my mind, we finally arrived at Rena's house...

What's your name Rena?

"...Rena's not here. Does Keiichi know?"

"Huh? She was just there a moment ago. Hey Mion, where did Rena go?"

"Renner? Isn't that the bathroom? You said you haven't had a bowel movement lately."

"I never heard a word about that!"

"...Satoko. Do you know Rena?"

"Is that you, Rena? We just passed each other in the hallway. You're on duty that day, so you have to water the flowers and the garden beds."

"Oh, Rena's on duty that day. That must be exhausting."

... Rena , Rena , Rena . ...The name Rena  was being tossed around so often, and I suddenly had a question.

It may be rude to say this about someone's name, but... it's a strange name. It sounds like a foreign name.

"I wonder what kind of name Rena is... How do you write Rena in kanji?"

"... Rena  is just a nickname. She has a proper name."

"Oh, really? I thought Ryuuguu Rena was her real name."

"Well, that's true. I only call her Rena-san, so it's not surprising that you would get confused."

Moreover, her calligraphy name is "Rena." It seems like it's practically her real name at school.

"I wonder what her real name is... Maybe I'll ask Rena  when she gets back!"

Satoko and Rika looked at each other.

"...You don't have to ask. We'll tell you."

"As a token of my gratitude, I'll give you the name NaRara. Ryuugu  Reina is my real name!"

"Reina, huh? …Hmm. So it's pronounced Rena, not Reina? That's an interesting way to pronounce it."

"...No, that's not right. Reina is correct."

" Rena  said she wanted to be called Rena . That's why I'm Rena ."

"Kei-chan... Rena is Rena, right? Only other people call her Reina. You understand that, right?"

I understand what you're trying to say, Mion. Whatever her real name is, the nickname we have between us is everything! Ryuuguu Rena is Rena. No one else.

"I was wondering, if I apply myself, will I be called by my nickname from today onwards?"

"That would be interesting. What would you like to be called?"

"After crossing, come here."

Eventually, Rena returns to the classroom. A junior student at the entrance tells her that someone has been looking for her.

"Huh? Was someone looking for Rena ? Maybe?"

Mion and I smiled at that.

"Major, the Dragon Palace has appeared!"

"Echigoya, you're evil too... Fufufufufu !!! 」

"What, what's going on? Keiichi and Mii are the evil magistrates, you know? They're Echigoya!"

"Damn you, Ryuugu  Rena's helper! It's been a hundred years since we last met here. Get ready!"

"Wah! Wah! Sukesuke-san and Kakukaku-san, maybe we should give them a lesson!!"

"Yes, yes, sir. !!! 」

"...I want my reward deposited in a Swiss bank."

It can't be helped! Now it's time for a big brawl between the five of us... !!!

Just as Ininro appears, Rena's deadly punch explodes. In the end, evil will be destroyed, me and Mion...

"...I really want Rena to go on a journey to reform the world. How about Nagata Town?"

"...No, you can't. You'll steal something valuable while you're traveling."

The bell rings to signal the end of recess.

"Come on, Keiichi and Mii-chan. The teacher is coming!"

With Rena 's help, I got up just as the teacher entered the classroom.

...One more hour. Oh dear. ...Maybe I should push on a bit more!

June 15 (Wednesday)

As soon as they found out that I had been to Rena's house yesterday, the topic immediately came up... It seems that that impressive house was famous throughout Hinamizawa.

"Ahahaha! How was it, Kei-chan!"

"Did you go to Rena's house? Hahaha, it was amazing, wasn't it?"

"...Ahahaha...That's not true, is it...? Right?"

The Ryuugu family home wasn't a new building like ours, but rather a renovated version of an existing house. Well, the house was fine. The problem was the garden.

There...the garden was filled with unknown objects!

Like Kenta, they were all things you would see somewhere if you walked around town.

A Pero-chan doll in front of a cake shop. A Keromon doll in front of a pharmacy. Even a flying elephant, a common sight on the roof of a department store! Seeing this overwhelming sight, I finally understood the true essence of Rena's extraordinary aesthetic sense and her spirit of taking things home...

I'm probably better off because I look like an objet d'art. ...But to those who can't see, it must just look like a dumping ground for bulky garbage.

"I'll give in and say that the rest of it is okay! But is it okay to go to the mailbox?! And isn't that kind of thing bad?!"

"...Because... haa... it's so cute...☆ haa~!"

"Is it okay if it's big?! If it's big!!"

"Ha, that's not true, I love small ones too, ha~☆ Of course, I like big ones even more, ha ha ha~☆"

"Hey Rena, you know the Statue of Liberty in New York? Is that cute?"

"...Yeah, it's cute...ah...I want it..."

The United States government needs to come up with a solution as soon as possible. If things continue as they are, the Statue of Liberty may actually come to Hinamizawa in the not-too-distant future.

"...Sorry to keep you waiting."

Rika-chan had returned. She had been called to the staff room, saying she had something to ask the teacher for.

"Being called to the staff room is no fun. Did you play some kind of prank on me?"

"How rude! Rika is not a delinquent like Keiichi!"

Satoko was indignant. Rika and Satoko really do get along well. Feeling impressed, I patted Satoko's head.

"Hahaha. That's not true, Keiichi. Rika is a member of the festival's executive committee."

"A festival? A school cultural festival or something?"

"Kei-chan, Kei-chan, I told you the other day. It's the village festival. The Watawata Nagashi festival."

"Oh, that reminds me, you said there's a festival at the shrine this coming weekend. So, what is this Watanagashi? Is it something like a floating lantern festival?"

"The only thing that's the same is that you throw it into the stream at the end."

"It's a festival where damaged and unusable cloths and other items are given as offerings to express gratitude for the hard work they have endured, and then they are released into the stream."

Rena and Mion explain things to me verbally, but since I've never seen it, I can't really imagine it.

The residents of Hinamizawa gather together and pile up futons and bedding in the stream...?

It must be a big problem with the flow being blocked... I wonder if they'll release fish in there and hold a catching contest... skewer them and sprinkle salt on them... oh, it smells delicious...!!

"Then it's summer camp! Keiichi-san, you have a surprisingly poor imagination."

"Wh-Wh! How did you know I had a stupid idea?!"

"...Mee. It was evident on my face."

What kind of expression conveys what I'm imagining right now...?

Rena says, "This is the face I want," and recreates it for me. I see. That makes sense.

"Hahaha! It's not that exciting though. But you can look forward to it."

"Let's all go. I'll come and pick you up on the day!"

I don't feel like going to a festival unless I'm invited by someone. And with this group, I won't get bored.

"Far from being boring! We're doing it again this year!!"

Mion declared, looking around at everyone. "What on earth is going to happen?" Judging from Mion's behavior, it was probably...

"Our club's summer tradition! The Four Fierce Bombings at the Watanagari Festival!"

"What the... what kind of taste is that!?"

"...I think Rena is a cute name..."

I thought about sharply rejecting it, but since Rena seemed happy for the time being, I decided not to force myself to deny it.

"...Keiichi is also here, so this year it will be a five-villain battle."

"So, how does this pretentious club activity name relate to the festival?"

"Hahaha! I'm going to show you the skills I've cultivated through my daily club activities!"

"Exactly! We are the elite of the elite, having overcome the rigors of daily life...!!"

"But last year the village chief got angry at me... so I have to make sure I don't cause any trouble this year..."

"...In other words, we'll be doing club activities while touring the stalls."

As usual, only Rika gives a pertinent explanation.

I see, so we're going to "announce" how noisy we were at the festival. And just like Rena said, the village chief is sure to get angry!

"Haha...! But it's so much fun!"

There's no doubt about that. My friends are geniuses when it comes to playing and having fun. It's already been proven in the few days since we transferred here.

When I was in the city, I wasn't interested in festivals, and I didn't know them as anything more than a small line of food stalls. So I never looked forward to them. But the festival in Hinamizawa that I'll be going to with everyone will be completely different.

The day of the festival was just around the corner.

Daihinmin and the punishment game

"Well, that's beside the point. Let's get started today! Any objections?"

As usual, we were waiting for Rika to come back because we had club activities after school. So when Mion confirmed that everyone was there, she let out a spirited voice.

"Nooooo!!"

Our voices harmonize beautifully.

"When there are a lot of people, playing cards is the best option! This is truly the basic table game!"

"So, is it Ganpai Trump again?"

"Well, it's brand new today. There are no scratches on it, so the conditions are really even!"

"I-it's true! I'll have to change that card!"

Hmm, Satoko has a point. Even though she's my junior in the school year, she's my senior in the club. Satoko's caution is probably correct! Just to be sure, we all look over our cards.

"Yeah. This should be fine!"

"Are you all satisfied? Well then, for today... let's go with "Daipomin". Five people is a good number, right?"

Oh, Daihinmin! It's one of the standard card games. The player who loses all their cards wins, so it's a famous and popular game that needs no introduction.

The basic principle is to play cards that are stronger than the previous card. There are various techniques such as consecutive numbers, playing two cards, and revolutions that add to the fun of the game. However, as it is a well-known game, there are apparently many regional differences and local rules.

For example, names. In the town where I lived, they were called "Daifugou."

I immediately put to use the caution I learned from Satoko and decided to check this out before starting the game.

"...Let's check the details. Is the Joker almighty? Can three 3s be revolutionary?"

"No Jokers. 2 is the strongest. You can counter the revolution. Even with 3, you can't make a revolution unless you have four."

"Also, there's a rule that says the poor have to tribute good cards at the start of the game, right? That's not true."

"...Keiichi, you seem to be getting quite used to this."

"That's right. ...Daipamin is quite a good guy, isn't he...?"

Rika-chan and Satoko look at me with wary eyes as I familiarize myself with the rules...

Maybe I should have acted a little more like a normal person. I'm somewhat familiar with this game! I'm a poor guy, and my cards are brand new. Today... I might win!!

Now, I understand the rules, but...is there more to it?

"So, what's the punishment game today?"

"Well, how about we all write a few notes and put them in a box and let the loser draw one!"

"Oh, that sounds pretty interesting!"

"Hahahaha! Then I'll write something really shocking and make Keiichi cringe!"

"Oh, if you write something really bad, it'll be a pain when you draw it yourself."

Rena had a point. If she wrote an outrageous punishment game, she might end up having to back out if something were to happen. But that doesn't mean there's anyone here who would go easy on her!

"Hehe, no matter how tough it gets, as long as you don't lose, right?"

"I know that! Hahahaha!!"

Mion hands out a few sheets of memo paper to everyone.

"So, write whatever you want and put it in this bag. Whoever loses has to put their hand in here and draw one."

Now, what would be a good punishment game? I was excited earlier, saying I'd write something really shocking, but as Rena said, if I back down, I'll end up being the one who backs off. ...If it's too extreme, it'll just be my own doing...

"...Let's not write 'nothing'."

Mion flinched at Rika's casual suggestion and stopped what she was doing.

"Ahhhh!! Mion-san, that's unfair!! It says 'nothing' and then you bend the corners. !!! 」

"Ha, Mii-chan, that's not fair!"

"Hehe, ehhehehehe..."

Ah, I see. So if by any chance I lose, I can just draw the "note with the folded corner" and be safe. That's a good insurance policy. As expected of Mion, she's worthy of calling herself the department head...!

However, Rika-chan can see through that, so we can't underestimate her either. Just because she has a weak presence doesn't mean we can underestimate her!

"Everyone... uh, let's not do such mean punishment games, okay...?"

No one agrees with Rena's proposal... They're all heartless.

"It's okay, Rena. As long as you don't lose, it's fine!"

"...Uh, yeah. That's right. Okay! I'll do my best and make everyone draw Rena's punishment game!"

Despite appearing timid, Rena is ruthless... It's best not to underestimate her.

"I agree... I'm especially curious about 'Rena's punishment game'...!"

"...I'm scared of anyone's punishment game."

"That's the kind of punishment game Rika-chan is playing that's really mysterious!"

"In other words, we can't lose this game! Are you all ready?"

Everyone prepared themselves and nodded firmly. Mion confirmed this and gathered the punishment game notes into her bag.

...The war has finally begun! !!!

...Good, good, off to a smooth start.

Various cards were being played one after the other. Not to mention Mion, Satoko and Rika were also very good at their cards. It was Rena and I who seemed to be taking a long time to think.

In Rena's case, it seems she's just genuinely worried, but that's not me! I keep my fangs down like a shark eyeing its prey.

"Huh? Is this going to go through? Then I'll roll a 3 and win!"

"9! You're not here?! 8! 7! It's time!!"

"...Five and five. I'm up."

"Then throw away your last piece and go up!"

"Tch...! I can't believe you missed your chance... !!! 」

What a surprise! It was Mion who lost in the first match! And I was certain.

...Today...I can win! !!!

"Well then! Mii-chan, please draw one from here!"

Rena enthusiastically handed Mion a bag full of punishment games. Mion bashfully smiled, scratching her head, and reached inside to pull out one of the games.

...And the moment he sees the contents, he screams and starts shaking uncontrollably.

"...Who is this?! Who wrote it?"

"...Um, what's it like? What's it like? ...Huh?!"

Rena is also surprised when she looks inside. What kind of crazy things could be written there?

"Pat the principal's head"

What is this? I can't keep up with Mion and Rena's panic.

"...Wait a minute. How is this bad?"

"Keiichi, don't you notice? The principal is embarrassed about his bald head!"

"The principal's head is certainly glowing in a nice way, but... that doesn't mean his surprise is overstated."

"...The principal is a master of martial arts."

"When he was young, he traveled the world training and boasts that he has mastered the secrets of martial arts! I once heard that he once killed a bear with his bare hands!"

"He became an educator because he was concerned about the decline of education in Japan after the war."

Things are starting to get a little weird... Should I pat him on the head?

"As the department head, I have no choice but to lead by example... Fuu... ......Uryaaaaahhh!!"

With a roar of determination, Mion ran out into the hallway.

"Hey, wouldn't it be better to sneak in quietly and settle things peacefully?"

"Probably not... I mean, they said they could find the sea slugs by their presence."

That's no longer in the realm of humans...

What the heck? !!! At that moment, a thunderous noise shook the classroom!

"...It's a blow from the principal with all his might, nipa~."

Only Rika-chan is smiling, but Rena and I are worried about whether Mion will be able to get home safely without needing to call an ambulance...

At any rate, I now understand why there aren't even a single delinquent at this school. ...If I had to take a hit like that every time I had to lead a student guidance class, I wouldn't have enough lives...

After a moment of silence, Mion returned with a shaky gait.

"...I stroked it. ...Is this... okay...?!"

With that said, Mion collapses with a thud.

Satoko and Rika approached him, and just as I thought they were going to tend to him, they placed their hands on his neck and wrists and began to check his pulse.

"Well, you're still alive. You can continue playing the game!"

"...O...Demon..."

This is what the club president who set up such a club often says.

"But, but! Now the scariest punishment game is gone! Right?"

As Rena regains her composure and smiles, Mion gives her a hateful, distasteful smile.

"I won't go easy on you anymore. !!! Let's teach you guys a lesson!!"

The first match has completely proven that Daihinmin is not a leisurely, idyllic card game. ...It's just like real war. A slight carelessness and a minor penalty game can cost you your life!

So it was inevitable that things would heat up! The game started moving at an unusually fast pace. You could tell the game was heating up.

"A! 3, 4, 5!! Aaargh!!"

"...Now I'll be going up too."

"Hehe! I'll join in too!"

"3!! That's it!!"

"Ahhh!! I, I lost...?!"

...And Heaven chose Rena as the loser.

"What kind of punishment game is this... What kind of punishment game is this...!"

It's no wonder Rena is anxious... Even I tremble when I think about how difficult Mion's punishment game will be for the first time... And... the punishment game she drew while trembling was... !!!

………What is that?

"Speaks like a maid"

"Huh?! Wh, what is this?! What should I do about this, I wonder?"

"So... that means... you're saying I should speak in that tone...?"

"Ya...yes...master..."

That's what I thought. As an average Japanese man, I would like to hear a cute girl say that to me at least once. Come on, don't hide it, you've thought that at least once too, right? Yeah, me too!!

...But I don't know who wrote the punishment game, but it's the best, woooooo !!!

"Okay then, Rena, could you collect the cards and hand them out to everyone...?"

"Y-yes... Master..."

Something hot rises up in the back of my nose. It seems I'm having a nosebleed. ...Ah, I don't mind dying right now♪!!

"Anyway, let's continue the game. !!! Hey, Rena!!"

"...Yes, master..."

Ah, I can't help but find my own naivety adorable as I talk to Rena indiscriminately, wanting her to end her sentences with "master."

"Urya!! I won't lose again! Up!"

"I absolutely cannot lose either!"

"...It's up."

"Then with this, I'm up too!!!"

"Oh nooooooo!! Is it Rena's loss again?"

Wow, it's Rena again...! What kind of punishment will it be this time...?

A strange sense of anticipation fills my heart. ...Anticipation? No, this is certainty!!

"Take off one piece of clothing at a time."

Slurp. I felt a spurt of hot, fresh blood spurt from my other nostril.

"That's bad isn't it?! Who the hell wrote something like that?"

I was blushing red with rage. I had to shout something to hide my shock!!

Who the hell wrote this? God, give that person a Nobel Prize!

"I bet it's a Nobel Prize for perverts."

N-no, no! My facial expression has revealed my true feelings again.

"...Ahhh...Mii-chan..."

No matter how much Rena begs Mion for help with tears in her eyes, the ruthless club captain, Sonozaki Mion, has a set answer.

"Yes, yes! I won't be spoiled, I won't be spoiled! If I lose, I'll do it with dignity!"

"...I, I understand, Master....Ahh...I'll take it off..."

"Huh?!?! Um, seriously?! Whaaaat?!"

Seriously?! I look around hoping someone will stop her, but no one tries to stop Rena!

Soon, I heard the sound of clothes rustling...and my heart started pounding as I heard the skirt fall to the floor!

"Is this okay...? Master...?"

I turn my face away like a gentleman. ...But, club activities are... h-heartless...! And either way, we have no choice but to face each other during a match... But, so I have no choice but to watch! I'm not watching with any evil intentions whatsoever!!

"Oh... Wh... What is it... Ahahaha... Ha."

"Keiichi, what are you expecting?! I can't take it off if I'm not wearing gym clothes underneath!"

…Rena was wearing gym clothes underneath her uniform. …She looked completely different from what I had expected, and I couldn't help but feel as though the world was ending as I spoke.

"Heh heh heh! Kei-chan's got it going too! Uncle, I never expected you to attack from this direction."

"Tch, ch, ch, that's not right, Mion, it's a misunderstanding! I didn't write this!"

"Didn't master write it?"

Rena blushes and looks at me nervously.

...I, I'm used to seeing gym clothes during P.E. class, so I didn't think it was a big deal, but...how can I put it,...when I took it off and it was gym clothes...it was like,...ah! I felt something really strong!

"...Keiichi's head is steaming and he's grinning and it's disgusting."

"Uh, uh, heh, heh, Rika-chan, that's a misunderstanding, I'm extremely calm, uh, uh, pushuuu."

"Master, please don't look at me like that..."

Huh, nooooo!! Every single one of Rena's embarrassed gestures is a critical hit! Calm down, Maebara Keiichi...!! Maybe someone like Mion wrote this punishment game to make me panic!! Maebara Keiichi, don't go out of your way to dance knowing it's the enemy's trap !!! Destroy your mind and your heart! Stay calm and analyze the current situation... !!!

I put my brain's computer to work and tried to assess the situation... and the answer I came up with was very simple.

"I... I won!!!"

That's right, as long as I keep winning, this dream of a utopia, a millennium harem heaven, will continue forever! Is it really that simple, that just by continuing to beat four club members, this dream won't end?

...And I became a god.

"Huh?! Why do I have such bad luck with cards?!"

"Kukukukuku! Satoko has lost. I'll draw a penalty game card. And here it comes!!" "Speaks in a little sister tone" !!! 」

"Mmmmm!! ...Yes, Oniichan....Ahhh!!"

Kuuuuuu !!! The pleasure of making a cheeky kid submit!

"Ugh! ...Uncle lost again!? That's strange!"

"Oh, so Mion lost. Shall I withdraw?!" Woohoo! "I'll change into a girls' school swimsuit." !!! 」

"Nooooooo!! I wanted Kei-chan to pull that one!!"

Ughhhh !!! Mion's lament tastes like honey !!!

"Huh?! Master... I've lost again...!!"

"Rena loses. I'll back off. 'First place on my lap'!! Of course first place is meeeeee!!"

"...Y-yes... in this outfit... Master..."

Kuuuuuuuuh!! I'm not wearing a skirt so I'm going to have to rest my head on your bare lap! !!!

"Ahhh! Big brother... you're too strong... sniffle."

"Oh dear, Satoko has lost again. I'll back off. 'Serving the number one'!! Right, maybe I should get a shoulder massage?!"

"Y-yes, Oniichan.... Aaaah, I'm so frustrated!!"

"Come on, go deeper! Don't dig your nails in! Gyahahahaha~♪!!"

Now that I've transformed into the evil emperor, I couldn't be in better shape! Right now, I feel like I can control the cards with just my eyes, and even decide what picture I'll draw next just by thinking about it!

Before I knew it, I was already in a harem. I was laughing loudly as I rested my head on Rena's lap, who had turned into a bloomer maid. Satoko was wearing a collar and had taken on the younger sister attribute. Mion was wearing a school swimsuit and fanning herself with a feather fan.

"Haa... Master has had a crushing victory today....Ahh! Please don't roll your head around so much..."

Ah, at first I couldn't look at Rena's embarrassing appearance, but now I can see it as if it were normal... Because I am a god!!

Ah, I wonder. Why is it that human desires have no end? With this dreamlike state of affairs, what more could I want?! And yet, I still desire more! And that's because there is still one person who stubbornly refuses to join my harem!

"...Mii? What's wrong, Keiichi?"

"I was worried about why people's desires are limitless."

That's right. Although Rika didn't get first place, she has been steadily avoiding last place ever since.

"...Keiichi is a greedy guy. It would be good if he knew when enough was enough."

"Hehehe, I completely understand. ...How can I put it? I feel like I'm ready to die now♪♪♪"

"Ahh! Master... Don't lie around like that... aahh...!"

"...You don't mind dying, do you? Then I will grant your wish."

"Huh...?"

She said it so calmly, with her usual smile. But it was unmistakably a declaration of war from Rika...!

"Good job, Rika-chan! Let's do it! !!! 」

"I'll finish off this perverted demon king!!!"

"...I may not be able to win, but I'll still give you a shot."

"Hmm? That's quite something for Rika-chan. Do you think you can beat me right now...?"

But I'll admit it. This girl, who tends to be somewhat overshadowed by Satoko, is overwhelmed with every ounce of her energy! It would be rude not to accept that. I'll take you on, little girl!!!

Now then, what kind of foot scratching will she show us, and what kind of punishment will it take for her to join my harem?

Midway through the game, I notice that Mion has switched several cards with Rika-chan, but I pretend not to notice. ...Do you really think that something like that will be enough to defeat Keiichi-sama now?! Something like that is not even worth mentioning. This is the true dignity of a champion!

"...2. A-A-A. ...8-8-8-8. It's revolutionary."

Rika-chan attacks with a number of powerful trump cards she's collected from everyone! She generously uses a whole bunch of powerful cards in the early stages, then flips them over with Revolution, reversing the order of the cards' superiority! It's a brilliant series of attacks. Everyone looks back at me with a confident look on their faces, as if they know I'm powerless against this.

"...Heh heh heh! The four of us formed a united front... and this is all we can do... How ridiculous! !!! You fools should know your place!! ………I guess it was a good idea. It's a return of the revolution! !!! 」

"What?! There's no way something so stupid could happen...?!"

Satoko let out a cry of despair! ...Heh heh heh! What a fool! !!! That stupid thing has just happened right before my eyes!! Heh heh heh, Rika-chan had been playing her cards with revolution in mind, but now she has no powerful cards left!!

Rika's hand is filled with weak cards to help her seize control of the revolution. Now that the revolution has been crushed, those cards are worthless!

So the match was decided in an instant, to the point of shock.

"...I've lost..."

Rika-chan dropped the pile of trash cards she was holding from her hands and looked down. ...Hehehe, hehehe,

"Gahahahaha !!! Furude Rika has finally surrendered to my side! !!! Now, now, let's draw a note for the punishment game! Come on, come on, this wonderful punishment game, respond to my guidance! Woohoo!?

"Equipped with cat ears, a collar with a bell, and a tail"

"Heh heh heh! Even the punishment games seem to appear at my will now! !!! This is a great, great punishment game, gwahahaha!!"

"...Mi...Mi..."

Rika droops her head and gives up, equipping the three sacred treasures of cat ears, a collar, and a tail. She wonders why such things are in Mion's locker, but there's no objection, so she doesn't say anything.

"Oh!! This!! ...Ahhh!! I feel like I've turned into Rena too...! This is certainly... so, so cute...♪♪♪"

"It's cute, isn't it? Right? ...Ahh... I'll take it home...☆"

These aren't my lines. They're the original Rena's. With blood trickling from both her nostrils, she spreads her arms out in a frenzy, ready to kidnap and confine him at any moment...

However, now I can understand that feeling all too well... Ahhh, I wonder if I should become Rena too and take Rika home with me, hehehe!!

"...Miii..."

As Rika's eyes watered and she pretended to cry, a pop sound came from both of Rena's ears and a ring of smoke rose. ...But the sound of Rena's last remaining limiter being released still lingered.

"Ya... haaaaaaah!! Riri, Rika-chan, take me home, take me home!!☆"

"I...I see...that's the only option left...!!"

Seeing Rena's strange behavior, Mion claps her hands.

"...Mee...If Rena insists...then I'll be taken home."

"Hahahaha, but that's only if Rena can defeat Keiichi! !!! 」

"Huh? Hehehe, hahahaha!! I see! So you thought that Rena in cute mode could defeat me! But will it really work out that way?! Rebellion against me is rebellion against God!! I'll make you realize your place in the world! !!! Rena and the others will fight back.....Eek?!"

My bold words were swallowed up along with a shameful scream.

…For a moment, Rena didn't know what was going on.

Fifty-two cards were undulating and dancing in Rena's hands, moving freely around like a magician handling cards. !!! In the midst of the swell of cards, Rena is spinning her head around with an ecstatic expression on her face...!!

"Ya...ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, Keiichi...hurry, hurry!! Beat Keiichi, and Rena will take Rika home with her!! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !!! 」

...I could feel the blood and energy draining from my entire body, making the sound of the tide receding... I understood it with my whole body. ...I would lose.

"It won't come out?! It won't come out, Kei-chan?! ...Then this is it... I'm happy. !!! 」

I was drawn in by Rena's overwhelming luck, and my hand was full of rubbish... I was completely defeated, realizing in the best possible way that my luck had completely turned the other way...

Everyone cheered in unison, seeing my defeat after doing all I could to be evil.

"Hmm, I have no regrets.... Thank you, God, for this short dream..."

"Now! Here comes Keiichi's punishment game! Which one would you like? Rustling! ...It's this!"

Everyone peered at it at once, glancing back and forth between the message and my face.

"I've had a great time all day today, so I'll do anything. So, what's it about?"

"all."

"teeth?"

"All the punishment games that have been played so far"

"Wh, what the hell is that?!"

"Keiichi-san, don't you think your way of speaking makes you sound like a younger brother?"

"Ugh! ...Yes, Onee-chan. ...Ugh !!! 」

"Wow...☆ I, I'm going to get addicted to this! And I'll have my shoulders massaged too!!"

"Keiichi-kun, you can rest your head on my lap...and Rena too, okay?"

"Urgh... Y-yes, master..."

"Y-yes...! Keiichi-kun, that... that's... so cute...! Momo, say more!? Say it more!"

"Ahh, please forgive me, master...!!"

"Ahhh!" Rena screamed, her nose bleed gushing out and she fainted in agony. My pride was worth nothing at this point.

"Next up is the uncle! First, how about he take his time and fan me with a fan?"

Cut it out !!!

"...Oh, I see. I have to wear this too, right? School swimsuit☆"

"Huh?! Isn't that for girls?! Can't I just use the boys' one?"

"It clearly states here that you will be changing into a girls' school swimsuit!"

"But, but!? Whose school swimsuit are you going to wear? You don't want to!? If someone like me wears it... !!! 」

"Oh, uncle, I don't mind that sort of thing at all ☆ It's a perk of the job! I have a really bad figure, so I don't think even Kei-chan would be able to wear it!!"

The enforcers surrounded me with their arms outstretched.

Jojo, this is no joke! It's a shame that a guy like me has to wear a woman's swimsuit! But there's no way the club members have any compassion or sympathy!

"Gyaaa... Gyaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh !!! 」

First impression: ...The waist is tight. Second impression: The chest is relatively comfortable.... Third impression: My crotch feels....ugh.

"Ahahaha~ Keiichi, you're bending over... so cute!!"

"...All that's left now is to add cat ears, a collar, and a tail to complete it."

"Kei-chan, have you looked in the mirror? ... Seriously, it's amazing. You should probably look."

I really hate the scientist-like calmness mixed with Mion's amused expression. If I saw it, I'd probably lose my eyesight...

"Eh... I'd rather not, Master..."

"Hohoho! It's finished now!! It would have been fine if you had gone home dressed like this! Hahaha, what a shame!!"

"Well then... is it okay now? Let's get changed..."

Saying this, Rika-chan stood silently behind me as I put my hands on the straps on my shoulders.

"...Not yet, Keiichi. You still have the first punishment game left to play, you know?"

"Huh? What else is left...? ...Ugh."

The penalty note that Rika handed to him with a big smile...listed the first penalty that Daihinmin had been assigned today...

"Pat the principal's head"

"...In this outfit...?"

"Nipa~☆"

Rika-chan stroked my head in silence...

"Oshio-ninja! Excuse me!"

"Yes. Come in."

I slammed the sliding door open and bounded into the principal's office. The sound of my collar clinking was meaninglessly adorable.

Seeing me like that, the principal's expression stiffened, despite his smile. ...It's no wonder. I'm sure it would be the same if I were in the opposite position.

But this was also the strategy I had been aiming for. After all, the principal is a master of martial arts. No matter what tricks I use, there's no way to reach his head! So, I have no choice but to create a mental opening and bet on that split second in a head-on battle!

Yes, this is the origin of mimicry and camouflage. Humans can only take action once they see another person and recognize that they are human! In other words, if you don't understand what is in front of you, the moment you do so will be a complete blank period... !!!

Principal, you probably don't understand what I'm wearing! Yeah, I don't understand why I'm dressed so amazingly either! But that brief moment of blankness caused by that impact is my only...chance to win!!!

"Principaloooooooooo! !!! I got that head!!!"

Perfect. Huh...?

It was the sound of the principal placing the index finger of his left hand on my forehead as I flew into the air and lunged at him. ...No, the sound of him stopping me from lunging at him with just one finger...?

The principal said something to me.

"What is a Han-otoko...?"

And within a heartbeat...

Grr ...

A thunderous roar echoed through Hinamizawa in the twilight...

Overthinking

As a punishment after that, Rena won the right to stroke Rika's head as much as she wanted, so she walked home with Rika and the others beaming with joy.

So today, Mion and I will be walking home together again.

"Wow... that was a heated battle! I didn't realize Kei-chan was so good at Daihinmin!"

"Well, I'm the one who's most surprised. But that big loss makes me feel like I wasn't strong at all."

"That was one of the most intense guys ever seen! Hehehehehe!"

"Well, it was horrible. Being carried away on a stretcher like that is a shame I'll never forget."

"Hahaha! But it's okay, right? Nanada has had some good experiences that he can brag about!"

Ah. That's a weak point. The two of them laughed.

As I look back on today on my way home from school, I can say with confidence that it was an incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable time.

By this time, I was completely captivated by Mion's "club activities." The fun I had spending time with Rena, Satoko, and Rika-chan at club activities always repainted the best memories of my life.

"Oh, nice to see you again, Keiichi-kun."

Suddenly, I was surprised to hear my name being called.

When I turned around, I saw Tomitake sitting on a folding bicycle.

Before I could return the greeting, Mion greeted me. From the atmosphere, it seemed like we were close acquaintances.

"Oh, isn't that Uncle Tomitake? How's it going? Did you get some good photos?"

"Well, that's okay! ...And then,"

Tomitake suddenly grabbed my shoulder and began to speak in a low voice.

"But Keiichi-kun can't be left in the corner either. Is he with a different girlfriend today than the last time?"

"That's not what I meant!"

"Don't play dumb! Experience is important when you're young! I'm so jealous!"

Tomitake seems to be trying to be considerate in his own way by speaking quietly, but it's pointless as Mion, who is close by, can hear everything!

"Well, if you say that, I hear that even Uncle Tomitake has a hard time being left in the corner."

"Huh?! Ah, hahaha! That's disgusting, I wonder who it is with me? Haha, hahaha!"

"Heh heh heh! When are you going to propose? And by the way, that film on your camera! I wonder how many of her pictures are in it!"

"Don't tease me! Naha, nahahahaha...!"

Tomitake scratches his head with a wry smile. ...Even though he teases people, it seems like he has a woman he's interested in.

Mion used this as a topic for a while, teasing her by saying things like, "If it were a guy, he'd hit her like that!"

"So, what about you this year, Uncle? Are you staying until the cotton-floating festival?"

"Yes, that's the plan. I'll go back to Tokyo once I've photographed the festival."

"My goodness, being a photographer is really an easy job! I hope he wins a big prize and becomes famous soon! He's so passionate about photography that he even missed his chance to get married!"

"I, I don't think so! A man's taste begins to shine from the age of 30..."

"The flavor comes from the miso, it's amazing!"

"Hmm, ah, ahahahaha! Oops, it's getting dark if we don't get back to the inn soon!"

Tomitake smiles wryly and seems to want to wrap up the conversation and leave. It seems he can't look Mion in the eye at all.

"Well then, you two. See you again at the festival!"

Tomitake waved cheerfully and disappeared into the sound of cicadas...

"I wonder if I'll really become famous at that rate. I was promised that if I sold my photos individually, they'd put them on display, but I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon."

"Mion knows about Tomitake-san."

"Well, I wouldn't say we're acquaintances, but you know, it's easy to tell a stranger off around here."

"It didn't feel like we just met yesterday."

"Tomitake-san apparently takes photos of seasonal scenery and wild birds, so he visits Hinamizawa regularly throughout the year. So, although it's rare to encounter him, his face and name are known throughout the village. Well, he's a unique person like that! And even though he's a grown man, it's still worth teasing him! I think it was the year before last or the year before? Around autumn!"

He apparently lives in Tokyo, but he appears in Hinamizawa quite frequently, so he seems to be quite well-known among the villagers.

For this reason, there seem to be quite a few episodes involving Tomitake, and Mion recalls them and talks about them with interest.

The image of Tomitake that Mion describes is quite unique.

Tomitake-san in my mind is a bit more mysterious. Things like dismemberment murders, "Is that a warning?", how can I put it?

The words in his heart came out of his mouth.

"...I wonder if Tomitake-san is really here to photograph wild birds?"

Mion looked puzzled and asked, "Why?"

"It seems like... they're here for reasons other than filming... don't you think so?"

For example... something about that dismemberment murder... Just as I was about to say that, Mion clapped her hands and burst out laughing.

"Huh?! You really think so? ...If that's the case, you have a good hunch, Kei-chan!"

"What is it, do you know something, Mion?"

"Well, yeah! The others might not have noticed, but... you can't fool this old man's eyes...☆"

Mion acted very pretentious, but it was easy to imagine that her answer would be completely different from what I had imagined.

According to Mion, he seems to have feelings for a woman in the village, and that is the real reason he has come to Hinamizawa, and the photograph is just an excuse.

After that, Mion taught me a lot of things since I didn't know much about Tomitake.

He's a third-rate photographer, a timid, indecisive man who is dominated by the woman he's with, but he's also a generally nice guy who sometimes plays with the kids and takes their photos.

The image was so idyllic that I had to admit that the strange image I had of him was a misconception.

"I see... No, sorry. I had a slightly wrong idea about who you were, Tomitake-san."

"Huh? What did you misunderstand?"

"Well, how can I put it, it's a mysterious feeling... So I thought he was a detective or a spy or something like that."

"Detective?! Spy?! Hahahahaha, both of those jobs seem the least suitable for Uncle Tomitake, hahahaha!"

He's a foolish, straightforward, and kind-hearted person who doesn't know how to be suspicious. That's Tomitake-san. Seeing Mion laughing at him like this makes me feel embarrassed, wondering why I'd made such a strange mistake. So I decided to laugh along with Mion and clear away her misunderstanding.

And once my misunderstanding about Tomitake was cleared up, I suddenly felt a sense of relief.

I finally remember how clear the evening air was in Hinamizawa.

"...Ahhhhhhhh!!"

I exhaled all the air from my lungs and then took an equal amount in with all my might. I could smell the scent of dusk.

"What's wrong, Kei-chan?"

"The sound of Higurashi. I never knew it could be so pleasant."

"Ahahaha! Kei-chan, what are you talking about now?"

Without either of us saying anything, the two of us once again shared a light laugh.

A cool breeze and the gradually changing color of the sky, mixed with crimson... And the beautiful chorus of cicadas, giving a sense of transience.

I was finally able to blow away the vague feelings that had been lingering in my mind for the past few days.

"I wonder what Rena is doing now. I wonder if she was able to love Rika to her heart's content."

"Right now, I think he's in the middle of inviting you to come over and have dinner."

"Haha, I hope I can bring it back."

"I wonder. Rika-chan is pretty good at that!"

"Yeah, I agree. She looks like a cute honor student, but she's actually quite the tanuki! The punishment game where she gets a head pat is definitely Rika-chan."

"I agree! Rika is the only one the principal lets pat on the head!"

Rambling chatter.

The evening air and the sounds of cicadas gently cooled the heat of the hot day.

June 19th (Sunday)

A few days pass.

Since then until today, Mion had to take care of some business and Rika had to help with the festival, so the members couldn't all get together and club activities had to be put on hold.

Every time I have club activities I am forced to put my life on the line and I think I never want to do it again, but after being put off for days like this, everyday school feels like a flat Coke.

In other words, I've become completely fascinated with club activities and have become addicted to them. So today, when club activities were being held for the first time in a long time, I couldn't help but feel so excited that the blood in my body was boiling.

But it's not just any club activity. It's called the "Five Fiends of the Watanagare Festival"! It's a big event for our club, where we have fun playing at the festival venue held in the shrine grounds.

...But, you keep saying club activities, but which club are we in? Well, the name doesn't really matter!

"Keiichi, I wonder if this yukata can still be worn? Can you try it on for a bit?"

Mom pulled out a dusty-smelling yukata, a seasonal outfit she'd brought out because her son was going to the festival.

"No need to worry about a yukata! It's embarrassing, so I'll just wear my regular clothes."

"But it's a festival, so you should wear it, okay?"

"I said that Rena and the others should just wear their regular clothes, right? If you wear a yukata, it'll be embarrassing!"

I put on my usual going-out jacket. I couldn't wait to get outside.

"I'm going to the festival with Rena and the others. You can leave me alone."

"Really? Then Mom and Dad will go together when they wake up."

My dad was snoring loudly on the sofa under a blanket.

"At this rate... I bet you stayed up all night too."

"I just sent out the urgent manuscript. Maybe he won't wake up..."

Apparently my dad sometimes writes columns for art magazines, though I've never read them.

I wonder if my father is a great painter. ...I know it sounds strange coming from his own son, but I don't think he sells that much. But he feeds his family of three, and we don't have any inconveniences in life. I just don't know... but maybe he's a great painter.

Ping pong!

"Keiichi-kun, are you there~~!!"

Oh no! It's already time for our meeting! I hear Rena's cheerful voice.

I didn't want him to come to my house, so I left early and planned to meet him outside...!!

"Oh my, Rena-chan! Our Keiichi is always taking care of you...!"

"Ah, ... A-Auntie... T-Thank you for taking care of me..."

It's a parent's instinct to want to greet their son's friend, especially if he's of the opposite sex! But Rena, why do you blush just by meeting my mother? !!!

"Don't blush there! It's really awkward! Let's go, Rena!"

If I left her alone, she would just stare blankly forever, so I took Rena's hand and started walking.

"Have a nice trip, Rena-chan! Take good care of Keiichi!"

"Yes! Yes, Auntie~~~! Rena would give her life for Keiichi~☆"

"Oh man, how annoying! Don't talk to my mom!"

Even as she was being dragged, Rena waved back at her mother. In order to hide my embarrassment, I had no choice but to drag myself along.

Mion was already waiting at the meeting place. Although she was often late for school appointments, she had never been late for meetings to hang out.

"Yay, Kei-chan! Are you hungry today? We'll just eat at the food stalls!"

"You knew the club activity was a street stall competition, so did you really think I'd bloat my stomach for no reason?"

"Heh heh heh! That has to be it!"

Mion and I exchanged nasty laughs. I'm sure something terrible will happen tonight. But it's sure to be a really fun time...!

"Hey Rena, where are Satoko and Rika? Have they gone to the shrine yet?"

"Yes! Rika-chan is a member of the festival's executive committee. I'm sure Satoko-chan will be there too."

"I see. Alright! Then let's head to the shrine right away! Let's have as much fun as we can today!"

"Ohhhhhhhhh!!!"

The three of us were already at the peak of excitement before even entering the festival venue!

I headed to the shrine by bicycle, but there was no way I was going to ride slowly. Every moment counted, so I headed to the shrine with a spirit I rarely see, even when racing to avoid being late.

Furude Shrine was bustling with activity, something that was hard to imagine given how quiet it had been the last time I visited.

The colorful lanterns, rows of street stalls, and the eclectic atmosphere of the people crowding around them create a very pleasant atmosphere.

"What an amazing person! I had no idea there were so many people in Hinamizawa..."

"Everyone comes to the Watanagashi festival. I'd say about half of the people in Hinamizawa are coming."

"50% villager participation rate is way too much!" I thought, wanting to laugh, but when I thought of the quiet and deserted nature of Hinamizawa, Rena's expression might not have been so strange. The temple grounds were bustling with activity.

"But that's not all. We've also invited neighborhood associations and children's groups from neighboring towns. Children's excitement is the highlight of any festival."

"That's true. Our school has no other students. But there are so many kids here today!"

With so many villagers, both Rena and Mion pass by many people they know.

"Oh, good evening!"

"Oh, Rena-chan. Thank you for the side dishes the other day! My child was happy and said they were delicious."

"Oh, no no! I'm glad you liked it. Please give my regards to Masa-kun!"

"Hey! You're Sonozaki's daughter! I've come carrying the food stall again this year!"

"Otchan, you've gained weight! If you keep eating like that, your heart will start to contract!"

"Oh, this guy is new. Is he your junior?"

"She's our newest member! A promising new face! If you underestimate her, your food stall will be destroyed in one night, you know~?"

"Hahaha! You have the approval of the young lady! Well then, please be gentle with me~ !!! 」

As expected, Mion was chatting with the men at the food stall in a very friendly manner.

"Mii-chan is very lively. She's very popular with the older guys."

"Oh, I see what you mean! But I think Rena is popular too, you know? She's cute!"

Of course, this is only possible if no serious illnesses arise.

"...Huh...Rena...? ...I wonder who she's popular with? Is there anyone?"

"Hehe, someone."

He roughly strokes Rena's head, messing her up.

Although she has a lot of oddities, if you can accept them, Rena is a very interesting person. Of course, most people would be taken aback by her many quirks.

"There are so many stalls! They come all the way from town. A festival just wouldn't be as exciting without these stalls."

"Well, the best part of a festival is playing at the food stalls! So we're going to wreak havoc there. No matter what the competition is, I won't lose!"

"That's right... Hehe... Let's do our best!"

Both Rena and Mion were excited. Mion also grinned, and with that expression she could tell that today's festival would be even more fun than it already was.

"Ahhh!! Everyone, you're late!! Keiichi, you're not making a lady wait. !!! 」

Suddenly, a shrill voice came calling. It was Satoko, who had arrived earlier.

"Oh, sorry about that. So, where is this "Lady" I kept you waiting?"

"It's nnnnnnn!!!"

"Ahahaha! Satoko seems to have plenty of energy! That's great!"

"Of course! After all, today we have a series of club activities, club activities and more club activities. This amount of power is still not enough!"

"Hehe, you seem to be in top form! But I understand how you feel. After all, it's been a while since you last did club activities."

At that moment, Rena let out a cry of excitement. It seemed that Rika had arrived.

"...Wow☆! Rika-chan... so, so cute!! I'm taking her home!!"

Rena grabs onto Rika-chan. Rika-chan is dressed like a shrine maiden in a striking red hakama. Combined with her somewhat mystical aura, it's easy to understand why anyone would want to take her home, even if they're not Rena!

"...Good evening, everyone. Good evening to Keiichi too."

"Yeah! That outfit suits the atmosphere today very well!"

"Mee, thank you very much."

"Miichan's grandmother is really good at sewing...! I wonder if it's the perfect size for Rika!"

"I was called in several times to take measurements. It's truly a one-of-a-kind item made just for Rika!"

"Wow! So this was made by Mion's grandmother? That's amazing!"

"Well, yeah, Grandma is very versatile. Is there any problem with the comfort?"

"Mee! It's so comfortable to wear."

"Rika-chan has an important job to do at the end of the festival, so she's wearing that costume."

"Ah, I see! I remember Rika-chan saying she was on the executive committee for today's festival. So that job was to act as the shrine maiden at the festival!"

"...You'll only be working at the end of the festival... so you still have plenty of time to relax and have fun."

"That means we can't waste any time here! Come on, everyone, let's get going!"

"Yesssssss!!"

With all the club members gathered, the five of us immediately began parading through the festival. The atmosphere of a festival really does have the magic to raise your spirits!

Mion invites everyone to a food stall that catches her eye and proposes a strange challenge.

"Let's start with this! Takoyaki eating contest! !!! Everyone please purchase yours, then set, go!!"

A classic food stall, takoyaki! The octopus is just a flour ball in name, making it look fake!

"Ah, it's hot, it's so hot aaaaahhhhh !!! 」

"K-Keiichi, are you okay?! Water, water!!"

"Ahhh... Eating a whole ball of piping hot takoyaki like that would be suicidal!"

"The trick is to buy pre-made, cold ones."

"...It really doesn't taste good."

Of course, this is just a preliminary battle. I barely have time to wipe the blue seaweed from around my mouth before dashing off to the next food stall. The next stall is selling shaved ice. It's a little early in the season, but that doesn't matter to us!

"Okay everyone! Let's have a shaved ice eating contest to see who can finish it all the fastest! Ladies...Go! !!! 」

"...Eating shaved ice quickly.....I can't....!!"

"If my body heat melts it even a little...!! Ugh! It's cold!" !!! 」

"It's sweet! I ordered extra syrup! It dissolves quickly when you mix it!"

"Hehehehe!! You're too slow, you idiots!! You've already lost at the first direct attack!! Look at this incredible technique!! Ngh, puhaaaah!! It's all finished!!" !!! 」

"K-Kei-chan?! It's too early...!!!"

"You...Couldn't be...Keiichi...put the water from the goldfish scooping game behind you...!!"

"The key is to be careful not to get any goldfish droppings in it. Everyone, give it a try, it's quick!"

"...It really doesn't taste good."

The four of them all shook their heads side to side.

Now, what's the next stall? Next up is another classic! A cotton candy vendor!!

"Why don't we do this next time? Of course I'm a fast eater! !!! 」

"Hey, hey, hey... how do you eat cotton candy as quickly as possible, I wonder?"

"Well, there's one trick! Damn it, but this technique is a blasphemy against cotton candy!"

With Satoko's signal of "Ready, set, go!", Mion, Satoko, and I all slammed our palms together, crushing the cotton candy in an instant. !!! It takes three seconds to put the chopsticks in your mouth... !!!

"Huh?! Aside from Satoko who first suggested it, even Kei-chan noticed this technique...!"

"Huh, don't treat me like a new member forever, okay?"

"...It really doesn't taste good."

Rika, who is like that, also sticks the chopsticks together with both hands and then sucks on them.

"This is the only place in Japan where you can eat cotton candy like this, ha."

Rena, who was completely behind, gave up and quietly stuffed her cheeks with cotton candy. The cotton candy that Rena got to eat was probably the happiest of all.

However...if we carry on like this, it might end up developing into something like "Eating all the yakisoba like a dog!" or "A contest to eat tokoroten with your nose!"...

"Heh heh heh! But even so, I'll still win!"

"It's frustrating, but I can't beat you in a battle of wills and eating."

"Mee. Mion loves to be naughty, you know?"

"What's up with you guys? Do you want to have a contest to see who can pour Blue Hawaiian over Yakisoba next?"

Buzz buzz! Satoko and Rika shook their heads in the same motion.

"Um, you see...! Maybe next time we should play a game that's a little bit different to food? Maybe?"

Rena must have felt that if things continued to heat up, it might turn into a serious battle, so she suggested we play a different game.

"Well then, Rena, I'll leave the next game to you! Anything goes!!"

"See you later! Rena is the judge! Find something great at this festival! You have one minute!"

"Huh? Are you trying to test me? I know Rena's sense!"

"That's excellent! I know your tastes very well!"

"Okay... Maybe we can win with that. !!! 」

"Ready, set, go! !!! …Huh? Keiichi and Rika... why aren't they starting? They won't, right?

Mion and Satoko dashed off across the venue, but Rika and I didn't seem to be in a hurry and just stood there.

"H-h-by any chance... you've already found it? That's so cool!"

"...I've already found it. ...Keiichi too, right?"

"Yeah."

"I wonder! I wonder! I'm looking forward to it!"

Rika and I stand there for a short while until Mion and Satoko return.

"Rika-chan... you're planning to use that technique, aren't you?"

"...Mee? Keiichi, I've seen it once. I'm a member too. ...If we want to win, that's Article 2 of the club rules."

Rika's sneer is the best she can be. ...That's great! !!!

It seems that both Mion and Satoko have returned with secret plans in mind.

"Okay then, let's go in order! First up is the club president, Mii-chan!!"

"Sorry, but I'm going to have to suddenly !!! This is the uncle!!"

Where did you get this? It's an old diamond-shaped tin sign.

"...ordinary curry...nervous mosquito coil...Oro-nami namin C!" !!! How's that?!

That's so cool... That's too cool, Mion... I'm amazed you were able to gather such a treasure that evokes the era in just one minute... But please explain to me what's so good about it.

But Rena is blowing smoke from both her ears and nostrils, making a crackling sound!?... I... I don't understand...

"That's great, that's great! Oh, I want to take it home!"

"Mion's was also pretty good, but mine is handmade, so it's really powerful! Take a look! !!! This is it!!"

"What is that...?!"

...It was a handmade construction paper poster for a roasted corn stall set up by the women's association.

It's clearly hand-drawn by a housewife with no artistic talent. The poorly drawn, personified roasted corn evokes a sense of sadness and melancholy... But then... a sharp sound resounds!

That was the sound of Rena's nosebleed!! So does that mean she's rated higher than Mion?! I don't know, I don't know, Rena's sense is either five centuries behind the times, or five centuries ahead of her...

"What the...! I thought I could win with the accumulated bitterness of the years...!"

"Hahahaha! It's just a mass-produced sign! It can't beat a hand-drawn one!"

Satoko laughs loudly at Mion's frustration. And Rena has a smile of happiness on her face. ...I'm starting to get a little worried about whether my "thing" will work...

"...Then I'll go next."

"Well, I wonder how Rika-sama will get there? She didn't seem to have gone looking for her earlier."

Have you forgotten, Mion and Satoko? ...Rika-chan has that technique, doesn't she?

Rika got about ten meters away from us and began to toddle towards Rena. ...Mion and Satoko were taken aback by what she saw!

"Damn it. !!! That's a good idea, and it's actually quite sneaky!!"

That's right, it's unfair!! But it's too late now!!!

Rika... fell over on the empty, flat ground and stopped moving. ...Rena rushed over to her.

"R-Rika-chan, are you okay? Are you okay?"

Rika-chan has a lump on her forehead, tears half pooling in her eyes... and only her fingers are visible from under her sleeves... (And this is the most important part!!) But the backs of her hands are hidden by her sleeves so they can't be seen...!!

"...Mee."...It cried in one word.

"Hahahaha!!! It's, it's, it's cute. !!! Takeaway~~ !!! 」

Rena's face is bright red and she is spinning her head around in excitement as she hugs Rika and rubs her cheek against hers... !!! This is the highest rating out of the three!

"Rika can be quite cunning at times... I'm scared of what the future holds..."

"But, as expected... There's not a single flaw in any way. Loli! Shrine maiden! Half-tearful! Mii! It's perfect!! It has elevated a simple moss into moe! This is truly worthy of being called art!!"

"...Kei-chan, you like this kind of thing, huh? Wow."

I feel a razor sharpness in Mion's remark, but I'll just say it's my imagination.

Rika-chan turned to me fearlessly while stroking Rena, who was completely immersed in cute mode.

"...Come on Keiichi☆ Can you beat me?"

...Rika-chan's calm smile is scary. Rika-chan really is a tanuki...

"Now that I think of it, Kei-chan didn't run off to look for me earlier, did he? I'm sure he has some secret plan... I wonder what he'll show me..."

"That's right. Rika's techniques are only possible because she is Rika, you know? No matter how Keiichi behaves, I don't think he can express more moe than Rika!"

"...Keiichi also does tricks, right?"

"Hehe... We'll see. I'll leave the decision to the referee, Rena. Just watch!"

I pulled Rena, who was still in a good mood, away from Rika.

"Ahhh!! It's so sweet...☆ Keiichi-kun...let go...!"

"Now I'll show you something even cuter, so just be patient for a bit."

"Eh...? Huh? Is it even better than that...? Is there such a thing? Is there such a thing?"

"But there are a lot of spectators here. Let's go to the shade over there."

I dragged Rena, who was staring blankly, into the shadows behind the shrine.

"...Is it something so beautiful that you don't want us to see it, but that you want to take home with you? I wonder what it is."

"...Wait... Huh? N-no, Kei-chan... No way..."

"...Mee! Fight, O-!"

Soon I returned to the others....Rena returned a little later, with unsteady steps.

"Could it be Kei-chan? He did something strange to the sleeping Rena!!"

Mion and the others pass me and run over to Rena.

"Huh, what on earth is strange happening?"

Rena was in a daze and didn't notice for a while that someone was speaking to her.

"Huh?... Ha, it's Mii-chan... ha..."

"Rena! Are you okay? Did Kei-chan do anything strange to you?"

"Uh... hmm... Le, Rena... nothing strange happened... ha..."

"...It's quite serious... What exactly did Keiichi show Rena?"

"...Yeah...it was really cute...ahhh...☆"

"So what? Rena, what did you see?!"

*Haaah* Rena sighed deeply once again, and then said with shining eyes.

"It was so cute ☆ Keiichi-kun's sea lion."

Splat, splash! !!!

Before I could blink, Mion and Satoko's elbows were buried in my face... !!!

"Huh? Huh? What? What?!"

While Rena was surprised, Mion and Satoko were furious and mounted me. Hey, stop, gghhhh, gghhh!!

"Even if it's a contest, showing Kei-chan's dirty body is a big deal!"

"This pervert... !!! I will be very grateful!!!"

"Wait, wait, it's a misunderstanding!"

"Mii-chan, Satoko-chan?! I don't know what's going on, but... it's a misunderstanding!! Keiichi-kun...!!"

"...Mee. It's a sea lion keychain."

Rika rummages through my pocket and pulls out a keychain attached to my keys.

"Huh?"

"...He says he made it as a summer homework assignment a long time ago. He also says he's embarrassed about it so he rarely shows it to anyone."

"Yes. It's small and cute. It feels like you tried your best, and it's really wonderful...☆"

"Wh... what's that...! I thought you were Kei-chan's cute sea lion!"

"Hahahaha! That's just like you, Mion-san! Even getting it wrong is so vulgar."

"Ahhhh? You must have mistaken it for the same thing!!"

Mion and Satoko are threatening and intimidating each other, and the situation is on the verge of explosion!

...Please. ...If the suspicions have been cleared, could you please remove that foot that's stepping on me for now? If you keep rubbing me like that...I'll awaken to a new pleasure...Kyu.

The chaotic scene was captured with a snap by a camera flash.

"Hey everyone. You look as energetic as ever...! Hahahaha!"

It was Tomitake-san after all. When I met him the other day, he said he would stay until he had taken photos of the festival.

...I was knocked out like a rag, and Mion and Satoko were fighting over me. Rika was patting my head, and Rena was still in a cute state... It must have been a very lively photo.

"Good evening, but is it against etiquette to take photos of ladies without their permission?"

"Yeah, Rena and Rika probably need it. But at least they don't need Satoko's permission. Ugh!"

Satoko tramples me with the big heels of her shoes! I-I'm just kidding, ugh...

"Oh, good evening! I see... you're going home tomorrow, aren't you? Did you take lots of great photos?"

"Thanks to you, I was able to take a lot of great pictures."

"Tonight's the last night I'll be able to meet Uncle Tomitake! I'm so sad to see him go. I wish he'd just hurry up and make his major debut!"

"Oh, you're as foul-mouthed as ever...! But I'll be sad to think that I won't be able to hear your sharp tongue again for a few months."

"Enjoy tonight to the fullest. We'll be in Tokyo tomorrow night!"

"...That's true. When I go back to Tokyo, I won't be able to see such a starry sky..."

Tomitake-san looked up at the night sky while laughing cheerfully. There was a moment when, despite his smile, he seemed lonely.

"Tomitake-san, why don't you just live in Hinamizawa?"

"…picture?"

Tomitake was momentarily at a loss for words.

"It's certainly an inconvenient place. There are no shops. No entertainment... Maybe there's nothing. Um... well..."

Everyone knew what I was trying to say. I'm sure Tomitake-san knew too.

So neither Rena nor Mion, nor Satoko nor Rika-chan, nor anyone else makes fun of them.

"I've only been here for less than a month so I'm not sure yet."

My normally talkative tongue seemed to have lost its words at this moment. But I wanted to tell him. Until recently, I had lived in the same city as Tomitake, and I wanted to tell him about the many precious things I had learned for the first time since moving here.

However, I couldn't find the words to express this in my weak vocabulary, and I couldn't get it out of my mouth... Then, Tomitake-san raised his hand to gently stop me, as if to say that he knew what I was saying without me having to say anything more.

"Thank you, Keiichi. Mion and Rena. Satoko and Rika."

It was a thin, easily fragile smile, but Tomitake-san laughed softly.

"I think it would be fun if I could live here too."

Perhaps these were cruel words from a child who didn't have to work or worry about food.

Tomitake has a job and a life too. But he is still drawn to Hinamizawa, and by taking time off to visit, he tries to somehow become a part of it, even if only for a short time.

Thinking about it, the words I spoke to that working adult in his suffering must have been cruel.

I felt a hand on my back. It was Rena.

"Keiichi-kun, Tomitake-san doesn't live in Hinamizawa. I guess I consider myself a part of this village."

"...That's right. Sorry, I said something weird!"

And the noise returned again.

"Well, this is our farewell for a while! I want to make sure Tomitake-san has lots of fun tonight!"

"Yes! I'd love to."

"Ah! Hey, hey, Mii-chan! What do you think? How about we make Tomitake a club member for one day, just for tonight!"

"Oh, that's an interesting story, isn't it? I agree!"

"Hey! I think it'd be fun for everyone to bully Tomitake."

"...Hmm... Now then! What should we do...? One of the conditions for joining the club is to live in Hinamizawa, right?"

"Oh, Mii-chan... you don't have to be so mean today..."

She's just being pretentious and not readily agreeing. Mion teases Rena for a while, then declares with a grin.

"Well, you've been coming here steadily every year, so let's recognize you as an honorary citizen of Hinamizawa Village!"

"Wow! I did it! !!! 」

"Now, now! I wonder if this old man, past his prime, is fit to be my partner?"

"...Let me see the wisdom of a cunning adult."

"Hehe! Can you keep up with our youth?"

Our fearless laughter made Tomitake step back in surprise...!

"In the name of Captain Sonozaki Mion, I grant permission for honorary villager Tomitake to join our club!"

"No objections!!"

"Wh-what is this club thing...?!"

"In order to respond to an increasingly complex society, our club works under the various conditions proposed for each activity, sometimes in good times and sometimes in bad times...!!"

"...Rena is weak... so please don't bully her. Let's get along!"

"If you're going to dismiss this as just a child's pretend game, that's a good thing!"

"Strip me completely naked! I'll even rip off your ass hair!"

"...In other words, it's a club where we all play games together."

As expected, Rika was the only one who gave a spot-on explanation.

When I explained to Tomitake that club activities are all about having fun and doing crazy things, he immediately understood and became enthusiastic about joining.

"All right! That's exactly what I want. I'll accept the challenge! Please go easy on me, seniors!"

Tomitake has suddenly become ten times younger, flexing his muscles and getting motivated! That's great!

"Now, what game should we play...?! Tomitake-san has kindly joined us, after all! Hehe, should we play with a penalty game again?! Let's go with a great penalty game for the last place!"

"Wh-What's this punishment game?! I-I didn't hear you, Mion-chan...!"

Tomitake-san seemed surprised, but we're used to it. ...And something that should never be underestimated!

"Ha, it's okay, Tomitake-san! As long as you don't lose, it's fine!"

"Hehe, Rena makes a good point. That's right, Tomitake-san. If you think about losing, you'll really end up in last place, you know?"

"Now, who will be the one to take the penalty?! Hahaha, at least it's someone other than me!"

"Mee! I'll comfort that poor person with all my heart☆"

"I see. So this is what they call a child's innocence."

Seeing everyone getting excited and lively, Tomitake muttered to himself.

"Hey, Irasshaii Irasshaii! Any challengers?"

Suddenly, the voice of a powerful old man rang out. It was the owner of a shooting gallery, who had rows of prizes lined up on the shelves and was waving a cork gun around, trying to attract customers.

"Oh my! You came, Miss Sonozaki! And it seems like there are a lot of people this year!"

"Heh heh heh! We've come to steal your store from the ground up! Everyone, OK? The rules are simple! Fire three shots and we'll compete to see who gets the biggest prize!"

Everyone shouts, "No objections!"

Since the condition for victory is the size of the prize, it's essential to assess the prize beforehand. Which prey can you aim for with the limited number of bullets, three?

Among the prizes at the shooting gallery are large stuffed animals. If you can knock one down, you'll get a pretty high score, but to knock that kind of prey down, you need to fire several shots at once, destroying it little by little. However, we are only allowed three shots each. That means we need to choose our targets more carefully...!

However, the more you are told to be careful, the more you want to aim for it, which is a man's dream. ...The biggest prize in this store is...is it that one?

"Wow... Ah... That... Bear is so... Cute...☆"

Rena gazes longingly at a large teddy bear.

It's intentionally placed on an unstable platform, so if you hit it well you might be able to win it!

"...It's an exquisite arrangement that makes you think that for a moment."

"As expected of Keiichi. You have quite the eye for it... This guy here has a great sense for traps, placing prizes that look like they're easy to aim for, but are impossible to beat...!"

"Hmm. In that case, it seems like the safe bet is to go for the caramel and the dolls."

"...Tomitake has a very good perspective."

If you go into club activities without a plan, you'll just get eaten up! It all depends on how much planning you can do right before the actual event... !!!

Before we knew it, a crowd had gathered around us and the place was bustling with activity. Our club's commotion must be one of the festival's notorious specialties.

"...If we can knock down the bear, victory is assured."

"But we only have three. To use them to check... they're too heavy."

"Hey hey! There are other customers waiting too! Who wants to be the first challenger?"

"Trying first might give you an advantage by giving you a shot at an easier prize, but it's dangerous to try before you know the gun's quirks."

Tomitake-san's reading is also quite good. He is very careful and understands our club well...!

"Well, how about we decide fairly by rock-paper-scissors?"

"I guess that's the only option after all. So let's do it in one go! Rock, paper, scissors!!!"

After several ties, it was decided that Mion would be the first batter.

"I wanted to avoid that the most, but... well, I guess I'll just call it a handicap. Otchan!! Gun!!"

"That's it!!"

Mion receives a gun from the shooting gallery owner and carefully checks it, not neglecting to check the corks on the bullets.

"OK... This gun is brand new, right? No quirks. Not bad!"

Mion suddenly raises her gun! Unlike her prior check, there's no careful aiming, she fires instinctively!

Shoot! Close in. ...Shoot! Close in. ...Shoot!! It was a bold three-shot, typical of Mion.

Slap. ...Slap, slap. ...Three boxes of sweets fell, one after the other. What a success! The gallery roared, and then the roar turned to cheers.

"Waaaaaahhh! !!! That's so awesome!!!"

Crackle, crackle, crackle!

"As expected of Mii! Clap, clap, clap, clap!"

"I see... He's worthy of being the captain of this brutal club... What a scary guy!"

"S... That's amazing, Mii-chan! Three! Three! !!! 」

Not only is her accuracy amazing... but her target selection isn't bad either. All three of the targets Mion aimed for were rather large and somewhat easy to knock down, making them all targets with extremely high returns...!

"Oh dear, I almost missed the target I was aiming for. You really took advantage of being the leadoff batter..."

"Oh, so Tomitake was aiming for the same thing after all? If I'd known the gun was new, I should have volunteered to be the lead batter... Damn, I'm late!"

"Who's second? Satoko? ...Be careful. The bullets are light."

"Hohoho, I understand. With that shot, Mion-san, I was able to grasp the general trajectory!"

Next up was Satoko. The gun was a little big for her delicate frame, but she didn't seem to mind the weight. Although she was a girl, she seemed used to playing with toy guns.

"I think I'll go here aiming for something big!!"

So, is that it? It's a preview of the biggest target in the shooting gallery, the bear. !!! Damn Satoko!! How bold... you came! !!!

However, Satoko must have guessed from her last minute assessment that the bear was a trap that looked like it could be defeated but wasn't. Despite this, she changed her strategy without hesitation and went for the bear. ...She must have overestimated the score Mion had achieved. As a result, she realized that there was no way she could come in first unless she went for the bear, and she instantly decided to change her strategy and go for the bear, even though it meant she could end up in last place. ...I'm amazed at how quickly she was able to change her strategy...! Satoko, you may be younger than me, but you're my senior in club activities after all...!!

"That's true, if we can defeat him, Satoko's place at the top will be confirmed!"

"Good luck Satoko-chan!!"

Unlike Mion, Satoko calmly aimed at her target... and pulled the trigger! There was a satisfying "clack" as the cork bullet hit the torso of the stuffed animal perfectly.

"...Tch...The bullets are light...!"

But the enemy is a big, heavy one. Even with one hit, it only moves slightly. Or maybe I could have shifted it a little? ...Anyway, it's hard to say anything based on just one hit...!

Satoko hoped that if she hit the forehead it would shake a little more, and she slammed the second shot right where she aimed. However, while it did shake a little, it wasn't enough to knock it down...! Satoko's face contorted. As she had realized from the very beginning, she shouldn't have laid a hand on that dark circle so easily...

"I'm sorry, but it seems the bear is too much for me...!"

Satoko's third shot didn't hit the bear, but knocked over the box of caramel next to it.

The gallery is smiling wryly as the bold attempt to catch a big fish shifts to a small one at the last moment. Are they laughing at me for not having the guts? ...They don't get it!!

"Hmm, Satoko has become quite calm in judging situations... That's a cool, good decision!"

"If you don't have that level of judgment, you'll be a regular in our club's penalty games!"

Satoko slaps Mion's outstretched hand with a satisfying smack.

Satoko, despite her seemingly bold talk, is actually extremely calm! She's reckless in aiming for the biggest target in order to win, but she also has the composure to calmly switch to a safe target for her final shot in order to avoid coming in last...! If it were me, I might have taken a reckless third shot as well, ensuring she came in last. Damn, that's impressive...!

"I'll leave the bear to Rena. I wish you the best of luck!"

"Yes, yes! Thanks, Satoko-chan☆ ...Ahh, the bear is so cute!!"

The next batter is Rena.

The usual Rena wouldn't even graze the target, but... Rena says that bear is cute!! Ahhhh, Rena's eyes are getting more and more dreamy, and even God is getting scared and getting into cute mode to get out of the way!!

"I wonder what Rena will do... I hope she wins at least one."

"Mr. Tomitake, you're underestimating Rena a little... That's Rena, you know? Ryuugu Rena!? If it's just to bring home something nice, then..."

"Woooooooooooooo!!!"

The audience roared, and Tomitake turned around to see what was going on!

If I could take that stuffed toy home with me, then I could snipe even if the picture was just a pinhole! !!! That girl called Ryuuguu Rena!!!

"Yuyuyu, it's swaying, it's swaying... haa... it's so cute... !!! 」

It seems she can't hide her excitement at the gentle swaying of the bear...! If this happens, Rena won't lose!

"As expected of Rena-san... The more you lose your composure..."

"Strong! !!! 」

""Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhh!!!!""

There was another cheer! Again, Rena's bullet hit the bear's forehead! How could she have hit such a delicate spot with such precision? It felt as if the bear was shaking even more than before.

"...But it may not be possible with just one more shot."

"I, I don't know! If it's Rena's arm, maybe...!!"

Tomitake and the gallery were excited and seemed convinced that Rena could perform a miracle, but Rika's analysis was calm.

Certainly, if I could hit Rena ten more times, I'm sure I could defeat her. ...But... No matter how you look at it, one more shot is not enough...!

"Aaaaaahhhhhhh...!!!"

Voices of disappointment rang out from the gallery... All three shots hit Kuma's forehead, and he was steadily pushing him out of his pincushioned position, but he still wasn't able to bring him down...! And then, a little later, applause rang out in celebration of his good fight.

Although he failed to show the flexibility to switch to a safe target for his final shot, the gallery applauded him for a while for his determination to attempt a miracle until the very end.

"...Ahh...Tear...Take it home...Ahh..."

She was praised for her bravery, but her results were zero. But then the man at the food stall slammed a box of caramel in his hand and handed it to Rena.

"This one belongs to the young lady."

"...Huh...? ...You're giving it to me...? For Rena...huh."

"After seeing such an amazing thing, I sent them home empty-handed... I would be so sorry to the sun and the gods!"

And then there was another round of thunderous applause! Rena was completely flushed and flushed, so I grabbed her arm and pulled her back over to me.

"You did your best! Rena in cute mode is amazing! Plus, you got a bonus caramel, so at least you avoided coming in last, right? Hahaha!"

"...Ahh...But I wanted it...Tear...uhh..."

It's easy to see how disappointed he is, as he was so close to success.

...I'm always indebted to Rena. I also owe her delicious bento.

"Okay! Then I'll..." "If I get it, I'll give it to you as a present."

Well, every once in a while, when I try to say something interesting, Tomitake-san takes it away from me.

"Yes! Yes! Please, Tomitake-san! Do your best!"

"Tomitake-san is so mean!! He loves the best parts of people... !!! 」

"Hahaha, if I can say that now, I'll be a really cool guy! Well then, sorry Keiichi. I'll go and shoot down the bear quickly!"

"Whoaaaa, why isn't it my turn here--!"

"...Keiichi, keep fighting too."

Tomitake was also taking careful aim at the bear. He turned his eyes back and aimed his gun, still holding the two remaining bullets.

"Huh?! What do you mean?"

"...Yes, there's no doubt about it! Old man Tomitake's aim is... !!! 」

Pop! Pop! Pop!! The intervals between shots are short!!

There's no point in waiting for the shaking to subside after each shot! In other words, Tomitake's plan was to fire multiple shots in rapid succession to deliver a powerful shock all at once and bring it down!

"Th-This is...!! Can I-can I defeat it?!"

It was a huge tremor that was completely different from anything we had experienced before, and anyone could see it as a tremor... !!!

...But, it's not enough to fall down! !!!

"Ahhhh.... That's too bad..."

Rena briefly hoped for a big tremor, but soon let out a sigh of disappointment.

"...Hmm...I thought I could do it...!!"

"Hahaha! It seems men can't get caramel!"

That's what I mean! Tomitake-san, your results are zero.

"In other words, Kei-chan and Rika-chan are playing it safe and shooting down the easy targets to avoid coming in last."

"Avoiding last place, huh? Ah, sorry."

"Hmm. No matter how cool you say things, if you don't have the results to back it up you'll just end up embarrassing yourself... I'll leave the big time to Keiichi. Do your best!"

I'm fifth. I receive the gun from Tomitake.

If they were going to be completely ruthless, as Mion said, they should be aiming for small targets. With Tomitake-san, who had no success in battle, they could avoid the penalty game by knocking over anything.

...But...!!

"I promised you... to Rena."

"...Eh... Huh? ...Promise... What is it? What is it?"

"Shoot that bear down... I'm going to give it to Rena as a gift."

"Um... um... that's... haa..."

Seeing this exchange, the gallery gets heated up!

"Ohhhhhhhhhhh !!! Big bro, that's great! Show us what a man you are!!!"

"Hmm! It's love, the power of love!!"

"Huh? Lovey-dovey?! No, it's not that, gentlemen of the gallery! ...If we don't do this, the old man from this food stall might get chased away by Rena on his way home...!! I have to shoot down that bear for the old man from the food stall..., ahhh, no, no!"

Ah, why can't I just be more honest?

"Keiichi, you're showing your manliness too. But how do you actually plan to get rid of those dark circles?"

"...Rena and Tomitake's bullets have tilted the scales a little, but I still think it will be difficult."

"...K-Keiichi-kun..."

"Mr. Tomitake's rapid-fire tactics weren't wrong. But it wasn't enough! I needed more. If only I could fire faster... I could add more power to the vibrations of each blow...!"

"Do your best, Keiichi-kun!!"

...I see... With this technique, can I surpass Tomitake's rapid-fire power?! Hehe, you were stubborn, Maebara Keiichi! At a normal shooting gallery, several people would be shooting at once, but now that it's like our tournament, all the other customers are just sitting in the gallery and not shooting. ...So...it's possible!!

I took two deep breaths and then ordered from the old man.

"Give me two more guns."

What?! The gallery erupts in excitement.

"What are you plotting, Keiichi-san?"

"I read it... Kei-chan... you thought of it too! Basically, the thing that takes the most time is loading these cork bullets. Tomitake-san's idea of rapid fire wasn't bad, but he underestimated the loading time...!"

"Ha, I get it, Rena! Well, let's just line up three loaded guns first...!!"

"Keiichi! Now is the time to kill him! Show me the decisive moment!"

Tomitake-san captures me and the bear through the viewfinder. The photographer's blood foreshadows the miracle that is about to happen! And the gallery belatedly understands my aim!

"Ohhhhh, big brother, do your best!" !!! 」」」

A thunderous cheer erupts! Calls for Keiichi erupt !!!

Rapid fire is key! There's no point if you miss! Calm sniping even amidst intense rapid fire! ...Phew!

Take a deep breath and then hold it. ...The tension will stop.

………Now!!!

At that moment, it felt as if time had stopped. I could even see the trajectory of the cork bullet as it flew away.

Hit... and... defeat!!!

One bullet, two bullets...three bullets hit the bear's head!!! The bear's huge body shook violently!! And...!!

"Kya... Kyaaaa !!! I did it!!!"

"Uoooooooooooooooo!!!"

The cheers began even before the stuffed animal rolled off the shelf.

My dad caught it before it hit the ground and threw it to me, a noble gesture to keep the winner's honor from being sullied by dirt.

"...I can't believe he really dropped it... You've been completely defeated, big brother!!"

"That's amazing! Congratulations Keiichi! I'm looking forward to seeing this photo developed!"

"You're doing great! Keiichi, you've become more intelligent now! You're starting to look a little more like a member of our club!"

"Hehe, I didn't drop it by myself. We all hit it together, shifting it a little at a time until it fell. So, this is all of us! It's a victory for our club!" !!! 」

"That's right! It's the culmination of everyone's efforts!"

"...Mii didn't even hit the bear once." "...Uh."

I picked up the large stuffed animal like a trophy and thrust it towards Rena. The fruits of the battle belong to everyone, but this stuffed animal belongs to Rena!

"There. This is from me... no, from everyone! Thank you for always making us delicious bento boxes. This is our thank you!"

Rena seemed taken aback for a moment, as she never expected to actually receive it.

"N-No, Keiichi-kun... this is for everyone... ha-"

"Well, I'm the one who dropped it! So this is mine! And since it's mine, I'm giving it to Rena!"

I pressed the stuffed toy against Rena's chest once more. This time she embraced me obediently.

"You've taken care of me a lot since I moved here. I'm so grateful. Thank you so much!"

"...Y-yes!! Keiichi-kun!! Thank you~~☆!!!"

Rena jumps on him. Later, Mion tells me that Rena kissed him, but he was so excited at the time that he doesn't remember it well.

I once said that Hinamizawa was a place of nothingness.

It's true that there's nothing here. Compared to the city, it's just a deserted countryside with nothing in it. But there are also many things that can only be found here.

I'm sure I've gained a lot since coming to Hinamizawa. Even right now. All of these are things I would never have been able to obtain if I had lived in the city.

The cheers from the gallery echoed on and on...

Watanagashi festival

Soon, the sound of a huge drum begins to echo from the altar in front of the shrine.

This lively festival is now coming to an end.

"...Well, it's almost my turn, so I'll go first."

"Oops! I need to hurry up and secure a good position too. See you later, everyone!"

Rika-chan and Tomitake-san bowed deeply and disappeared into the crowd.

"You two are doing your jobs well! Now! Let's get started!"

"Hmm, then let's go see Rika-chan's beautiful figure. Let's go!"

"Hey! Hey, where's Rena? Wh, what are you doing?"

"K-K-Keichi-kun! Miii-chan... help me...!"

Because he was holding a ridiculously huge stuffed animal, he was completely at the mercy of the flow of people.

"What is he doing? He must have his hands full taking care of the bear."

"Then I'll ask Kei-chan to take care of Rena. I'll be busy taking care of Satoko."

"Who wants to take care of Mion-san?! It hurts! Please stop pulling my hand...!"

Before he loses sight of Mion, he grabs Rena by the back of her collar.

"Keke, Keiichi... that's not right... you grabbed it in the wrong place...!"

"You're so picky. Where would you like me to go?"

"...Um.....huh...."

Since Rena was embarrassed for me, I didn't feel too embarrassed. I held Rena's hand tightly and ran after Mion and the others.

"We're getting left behind. Let's hurry up!"

"...Uh, yeah...!"

Rena's hands are so delicate... Maybe she's not getting enough exercise and nutrition?

...No, not that! No, not that!!

My ears start to get hot.

No matter how hard I tried to stay calm, the words "Stay calm, Maebara Keiichi" just filled my head, and I couldn't seem to stay calm at all.

I definitely didn't want Rena to see me with that expression on my face, so I continued walking without looking back, dragging Rena along with me.

There is already a huge crowd at the altar in front of the shrine.

The fire on the altar is as bright and hot as midday, and a pile of futons decorated with sacred ropes is piled on top of it.

Come to think of it, they said it was a festival where they do something with the cotton in futons.

"Keiichi! Rena! This way!"

Satoko is waving from the front row.

"Oh! Sorry, sorry!"

We slip through the crowd and arrive at the place where Mion and the others have set up camp.

"How is it~? Did you have a little fun with Rena~?"

"Oh dear, so that's what you really intended to do! You just left us behind and went straight ahead!"

"What did you think, Rena? Did you think Kei-chan's hands were surprisingly big?"

"Haaah... haaah..."

Rena was red in the face and steaming.

At that moment, I heard a sound of wind cutting through the air, and when I turned around, I saw Mion lying on the ground with bruises on her face.

"...Mion...when did you get hit...?"

"I think it was somewhere between the 'ha' and 'uh' sounds..."

"Rena... It's not good to hit your friends to hide your embarrassment..."

"I... I didn't hit Rena... I... I don't know... haa."

...Rena's way of hiding her embarrassment is dangerous. If you don't remember this, you'll never have enough lives...

The moment the big drum rang out, the room suddenly went silent.

"Please be quiet! It's starting!"

It was a solemn religious ceremony.

Rika, who plays the role of a shrine maiden, appears accompanied by the elderly men of the neighborhood who are dressed as priests.

The elderly people clasped their hands together in gratitude at Rika's appearance. The only thing disturbing the silence was Tomitake's flash.

"What's that big thing Rika-chan has?"

"It's a hoe used for rituals. It's a sacred farming tool that only shrine maidens are allowed to touch."

It's a rather complicated shape for a farm tool. I doubt it's practical. But that's what you'd expect from something used for ceremonies.

After offering the prayer, Rika began swinging the hoe and poking the futon according to the instructions.

"What's it going to be this time? A futon beater?"

"That's it. It's for purifying the futons that have absorbed the winter plagues on behalf of humans."

"I guess Kei-chan's expression of beating the futon is a bit off."

When I looked, Rika's face was already covered in sweat.

...That hoe must be really heavy. Every time Rika swings it, you can see her body swaying from side to side, unable to resist the weight.

Satoko gazed intently at her friend, continuing to silently cheer her on...

"...Are you worried?"

"Rika has been practicing with the mochi pounding pestle every day... I'm sure she'll be able to do it."

Satoko's hands were sweating and she gasped every time Rika looked like she was about to stumble.

"...Didn't Mion or anyone else apply for the role of shrine maiden? ...It's a shame that a girl like Rika has to carry such a heavy load."

"Well, I'll do it if asked. But it's a sacred role, so not just anyone can do it."

"That's true. A shrine maiden must be pure. A girl like Mion who likes dirty jokes... hugs me tightly...!!"

Mion twists her elbow into the weak spot in his side!

As the taiko drum rang out, Rika silently bowed and stepped down from the altar...to loud applause.

When the priests lifted the purified futon like a portable shrine, the onlookers all rose to their feet and followed the priests, all moving along in a line.

A procession descends the shrine's grand staircase.

"What's going to happen next? Washing futons in the river?"

"Hahaha. That's why it's called Cotton Floating Festival."

Following the procession down the stairs, we arrived at the edge of the stream. Bonfires were burning brightly, and it was as bright as midday.

People began to crowd around the stream, squealing and making a lot of noise.

"Yes, it's your turn. Let's line up, Keiichi."

...What is it? Will I get some sacred sake? Maybe some red and white manju?

"Hahaha. It's not food. So, I-I-I."

"Oh, yeah, that's right. It's the cotton-floating festival. Now I finally understand."

There, members of the neighborhood association were skillfully pulling out the cotton filling from the futons, rolling them into balls like mochi, and distributing them.

Rena hurried through the line and got my share too.

The people who received the gifts then each headed towards the stream, and we followed suit.

"Keiichi, this is your first time, so you don't know how to do it, right? Just copy what Rena does."

Hold the cotton in your right hand and use your left hand to perform a purification ritual, then pat your forehead, chest, navel, and both knees.

"Repeat this three times, and say thank you, Oyashiro-sama, in your heart."

"Is Oyashiro-sama the name of the god worshipped at this shrine? I see."

Following Rena's example, I repeated the phrase three times: "Thank you, Oyashiro-sama...Thank you, Oyashiro-sama...Oyashiro-sama..."

This is the first time I've heard of this god, a god I have no connection with, but since I've moved to Hinamizawa, I'll be relying on Oyashiro-sama. In that sense, I guess I should respect him properly.

"Now, the evil that was possessing your body has been absorbed by this cotton... Then, all that's left is to let it flow gently with the stream, and that's it..."

Along with Rena, I slowly float the cotton on the water surface.

Cotton flowers absorb the disease from all over Hinamizawa, blooming one after another on the water's surface and then disappearing into the current.

...The cotton, having absorbed the bad things, floats down the stream and disappears into the darkness.

I wonder if it leads to a pure world where evil is purified... My eyes are somehow drawn to the stream flowing into the darkness...

"Yes. With this, I can live a healthy and happy life for another year."

Rena said, smiling.

It wasn't as glamorous as the lantern floats I'd seen on TV, but it had a comforting rite of passage, like I'd just moved here and was finally being accepted as a resident of Hinamizawa.

Who will it be this year?

I was staring blankly at the flow of the stream and before I knew it, I had gotten separated from Rena.

But I don't feel so lonely. This isn't a strange place anymore. It's my hometown.

It would be better to wait here rather than wandering around aimlessly. Surely someone would find me while enjoying the cool evening breeze.

...At that moment, I suddenly heard a familiar voice. It was Tomitake's voice.

I head in that direction. If I chat with Tomitake, someone will find me eventually.

"How is it, Tomitake-san? Did you take any good photos?"

"Yeah. Thanks to you!"

Tomitake-san was with a woman. I didn't notice. I feel a little bad.

"I wonder how it went, Maehara-kun? Did you enjoy the festival?"

Judging from the woman's tone, she seems to be from Hinamizawa. I feel bad that even though she knows me, I don't know her. ...I guess it's about time I make an effort to remember the faces of the residents... What was her name again...?

"Well... well... it was fun."

The woman laughed with amusement, probably because my expression showed how desperately I was trying to remember her name.

"I heard Keiichi just moved here recently. He seemed very close with the other kids, so it didn't seem like it at all."

If it seems that way, it's thanks to Rena, Mion, and everyone else.

"By participating in today's festival, perhaps you too have come to realize that you have become a Hinamizawa citizen...?"

"...Hmm...I wonder."

"Oh, that's not like you, Keiichi. If you can play with everyone so energetically, then you must be a great member of the Hinamizawa community."

I think I've already gotten used to Hinamizawa.

But... there's still so much I don't know. For example, the faces of the people I meet. ... And the events of the past.

A past event.

...Those words reminded me of something that I had once thought I had forgotten.

When I asked Rena and Mion about that incident, they just brushed it off with a simple "I don't know" comment.

But it was certainly published in a weekly photo magazine, and that incident definitely happened in Hinamizawa...

"...Oh, really? Is that enough to make you feel so distant?"

"Estranged isn't an exaggeration... It's just, well... how should I put it..."

About the big incident in this village, the dam construction. About the battle surrounding it. ... About the cruel incidents of the past that everyone pretends not to know about when they hear about them.

Even though it's over, as someone who lives in Hinamizawa, I wanted to know not only the bright side, but also the dark side.

It may not be your duty to know, it may be your own vulgar curiosity that is to blame.

"If knowing that will satisfy you... I'll teach you everything I know."

"Oh, really?"

Tomitake's smile is more reassuring than ever.

That's right, my pointless curiosity would be resolved if I heard a proper explanation. What's more, what I want to know isn't the truth, I just want to feel relieved. That's how pointless it is.

"Well then... well, first let me tell you about the dam construction. It was a big incident, like Hinamizawa being submerged, right...?"

"As for the dam... I think it would probably be better to ask someone here. Well, as long as it's from what I know... that's all I've read in the newspaper."

Tomitake-san recounted his memories with a faraway look in his eyes.

"The dam plan was decided about seven or eight years ago. I heard it was the second biggest project after Kurobebe."

At the time, Japan had three priority issues: transforming the archipelago through the development of a transportation network, meeting the growing demand for electricity, and improving water quality.

There was a particular rush to build dams, which would generate electricity, control floods, and bring about enormous economic benefits. Momentum for dam construction was building in this area as well, and Hinamizawa was chosen for the project.

"It seems that the reservoir that will be created when the dam is completed will be quite large. It seems that the entire area from Hinamizawa all the way up to Tanigawachi, upstream, will be submerged."

"But... why build a dam in Hinamizawa, where people live? They should build it somewhere else, somewhere less populated."

"Hmm... I don't know much about it, but I heard that there was a certain type of terrain that was suitable for building a dam."

Naturally, a protest movement broke out in Hinamizawa. Rika previously described it as a "fight," but it seems that it was a fierce one.

"It went to court, it was discussed in parliament, and it was even in the Tokyo newspapers."

I'm sure Mion said something similar. The residents of Hinamizawa must have fought as one. The sense of solidarity in Hinamizawa, which cannot be described simply as "homey," is surely a product of this battle.

"Then, various scandals and corruption came to light. While things were getting complicated, it was decided to halt construction."

"…………I see……."

"Is this enough? Or is there more? If that clears up your doubts, Keiichi, I'll tell you everything I know."

Tomitake-san patted his chest with confidence. ...If that's the case, now is the time to ask him. ...I'm sure Tomitake-san will tell me without any hesitation.

It's a bizarre crime that would interest boys of that age.

I felt a little embarrassed at how cheap I was to still be interested in her, even though Rena and Mion had put me off for a bit.

But since I've come all this way, I'll ask. If that helps to calm this strange curiosity...

"Um... there was a dismemberment murder, right?"

"Yes, there was. I happened to be in Hinamizawa at that time, so I remember it well."

When I timidly asked the question, Tomitake answered as if it was no big deal.

"...It was exactly this time four years ago. I'm sure that was also the day of the cotton-floating festival."

This was the final incident in the dam scandal, which saw heated debate over whether to continue construction of the dam and was rocked by a series of scandals...and it was the incident that put an end to the dam project.

Apparently, there was a fight among workers at a dam construction site, and the victim was killed. Fearing discovery, the six assailants cut the body into six pieces and hid each of them.

In the end, five of the six suspects were arrested, but the remaining one is still on the run. His hidden right arm has still not been found. ...I see, so this is what Tomitake meant when he said earlier that one arm still hasn't been found...

The rest of the story is roughly the same as what I read in a weekly photo magazine I picked up some time ago.

It was certainly a tragic incident, but I didn't think that Rena and Mion would hide it from me. Perhaps that's the difference between the sensibilities of boys and girls.

...Or maybe they didn't want me, who had just moved here, to have a negative impression of Hinamizawa...

I was grateful for my friends' consideration, but at the same time, I felt a little regretful that I had become interested despite their kindness.

"At the time, the dam was in the final stages of trouble. There was a lot of fuss, with people saying it was the curse of Oyashiro-sama."

"Is it the curse of Oyashiro-sama?"

Oyashiro-sama is the name of the god enshrined at the shrine where today's festival was held. ...I see. I guess the guardian deity punished the evil dam construction that was trying to flood Hinamizawa.

"Younger people didn't seem to think so, but older people strongly believed it was a curse from Oyashiro-sama."

The woman accompanying Tomitake, who had been listening silently until then, said this with a mischievous smile.

Tomitake also laughed, so I decided to join in and laugh too.

"...But...I wonder how it is now. I think there are quite a few people like that, even young people."

"You mean... what do you mean?"

"They believe in it... the curse of Oyashiro-sama."

Tomitake and the woman were still smiling, but the laughter had disappeared from their eyes.

...At that moment, the wind that had felt cool up until then...for some reason, it felt like it had suddenly gotten colder.

I'll regret it later. I'll regret that I shouldn't have listened.

"After that, it happens every year... always around this time."

"What happens?"

Tomitake paused for a moment, as if to act dignified, and then continued in a low voice, looking around.

"Every year on Cotton-Floating Day, someone dies."

Tomitake pauses at this point: "It felt as if the hustle and bustle of people had disappeared from the world, and it had suddenly become quiet."

"The day of the cotton-floating festival, the year after the dismemberment murders, a Hinamizawa resident who was a proponent of the dam, and his wife, died while traveling after falling into a muddy stream off a cliff. The wife's body has never been recovered."

"He was a Hinamizawa resident, but he supported the dam, so in a sense he was a traitor. At the time of the accident, the elderly whispered that it was a curse from Oyashiro-sama."

The woman said with a mischievous smile.

"The following year, on the night of the cotton-floating festival, the shrine's priest suddenly died of a mysterious illness. That very night, his wife committed suicide by drowning in the swamp."

"The shrine priest... are you the priest of this shrine today?"

The woman nods.

"The villagers were saying that we hadn't been able to calm Oyashiro-sama's anger."

"The following year, again on the night of the cotton-floating festival, a housewife from the neighborhood was found beaten to death."

…housewife?

All of the people who have died mysteriously up until now have been people involved with the dam or had a connection to Oyashiro-sama.

When I think about that, I can't help but wonder if this housewife has something to do with it.

"Exactly. You have a good sense, Maehara-kun. Haha."

The woman said this mischievously... or rather cruelly.

"The victim's family...was the younger brother and his family of the man who supported the dam and fell to his death two years earlier."

"Apparently, his younger brother is still alive. But he's still very worried. Apparently he fled to a nearby town."

「……………………。」

...For a while, I could only stand there in shock.

A battle against the dam construction that puts the very survival of Hinamizawa at stake. And in the midst of it all, a horrific dismemberment murder occurs.

That's all I knew, and that's all I wanted to hear.

But...that wasn't all.

Murder. Mutilation and abandonment of a corpse. Accidental death. Death from illness. Suicide. Beating to death.

...I'm basically a modern kid. I don't really believe in curses... But... such mysterious deaths happen every year, on the day of the cotton-floating festival, and what's more, the people who die are always people connected to the dam construction...?

I didn't want to think about it, but it was clear that the incident, no...the curse was happening based on some kind of will.

It would be all too easy to dismiss any of these individually as coincidences.

But...as these things pile up like this...it seems much more irresponsible to conclude that it's a coincidence...

I don't believe in curses. But... there is definitely a "will" that something will happen every year on Watanagashi Day.

The woman seemed to notice my reaction and chuckled, as if to say maybe she had scared me too much.

Feeling embarrassed that his true feelings had been seen through, he urged Tomitake to go on in a slightly irritated, urgent tone.

"So, if things continue like this, then someone will die again on the night of the following year's Watanagashi festival, right...? Who will die this time?"

"Well then.....Keiichi, who do you think you are?"

"Huh...huh?!"

Up until then, Tomitake had been kind and reliable in telling me what I wanted to know, but suddenly he started speaking in a pompous tone.

I want to hear what happens next, so I'm a little annoyed by his sarcastic way of speaking.

"Please don't dodge the question...! I'm taking this quite seriously...!"

"...Giggle. Maehara-kun, calm down."

The woman gently soothes him, and he realizes how distraught he has been.

“I didn’t mean to dodge the question, Keiichi. I mean… the following year’s cotton-floating festival…”

"Today."

The woman easily brushes off Tomitake's hesitation.

...A nasty wind blew, making me sweat profusely.

"No one talks about it, but... I have a feeling something's going to happen again tonight."

"Th-There's so much going on at the festival!?"

Everyone was enjoying today's festival. Everyone had a blissful smile on their face. But deep down, they were still believing that someone might die from the curse tonight...?

"You see, the housewife who was the victim last year was apparently an unbeliever. She didn't participate in the Watanagashi festival."

"There's a rumor that if we don't participate in this year's Watanagashi, we might incur the wrath of Oyashiro-sama. ... I'm sure you've heard about it, Keiichi-kun."

...I have never heard the slightest bit of such a rumor.

"...So, then, everyone's participation in the festival...is it because they're afraid of being cursed?"

"I think so... I think there will be more participants in this year's cotton-floating festival than ever before."

"I guess everyone is scared after all. The curse of Oyashiro-sama. Lol."

「………………。」

I was left speechless...

During the Showa era, remarkable progress was made in every field, shedding light on the darkness of ignorance and the unknown. Black-and-white television went extinct, and space rockets carried mankind to the moon.

And yet... in this modern society...?

"Apparently, they invited a lot of children's groups from neighboring towns because they were Sakura, but after all the incidents... it seems like not many people participated. The neighborhood association members were complaining that no children were coming."

"The police seem to be saying that all the past incidents were separate and unrelated.... It seems like they had a lot of plainclothes officers stationed there for security purposes. I saw quite a few this year."

I felt like I was beginning to understand why Rena and Mion were so tight-lipped. If nothing had happened at this year's Watanagashi, they probably wouldn't have had to tell me anything.

...If nothing happens, that's fine. Then all of this will be for nothing.

I'll just pretend I didn't know anything from the beginning. They'll act like nothing happened. ...And then life will go back to normal.

The last thing I felt was how baseless I was for disregarding everyone's concern and prioritizing my petty curiosity.

"...I guess the stimulation was too strong after all?"

The woman sighed, gently running a hand through her hair.

"N-no, not at all..."

I tried to act as tough as I could, but it only made me look more flustered.

Seeing my state, Tomitake seemed a little regretful. Then he let out a sigh and said, acting unusually cheerfully:

"You don't believe in curses, do you, Keiichi?"

"...Well..."

"If the cause of all the incidents was unknown, and the culprit and method were a mystery, I would suspect a curse. But in reality, that's not the case. The police thoroughly investigate each incident and uncover the truth and the culprit."

"Eh... is that so?"

The word "police" somehow felt very reliable to me, because I thought it was the closest match to the keyword "curse."

"...For example, the first dismemberment murder. I said that, right? All but one of the perpetrators have been arrested. It's only a matter of time before the remaining one is arrested. The motive has also been determined to be a drunken argument. It's not a curse...right?"

Certainly...if it hadn't happened on the day of the cotton-floating festival, I don't think it would have been an incident that had anything to do with a curse...

"The same goes for the accidental death of the next man and his wife, both of whom were supporters of the bill. Since they were in a position to incur resentment, I think the police investigated it particularly thoroughly. And they announced it was an accident, not a murder."

"But... it happened on Cotton-Floating Day again, right...?"

"Hahaha. Think about it, Keiichi. Do you really think he, who had so many enemies in Hinamizawa, would be able to comfortably participate in the local festival? The Watanagashi festival must have been a particularly uncomfortable time for him in Hinamizawa. So perhaps he made the effort to travel at this time, intentionally trying to leave Hinamizawa? And then he happened to have a fortuitous accident while traveling."

The explanation didn't quite make sense to me, but I somehow got what Tomitake was trying to say.

So I decided to be honest and ask questions that would make me think that was the case.

"Well, Tomitake-san, what about the priest who died next? He died of a strange disease of unknown cause. And it happened again on the day of the cotton-floating festival."

"The priest's explanation is easier. The Watanagashi festival is a major annual event for the priest. He must have been overworked and in poor health. Or perhaps he had a pre-existing condition."

"But it's a rare disease. In this age of medical advances, the cause is still unknown..."

"That's just an exaggeration. Someone started making a fuss about a rumor that he died of illness, claiming it was some kind of strange disease or curse. It's not surprising that someone would start thinking that way if something like that happened three years in a row. ...It's true that his sudden death may have been unnatural, but when someone dies in this manner, the police always do an autopsy. ...And yet, no foul play was found, right? It was really just an accidental death from illness."

"...I'm pretty sure the priest's wife committed suicide, right? So what about this?"

"As I explained before, the incident in the third year shocked the villagers. The devout villagers immediately assumed it was a curse... Of course, that included the priest's wife. Apparently, a suicide note was found in which she said she would appease Oyashiro-sama by dying."

"Well then! ...What about the next housewife incident? It's on Cotton-Floating Day again!"

"The culprit in this case has been arrested and solved. He is a kind of psychopath, and he confessed that he recreated the Hinamizawa curse for fun."

"Well then, well then! What about next year's incident? Ah, well..."

That's right. The next year is this year. Tomitake-san smiles brightly.

"Hahaha, nothing will happen again. This time for sure. There is no such thing as a curse from Oyashiro-sama to begin with. It's just a series of coincidences that people who believe in it are just making it so."

"...I, I see.... Hmm...."

...Finally, the computer in my brain regains its composure. I feel embarrassed at how easily my child panics...

"I know very well that Keiichi-kun loves Hinamizawa very much. Even if the curse of Oyashiro-sama really does exist, I can't imagine that a curse would befall someone like you."

"Is that so...?"

"That's right! Oyashiro-sama is the guardian deity of Hinamizawa, isn't he? Why would he curse you, someone who loves Hinamizawa so much and had such fun at the Watanagashi festival? Hahaha, right?"

...My heart feels a little lighter.

And finally, I felt the vagueness that had been lingering in my mind until that day being completely wiped away.

I should probably quickly forget what I heard tonight. Tomorrow, I'll face Rena, Mion, and the others with a smile, as usual. I'm sure they all want tonight to pass safely, and for them to be able to get through tomorrow without worrying me.

Perhaps noticing my reaction, the woman who had been sitting on a rock and listening stood up and stretched.

"...Well then, I guess it's about time I got back."

"Oops...! That's right. I think I've been talking for a bit too long!"

I was so engrossed in the conversation that before I realized it, a lot of time had passed.

The huge crowds that had been there before have now thinned out, and all that can be seen now are a few families enjoying the cool evening breeze.

I looked at the clock and saw that we had been talking for a good hour or so.

"Maehara-kun, you came with your friends, right? Why don't you go look for them?"

"...That's right...! Everyone might be looking for me!"

"Hahaha! You must be quite the criminal to make a girl look for you."

"Well then, good night Maehara-kun. And Jiro-san too. See you later."

...Tomitake-san seems like quite the criminal. Oh, so his name is Tomitake Jiro... I learned his first name for the first time.

The woman made a gesture of brushing the dust off her bottom and then left towards the temple grounds, where the crowds were still bustling with people packing up.

As I was watching her leave, I saw Rena running towards me, followed by everyone else.

"Keiichi-kun!! I'm so sorry!!"

"Sorry Kei-chan! We were all talking so engrossed! Ah ha ha ha ha!"

"I told you, let's go find Keiichi quickly!"

"Mee! Keiichi was lost and lonely, so I left him alone until he started crying. Nipa~☆"

...It's not their fault. I was so engrossed in conversation that I completely forgot about them, so it's a draw.

"Oh, Tomitake-san was with us too! That was perfect!"

"...The results of today's shooting competition will be announced."

"Heh heh heh! Don't forget that in today's shooting contest, there will be a fantastic penalty game for the last person to come in last!"

"Oh... that's right...! So I ended up last?"

In the end, after my dramatic victory, Rika was the last to challenge me, but there were hardly any targets left. ...There were still some, but they were all small and difficult to hit.

He aimed carefully and fired, but missed all three shots, and should have ended up in last place, tied with Tomitake.

...But then she bursts into tears in front of the store, killing the stall owner with excitement. She receives a box of gum as a consolation prize. With this, she avoids coming in last place, and with that reckless move, she brilliantly avoids coming in last place...

"I'm convinced of this after seeing Rika's behavior tonight. Rika is quite the raccoon."

"Mi~☆ I don't understand what Keiichi is saying."

"So, of course Tomitake-san will come in last! !!! 」

Everyone cheered and applauded, but Tomitake didn't really understand what was going on and just smiled wryly, embarrassed.

"So, Tomitake-san, are you ready? Here's the punishment game!!"

"Eh? Ah,... ahahaha! I wonder what kind of punishment game it is...?"

"Heh heh heh! Well, Tomitake-san isn't a regular club member after all... I guess we can go with that!"

Mion takes out a magic marker from her pocket. ...Ah, that's it.

"Mion, this is a samurai's mercy. At least make it water-based. Oil-based is too harsh. It was so hard to wash my face after that!"

"Haha, it has to be oil-based. It'll come off in the wash."

"Wow! What's going on?! Please be gentle!"

Everyone wraps their wings around Tomitake and holds him in a tight grip, and then Mion approaches with a magic marker in her hand.

"Squeak squeak!"

However, what Mion wrote was not on his face, but on the shirt that Tomitake was wearing.

"This year will be your major debut! Mion"

Rena, who received the magic next, said, "Please show me the picture next time☆ Rena."

...Oh, I see. I couldn't help but smile a little, and then I gave a wry smile.

"Haha, this is more like a message board than a punishment game."

"Hohoho! I'm not easy on you, you know? I'll make sure to give you a punishment game!"

"Yay, last place! Satoko!"

"Let's try harder next time, Rika."

"You're welcome, Keiichi. Just write something as harsh as you can."

"Yeah, I wonder what I should do..."

I was quite hesitant, but considering the purpose of this punishment game... this seemed the most appropriate.

"Please come visit us again, Keiichi."

Tomitake remained silent the whole time. At first he seemed taken aback, but towards the end his expression changed.

"Would returning to Tokyo wearing this be considered a punishment?"

"Of course! Make sure you go home dressed properly!"

"Hahaha, I hope you'll wear it next time you come too. Maybe!"

He seemed overwhelmed with emotion, his face bright red with a mixture of embarrassment and other emotions.

"Okay, I'll wear this next time I come. I promise!"

The cheers and applause from everyone was the best present for the friends we were saying goodbye to tonight.

I saw Tomitake's companion waiting for me at the temple grounds. Tomitake seemed to notice, too, and I realized it was time to say goodbye.

"It looks like your companion is waiting for you. Is it about time? Hmm?"

"Hmm, hmm, it seems so... haha."

Laughing to hide his embarrassment, Tomitake ran to the woman and seemed to apologize for keeping her waiting.

Each of us hurled teasing remarks at Tomitake. Each time, Tomitake turned around and waved. ...Soon, his back melted into the darkness of the night and disappeared from view.

It was a fairly casual farewell, but for all of us, this wasn't the first time we'd parted ways. We'd done it many times before.

"...He's gone."

"Well, shall we pull up too?"

Apparently Rika-chan will be staying behind because she has a get-together with the executive committee members. Satoko will also be accompanying her. We will be heading home as usual.

See you tomorrow at school! With that, we parted ways.

On the way home, everyone was excitedly discussing the day's success. They were saying things like, "I should have done this here," or "I was defeated by that." It seemed like everyone was still in the mood.

I parted ways with Mion, was left alone with Rena, and then we arrived at my house and parted ways with Rena.

"It's late at night, but... are you okay being alone?"

"Yeah, I'm totally fine! It's close. I'll run there."

"...If you see anything strange, shout out."

"If I let him out...will he come and help me? ...Maybe?"

"If you can hear me."

"Haaah...! ...Uh, yeah! I'll speak loud enough for you to hear!"

Rena left with her arms waving wildly as if she was more energetic than ever. It was okay. Even a grown man could easily beat Rena in that state.

Rena's lively presence fades away, and the silence of the late night finally returns.

...A tale of a curse that no one speaks of even for the slightest. ...The more I learn, the more anxious I become tonight.

Everyone must be feeling anxious, even if they don't show it on their faces... Perhaps that's why they were so excited and excited tonight.

But if nothing happens, it's just a false alarm.

Nothing bad will happen. Nothing sinister.

When I got home, my mom asked me, "How was today's festival? Was it fun?" and I proudly answered that it was the best fun ever.

"Did Mom go to the Cotton-Floating Festival?"

"In the end, my dad didn't wake up. I missed it. What a shame."

Mom stuck out her tongue in disappointment.

Dam proponent falls into accident

At around 2:00 PM on XX, office worker XXX and his wife XXX from XX-chome, Hinamizawa Village, Shishikotsu City, fell 27 meters from an observation deck in the Shirakawa Prefectural Natural Park into a mountain stream and went missing. Police and firefighters searched downstream and discovered XXX's body at around 7:00 PM that same evening. His wife XXX has still not been found. The mountain stream has been swollen due to the effects of the recent Typhoon No. 3, making the search difficult.

Mr. and Mrs. XX were leaning against a fence on the observation deck when it broke and they fell. The fence was dilapidated, and the police are questioning those involved about whether the facilities in the park were being properly maintained.

Death of the head priest of Furute Shrine

At around 10pm on the XXth, Mr. XXX, the priest of Furude Shrine in XX-chome, Hinamizawa Village, Shishikotsu City, complained of feeling unwell and was treated at the hospital, where he recovered for a time, but in the middle of the night his condition suddenly worsened and he passed away. According to those involved, he had been under considerable stress from preparations for the festival that was being held that day.

Also, shortly after XXX's death, his wife XXX went missing, leaving behind a suicide note. The police and youth group are continuing their search, but the Onigafuchi Swamp, where the suicide note hinted at suicide, is known locally as a bottomless swamp, making their search difficult.

Housewife killing incident

(It wasn't published in the newspaper...)

Radio recording

"From Okimiya Station, please take number three. Please take number three."

"This is No. 3. Great reception."

"Reinforcement is on the way. Please maintain support until further orders. Please."

"Yes, Number Three, I understand."

"Also, please don't turn on the rotating lights. Please be quiet."

"ST-, the local teacher has just arrived. He wants to carry it. What do you want to do? Go ahead."

"Understood. Leave it to me, sensei."

"Yes, I understand. Ah, the reinforcements have arrived. Wouldn't it be better to have them take a photo before carrying it away? I think it would be pointless to do that, you idiot."

June 20 (Month)

"Good morning! Kei-chan, you did a great job yesterday!"

"You're the one who's tired, Mion! Yesterday was fun!"

"That's right, Keiichi-kun, thank you so much! Kuma-san!"

"I'm glad you like it, just don't use it to stab yourself with a sewing needle or anything."

"I, I wouldn't do that...!"

As we were all chatting and stepping into the classroom, I felt a sudden, unpleasant sensation.

There was a cleaning bucket filled to the brim with water, with my foot ruthlessly stuck in it.

"Wow, mopping the floor in the morning is pretty enthusiastic!"

Stomp. Hop. Snap!

"Fu, fuwaaaaaaaaaan!! Keiichi-san hit me on the forehead!!"

"...Mi! Next time, set a more vicious trap."

Seeing this, Rena writhes in agony as she rubs her cheek against Satoko and Rika, while Mion is astonished.

Everything is as usual. No classmates are missing, and the atmosphere is unchanged.

The haze that had been lingering in the back of my mind since last night suddenly cleared away. Another refreshing day had begun.

"What's wrong, Keiichi? Maybe you didn't get enough sleep? Maybe?"

"I slept like a log. I'll even demonstrate it in class if you want."

"Ha, that's no good...!"

"Yes, the teacher has arrived! Take a seat, take a seat!"

When Mion announced that the teacher had arrived, everyone sat down one by one.

"Good morning everyone. Yesterday was a festival. Thank you to everyone who helped clean up until the very end."

Since Rika and the others stayed behind for the festival, I guess they helped clean up afterward. ...After all that fuss, I should have stayed and helped clean up, too. I promise to do that next year for the cotton-floating festival.

"Now, at this time of year, you can see reporters from magazines and the like from afar covering the festival."

I ignored it, thinking it was just the usual mantra, but then the teacher's tone changed a little, which brought me back to my senses.

“You may be interviewed at some point, but please refrain from saying anything vague or indecisive. Is that okay?”

"Yes!" everyone sings in unison.

Although he skillfully avoided the question, I understood exactly what the teacher was trying to say.

After all... this is the fifth year. I'm sure reporters from third-rate magazines will be coming in hoping for a curse. For the village, this will only increase the negative image and do more harm than good. So I'm telling them not to say anything nonsensical just for fun. The reporters will pass off even the ramblings of a three-year-old as village talk...

Now I too am one of those who keep quiet. ...I see, I see. When reporters ask me if there have been any disturbing incidents, I too am one of those who answer, "I don't know."

I felt a little cute about myself for feeling a sense of unity in such small things.

Club activities resume

After school, the call for club activities came. They're probably tired from yesterday, so they should be quiet today... but there's no consideration here!

In fact, we were still feeling the afterglow of yesterday and had a lot of energy to spare.

"Today... let's play a real mystery game! How about this one?"

What Mion placed on the desk was what appeared to be a card game with the title written in English. It had a sophisticated feel that was different from Japanese games and looked very interesting.

"Oh! A game from overseas! Come to think of it, Mion said she had quite a collection of Western games!"

"The instructions are in English, but the rules aren't that difficult!"

"Ha! Well, I won't lose."

"Today, Rena will finally escape from being a regular in punishment games☆"

It seems like Rena isn't very good at this game.

"The rules are, whoever can guess the culprit, the murder weapon, and the crime scene wins!"

There are apparently three types of cards: culprit, murder weapon, and crime scene.

When I look at the culprit's card, I see everyone's name written on it, like "Mion" or "Rika." Oh, there's a card with my name on it too!

"There are all kinds of murder weapon cards! Axes, knives, poison, and more! The crime scene cards are cool too! Living rooms, studies, courtyards, and more! There are lots of keywords that seem like they would appear in a mystery novel, so it looks really interesting!"

"So, these cards are pulled out one by one. That's the correct card."

"Then, we shuffle the remaining cards and divide them equally among everyone. We ask each other questions about the cards we have in our hands and try to figure out what the correct card that was removed is!"

"I see. The card that no one has must be the real culprit!"

"So, raise your hand if you know the answer! We'll end the game and see if your answer is correct."

"If you get it right, you win and get one point! If you get it wrong, you lose one point! Whether you get it right or not, the game is over, so you collect your cards and start again!"

"You'll understand if you try it! It requires a lot of brain power!"

"...I'd get confused if I didn't take notes."

"The rest will be up to you to learn by doing. So, Mion! What's the punishment game this time?"

Speaking of club activities, it's the penalty games! Let me put it bluntly, this is what makes things so exciting. This is why we can't lose! Now, what is today's penalty game? Everyone's eyes are on the club president, Mion!

"That's true... Well, you're probably a little tired from yesterday, so I'll go easy on you today. How about a 'funny errand' punishment? Everyone asks you to run errands and then you have to run out and buy them!"

"So you're going to have to go buy juice and snacks and stuff."

"...Today's punishment game seems somehow easy."

"Really? I feel like there's some kind of catch..."

"So, Keiichi, do you think so too?"

"Yeah... You never know what you'll be sent shopping for... Knowing Mion, if I lose, I'm sure she'll make me buy some ridiculous stuff like 'hemorrhoid medicine' or 'erotic rubber balloons'!"

"Ha, ha! What is a naughty rubber balloon, what is it?"

"They sell balloons and stationery at Fukudadaya-ya, don't they?"

"Mee☆ Satoko will need you soon, nipa~."

"Heh heh heh! I wonder what we're going to buy now! Everyone, let's all get fired up so we don't lose! Let's get started!"

The cards are immediately shuffled and distributed to everyone.

Since the cards identifying the real culprit, the correct murder weapon, and the crime scene have all been removed, all the cards in hand are "innocent" cards.

By the way, as always, the cards have already been checked for damage. This game is a test of intelligence, no cheating!

"Well then, I'll go first as the club president. Well then... 'Mion', 'Knife', 'Study'!"

Declare one of the following items: the culprit, the murder weapon, or the crime scene, and ask everyone if they own it. If you have even one of these items, you must answer "I have it." (The key point is that you don't have to say what you have.)

"Oh, I have it."

"There's also Rena."

"...I have one too."

"Oh, you've read it perfectly, haven't you?"

When asked if they had "Mion," "Knife," or "Study," the three answered that they did. In other words, "Mion," "Knife," and "Study" are all innocent. Note it down...

"Well then, Rena is... 'Rena', 'Axe' and 'Lounge'!"

This time, only two of them had it.

Hmm? So that means... one of "Rena," "Axe," or "Lounge" is... the correct culprit?

But wait, even though they said they have some, they didn't say how many they have! It's possible that either Satoko or Rika, who just answered that they have some, has two of them...!! It's premature to assume that the correct answer is mixed in with these three!

"Then next is Kei-chan. Please go ahead!"

"Mama, wait a minute...! I'm still sorting things out!"

Damn, it takes skill to organize the information you gather...! This game requires more brainpower than I thought...! This is bad... I have a feeling it's going to be tough!!

"Yes! I found it! I've identified the culprit!"

"What?! Already?!"

As the game progresses, Mion goes back and forth, finally raising her hand. She really is used to the situation!

"The culprit is Rika! The murder weapon was poison and the crime scene was the infirmary! What do you think?"

He takes out the correct card hidden in the box and verifies Mion's deduction...

"That's correct!!"

"Ugh! I was just one step away! I didn't know whether to use poison or a pistol!"

"...Mi~! I don't use a pistol. I prefer a slow, steady poison."

Rika has a soft face but casually says hard things...

Everyone was excited and saying they were so close to getting there. The only ones who were outside the mosquito net were Rena and I.

"...I wonder how it went for Keiichi...? Rena was totally unimpressed..."

"Don't worry. I'm fine too... I mean, everyone's moving at a fast pace! While I'm thinking about how to write down the information, the turn moves on and I end up getting confused!"

"Haha! It's the same for you, Rena! I can keep up at first, but then I get confused..."

"Why are you two saying things that show you have no confidence? You two will both end up in last place! Do you really want to go buy some sexy rubber balloons together?"

"Arghh ...

"...From tomorrow, Keiichi will be popular with the whole village. Mii!"

"Heh heh heh heh! That's not like the Kei-chan who went on a rampage during the Daihinmin game. Are you giving up now?"

"What?! That's not true at all! Just watch, next time I'll show you the true power of Sherlock Maehara!"

"Hahahaha! If you don't show me soon, it'll be too late!"

After that, he somehow manages to get the hang of it, but no matter how he fights, he's always a few moves behind. ...Mion and others seem to be able to get some information from the questions their opponents ask. ...It's no good, the difference in experience is overwhelming!

To overcome this disadvantage... I too must be ruthless. !!! That's right, in club activities you have to make every effort to survive! If you leave it up to luck to see if you'll succeed or fail, you'll be a regular in the penalty game!

Throw away the narrow-minded thinking of deduction and switch to a club-like mindset of winning the game... The important thing isn't to find the culprit... it's to win this game...!!

...Hmm! I got an idea. !!!

"Oh, sorry, I'm just going to the bathroom."

"Heh heh heh, meditating in the toilet? Take your time and relax!"

"Mii-chan, that's vulgar...!"

I paused the game and went out into the hallway.

Phew, the air is so clear. I can see how stagnant the classroom has become with all our enthusiasm.

In the schoolyard, our classmates are playing just like us, making a lot of noise and not going home. In comparison, we who are playing in the classroom may look unhealthy at first glance, but that's not the case. I can assure you that we are playing a hundred times more enthusiastically in the classroom!

After I spent a while trying to cool my confused and hot forehead, Rena came out of the classroom.

"...Keiichi-kun, did you call Rena by any chance?"

"Oh, I called."

When I got up from my seat, I gave Rena a look. I was glad that it went well.

"Since this is a waste of time, I'll get straight to the point. Rena, how are your past results in today's games?"

Rena was confused for a moment, then timidly spoke.

"Um... well... we lost every game. Why would you ask that? Right?"

I could imagine it from Rena's unconfident play, but losing all the games is a bit much...

"If I keep going like this, I'll end up like that too. Today's game isn't like Daihinmin or something where you can get by on luck or the flow of things!"

"Well then...I guess today's punishment game will be the same as Keiichi's...?"

"Hey hey! Don't accept defeat so early! Let's go and win! By ourselves!"

"But... how?"

He put his mouth close to Rena's ear. Mumble mumble mumble...

"Huh? I wonder if that's even possible?"

"Have you forgotten, Rena? It's Article 2 of the club rules! It says that in order to win, all efforts are permitted, right? If you don't put it into practice here and now, where will you put it into practice?"

"Y-yes! Rena doesn't want to do the punishment game today either... but I'll do my best."

My plan and Rena's was pretty standard.

At the start of the game, once everyone has been dealt their cards, everyone focuses on their hands for a while as they write notes and such. At that moment, Rena and I, who are sitting next to each other, reveal our cards to each other! If we do it quickly under the table, no one will notice!

In the end, this game is about squashing dubious information. To put it simply, it's like a game of sugoroku, where you squash information instead of using dice to reach the goal. If that's the case, starting with twice as much information as the others should be a significant advantage.

After all, having so much information means there's no point in asking questions. And since Rena and I have that advantage, the other three won't be able to take the win easily. While they're doing that, we can rack up points and force the others to panic and make mistakes, which will result in points being deducted, and a crushing victory is not just a dream...!

"...Right?! With this strategy we'll start off with a solid lead over the others!"

"Y-yes! With this... I think I can win this time...!"

We both grinned at each other! If I'm Echigoya, then Rena is the evil magistrate. Kukuku, you're evil too!!

"Well then, let's go back right away! Let's team up and surprise everyone!"

"Hey hey! There's no point in the two of you going back together! It looks like you've just come back from a meeting!"

"Oh, sorry. So what should I do...?"

"Rena, you go back first. I'll go wash my face in the bathroom and relax before coming back."

"Yes. Got it!"

Rena turned on her heel and headed back to the classroom.

Hmm, maybe I should have held her back a bit longer before bringing her back? It was a bit too early and didn't seem like a toilet. It might be troublesome if Mion or someone else noticed...

Well, it'll probably get revealed eventually. After all, Rena and I are on a winning streak from now on! By the time Mion figures it out, Rena and I will have earned enough points to avoid coming in last! Good! This isn't bad!

I think I'm finally beginning to understand how our club fights. Fair play is just an excuse for those lacking originality in our club. ...If you just sit back and wait to be eaten! If you don't get caught, it's all legal, and if you win, it's justice! ...Ah, what a club with so many social implications. I feel like if I can train here, I'll be able to become quite strong in the future...

"Maehara-kun. Can I talk to you for a moment?"

Suddenly, the teacher called me.

"What is it? It's something important right now..."

"Maehara-kun, we have a visitor. Please go to the entrance."

"Customer? To whom? …Me?"

"You've been waiting. Hurry up and go."

If my parents came to school, I wouldn't call them guests... Who on earth would come to visit me...?

Although I wanted to quickly return to the classroom and resume club activities, I was also extremely curious as to who had come.

Not wanting to waste time playing, I decided to quickly take care of my business and headed for the elevator.

Oishi Kurato

The entrance was illuminated by the sharp contrast between the strong sunlight and the light and dark of the shade.

A middle-aged man was waiting inside, looking hot and carrying a jacket under his arm, his tie loosened in a sloppy manner.

"Maehara-san? Maehara Keiichi-san."

If you're from Hinamizawa, you wouldn't ask, "Are you Maehara-san?" I had no memory of ever meeting such a man, so it must have been our first meeting.

...It seems like ever since Tomitake-san, I've had a connection with older men.

"Yes, that's right. Who are you?"

"My car has air conditioning, so let's talk there. Isn't it hot in here?"

The man simply ignored our question, pointed to a car parked at the school gate, and quickly walked away.

No way, you're kidding me. I have no intention of going out with this strange old man, and he wants me to get in his car?

I was having fun playing with everyone, so I felt a bit uncomfortable having to move even further away from the classroom.

"I won't catch you and eat you. Please, have at it!"

He opened the rear door of his car and called out to me. ...He was a laid-back guy, and I didn't really like him, but what on earth was he here to talk about? I was curious about what it was. ...I'd always known that conversations started in this way were never going to end well, but I decided to accept his invitation.

The inside of the car was really cool. Car air conditioning must be quite a luxury item. At least my dad's car doesn't have one.

"Please let me know if it's too cold. I have a tendency to make things really cold."

"So, what do you want from me?"

In return for his laid-back attitude, I decided to ignore his question and start talking. I'd join in the conversation, but right now I didn't want to miss even a minute of our playtime.

The man took out a notebook from his breast pocket, flipped through it, and pulled out a photo. There was a picture of a man with a sleepy expression on his face.

"If you know anything about this man, please let me know."

Who is this old man?

...If I look as emotionless as I do in my driver's license photo, even my closest friends wouldn't know it.

"There was some scribbling on the shirt in magic marker. It had the signatures of several of my classmates, including Maehara-san's."

"...Eh...is this...Tomitake-san?!"

His usual somewhat unreliable, yet carefree aura is not even a trace of it in this photo. His face was so sleepy and emotionless that it was hard to recognize him.

"So do you recognise this woman?"

...So, I had a vague idea of what was going to happen even before I saw it.

"...Um, I don't know her name, but she's the woman who was with Tomitake-san last night."

I didn't know his name very well, but I knew he was a resident of Hinamizawa. I was impressed by his slightly creepy laugh...

"When was the last time you saw these two?"

"We talked together the night of the Cotton-Floating Festival. You two seemed to get along well, didn't you?"

"Is there anything that's bothering you? Anything is fine. Please tell me."

To be honest, it was quite difficult to answer such detailed questions. By this time, I had a good idea of who this old man was.

"...Um, did something happen to Tomitake and the others?"

There was no answer to that question, so I decided to respond with silence.

Maybe...no, definitely...this guy is a police officer.

So why? Why are you asking about Tomitake? Did something happen to him? And more importantly, why me? Surely there are plenty of people who know more than I do?

The humming sound of the car air conditioner is really loud...

After a long pause, he finally spoke.

"Maehara-san, you've only just moved here, right? Do you know about that story about Oyashiro-sama?"

My heart skipped a beat. I'm not good at hiding things. I'm sure my expression showed it...

"You don't know anything about it? That's fine if you don't know anything about it..."

"...Well...I've heard of it. Tomitake-san told me about it..."

"How much do you know?"

Dismemberment murder. Accidental death. Death by illness or suicide. And then bludgeoning to death. Every year, mysterious deaths occur without fail on the day of the cotton-floating festival...

I can't believe Tomitake-san is hiding anything. I think that's all there is to it... No, I don't want to believe there's anything more to it.

"Maehara-san, do you believe in curses and such? Please be honest."

"I don't believe it."

Answer immediately.

It wasn't so much that he didn't believe it, but rather that he was beginning to believe it and wanted to clear up his doubts.

"Really? That's good to hear. Maehara-san must have grown up in the city after all."

"What if you don't believe me? I don't have much time because I have to keep my friends waiting."

The man in the photo passed away last night.

My mind goes blank.

...Huh? Tomitake-san... what happened?

"Of all things, he passed away yesterday, on the day of the Watanagashi festival. ...You understand what this means to you, Maehara-san, right?"

"What does it mean... what does it mean..."

It's not about the cause or reason for death. The issue is that he died on Cotton-Floating Day.

In other words... this year too... Oyashiro-sama's curse will...!

"It's still a secret that Tomitake Jiro has passed away. You probably have some idea why, right?"

I don't even want to know... What else could they want other than to hide the shocking fact that Oyashiro-sama's curse has occurred again this year?

"Please tell me... What on earth happened?"

"...It's unique. It's a bit too stimulating for the people of Hinamizawa."

It was a pretentious way of speaking, but for a moment I hesitated to ask further.

Out of needless curiosity, I forced myself to learn things I didn't need to know, and as a result, I regretted it.

Everyone kept the unpleasant incident of the dismemberment murder a secret. However, I became curious and intrigued, and ended up hearing about the curse of Oyashiro-sama, something I didn't need to know.

The same goes for the story of Oyashiro-sama's curse. If I had had a bad feeling, I should have cut the conversation off and run away, but instead I continued, which ruined that fun festival night.

And now, the story of Oyashiro-sama's curse has continued beyond that night, and he has finally come to school in the middle of the day to tell the rest of the story...

My silly curiosity is inviting something sinister to happen... And if I listen to what this man has to say, something even more sinister will happen...? It's like a sixth sense, and I sense it...

But that didn't mean I had the courage to get out of the car right away.

Once again, I can't escape my silly curiosity. I'm trying to find out why Tomitake died.

"The first discovery was made in our wagon on our way back from guarding the festival. It was five minutes before midnight. The location was... well, right where the road into town changes from gravel to paved, right at the bottom of the hill. It was on the shoulder of the road there."

There are almost no streetlights on the road, and the only light is from the moon and the car headlights.

It was a stroke of sheer coincidence that we found Tomitake lying on the side of the road.

Tomitake was covered in blood and face down on the road. Blood and filth spread all over the asphalt.

"At first, everyone thought he'd been hit and run, but when the police officers approached him to check if he was conscious, they immediately noticed something was wrong... His throat had been slit."

"Tear, tear, you say.... Like, a knife or something...?!"

"No. It was a claw."

"Nails?! Nails? These nails?! And they're... scraping?!"

"The autopsy revealed that it was his own fingernail."

"Huh? Huh? ...What does that mean...?"

So... this isn't murder... it's suicide?

Tomitake... I don't know what he was thinking, but he started scraping with all his might with his fingernails, clawing at the throat and ripping it out.

...The skin is torn and blood oozes out... But Tomitake still doesn't stop. He keeps scratching and scratching!!

It was with such incredible force that it almost tore off my fingernails...scratch! Scratch!!

And then... the claws reach an important blood vessel that must not be damaged... scrape! Splat... fresh blood splattering all over the place! He vomits blood. He vomits. ...And then he collapses... convulsing and trembling... and dies in agony.

"We suspected drugs, but nothing of the sort was detected."

But is this... suicide?! I've never heard of anything like this! Such an unusual way to die... !!!

What else can you call this but a mysterious death? A death like this... of all the deaths in the last five years... it seems the most cursed! And it's as if they're trying to show it to me and Tomitake, who insisted that there was no curse!!

"There are several other suspicious points. Judging from the secretions, sweating, and hair loss, it appears that Tomitake was in an extremely agitated state just before his death."

"That's true... I can't imagine slitting my own throat while remaining calm..."

"The wounds on the hand matched those of a piece of wood that was lying nearby. There were marks of it being struck on the surrounding trees and guardrails. There were bloodstains of Tomitake scattered all around... In other words,

Even though Tomitake had his throat ripped and was covered in blood, he was still swinging a piece of wood around in one hand.

"Furthermore, several injuries that were not inflicted by Tomitake were found on his body. ... It is possible that Tomitake was assaulted by someone. Judging from the location of the injuries, there is also the possibility that multiple assailants were involved."

...To sum it up:

That night, Tomitake was likely returning from a festival when he was surrounded and attacked by unknown assailants. He fled the streets in a state of agitation, and finally, unable to escape any longer, he picked up a piece of lumber he had found and tried to fight back...

Something happened in the middle of this. Tomitake-san, confused and confused, began to claw at his own throat. ...Scrape!!

"And then... he died..."

"The estimated time of death is between 9pm and 11pm. In other words... it happened shortly after Maehara-san spoke with Tomitake-san at the festival and they parted ways."

We all wrote messages on Tomitake's shirt and said our goodbyes.... Soon...

Come to think of it... Tomitake-san was with a woman. ...Who is she?

"He's missing. He hasn't come to work, and he didn't come home last night either. ... It seems highly likely that he's been involved in the crime."

For a while, I could only stand in a daze.

I never imagined that the misfortune of someone close to me would be so vivid...

The time that Tomitake and I spent together may have been shockingly short. But we attended the same festival, spent the same time together, and competed in the same games. We were friends.

"We are investigating from all angles, but the villagers are reticent to talk when it comes to the subject of Oyashiro-sama's curse..."

...I understand that very well. ...I myself didn't know anything about it until I heard it from Tomitake-san, who isn't a villager.

"So... is it me? Because I'm not from Hinamizawa."

If that's why he wanted to hear from me, then he should be outraged...

I want to quickly become accustomed to Hinamizawa, so if this man had come here with me as his target, it should be very frustrating... But I couldn't feel that way right now.

"If things continue like this, Tomitake Jiro will be declared dead by Oyashiro-sama's curse."

The man looked away from me and stared into the distance.

"...On the night of the cotton-floating festival, during the sacred ceremony, I was insensitively messing around with my camera, which incurred the wrath of Oyashiro-sama...that's the story that has come to pass."

"There's no way that Oyashiro-sama's punishment will fall on Tomitake-san...! That man may certainly live in Tokyo, but he loved Hinamizawa very much. He was also familiar with the villagers. There's no way something like this could happen to him...! It was humans, despicable ones at that, who killed Tomitake-san... They're blaming it on a curse and sweeping it under the rug... I can't accept that...!"

"I think so too. There's no way there's any punishment or curse!"

Amidst the tense atmosphere, the man eventually smiled and relaxed his tone.

"That's what I mean, Maehara-san. We need the cooperation of the people of Hinamizawa who don't believe in curses. Do you understand?"

Neither Tomitake nor I believe in curses. But if things continue as they are, Tomitake's death will only add to the curse of the fifth year. That would mean acknowledging that Hinamizawa rejected Tomitake. That alone... I cannot forgive it.

Tomitake-san is one of us. He doesn't live in Hinamizawa, but he visits every year... In a way, you could say he's much more of a Hinamizawa person than I am.

There's no way that Tomitake-san could be cursed by Oyashiro-sama...!

"But... there's nothing I can do to help. I don't know anything about that night."

"No, no, if you see or hear anything that interests you, just let me know."

Seeing and hearing? Future tense.

"It can be about things, people, or rumors. Anything is fine. It doesn't matter if it's something uncertain. ...Here's my phone number. If I'm not at home, please leave a message for whoever answers."

I was given a note with a phone number written on it, but for a moment I hesitated to take it.

If I accept this...I will inevitably become a party to this.

"We would like to ask for your cooperation in clearing Mr. Tomitake's name."

That's right. Why am I hesitating? I have to find the culprit who killed my friend!

The man forcefully ripped the note away, then smiled with satisfaction before his expression suddenly turned grim.

"Everything we talked about here today is a secret. Please do not tell anyone about it."

"got it."

"Don't even tell your friends. In particular, make sure that Mion Sonozaki and Rika Furude never find out."

"Wh-Why?! Are you saying they have anything to do with this incident?"

He suddenly mentioned the name of a close friend of mine, and then told me to keep it a secret from him, which made me instantly angry.

"...Well, it's for the convenience of the investigation."

"Don't try to confuse me! Mion and the others are my precious friends!"

He attacks, but the man doesn't seem to pay any attention to it.

"You can tell me, but please don't be offended, okay?"

"Say it!!"

The man hesitated for a moment, then looked out the car and thought for a moment before speaking.

"The series of incidents that have occurred in Hinamizawa may have been caused by the entire village."

"...Th-That can't be true! Stop talking, you idiot! And first of all, do you even have any proof of that?"

"There's no evidence. Moreover, the previous cases were solved individually, and none of the perpetrators had any direct connection to the village."

"So how did you come up with such an idea?!"

"Every year on Cotton-Floating Day, the village's enemy dies! Don't you think that's enough to make you suspicious?"

Only the people of Hinamizawa feel that Watanagashi Day is sacred. ...In other words, the reason why incidents only occur on that day is because they have a "connection to Hinamizawa"...?

"First, the dam construction workers! Then, the villagers who promoted the dam! One after the other, the village's sworn enemies died mysteriously. Regardless of the process, that was the result."

It was an unreasonable suspicion without evidence... But it was hard to dismiss it.

"Well then... what about the priest who died next, and the housewife who died after that? They weren't enemies of the village or anything...!!"

"At the time of the dam incident, the priest was expected to take a leadership role, but he did not take an active role, which led to disappointment and resentment among some villagers."

"Even if there was resentment... she didn't really harm the village, did she? What about the next housewife? She was just the younger brother and his wife of the man who promoted the project, right? There's even less reason for her to be killed! And what about Tomitake? She had nothing to do with the dam construction. !!! The only reason is that I'm a stranger!"

At first, there may have been a bias towards those involved in the dam construction, but as the years went by, the level of hostility towards the victims became less and less.

"...That's what's scary. It's gradually becoming diluted."

"What's wrong...!"

"So, they are not enemies of the village, but are being sacrificed simply because they are outsiders."

"So... next year's victim will be chosen from among the 'outsiders to the village'?"

"Or maybe it's someone who just moved in."

"What does that mean...?"

I swallowed my words. If there was anyone in Hinamizawa who was the biggest outsider right now, it was me.

I'm proof enough of that myself. I still don't know the names of the people I pass by.

So... the next victim is... me...?

"But... what does that have to do with Mion?"

"I can't go into details, but the Sonozaki family was at the forefront of the resistance movement during the dam incident. It was quite radical. The same goes for Sonozaki Mion, for example. During the resistance movement, she was taken into custody for several minor crimes and obstruction of justice."

I know that Mion "fought." But this is the first time I've heard that her family is a leader in the resistance movement. So, what does this mean?

"Are you saying that Mion's family is somehow connected to this series of events?"

"I wouldn't go so far as to say that. ... If that's the case, it's the most likely possibility, that's all."

It was an explanation I didn't really understand. I feel like they've been completely dodging the things I really want to know...

"We have no idea who is involved and to what extent. ... That's why we don't want the villagers to talk about it."

I made a blatantly sour face as a reply, but it seemed my message was conveyed clearly.

"So let's think about it this way... I don't want to worry the villagers who blindly believe in curses, so I'll keep it a secret... How about that?"

I had no idea what that meant, but it wasn't hard to understand that it wasn't something that should be revealed carelessly.

The culprit is out there somewhere. It has nothing to do with the curse. And the police will surely catch him and give him the punishment he deserves. ...And that process is none of your business.

For everyone who is hypersensitive about curses...perhaps there's no need to cause unnecessary worry.

"...Just like everyone else kept it a secret so they wouldn't worry me... Now it's my turn to keep it a secret so they don't worry...?"

I was talking to myself.

Unlike me, for everyone who has grown increasingly anxious about the strange incidents that occur every year, this latest incident must have great significance... In that case, I don't want to place any unnecessary burden on everyone's hearts...

In the end, things went exactly as the man said, which was annoying, but there was nothing I could do...

"Okay. I'll keep it a secret. Is that okay?...um...name."

"I'm Oishi Ishi from the Okimiya Police Station. You can call me Kurakura-chan if you like."

"Oh, no, Oishi-san is fine..."

He's a perverted old man-type detective who speaks in a lewd manner but uses strangely polite language. I've never seen a detective like this in any drama I've seen before.

"...I've been taking up too much time. You're keeping your friends waiting, aren't you? You should probably go back now."

When I opened the door, a gust of boiling heat rushed in.

It's incredibly hot outside the car. Was it really that hot today...?

In stark contrast to the mechanical coolness of the car interior, the heat was oppressive... It was as if the land of Hinamizawa had suddenly come to hate me... I had this sad illusion.

"I'm not saying you should be suspicious of your friends. Don't get me wrong."

I thought to myself, "Don't be so selfish now," but I didn't say anything.

"Even if Mr. Maehara hadn't found anything or heard anything, that would be enough.... It would be proof that the village wasn't involved."

"I'll contact you if I see or hear anything, but... I'm not a detective, so please don't get your hopes up."

"No, no! You don't have to become a detective. Just live your life as you have always done. All you have to do is tell me what you see and hear."

I bowed to Oishi-san and quickly walked back to the school building.

"See you again, Maehara-san!"

I returned to the school without looking back.

Club activities end

I don't know how much time I wasted.

I felt bad for making everyone wait, but I had other things on my mind right now.

...Just Tomitake's death is terrible enough... but is it possible that it's something that happened to the whole village? And what's more... is there a possibility that Mion is involved in it?

That's ridiculous... There's no way that could happen with Mion, Rena, Satoko, or Rika.

Was there more than one perpetrator of Tomitake's attack? Who could it be? And...could that perpetrator be hiding in Hinamizawa...? ...I don't know.

...What can be said for sure is that it's impossible for Mion to be the culprit. How could such a cheerful person be a murderer?

"It's Mii-chan!! The culprit!!"

Huh... Rena's voice startles me for a moment.

"The murder weapon was a rope, and the crime scene was... well... a lounge. !!! 」

"Wahahahaha!! That's a joke!!!"

"Ahhhhh!! I lost again!" !!! 」

Rena writhes around, clutching her head. ...It looks like she's committed suicide in a spectacular fashion.

"Ahhh! Keiichi-san, you're late. !!! I'm so angry, you know?」

"Oh, oh, sorry, sorry... The teacher called me to the staff room for a bit..."

"Did you get scolded for misbehaving? ...Poor thing."

"Well, we were so excited that we completely forgot about Kei-chan! Anyway, it's about time for today, so let's make this our last game."

"Hey hey... I think my current score is... zero... Doesn't that mean I'm definitely in last place?"

"It's okay, Keiichi-kun. ...Rena, minus one point. ...Ugh..."

"What's that?! My score is lower than mine, even though I wasn't participating in the game...!"

"The punishment game will be the final one to decide whether Rena will do it alone or together with Kei-chan!!"

"I'm not kidding. Rena, you have to do the punishment game by yourself!"

"...Keiichi and I...promised to win together...but I've been waiting all this time, right? Right?"

"...Uh...I guess that's my fault..."

As per our original agreement, I revealed my cards to Rena, but even after I figured out who the culprit was, I didn't answer and just waited in silence for Rena to pick up the card. ...Whether Rena won or I won, she wouldn't be able to escape the punishment game, but I also share the responsibility for what happened. ...I'll make up my mind today.

"Got it! The culprit is 'me'! The murder weapon is 'poison' and the crime scene is 'the entrance hall'! What do you think? What do you think?

"Oh, Rena, that was a quick answer! You're just guessing again, aren't you? ...Oh."

"...Mee. Rena's right."

"Hahahahaha! So now Keiichi and I will be joining in on the punishment game together!"

"Yay!! Keiichi, let's do our best together☆"

"Uh, uh, let's work hard together... hahaha..."

"Then game is set! In first place is me, Mion Sonozaki! In last place is Keiichi Maebara and Rena Ryuugu!

Everyone claps and the game ends. ...The problem is...the punishment game.

"Well then, as the leader, I'll decide what to buy for the useless punishment!"

"...What am I supposed to buy? ...Right?"

"Let's not go to pharmacies. That's a good idea, right?"

"Huh? I have no business at the pharmacy. What I want you to buy is written on this note!"

"Wow... there's a lot written here..."

A...a lot!? Damn, what on earth am I being forced to buy?!

"...Two blocks of tofu. Shampoo and conditioner. Mirin and fried tofu. What is this?"

"It looks more like shopping than a punishment game..."

"...Mii was determined to win today."

"Article 7 of the rules! Don't go against the penalty game rules. !!! Here's the money. The shampoo is from Fruit Story. Thank you!

"Th-This is the errand you were asked to run! Don't use it as a punishment game!"

I vowed that if I won this time, I would make Mion buy medicine for her hemorrhoids...

Are there four or more perpetrators?

Oishi was in the smoking area next to the break room, accompanied by the elderly forensic scientist.

"She ripped her own throat and died of hemorrhagic shock. There was a lot of flesh and skin packed between her fingernails. They weren't someone else's fingernails. They were definitely her own. The shape of the wounds also matched."

"Yes, yes. We know the direct cause of death was suicide."

"I know. You're asking if it's possible to artificially induce these symptoms, right?"

Oishi suspects that there may be some key to Tomitake's unusual death, but the more he investigates, the more mysterious it becomes...

"It's a little different from when your back is itchy and you scratch it so much that it starts to bleed."

Some of Tomitake's fingernails were torn off.

The nail itself comes off fairly easily, but it hurts a lot. So, I don't usually do anything that will cause it to come off.

And there were numerous bruises left on Tomitake's body. Judging from their shape and other factors, it was clear that they were the result of an assault with bare hands, and that he had been surrounded by several people.

"Judging from the secretions, the Buddha was undoubtedly in a state of extreme excitement."

"So a scuffle ensued, and in the heat of the moment he ripped out his own throat? That must have been a complete shock to those who attacked him."

It is certainly possible that an abnormally excited person in an abnormal environment may behave in ways that would be unthinkable for a normal person. Of course, this is an extremely rare case.

"Actually, it's a big stone. It's a piece of lumber that Buddha apparently used as a weapon. All I got out were grains of sand and bits of paint from the guardrail."

"What about fibers from Hoshi's clothes or pieces of skin?"

"No. Buddha didn't hit the criminal. Or maybe the criminal took the wooden beam he used to hit him."

"In that case, I won't bother leaving any timber behind. I'll just take it all."

"Ka-ka-ka-ka! That's true."

"Mr. Tomitake has a good physique and tanned skin. He's a real sportsman."

"Hmm? That's right. It seems like you exercise a lot. Your muscles are pretty well-developed."

…I can't imagine what sports he may have enjoyed in his lifetime, but I think he had great physical abilities. In other words, he would have been no match for anyone in a brawl.

It's hard to imagine that such a well-built man, in such danger, would frantically brandish a weapon and not even graze the perpetrator.

Moreover, the other person was using bare hands. Since this was a piece of lumber, I thought he could have hit him at least once... But despite this, no suspicious substance was found on the lumber.

"If we were to surround and attack such a large opponent, how many people would it take?"

"You idiot. Oishi is better at that. Don't you remember your days as a bad boy?"

"Hahahaha... That's true... I wonder how many people I would need to fight with him. Tomitake-san is certainly quite a big guy, so I'm sure it would be quite a struggle to fight him one-on-one."

Just as a pack can sometimes take down a large animal, attacking in large numbers is an ironclad rule of hunting.

...I need about four people. Even if there's a slight difference in physique, with this many people I can manage.

"If that's the case, then there must be quite a few perpetrators. Would a group of four or more people who got drunk at a festival be suspicious?"

………Groups of four or more.

But... with that many people, couldn't they have hidden the bodies in a less conspicuous place? Or... perhaps they were imprisoned in a near-death state and somehow managed to escape... If that's the case, I don't understand why they would commit suicide. And even more than that, I don't understand why they died in such an unusual way... There are so many mysteries.

"We're also taking that seriously. We intend to investigate thoroughly, but... I don't have high hopes. After all, there's never been a case like this before. All the usual drug tests came back negative, so we've had the prefectural police send it for analysis, but they might not find anything there either. There are countless suspicious drugs out there. Chinese herbal medicines and natural herbal medicines are particularly troublesome. It's said that poisons used by Soviet assassination agencies and poisons that have been passed down from China are impossible to detect with existing methods... In short, there's a good chance we're at a loss."

"I don't have high hopes, but I am looking forward to the results of the analysis by the prefectural police headquarters."

"Oishi-san! The chief is calling for you!"

"Sorry, see you next year."

"Yup. Happy New Year!"

June 21st (Tuesday)

sleepy.

"Wow... Keiichi-kun, what a big yawn."

I usually feel pretty awake when I eat, but today it just doesn't seem to be the case...

Even though we were all having a fun lunch, I had been yawning repeatedly while eating.

"I was watching TV late last night and I was so sleepy..."

"Did they have any pornographic programs that Kei-chan would enjoy?"

"Fu, fu, how filthy!"

"Don't just assume things as you please. !!! 」

"...It's natural for a boy. There's nothing to be embarrassed about."

Rika's pats, which don't provide any support at all, make things even worse.

"Sorry. Just let me sleep through this lunch break. Seriously."

"Well, you think I'll just sit back and let this happen?"

"If you interrupt him he'll get angry. Really angry! ...Ahhhh..."

There's nothing impressive about it. Anyway... I'm sleepy...

Without further ado, I slumped my head on the desk and decided to take a nap.

It seemed like Satoko was trying to say something back, but I pretended not to hear.

"...Satoko-chan, stop it. Keiichi-kun has fallen asleep. His sleeping face is so cute☆"

"You can take it home later. Just leave it alone."

"...Let's move over there. It's bad for Keiichi to be so noisy."

...Rika is such a good girl after all...

"Let's not wake the teacher up even if he comes. Mi~☆"

Preface withdrawn.

I was lying about not getting enough sleep because I was watching TV.

I turned off the lights at the usual time, but I couldn't fall asleep because I kept thinking about what Oishi had said that day.

Living like this, it seems as if the Tomitake incident never happened in the first place. ...I even wonder if Oishi might have deceived me.

But... that story must be true. ...And it's something I shouldn't tell anyone.

They asked me to help, but there's nothing I can do to help. If I wasn't going to be of any help, I shouldn't have asked them about this in the first place.

In the end, once again I ended up regretting learning something I didn't need to know...

If I hadn't known anything, I'm sure I would be having a silly lunchtime party with everyone right now. I couldn't help but feel resentful towards Oishi-san.

"...Eh...Since when?"

"They said she was gone the next day. Apparently she disappeared on the night of the cotton-floating festival."

I could hear Mion and Rena whispering to each other. Mion has a loud voice, so even if she tries to keep quiet, she can be heard. However, Rena's voice is really quiet, making it hard to hear what she's saying. However, I could tell from her tone that she was anxious...

...What is this? Could it be that you're talking about Tomitake...?

"...san...kena?"

"I don't know. As far as I know."

As someone who keeps the Tomitake incident close to my heart, it was a topic that I had to pretend I didn't know about.

It was much easier to just pretend to be asleep and listen than to get up and join in the conversation with more lies.

But... why did I have to pretend to be asleep and eavesdrop on my friends' conversation...? I felt guilty... and my heart ached.

"...So...there are others out there, right? ...but."

"...I don't know if she was cursed or if she was cursed by Onikakushi..."

Onikakushi...? Onikakushi...? Onikakushi?

It was a mysterious word... All I could tell was that it was colored by an indescribable ominous aura.

"...Well...in any case...there's one more person here, right? ...Right?"

"If it's Oyashiro-sama... I guess."

"But, but! ...This year...it hasn't happened...?"

"Grandma and the village chief were talking... Apparently they've already made arrangements with the police this year... No matter what happens, they'll settle things peacefully without causing a fuss."

"So... it's possible that... someone, somewhere... could have happened... without Rena and the others knowing...?"

"...Maybe."

"...Next... will be... Rena... I guess..."

"...Don't worry. Rena has returned safely."

"...But...it didn't work...right...?"

"That's an old story. Let's stop talking about it."

The atmosphere became awkward, and the two of them fell silent.

It was a vague conversation about the big picture, but there were a few things that caught my attention.

First, there is the word Onikakushi. ... Judging from the usage and context of the phrase Onikakushi ni au, it seems to be synonymous with the similar word Spirited Away. ... This can also be inferred from the fact that the woman who was with Tomitake (it's really frustrating that we don't know her name...) has not been heard from since the Watanagashi festival.

The next thing that caught my attention was Rena's comment that there was another one. Mion also added that if it was Oyashiro-sama, then yes.

If it's Oyashiro-sama's curse, does that mean there will definitely be two victims...?

Now that I think about it, I remember Mion saying earlier that she didn't know if she was cursed or if she was in a state of Onikakushi.

It seems that curses and demon-hiding are different things, and are "phenomena" that always occur in pairs...

I recalled Tomitake-san's horrific final moments... It was far from something that could be concealed. It was a tragic end, truly worthy of the description of a curse.

So... does that mean that the woman he was with... was involved in the Onikakushi Incident and disappeared...?

I do remember Oishi saying that he had neither gone to work nor come home. I think that in general, it would be fair to call that a disappearance.

One thing I learned is that the number of victims of a correct curse is always an even number.

And... the last thing I was worried about was Rena.

Rena was frightened. She didn't know why. But something felt familiar, and she knew there was a high chance that she would become the target of Oyashiro-sama's curse.

Oyashiro-sama is... I'm sure he's the guardian deity of Hinamizawa. ...Aren't guardian deities supposed to protect the residents and ward off foreign enemies...?

As Oishi said yesterday, initially the targets were enemies of the village, but in recent years it seems that the situation has become one in which outsiders are treated with no prejudice.

But if that's the case...I think I should be the one being targeted, since I've only recently moved here.

From Rena's aura, you can even sense a sense of sadness, as if she's next...

...Should I tell Oishi what I just heard?

I pretended to be asleep and told the police what I had overheard from my friends... My mood just got worse and worse.

Many questions arise, and a dark cloud of unease hangs over me...

Is it better not to seek answers to these questions...? Just like before, by knowing, will I fall deeper and deeper...to a depth from which I can never return? I feel like one day I will regret it. I'm sure I'll regret that I never knew.

When I think about it, the regret has already begun.

At that moment, Satoko's loud voice came ringing out.

"The teacher is coming! Keiichi-san! Wake up!"

In the distance, the bell rings, signaling the start of afternoon classes. ...Ugh! I hardly got any sleep!

I woke up in a panic and looked up. The moment my back was pressed against the chair,

"Ouch!"

Before I knew it, a thumbtack had been attached to the back of my seat with duct tape. ... Circumstantial evidence alone is enough...!!

"Satokooooooooo!"

No need for a court, he will be found guilty immediately! He will be sentenced to the death penalty!!!

I stood up from my seat with great vigor, and my feet got tangled.

Before I knew it...the laces on both of my shoes were tied together!

"Well done, Satoko! While I was sleeping, you managed to hide your presence and do all this for me... !!! 」

Just as I was about to take off my indoor shoes and pounce on Satoko, the teacher came in.

"Hahaha! The teacher has arrived, Keiichi-san? Please have a seat!"

Crash, whoosh, snap!!

I won't care about that and will give him a smack on the forehead.

"Fu, fuwaaaaaaaaaan!! Keiichi-san bullied me...!!"

"Hey! Maehara-kun, you shouldn't bully underclassmen! Apologize!"

I saw Satoko sticking her tongue out. ...You little brat! !!!

"Look! Maehara-kun!"

"Hey hey, I'll apologize. I'm sorry, Satoko-san."

It's all monotone, but I'll apologise anyway. ...Satoko, remember that!!

"Kei-chan, Kei-chan, take that grudge to club activities! Sit, sit."

Urged by Mion in class president mode, I decided to take a seat.

...As I was thinking this, it occurred to me that this lunch break...and the conversation between Rena and Mion had all been a dream...

That's a lie

The boring lessons were finally over and it was after school.

So, what club activities are there today? I guess I've become the type of person who can't live without club activities. We all have fun and have fun together. It's just that simple, but it's so addictively fun. I want to lament the lack of excitement in my life in the city.

Personally, I'd like to see them do yesterday's mystery game again. ...Because of Oishi-san, it didn't go very well. And we didn't even make use of the formation with Rena!

By doing so, I wanted to redo yesterday and pretend I had never heard any strange stories.

"That's right. Today is sure to be a big victory for both you and Keiichi!"

"But we'll see. I've never seen anyone play the same game two days in a row."

"...Why don't you ask Mii for help?"

He turned to look at Mion, met her gaze, and suddenly clapped his hands and shouted.

"Here we go! Today is the day I'm supposed to help out my uncle...! Sorry, everyone! No today!"

"Helping your uncle? What an uncharacteristically filial son!"

"Sorry, sorry...! I completely forgot... So sorry everyone! I'm going home now!"

After Mion said that unilaterally, she grabbed her bag and ran towards the entrance.

"Mii-chan, sometimes I go to help out at my uncle's shop in town."

"Huh... I thought you were the kind of guy who would never take on something so troublesome."

"They said I'd be paid for my part-time job. It seems like it would be a decent amount of pocket money."

"I see. So this is how you earn money to buy all the games you have. But isn't that considered a part-time job? Isn't it prohibited by school rules?"

"...It says that this does not include helping with family business."

"I wonder if my uncle's job is part of the family business? ...Well, anyway, so what? Is today's club activity cancelled?"

"...Huh...I guess this is the end for today? ...Maybe?"

"It doesn't really matter if the club president isn't there, right? Let's get the club going!"

I open my club locker and start searching through the pile of games to find yesterday's game.

"Oh, there it is! Yesterday's mystery game! I had to stop just when I was finally getting the hang of it. Actually, I need to at least get revenge on Satoko for what happened during lunch break today!"

"Hahahaha! Do you really want to be defeated like that?! If Mion isn't there, I'll have the stage to myself for club activities. I don't mind. But what about Rena and Rika?"

"Hmm, if Keiichi-kun really wants to, maybe I can just give him a little."

"...I think it's better if everyone is together."

"Hmm...when you put it that way...hmm."

"If there were no club activities, I wanted to go shopping. I'd go buy some soy sauce and other things."

"Oh...that's right! I completely forgot about that."

"In that case... I wonder if Rena should go treasure hunting for the first time in a while...!"

"What's going on?...The atmosphere here is no longer that of a club activity."

If I continue to be selfish, she might realize that I have a plan....I guess there's no other way. I'll just give up this time. I'm starting to feel bad about getting excited on my own without Mion around.

"Ugh, I was really looking forward to this game..."

He flips through the cards with a reluctant look on his face.

"I'll beat you up next time! Hahahaha!!"

"The culprit is Satoko! The murder weapon is a pistol! So it was you who did it after all!"

"Wh, what did you say? Well, well, well!"

Satoko searches for cards on the desk and thrusts three cards at me.

"The culprit is Keiichi! The murder weapon was a rope and the crime scene was the lounge!"

"I don't need a rope! I'll just strangle you!"

"Nooooooo!! Keiichi-san's a beast oooooo !!! Ugagagaggugu, the difference in reach is unfair!!"

For a while, Satoko and I play around, banging away and strangling each other.

Phew... I guess it's okay since I was able to vent my frustration for now.

"Waaaaaaah!! Keiichi-san, you remember!!"

"...She was used as a plaything so many times. Poor thing."

"Ahahaha☆ So cute...☆"

Everyone started getting ready to go home. I also decided to gather up the scattered cards and put them away in my locker.

At that moment, my hand suddenly stopped. ...Even though it was just a criminal card...it felt strange.

"Rena," "Satoko," "Rika," "Keiichi," "Mion"... "Satoru and Fumito."

Satoshi? ...The names on the culprit cards are all fictional. At least, all the names except this one are the names of club members. ...So, this guy Satoshi is also...a club member?

Was there a boy in my class named Satoshi? I couldn't find anyone named Satoshi among the names of all the students posted on the wall.

"Keiichi-kun, hurry up and clean up!"

Rena urges me to hurry up and I'm taken aback.

The lively Satoko and Rika-chan had already headed to the shoe lockers, leaving us alone in the classroom. Rena herself was also carrying her bag, ready to go home.

"Rena, I guess there are quite a few students from this class who have transferred out, right?"

I asked Rena in a roundabout way. Rena looked a little confused before answering.

"...Yeah. Hinamizawa is in the countryside, right? Sometimes people transfer schools."

"So, did this Satoshi guy also transfer schools?"

"Sorry! I don't know much about it."

There was a short pause, but the answer was almost immediate.

"Um... I'm not being mean! ...It was just last year. Ever since Rena transferred to the school... I think we switched places. That's why we haven't really talked much... I'm sorry!"

I don't know much about it, sorry.

It was a similar answer to when Rena had previously asked him about the dismemberment murder and rejected him.

I felt lonely at being rejected... but I also felt a little bit of anger.

I'm... everyone's friend, right? There's no way we can hide anything from each other, right?

I'm grateful that you're hiding the tale of the creepy curse. But... if everyone's worried, I want to share the same worries as everyone else. Isn't that what it means to be friends...?

I'm feeling a mixture of sadness and irritation right now...I wonder what kind of expression I'm making...

"K... Keiichi-kun... you have a scary look on your face. I wonder why? I wonder why?"

It must have been just as Rena said. She seemed a little scared and confused by my stern expression.

"Oh, sorry. I was looking forward to club activities today, so I'm just disappointed."

He strokes Rena's head and tries to distract her.

"Let's go home."

We headed home with a slightly awkward atmosphere still lingering.

I wonder why. Why have I been feeling so uninterested lately?

When I didn't know anything...I had nothing to worry about and I was just enjoying my days.

The long shadow did not answer my simple question.

"...Keiichi-kun, are you tired...? ...Maybe?"

Rena looked at me timidly, her expression making the already awkward atmosphere even more awkward.

"...Really?"

"Uh, yeah. Keiichi-kun, you've been feeling a bit low since this morning. Maybe you have a cold?"

In that sense, I think I'm in good health. Even though elementary school looks like this, everyone works hard.

Since I didn't reply, Rena continued on her own.

"Keiichi, you're probably just now feeling tired from moving. It's a completely different place from where you lived before. You're getting used to and learning a lot... it's only natural that you're tired."

"I guess so."

"Yeah. That's definitely true. That's how it was for Rena at first too. You get it, right? ...Right?"

I wonder if Rena felt the same tiny sense of alienation last year that I feel now... When I thought about it, I felt like Rena was the only one who could understand how I felt.

"I'd like to hear about when Rena transferred to Hinamizawa. What was it like?"

When Rena noticed that I had joined in the conversation, her face suddenly brightened.

"Ahahaha. It's the same as Keiichi-kun. I didn't know anyone's name or the village at all. Mii-chan and others were kind to me so I didn't feel lonely at all... but I still felt lonely."

Rena told me in detail about her first move, the encounters, surprises, anxieties, and joys that were all very similar to what I'm experiencing now.

"What?! So... Rena was also defeated by Satoko?"

"Yeah. When I was about to sit down, there were thumbtacks there. A whole bunch of them. So I picked them up, and then...yeah. That brings back memories!"

"When did you get invited to join Mion's club? On the first day?"

"Well, at first there weren't any clubs. They were formed along the way. ...Everyone suggested staying after school and having a gaming tournament."

"Now that you mention it... I remember Mion saying she was the first department head. That makes sense."

"It's a secret, but Mii-chan, you were weak at first. I couldn't win at all."

"Really?! Mion?! I can't imagine it!"

"I suggested the punishment game myself, and I ended up doing most of it myself. Haha! It's really a secret!"

"That Mion...! ...And before long, she'll transform into a demonic girl who will stop at nothing to win. Mion's true colors are revealed when she starts playing dirty!"

"I slowly made friends with people other than Mii-chan... but, yeah, I think it was after Keiichi-kun moved in that I finally realized I'd settled in here."

I wonder if Rena kept the story of Oyashiro-sama a secret when she first moved here. ...I wonder if she'll only recognize me as one of her friends once she tells me about Oyashiro-sama.

If that's the case, then maybe I've been kept in the dark... and they still don't recognize me as a true friend...

"When will I be recognized as a member of the team?"

"Huh? What did you say?"

"...No, sorry. I was just talking to myself."

"Hahaha. Keiichi, you're weird."

Rena laughed heartily, but I didn't laugh along with her...

I suddenly stopped in my tracks and... made up my mind and said it.

"Hey, Rena. You're not lying or hiding anything from me, are you...?"

"Huh... I haven't. Not at all."

"You're kidding, right...?"

Rena also stopped in her tracks. Her expression was cold and a little dry. …Because my words were even more dry.

"What does that mean...? Keiichi-kun."

His tone was the same bright, slightly playful one as before. I hoped that his dry words were a mishearing. It was a voice that made me want to believe that.

But...I want to make it clear again that I didn't mishear.

"You're hiding something from me, aren't you?

When Rena understood what I meant, her expression stiffened. Seeing her face, I regretted ever having spoken so carelessly. However, Rena's response was different from what I had imagined.

"So then, Keiichi... I wonder if you, Keiichi, are lying or hiding something from Rena and the others?"

"…………picture."

Her tone was the same as always, but... it was an expression I'd never seen before from Rena. My eyes were pierced by a sharp gaze that I'd never expected from Rena.

That question was one I should have asked. …And then, not even three blinks of an eye passed, but now I was the one being asked the question.

"That's what I want to hear..." I wanted to say, but the glare from Rena's eyes forced the words down my throat.

"Maybe I haven't? Lying or hiding things...maybe?"

You do. It's a secret. Rena didn't say it out loud, but... that's what she continued to do.

It's true... with the Tomitake incident... and the sense of alienation I feel from everyone. I don't even have to ask myself... I have some guilt...

But... I'm not telling everyone about Tomitake-san's incident... because I think I'm being considerate. ... Just like everyone is being considerate to me and hiding the story of Oyashiro-sama, I'll hide it too... So... isn't it a draw...?

"...I didn't. I didn't lie. I didn't hide anything."

"That's a lie."

I was shocked by his immediate reply.

Rena stared at me intently, her gaze cold and cold... I couldn't believe that Rena could look me in the eye like that.

"...Why did you say it was a lie..."

"Keiichi, you said that you were called by the teacher during club activities yesterday and went to the staff room, right? ...Rena knows. Keiichi never went to the staff room."

I swallowed hard... That wasn't some Rena bluff... it was the truth.

"The teacher said that a visitor had come, right? But they weren't talking at the entrance. They were talking in a car at the school gate. With a man I didn't know!"

"...... Uh,"

Rena... knows everything... Even that I was called by Oishi-san and had to listen to Tomitake-san's story in the car... Everything?!

"Who's that old man?"

"I, I don't know this person...!"

"Why would a stranger like you want to know Keiichi?"

"I, I want to know!"

"Then what were you talking about?"

"This has nothing to do with you guys...!"

That's a lie.

"That's a lie! !!! 」

Rena's screams tricked the woodcutter spirits among the trees... The sound of startled birds flapping their wings in a panic broke the silence.

I took a deep breath and couldn't let it out. No, it wouldn't even let me breathe out.

It was then that I realized for the first time that the person before me was not Ryuuguu Rena.

…Then…who on earth is this person standing before me? …Who is this person who looks like Ryuugu Rena?

It literally held me breath for so long that I nearly choked...

"hey?"

"That guy" smiled with the same smile that Rena always wore.

...Even though it was Rena's usual gentle smile...I remained frozen.

Rena moves closer to me, and I can feel her breath and sigh on my face. ...I don't feel any excitement.

Her lips were getting closer... But she was terrified. She thought someone with Rena's face was going to bite her nose and tear it off...

However, her lips stopped at the tip of my nose. And then... as if she could see through my thoughts, she grinned.

"Just like Keiichi-kun has secrets and things to hide...Rena and the others have theirs too, right?"

Rena... had her usual smile... but a hawk-like look in her eyes... she moved her face so close that their noses almost touched... "Gently," she admonished.

I can't nod or shake my head. I'm just... terrified... of the person in front of me... of the person who looks like Rena.

The sound of my saliva swallowing was so loud I was afraid someone might hear me.

After what seemed like an eternity... a long blank period... he says.

"Let's go. It's getting pretty cool."

It was Rena.

It was a soft word, something Rena often said.

She smiled once more, then turned around on her heels and started walking as if nothing had happened. ...The moment I was released from his gaze, my knees gave way and I dropped to the ground in a sloppy manner.

...In the end, I couldn't even move a finger until his back disappeared from my sight.

"...Who was that...?"

...My whole body was covered in cold, yet sticky sweat.

I finally managed to force a voice from the back of my throat and asked myself again.

That was... someone in the shape of Ryuuguu Rena... who was that?

The distorted chorus of Higurashi birds, like something you'd hear on a distorted cassette tape, filled my head. Of course, that chorus never answered my question.

Komiya Shobou phone number

I don't remember how I got back home.

...I just lay there staring blankly at the ceiling of my room.

Then he remembered his conversation with Rena...and was stunned, not even knowing if it was real or an illusion...

Was I furious with Rena and scared? No, that wasn't it. It was something else, something similar to Rena.

So... who was that? That's the horrible feeling.

But that person and Rena are two different people, so I'll be able to talk to her tomorrow as usual. It was a strange relief.

My rationality told me that I should just clear my mind and not think about anything else. But all of these things were jumbled together in my head, making a lot of noise.

...Suddenly I regained consciousness and heard my mother calling me from downstairs.

"Keiichi! There's a call from the bookstore."

A bookstore? I don't remember receiving a call. I went downstairs and picked up the phone.

"Sorry for calling so late. I'm Oishi from Kogu Bookstore."

"Oishi-san? ...It's Oishi-san!"

"I'm sorry. Your parents answered the door, so I said I was a bookstore owner. If I told them I was the police, they might feel uncomfortable."

It seems that Oishi was trying to be considerate in his own way.

Still, I didn't want my parents to see me talking to the police, so I switched to the handset and ran back upstairs to my room.

"I'm sorry to bother you so late at night. Actually, the phone number I gave you yesterday was an old number. I'm so sorry. Could you please make a note of the number I'm about to give you?"

"Ah, yes. ...Um...please."

Ask for their direct line number and write it down.

I thought that would be the end of our business, but we started making small talk and they wouldn't let me hang up.

"Well, Maehara-san, has anything changed?"

…I see. So this is the main point. I was put off for a moment by his roundabout, adult-like way of speaking.

"Oishi-san... are you a local?"

"Yes, that's right. I was born and raised in Xing Palace."

If you're a local, you might know.

I decided to talk about that creepy conversation Rena and Mion had during lunch break...

"Um, Oishi-san... do you know what 'Onikakushi' means?"

"Well, that's when a person is kidnapped by a demon and suddenly disappears. That's a unique way of saying it. It has the same meaning as what we call "spirited away."

…I had assumed that it meant something similar to being spirited away, so it wasn't a particularly surprising reply. …But even so, to me at the time, this reply gave me a sense of security.

This old man, who is much older than me, answered immediately what I couldn't even ask my friends. ...I was a little happy that he answered so frankly and immediately.

"Hinamizawa is... Hmm, I wonder if it's okay to say something like this to Maehara-san."

"Don't be so pretentious. If you don't say anything, then I won't say anything either!"

"Oh, no, no! That's not what I meant. I was just worried that you might be offended. ...The truth is, in the past, Hinamizawa was known as the village inhabited by demons and was feared."

"Demon? Demon is that one in hell with the iron club?"

"Well, more accurately, it's a man-eating demon. There's a scary old story about it coming down to a village and kidnapping people and eating them."

Apparently, this act of a demon kidnapping a person is originally called "Onikakushi"...

"...You said that curses and demon-hiding occur together... What does that mean?"

I already know that people have been dying mysteriously for five years in a row. But at the same time, I've never heard of people disappearing for five years in a row. But I think Rena and the others said something like, "Curses and Onikakushi always happen together."

"Curses and demon-hiding always go hand in hand? I've never heard that before. Is that true, Maehara-san?"

"That's what I want to hear. Rena and Mion were talking about it. They said that if it's Oyashiro-sama's curse, then the curse and the Onikakushi will definitely occur."

Oishi begins groaning on the other end of the phone... I wonder if he has any idea what's going on.

"Maehara-san, you know the first case, right? The dismemberment murder."

"Yes. Of the six perpetrators, one is still on the run, right?"

"For example... I think he wasn't on the run, but was instead in Onikakushi?"

"picture⁉"

...That was an extremely bold hypothesis on Mr. Oishi's part.

The incident four years ago was a rare and brutal one. The culprit had already been identified. The police had printed numerous wanted posters with his face. They were keeping a close eye on every possible escape route.

But... four years later, there are still no clues... unless the police are incompetent. Even such a bold hypothesis... can't be laughed off now.

The last culprit of the dismemberment murders isn't still on the run... but... has he already disappeared... in Onikakushi...?

"Well, what about the accident the following year? The man who supported the plan and his wife both died in the accident, right?"

"Well, officially, only the husband died in the accident. The wife's body was never recovered. Under current law, a person is considered missing unless their body is discovered."

At the time of the accident, the river below the cliff was swollen and muddy. Police divers thoroughly searched the main river and its tributaries, stretching for several dozen kilometers, but in the end, the wife's body was never found.

"But... they just haven't found their bodies, so they're dead, right? Isn't this different from Onikakushi...?"

"If the body isn't found, it can't be said that the person is dead. They are considered alive until the legally specified number of years has passed."

I don't know if I can call this a "demon hiding"... My wife is missing. No body has been found. These are the only facts.

"What about the third year? The priest died of illness, and his wife committed suicide...?"

"Maehara-san, actually, this is exactly the same thing."

It seems his wife threw herself into a bottomless swamp deep in Hinamizawa... In other words, all we have is circumstantial evidence: a suicide note and a pair of sandals lined up in front of the swamp...

Divers descended into the swamp and recovered some personal belongings, but were unable to find the body.

The investigation headquarters is still searching for him as a key person of interest, as it is suspected that the suicide was staged.

"I'm not sure if I can call these cases "demon hiding places," but as Maehara-san says, it's certainly true that one person goes missing every year."

"In this year's case... the woman who was with Tomitake has gone missing... What about last year's case of the housewife who was beaten to death? Did anyone go missing? I'm sure the culprit was arrested, right?"

"Yes, he was arrested. He's a complete idiot with a history of stimulant addiction. He confessed to the crime during questioning in a separate case. However, a while after the culprit's arrest, the victim's child went missing. We don't know if he was involved in the crime or not... We're still searching for him."

"But the culprit was caught, right? Or his accomplice?"

"Well... I think it was probably a lone assassin. However, there's no way to be sure now. The truth is, the man died in the detention center during questioning."

He choked on a spork, but it was unclear whether it was suicide or an accident.

"So that means... there has always been at least one death and one missing person in the past five years, right...?"

"That's true... I'm surprised too. I hadn't noticed such a common thread."

I don't think this will be a clue to solving the case...it's just a common denominator.

"...For example...do the people who disappeared in the Onikakushi incident...have something in common?"

Oishi-san seems to be pondering, groaning. I'll sort it out for him.

"The first year was a dam worker. The second year was the wife of a man who supported the plan. The third year was the wife of the priest. The fourth year was a child of the victim's family, and the fifth year was his girlfriend... I think. ...There doesn't seem to be any particular connection."

"Aside from the first year, wives, partners, etc... people like that stand out."

…It certainly felt like a lot. If that's the case…then the children in the victim's home in the fourth year are different.

While the damage to couples is noticeable, only in this case it's not a couple, but a parent and child. ...Come to think of it...I'm sure Tomitake said something like, "The younger brother is still alive and has moved away."

"The kid that went missing in the fourth year... what was it like?"

"He seemed like a quiet man. He's one year older than you. His name is Hojo Satoshi."

"...Eh, Satoshi...?!"

It was a name I'd heard before. I'm sure Satoshi said he'd transferred schools last year...? Yes, his name was on the culprit card in that mystery card game...

"I went to your school last year. Haven't you heard the story?"

Come to think of it... when I transferred to this school and was shown to my seat, I think I was told that it was the seat for a transfer student...

So... the seat I'm sitting in... is the seat of the girl who disappeared... in Onikakushi?

I remember the cool feel of the desk top and shudder...

The series of mysterious deaths... no, the curse of Oyashiro-sama has finally... been connected to me.

That's why that cold touch... felt like Oyashiro-sama was stroking my neck...

"...Is this the curse of Oyashiro-sama?"

...Is it true... that the curse of Oyashiro-sama really exists?

I'll be honest and confess. I believe in the curse of Oyashiro-sama. And it scares me. That's why I want to conclude that it's not a curse, but a conspiracy hatched by someone.

But no matter how much I investigate, there is no sign of anything like that. In fact, the more I investigate, the more mysterious it becomes.

...If I continue to investigate like this... eventually... I might end up finding out things that I really shouldn't know... I've already learned many things I don't need to know, and before I know it, I've been drawn into depths that I shouldn't have gone into...

To continue living in ignorance, or to continue delving deeper in search of answers I might regret... Which would make me happier? Is now the time to turn back? Or is it already too late?

Maybe... next year's curse will be mine. ...But I'll just have to bear it for a year...?

...Then I remember. ...It was Rena. Rena had said that she would be the next victim of the curse.

"...You mean Ryuuguu Rena? She's Maehara's classmate who transferred here last year, right? ...These are all very shocking incidents for a girl. I suppose it's no wonder she's scared."

"No, it's not like that. I'll be next," he said clearly. His tone made it seem like he had a specific idea in mind.

"...I think it was more of a conviction. ...How can I put it, well..."

Rena's fear. Rena's drastic change. Someone who resembles Rena, but is not Rena...

…Is that an unrelated matter? The strange feeling I had about Rena all day came back to me.

"I see... Then I will investigate a bit here. Maehara-san, please keep an eye on Ryuugu-san as well."

"...Does that mean... I should keep an eye on Rena?"

"That's not what I meant, Maehara-san. I just want you to be a little more considerate so that your friend doesn't become the next victim."

I was impressed by his truly mature and clever way of speaking, and was about to be speechless...

Bang bang!

My heart leaped at the sudden knock on the door. In a panic, I instinctively hid the receiver.

"Keiichi, can you open this up for me?"

From the other side of the door came my dad's voice, sounding oddly in a good mood. What? And at this hour.

"Sorry, my dad's here. Is that enough for tonight?"

"Yes. I'm really sorry for calling so late at night. Please let me know if you find out anything. I'll contact you if there's any progress. Well then, I'll be off."

"Keiichi, please open it quickly. Dad has his hands full."

What is Dad doing? I had been on the phone for a long time in the same position, so when I stood up my joints started to hurt.

When I opened the door, my father was standing there holding a tray in both hands. On the tray were... cookies, a rare find in our house, and two teacups of tea. Cubes of sugar and lemon slices. It was everything I could ask for. ...No matter how you look at it, the service was just too good.

"Wh, what, Dad? What are you trying to do?"

"Come on, Keiichi, don't dodge the question. Let's go in."

My dad was in such a good mood he was grinning. However... I have never received such service in my life. What on earth could be going on here?

"So, what were you talking about?"

It's a shock. ...I know I shouldn't have to hide this from my dad, but...I can't really explain why I was talking on the phone with a police officer at night.

"N-nothing really... We're just friends...!"

"I'm not talking about the phone call. Rena-chan just came over."

……？

I don't really understand what my father means.

"...He's not here? I mean, what are you talking about...?"

"Come on, there's no need to lie! Rena came over to visit a while ago. She seemed to be having a long conversation, so I thought I'd meet her for tea, but we just missed each other."

Even after he said that, I still couldn't understand what my father was saying... And yet, a cold sweat started to flow down my back, freezing me to death...

"How long have we been talking...?"

"Rena-chan went upstairs about half an hour ago, so maybe about an hour?"

"He went upstairs...Did you see Dad?"

"Yeah, I saw it. I also called out to him that Keiichi's room was up the stairs and at the back door."

Rena came to my house an hour ago. My dad greeted her at the front door and called out to me from upstairs. I'm sure he was concentrating on Oishi-san's phone call and didn't hear.

I didn't reply, but my dad knew I was in my room, so he asked Rena to come in. ...He then told her my room was at the back of the second floor. ...Rena thanked my dad and went up the stairs...A little over an hour later...She passed my dad coming up with tea and then went home.

It took about an hour after I climbed the stairs, and then I passed my dad and headed home.

So... then... from the time I went up the stairs... until I got home... where was Rena...?

Between my room and the stairs...there's just a narrow hallway.

So...Rena had been standing in the hallway...no, in front of my room for almost an hour...

The door to my room isn't particularly thick, so most of the conversations inside would pass right through.

...The many disturbing and careless conversations I had with Oishi flashed through my mind...

"Dad, don't tease me too much. Better clean up the studio. I'll spill it again."

My mother called my father downstairs, who gave a disappointing smile and went downstairs, leaving the tray behind.

As I watched my father leave the room in a daze, I looked down at the hallway floor, where Rena might have been standing all this time.

Just now... while I was talking to Oishi-san... Rena was standing behind my back, just 200 centimeters away... the whole time...?

Why have I been in such a dimly lit hallway all this time...? What am I looking at? What am I hearing? What am I here for?

While listening to the phone call between me and Oishi-san...?

The faint steam from the two teacups distorted into an ominous shape, filling my room with the aroma of tea...

Higurashi When They Cry Episode 1 - Onikakushi-hen - Continued in Volume 2

This story is fiction and has no connection to any real people, organizations, or events.

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Higurashi When They Cry

Episode 1: Onikakushi-hen (Part 1)

Issued on July 1, 2020 (01)

Author: Ryukishi07

©Ryukishi07 2020

Publisher: Katsushi Ota

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