Concealed Sentiments

Under the shimmering moonlight, Hoshiyo, Tanuki, and Hachiman sprinted through a narrow road flanked by planted rows of lush rice fields. The night air was cool and filled with the soothing rustle of rice leaves.

Hoshiyo blushed, admiring Hachiman as he ran, his fur ruffled by the wind. She caught a whiff of the ocean and seaweed mingled with his scent, and she couldn't help but notice his striking features - those captivating sky-blue eyes. She observed how his eyes shifted in color depending on his surroundings on land. His presence was utterly captivating, and his combat abilities were remarkable. Hoshiyo pondered whether he could impart his skills to her one day.

A surreal scene unfolded before them as the trio sped along the road. Dozens of humans toiled in the moonlit night, their figures silhouetted against the rice paddies. Wearing only Fundoshi, their bare bodies glistened with sweat as they tirelessly worked in the harvest.

Hoshiyo, delicately breaking the looming silence, inquired, "Where exactly are we heading?"

"We're heading to a small island linked to this one, but we need to locate a boat near Amaterasu's shrine," Hachiman answered.

"A boat?" Hoshiyo sought clarification.

The Tanuki chuckled and replied, "Yeah, have you ever heard fishermen grumble about forgetting to secure their boats and watching them drift away? Well, that's us when we 'borrow' a boat, but rest assured, we always return it. We're not that heartless."

The expansive rice fields guided them to a thick forest, eventually reaching the cliff's edge. Hachiman gracefully eased his speed, walking steadily beside Hoshiyo. The leaves crunched beneath their paws as they continued their journey.

Restless, Hoshiyo's gaze darted around, the weight of the awkward silence pressing down on her. The discomfort was heightened by the awareness of her obvious crush on him. Various opening lines danced in her mind, yet she struggled to settle on anything more than a straightforward question. "Why did Amaterasu ask me to help her younger brother? I was born a weak little girl and reborn a weak Kami. Nothing has changed, and I don't think it ever will. I can't do anything to help her brother." 

Hachiman paused, looking deep into her eyes, "Do not victimize yourself for challenges beyond your control."

Hoshiyo frowned, "But how can I be strong when everything feels so overwhelming?"

Hachiman replied, "Strength is not measured in the absence of challenges but in your ability to rise above them. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and you will grow stronger. You have the heart of a Kami, Hoshiyo. Someday, you will be as strong as any of us, even if you doubt it now."

"That's easy for you to say. You weren't born a human," Hoshiyo sighed.

"I am the son of Empress Jingū and Emperor Ōjin. After dedicating years of my life to this country, Emperor Kanmu declared me the protector of Japan, solidifying my place within the Imperial court," Hachiman admitted.

"You were a human too?" Hoshiyo whispered.

"I was torn away from my family, stripped of my title as a prince. Learning without a teacher takes time, but it's not impossible. Don't give up hope."

"Thank you," Hoshiyo whispered.

Hachiman smiled warmly at her, continuing to lead her through the enchanting dense forest until they reached a breathtaking stone shrine surrounded by vibrant redwoods. Inside the shrine, Amaterasu awaited their return. Although Hoshiyo wondered how Amaterasu had returned to her shrine so quickly, she refrained from asking, not wanting to be impolite.

"Thank you for coming. Every day, I sit at the island's edge, overseeing my little brother from a distance. I worry for him, but our relationship is unlike that of other Kami siblings. Our moral values and powers may clash, but I love him no matter what," Amaterasu shared.

"Don't worry, Amaterasu," Hoshiyo responded with a determined smile. "I'll help save your brother, no matter the cost."

"That's quite bold for a young Kami. I'll take your word for it," Amaterasu replied.

Hachiman stepped closer, gazing past the cliff. "We're in luck today; one of the humans left their fishing boats behind."

"We don't know what condition he's in; let's hurry," Hoshiyo urged.

With a nod, Hachiman gracefully descended the boulders on the cliff, and the others followed suit. They reached a boat resting on the rocky shores—a small rowboat crafted from roughly cut wood. Inside, an old oil lantern cast a warm glow, and a bag of fruits and vegetables awaited. The Tanuki smiled, considering them a kind offering, even though they weren't meant for him.

Hachiman took the lead, stepping into the boat first to ensure its stability for their journey. Stretching out, he positioned himself on the rowboat, finding a comfortable spot to weather the night's voyage. As Hoshiyo observed the boat, a realization struck her.

"Wait, who's going to row? We don't have hands," she pointed out.

Hachiman smiled and shifted his gaze towards the Tanuki. "True, we don't, but our Tanuki friend here does."

The Tanuki shot Hachiman a disdainful look, growling in protest. "My hands are too small for rowing. The Yokai of the ocean can assist us."

Hoshiyo scanned the ocean's rocky shore, unable to spot any other creatures. Puzzled, she inquired, "What other Yokai?"

A sudden eerie bellowing noise emanated from the dark ocean, its source obscured by the night. Undeterred, the Tanuki leaped into the boat, waving to Hoshiyo to join.

However, Hoshiyo clenched her teeth and tilted her ears back. "I'm not going anywhere until I know what that was."

With a playful chuckle, the Tanuki responded, "Didn't you tell Amaterasu you'd do anything to help Susano?"

Hoshiyo glared at them and reluctantly agreed, "Fine, but I'm coming after you if I encounter any trouble."

"Yokai can't harm you, but as a Kami, you can affect them," the Tanuki reassured.

Taking a deep breath, Hoshiyo cautiously stepped into the small boat, somehow fitting all three occupants inside. The Tanuki, with a bit of acrobatics, squirmed his way to the top of Hoshiyo's head, securing a vantage point to peer into the mysterious ocean.

"You know, if you had real hands, we wouldn't be in this situation," Hoshiyo teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Tanuki said, "Well, excuse me for being the only one with functional hands. Maybe you should've evolved some opposable thumbs!"

The night sky cast a light blue hue over the ocean water, and tiny sparkling lights resembling fireflies danced on the surface as a black shadow in the ocean rowed the boat further from the shore. A small island and a few larger ones emerged in the distance. Hoshiyo, awestruck by the magnitude of the islands, couldn't help but express her admiration. "How many islands are there?"

Tanuki glanced at the horizon. "Oh, there are quite a few. Legends say that each island has unique magic and story."

Hachiman leaned back, enjoying the scenery, and added, "Indeed. These islands have witnessed countless tales of Kami, humans, and creatures alike. It's a place where magic and humanity intertwine."

The ominous shadow beneath the boat sent an uneasy shiver down Hoshiyo's spine. Compelled by curiosity, she leaned over the edge to investigate, her eyes widening at seeing a mysterious silhouette resembling a colossal fish—perhaps a shark or even a whale.

"What is that?" Hoshiyo exclaimed, her voice filled with horror as she recoiled from the edge.

With a calm demeanor, Hachiman reassured her, "It's only a Kagewani."

"A Kagewani?" she questioned, still wide-eyed and frightened.

Hachiman explained the mysterious Kagewani, "These creatures inhabit the shallow waters along the rocky Sea of Japan coastline. Hidden beneath the water's surface, they remain out of sight, waiting for the moment. When a person's shadow falls upon the water—be it a fisherman out at sea or someone standing on a cliff overlooking the water—a Kagewani will swiftly snatch up that person's shadow in a single gulp. It's said that when a Kagewani consumes a shadow, the owner of the shadow vanishes without a trace, never to be seen again."

"What?" Hoshiyo panicked.

Hachiman's smirk widened as he delved into the chilling legend, his voice carrying an eerie weight. "Legend has it that long ago, near a fishing village, two fishermen ventured out to sea on a serene day. Leaning over the edge of their boat, they peered into the depths with a water scope, curious about the underwater world below. Suddenly, without warning, one of the fishermen disappeared into thin air, not even a ripple marking his disappearance. The remaining fisherman searched, but his companion had vanished without a trace. Returning to shore, he rallied the villagers, launching a desperate search party, but no sign of the missing fisherman was ever uncovered. Thus, the villagers learned of the ominous presence of a Kagewani lurking off their shores."

Hachiman paused, allowing the weight of the tale to sink in before continuing, "Near the village, another fisherman faced a harrowing encounter with a Kagewani while at sea. The monstrous creature lunged at him, devouring his shadow in a single gulp. Swift on his feet, the fisherman retaliated, firing his rifle at the beast. Believing he had cheated death, he proceeded to finish his fishing and set sail for home. However, as he leaped from his boat onto the sandy shore, a sharp object pierced his foot—a bone of the very Kagewani he had thought defeated. Tragically, he perished on the spot, his demise a chilling reminder of the dangerous waters haunted by the Kagewani."

"I'm grateful I never had to experience something so horrible," Hoshiyo whimpered. A sudden breeze swept through them, jolting the boat dramatically. Hoshiyo trembled like a leaf, the cold seeping into her bones. Sensing her discomfort, Hachiman lifted himself off the ship and nestled beside her, providing warmth in the chilling night. He felt a twitch of guilt for subjecting her to an unexpected plunge into the ocean.

"Thank you," Hoshiyo blushed, expressing her gratitude.

Hachiman remained silent, his gaze fixed on the emerging silhouette of his island in the distance. The remainder of the evening felt slightly uneasy, leaving Hoshiyo in the dark about Hachiman's thoughts.

The Tanuki, breaking the silence, pointed to a small island on the horizon and shouted, "We're here."

Hachiman smiled, breaking his stoic demeanor, and announced, "Welcome to my home, Matsushima Island." The Kagewani accelerated through the ocean, guiding them to a crafted wooden dock. Despite its emptiness, rows of boats lined the shore, neatly arranged side by side. Hoshiyo glanced toward the shore before setting foot on the sand, strolling away from the water. Hachiman shadowed her closely, aiming to traverse the village swiftly before the inhabitants awakened.

Tanuki waved to the Kagewani's lingering shadow in the ocean, "Thank you, friend. When we return, I hope we can rely on your assistance again."

The Kagewani emitted a resonant bellow, echoing like a whale's song, as it gracefully glided away from the shores to join the ethereal company of other Yokai in the vast ocean. Tanuki, aware that these Yokai were once fishermen who had met their demise in the depths, their bodies dropped to the ocean floor, couldn't help but feel empathy. In aiding them, he found solace in bringing joy to their afterlives. He sprinted up the sandy beach with a solemn nod, eager to rejoin his wolf Kami companions. The journey, he knew, was far from its conclusion.