Part 107: December 17 - December 19: Sanzo's Comeuppance

-Omen-

> You overhear students talking.


Sporty student: Before I used to think that school without clubs was worthless...But I'm getting used to life without any clubs. I'm actually kind of relieved. It's one less thing for me to worry about. Please don't leave, fog! Stick around for a while!
Younger student: I totally agree with you, Senpai! The fog is so thick that I don't have to worry about how people react to what I say. If I can't see them, then I can just assume their reaction was whatever I wanted! So I can say anything I want!
Sporty student: Yeah, you're right. If you don't see other people, you kinda stop caring about them, right? Same goes for me; I used to worry about others so much before, but now...Psh, I just look out for number one. I've never felt this way before, but it's not bad at all.

-Specialist-


Mr. Hosoi: Besides, sometimes it's nice when visibility is horrible...You don't have to make eye contact with anyone. You know, I think I'm starting to like foggy weather. Oh yeah. We should get on with the lecture. We'll work on proverbs today. Sato-chan, do you know the intent behind the phrase, "Compassion is not for the good of others?"


Compassion makes you look better.
Mr. Hosoi: Correct, Sato-chan! Or, rather, Genjo-chan, for taking compassion on her. So, what does that mean? Why does compassion benefit yourself? It's because when you show compassion to others, they will show compassion to you in turn, so you should be kind to everyone. People often think that compassion is a weakness or a crutch, but that's not true.
I guess he knew I was asking you, Sanzo-kun. Thanks!

-Like A Dream Come True-

> You helped out at the day care center.


Boy: That's not Misaki! That's Phoenix Ranger Featherman R's enemy in disguise!
Yuuta: ...Then I quit playing Phoenix Ranger Featherman R!

> It looks like Yuuta is protecting a girl...You decided to escort Eri and Yuuta part of the way home.

-Smile-


Yuuta: I'm going to play by the river!
Nakamura-sensei...Oh, I-I apologize for the trouble Yuuta caused at school...

> The woman seems to be a teacher at Yuuta's school.

Ms. Nakamura: Yuuta-kun really is rambunctious. You can tell how he was raised...Oh, who is this? He seems a bit young to be your husband.
I'm a day care assistant.
Ms. Nakamura: Oh, I see. Looking after Yuuta-kun's a tough job, isn't it? Even so, he is quite young. I guess people from the city are different from us country people. I guess it can't be helped that Yuuta-kun has turned out this way.
......
Ms. Nakamura: It's sooo burdensome to make extra lesson copies for him. I have to use my private time for that, you know? Well, I suppose it's all part of my job.
I-I'm sorry...
Ms. Nakamura: If it was just his grades, that would be one thing, but then there's his slight violent streak, too. It's easy to laugh off now, but eventually it'll turn into bullying...Which leads to delinquency, which in turn leads one day into...crime.
......
Ms. Nakamura: ...Well, I must be on my way. I'm sorry to have bothered you.


They all gossip about me because I'm a second wife, and an outsider...And you know how Yuuta is, right? So, it's impossible for me to make any friends here. If only...If only he was a more studious child...
It's not his fault.
Then, what? It's all my fault!? I'm doing my best! And yet...! I'm fed up, I'm just sick of it all! Why does this always happen to me...!?

> Eri started crying...





> Yuuta punched you as hard as he could...

A-Are you all right...?
Yuuta: ......
I just had something in my eye, Yuuta. Mister Sanzo wasn't bullying me...
Yuuta: ......
*chuckle* I-I'm sorry. But...Thank you. I guess I'm...happy.

> Eri is smiling through her tears...


Bye, now. I'll see you again at the day care center.
Let's go home...Yuuta.

> You finished your job and went home, completely unfazed by any punches you may have been hit with...





-How Much?-


Do you remember those letters I gave you before? Well, I found more of them.

> Obtained Hisano's Letters.

-Traumerei-



> You told her that you had found these at Daidara as well.

So, he'd been keeping my letters in the storehouse as well...Haha...We thought alike.
I need to throw these away as well...But first, can you let me read them?


"We compared our hair, / now it reaches my shoulders. / If not you, then who / will tie it up for me when / it becomes necessary? The path you left on has long been buried by fallen leaves. Will I be able to meet you again when the cherry blossoms bloom and the cicadas buzz? Each day grows brighter. I can feel you coming closer, step by step."
...I wrote this decades ago, but who knew that I would become Death...?

> Hisano began reading the next letter...

"That poem you sent me was from the Ise, wasn't it? It's fitting, as I'm waiting here for you. But I wish I could just spring away from here and run to your arms. It would be an adventure to search for the 'Cowrie of the Swallows' in order to win your heart. If I could transform my heart into the wind and make it rush to your side, would you take it into your hand?"
...I loved him this much...And because I loved him, it saddened me that he forgot my love. I was miserable and jealous...I was a fool...I was left behind because I was such a fool...He...He was all that I had...Now, he's gone...I must accept that...
Hang in there.
You're right...But can I do it...?

> Hisano smiles through her tears. You feel that you've touched Hisano's heart...


Thank you...If it's okay with you...I'd like to see you again.

> You left Hisano and went home.





-Omen-


Today's already the 19th...The year's almost over. It feels like it's been so long...But so short at the same time, you know? You know...The way people in town have been acting lately is no joke anymore...But, we've come so far! We've discovered the real killer ourselves! All that's left...is the final showdown. We've gotta get that bastard Adachi, no matter what! I have a feeling that the town will go back to normal when we do. Let's make sure we win this! I'm counting on you, Leader!
I'll be counting on you too.
Gotcha! You can count on me to do anything! If you and everyone else are with me, Sanzo-kun, I'm unstoppable!

-Fearful Experience-

> The classroom is in an uproar...


Female student: Really!? Why would a student rep do that!? Either way, that's crazy!
Male student: For real!
Mrs. Nakayama: Ahem! The student rep in question is just ill from the fog! You shouldn't make assumptions without evidence! Not to mention, fog-induced illness is painful, you know that!? I'm certain the student rep is ill from the fog! The other teachers told me!

> The uproar only grows louder...

-Omen-


Yeah, let's go! Hurry, let's go. Take me out.

-Everyday Sunshine-

> Junes Food Court...You decided to come here for a rest after helping Marie with her shopping.









> Everyone seems to have gathered around. You spend a fun time with everyone, including Marie...It has grown late, so you leave everyone and escort Marie back to the Velvet Room.

-Omen-



This place is proper creepy on foggy nights.