Book 13 Chapter 03 湘南人魚 Trans-summary

From Chinese translations by Hinako.

Draft: Version 1 - final
Notes: 尼斯湖 Loch Ness; 材木座 Zaimokuza; 藤澤/藤泽 Fujisawa; 由比濱 Yuihama; 稻村崎 Inamura peninsula; 秋田 Akita; 相模湾 Sagamiwan; 七里濱 Shichiri beach; 江之電/江之电 Enoden; 表參道 Omotesandou; 近江 Oumi; 竹生島 Chikubushima; 鴨根 Kamone
PS: do not distribute this without my permission

- Sakaki and Nikaidou are investigating the scene; Sakaki still doubtful of Nikaido's worth and makes sarcastic remarks; Nikaido tells Sakaki to stop it, saying that she'd sense some strange spiritual waveform in the place
- Sakaki is still sarcastic and somewhat distrustful; apparently Sasaki is very capable prosecutor
- they are now in the Kanagawa prefecture, Fujisawa city, at the residence of the deceased Gotou Haruo, a member of the city council, investigating his sudden death
- four days ago, Gotou, a fairly healthy 38-year-old with no history of ailments suffered sudden death in his residence in the early morning; most interesting is his cause of death -> health failure
- Sakaki heard that he was the nephew of Sada, the former chancellor of the Ministry of Justice; he also thinks his death doesn't have anything to do with the bizarre happenings of #36
- Nikaidou reasons that it's strange for a healthy man to suddenly show signs of weakening health and die 10 days after onset of symptoms; Sakaki still thinks time would be better spent investigating that youngster (Takaya)
- they then meet with Gotou's secretary and wife, Mayumi

- Mayumi tells them that her husband told her in a dream-like manner that he had been summoned by the Enma Daio, about 2 weeks ago; he would wake up at midnight, go to the garden and start praying to something, facing the southeastern direction; but by morning he doesn't remember doing that
- they realize the direction to be facing Enoshima
- Mayumi then says that her husband mentioned having toured Hell; every evening he would be taken by 10 kings in a dream and traverse the entire region of Hell, sometimes wanting him to disembowel himself, sometimes wanting him to walk on nails, thereafter his health began to deteriorate
- when asked why did her husband have such dreams, Mayumi doesn't know; she then tries to attribute the failure in health to problems in his work surrounding the plans of creating a tourist site at the estuary of Enoshima; this is a well-publicized undertaking in Fujisawa city, a plan to make Enoshima a tourist attraction; however this is only what appears to be the case on the surface, in truth some private company is intending to purchase all the facilities of the island
- collaborating with several MPs, they're planning to buy up Enoshima shrine, cave, hotels, restaurants to create a new tourist center
- Enoshima is well-known cultural center; the Shounan region was the birthplace of water sports events; even though it's mostly inhabited by young people these days, the traditions never died; except that now with this plans to transform it into a tourist attraction, Enoshima would be drastically altered
- Gotou was somewhat reluctant to proceed with the plans and brought the opinions of the locals to the board, after that this incident happened to him
- Nikaido asks Mayumi if her husband's dreams have something to do with Enoshima; Mayumi is uncertain but mentions that Gotou told her that the Enma Daio wanted his help to open the wind caves, thereby creating a passageway that leads to Hell
- the aforementioned cave refers to certain rock cave in Enoshima; from Enoshima shrine, in front of Okutsu shrine, inside the Iwaya cave; legend has it that this is the place where Benzaiten descended in the ancient times - the birthplace of Benzaiten's conviction; legend also says this is also the place where Koubou Daishi and the Nichiren holy priest practiced discipline, and many pilgrims have journeyed to this location since the early days; however after the accident with falling rocks in the 46th year of the Showa era, entry was prohibited; owing to constant requests to reopen the cave, the restriction was lifted on the fifth spring of the Heisei period, and now it's a popular tourist attraction
- how could that cave be the 'passageway to Hell'? Sakaki and Nikaido decide to investigate further

- Nikaido feels that the possibility of a curse is very likely, especially with the spiritual waveform she sensed; Sakaki thinks some kind of bribery was involved but muses that the Enma Daio can't be the one responsible; they agree that Nikaido will investigate the spiritual side of things and Sakaki will look into the MPs and company involved
- when Nikaido wants to investigate the cave and the surroundings, Sakaki asks her if she believes the rumors that have been spreading around of late; he thinks it's probably due to too much influence from the Loch Ness legend or due to some fish with human-looking face; the magazines are just cashing in on the latest hot topic
- Nikaido insists on going because there have been witnesses; she also cheekily adds that if she's lucky she'll bring him some beautiful pictures of the Shounan mermaid

---

***

About the periphery of the waters of Shounan, a certain strange phenomenon had become the hot topic of discussion.
Mermaids had been sighted.
This matter had once been the subject of conversation before, but this was the first time it was so wantonly covered by the mass media. Pictures had appeared in a weekly magazine two weeks ago.

'Mermaids Sighted on the Shounan Sea'

The pictures published, accompanied with this sort of heading, caught the attention of the public eye. Three objects were gathered together on the reef. They were approximately 120 to 130 centimeters in length. They really seemed like mermaids. A sack-like form hung down from their waists, which resembled fins on closer inspection.

Within a short period, the masses of society were in a furore. One by one, television programs and weekly magazines began to discuss this topic. Owing to media personnel and people hoping to catch a glimpse of the mermaids, the coasts of Shounan were bustling with unprecedented activity, despite it being the off-season for tourism.

Although some people have deemed the photos as hoaxes, the photographer who had taken those pictures was missing. Thus they could not determine if the photos were genuine or forged. But were numerous eyewitnesses of the mermaids, as though attesting to the authenticity of the photos. Furthermore, there were reports of fishing nets having been torn apart and divers had suffered incidences of being pulled down and nearly drowning. It appeared that academic researchers had started to conduct official investigations.

"If it's the blond mermaid princess, then wouldn't it be so romantic." As the car passed through the Zaimokuza tunnel, Ayako, in the driver's seat, mentioned. "But wouldn't it be funny if it turns out to be a brown-skinned mermaid taking a swim."

She looked towards the seat adjacent to hers, glancing at Takaya's expression.
Takaya had an unpleasant look on his face since morning. Was he still upset over the events of yesterday? Supporting his face with his palm, Takaya looked out at the coastline, he had not uttered a single word to Ayako. Takaya was in a bad mood. This was not something unusual to begin with but Ayako was still very worried for him, and thus could not bear it.

"Whatever it is, we can be sure that it's not some beautiful mermaid." Ayako said, taking the weekly magazine placed on top of the storage compartment and flipped it open to the page with the article on the mermaids. She handed the magazine to Takaya. Indeed, it did not have long, blond or decolorized brown hair but a bald, monk-like head. If it had not been properly photographed, it would probably be regarded as a sea monk rather than a mermaid.

"Perhaps it's some sort of monk mermaid, we can't say for sure."

Ayako felt it rather pointless to laugh at her own nonsensical jokes and could not help but sigh heavily. She drove the car down the 134 national highway, proceeding in the direction of Fujisawa. From Yuihama to the Inamura peninsula..., in summer the rolling waters by the Shounan seaside would be bathed in activity and bustle, however it was now completely desolate in the February season.

This region was famous for the suitability of its waves for surfing and water sports, thus it was dubbed the birthplace of water recreation. Even at this time, the figures of young people could be seen engaging in surfing and electric boat activities.

"But are there really mermaids? I'm quite skeptic about those photographs. This isn't some usual occurrence, right? Unidentifiable creatures and whatnot, it could be some bogus pictures for all we know."

"... They mentioned mermaids, it'd probably be easier to understand if they were actually manatees."

Takaya had finally said something, Ayako immediately continued the conversation as though she had been saved.

"Exactly. But this sort of topic is the kind of thing that everyone really loves. Didn't this happen before? What was it called again? Apparently, they'd discovered the bones of some rare animal on the shores of Akita, which led to an extremely huge uproar. In the end, it was just some whale bones. During that time, television stations, everything was concentrated on the gathering of new information. Special programs and so on were often broadcast as well. Everyone loved watching it."

"Not everyone, it's just you, right?"

"Aren't you interested in topics like the Loch Ness monster and stuff?" Ayako asked, unconsciously stepping harder on the accelerator, causing Takaya to become flustered.

"Hey, don't speed! I don't fully trust your rough driving skills!"

"... Then you should have gotten a driving licence."

Takaya sighed, he leaned his head against the cold, glass window. Takaya and Ayako had come to Shounan to investigate the hubbub surrounding the mermaids. But they were also investigating whether this was related to Yami Sengoku. They could see that the region's parking areas were occupied with a variety of vehicles from the different television stations.

"I feel that even if there were really mermaids, there shouldn't be any problem."

Takaya looked out at the rather broad winter sea, he murmured absent-mindedly. "I just hope that that they're not accomplices of the onshou."

"I don't want that either."

Once mermaids are mentioned, the average person would recall the Western version of the creatures, the beautiful half-man half-fish mermaids, but there were mermaids in Japanese legends as well. They were a kind of monster that resembled a kappa. In the stories that have been passed down since the ancient times, it was said that eating the flesh of a mermaid could confer immortality. One famous legend tells of the 800-year-old Buddhist nun from the small beaches of Fukui county. It was said that she was a Buddhist monk that had eaten the flesh of a mermaid and lived for 800 years.

"But why would mermaids appear in Shounan? I thought they would stay in the waters, a much cleaner place."

"Their sudden appearance in great numbers is quite the cause for concern. It'd be best if they don't have anything to do with the onshou..."

"This area... the Sagamiwan region was formerly the domain of the Hojo."

As was already known, with respect to Yami Sengoku, the Hojo were no more. Thereafter, this region should come under the control of the Takeda, however, at present, this area was becoming a half-neutral zone as the influence of the Takeda was waning. Could it be related to the fact that Ujiyasu was still alive? Although Ujiyasu never participated in the war, his mere 'existence' was an adequate opponent that kept the people in check. As a result, the Sagami region, within this stretch of time, remained peaceful.

"Perhaps it's some onshou attempting to create a disturbance, taking advantage of the Takeda's weakening influence. For instance, the Satomi."

"It's always those brats. The powerful onshou who always revolted against the Hojo. ...But I don't believe the Satomi, considering their level of strength, are responsible for this major disturbance if even the Takeda are cautious and don't seem to dare interfere in this region."

"That's true... Anyway, we should thoroughly investigate the situation beforehand. It'd be good if it's nothing. It doesn't matter if it's just a false alarm."

"..."

As the car waited at the red traffic light, Takaya discerned that Ayako was continuously looking at him.

"What?"

"Did you quarrel with Naoe?"

Takaya's face suddenly turned serious.

"You've been ignoring him since morning, haven't you? Insisting on working with me, it's because you don't want to be with him, right? I can tell from one look."

"It's none of your business."

"...Are you still bothered about yesterday's matter?" Ayako lowered her voice. "Umm. I don't know what he has said to provoke you and make you upset, but you can't really demand too much from him. You're unhappy because he didn't comfort you in the way you wanted, right? However, you're being quite childish in this way."

Takaya's eyes narrowed fiercely, but Ayako did not notice it.

"He's not having it any easier either. If you expect too much from him, he won't be able to satisfy you completely. Moreover, you've also..."

"Me?"

Takaya turned his head menacingly, startling Ayako as she returned his stare. Takaya glared at her with a frightening look in his eyes. "What are you suggesting about me?"

"No... ah... just..."

"I didn't expect that he would comfort me. Neither did I force him to do anything. Don't be mistaken. He's the one who doesn't want to come near me, that's all."

"Kagetora..."

"Whatever I do with Naoe has nothing to do with you. ...Don't bother about us."

"..."

Despite retorting with cold words, Takaya's intonation had no hint of aggressiveness. As he spoke, Takaya had hung his head sorrowfully, causing Ayako to feel a boundless grief. The Takaya who would become an individual that independently conducted operations during his work, would always display this miserable expression once he returned to his original self.

Even though Ayako felt it harmful for him to not reveal what was in his mind and heart, she understood the sort of personality that Takaya has. Without a doubt, he would stubbornly reject Ayako's attempts to get close to him. Ayako forlornly dropped the matter.

"...I understand. Here." Saying this, she gave Takaya a newspaper clipping.

"What is it?"

"It was published in today's newspaper. Nothing to do with the mermaids, but it mentioned Enoshima, so it caught my attention. You didn't read the newspaper this morning, right? Take a look."

Saying this, Ayako stepped on the gas. Takaya lowered his gaze onto the newspaper clipping.

'Enoshima Cave Falling Rocks'

An unexpected incident of falling rocks had occurred in the caves of Enoshima the day before. Although there were no casualties, the caves would be temporarily closed from this day onwards.
It did not seem related to the mermaids.

The 134 highway that would normally be packed with cars once the tourist season arrived was rather clear today. The many modern surfing shops that lined up next to each other along the roadside were desolate. The car traveled past the front of Shichiri beach and Enoden, Takaya looked at the muddy, circular outline of Enoshima on the left hand side with indifference. He once again rested his head against the window and closed his eyes.

***

At the cross-junction before the causeway, they turned left. 400 meters of the Eshima Causeway laid ahead of them. The image of the island floated before them, it was Enoshima.

Enoshima had prospered since the Edo period as the people worshipped the Goddess Benten. The area retained the atmosphere of the olden days where the people would journey to this place for a retreat. Crossing over via the Benten Causeway, they entered the island. The first thing that came into their field of vision, were the old shops of the village that padded the roadside, lined up closely, like fish scales, along the slope. This was the Omotesandou of Enoshima shrine.

Enoshima shrine was the place where offerings to the Goddess Benten were made. The shrine was further organized into three sections known as the Hetsu, Nakatsu and Okutsu shrines. All the residents of the island of Enoshima were members of this shrine's society. According to the society's newsletter, the Emperor Kimmei had made offerings to the three goddesses who had descended in the 'cave' during the 13^th year of his reign. After unifying his mind and heart with the Gods, he prayed to the Goddess Benten, Aki's Miyajima, and Oumi's Chikubushima, standing together side by side as the 'three influential Benten of Japan'.

Here, they could sense the staunch conviction of the common people. This was a group of islands that possessed an ancient, hallowed ambience. Having reached Enoshima, Takaya and Ayako stopped the car at a nearby carpark and got out. The sea wind blew at them. Takaya felt cold, he drew the lapels his leather jacket closer together.

"It feels a bit strange..." Ayako said as she looked around.

"What? Are there any suspicious areas?"

"Mmm. Just feel the calmness to be strange. The local products shop isn't even open."

"Isn't it a public holiday today?"

"I don't think so... is it?"

Saying "Nevermind", Ayako looked towards the sea. "I heard that this is the best place to spot the mermaids."

This was the eastern sector of the islands. Nearby was the Enoshima anchorage for yachts. There were quite a few yachts docked at the pier mounted prominently against the backdrop of the sea. There was hardly any sign of people, probably because it was an ordinary day. The two of them decided to make a few inquiries from the local residents. They headed to the pier, and spoke with a middle-aged man, who was repairing a yacht. The man was around 40 years of age, had slightly tanned skin and a nice set of white, shiny teeth. He appeared to be someone who operated the yachts.

"Are you looking for eyewitnesses who have seen the mermaids? So you're the staff from some magazine as well, are you?"

"Mmm, ah. Yes."

"There have been many of late. Everyday, at least a few groups of people would come to interview us. Today's no exception. Look."

The man said and pointed in the direction of the Shounan coast.

"Recording the scenery over there. Apparently they're filming some program scheduled to be broadcast, called 'The Search for the Mermaids' or something like that. Other television stations have also done their own specials, I heard they were even offering prize money to anyone who can find the mermaids. Anyone who finds them would get a reward of some sort. But I heard that eating the flesh of a mermaid would preserve one's youth and life. If that's the case, the one million dollar reward seems a bit lacking."

The man smiled as he spoke. His personality seemed naive and carefree, finding the recent uproar somewhat amusing.

"I didn't see any mermaids, but a lot of the guests of our yacht society have seen them, they've been talking about this matter nonstop."

"Do you know the people who have seen the mermaids?"

"Yeah, lots. Even our staff here claim to have seen them."

Takaya and Ayako exchanged glances. It seemed like the mermaid sightings in this area have become an everyday occurrence.

"Apparently, you can often see them on the reefs in that area. Over there, behind the breakwater, called the Kamone reef, I heard that's the hot zone. Seems like the sightings are particularly frequent in the southern sector of the islands."

The man directed them as though he was lecturing about fishing locations, he continued to speak as he pulled the ropes of the large white yacht, skillfully tying the knots one after another.

"The photographer for that weekly magazine as well. As a matter of fact, I'm acquainted with him."

"You mean this one?" Ayako took out the magazine she had brought along. "The photographer who went missing..."

"Yeah. That's right, him. I wonder what happened to him. It's not like he stumbled upon God's secret. I know the place where he took those pictures. Can you see the lighthouse over there? The lighthouse of Shounan harbor. To the left, there's a reef known as Ebizuka. I believe that's the place."

Takaya and Ayako stared in the direction of the sea. It was roughly in the area where the small, red electric boats were shuttling past.

"Ah, the eyewitness has come. I'll call him over. Kitahara-kun...! Come here, come here, there are people who want to interview you!"

Walking out of the warehouse, wearing a jacket with printed designs, a youth turned his head towards them.

---

Original fiction © Kuwabara Mizuna.