Not a detective

Page 48

"Yes……"

As soon as he said it, Asakawa Riku was startled. He thought the other party knew about his time travel through his memories.

To everyone's surprise, the tapir just chuckled and stroked its bald head: "That's wonderful. Young people these days are so knowledgeable; they even know Chinese."

"...I've only studied it."

"Thank you very much. This makes it much easier to explain. Let me use myself as an example."

The tapir took a sip of tea and said, "Many people believe that the monster called 'tapir' comes from the *Classic of Mountains and Seas*, but actually, there is no record of 'tapir' in the *Classic of Mountains and Seas*. Instead, it records an animal called 'fierce leopard,' and there is no record of this animal eating dreams. The first mention of 'tapir' should be in the *Shuowen Jiezi* of the Eastern Han Dynasty, which says, 'Tapir: resembles a bear but is yellowish-black, and comes from Sichuan. It is composed of the radical '豸' and the phonetic component '莫'. In short, its prototype is the iron-eating beast that lives in Sichuan, the panda."

Kazamatsuri Akihisa was also busy. He took out a brush and drew a lifelike panda on the paper, which was very cute and endearing.

Tapir continued, explaining that he always spoke in Chinese when quoting classical texts, so fluently that Asakawa Riku was somewhat moved: "The Tang Dynasty writer Bai Juyi recorded in his 'Ode to the Tapir Screen' that 'The tapir... uses its skin to ward off plague, and its image is used to ward off evil.' In fact, there is no description of the tapir eating nightmares in Chinese legends. Instead, the tapir's fur is used as a cushion or bedding to avoid disease and misfortune, and paintings and screens of the tapir are used to ward off evil spirits. It is an auspicious beast that wards off evil."

"However, this folk belief changed after it spread to Japan. The auspicious beast that warded off evil transformed into a dream-eating monster. In legend, the dream-eating beast, the Baku, would set off from the deep forest on every night when the sky was filled with the hazy moonlight, and come to the places where people lived to feed on their nightmares. The dream-eating beast would make a soft call like a lullaby, so that humans would fall asleep first in the company of this sound, and then slowly suck the nightmares into its pouch one by one. Why did the legend change like this?"

"I think it's because the 'avoiding nightmares' aspect of warding off evil was interpreted as 'eating away bad luck,' but my power has truly been rewritten from that point on."

The tapir finished his story with a meaningful look and then looked at Asakawa Riku.

Rikuo Asakawa understood the meaning of this example: "So... the image and power of yokai are actually changed based on human legends?"

"Yes, in China, the mob is based on the panda and is an iron-eating beast. In Japan, it is a dream-eating monster. This is because the Malayan tapir was introduced to Japan in modern times, so people's impression of the tapir changed, and the true form of the monster also changed. Therefore, the monster is the 'outer layer,' a concrete manifestation of the legend, and a shaping entity of people's collective consciousness."

As soon as Baku finished speaking, Kazamatsuri Akihisa also finished his other painting: "Therefore, an orange grown south of the Huai River is an orange, but grown north of the Huai River it becomes a trifoliate orange."

That was the image of a "Malaysian tapir," black and white, which sounded a bit like a panda, but was actually completely different. It was more like a combination of an elephant and a wild boar. Asakawa Riku remembered that its ears were like a horse, its hind legs were like a rhinoceros, its body was like a pig, and its nose was like an elephant. It was known as the "four unlikes," with a round and plump body and a soft, drooping nose.

"Is this malicious slander? I still think pandas are better."

The tapir pointed at the painting and laughed heartily.

Snow Woman's Summer: Snow Woman's Summer After 6

"In short, that's what monsters are like. They are influenced by human perceptions. The more famous and fearsome they are, the more powerful they usually are. Those that are gradually forgotten in history and legends will disappear. But on the other hand, monsters are also immortal. There is more than one Baku, and they will continue to change with the times."

Kazamatsuri Akihisa summarized: "And we Onmyoji are the messengers who are responsible for finding yokai and establishing contact with them generation after generation in this long river of history."

"I understand."

The other party's explanation was fairly simple and easy to understand. Although there were still some parts that he didn't fully grasp, Asakawa Riku decided to digest them slowly when he got back.

He picked up a piece of pineapple and took a bite. His tongue felt a little stinging. Although the pineapple was sweet and delicious, he didn't really like the texture.

"Then, what about [superpowered individuals]?"

"As for superpowers... I'll explain it to you."

Kazamatsuri Akihisa stroked his chin again, and when he got to this point, he was clearly not as confident as before: "Superpowers are the opposite of youkai, they are something of the [inner] side."

"The inner side, is it equivalent to a person's inner potential and talent? Is that what superpowers are?"

Asakawa Riku has probably figured out the pattern.

“Yes.” Kazamatsuri Akihisa nodded. “Of course, as I said at the beginning, I’m not an expert on superpowers, so this is the only answer I can give you. Every superpowered person’s abilities are different, just like there are no two identical leaves in the world. It has nothing to do with collective consciousness; it’s an extremely ‘self-centered’ manifestation.”

“…Hmm.” Asakawa Riku pondered for a moment, then asked the question he truly wanted to ask: “So, do you think my kind of power counts as a [superpower]?”

Even if he were slow to realize it, he should have understood that his martial arts skills were slightly beyond those of ordinary people.

He was simply training his body and refining his martial arts skills, and before he knew it, he had reached his current level. Looking back, many people had been left behind by him.

Many people shouted at him, "This isn't martial arts at all!", "You're the monster!", "This must be superpowers!"...

Therefore, Asakawa Riku did have his doubts. Could it be that his extraordinary talent was a result of superpowers?

"Do not."

However, Akihisa Kazamatsuri gave a completely opposite conclusion: "It's not a superpower."

"why?"

Riku Asakawa devoured the kiwi and papaya in one go, then plunged his spoon into a sea of ​​whipped cream.

Next, we need to finish off the corn chips.

"Hmm... how should I explain it? Actually, there isn't such a clear and distinct boundary between [monsters] and [superpowers]. Throughout history, many people with superpowers have been elevated by legends because of their strength, becoming gods, heroes, and monsters. How can the bloodline of the so-called Yin-Yang Masters passed down from generation to generation not be considered a kind of superpower?"

Kazamatsuri Akihisa said, his expression becoming slightly serious: "But these abilities all have one obvious characteristic...side effects."

"side effect?"

"Yes, for example, Yuki's schizophrenia is a typical side effect. Even the stronger the power, whether it is a monster or a superpowered person, there is a weakness."

Kazamatsuri Akio tapped his blindfold, seemingly implying that his blind left eye was also a side effect.

Then, he turned his finger around: "But you, Asakawa-kun, you don't have this side effect, right?"

"Um……"

Asakawa Riku hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

To be honest, he didn't feel any side effects; in fact, he felt healthier the more he exercised.

Although at the beginning of this process, there will be body aches and swelling, and you may not be able to stand up the next day. Dislocations and fractures are common, but that is no longer the case now.

Speaking of which... was the Spider Woman's "physical deformity" also a kind of side effect?

"Asakawa-kun, your power does not come from monsters, nor from superpowers. You do not rely on external objects, nor do you delve into your inner self, but focus on your body [itself]."

Kazeki Akihisa smiled and said, "I really envy you. If there are no side effects, then maybe your method is the right one. There are so many legendary martial artists and famous generals, kung fu masters and sword masters in history. It would be hard to believe that they were all superhumans. I'm afraid you are walking the same path as them. You are a scavenger of the old era."

"...I'm a little confused myself."

Asakawa Riku sighed. The problem he had been pursuing for sixteen years had finally been solved today.

The process of resolving the issue was not smooth; instead, it brought many new questions.

The summer limited-edition tropical fruit parfait is coming to an end. The ripe mangoes exude a rich, sweet aroma that lingers on the tongue.

I had no choice but to gulp down several mouthfuls of black tea, emptying the teacup almost completely.

Don't overthink it!

Suddenly, the tapir patted Asakawa Riku's back hard, almost making him vomit up the black tea he had just drunk.

The old monk chuckled and said, "If you can't figure it out, it's okay to put it aside for a while, isn't it? How old are you? Why do you have to get stuck on this? You should do things appropriate for your age. At this age, you should enjoy your youth, love, and the hem of a girl's uniform. Just treat it like a dream. The fifteen days of blizzard in the mountain villa in the dream are real, and the reality outside is also real. Like Zhuangzi's butterfly dream, if you can't tell the difference, just look at both sides. You interesting lad, you can't turn into a boring martial arts fanatic."

"...Don't say vulgar things that don't sound like a monk one minute, and then say things that are particularly philosophical and Zen-like the next."

Asakawa Riku couldn't help but laugh too; this fake monk's personality was quite to his liking.

Perhaps he's right. He had already decided to put all these things aside for the time being, focus on being an ordinary high school student, take ordinary exams to go to university, and then return to China to find a job.

Perhaps it was the many things that had happened during this period that made him unable to suppress the stirrings in his heart.

"I understand. From now on, I will explore this path at my own pace."

Asakawa Riku gradually sorted out his thoughts, put down his ice cream scoop, stood up, and bowed, saying, "Thank you both for your guidance."

"Don't mention it, don't mention it." Kazamatsuri Akihisa smiled and stood up to see him off. "I'm the one who's wronged you, this little bit of compensation is nothing. You're welcome to come to the shrine anytime you want, and you can ask me any questions about yokai. If you ever have any ideas about Yukie's marriage, you can also bring them up with me anytime, I'd be happy to hear them."

"...Regarding the parfait I didn't finish, please tell Madam that it wasn't because it wasn't delicious enough, but because I simply couldn't eat that many desserts."

Asakawa Riku pretended not to hear the second half of his sentence.

...

The two figures, enjoying themselves immensely, gradually walked away, leaving only the tapir sitting in the hall.

He rested his chin on his hand, a subtle emotion brewing in his eyes:

"His physical abilities and skills are nearing perfection; all that remains is the refinement of his mind. If he can break through that layer of confusion, perhaps he can reach the true realm."

"How many years has it been since we've had someone like this? Am I dreaming...? This is unbelievable, folks, such a being has appeared among humanity again..."

Snow Woman's Summer: Snow Woman's Summer After 7

Kazamatsuri Akihisa escorted Asakawa Riku down the mountain and then returned to the shrine himself.

But when he returned to the hall where the group had been sitting, he found that Mr. Tapir was also gone.

"……Um?"

He hadn't even seen him off yet, and he just left without saying goodbye? Kazamatsuri Akihisa felt that this wasn't like him, so he looked around for a while.

We still couldn't find it. The room was empty, and even the smell had disappeared. It had completely vanished.

Kazamatsuri Akihisa, filled with confusion, was about to tidy up the cups on the table when he suddenly heard a sound outside the door.

It was the crisp, continuous sound of wooden clogs, clapping against the bluestone pavement, creating a tense rhythm like war drums.

Kazamatsuri Akihisa's expression froze instantly, and his back straightened ramrod straight; he realized something.

...So that's it.

He wanted to escape too, but there was nowhere to hide. He could only smile bitterly and say, "You really ran away quickly..."

Kazamatsuri Akihisa opened the door, and as expected, standing outside was his daughter, Chizuko, who looked angry.

She stood with her hands on her hips, puffing out her cheeks in anger, her eyebrows raised, and her eyes wide open—

"How is Yukie?"

"Don't change the subject, Dad. I'm here to confront you."

Chizuko was saying things that were not at all like what a daughter should say.

Kazamatsuri Akihisa, however, seemed to be used to her manner and respectfully invited her in to sit down.

He was immediately berated: "Dad, you've gone too far! You clearly told me to invite Asakawa up, but it turned out to be a trap I knew nothing about. Is this how we treat our guests? Locking them in a dream of a blizzard? I didn't even get to apologize to Asakawa before he left. He must be furious."

"...I apologized to him and explained that I had to save Yuki, which was something I had to do, and I asked for his understanding."

Kazamatsuri Akihisa recounted their conversation.

Chizuko's eyes darted around. She knew that this dream therapy was very important and urgent for Yuki's sake, but she still couldn't accept it emotionally.

"Then you should at least have told me! I've been made an accomplice for no reason, I'm so wronged! I finally managed to clear my name in Asakawa's eyes, and now I'm seen as a wicked woman who schemes behind people's backs, but I didn't participate at all... I can't accept it, I can't accept it...!"

The girl stomped her feet forcefully in the room, looking very unwilling.

Kazamatsuri Akihisa poured tea for himself, as if it were a habit: "...You also like Asakawa Riku?"

He always speaks his mind.

Chizuko choked instantly, her face turning red. She stammered out a few incomprehensible words before realizing that Asakawa Riku and Yukie weren't there.

So she slowly sat down, composed herself, and stared at her father:

"I mean... could it be that you're in such a hurry to marry Yuki to him, Dad, that you're trying to stop my relationship?"

At this moment, his cunning eyes were like those of a little fox.

I can't believe you thought of that so quickly.

Kazamatsuri Akihisa was somewhat surprised, and tea spilled onto the table.

He silently took out a towel to wipe himself. In order to raise Chizuko as his future successor, he had raised his daughter in an environment of extreme independence and rigorous thinking since she was a child.

Treating each other as equals, rather than in a typical father-daughter relationship, Chizuko's decisions can sometimes even change the direction of the shrine's development. Only those raised through this kind of education can become the next head priest. This is what Kazamatsuri Akihisa thought. He just didn't expect Chizuko to gradually become so assertive, and even have such a long rebellious phase.

But he will not change his policy:

“Yes.” Kazamatsuri Akihisa readily admitted without explanation or excuse: “Although Asakawa Riku is an excellent young man, and I also intend to marry my daughter to him, I think Yuki is more suitable to be his wife than you.”

"Why……?"

Chizuko sat at the table, her fingers tapping out an unsettling sound.

Although she wasn't yelling like before and her expression was calm, she seemed even angrier than before.

"After observing him for a while, I've discovered that Asakawa-kun is a person who is gentle on the outside but strong on the inside. He seems very mild-mannered, but in reality, he has unwavering principles. To practice martial arts, one must cultivate a bit of fierceness. Without this mindset, one cannot master such a powerful and terrifying fist technique. Yukie, on the other hand, is like a gentle child, able to embrace and accept everything about Asakawa-kun, and to soothe and comfort him when necessary. Their personalities complement each other, which makes them a good match. But Chizuko, you are actually the same kind of person as Asakawa-kun. You both use a friendly exterior to package yourselves, but in reality, you have your own thorns and sharp edges in your hearts. Once your values ​​clash... sooner or later, it will cause a huge and irreconcilable conflict."

Kazamatsuri Akihisa analyzed logically and logically: "Moreover, and most importantly, Chizuko, you are destined to become a god, while Asakawa-kun is devoid of inspiration. Based on this alone, your destinies are destined to be two parallel lines that will never intersect. He has no connection with the world of yokai, while you yourself told me that you would become the greatest onmyoji of the modern era. How can someone who will never see yokai again become your husband? Have you thought about this question?"

After hearing this, Chizuko fell silent.

Kazamatsuri Akihisa smiled, thinking this would convince her, but after taking a sip of tea, Chizuko spoke again:

"Dad, do you remember there was a 'Tales of Passion' DVD in your study?"

"You've stooped so low as to use my collection to threaten me, Chizuko..."