Hoichi with Ears [Episode 2] The Voice Picking Up Shells ⑤

Hoichi and the Priest wander through the grudge-swirling Kehi Beach—

Click here for the beginning

Click here for the previous episode

Chapter 9: To the Boat-Hiding Rock

——

“Keeeeeeeeeiiin...”

The ringing in his ears, as if echoing from the bottom of the sea, had not yet faded.

For Hoichi, who could not see, sound was everything and also a remnant of memory.
That night, the Priest wearing a Hannya mask danced, chanted sutras, and pushed back the gates of hell—
That sequence of events was still echoing deep within his ears.

“...Priest. Have the gates... truly closed?”

At Hoichi’s question, the Priest nodded slightly.

“Indeed. But that was merely a ‘rift in the gate.’ Hell itself has not awakened, but once the path is opened, the signs remain.”

“Signs, you say?”

“The earth made a sound as if it were cracking. There are still many locks before the mouth of the abyss opens. Yet, something is watching us... I cannot help but feel that way.”

There was a faint shadow in the Priest’s voice.

◇

That day, Hoichi and the Priest, guided by Moritsugu, stood at the place where he once slept—at the base of a pine tree in the sandy soil.

Mingling with the sound of the tide, a voiceless presence crept in from somewhere.

Moritsugu stood one step behind.
His features were somewhat shadowed, and he seemed as if he were beginning to dissolve into the air.

The Priest asked,

“Moritsugu. What do you intend to leave behind, and what do you intend not to speak of?”

Moritsugu remained silent. Instead, the girl standing next to him—Miyo—stepped forward.
In her hand, she held a small scrap of paper.

When the Priest took it and opened it, it was written in fine handwriting as follows:

《Boat-Hiding Rock—South of Mizuhiki. It sinks into the sea at high tide and appears only at low tide. There, there is another mouth.》

The Priest slowly lowered his eyes and bit his lip.

“As I thought...”

“Priest, what is that ‘Boat-Hiding Rock’—?”

Hoichi asked.
The Priest did not answer immediately, but instead looked at Miyo.

Miyo walked up to Hoichi’s side and gently took his hand.
Her fingertips began to crawl across Hoichi’s palm as if dancing.

—B-o-a-t-h-i-d-i-n-g-r-o-c-k

—S-o-u-t-h-o-f-m-i-z-u-h-i-k-i

—T-h-e-r-e-i-s-a-m-o-u-t-h

Hoichi held his breath for a moment.
For one who cannot see, there is nothing more certain than the words conveyed by someone’s fingertips.

“...Boat-Hiding Rock. South of Mizuhiki. ...There, again... a rift...”

As he let the words spill out, that sound like an earthquake revived in Hoichi’s chest.

◇

The Priest said quietly,

“Hoichi. I must see the remains of that gate once more.
I want you and Miyo to go and verify ‘that rock’ first.”

“...Me and Lady Miyo?”

“Indeed. You have the biwa. Miyo has eyes. Help each other with what the other lacks.
—That is the duty of the storyteller and the witness.”

Hoichi nodded slightly.
Miyo’s hand, still wrapping Hoichi’s, remained there warmly, without trembling.

——

Episode 2 “The Voice Picking Up Shells” (End)

※ I post around 7-8 PM every day. I would be very happy if you could press the heart mark (Like). Thank you.

Click here for the continuation

Please take a look at this as well if you like