The next morning, Jigoku wakes up in his bed.
Jigoku gets up, stretches, then looks to the left with a nod of his head and sees a letter next to his pillow.
He approaches, bends down, picks up the letter and starts reading.
"I'm waiting by the destroyed waterfall, come alone."
Jigoku: Who is it? – he thinks with worry and curiosity.
Without a moment's hesitation, Jigoku quickly gets dressed and leaves the house.
He's already reaching what's left of the waterfall. What once was a picturesque landscape now resembles a disaster zone. The place looks like a comet literally struck it.
In the very center of the destruction floats Bunsho. He levitates in a meditative position. His silhouette radiates incredible energy. Blue lightning dances around his body, intertwining with ethereal flames that seem to both consume and illuminate the surroundings. Bunsho's head is surrounded by intense blue fire, resembling a crown of energy that burns upward like a bonfire. His arms are slightly raised, and his hands rest on his knees.
Jigoku walks closer.
*Bunsho: You came, that's good. – he says calmly, not even opening his eyes.
*I'd like to talk with you.
Bunsho stops levitating and stands on his feet, the atmosphere calms down.
*Jigoku: What's up? We're leaving soon, I don't have much time.
*I even woke up too early and came before my morning shit, I hope this is something important. – he says, still groggy.
Bunsho looks at the sky.
*Bunsho: Mizumi liked this spring.
Jigoku raises one eyebrow and looks surprised.
*Bunsho: Back when you weren't even born yet, we used to come here and play with Desu.
Bunsho sighs, takes a deep breath in and out.
*Bunsho: Your old man was always rushing us and yelling like the whole world was falling apart. – he smiles.
Jigoku looks surprised.
*Jigoku: What's going on? What is it? Did something happen? – he asks with concern.
Bunsho looks seriously into Jigoku's eyes – you can see sadness in them.
He walks up and grabs him by the shoulders with both hands.
*Bunsho: My sister saw potential in you, I saw how she looked at you.
*She loved you like a younger brother. – he adds, and his gaze softens.
*If Mizumi were here, she'd definitely want me to support you. – he says with determination and sincerity.
Bunsho removes his right hand from his shoulder, turns his head and looks at the sky.
*Bunsho: I don't wish this upon you in a way, to experience it, but this world is really fucked up. So fucked up I can't even imagine it.
*Be strong and never give up, but also know your limit.
*I know you're leaving, that's why I came.
Bunsho removes the other hand from Jigoku's shoulder, then turns around, stands and clenches his fists.
Light blue flames and lightning emit from his fists. The atmosphere becomes slightly heavier.
*Bunsho: I've always fought for Hanran and I still will, but now I'm really fucking pissed.
*Idiots from the Country of Joraku think they'll have peace. – he says angrily.
*Be careful who you trust. Always. – he says in a serious tone.
*In this world, there are such cunts you have no fucking idea about.
*You have… no fucking… idea.
Jigoku looks at Bunsho, shaken and sad.
Bunsho turns and looks at Jigoku.
*Bunsho: The Country of Joraku is letting hordes of Mujo from Shingan through the border.
*Joraku is the only country between us and the Gishin territory.
*Two days ago I got a mission to check a certain area.
*Since Mizumi always liked helping me, she told me to take some time off and that she'd take care of it. – he continues in a heavy, serious voice, not averting his gaze from Jigoku.
*She hasn't come back since then. I've realized she probably won't come back. – he says with weight and a quieter voice, his voice vibrating with anger, as if it were his weakness.
Jigoku looks at him, shocked, with clear sadness in his eyes, his eyes have become wet.
Bunsho sees Jigoku softening.
*Bunsho: You can't cry, you have to have a strong mind and a tough body. – he says angrily, his eyes glowing with blue lightning.
*You can't be weak, no matter how many loved ones they kill, no matter what harm and pain they do to you.
*You must remain unbreakable, undefeatable, remember that. – he says the words firmly.
*Remember that, fuck! – he shouts strongly, like giving a command.
*Learn to control your emotions, or you'll die. Emotions make you weak. Control over anger is the key to victory.
Jigoku lightly wipes his falling tears.
Bunsho grabs him by the neck with one hand and brings his face close to his.
*Bunsho: I believe in you too. – he says in a calm and sincere voice.
*I want you to promise me something.
*One day we'll meet again and you'll show me how strong you are, because you are strong, you just have to realize it.
Bunsho removes his hand from his neck.
*Bunsho: You were like a brother to Mizumi, so to me you are too. – he says with care, looking straight into his eyes.
Jigoku looks at him with an expression of compassion and sadness.
Bunsho looks at Jigoku one last time for a moment, looks him sincerely, deeply in the eyes, then turns around, walks away slowly a few meters and salutes with one hand.
*Bunsho: Take care… "brother."
At that moment a bright flash descends from the sky, and the thunderclap tears through the air so violently it feels like the very air has split. The lightning strikes Bunsho, surrounding him in a blinding glow for just a split second. For a moment his silhouette is clearly visible in the light and then vanishes.
Jigoku stares at the spot where Bunsho was just standing.
All that remains is a faint echo and a quiet, serpentine hiss.
The air vibrates with the accumulated electricity, and a sharp smell of ozone lingers… and something that resembles burnt underwear.
*Jigoku: Thank you. – he thinks, his mind filled with sorrow and at the same time overflowing with hope.
About 30 minutes later Jigoku is already at home.
Jigoku walks up to the sink above which there is a mirror. He leans down, scoops cold water into his hands and washes his face. Then he leans all his weight on the sink with his arms and stares straight into his reflection. Water drips from his face, and the emptiness merges with his mind. In his head he feels high pressure, as if he wasn't really here. Suddenly Mafin's voice can be heard in the background.
*Mafin: Jigoku, are you up already? – he shouts loudly.
*Jigoku: Yeah. – he says in an alert voice, and his mind immediately returns to normal.
Jigoku walks away from the sink, through the curtain and sees his father, Uso, and Desu packing.
Mafin, kneeling and packing things into bags, looks at Jigoku.
*Mafin: Have you packed yet?
Jigoku stands and looks at his father. His face is sour.
Mafin notices it immediately.
*Jigoku: Yeah, I packed yesterday. – he says with a cracking voice.
*Mafin: Did something happen? – he asks sincerely.
*Jigoku: No, nothing. All good. – he says in a normal voice, confirming.
Jigoku goes to get a large bag, then walks up to the fridge.
He opens the fridge, which is full of paprykarz jars.
He loads all the jars into the large bag.
Then he slings the large bag over his shoulder.
He stands in front of the packing family in the middle.
*Jigoku: I'm ready. – he says in a serious, confident voice.
Mafin bursts into laughter, and Uso smiles. Desu, as usual, ignores him and continues packing.