Kays Translations

Chapter 15: Adult Thoughts

"What do you mean by getting along with Itsuki-kun?"

Aya-chan tilted her head, her question implying that we were already getting along well enough.

Well, I don't know. Maybe there's a slight wishful thinking on my part.

"Yes. I will explain it to Aya-chan later, but in resonance, the stronger the similarity, the stronger the connection. However, Itsuki-kun and Aya-chan aren't that similar apart from their age," Shirayuki-sensei explained.

Well, even their ages are questionable... but I can't say that out loud. So, I just nodded.

But thinking about it, when I resonated with Hina earlier, even though I didn't do anything, it seemed like the resonance was influenced more by physical age than mental age.

"Therefore, I will create something that connects the two of you," Shirayuki-sensei continued.

"What are you going to create?" I asked.

The one who asked was me.

Shirayuki-sensei directly answered me.

"Memories."

To summarize Shirayuki-sensei's explanation:

First, it's crucial that Itsuki-kun and Aya-chan get along well. But that alone won't strengthen the resonance. That's why they need to create a common ground between them.

Resonance has the characteristic of "similar things have similar properties," known as "Resonance Jujutsu." Creating memories is the quickest way to achieve this.

Indeed, memories can easily create common ground by experiencing the same things together.

Well, I don't have many memories from my past life, so there might be some wishful thinking on my part.

But even if memories are mentioned, I have no idea what we should do to create them.

I have the experience from my past life, and I strongly believe that memories are something obtained by taking action. Memories don't just fall from the sky while you're sleeping. All that falls on someone who just keeps sleeping is a vague anxiety about the future. I know that for sure.

"However, I don't think memories can be easily created, so... I will try various things! First... yes,"

As Shirayuki-sensei contemplated, a flute's sound echoed from outside the window.

Looking towards the sound, I noticed my father gathering students and giving them instructions.

And the teacher who was watching with me let out an "Ah" of surprise.

"By the way, there is something suitable at the training camp."

"Something suitable?"

"I will consult with Souichiro-san right now."

Without answering, Shirayuki-sensei took us outside the building.

Outside, my father and the students he was leading were about to head somewhere.

"Souichiro-san!"

"Hmm? Ah, Shirayuki. What's the matter?"

My father stopped and instructed the students to go ahead.

While the middle school students looked at us with curiosity and followed the instructions, forming pairs and heading somewhere.

Ignoring them, Shirayuki-sensei briefly explained the situation to my father.

About resonating with Aya-chan, the presence of something during the resonance, being rejected by that something, and the need to take time to resolve it.

In addition, Shirayuki-sensei wanted to deepen the resonance by creating a common ground between Itsuki-kun and Aya-chan.

For that purpose, they wanted to use the training camp.

After listening to the whole story in silence, my father nodded.

"I understand. If that's the case, Itsuki and Aya-chan can stay with us."

"R-Really? Thank you very much."

"Yes. It's a good timing. Don't worry about it."

My father said that and, without wasting any time, turned to me and Aya-chan.

"We will change the location now. The place we are heading to is suitable."

"Where are we going?"

"The Aokigahara Forest."

"Huh?"

"I said, the Aokigahara Forest."

Saying that, my father started walking, leading us.

Aokigahara Forest... If you mention that in relation to Mount Fuji... I know.

Isn't that the place where people go when they don't want to be followed? I know about it.

Why are we going there?

While I followed my father, puzzled by his choice, he explained right away.

"It's a simple recreation. Regular exorcists work in pairs, so we provide a simple attraction to help them understand the importance of cooperation."

"What are we going to do?"

"We will navigate to a destination using a paper map. It's not too difficult, but it takes about two hours even if you're fast. Spending two hours together should help you get along a bit."

"I see..."

The level of difficulty of my father's "simple" might not be clear, but it seemed easier than I thought. It seemed to be on the level of activities done in elementary or middle school.

"Since you're here, why don't you give it a try? We have spare maps."

"What if we get lost?"

"Well, I don't think it's a level of difficulty that will make you get lost... If something happens, use magic to let us know, and I will come to help."

"Okay. Please take care of us."

"Leave it to me."

My father said that with a confident tone and handed me a folded paper map.

When I opened it, there were a blue circle and a red circle marked on the map.

Several roads ran between them, filling the space between.

"This is the map. The blue circle is the starting point, and the red circle is the goal. Normally, I would give you a map without any roads... but this time is special."

My father said with a smile.

He called it "special," but I think he probably lowered the difficulty level to accommodate us, who aren't used to it. Well, even if I were given a map without any clues, I honestly wouldn't know where to go.

"We have arrived."

When Aya-chan wanted to see the map, I handed it to her, and we both looked at it while walking. My father stopped as he said that.

We stopped and looked up, finding a well-maintained path running through the dense trees. It looked like a road leading to a campsite in the mountains, although I'm not very familiar with it.

As I looked at the entrance, my father pointed to the blue circle on our map.

"We are here now. Just walk straight following the map, and you will reach the exit. There might be some minor accidents, but enjoy yourselves a bit."

"Okay. We're off!"

"Papa will be waiting at the red circle."

So, Aya-chan and I turned our backs to my father and stepped into the Aokigahara Forest.

The moment we stepped in, the surroundings suddenly dimmed.

Despite it being the end of July, almost August, it felt a little cool.

Hmm, it feels nice.

Outdoor activities have been completely foreign to me in my previous life, but for a brief moment, I feel like I understand the feelings of outdoor enthusiasts.

While I was contemplating such things, Aya-chan pocketed the map and said with a troubled expression,

"I'm sorry, Itsuki-kun. It's because of me."

"No, it's not your fault," I quickly shook my head.

After all, the problem lies with the "something" inside Aya-chan.

"It's not your fault, Aya-chan. Don't worry about it."

"...Okay. Thank you, Itsuki-kun!"

Aya-chan smiled in response to my encouragement and pointed straight ahead.

Then she took a few steps forward, looking excited, and turned back to me.

"It's this way, Itsuki-kun."

"It's dangerous to walk backwards..."

I warned her with a wry smile and followed behind her. But just as she walked backwards, Aya-chan tripped over a protruding tree root and fell backward.

"Careful...!"

Instinctively, I reached out my hand and grabbed Aya-chan's hand, pulling her towards me. And then, my consciousness was engulfed by Aya-chan...

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