Aokigahara Forest — 18th December 2023 — Early morning
Minosashi lay on the grass, eyes closed, listening to the birds humming in the branches. The scent of fresh rain still lingered in the soil and air.
This may be the last time I see these trees, hear these birds singing in my city… the last time I see your face, Okāsan.
A bittersweet smile touched his lips.
“Minosashi?” Shishio stood over him.
Minosashi jumped, letting out a sharp squawk as his hands flew to his blades. “S-Sewn Mouth!? Warn a guy…” His eyes widened as he took in Shishio’s smile, the scythe on his back, the torn strings around his lips, and the innocent look in his eyes.
“What the actual hell happened to you?!”
“Hey! Stop insulting Shishio!” Black Angel shouted from the scythe.
Minosashi leaped back again, this time gripping the hilts of his swords.
“Hey, hey! No need to draw them, Mino! It’s really me. I just… found a new friend in my village,” Shishio’s hands gently covered Minosashi’s. “Knew you’d come back here,” he smiled.
“Excuse you! You can’t just walk in with a scythe on your back and no strings on your lips saying, ‘Hey, I’m your Sewn Mouth’! Your curse is broken! That’s not how you introduce yourself after something like that!” Minosashi’s hands waved wildly in the air as if trying to convince him.
“How is it supposed to be done, then?” Shishio tilted his head.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
“I don’t know! No big reveal happens without drama! At least not in any anime I’ve watched!”
Shishio burst out laughing, shaking his head in disbelief. “Was all that just because—”
Black Angel cut him off. “You two! Stop ignoring me! I’m here too!”
“My apologies, Black Angel. Minosashi, meet my new friend. I guess you already know his name.”
“It’s a he!?” Minosashi moved behind Shishio to examine the scythe.
“Yes! I am confirmed to be a male angelic entity! Is there something wrong with that!?” Black Angel shouted back.
“No, just… you don’t sound like some ancient creature. You sound like a—”
“He is a child, Minosashi. Stop arguing with him like he’s an ancient being,” Shishio said, a small, suppressed laugh escaping.
“Sewn Mouth… one more thing!” Minosashi raised a finger. “Why did he call you Shishio?”
“Sorry, Minosashi. I should’ve told you earlier. My real name is Shishio.”
Minosashi stared for two full seconds, jaw slack, before closing it. “Okay… handleable. Breathe, Minosashi. You haven’t been betrayed by your best friend. It’s just simple stuff… like not knowing your comrade’s name after ten years.”
“Ahaha! Minosashi! You don’t know how much I’ve wanted to laugh at your reactions every time you act like this!”
Shishio’s laughter seemed to bring Minosashi back to himself. He turned and gripped Shishio’s shoulders. “That laugh… might have been on my wishlist. You just checked it off. Thank you. And you laugh beautifully, in case you were wondering.”
“T-thank you… I guess?” Shishio murmured, slightly flustered.
“Yes, Shishio! You should be thankful! He’s seeing you smile without the curse after so many years! Of course he sounds happy!” Black Angel chimed in brightly, a hint of pride in his voice.
“Well… time to head back. Sarah’s probably hitting her head against a wall for not getting a message in a month,” Minosashi smiled. “So? The great assassin said he could get us back in no time. Do it now.”
“Actually, Sir Minosashi! I am the reason you can return to the—” Before Black Angel could finish, Shishio lifted the scythe and struck the empty air, tearing open a dark portal.
“SHISHIO! That was rude! I was talking!” Black Angel protests as he was put in place again.
“To summarize,” Shishio said calmly, “we can leave because he has immense power.”
“Yeah, can definitely see that,” Minosashi placed his hands on his hips. “Ladies first, Shishio.”
“Bastard…” Shishio walked into the portal with a smirk. Minosashi followed, stepping in beside him.
Welcome home, Shishio… my dear friend…
