4-ine

It was twilight of a cool autumn day. Throughout the village, flickers of light can be seen from the numerous lanterns on the sidewalk.

Nissui’s front porch was exceptionally bright. In front of the house were four lanterns, two on each side of the doorway. Below the lanterns were small torches that burned in an amber flame. Similar torches lined down both sides of the porch, creating a celebratory atmosphere. Lastly, there was a large bonfire at the very front.

The entire village was gathered at Nissui’s house. Seats had been prepared for everyone; small tables were placed in front of each torch.

He walked up the porch, carrying the gargantuan fish he had caught earlier further down the stream. In the past week he had been fishing, he had never seen a fish as big as this.

Standing in front of a long table, he put down the fish on his back. This act was met with cheers and shouts of hurrah from the villagers. He looked up at Nissui, and she smiled back at him. He whispered his exclamation at such a large fish to Nissui, and she replied that it was all according to expectations.

Nissui took out a delicately crafted stick, thanked the gods for the fish, and started to make slits on the fish. Slowly but precisely, she made six neat cuts on the fish, then placed it into the bonfire.

Nissui started the festival rites. First, she faced the east, poured a small cup of sake and placed it there. Next, she took out willow sticks and planted it into the ground. The entire village then gathered in front of the willow sticks, and expressed their gratitudes to the god of the land that had looked after them and their ancestors.

At the end of the rites, Nissui introduced the village to him. He saw that there was only around two-score villagers, and thought to himself what a small but tight knitted village this must be!

It was indeed a tight knitted village, for everyone seemed to get along very well with each other, and are looking to have a good relationship with him as well. Everyone managed to have a handshake with him and welcomed him into the village.

Some time later, the fish was ready. Nissui spoke to the village, “From the early days my family was directed to provide for the people, and I again will serve you all.” She divided the fish into equal parts, which were then received by the villagers orderly.

The entire village proceeded to dine and make merry together, Nissui and him included. The air soon wore the fragrance of sake as the village talked and joked with each other.

He stood up and poured another round of sake for the villagers near him. They then emptied their cup together.

Suddenly, he was reminded of a question that he wanted to ask. Turning to Nissui, he inquired as to how she expected him to return with such a big catch.

She replied that as they respected the gods and the animals they look after, they will in turn provide what they needed.

“Indeed!” He comprehended.

Coexistence in harmony.

Mosirihi is a village that he must definitely treasure, he thought to himself.