Vol. 5 Ch. 2 Ep. 4: Honored Guest of the Kadenokouji Family

The Kadenokouji family...my family...works to maintain good relationships within the Hyakkiyako.

We provide amenities and rooms for well-known personalities visiting Hyakkiyako in exchange for...business connections and favors.

There happens to be a doctor staying at our property right now.

A doctor...?

Yes. Though she may not be well-renowned, she specializes in mystical medicine. She has helped me numerous times.

Since I abandoned my responsibilities as a miko, I have been...a bit distant from my family...

But I will suffer any indignity to heal your arm, Nagusa!

...Yukari. I'm sorry, but this arm...

Oh? You've returned, my lady.

We were so worried when you didn't answer our calls. It's wonderful to see you again.

So, did you change your mind and decide to leave that Council...

...I suppose not.

Welcome, friends of my dear lady.

The Hyakkaryouran. For what purpose have you visited our family today?

I know it's shameless, but, as the daughter of the Kadenokouji family, I have a request.

A-A request? This is your home. Of course you can have anything.

Will you please bring me the doctor who's staying here?

The doctor? My lady, are you injured?

It's for Nagusa, and it's a very private matter.

She has a serious specialized wound. Please call the doctor immediately.

...Understood. I shall fetch her promptly.

My lady, the doctor shall see you now.

...Oh my, a patient?

And here I thought I was on vacation...

But as a show of gratitude to the Kadenokouji family's generosity, I'll take a look.

Oh my...

(This woman seems familiar...)

Oh, wow...!

What is it, Renge? Do you recognize her?

No...I just like her glasses! Where do you think she bought them?

Who cares?!

The pleasure is all mine. I'm Riku, a traveling doctor on a pilgrimage through Kivotos.

I am a wanderer at heart, and am eternally grateful for the Kadenokouji family offering me a temporary home.

Though my medical skills may be unconventional, I'd be honored to assist a member of the Kadenokouji family.

You're too kind.

Would you please take a look at my friend's arm?

Hm. My specialty is in internal medicine, so I'm not sure if I can help...

But I shall do my best. Now, please remove your bandages.

...

Do you...think it's serious, doctor?

Can you heal her or not?

My goodness...?

Is it painful?

...Occasionally.

Then it's a phantom pain. From a phantom limb.

...Phantom limb?

Yes. Perhaps you've heard of it? It can be quite excruciating.

The nerves don't know your arm is missing. They send pain signals to your brain...a pain you can't treat on a limb you don't have.

What the...

Check your glasses! Nagusa's arm is right there!

No. The patient's arm is not here.

Based on the color, it was amputated several months ago, and it's currently being neglected somewhere far away.

Perhaps in the pitch-black of the spirit realm, Miss Nagusa?

...How did you know that?

Like I said, I'm a wanderer. I've traveled all of Kivotos in search of unique medicine.

In the northern district of Hyakkiyako, I've discovered some fascinating plants...and animals.

And I've observed that shadows cannot coexist with living cells. Once touched, a certain...death occurs.

The natives there called it being devoured by the spirit realm.

...So. Was your arm devoured by the spirit realm? Did you abandon a piece of yourself in the northern lands?

...Yes. I was touched by the spirit realm.

I thought this doctor was a joke, but she recognized the wound immediately.

...Renge, careful. She's a Kadenokouji family guest.

Very impressive, doctor! You are truly insightful!

So...what can we do to heal Nagusa's arm?

The only way to heal phantom pain is through reunification.

The pain will persist endlessly until you find the real arm lost in the spirit realm.

You are saying that I must go back...

Is there no other way?

Light stretches? Physical rehabilitation might help with the symptoms, but not the problem.

There's an exercise that an old acquaintance of mine used to stay healthy. I can email you the video if you want.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Miss, do be aware.

Time does not heal everything. In fact, if you miss the chance, sometimes time locks you into a point of no return.

Do not let your timidity deprive you of your options.

...

Well then, I wish you a swift recovery.

She wants us to reattach an arm we can already see? Was she just...wasting our time and spouting nonsense?

If it truly is a wound from the spirit realm, curing it may be beyond what we find sensical.

I've never heard of taking things OUT of the spirit realm...

We thought that the spirit realm and the Hundred Ghost Stories were mere fables like the story of Kuzunoha...until the Lantern Festival.

I would like to share a story...my story.

I...haven't been entirely truthful with you all.

I can tell you about the wound...and my shame...and my failure.

I'll tell you everything. Ayame...was with me.