Day 6

Oh, good morning. This is a promising start to the day, running into you here.

So what are you up to today, Fujimaru?

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I see. Well, you still have plenty of winter vacation left, so take your time to think about it while you enjoy a nice, leisurely breakfast.

We're off to get started on our Santa duties. With any luck, we'll be back in record time today.

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Hm? What is it?

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...

I guess. The simple answer is that Martha asked me to do it. But the reason I ultimately accepted is that there's something I want to deliver as Santa Claus.

Santa Claus is supposed to be a type of fantasy who brings joy and good fortune wherever he goes, right?

Maybe my reason piggybacked on that miracle.

I became Santa not just so I could bring presents to people waiting for them, but so I could bring presents on behalf of those who wanted to give them.

I'll admit, it's more selfish than the other Santa Servants. But what's wrong with a Santa like that?

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Bye. See you this evening.

Today's delivery is for someone really unusual, so I should have a good story for you when I get back.

Phew. Glad I managed to keep my head. (That would've been too close for comfort without Guts.)

It could not be otherwise; for this conflict, I did my strength restrain. Offer thy gratitude for this blessing of salvation, for thy future's path it hath opened.

...Huh? What are you talking about? I don't remember Santa Claus having any such attribute.

...No matter.

Wherefore art thou come, Phantom Spirit Nemo? Is repentance for sins yet to be committed thy desire?

Of course not. There's only one reason Santa goes anywhere.

I have a present for you, First Hassan. Though I don't know if it'll be to your taste.

Impossible. My sword tolls the hour of one's passing. No more, no less. And so no worldly desire do I harbor.

Santa Claus harkens to the call of yearning, I well know. But mine own soul is void of such cravings.

I'm sure that's true, but this isn't from me. It's from someone who really put their heart into it, hoping you'll accept it.

...

I heard there are several Hassans, but the First was always alone.

So I made this, hoping he could enjoy himself even on his own. I-I'm sure he'll like it!

...At least, I hope he will.

It's called osechi. It's a fancy meal they make in Japan to celebrate New Year's. Seems like the perfect time for it.

I heard they mostly make it with foods that don't spoil easily, that way they don't have to stand in the kitchen over and over again for three days.

Our teachings harbor no traditions for the coming of the new year.

But no cause does that make to spurn a gift from creation's mother.

The vessel I shall myself return once my repast has ended. So important a task ill suits such callow neophytes as Cursed Arm and his ilk.

I-I see. Thanks. That'll be a big help.

... ...

Um, First Hassan? I actually

Very well. Bare thy neck.

But I haven't even told you anything yet!

Thy path to my domain laid bare thy intent.

Seek not my pardon. Shouldst thou err, thou wilt vanish. I require no more than this.

No longer do I bear the mantle of Grand. Thy errand is no concern of mine. That no other Grand Servant, save perhaps one, will in thy business meddle, I tell you now.

...Do you think I can do this?

Thy query is a curious thing. For thy triumph or failure, the world shall no different be.

Shouldst thou fail, thy name will to nothing fade. Ah, but ever hast thou been nothing.

Trouble thyself not with what afterward may come. No, thy task leaves thee too little time to worry even over its outcome.

Got it. Thanks, Hassan. You just helped me get over the last of my doubts.

Nevertheless, prepare thyself.

Long have I dwelt here at the border 'twixt life and death. So long, now, that the border itself have I become.

So much death have I meted out that I am become death itself.

As one who dwells overlong in an impossible realm must in turn an impossible being become...

...so too, who creates the impossible and invisible must eventually these qualities embody.

In the shadow of the physical world, faith is the tether to bind those who would otherwise for meaning want.

Recall thy purpose, Captain. Remember, so that upon our next meeting, thy work upon thy design be complete.

Welcome back, Leader. Did you say hi to First Hassan?

Yeah. He was even scarier than I'd imagined.

Apparently, for him, what we're trying to do is no bigger a deal than morning prayer.

I wanted to ask him if we were about to do something unforgivable, but he wasn't having it.

His response pretty much came down to, "I don't care, just do what you want."

Oh my, that's certainly harsh. Does this mean we proceed as planned then?

Yeah. Marine, tell Master we won't be coming back today.

All hands to your stations! Zero Sail depth, seven! Destination, 2017!

Set sail for the promised time!