Sabtu, 29 November 2025

Rebith of the war emperor (2)

a Chapter 2: Buddha Vein Condensation Technique

Long Che never expected that the Crouching Dragon's Number One Divine Artifact, the Eight Desolations Demon Suppression Tower, which had accompanied him in conquering the world in his previous life, would actually be Rebirth with him!

"Hahaha! With this Divine Weapon, my return to the Peak of the Martial Dao will be just around the corner!"

A surge of towering ambition spontaneously arose!

"The hundred thousand demons suppressed in the Eight Desolations Demon Suppression Tower would be a cataclysm for others, but for me, they are abundant resources for reaching the Peak of the Martial Dao! Slaying demons and slaughtering monsters, gaining their power, is enough to advance to Martial Venerable, Martial Saint, and become an Emperor!"

After his surprise, Long Che tried to communicate with the Eight Desolations Demon Suppression Tower using his Soul Power, but he couldn't enter it at all.

"With my current power, I can't communicate with such a Divine Artifact at all. To utilize the demons suppressed within it, my Cultivation must at least reach the Battle Ancestor Realm..."

With Long Che's experience, he immediately saw that with his current meager power, he couldn't communicate with such a powerful Divine Weapon, let alone slaughter the demons within it, take their demon cores and magic cores, claim them for his own, and improve his Cultivation.

He currently had no Cultivation whatsoever; he was just a living corpse. The Battle Ancestor Realm was an insurmountable chasm away!

Having such a vast resource treasure trove as the Eight Desolations Demon Suppression Tower but being unable to use it, Long Che couldn't help but feel extremely depressed.

"Eh? Wait a minute..."

His eyes darted around, and Long Che's eyes suddenly lit up.

"This white jade crystal coffin is made of ten-thousand-year-old cold ice, and it contains the purest Heaven and Earth Mystic Power. My old man is really generous... To use such a good thing as a coffin is really a waste..."

With Long Che's methods, anywhere under Heaven, anything containing Mystic Power could be used for Cultivation.

Even a coffin was no exception.

Then, he found a Cultivation Technique called "Futu Ningmai Technique" in his memory, and immediately used his powerful Spiritual Power to activate this Cultivation Technique.

With the Cultivation foundation of the Number One Battle Emperor of the World, any Cultivation Technique he casually found would be a method that people would fight over.

The Futu Ningmai Technique he chose for himself was even a Saint Grade among them. The most remarkable thing was that it could repair severely damaged Lingwu Bloodlines to the maximum extent, regardless of Cultivation limitations.

"Buzz..."

As the Futu Ningmai Technique slowly began to operate, Long Che clearly felt that the flesh and blood in his body began to undergo subtle changes. It seemed that small whirlpools were forming around the flesh and blood, starting to absorb the faint, thread-like Profound Qi from the surroundings.

This Profound Qi was the pure Profound Qi emitted from the white jade crystal coffin. After being absorbed, it fused with Long Che's flesh and blood, repairing the damaged Bloodline and bones.

The coffin made of this white jade crystal was indeed High Grade. A corpse placed inside it could remain incorrupt for a hundred years, and the reason was the effect of this pure Profound Qi.

From this point, one could also see how deep Long Jingyun's love for his son was.

However, even though Long Che deliberately guided this Cultivation Technique to operate slowly, intense pain still came in waves, which showed how severe the previous injuries were!

But after all, the Futu Ningmai Technique was a Saint Grade for repairing Bloodlines. An hour later, all the intense pain throughout his body completely disappeared.

Repairing all the shattered and broken flesh and bones throughout his body in just one hour was simply a miracle. Under Heaven, such a thing would probably only happen to Long Che.

And after his flesh and blood were repaired, the Futu Ningmai Technique also gradually began to operate faster. Long Che then used the pure Profound Qi from this white jade crystal coffin to begin repairing his broken Lingwu Bloodline.

As the Cultivation Technique operated, strands of white misty Profound Qi began to drill into Long Che's body.

These pure Profound Qi also contained the attribute of cold ice, which had a unique tempering effect on flesh and blood.

After the previous intense pain, the current reshaping of the Lingwu Bloodline made Long Che feel as if he was in a state of enjoyment.

Finally, an hour passed, and his body trembled slightly. A Lingwu Bloodline was completely repaired and connected!

Correspondingly, Long Che's Cultivation also rose to the First Level Battle Apprentice Realm.


"Continue..."

Long Che's expression was indifferent.

This First Level Battle Apprentice Realm was insignificant to him.

The Futu Ningmai Technique continued to operate, and after another hour, finally, the second Lingwu Bloodline was connected!

...This repair process continued until dusk.

The sudden rain had just stopped.

Squeak—

The tiger carriage pulling the coffin finally stopped.

Ahead was the Long Clan Residence of Tianmen Town.

However, at this moment, at the gate of the residence, what greeted their team was not the sad faces of family members, but a group of Long Family Guards holding strong bows and Sharp Weapons!

Arrows were on the strings, facing them..... contiued to chapter 3

Selasa, 25 November 2025

Rebirth of the War Emperor


Chapter 1: Rebirth of the War Emperor

AI Model: gemini-2.5-flash
Thunder roared, lightning tore through the sky!
Thick dark clouds, carrying a violent storm, pressed in, making the sky dim and the earth dark!
"Che'er!"
A sorrowful cry, like a clap of thunder, made all who heard it heartbroken!
On the Crouching Dragon Ancient Path!
Nine Scarlet-tailed Tigers pulled a giant purple-gold sandalwood carriage, slowly heading towards Tianmen Town, which was covered in dark clouds.
The heavy carriage left two deep ruts on the ancient path.
On the carriage, a white jade crystal coffin, abrupt and striking, was enveloped in a layer of hazy white light.
Beside the coffin stood a burly man with a leopard's head and round eyes, wearing a brocade robe and a large cloak. At this moment, his fists were clenched, and his face was filled with intense grief and unwillingness.
"Ziyang Sect! My son, Long Che, died inexplicably within your Sect. His nine meridians completely destroyed and his Battle Soul shattered, how could it have been caused by a Yao Beast!"
"I only hate that my Long Family is weak. If we rise again one day, I, Long Jingyun, will surely slaughter your entire Sect and avenge this blood feud!"
Long Jingyun, the Long Family Patriarch, let out low roars of unwillingness. His tiger-like eyes were blood-red, filled with deep-seated hatred!
Two teams of Long Family Guards, solemn and grave, followed behind the coffin, walking slowly.
Grief enveloped the entire procession.
Between heaven and earth, the fierce wind howled like ghosts crying, and the thunder and lightning flashed like demons screaming, revealing endless desolation... "Crack!"
Suddenly, a deafening thunderclap tore through the clouds, streaked across the sky, and descended from above.
It struck precisely upon the white jade crystal coffin!
Everyone was shaken, their hearts pounding and their scalps tingling. Even Long Jingyun couldn't help but be startled:
"Indeed, my son died unjustly! Even the heavens are enraged!"
Strangely, with such a powerful thunderbolt, even if the white jade crystal coffin was made of ten-thousand-year-old ice, it should have been annihilated!
However, the white jade crystal coffin merely flashed with a cold light before returning to its original state!
After the thunderbolt, the heavy rain poured down, raging wildly as if to destroy the world!
And as all the Long Family were covered by grief and the heavy rain, continuing their numb journey, a faint voice echoed from within the white jade crystal coffin.
"Hmm? This Emperor actually... underwent Rebirth? Is this the world a hundred years later?"
In the coffin, a young man with starry eyes and sword-like brows suddenly opened his eyes, and at the same time, a surge of memories flooded his mind.
A hundred years ago, Extraterrestrial Demons invaded the Crouching Dragon Continent. The Number One Battle Emperor of the World, Long Che, in order to save the common people of the world, single-handedly charged into the demon army, used the Devouring Heaven Sword to furiously slay the ten great demon leaders, and then used the Divine Artifact Eight Desolations Demon Suppression Tower to suppress and Seal one hundred thousand demons. Afterward, he exhausted his Sword Emperor Bloodline to repair the plane crystal wall system of the Crouching Dragon Continent, preventing a catastrophe!
However, after slaying the demons, at his weakest moment, he was ambushed by the Three Super War Sovereigns of the Crouching Dragon Continent, who took advantage of his weakness and jointly killed him at the Dragon Burial Platform. His four limbs and head were severed and buried separately in the five great divine states of the Crouching Dragon Continent.
"Hmph! Heavenly Sound, Ghost Fiend, Xuan Mingzi! When the world was about to collapse, you acted like cowards! This Emperor saved the common people of the world, and you couldn't wait to seize power and usurp the throne! You even tried to snatch this Emperor's peerless Divine Artifact, the Eight Desolations Demon Suppression Tower!"
"You didn't expect it, did you? This Emperor actually didn't die, and my Soul Transmigrated to a hundred years later! A hundred years, you three bastards should still be alive, right? Good! Just wait, the day this Emperor returns to the Peak will be the day of your demise!"
Long Che's eyes were filled with endless coldness.
However, Long Che quickly hid the anger in his heart.
As the World's Number One Devouring Heaven Sword Emperor, his mental fortitude was far beyond that of ordinary people. Even if he fell from grace, that immortal heart of a strong person would never allow him to be disheartened!
A tiger in a flat plain is still a tiger, a Dragon in a shallow pond is still called a Dragon!
Sparrows can never know the grand ambition of a swan spreading its wings and soaring into the sky!
Immediately, another surge of memories flooded his mind.
"You're also called Long Che? The first Disciple of Ziyang Sect? The first Genius in Tianmen Town in nearly a hundred years to reach the Battle Master Realm before the age of fifteen!"
"But because he was too outstanding, he snatched the qualification to study at the Southern Border Martial Academy from the illegitimate son of Real Person Ziyang, the Sect Master of Ziyang Sect. Thus, he was brutally assassinated by Real Person Ziyang, his Battle Soul shattered, his nine meridians crippled, and it was falsely claimed that he was attacked and killed by powerful Yao Beasts within Ziyang Mountain... Then, the Long Family was notified to come to Ziyang Sect to retrieve the already gruesome and cold corpse, and bring it back to the Family..."
"Heh heh, what a world where the strong prey on the weak and bullies run rampant!"
"Long Che! Since this Emperor has undergone Rebirth, from now on, you and I are one! Your hatred is mine, and I will accept everything about you. I will walk this Grand Dao of Heaven once again!"
Long Che calmly accepted the reality and then began to examine his body.
"Nine meridians completely destroyed, Battle Soul shattered, tendons broken and bones fractured... What a Real Person Ziyang! A mere Battle Master Realm, yet he dares to be so ruthless!"
"As a Sect Master, to kill a Genius and even destroy his nine Lingwu Bloodlines, even if he didn't die, he would become a cripple! This deep hatred, one day, I will repay you a hundredfold!"
"Hmph, as the World's Number One Sword Emperor, let alone repairing the nine meridians and Battle Soul, even regenerating the nine meridians and reshaping the Battle Soul, what difficulty is there? It's just... I'm currently lying in a white jade crystal coffin, lacking Spirit Pills and miraculous medicines..."
Even with Long Che's heaven-defying abilities, he couldn't help but frown at this moment.
A clever housewife cannot cook without rice. His current body could be described as utterly gruesome!
Not only were his nine meridians completely destroyed and his Battle Soul shattered, but he also had not a single trace of Profound Qi throughout his entire body. Even his flesh and blood were already cold, and his bones were broken into pieces. It was extremely difficult for him to even move!
If his Soul hadn't Transmigrated into this body, this body would simply be a corpse!
Moreover, it was the kind with torn skin and flesh, broken tendons, and shattered bones!
Upon discovering this situation, Long Che couldn't help but mentally curse Real Person Ziyang's ancestors once more.
On the Crouching Dragon Continent, the Cultivation Ranks are divided into Battle Apprentice, Battle Master, Battle Ancestor, Battle King, Battle Venerable... Battle Apprentice has nine Ranks, corresponding to the nine Lingwu Bloodlines within a Cultivator's body.
Opening one meridian means advancing one Rank!
Once all nine Lingwu Bloodlines are completely opened, one can condense a Battle Soul within their Dantian and advance to become a Battle Master expert.
Originally, with Long Che's talent, he had already condensed a Battle Soul and become a Battle Master, with limitless prospects. But now, to have met such a tragic end, it was truly a case of heaven envying a Genius.
"Alas, this Emperor's glorious reputation was ruined by villains. After the Devouring Heaven Sword slew the ten great demon leaders, the Sword Spirit was severely injured and its whereabouts unknown... My Eight Desolations Demon Suppression Tower, known as the Crouching Dragon's Number One Divine Artifact, is also missing..."
"However, this Emperor possesses a thousand Cultivation methods and can once again create the legend of a War Emperor! The most pressing matter is to quickly find a way to reshape my Lingwu Bloodline..."
In this Rebirth, he must live a more glorious life than his previous one!
"Buzz..."
Just as Long Che frowned, suddenly, he felt a slight fluctuation within his Dantian.
"This fluctuation... so familiar, could it be..."
Long Che's consciousness sank into his Dantian. When he discovered the purple-gold divine tower within his Dantian, he was so excited that he nearly jumped out of the coffin!
"Eight Desolations Demon Suppression Tower! You actually Transmigrated with my Soul?!"
"This Emperor sealed one hundred thousand Extraterrestrial Demons within the Tower, and they... actually came along too?"
Continued Chapter 2

Kamis, 20 November 2025

Imigrant


Immigrant

by Tony BM

I came with pockets full of silence,
and a heart that carried more storms than maps.
The border did not ask my name—
only whether I could endure
the weight of beginning again.

I learned the language of lonely nights,
of roofs that echoed unfamiliar rain,
of streets that called me stranger
even when I smiled at them.

But hope is a stubborn seed.
It grows in the cracks of concrete cities,
in the warmth of borrowed kitchens,
in the kindness of a single open door.

And so I walk—
an immigrant of dreams,
a traveler of invisible wounds,
a believer that one day
this land will whisper back my name
as gently as the home I left behind.



Imigran
terjemahan

Aku datang dengan kantong berisi keheningan,
dan hati yang membawa lebih banyak badai daripada peta.
Perbatasan tidak menanyakan namaku—
hanya apakah aku mampu menahan
beban untuk memulai kembali.

Aku belajar bahasa malam-malam sepi,
tentang atap yang bergema oleh hujan yang asing,
tentang jalanan yang memanggilku orang asing
meski aku sudah mencoba tersenyum padanya.

Tapi harapan adalah benih yang keras kepala.
Ia tumbuh di celah-celah kota beton,
di hangatnya dapur yang dipinjam,
di kebaikan dari satu pintu yang terbuka.

Dan aku terus berjalan—
seorang imigran mimpi,
pengembara luka-luka yang tak terlihat,
seorang percaya bahwa suatu hari
tanah ini akan membisikkan kembali namaku
selembut rumah yang kutinggalkan.

Minggu, 16 November 2025

Andun Dance of Bengkulu: A Celebration of Joy, Community, and Courtship

 




Andun Dance of Bengkulu: A Celebration of Joy, Comm

The Andun Dance, also known simply as Tari Andun, is one of the most iconic traditional dances from the province of Bengkulu, Indonesia. This social dance has long been a symbol of togetherness, joy, and cultural identity for the people of Bengkulu, especially within the Rejang and Serawai communities.

Origins and Cultural Significance

Historically, Tari Andun was performed during important communal events such as harvest festivals, weddings, and village celebrations. In the past, it functioned as a courtship dance, allowing young men and women to meet, interact, and get to know each other in a respected and culturally guided manner. Over time, although the function of matchmaking has lessened, the dance remains an essential part of cultural ceremonies and public festivals.

Movement and Musical Accompaniment

The movements in Andun Dance are gentle, graceful, and open—symbolizing friendliness and mutual respect. Dancers often stand in two separate lines, men on one side and women on the other, slowly moving toward and around each other in rhythmic patterns. The motions emphasize curved arms, soft steps, and subtle gestures that reflect modesty and elegance.

Tari Andun is typically accompanied by traditional Bengkulu music, including gendang (drums), serunai (traditional wind instruments), and gong. The rhythm is lively yet steady, encouraging dancers to interact harmoniously.

Costumes and Visual Identity

Female dancers usually wear bright traditional attire, adorned with pending, kalung, and golden accessories that highlight the beauty of Bengkulu’s cultural design. Male dancers wear traditional clothing in complementary colors. Together, the costumes create a festive atmosphere that enhances the celebratory spirit of the dance.

Modern Presence and Preservation

In contemporary Bengkulu, Tari Andun continues to be performed at cultural festivals, school events, and regional celebrations. The local government and cultural organizations frequently promote the dance as part of efforts to preserve regional identity and encourage younger generations to participate. It has also been featured in national cultural exhibitions, helping introduce Bengkulu’s heritage to a wider audience.

Conclusion

Tari Andun is more than a dance—it is a living representation of Bengkulu’s communal values, hospitality, and artistic expression. Through graceful movements and joyful rhythms, this traditional dance continues to bring people together while preserving the cultural heartbeat of Bengkulu for future generations.


Jika ingin versi lebih panjang, lebih formal, atau format HTML untuk blog, tinggal bilang saja. 😊

Sabtu, 15 November 2025

Indonesian Dance Arts in the Eyes of the World

Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, boasts one of the world's richest cultural tapestries, where dance serves as a vibrant thread weaving together history, spirituality, and community. From the graceful movements of Balinese Legong to the dramatic epics of Javanese Wayang Wong, Indonesian dance has captivated global audiences for centuries. In the eyes of the world, these art forms are not mere performances but living embodiments of a nation's soul—exotic, profound, and endlessly innovative. As globalization accelerates cultural exchange, Indonesian dance continues to evolve, earning acclaim on international stages while preserving its indigenous essence.

The roots of Indonesian dance trace back to ancient animistic rituals and Hindu-Buddhist influences that arrived via trade routes around the 1st century CE. In Java and Bali, dances were integral to court life and religious ceremonies. For instance, the Bedhaya Ketawang of Central Java, performed by nine female dancers, symbolizes the cosmic union between the Sultan and the Goddess of the South Sea. This sacred dance, unchanged for generations, mesmerizes foreign observers with its hypnotic precision and subtle symbolism. Western scholars like Claire Holt, in her seminal 1930s studies, described Javanese dance as "a philosophy in motion," highlighting its refined gestures (wirama, wiraga, wirasa) that convey emotions without words.

Bali, often dubbed the "Island of the Gods," elevates dance to a divine spectacle. The Legong Kraton, danced by pre-teen girls adorned in gold-threaded costumes, tells tales from the Ramayana epic through intricate eye movements and finger flexions. Tourists flock to Ubud's palaces to witness Kecak, the chanting monkey dance inspired by trance rituals, where dozens of bare-chested men create a rhythmic cacophony. Internationally, Bali's dances gained prominence through early 20th-century exposures. Dutch colonial films and the 1931 Paris Colonial Exposition introduced them to Europe, sparking fascination among artists like Antonin Artaud, who drew from Balinese theater for his "Theatre of Cruelty."

Beyond Java and Bali, Indonesia's diversity shines in regional forms. Sumatra's Tari Piring from Minangkabau involves dancers balancing plates while executing acrobatic spins, symbolizing gratitude for harvest. In Sulawesi, the Toraja people's Pa'gellu dance accompanies funeral rites with energetic stomps and warrior-like poses. Kalimantan's Dayak tribes perform the Hudoq, masked dances to ward off evil spirits and ensure fertile crops. These traditions, rooted in ethnic identities, intrigue anthropologists and travelers alike. UNESCO's recognition of several Indonesian dances as Intangible Cultural Heritage—such as Balinese dances in 2015 and the Saman dance from Aceh in 2011—has amplified their global visibility, positioning them alongside flamenco or tango.

The world's gaze intensified post-independence in 1945, when Indonesia promoted its arts diplomatically. President Sukarno sent troupes to the 1955 Asian-African Conference, showcasing unity through diversity. In the 1960s and 1970s, dancers like Sardono Kusumo blended tradition with modernity, collaborating with American choreographers at festivals like the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. The 1990s saw a boom in cultural tourism; Bali's annual arts festival drew performers from abroad, fostering cross-pollinations. Contemporary icons like Eko Supriyanto infuse hip-hop into Javanese styles, touring Europe and earning praise from The Guardian as "a bridge between ancient mysticism and urban pulse."

International acclaim peaked with global tours and media. The Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan Temple, an open-air spectacle with hundreds of dancers against volcanic backdrops, has enchanted visitors since 1961. Companies like the Jakarta-based Nan Jombang Dance Company have performed at New York's Brooklyn Academy of Music, blending pencak silat martial arts with contemporary narratives on social issues. Critics from The New York Times laud these for their "raw energy and narrative depth," contrasting them with Western ballet's linearity.

Yet, perceptions vary. Early Western views often exoticized Indonesian dance as "primitive" or "oriental," a lens critiqued in postcolonial studies. Today, appreciation focuses on empowerment and resilience. Female dancers in patriarchal societies challenge norms through forms like the Jaipong of West Java, a sensual, improvisational style born in the 1960s that empowers women via bold hip sways. Global feminists highlight this, as seen in documentaries like *The Seen and Unseen* (2017), which explores Balinese dance's role in grief and identity.

Challenges persist: urbanization threatens transmission, with youth preferring K-pop over gamelan-accompanied dances. Government initiatives, like the Indonesian Dance Festival, counter this by inviting international collaborators. Exchanges with Japan's Butoh or Africa's contemporary forms yield hybrids, such as the 2023 collaboration between Balinese dancers and Brazilian capoeira artists at the Venice Biennale.

In academia, Indonesian dance influences ethnochoreology. Scholars at UCLA and SOAS University study its gamelan orchestration, where bronze instruments dictate tempo, inspiring composers like Lou Harrison. Film and pop culture amplify reach: *Eat Pray Love* (2010) featured Balinese dances, boosting tourism, while K-pop group BLACKPINK's Lisa, of Thai origin but trained in Indonesian styles, nods to regional influences.

Ultimately, Indonesian dance in the world's eyes is a testament to cultural vitality. It transcends entertainment, offering insights into harmony with nature, spiritual transcendence, and social cohesion. As climate change and globalization loom, these arts adapt, ensuring Indonesia's rhythmic heartbeat echoes globally. With over 300 ethnic groups contributing unique steps, the future promises even richer dialogues—inviting the world not just to watch, but to dance along.

Kamis, 13 November 2025

赤い提灯の下の約束

🌸 Episode 2 — 赤い提灯の下の約束(やくそく)

翌日、東京の下町では夏祭り(なつまつり)の準備が最高潮に達していた。
神社の参道には赤い提灯(ちょうちん)が連なり、子どもたちが盆踊りの練習をしている。
太鼓の音が遠くからドン…ドン…と響き、町全体が祭りの気配に包まれていた。

美咲(みさき)は神社の手伝いをしながら、時々スマホを見つめていた。
その画面には、海斗(かいと)からのメッセージ。

「祭りが始まったら会いに行くよ。
 一番大きな提灯の下で待っていて。」

その言葉を思い出すだけで胸がぎゅっと締めつけられる。
しかし、祭り当日はとても忙しい。
おみくじの担当、客案内、儀式の準備……
本当に彼と会う時間はあるのだろうか?
不安が少しずつ増えていった。


一方、横浜のオフィスでは海斗が大量のデザイン修正に囲まれていた。

「海斗くん、これ今日中に頼むよ。」

最悪なタイミングだった。
こんな日に限って緊急の仕事が舞い込む。

(今日だけは…今日だけは絶対に遅れられない。)

海斗は決意し、時計を気にしながら必死で作業を進めた。


やがて夜。
東京の神社では提灯が灯り、人々があふれ、祭りの音が心地よく響き始めていた。

美咲は青い浴衣に桃色の帯を締め、一番大きな提灯の下に立っていた。
しかし——

時間だけが過ぎていく。

「…海斗……来ないの?」

胸が痛む。
人波に揺れ、提灯が風に揺れ、心も揺れた。

そのとき。

「美咲!!」

振り向くと、汗だくで息を切らした海斗が立っていた。

「遅れてごめん……でも、どうしても来たかった。」

美咲の目に涙が溜まる。

「本当に……来てくれたんだね。」

海斗は優しく彼女の手を握る。

「東京と横浜なんて、君との距離に比べたら何でもないよ。」

提灯の光が二人を包み、祭りのざわめきが優しい音に変わった。

その瞬間、
二人の距離は、ようやくひとつになった。


🌙 Episode 3 — 御神輿(みこし)の夜、明かされる想い

祭り二日目。
神社には立派な御神輿(みこし)が置かれ、担ぎ手たちは準備に熱を上げていた。
町中が熱気と期待に包まれる夜——それが「御神輿の夜」だ。

美咲は朝から準備に追われていた。
昨日海斗と会えた喜びで胸はいっぱいだったが、今日はさらに忙しい。
神社の巫女として儀式(ぎしき)にも参加しなければならない。

(今日、海斗は来てくれるかな……?)

その頃、海斗は横浜の駅で電車を待っていた。
昨日の疲れが残っていたが、心は軽かった。
美咲に会いたい——それだけが彼を動かしていた。


夜になり、御神輿が動き出す。
「わっしょい!わっしょい!」の掛け声と太鼓の音が響き、町は興奮に包まれた。
提灯の列が美しく揺れ、観客たちは歓声を上げていた。

海斗は人混みの中から美咲を探すが、なかなか見つからない。

「美咲……どこだ?」

焦る海斗の耳に、鈴の音がふわりと響いた。

振り向くと——
巫女装束(みこしょうぞく)を身にまとった美咲が、境内で祈りを捧げていた。
白と赤の衣装に灯りが反射して、まるで別世界の人のように美しい。

海斗はしばらく声をかけられず、ただ見惚れていた。

祈りが終わり、美咲が振り返ったとき、ようやく二人の視線が重なった。

「海斗、来てくれたんだ。」

「うん……なんか言葉が出ないくらい綺麗だった。」

美咲の頬が赤く染まる。

しかしその表情の奥には、少しだけ影があった。

「海斗……実はね、祭りが終わったら言わなきゃいけないことがあるの。」

「言わなきゃいけないこと……?」

美咲はぎゅっと帯を握りしめ、続けた。

「私……もしかしたら東京を離れなきゃいけないかもしれないの。」

御神輿の掛け声が遠くで響く。
しかし二人の周りだけ、音が止まったかのように静かだった。

海斗は目を見開き、息を呑んだ。

「……どうして?」

美咲は一歩近づき、寂しげに微笑んだ。

「でも今日は、まだ楽しい夜にしたい……
 だから、この話の続きを聞くのは——あなたが決めて。」

祭りの光が揺れ、二人の影も揺れた。

夜風の中で、
新しい恋の試練が静かに訪れようとしていた。


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東京―横浜 君への愛より広いものはない


東京―横浜 君への愛より広いものはない

六月の終わり、東京から横浜へ向かう電車の窓には、初夏の光がきらめいていた。
町はもうすぐ始まる夏祭りの準備で慌ただしく、神社の参道には色鮮やかな提灯が吊られ、太鼓の練習の音が遠くから聞こえてくる。

海斗(かいと)は横浜で働くデザイナー。
そして、東京の下町で家の神社を手伝う美咲(みさき)とは、遠距離に近い関係になっていた。

最近は互いに忙しく、会う時間も少ない。
それでも、海斗は「祭りの前に会いたい」とメッセージを送り、美咲も短く「来て」と返した。


横浜の赤レンガ倉庫に着くと、潮風がふわりと吹き抜けた。
浴衣の帯を整えながら美咲が現れた瞬間、海斗の胸は強く締めつけられた。

「久しぶりだね、美咲。」
「本当に来てくれたんだ。嬉しい。」

二人は港を歩きながら、屋台の準備を眺めた。
かき氷の氷を削る音、焼きそばの鉄板から立つ香り。
祭り前の独特なざわめきが胸をくすぐる。

「東京と横浜って、こんなに近いのに、なんだか遠く感じる時があるよ。」
美咲の言葉に、海斗はそっと彼女の手を握った。

「世界で一番近くしたい人が、君なんだ。
 だから距離なんて、僕が全部越えていく。」

美咲は頬を染め、港の灯りを見つめた。

「じゃあ…祭りが始まったら、私の町まで迎えに来て。
 来てくれたら、ずっとそばにいる。」

海斗は笑顔でうなずいた。
横浜の海より広く、東京の街より深く、自分の想いは変わらないと確信していた。


夜、祭りの練習の太鼓が響く。
二人は海の見えるベンチに座り、静かに肩を寄せ合った。

「海斗…東京と横浜より広いものって、何だと思う?」
「決まってるよ。」
海斗はそっと彼女の手を包んだ。

「君への愛だ。」

胸の奥で、祭り前の花火のような温かさが広がった。
そして二人の未来を照らすように、港の灯りが静かに揺れていた。


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