(Jonathan Belfagel/Toritsuka Reita's P.O.V)
The clouds… white. Yep, so white, soft-looking, drifting along with the wind. Ah, I wish I could be like a cloud… It's been four years since I was reincarnated, and to be honest, winter was the toughest time when I was still a baby. No, actually, being a baby, in general, was the hardest part for me. Why? Because my "family" was mostly made up of spirits and Yokai, and it was challenging for them to take care of a human child still in their toddler years.
Four years have passed quickly yet monotonously. I wake up, eat, bathe, play, sleep, and repeat. That's about it. There's not much I can do in this forest. Learning Japanese has been tough for me, especially since it feels like what they're teaching me is Old Japanese. You know? The Japanese from the Edo era? My way of speaking now sounds like that of a samurai. The biggest problem is, I have no idea what year it is. I've only been keeping track of time by counting the seasonal changes.
The forest where I live—or rather, the forest where I was raised—is home to Yokai and spirits who have severed ties with the outside world, or at least rarely venture beyond its borders. I was told it has something to do with territorial domains of Yokai or something like that. Huh, I guess Yokai associated with certain areas can't roam freely into others.
By the way, I now have a proper house that can be considered part of human civilization—complete with a roof, walls, doors, and windows—a wooden cabin built especially for me. Honestly, I'm incredibly grateful to the Yokai who built it for me. The house is quite big—or should I say really big? It was made so Totoro could also fit inside. Truly, he has become like family to me—a guardian… I think? And the bed, hehe…
The cabin is more like a proper house—two stories, plus an additional floor just below the roof, a... loft? I'm not too knowledgeable about architecture. When you open the door, you're immediately greeted by the living room. Of course, there's a place to hang my shoes, coat, and the straw hat I made with Totoro's help. The first floor, as I mentioned, has the living room, a kitchen, and a small bathroom. There's also a fireplace for a campfire, but there isn't much furniture to see. The living room is spacious since Totoro often takes his afternoon naps there.
The second floor is where I sleep, though it's only a half-floor, so you can still see the lower level from above—it looks like a balcony. My bed is made of straw and covered with animal skins—deer and bear, to be precise. Since there's no cloth or thread in this forest, and I haven't found any plants suitable for making such materials, the process would be too troublesome. The second floor, as I said, is my sleeping area, and it's also spacious enough for Totoro to join me up here. It's where I keep my bow, slingshot, baskets, bags, spear, and other daily necessities.
The loft serves as my study. I make books from paper crafted out of leaves and certain plants that can be processed into paper. It took a lot of trial and error to achieve a perfect result with easily available materials. I mustn't forget the ways of civilization, and to keep my mind sharp, I recall the lessons I once learned, even if it's just the basics. I also make maps, and when I'm bored, I write storybooks or draw. These are the only things that kill my boredom besides playing in the forest. Oh, and I'm a bit of a gourmet—eating the same food repeatedly would kill me, so I'm always trying out new recipes. Whether they become innovations or disasters, well, that's a matter for later.
Moving on to another report, I've noticed that my hair… is violet. A color clearly unnatural for a "normal" human. But who am I to question it? Since I'm in what seems to be an animeverse—or so I suspect—vibrant hair colors must be normal here. Speaking of things that aren't normal, my soul has never been ordinary. Or perhaps I wasn't normal in my previous life. You could say I was someone highly sensitive to mystical or supernatural phenomena. Believe it or not, ghosts aren't all that scary. They're manifestations of what you believe they should look like, since a soul without a body has no form. If people believe ghosts are scary or horrifying, then naturally, bodiless souls will adopt such appearances.
For those who die with strong emotions, they can manifest themselves. Hatred, fear, sadness, regret—these are the four main emotions that usually cause the dead to become wandering spirits. They cannot move on to the afterlife until these emotions are resolved.
As for this body—my body in this world—it seems special. If in my previous world I had a high spiritual sensitivity, in this world, my spiritual level is slightly lower, but my physical body has heightened sensitivity. Normally, people can't interact with those from another realm, but I—or rather, this body of mine—can. It acts as a sort of medium, I suppose.
This surprised the Yokai and spirits. I guess it's only natural since they can possess my body due to my high sensitivity. Don't you think it's strange? Being reincarnated, meeting a guardian spirit of the forest who is essentially a "Kami (神)"—not in the sense of "God," but more like a "Divine Spirit." Yes, I'm talking about Totoro. By the way, I only recently realized that the tree he calls home is a "Sacred Tree," one that produces "Divine Energy" harmonizing with wood and life elements, of course. This tree serves as the energy core of the forest, ensuring its fertility.
"Reita! Reita! Let's go fishing!"
Ah, a familiar voice called out from outside the cabin. It was my uncle, Kanzaki. Someone? Hmm, more accurately, a Yōkai close to me, and he's…
"Oh, hold on a second, Kan-san!"
I replied as I quickly grabbed my fishing rod from the second floor, along with the basket I use for collecting animals. I have three types of baskets—one for animals, one for plants and fruits, and one for materials. This way, smells or other things don't mix, even though I always wash them after use. I just prefer keeping everything well-organized. Grabbing the rod and basket, I slipped on my sandals and straw hat, which I had made earlier, before stepping outside to greet the Bake-danuki holding a fishing rod while staring at me.
"Yo, Kan-san. What a bright spring day, huh? How's your family? Are they doing well?"
"Oh, yeah, they're doing great. Thanks for the fruits you gave us yesterday—my kids loved them."
Kanzaki greeted me warmly. He's one of the Yōkai who has cared for me since I was a baby, alongside his wife, Fuyuki-san. You'd be surprised to know that his wife is an Oni. Yup, an actual Oni from Japanese folklore—who would've thought? Even more surprising, she's stunningly beautiful. Long, soft black hair, smooth and graceful features, a slim waist, and a mesmerizing figure. It sometimes makes me question whether she's really an Oni; only the horns on her head convince me that Fuyuki-san is indeed one.
Anyway, back to the main topic. Today, I'm going fishing with Kanzaki-san. And if you're wondering how a four-year-old can go fishing? Well, I don't really know... Honestly, even tasks like cooking, making paper, washing clothes, and other fairly heavy activities are things I've been doing since I could stand and walk. Because, well, if I didn't, my lifestyle wouldn't be as comfortable as it is now. Ah, but I do get a lot of help from other Yōkai, like Kanzaki-san, who always assists me with fishing.
"Reita, hey... Reita, Earth to Reita. Are you even listening, kid? That daydreaming habit of yours, it's so hard to get rid of. Sigh..."
I can't blame him, really. Ever since my previous life, I've had a tendency to overthink. Some thoughts are valid enough to dwell on, but the rest? Just random ideas popping out of nowhere.
"Ah... Ahaha... Sorry, Kan-san. Should we head out now?"
"Yeah, yeah, you're sorry. Of course... Well, alright, let's go."
And with that, we set off. Walking down the familiar path leading to the river, I glanced left and right, never growing tired of the lush forest scenery. Flowers in full bloom and animals wandering about—it's spring. I don't know the exact date, but at least I'm happy that winter is over.
A little farther from my house, I came across a river where I could fish. Casting my bait and waiting for a fish to bite while chatting with a Bake-danuki is something I could never have imagined experiencing in my previous life.
"You know, Reita... I just thought of this now, but your name is a bit strange. Though, yeah, it has a different meaning. Toritsuka Reita (鳥束 零太) and Toritsukareta (取りつかれた). Well, I guess that's what happens when you leave the naming task to a Kappa..."
Looking at Kanzaki, the Bake-danuki, I couldn't help but make a face that clearly said, "I've had enough of this conversation." I mean, come on, is that really a topic worth discussing?
"That's not nice, Kanzaki-san. Not nice, not nice. I'm going to report this to Fuyuki-san."
And jackpot. Kanzaki's face instantly soured with regret. What else can you expect from having an Oni as a wife? Of course, he'd be a henpecked husband. But don't get the wrong idea—Fuyuki-san is genuinely kind. It's just that in certain situations, she... uh... shows her true Oni nature when angry. Truly terrifying.
"Ah, anything but that, please, Rei-kun. Come on, I didn't mean it, and wouldn't that be a bit harsh on an old uncle like me?"
Hohoho, look at that now. Truly, being a kid is so much fun because you can complain casually and always be protected. At least, that's how it is with my Yōkai family. They're all responsible adults. Unlike in this life—or maybe even my previous one—where my parents didn't seem to want me. Such troubling thoughts, honestly...
"Alright, alright, I won't say anything, but in exchange, I want some Matsutake mushrooms."
But I guess that's enough for me. In this life, I'm surrounded by so many... uh, Yōkai, to be precise. Hehe. Kind and friendly Yōkai, along with my gray furball guardian, Totoro. I feel blessed. At the very least, I feel alive—living as myself and not someone hiding behind a mask.
"Sigh... Is there no other payment? Ugh, my stash... Fine, I'll give it to you. No more than a small basket, okay? No further negotiations."
At least I'll be able to help with the mushroom stew tonight, paired with grilled fish. I'm sure Totoro will love this dinner menu. Honestly, Kanzaki-san, thank you—and please keep speaking recklessly. I don't mind as long as you provide proper compensation, mwehehehehe.
"Deal. I think that's acceptable as minimal remorse. Oh, if only you could be more sincere, Kan-san."
"Ngah! You brat, you're truly shameless! Haaah... Sometimes I wonder if helping to raise you was the right decision." Frustrated and annoyed, Kanzaki slammed his fishing rod to the ground. What a pity—who could've possibly driven him to this point of exasperation, heheh.
"Come on now, I know you do love me."
There's no need to feel embarrassed when you have a fun family that accepts you for who you are. And of course, when else can you tease an adult without consequences? Giving him a thumbs-up and laughing heartily, I thought, life isn't so bad after all.
And so, I continued chatting with Kanzaki for quite a while until, before I knew it, our baskets were filled with fish. Hurrying back home to smoke the fish we'd caught, I bid Kanzaki farewell.
(Third Person P.O.V)
In a mystical forest where a shroud of mist enveloped the treetops like an impenetrable barrier, rumors whispered that anyone who entered would never find their way out. Within this enigmatic forest, a violet-haired child in a white kimono wandered freely. To outsiders, the child might appear as a restless spirit due to their attire. However, this was no ghost—the child lived alone in the forest, without any adult supervision. Those who learned of this might consider it strange or dangerous, but they would be mistaken. Hidden in the shadows, unseen by ordinary people, watchful eyes observed the child closely.
This was Toritsuka Reita, the Son of the Yōkai Forest.
How did this come to be? How did a child end up being raised by Yōkai? The story began about four years ago when a young boy was abandoned deep within the forest. A boy who... was a little special. He was someone who had been reincarnated, or more precisely, someone who retained the memories of their previous life. There was no clear explanation for this phenomenon, but that wasn't the only thing that made the boy unique. In both his past and present lives, the boy could see the supernatural—ghosts, curses, demons, spirits, and various other mystical entities.
In his previous life, this ability left the boy feeling... isolated from the world and those around him. Not because people bullied him, but because he saw what others couldn't. They called him "indigo"—a term for those with paranormal gifts. Being haunted and possessed was the curse of his past, a misfortune faced by those with a heightened sensitivity to the spirit world, those who had sharper senses than most.
Jonathan Belfagel, as he was once called, endured countless misfortunes and haunting encounters. Alone and misunderstood, he struggled to accept his circumstances, which gradually led him to develop a sense of apathy toward the world around him. Yet, acceptance didn't erase the toll it took on him. Jonathan became a little... eccentric—or, to put it bluntly, strange. Facing things only he could see often made him lose touch with his sanity or sense of normalcy.
In a single month, Jonathan could be possessed by spirits no less than three times and, at worst, up to ten times.
A life of hardship and madness—that was his reality until he met his mentor, Ki Joko Royo Bodo, a spiritualist and exorcist. Under the guidance of his teacher, Jonathan found peace within himself and learned to help cleanse and release wandering spirits. Ki Joko believed that even vengeful spirits deserved to be laid to rest peacefully—provided they were victims rather than perpetrators. For those spirits who had been "perpetrators"—murderers or rapists in life—there was no forgiveness.
Day by day, Jonathan navigated the two worlds—the spiritual realm and the normal human society. As an indigo child, his abilities extended beyond sensing and interacting with the supernatural. Jonathan was told in his past life that every indigo child possessed a unique trait in addition to their paranormal gifts. Some had photographic memory, others sharp intuition, or even a talent for prediction. For Jonathan, it was his extraordinary perception, as if he had eyes in the back of his head. He could sense or see? the world around him in a full 360°.
With that, Jonathan was more than capable of becoming an exorcist and a detective for supernatural cases. In an environment suited to him, Jonathan finally found others like himself. While not everyone was friendly, at least he realized he wasn't entirely alone.
As an exorcist, Jonathan had to master various techniques—exorcism rituals, mysticism, black magic, shamanism, banishment prayers, and even methods he adapted from foreign exorcism practices. One example was the sealing techniques he borrowed from priests and Onmyōji/Onmyōdō. Through experiments, he achieved satisfying results, though one of his methods was criticized by the paranormal community as taboo.
This reminded Jonathan that even if someone could see the other side of the world, it didn't mean they shared the same perspective or could accept him. He came to terms with the fact that he was, indeed, strange. Ultimately, he learned to hold himself back, accepting his uniqueness with the thought, "So be it—everyone is different."
Even in death, Jonathan had no regrets. He felt he never truly belonged among those people.
But that didn't matter, because Ki Joko always supported him and tried to understand Jonathan's views. When Jonathan strayed, Ki Joko would gently guide him back, like a grandfather advising his grandson.
In this life, Jonathan took the name Toritsuka Reita. He found a place where he could feel what it truly meant to have a home.
Four years was more than enough for Reita to experience the warmth and kindness of the Yōkai in this forest. Even Totoro took on a sense of responsibility, watching over and raising Reita.
Though he knew nothing of the outside world, this place was his home—a home that could never be replaced. A sanctuary he shared with those who stayed by his side.
(Reita's P.O.V)
After finishing the preparation of the fish, now hung and left to smoke, I glanced at the small basket filled with Matsutake mushrooms that I acquired after *persuading*—I mean, asking Kanzaki-san for them. Ah, such a delicious yet hard-to-find mushroom. Alongside other varieties like Enoki, Shimeji, and Button mushrooms, combined with tofu and vegetables such as carrots, Chinese cabbage, bean sprouts, eggplants, corn kernels, potatoes, and radishes, everything was washed, cut into bite-sized pieces, and added to my stew in the proper order.
The broth this time was made from mushroom stock, a bit of tomato paste, a touch of peanut sauce, and, of course, soy milk—since there are no cows around here...
Setting that aside, I hung the freshly caught fish in the smoking chamber crafted by a skilled Yōkai at my request. The smoker resembled a box with a bamboo chimney featuring small ventilation holes to let out just enough smoke while ensuring it filled the box first. With that, the smoking process began, and I turned my attention back to preparing the mushroom stew for dinner, which I'd share with Totoro.
Once the stew reached a boil, I ladled it into two wooden bowls—one small, one large—and carried it to the living room. I also brought along leftover bread I baked yesterday, still plenty for tonight's meal. Alongside the stew, I served other dishes like fresh fruit, grilled sausages, and the freshly smoked fish. Warm, hearty, and delicious. Just in time, my big furry companion arrived.
"Ah, Totoro, welcome back. Dinner's ready. Tonight's main course is mushroom stew and smoked fish."
My furry friend couldn't communicate like a human, but I could tell he was excited. He hurried to the living room, eager to dig into the food I had prepared. Of course, I'd let him—if only he would wash his hands first. Tapping his hand with a wooden ladle, I looked at him firmly.
"Hey! Wash your hands first, or no dinner for you. Even though you're a divine spirit, at least show me some manners."
Totoro pouted but went to the bathroom to wash his hands. Returning to the dining area, he proudly showed his now sparkling clean hands. Hehe. With a nod of approval, I joined him at the table, ready to enjoy our meal. As the wind rustled the leaves and the forest's soothing sounds filled the air, today, like always, turned out to be a delightful day.
"Itadakimasu."