Otaku Translation: Absolute Number One C114

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Chapter 114: Master Chihara

Chihara Rinto had expected The House at the End of the Slope, as a low-budget art film, to be rather dull. To his surprise, however, the movie turned out to be unexpectedly good.

Set in a run-down apartment building nestled within Tokyo’s slums, the film explored the lives of ordinary people struggling through Japan’s bubble economy era—a time marked by excess and fleeting prosperity. The cinematography adopted a grayish tone, juxtaposing bustling urban landscapes with decrepit apartments. Through documentary-style interviews, it delved into themes of simplicity amidst ostentation and sought answers on how to find peace in an increasingly chaotic world. The result was deeply evocative.

Michiko played the role of a dancer’s daughter—sweet, endearing, and full of life. Her character served as the sole bright spot in an otherwise bleak narrative. Tragically, her untimely death toward the end added another layer of melancholy, elevating the film’s emotional weight.

Even Chihara found himself drawn into its somber atmosphere. He began contemplating reaching out to the director professionally. Moreover, he realized Michiko truly had potential to carve a niche for herself in this industry—it wasn’t hard to see why Nambu Ryoko pinned so much hope on her. Michiko possessed genuine acting talent, standing head and shoulders above her peers.

If only she weren’t so dead-set on becoming a shut-in, Chihara might have even considered crafting a project tailored specifically for her. Finding such raw talent was rare; he couldn’t help but feel excited at the prospect.

After eighty minutes, the lights came back on, signaling the end of the screening. The filmmakers and cast seated in the front row turned to bow deeply to the audience, who responded with spontaneous applause. Chihara joined in, acknowledging the film’s artistic merit. While box office success might elude it, word-of-mouth would surely follow. Futazeno Seiko and Yamagami Aiko dabbed at their eyes, visibly moved, while Nishino Sagiri remained cheerful, unaffected as usual.

Following the screening came the premiere’s thank-you reception—a customary event where attendees mingled over light refreshments. Industry insiders, critics, and journalists were ushered into a nearby hotel’s multipurpose hall, transforming the space into a networking hub. Many attended premieres primarily for these social opportunities—to connect with colleagues and expand their networks.

As one of the evening’s prominent guests, Chihara was naturally invited. Accompanying him were Aiko and her friends, who marveled at their first taste of such an occasion. Despite their usual antics when alone, they conducted themselves with remarkable decorum around strangers, appearing almost like three little ladies.

Chihara instructed them not to wander off before excusing himself to chat with the director. However, several others also sought his attention, delaying his return. When he finally rejoined the group, he found Michiko animatedly conversing with Aiko and her friends, holding a glass of juice.

He smiled approvingly. “You did well. Very successful performance.”

Michiko turned and bowed slightly. “All thanks to your guidance, Master.”

Chihara chuckled, knowing full well that aside from gaming, he hadn’t taught her much. Changing the subject, he asked, “What are you all talking about?”

Michiko grinned. “We’re discussing Aiko-neesan’s cousin, Hakuba-san.”

Chihara perked up, impressed by Michiko’s thoughtfulness. “Just call her Neiko-nee. We’re friends too.”

“Yes, Master,” Michiko replied obediently, then refocused on the trio. “I’d love to meet Neiko-nee someday. From what you’ve said, she sounds incredibly kind and considerate.”

Despite her young age, Michiko was no novice when it came to persuasion. With impeccable timing and charm, she could easily win people over—just ask Murakami Iori, who adored her. Aiko eagerly chimed in, “You should definitely visit us sometime! Neiko-nee will love you!”

“I’d love to!” Michiko agreed readily. “But tell me, what does Neiko-nee enjoy?”

“No need for gifts,” Aiko waved dismissively, though she eventually divulged, “She’s quite simple. If anything, she loves plants and flowers.”

“Does she keep houseplants?”

“Yes, she has several pots in her room, though I can’t identify them.”

Still getting to know each other, Michiko steered clear of prying questions, focusing instead on casual topics. Meanwhile, Chihara listened intently, picking up valuable insights about Hakuba Neiko’s habits and preferences. Unfortunately, Michiko soon excused herself to greet other guests, leaving Chihara somewhat disappointed.

Left with just the four of them, Chihara took matters into his own hands. Sipping his drink casually, he inquired nonchalantly, “By the way, what exactly does your Neiko-nee’s family do?”

This had been weighing heavily on his mind lately—second only to Hanzawa Naoki’s ratings.

Nishino Sagiri glanced at him briefly, amused but silent. Aiko, seeing no harm in sharing, answered freely, “Neiko-nee’s family runs a temple.”

“A temple?” Chihara echoed, startled.

“Yes, didn’t she mention it in your letters? Her family has been serving as the head priests of Hakuba Branch Temple for generations.”

Chihara nodded slowly, familiar with the term “head priest” (住職), which historically referred to temple abbots. What shocked him, however, was learning that Neiko hailed from such a background. Could his future father-in-law really be… a monk?

He hesitated. “So, they’re monks?”

“Well, yes, those who run temples are typically ordained monks.”

Chihara froze momentarily, realizing the implications. Then it dawned on him: Japanese monks differed significantly from their counterparts elsewhere. Historically, during periods of fervent Buddhism in Japan, monks enjoyed tax exemptions, amassing wealth and land. By the modern era, this influence posed challenges to centralized governance. To counteract it, the government issued the Meat-Eating and Marriage Decree, allowing monks to marry, have children, consume alcohol, and eat meat.

To further solidify this decree, the government made priesthood hereditary. If a monk broke vows and fathered children, his offspring could inherit the position, enjoying certain privileges. Initially resistant, the Buddhist community eventually embraced these changes—human nature being difficult to suppress, especially with legal justification.

Over time, Japanese monks became more secularized, dividing temple assets among heirs. This diluted their political threat.

While Chihara had suspected Neiko came from a distinguished lineage, discovering she was the daughter of a monk was unexpected. Reflecting on her apparent financial struggles—working part-time jobs—he queried cautiously, “Is the temple struggling financially? Why is she staying with your family?”

Aiko didn’t consider this a particularly big deal. After numerous persuasions from her two close friends, she had come to realize that both Chihara and Hakuba Neiko were adults, each with their own thoughts and intentions. She understood now that it wasn’t her place to interfere too forcefully in their affairs. Moreover, her impression of Chihara Rinto had improved recently—she found him more genuine and reliable than before. With that shift in perspective, she no longer felt the need to actively obstruct anything.

Given that the conversation revolved around matters unrelated to Hakuba Neiko’s private life, Aiko spoke freely without hesitation.

“It’s tradition in the Hakuba family. Once children reach a certain age, they leave home to fend for themselves and gain worldly experience. When ready, they return to inherit the family business, managing the temple responsibly. Don’t underestimate temples—they’re often wealthy. Our Yamagami household is merely a poorer branch of the Hakuba clan.”

Chihara wasn’t concerned about wealth but pressed further: “So she’ll inherit the temple?”

“Yes, as the only daughter, it falls to her.”

“How exactly? Will she become… a nun?”

Aiko rolled her eyes. “Where did you get that idea? She’ll simply take a husband to carry on the family name. It’s common practice.”

Chihara fell silent, realizing marrying Neiko meant embracing monastic life—or at least taking on the title of “Master.” For someone like him, devoid of religious inclinations, the prospect felt daunting.

Aiko smirked teasingly. “Thinking of pursuing Neiko-nee, Chihara-sensei? If you succeed, we’ll have to call you ‘Master Chihara’ from now on.”

Chihara’s smile faded, overwhelmed by the revelation. Sensing his discomfort, Futazeno Seiko jumped in reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Chihara-sensei! You can still write scripts even as a monk. Many small temple priests work regular jobs during the day and manage temple duties at night. Your career won’t suffer!”

Chihara shot her a wry glance. Working nights as a monk… That still sounded unbearable!

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