EPISODE 18: ANOTHER PATHETIC MISSION/THE END OF TRAINING

EPISODE 18: ANOTHER PATHETIC MISSION/THE END OF TRAINING

(The next day yūto, sora and aiko sit squatting in the main garden, where the cherry tree, sakura, has been planted. The sun shines high in the blue sky while opposite them sits the elder. Yūto in a hushed voice tells aiko who is next to him)

OUTDOOR AREA, IN THE MAIN GARDEN WITH THE CHERRY TREE-DAY

YŪTO

Aiko, I-

(But before he finishes his sentence, aiko dismissively turns her head to the opposite side and does not listen to yūto. Yūto stops speaking and bends his head and looks at the ground with regret. Sora lying on the other side of yuto asks him to tease him a little)

SORA

Yūto, what happened last night?

(Yūto looks at sora startled saying)

YŪTO

Nothing, nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing happened. Why do you ask since yesterday there was absolutely nothing, nothing, hehehehee.

(Yūto shakes his hands in horror as he says all this. Sora then turns his head and looks at him with the corner of his eye with great wonder and earnestness. Then yūto asks sora)

YŪTO

Why, why do you ask sora?

(Sora looking at him with the corner of his eye, says with an ironic look)

SORA

I see, hehe. I'm asking you because I thought I heard screams. I was sure it was you, but from what I hear you contradict me. Mysterious thing, don't you agree?

(The elder who is there and listens to them with his eyes closed suddenly says)

ELDER

Yūto, I want to talk.

(Yūto is frightened and says in a loud voice)

YŪTO

Yes, sir!

(The elder beckons aiko and sora to leave the garden. Sora and aiko get up and leave, sora enters the temple first and aiko follows him. In the end aiko goes to close the door, but before closing it she puts out her tongue to yūto and then forcefully drags the door behind her. Yūto looks at her)

ELDER

Aiko's acting kind of weird. Since last night, it's like something changed her. Maybe one word, one sentence, one act, something troubles her, Don't you agree with me yūto?

(He asks yūto with his eyes closed. Yūto turns his head sharply and looks with horror at the elder "chewing" at the same time his words)

YŪTO

No, no, master, he does not behave at all strangely; he behaves as he does every day, I think. I hope so, heheehee.

(The elder smiles saying)

ELDER

I see, I see. Maybe you're right or maybe you're not? Hechehee, who knows? No one.

(Yūto draws out a long exhalation as if a great weight were lifted from him. Then the elder rises from the ground from where he sits squatting and looks at the beautiful cherry tree with the pink leaves on its branches. Suddenly he catches in the air one of the infinite pink leaves that the wind travels in the blue sky, opens his palm and looks at the pink leaf saying at the same time)

ELDER

Yūto, I know very well that the time has come for you to leave my poor. It's time to say goodbye and turn into a real demon hunter, right? You ask for revenge for your family, for your teachers, for-

(Then yūto rises from the ground also and says in a loud voice interrupting the elder)

YŪTO

No! No, I'm not asking for revenge!

(A light breeze winds yūto's hair and the elder's beard. Then he says in a low voice:)

YŪTO

Revenge is not befitting a real demon hunter, as my master taught me. I used to seek revenge, pursue it any way I could. I had so much sorrow, so much unutterable pain within me. I ached, I cried, I fell. I'm still in pain. I'm in pain, crying and falling! I'm sorry, I'm sorry for all the people who have lost and she and me something so ... so ... this so is our weakness. The past, the bad memories, the death of everyone. But I can't go on like this! I want to look ahead, now! Now there are living people, children, women and generations who will come to this world over the years. I want to save everyone! To inspire them, to awaken them! That's... that's what I'm going to fight for! I will fight no matter what happens!

(The elder responds to yuto by letting the pink leaf leave his palm and travel it wherever the wind drives it)

ELDER

Finally you managed to take the first step towards the exit of this dark labyrinth, you managed to get out of this vicious circle of revenge and sorrows. But tell me truly yūto my son, are you afraid of death? You're probably not scared, but have you thought about the people on your side? In a team you don't just think about yourself, you have to protect the weakest but the strongest at the same time.

(Yūto approaches the elder and puts his hand behind his back holding the Black-Red fans saying)

YŪTO

It is difficult, I never imagined that I would carry on my back such a large, fragile and heavy load. But life plays bad games and I have to settle for it. So count on me! I promise you that as long as I breathe, I step with my feet on the ground and have the strength to raise my head high I will not let any enemy hurt them, I will protect them with my own soul even if necessary! Either we all die together as one irresistible team or we live and emerge victorious from this hell!

(The elder smiles and thinks himself at an early age like yūto's. Then he opens his eyes and caresses his head. After a while yūto takes out the two fans he has back in his belt and gives them to the elder telling him)

YŪTO

These fans were left to me by a memorable person, I wish you would reward aiko with them and say a big "sorry" on my behalf for... Ehehee will understand I believe.

(The elder stretches out his hand and takes them from the hands of yūto. Yūto scrapes the back of his hair with his eyes closed, while the elder looks at the fans. Then he raises his head, saying:)

ELDER

These fans are the best weapon I would give to my student, they fully match aiko's skills. Thank you very much, yūto.

(The elder makes a bow, and so does yūto. Finally as yūto leaves the Garden The Elder says)

ELDER

Wait!

(Yūto turns his body towards the elder in Wonder and looks at him, at that moment the elder catches a pink Leaf, the pink leaf puts it in his Palm. Then he closes his palm and puts it in front of his mouth, praying with his eyes closed. When he had finished he opened his palm, letting the pink Leaf go by the wind. The elder turns to yūto saying to him)

ELDER

I gave you the best weapon of all, it is not a real weapon to fight demons, but it is a spiritual weapon that you will need on your journey. I'm sure you'll need it sometime. Good luck, bright sun.

(Yūto smiles and with a bow to the elder answers)

YŪTO

Thanks for everything, master!

(Before opening the door to enter the Temple, The Elder cries)

ELDER

PROTECT THEM, HUNTER!

(Yūto opens the wooden door by dragging it, enters into the temple and at the same time closes the door behind him, thinking with closed eyes and with a smile on his lips)

INTERIOR SPACE, AT THE ENTRANCE BETWEEN THE TEMPLE AND THE MAIN GARDEN WITH THE CHERRY TREE-DAY

YŪTO

I'll do the best I can, I'll try hard. Count on me, Master.

(Whispers in his ear the teacher he had in the forest)

OLD MAN

I'm sure you will, yūto.

(Yūto opens his eyes frightened, looks up and down, left-right but nothing, so he continues to walk the corridor inside the temple. After a while sora appears, abruptly and forcefully drags the door and goes out into the main garden. The elder meanwhile sits down on the ground squatting beside the sakura tree and meditates. Sora approaches him and yells at him angry)

OUTDOOR AREA, IN THE MAIN GARDEN WITH THE CHERRY TREE-DAY

SORA

OLD MAN, WAKE UP! OLD MAN, DAMN YOU!WAKE UP! COME ON, GIVE ME THE AXES SO I CAN FINALLY GET OUT OF THIS BROTHEL, OUT OF THIS DUMP! I HAVE OTHER MORE IMPORTANT JOBS TO DO THAN JUST SIT AND WATCH YOU SLEEP! YOU USELESS WORM WITH ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE! GET ON WITH IT!

(the elder opens one eye of the two and answers sora in a serene and calm voice)

ELDER

Why so hasty sora? Sit with me and join me, relax and let's enjoy the moment.

SORA

HUH?! WHAT BROTHELS ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!

ELDER

It seems to me you don't know the saying "a man always needs a rest."

(Sora looks at him angry and starts yelling)

SORA

TSK, I'M NOT ENJOYING THIS MOMENT WITH YOU! I AM ONLY GLAD WHEN I SEE THE HEADS OF DEMONS ANNIHILATED FROM THE REST OF THEIR BODIES AND THE RED BLOOD STAINING THE GROUND! SO IF YOU DON'T WANT THE SAME THING TO HAPPEN TO YOU, GIVE ME MY AXES!

(The elder understands, so he says a little later)

ELDER

If you will sit with me I will give you the axes you so much crave and claim from me, you have my word.

(Sora looks at the elder with hatred and thinks)

SORA

Look at the bastard who's gonna make me do whatever he wants. Damn it, you can't have power over me, you slime worm. But if I don't sit with him I won't get the axes I need, because of him I won't be able to fight. He's as cunning and clever as a rat. You bastard rat!

(Then sora replies trying to control his nerves)

SORA

I'll... I'll ... I'll sit with you, but i'm not doing this for you old man, damn it. I'm only doing this to get the axes and get out of here as soon as I Can, Am I clear?!

(The elder half smiles with his eyes closed, then sora sits down beside him. After a long time of meditation sora scrapes his hair and again closes his eyes trying to concentrate, but he hears something and again opens his eyes, looks in that direction from where the sound came and sees a sparrow on the branch of sakura. Sora again turns his head forward and again tries to concentrate but in vain. So with his eyes closed he thinks)

SORA

I can't, I can't meditate anymore. It is of no use to me, there are so many sounds around us that it is impossible not to detect them. What nonsense does that stupid old man make me do?

(He opens his eyes and before facing the elder again thinks)

SORA

How can the old man meditate for so long, it's impossible, how?

(So he turns his head to face the old man, but before he finishes his thought he faces the old man with his eyes closed and breathing very little, it is as if he is asleep. Sora gets angry and yells)

SORA

YOU TRICKED ME, DON'T PLAY WITH ME I TOLD YOU! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

(Sora from his nerves attacks the elder by putting his hands down on the ground and goes to hit the elder's head with his feet which he has raised them high. The old man catches sora's foot a few centimeters away from his head and with only one of his two eyes open he says in a strict style)

ELDER

What do you think you're doing there?

(Sora is amazed by the elder's ability, so he thinks)

SORA

How was he awake, since he seemed to be asleep? He fooled me once more, you worm!

(Sora clenches his teeth and thinks again)

SORA

It doesn't matter what he did or how he did it. We will fight, old man, and I will defeat you to reveal to you the fantastic power I possess. Get ready, old man.

(Sora making a sharp movement of his foot backward releases it and again attacks the elder. Only with attacks of his feet sora tries to hit the elder. After many blows and the elder to repel them all with amazing speed and in an entropodic way finds the opportunity to fight back. The elder makes a small jump and as he is in the air turns his body sharply towards sora, places his left hand in the area of the belt in a fist and with his right hand hits sora with open palm on the chest. Sora sees the old man's open palm coming towards him but does not have time to avoid or repel it. So sora throws back with force, then grasps his chest with his left hand and raises his body to face the elder, then says in an ironic tone)

SORA

Not bad for an old stump ready to die, lol.

(The elder all he does is half smile and tell sora)

ELDER

Why don't you try again then.

(Sora is angry and in a moment memories come to him from his practice in the temple when he was small)

THE FLASHBACK BEGINS:

(Sora toddler lying down on the ground with scratches on his face looking at the ground saying with tears in his eyes)

OUTSIDE, IN THE COURTYARD OF TRAINING, IN THE TEMPLE OF SORA VILLAGE - AFTERNOON AND THE SUN SETS

SORA

I can't do it anymore, Master, I can't.

(The teacher in a strict style answers sora)

TEACHER

Get up, sora!

(Sora looking at the teacher says with tears in his eyes)

SORA

Master-

TEACHER

Get up sora! Get up!

(Sora gets up and stands in front of the teacher with his head down, so again says the teacher this time in a calmer voice)

TEACHER

Raise your head sora, you have nothing to fear, not even me. It doesn't matter how many times you get down on the ground, it matters that in the end you get up. To be called a true demon hunter you need to know one thing, that you need to try again and again, then you will become better. SO DON'T GIVE UP, TRY AND FIGHT CONSTANTLY!

(Sora in tears cries)

SORA

YES, MASTER!

RETURN FROM THE FLASHBACK OF THE PAST:

OUTDOOR AREA, IN THE MAIN GARDEN WITH THE CHERRY TREE-DAY

(Sora comes back from the memory of the past and runs towards the elder with his hands backward, so he gets very close to him and makes a jump, raises his hand and falls beside the elder raising dust and on the ground to have a hole created. Then in a low voice angry says sora)

SORA

What did you say?

(Then after the elder does not answer, sora again says in a loud voice looking with Demon Gaze with the corner of his eye)

SORA

WHAT DID YOU SAY?!

(The elder sits down again on the ground and with his eyes closed says)

ELDER

Try again, sora. One more time.

(Sora laughs saying)

SORA

Hahahahahaha! Let me try! Why, why? No more effort, only death! I want to kill, I want to see the sadness in the eyes of demons when they die, I want ... I want-

(The elder who continues to meditate answers sora)

ELDER

You want something back that doesn't come back.

(Sora looks at him in Wonder)

ELDER

You want the other half of your life back, you ask for your yáng. You want back all your favorite things that you, you took for granted. But now that they're gone, you understand and recognize the real gold value they had.

(Sora angry replies in a loud voice)

SORA

Stop! SHUT UP, OLD MAN!

(But the elder continues)

ELDER

Like your father, the breakfast table full of food and your family Mazi, your teacher…

(Sora cries as The Elder says all this)

SORA

STOP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP. Shut up!

(The Elder says his last sentence)

ELDER

And finally your very dear girl, you loved her a lot, didn't you? It was the good in you, the light in the night, the positive thoughts in the negative.

(Sora bends his head down and with tears rolling from his eyes, images come to mind. Images such as: carefree walking towards the city, looking at the stars in arms, sora healing shu by putting gauze on her wounds, his family all together around the table and everyone smiling sweetly, and finally that night they made an oath and then made love together. Until she can't stand it and breaks out into screams)

SORA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

(At that moment he makes a movement to hit the elder, but suddenly the elder grasps sora's hand, turns sharply to him and hugs him tightly saying while at the same time a light breeze takes away the pink leaves from the branches of the cherry tree, sakura)

ELDER

I know sora, I know. You are surrounded by your emotions, we all have feelings, no man can be made of stone. Your heart sora is not a stone, so let freely fly your emotions like birds in the blue sky. Manifest your feelings; it will be the little secret between you and me alone.

(Sora meanwhile trying to get out of the old man's arms cries and cries at the same time while from his beautiful eyes flow tears that no one can stop them)

SORA

LET ME GO, I'LL KILL YOU, LET ME GO! Why? Why? WHY DON'T YOU GIVE ME A GUN TO DIE KILLING DEMONS?! I WANT TO GO TO MEET SHU, I WANT TO FACE HER NEXT TO ME AGAIN! THESE BROWN EYES AND BEAUTIFUL BROWN HAIR I WANT TO FEEL THEM AGAIN NEXT TO ME, ONCE AGAIN, ONCE AGAIN! ONE LAST TIME AT LEAST!

(The elder after a while lets him out of his arms and holding him by his shoulders says)

ELDER

Try again, once more, one last time. Because sora, nothing is lost yet. You can do many things, as long as you admit your mistakes and move forward with them.

(Sora wipes his tears and in a decisive tone shakes his head affirmatively, turns forward and with a deep breath closes his eyes, as soon as he closes his eyes everything turns black and ponders)

SORA

I won't be afraid. Not now, not tomorrow, not when I die, it doesn't matter anymore to be afraid sora. You have yūto, aiko By Your Side and you must protect them, protect you like a true team…

(Sora before finishing his reasoning appears a white light in front of him. While at the same time the elder in the real world makes an attack on sora. Sora suddenly repels her with his eyes open.)

SORA

No, like a family.

(The elder starts fighting sora trying to hit him but sora repels all of the elder's moves. So he says in a loud voice and with his eyes closed while from behind plays an encouraging music)

SORA

EARTH SENSATION!

(the elder keeps trying to hit sora but sora feels him through the ground. Sora can feel the footprints of the elder from the ground. It is like stepping on a calm sea, with every step he takes on the ground the elder agitates the waters and sora can see him. Due to this technique sora in an amazing way makes maneuvers, kolotubes over the attacks of the elder and impressive repulses. In the end sora finds the opportunity and with one fist goes to hit the face of the elder, but does not hit him. Sora's fist stops at a stone's throw from the elder's face. With deep breaths they both stop fighting. The elder tells sora with a wide smile on his lips)

ELDER

You did it, you're ready.

(Sora lowers his fist and grasps his knees, the elder at the same time heads towards the cherry tree, behind the tree pulls out two rolled arms. He approaches sora and tells him stretching out his hands that he holds the two wrapped axes)

ELDER

These belong to you, I think.

(Sora takes them from the hands of the elder and as he unfolds them, The Elder says)

ELDER

I know they're not like the ones you had, but I hope you like them. Yet they were made by a trusted person and their construction is exactly like the oldest axes you had, I know because-

(Before the elder has finished his sentence, sora interrupts him by telling him, and in his hands he holds the two little axes)

SORA

No, it's great, thank you, thank you very much.

(The elder catches sora's shoulder and tells him with a smile)

SORA

You have great abilities sora and a heart of solid diamond and not of stone as you want to believe you have. Use it, because this is the key to your perfection, do the best you can.

(The two axes at ji/hiraji point are colored green. Sora looking at his axes again remembers pictures of shu's death, shakes his head and with a smile puts the two small axes back on his X-shaped back, so sora bows to the elder saying)

SORA

Thank you, thank you so much for showing me who I really am, thank you for showing me that I don't have a heart of stone and, and that you believed me, thank you.

(Sora starts walking towards the entrance of the temple, but the last words of the elder stop him)

ELDER

Sora, I think I forgot something to give you.

(Sora with his back turned to the elder, turns his whole body towards him and sees the elder holding a black pants and a black blouse written on the back in green letters in Japanese 猟師, The Elder gives it to him. Then he turns his back towards sora and starts walking slowly towards the cherry tree saying)

ELDER

Sora co-charities.

(Sora looks at the blouse and then at the elder. Before entering the temple he tells The Elder who has already sat down on the ground beside the cherry tree and has closed his eyes)

SORA

What's happened in here stays between us, old man.

(The elder smiles and thinks of the picture that embraced sora, then answers sora)

ELDER

Don't worry, what's said and done in the garden doesn't come out, but stays in it.

(Sora half smiles and drags the wooden door, enters the temple. As sora enters the temple he sees yūto sitting down on the floor and waiting. Then in wonder she asks him as he creeps up and closes the door behind him)

INTERIOR SPACE, JUST OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE OF THE MAIN GARDEN WITH THE CHERRY TREE, IN THE TEMPLE CORRIDOR-DAY

SORA

What are you doing here, idiot?

(Yūto replies looking at sora)

YŪTO

I've been waiting for you, sora.

(Immediately after yūto lies leaning his head against the wall and with closed eyes asks sora)

YŪTO

So, did you pass the test?

(Sora sits down with yūto saying his)

SORA

You're stupid, useless, trash. If I didn't pass, who would? Did you?! I don't think so, you useless son of a bitch.

(For a few seconds there is silence, until yūto turns his head towards sora and in a serious tone says)

YŪTO

I'm hungry, shall we get something to eat?

(Sora looks at yūto and answers with a sly smile on his lips)

SORA

Hahahahaha, I think someone seeks revenge for the defeat he ate, what do you say yūto?

(As sora and yūto head to the dining room, yūto says)

YŪTO

Ha! What are you saying, I beat you last time, you probably don't remember well. You worthless mole!

SORA

SHUT UP, YOU USELESS MOUSE! This time we'll see who the real winner is, and so you won't be surprised, I'll let you know it's gonna be me.

YŪTO

Go ahead, Fool winner! I'll beat you!

SORA

WHAT'S UP, MAN?! ONLY IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS!

(So the two children leave and go to eat. Meanwhile aiko drags the door and goes out into the garden. As she goes out she sees the old man meditating, so she slowly closes the door behind her and proceeds to enter further into the garden. Then he sits down opposite the old man with his knees resting on the ground and says:)

OUTDOOR AREA, IN THE MAIN GARDEN WITH THE CHERRY TREE-DAY

AIKO

I'm here, master.

(The elder does not open his eyes, only says in a low voice)

ELDER

Mmm, I can see that, dear.

(Silence for a few seconds prevails, a gentle breeze winds the hair of aiko and the elder's yukata. After a while the elder says again with his eyes closed)

ELDER

Isn't it beautiful here, in this garden, aiko?

(Aiko with her head raised says)

AIKO

Yes, yes it is ... but-

(Before Aiko completes her sentence The Elder says)

ELDER

This tree was planted when you were born, aiko. Isn't it wonderful?

(Again the elder asks aiko again with his eyes closed. Aiko understands what is happening and bends her head saying)

AIKO

I'm sorry, Master.

(The elder does not react, just sits and meditates. Aiko looks at the blue sky telling The Elder)

AIKO

I must go; it is time, as you say, for the Little Sparrow to leave his nest and travel with the rest of the birds over the blue sky. " I know it's hard for you, but believe me, it's so hard for me, too.

(Aiko pulls out a long exhalation completing)

AIKO

Goodbye, master.

(Aiko goes to get up but the old man says by putting his hands inside his long sleeves)

ELDER

Why do you want to leave your home so badly, aiko?

(Aiko stops and again sits down on the ground telling him in a serious tone)

AIKO

I want to leave to fulfill my dreams. To be a brave demon hunter like you always told me. The way we always dreamed together, grandpa.

(A light breeze winds the hair and clothes of aiko as well as the elder. The elder rises from the ground and walks near the cherry tree, then with his hand grasps the trunk of the cherry tree, saying)

ELDER

Yes, I remember my daughter. I always thought you could be a good hunter, but now I see a completely different path from what I saw in the past. I was blinded by my love for you, my daughter, that's why I was inspiring you, and I really wanted you to change, but you didn't make it.

(The elder continuing to hold the trunk of the cherry tree, turns his head towards aiko)

ELDER

I was wrong about you, I'm sorry. Forgive me, aiko.

(Aiko's eyes begin to Twinkle, her hands tremble, and in a hushed voice she asks)

AIKO

What, what did you just say?

(The elder lowers his head, saying in a low voice:)

ELDER

Sorry, aiko, but you're not ready to be demon hunter yet. You're not ready to face all those dangers waiting for you out there.

(Aiko sweats and a tear rolls down her cheek, then she starts crying)

AIKO

It can't be. No, no, no! You're lying to me! I can't believe this, what are all those words coming out of your mouth, grandpa?! WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SAY TO THAT?!

(The elder kneels beside the cherry tree and with bowed head answers

ELDER

I should have told you a long time ago, but…

(Aiko with nerves, with tears rolling down her cheeks and falling to the ground cries)

AIKO

Lies! Lies, lies, lies, lies, lies! It can't be the truth! All these years, all the training, all the pain, all the fatigue, all the stress, and you're telling me I'm not ready yet?!

(The elder with bowed head says)

ELDER

I'm sorry aiko I should have told you, all the blame is mine, mine, sorry my daughter. But no matter how much you get angry, scream, cry, it doesn't change anything anymore.

(Aiko meanwhile cries and continues to forcefully hit the ground with her hand saying)

AIKO

Lies, lies! I want to be like my mother. Why don't you leave me?!

(The elder sharply raises his head. A memory of him has come to mind)

THE FLASHBACK BEGINS:

OUTSIDE, AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE TEMPLE-THE SUN SETS AND EVENING COMES

(The elder's son holds a baby in his arms, while beside him he holds the hand of his wife tomiko. The son stretches out his hands holding the baby and gives it to the elder telling him with a smile)

SON OF THE ELDER

Father, please help us.

(The elder takes the baby in his arms and opens the blanket with which they have covered it. While opening the blanket, the elder asks with Wonder in his son's face)

ELDER

Whose baby is this? Don't tell me that…

(Tomiko says with a smile to the elder)

TOMIKO

Congratulations, father, you've become a grandfather.

(The elder spreads his index finger to the baby and the baby smiling catches the index finger, then the elder looks moved his son and his wife saying their)

ELDER

Why, why didn't you tell me sooner?

(The son hugs tomiko saying to his father with a smile on his lips)

SON OF THE ELDER

We wanted to surprise you, Father.

(From the cheeks of the elder begin to roll tears)

ELDER

She's beautiful. What Have you named her?

(Tomiko responds to the elder with a smile)

TOMIKO

We decided to call her aiko, as they called your wife.

(The elder begins to cry, saying)

ELDER

You make me so very happy, I feel like I've earned 20 years of my life. Now we can all be together as one family.

(But the son and tomiko do not answer, they only bow their heads shyly and the smile is lost from their lips. The elder again asks with a smile on his lips)

ELDER

We'll all be together, right? We will eat together, we will all raise little aiko together, we will-

(The son clenches his fists and interrupting the elder says)

SON OF THE ELDER

That's why we need you, Father. Tomiko and I decided to continue to fight for our freedom and for the freedom of others, we want to change the future. But we can't go on having a child on our watch, it's dangerous, I hope you understand. So, so we need your help with this. We ask you to raise little aiko and teach her what you taught me.

(The elder, half smiling, says)

ELDER

Watch. You'll always fight for others and protect them, you've been like that since you were a little kid. It would be great if we were all together as a family, but I know you're a hard head, son.

(The elder looks at the sleeping baby in his arms)

ELDER

I promise you I will protect her, nothing will happen to aiko as long as I live, it is my promise.

(The son and tomiko turn their backs to the elder and greeting him move away)

SON OF THE ELDER

Good luck with aiko!

(The elder saluting his son and tomiko shouts at them)

ELDER

BE BACK SOON!

(Then his voice quieted and in a serious tone he says)

ELDER

I wish. Take care.

(The elder turns from the memory of the past and says in a low voice as he has his head lowered and looks at the ground)

RETURN FROM FLASHBACK:

OUTDOOR AREA, IN THE MAIN GARDEN WITH THE CHERRY TREE-DAY

ELDER

I'm sorry, aiko, but I made a promise I can't break.

(Aiko who is on all fours down on the ground and from her cheeks roll tears and fall to the ground she immediately raises her head and looks at the elder saying with Wonder)

AIKO

What, what kind of promise have you made?

(The elder continues to have his head lowered, then Aiko with nerves grabs behind her back three kunai and throws them to the elder. The elder in a surprising way repels them while aiko runs with hatred towards him while taking out behind her back the two tantōs and shouting)

AIKO

Answer me, old man!

(She makes a little jump and goes to fall on him. The elder sharply opens his eyes and with an incredible kick repels the attack of aiko. Aiko continues to make attacks and the elder with his bare hands inside his long sleeves repels them in an amazing way and retaliates whenever he finds the opportunity. In a moment aiko abruptly brings up her right hand that holds tantō from left to right, the elder sees it and manages to hit aiko in the abdomen with her fist sending her a few meters away. The elder continuing to have his head lowered down says in a low voice)

ELDER

I made a promise to your parents. This promise was, was…

(The elder cries)

ELDER

IT WAS TO PROTECT YOU!

(Aiko lowers her hands holding the two tantōs and in a lost tone says)

AIKO

I don't, I don't understand.

(The elder raises his head saying)

ELDER

When your mother and father left you to me, I promised them never to abandon you, to protect you at all costs. And, and now. now you want to go away and leave me. I always considered you my own child, aiko, I considered you my daughter. Look around you! Open your eyes aiko! Every day demon hunters die, why do you want to die too? WHY ARE YOU LOOKING FOR YOUR DEATH, WHY?!

(Aiko approaches the elder and with lowered head says)

AIKO

I will not die, let me fly and make my dreams come true. Release me from this cage, let me fight alongside the best demon hunters and save the world. Because one of the greatest meanings you taught me, grandpa, is that, that. WE DETERMINE OUR FUTURE! WE MAKE THE WORLD THAT WE WANT TO LIVE IN, THAT WE WANT TO GROW, TO GROW IN THE FUTURE AND THE REST OF THE GENERATIONS AFTER US, WE ALL DEFINE THEM! WE CREATE THEM!

(The elder looks at aiko with tears in his eyes says)

ELDER

Aiko I, I-

(Suddenly aiko before he had finished his sentence The Elder embraces him abruptly with both her hands still holding the two tantōs. For a while there is calm and quiet, all we see is aiko and the elder embracing as a breeze winds aiko's hair and outfit as well as the elder's yukata and beautiful pink leaves from the cherry tree stheir journey wherever the wind blows them. Then aiko whispers tart in the elder's ear)

AIKO

Trust me, we will live and come back victorious. But even if I die, even if I don't come back to you, you will at least know that, that I love you, I love you very much. Grandpa.

(The elder has his arms around aiko without having hugged her and says)

ELDER

I'm sorry aiko, I have no choice but to stop you. I don't want you to leave, don't leave me. You're not ready yet, you're not.…

(Aiko comes out of the elder's arms and says)

AIKO

I don't care if I'm ready, it doesn't matter. All I want to do is pommel! I want to be like my parents! Why are you cutting off my wings that you created for me, why?

(Then aiko with lowered head says in a calm voice)

AIKO

I don't care if I die, all I want to do is stand by those two kids, because... because I know, I feel that they have something special! And if we die, we die fighting the Demons, leaving them in memory of who we really were! Protecting people and inspiring them to do the same as US! Why, because we all have something in common, to live free! TO FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES, WE ARE ALL HUNTERS!

(The elder sits down on the squatting ground saying with a hidden smile on his lips)

ELDER

Congratulations, aiko.

(Aiko is startled and looks at the elder, so she asks with great curiosity)

AIKO

What, what happened?

ELDER

You passed, you made it. You really proved to me that you have the Real will to become a real demon hunter and that you have faith not only in you, but in both of your friends.

(Aiko with tears in her eyes sits down on the ground, while the elder hands her a black blouse that on the back reads in Orange in Japanese "猟師." Aiko is moved while the elder says)

ELDER

You're my best student, aiko. Your whole life has been a test and you've been through it, you've been through it successfully. You survived the ordeals that the rest of the students failed, you're now demon hunter. (Aiko embraces the elder suddenly telling him)

AIKO

Master, grandfather, thank you! Thank you, thank you, I won't let you down! I promise! I promise, I promise!

(The elder caresses aiko's hair, then gives her both black red fans. As he gives them to aiko he says)

AIKO

This is your gun aiko, I don't know if you like it but this I believe is a weapon worthy of your abilities and-

(Aiko with a smile on her lips and with tears falling down to the ground interrupts the elder saying his)

AIKO

What beautiful colors they have hechee, they are wonderful thanks.

(The elder smiles by lowering his head a little, then again says)

ELDER

Do not let anything bend you and always remember aiko, life is short. Take advantage of every moment of it.

(The elder at that moment smiles more and concludes:)

ELDER

Then yūto is not to blame for going into the bath.

(Aiko blushes and says anxiously)

AIKO

Huh?! Wh ... why...what...what are you talking about?! I, I don't, I don't…

(The elder starts laughing, then aiko starts beating him lightly by telling him)

AIKO

Stop laughing, stop it's not funny, stop it!

(The elder, unable to keep his laughter, replies:)

ELDER

Hahahahahaha sorry, sorry, just, just, hahahahahahahahahahaha.

(Aiko then still hits him lightly saying his)

AIKO

Stop, stop, I said, stop laughing! It's not funny!

(The elder stops laughing but again holds to his lips a hidden smile ready to laugh again)

ELDER

I think you owe him an apology?

(Aiko is ashamed and with a reddened face rests her hands on the knees of the Rotunda)

AIKO

You, you, where did you find out?

(The elder with one hand rubs his beard saying)

ELDER

You weren't very quiet on that fateful night of your meeting, hehe. Where everything had calmed down I heard a scream and the waters from the bath agitated. I figured you yelled and threw someone in the water.

(The elder continuing to stroke his beard says)

ELDER

Do not be shy aiko it is perfectly normal, two people who love each other and are in love with each other natural is to resort to this act of unparalleled love. Hechehee, how beautiful it is to be young, lol.

(Aiko blushes more she says at the same time waving her arms in panic)

AIKO

I don't, I don't, I don't, I don't love him! I haven't met him well yet. I don't-

(The elder looks at aiko and with a smile says)

ELDER

So this is a chance to get to know each other. You should go say "thank you" to him for the fans.

(Aiko's face turns red and in a trembling voice says)

AIKO

He, he gave me the fans?

(Aiko faints, while the elder grasps his forehead with an exhalation. So he lifts her up in his arms and says as he advances towards the temple to get in)

ELDER

Come on, Come on aiko enough for today, let's get some rest. Tomorrow you have a long journey ahead of you.

(Meanwhile, aiko's face is all red and smoke, while at the same time she looks like she has died. To sleep the children use Futon (布団) on the washitsu (和室) since we are in 1630. At night yūto can not sleep, he is uncovered and sees sora sleeping with his mouth open as from there drooling. Yūto smiles and goes out of the room dragging the door behind him, so he walks into the temple corridor to pass the time. Passing by the garden where the cherry tree has been planted he sees aiko sitting and looking at the stars, he approaches her saying)

OUTDOOR AREA, IN THE MAIN GARDEN WITH THE CHERRY TREE-NIGHT

YŪTO

Looks like you can't sleep either.

(Aiko, as soon as she hears yūto, is frightened, rises abruptly, looks at yūto and blushes, while she does not omit the trembling of her voice. Finally she says shyly)

AIKO

Yūto I ... I.

(Yūto looks at her curiously and says)

YŪTO

Aiko, you're all red. It's not good to sit outside.it's cold. Are you sick?

(He approaches her and puts his hand to her forehead. Aiko blushes even more and turning her back towards yūto says)

AIKO

Let go of me! I don't have anything. I'm fine. I'm sorry, I just wanted to say that you don't have to worry about me.

YŪTO

All right, as you wish.

(And he gives her his overcoat, aiko looks at it and yūto tells her looking ahead to the horizon)

YŪTO

At least wear this, so you don't catch a cold and be sick afterwards. Tomorrow we have a trip to make and I don't want to…

(Aiko takes it tentatively saying)

AIKO

Thank you.

(Then yūto also sits down beside aiko and looks from the opposite side. After a few minutes both together say)

AIKO

Yūto, I want to tell you something! Thanks for the fans!

YŪTO

Aiko, I want to tell you something! I'm sorry I walked into the bathroom without knocking on the door, I didn't know you were in it!

(They both look at each other and then laugh at the same time. Aiko with reddened face tells yūto)

AIKO

It's okay yūto, and ... and thanks for the fans, I appreciate it immensely.

(Yūto scratches the back of his head saying)

YŪTO

It's nothing and I'm sorry, heehehee.

(So the two children look at the stars, but aiko in a serious tone looks down and says to yūto)

AIKO

Yūto?

(Yūto turns to aiko's side and looks at her saying)

YŪTO

What is it?

(Aiko raises her head and says in a frightened voice)

AIKO

Do you think we'll make it?

(Yūto grasps her head with his hand and smiles with his eyes closed saying to her)

YŪTO

Silly, hechehee. "Why not make it?" That's the right question to ask yourself. "What prevents us from succeeding?"We were born, we grew up, we tried hard and dreamed. This is success, living a carefree life, filled with unforgettable experiences and realizing your goals. But, along with you aiko. Wherever I go, whatever happens I will only care that you are and will always be by my side with that unforgettable sweet smile on your lips.

(Aiko looks at yūto who has a broad smile and his white teeth are seen. While yūto smiles, aiko bends her head blushing, then aiko tells yūto grasping his hand says)

AIKO

Don't fuck with me.

(Yūto tries to take back his hand but Aiko holds it to him, so yūto says with a smile)

YŪTO

Well, well, sorry lol.

(Soon after, aiko says in a hushed voice looking at the ground)

AIKO

Promise me.

(Yūto stops laughing and looks at aiko, thus in Wonder asking)

YŪTO

Promise what?

(Aiko then raises her head and with a quick movement grasps the collar of yūto's uniform. From the sudden movement Aiko throws back yūto and falls on him, continuing to catch him by the collar of his suit. So in a loud voice he says)

AIKO

Promise me! Promise me you won't die! Promise!

(Yūto frightened pulls a drop of sweat from his cheek, then looks at aiko and tells her a little blushing as she looks a little at her breasts)

YŪTO

I already promised.

(Aiko who is above him again cries)

AIKO

Again!

(aiko's voice calms)

AIKO

I want to hear it one more time from your mouth to make sure, Please very much.

(Yūto smiles and passes aiko's hair behind her ear because it falls in front, then tells her while aiko blushes)

YŪTO

I promise. I promise you, no matter what happens, we'll stay together. I promise you that we will either die together or we will all live, all of us as... as... as a real family.

(As yūto says all this, aiko at the same time leaves him and sits down again on her knees, and so does yūto. Then yūto stretches out his little finger of his hand, and so does aiko. Last scene: we see yūto grasping aiko's little finger, and so does aiko grasping yūto's little finger. A light breeze winds the hair of yūto and aiko. Aiko blushes more and turns her head to the side and down, at the same time she has a hidden smile on her lips. Yūto smiles again with his eyes closed while thinking)

YŪTO

I remember that scene somewhere. This scene is so homely in my recollections. Mmm I see, but now it's not like then. Now I'm starting a new life, I feel like I'm being born all over again. May everything go well. No, it's gonna be okay, heheehee. How beautiful aiko is today. That smile I will protect at all costs. At any cost.

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