Chereads / GRAFFITI AREA (P.A.C.) / Chapter 24 - Surprise!

Chapter 24 - Surprise!

"I want to ...."

What Mawaru wanted, just like what Fuyuki wanted to show him.

[OSAKA] it doesn't feel like a visit to Osaka Castle.

The two of them went on the shinkansen from Hannanaka to Tennoji just to have a tour of the magnificent Osaka Castle.

________

Osaka Castle is a palace located within the Osaka Castle Park, Chuo-ku district, Osaka city, Japan. Osaka Castle is at the northernmost tip of the Uemachi area, occupying the highest ground level compared to the surrounding area.

It is about 58 m high

Osaka Castle is a cultural heritage building that is protected by the Japanese government. The main tower of Osaka Castle that towers over is a symbol of the city of Osaka.

Osaka Castle was used as a palace as well as a fortress from the Azuchi Momoyama period to the Edo period. The present-day Osaka Castle consists of the main tower protected by two layers of high walls surrounded by two layers of a moat, an inner moat (Uchibori) and an outer moat (Sotobori). The water used to drain the palace moat was taken from the Yodo River flowing north of Osaka Castle.

According to ancient Japanese, Osaka Castle was in Setsu Province (the ancient name for Osaka and its surroundings), Higashinari Goori area, Osaka. Following the replacement of the Kanji characters used to write the city of Osaka in Japanese, the name Osaka Castle is now written as Osaka-jo.

There are several historical relics in Osaka Castle:

[Otemon Gate] In the southwest corner of Ninomaru, there is the Otemon Gate (Great Gate) which is the main entrance to the entire palace complex. The watchtower above the Otemon Gate is called the Tamon Yagura. To the north of Tamon Yagura is the two-story watchtower Sengan Yagura in the Tokugawa era architectural style.

[Cherry Blossom Gate (Sakuramon)] Sakuramon is the gateway to the southern part of the main fortress (Honmaru) which is reinforced by a stone wall above which is a watchtower (Yagura). The Sakuramon gate is an example of a Masugata-style gate, as it is surrounded by walls on four sides, similar to a rice bowl (Japanese: Masu). The Sakuramon gate is also a reconstruction because the original building burned down during the Meiji restoration.

The wall to the north was built of giant stones. The largest stone measuring 59.4 square meters is called Takoishi (Octopus Stone). Takoishi is the largest stone ever used in building castle walls in Japan. Apart from the Takoishi stone, there are also other large stones, such as the one called Furisodeishi (Girls Long Sleeve Kimono Stone).

[Ichiban Yagura and Rokuban Yagura] In front of the Sakuramon gate is a bridge that bridges the dry trench (Karahori) that separates Honmaru and the southern part of Ninomaru. In the Tokugawa era, there were 7 watchtowers (Yagura) in every corner of the Ninomaru area, but now there are only two watchtowers left: Ichiban Yagura (watchtower number 1) and Rokuban Yagura (watchtower number 6).

[Kinmeisui Well] Next to the main tower of Osaka Castle is an old well called Kinmeisui which is 33 meters deep. Until now, the Kinmeisui well is still releasing water and has never dried up. It is said that at the bottom of the well used to be placed gold pieces that functioned as an antidote, in case an enemy tried to poison the well water.

[Nishinomaru Garden] To the west of Ninomaru there is an area called Nishinomaru. Formerly, Nishinomaru Park, which is located to the south of Ninomaru, was the residence of a palace official. In spring, Nishinomaru Garden is very famous for Someiyoshino cherry blossoms. Inside Nishinomaru Park, there is a former gunpowder warehouse (Ensho Gura) and a watchtower called Inui Yagura (built-in 1620) which is the oldest building in Osaka Castle.

[Ninomaru Ward and Gokurakubashi Bridge] The Gokurakubashi Bridge over the Inner Trench (Uchibori) is a favorite photo spot for tourists who have just arrived at Osaka Castle. This bridge connects the Yamazatomaru area (which is west of Honmaru) with Ninomaru. In the eastern part of Ninomaru, there is a Plum Flower Garden which has more than a thousand trees of 80 types of Plum trees. From early January to March when the Plum flowers bloom, the park is crowded with tourists who come to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the Plum flowers.

* Source: Wikipedia.

(The author himself has never been to Japan and only writes according to correct and trusted information, sources, or websites)

________

"Wow, beauty~" was what Mawaru said during their walk-in Osaka Castle.

"I should have come here with Hiyorin kyaaaaah~" in Mawaru's heart, who had a crush on one of his friends. But, going out with cool people is fine, it feels like a rigid date.

"Mawaru ...?"

"Hm ... yes?"

"Do you like it?"

"Yes, I like it. Thank you."

Fuyuki smiled slightly at Mawaru, unfortunately, the two of them were not lovers and only friends in the past.

"Nee, don't you think this is like a date?" Mawaru asked earnestly but his face was slightly flushed asking that.

"Hmm, I guess what you say is true."

"Hehehe ... but, Master already has a girlfriend."

Suddenly Fuyuki stopped his steps and bowed gloomily, "Yes, I have ... first. Now, I'm not with him anymore. "

"How come?"

Then they sat on a bench in the corner of the park to chat for a while.

"I and him have broken up," Fuyuki said with a very convincing face.

"Huh?"

"Yes, he was arranged by the son of a soldier from the west."

"I see, even though he's very cheerful with you."

"Now it can't be helped."

Mawaru understands Fuyuki's feelings, how when he really loves someone he will try to be loyal to the end, but he can't be together because he is blocked by the family throne. He is very open to telling his love story to Mawaru.

"Why did you tell me that? Sorry, beforehand I didn't know that you guys broke up. "

"Hmm ..., I don't know for me you have to know." Fuyuki smiled thinly, his face felt very relieved after telling Mawaru that.

Mawaru also smiled softly at Fuyuki as he stared at the sky.

"Mawaru, let's go home."

The sun is already on the western horizon, the sky displays a golden yellow twilight, because they feel satisfied enough to visit this place, they both intend to go home.

However, Mawaru wanted to go somewhere again.

This time they passed Tennouji.

Mawaru wants to shop for some clothes there.

[Tennouji MIO] This shopping center is directly connected to JR Tennoji Station, this shopping center houses many women's clothing stores, general goods, culinary delights, and more than 240 kinds of specialty shops. The price range for the products sold here is not too expensive. If you are looking to buy something, Tennoji MIO can be a good choice.

(You know that woman likes shopping)

Fuyuki felt very tired all day he accompanied Mawaru. He was waiting on a chair at Tennouji MIO's mall, while Mawaru was still picking out the clothes he wanted to buy.

"All women are the same," he muttered lazily. "As long as he's happy it doesn't matter." He thought, then Fuyuki waited while looking at the news about the development of his company's shares.

....

Several hours passed, it was getting dark.

Mawaru approached Fuyuki who was sitting on the chair waiting for him.

"Sorry for the long wait."

"Yes, it is okay."

"Hehehe."

Mawaru bought a lot of things, and Fuyuki saw him carrying around 10 shopping bags.

"Nee, wouldn't it be better if all of that was put together in a container?"

"Eh? Eh? "

Then Fuyuki bought him a small cardboard box at the shop in front of him sitting earlier.

"Try entering here."

Besides caring, Fuyuki is very considerate. "Fine." However, Mawaru loves Hiyori.

....

After shopping, they just went home by train at JR Tennouji station.

However, a dark shadow in the silence of the night made a surprise in the middle of the station.

"KYAAAAAAAAH~" came the screams of the people who boarded the previous train. Now the train carriage stopped at the platform.

"What's that?" said Mawaru who saw everyone panicked.

"Let's see." They ran there while Fuyuki was carrying a box containing Mawaru's groceries.

....

They arrived quickly at the crime scene and ... someone was lying at the door of the train with their arms and neck stained with blood.

"This ...," The two of them were quite surprised to see it. "THE ULTIMATE SPIRIT!"

Then a huge shadow appeared before them.

[Evil Spirit !!] "Can you see it?"

How could a spiritual power user not be able to see that?

"Mawaru, immediately evacuate residents around the police spiritual organization here."

"Good."

"I'll take care of it."

"But, can you-"

"Yes," Fuyuki turned his head towards Mawaru optimistically. "Do your job well."

"...."

However, when Mawaru tried to evacuate, he approached Fuyuki and stood near him, then brought out a spirit sword.

"Maybe it was a surprise at the beginning of my visit here, but I want to fight with you," Mawaru said with absolute certainty.

Fuyuki still hesitates to allow Mawaru to fight with him...

Mawaru himself was worried that the evil spirit would kill Fuyuki because he had a weak body.

But, inside they were screaming .... "NOT THIS TIME TO HESITATE."

"Master ...."

"Mawaru ...."

"Both of us ...."

****