CH 3

November 30, 2021Zathael

It seems the current imperial era is Reiwa.1

My last memories of Japan was in the 13th year of the Heisei Era, 2001 going by the western calendar.

If that’s the case….. It’s been 19 years.

“I’m sorry, you look like someone I used to be close with”

Kanako-chan was sitting behind the counter, showing me the catalog with a strained smile.

As this was a private run store without much display space, after choosing from the catalog she would bring the clothes out from storage.

I took a seat at the counter.

As if time had frozen, the inside of the store was the same as before.

The small shop about 66.2 square meters was lined with middle and high school uniforms. The remaining half of the store had formal suits and shirts.

The only difference was the design of the suits and the idols wearing school uniforms in the posters I suppose.

I was more surprised by the date and the articles than the pictures in the catalog. Kanako-chan was somewhat excitedly explaining current japan to me.

19 years….. When I think about it, it does feel like I could have been in the other world for that long. Spending over ten years on master’s grueling training must have been necessary for someone as inferior as me.

Perhaps my young appearance is due to bathing in the blood of the dragon king, who is said to be immortal, or repeated use of healing magic during my training and battles with the demon army…..

There’s too many possibilities, I can no longer tell what it could be.

Which reminds me that when receiving healing magic I felt as if my figure was changing. After asking my master,

“Healing magic is a reflection of one’s interior. If you possess a pure heart and strong mind, it will materialise in your body”

Was what she told me.

Which means….. maybe my heart is still that of a kid.

A 34 year old kid. In some ways its embarrassing.

Translators Notes:

1: The Japanese have a calendar that divides the years based on the current ruling Emperor. Reiwa began on 1 May 2019 following the end of the Heisei era.

2: Any opinions on keeping onii-san or using an english word? If you’d prefer it translated though give me an option that isn’t big brother because it looks unnatural every time I see it not that having random japanese words is any less unnatural.

3: Natsume Souseki is a famous Japanese author. He was printed on the 1000 yen note between 1984 and 2004.