"What do you think, Katsuragi? It's a nice room, isn't it?" Yankumi stretched herself and enthusiastically slid open the fusuma* (a Japanese slide door made of paper). Nao could not say anything as she was too stunned. Speechlessly, she followed Yankumi outside onto the large wooden terrace. It was freezing cold and they had to be careful not to slip, but the view was worth it. The sky was crystal-blue and the weather was clear enough for them to overlook the white mountains for miles and miles. It looked like a picture taken for a postcard.
"It's really beautiful." Nao murmured. However, Yankumi did not hear her as just at that moment the peaceful silence was disturbed by some racket next to them. There were rumbling and punching sounds before another door cracked open and various people crashed onto the ground next to the two females.
They just were here for a few minutes and the guys were already into fights, arousing attention. Yankumi was just about to step in, breaking her students apart when loud footsteps approached the group rapidly. A big man with a bald head, wearing traditional Japanese clothes and waraji* (traditional sandals made from straw rope which are especially worn by monks) . He stepped in front of the boys who were still on the floor, struggling with each other. The monk knocked a stick onto the floor and immediately the guys freeze in their spot. Even Nao felt a wave of authority emitting from the monk.
"My young fellows, this is a spiritual spot of peace and reflection which helps people to find back to themselves. It's neither a circus nor some kind of cabaret. Please keep that in mind during your stay here." Even thought he smiled, he had a powerful aura floating around him. Nao and Yankumi were pretty amazed when the boys readily got back on their feed and slightly bowed their heads, mumbling their apologies. The ruckus of the others stopped, too and various other guys appeared on the terrace, curiously eyeing the dignified monk.
"I apologize for all the trouble we've caused." Yankumi was the first to recover her voice and she stepped forward to exchange some traditional greetings with the man. She seemed quite impressed by his appearance.
"Wow, who would've thought that he might just be Yankumi's type", Kura whispered next to Nao which made her giggle softly.
"Oh, this is much better." Ichi smiled at the girl, pointing at her amused face. She looked confused.
"We'd been quite worried about you, you know." Kura seemed to be very pleased with himself for making her smile.
"Why?" She frowned and let her eyes wander between the two guys. However, it was Yamato who suddenly changed the topic:
"Hey, how about getting out of here. I don't think she'll notice." He pointed at their teacher whose eyes beamed with joy as she still exchanged traditional Japanese rituals with the monk.
"Where do you wanna go?" Ichi asked. "Here is really nothing interesting for us to do."
"Let's just kick around some more. Maybe, we'll find something." Kengo suggested. The other guys had no objection and Nao thought that maybe she would get to know more about this holy place, so she decided to tag along. Besides, she wanted to find out what Ichi meant by his previous remark.
The guys and Nao soon found some interesting places near the monastery. For example, there were some hot springs, statues of different deities and a broad plank next to a big lake which was completely frozen. Kura stepped onto the icy surface and slipped. The other laughed at him while he swore vilely. However, Kengo and Yamato were more interested in a narrow and unstable chain bridge leading to another mountain. Chills ran down her spine, when Nao saw how deep the abyss was. She would make sure not to get too close to that bridge during their stay. The boys however were thrilled about the idea of crossing it although it was clearly prohibited. They all wondered what they would find on the other side.
