Chiyoko: The 1 000 Generations Child

Chapter 3: The Ruling

The room went silent. The Elders stared at Chiyoko in disbelief.

Makoto bent slightly forwards as they murmured: "Kizuna Chiyoko-dono does have a point..."

Ritsuko pushed her glasses up her nose. "We ruled the previous cases that way, so the citizen is rightful to apply that thought process on this case. We have to honour our precedents."

Sohei stood up as he slammed his hands on the table. "You're not going to let her get away with it again, are you?!"

Kazumi jumped in. "I understand your points, Makoto- and Ritsuko-san, but Sohei-san also has a point, even though he isn't able to properly word it."

Sohei's eyes shot daggers at Kazumi. He casually ignored Sohei and continued:

"Kizuna Chiyoko-dono is the only citizen who appears monthly before our court, piling up the complaints on daily basis," he gesticulated wildly as he spoke.
"If we don't punish her accordingly, she will keep running havoc and causing the Yokai a bad name. She already upset the Kami community, so what will be next if we don't intervene now?"

Makoto countered: "Punishment can only be dealt if there is a crime, but in this case there -strictly speaking- isn't one given the precedents our Court created: a yokai cannot be held responsible for a human being's actions."

"Not punishing her will cause further diplomatic riots. The Kami community wants blood."

"And since when do they have a say about our justice system?"

Reina had silently followed the conversation. She uncrossed her legs as she straightened her back.

She raised her voice. "Enough."

She took the hammer and stretched its handle. "I've heard all parties and have come to a decision in the case of Kizuna Chiyoko v. the Kami community.

A yokai can't be held responsible for a human being's actions, so on the charges regarding the damages Kizuna Chiyoko is found: not guilty.

However, impersonating as a kami is considered a first-category offense.

Given that the Defendant doesn't oppose to that charge and taking into consideration that it is rather entertaining to see grown men cackle, I hereby sentence Kizuna Chiyoko, the 1 000 generations child, to 1 000 acts of kindness."

Reina hit the hammer on the table and Chiyoko was sent back to Earth.

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"You got to be kidding me?!" Chiyoko kicked down a flower basket. "1 000 acts of kindness?! How in Yokai's name can I do 1 000 acts of kindness?!"

Ruri picked up the basket. "Don't worry, Chiyoko-chan, being kind is easy. You just wonder What would I like someone did for me? and then you do it for someone else.

Take these flowers, for example. They fell on the ground and can't get up. So I wonder What would I like that someone did for me if I fell and can't get up?

And the answer is: I'd like someone to help me get up, so I help them back up."

Ruri carefully picked up the flowers and put them back in the basket. "You see? One act of kindness: done."

Chiyoko stared at Ruri. Her eye twitched. "It's easy for you, little Miss Sunshine, but it goes against every nucleus of my existence." She growled as she added: "Being nice."

Yusei smirked. "You have all the time in the world to learn, but the Elders want to at least see some improvement before the next full moon."

Chiyoko glared daggers at Yusei. "I'll show them some improvement. They can kiss my -"

A car honked as Chiyoko stormed off.

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The night had fallen and the moon shone pale on Kenji as he left the bar.

He bowed deeper and deeper wishing Yoshito good night.

"I thank you once more for the job opportunity Yoshito-sama. Thank you. Thank you."

He bowed a few more times before Yoshito got swallowed up by the cheers and laughter and dived into a conversation with another man of his age.

Kenji sighed relieved as he walked home. Bugs buzzed around the street lights he passed.

It was a long day, but at least I have a job again.

Kenji put his hands in his pockets and slumped forwards.

It doesn't pay much, though, but it's honest work and a good start....

Who knows, I might even be able to pay the old witch.

He crossed the streets and walked on the bridge. He stopped and looked down the river.

All in good time, right? Just like the River of Life guiding the sakura petals to where they belong, so shall the Wind of Change guide me to a place I can call home.

I just need to hang in there and all will be how it has to be.

Kenji stared at his reflection in the water. Keep the faith, little one. Keep the faith.