Whispering Death's Secrets (Yami no Matsuei)

[1]

Yutaka Watari entered the Gokan department through a series of tests conducted by Lord Enma himself. Nothing in life or death prepared him on going through these various obstacles to prove his capabilities on entering the secret-not-so-secret department of the Judgement Bureau. Rigorous and tiring, he managed to keep his composure as Lord Enma congratulated him on passing his test. In his exhaustion, he agreed on his position, more than happy to put in his part to his new colleagues.

In life, he went through the motions, almost robotic in achieving his meager goals and just living. Having experienced multiple rejections in his lifetime, he grew used to picking himself up from the disappointment. He wanted to become a part of an experience and help achieve a big part of change. Anything to soothe over his resentments of the time he lived and the lack of resources which came with his low status.

His intelligence pushed his initial application into Lord Enma's hands, which presented him with a spot in the Gokan. Despite his successful interview with the lead of the Gokan, Lord Enma decided his fate and approved of him. Had he failed or made Lord Enma doubt his usefulness, he would have been dismissed without a second thought.

His superiors informed him to keep silent about his personal test with Lord Enma. Many workers from the Gokan kept the information of their tests discreet and an afterlife secret. The popular consensus made it tacky to want to exchange stories between coworkers. So tacky that old workers transferred or had their status revoked for another section of the Judgement Bureau.

His new co-workers welcomed him in with less reluctance than he expected. A relief to soothe over his nervousness in starting his new day. He jumped into his work, eager to show his superiors that he had the drive as the rest of his department. His sudden busy training schedule lessened the boredom and made his time go faster. Soon, he got into a routine, almost forgetting that he died at a young age.

Xxxxx

Watari spotted Ruka Tsuzuki in the communal kitchen. A vast and spacious area for the Summons Section, separate from the larger cafeteria that a majority of the staff occupied. His eyes locked in on her petite form. Her dainty and feminine appearance suited his taste which made him stop at the door. When he saw her speaking in an animated fashion to a tall and handsome young man, he cursed under his breath. She was taken or at least, had an admirer in the guy.

He wrote her off as a potential love interest until he saw Ruka ruffle the young man's hair. Attaining some hope, he inspected them a bit longer, and realized their familiar bond, including the close resemblance. Almost as if they were twins. When Tsuzuki turned his head toward his direction, he noted Tsuzuki's bright purple eyes. Those eyes contrasted Ruka's honey brown eyes. He found them a bit odd, but then again, his own golden eyes brought attention as well.

Tsuzuki took notice of Watari and exclaimed in excitement. He loved meeting new people and adding another friend into his life. "Hi! Don't be shy! Come on in! I'm Asato Tsuzuki, call me Tsuzuki."

Ruka turned her attention onto Watari, seeing his clothing she chuckled. "Ah, so you're the new person who entered the Gokan department. The Gushoshin told me about you. Golden curly hair and eyes," She tilted her head to the side. "It's a pleasure to meet one of you after so many years. I'm Ruka Tsuzuki."

Face flushed at her attention; Watari stammered out. "How did you-"

Ruka pointed at the white lab coat. "The white coat gives it away. No one outside of the Gokan wears those around the Judgement Bureau. I assumed you were new since the Gokan department tends to keep away from everyone."

Tsuzuki turned Ruka in surprise, a bit of cream was stuck on the side of his mouth. "You knew one of them? When?"

Ruka reached forward with her napkin and wiped her brother's mouth with a chuckle. "Oh, a long time ago. There was a lot less tension between all the departments. It helps having done various jobs around the whole bureau to know the gossip behind certain departments." As she turned her attention back onto Watari, she noticed his awkward and stiff posture. "Is something the matter...um...?"