The Darkest Of The Dark

1976

1976, Japan

Akira is woken up by his mother, Hime Asashi.

Hime: "Akira, my dear, it's breakfast time."

Akira sits up in bed and looks at his mother with a tired smile.

Akira: "Mother, I'm coming. What's for breakfast?"

Hime: "Well, dear, it's grilled fish and rice."

Akira stands up and follows his mother to the dining room, where he sees his little sister, Yui.

Akira: "Good morning, Yui."

Yui: "Good morning, big idiot,"
Yui says in an annoyed voice.

Hime: "Yui, you shouldn't talk to your big brother like that."

Yui sighs in annoyance and sits down at the dining table. Akira joins them.

Hime: "Let's eat."

Yui and Akira start eating.

Akira: "Mom, thank you for making this."

Hime: "Of course, dear."

Akira: "Mother, may I ask about Father?"

Hime: "Of course, ask away."

Akira: "We know he was a soldier, but how did he pass?"

Hime: "Dear, he had a heart attack." Hime's voice grows soft and sad.

Akira: "Mother, did you hear the news?"

Hime: "What news?"

Akira: "There's a group of terrorists that have come into Japan."

Hime: "Why are you telling me this?"

Akira: "The terrorists have killed many people and destroyed buildings."

Hime: "Tell me, why are you saying this?"

Akira: "They're asking people over 18 to join the military to protect our country... I'm asking if I can join."

Hime: "What?" Hime says in disbelief.

Akira: "I heard Father was a really good combat soldier... Can I join?"

Hime: "You're joking, right?"

Akira: "I'm not. These terrorists have been attacking buildings, homes... I want to protect Japan."

Hime: "You can't. You're just not fit; your body is paper-thin, you're too skinny."

Akira: "That's why there's training."

Yui: "Big bro, are you sure? It's dangerous."

Hime: "You can't join!"
Hime shouts at Akira.

Akira: "Why not?"

Hime: "It's super dangerous. I'm worried... don't ever think of going there."

Akira: "Mother, I need to protect the people. These terrorists are dangerous."

Hime: "Please, Akira, don't even think of going there... Your father lost a finger when he was a soldier."

Akira: "Mother, I need to protect the people."

Yui: "Big brother, are you really sure you want to join?"

Hime: "He's not joining, okay."

Akira: "Please, Mom."

Hime: "You know the story of your uncle? He joined with your father, but that's how he died. I don't want you to be next."

Akira: "Please, Mom."

Hime slams her hand down and screams.

Hime: "I SAID YOU CAN'T! GO TO YOUR ROOM!!"

Akira and Yui look at Hime with fear. Akira stands up, walks to his room, and closes the door behind him. He lies down, staring at a drawing in his notebook—a red-haired person with blue eyes.

The next day

Akira is woken up by his mother's voice.

Hime: "Akira, good morning. I've been thinking about what you said yesterday. I'm sorry for how I reacted."

Akira sits up, listening intently.

Hime: "I spent all night worrying and thinking. I realized that your uncle wasn't driven by the same sense of duty that you are. He was just doing it for the money, but you... you truly want to protect Japan."

Hime takes a deep breath, her voice softer now.

Hime: "I can't say I'm not scared, but I also understand that this is something you feel strongly about. If this is really what you want, then... I won't stand in your way."

Akira's face lights up with surprise and happiness.

Akira: "Mom, are you serious? You're allowing me to join the JSDF?"

Hime: "Yes, Akira, but please, promise me you'll be careful. I'm still your mother, and I'll always worry."

Akira: "I promise, Mother. I'll do my best to stay safe."

Hime: "Alright then, let's go get you signed up."