Toshima Ward, Sugamo… Once called the Harajuku for grandmothers in earlier times, it was the area with the Sugamo Jizō-dōri Shopping Street. Known for being easy to walk with no steep slopes, these days it was also famous for something rather unusual.
“What is this…?”
That was Inari’s very first line upon stepping off at the old Sugamo Station bus terminal. But it was understandable. Sugamo was part of Toshima Ward—in other words, a neighborhood of Tokyo, nearly at the center of present-day Japan. And yet, the sight before Inari’s eyes… was Edo itself.
“Why hath Sugamo turned into Edo…? Nay, I can guess the reason, but still…”
Yes—Edo. Low, tiled-roof buildings lined the streets. Shops displayed their noren curtains to show they were open. Men and women in kimono strolled about merrily. There were indeed people in Western clothes as well, but the overwhelming majority wore kimono. Though there was no castle, the atmosphere was that of “Edo, comfortably rebuilt with modern techniques.”
“You there, miko lady! How about trying the famous Sugamo palanquin ride? Comfortable, I promise!”
“O-oh. Then, couldst thou carry me to the headquarters of the Takemoto Samurai Corps?”
At Inari’s words, the bearers gave a surprised shout.
“Oh, to that customer’s place!?”
“In that case, how about just 1,000 yen as a service price!? We’ll give you a fine ride!”
“Aye, aye. Here, will this suffice?”
“Much obliged! Please, step aboard!”
The palanquin was somewhat large for a single rider, but Inari could tell it was sturdily built. She let out an impressed “Hoh” at the craftsmanship, and the bearers grinned broadly.
“It’s designed to withstand even a fully equipped awakener riding inside! Rest easy!”
“Then let’s be off! Wasshoi!”
“Wasshoi!”
With energetic chants, the palanquin moved down the road. Clearly a local specialty, as passersby were snapping photos with their smartphones. And indeed, given how smooth the ride was, the bearers themselves must also have been awakeners.
“Hmm… No doubt this town hath been shaped around the Takemoto Samurai Corps…”
That was exactly the case. Present-day Sugamo had developed around the Samurai Corps headquarters, transforming into “a town of Japanese spirit.” Along the street stood wagashi shops, cafés, stores selling calm, traditional-style clothes, and even kimono shops. Awakeners in Japanese garb could be seen walking among the people—likely also clan members of the Samurai Corps.
At last, the palanquin reached its destination: the headquarters of the Takemoto Samurai Corps, a grand mansion styled after a samurai residence.
“Here we are! Thank you for waiting!”
“Aye, much obliged.”
When Inari stepped before the gate, a young man in kimono, apparently a guard, approached her.
“Are you Lady Kogami?”
Clearly, word had been passed ahead—well, it would have been troublesome otherwise, since she had been summoned. Inari gave a firm nod.
“Today, I was summoned by Lord Takemoto. Might I trouble thee to announce me?”
“Of course. In fact, we were instructed to escort Lady Kogami inside upon your arrival.”
“Then I shall not hesitate.”
Inside the gate spread a well-tended garden and finely maintained buildings. It was obvious much time, money, and manpower had been devoted here. Even now, staff moved about leisurely, sweeping the grounds. And there, standing in wait, was Takemoto himself.
“Ah, you’ve come! Forgive me for calling you so soon, but… ha, today is truly a fine day!”
“…Why art thou standing out here?”
“Well, you see, as the meeting time drew close, I got excited like a child, heh. To send someone else to greet you in my place felt rather pompous, so I came myself.”
“…I see.”
Inari had already sensed at their first meeting that he was not exactly calm for his age. But his boundless energy was more like that of a neighborhood child. Well, as an active awakener, perhaps such vigor was to be expected.
“But tell me, why hath this town become Edo?”
“Well, what else could we do? This whole area was completely destroyed in a monster disaster. So when the question of rebuilding came, it must’ve been decided.”
Indeed, Sugamo had once been flattened nearly to bare land in a monster disaster. After the Takemoto Samurai Corps established their base there, the residents rebuilt Sugamo around them. They made it even more retro in style, doubled down on accessibility, and shaped it into a town easy for anyone to visit. Their efforts, born from having to start on empty ground, bore fruit. Thus was born the Sugamo of today.
“As you can see now, it’s become a place where awakeners in traditional garb and ordinary folk mingle together. Tourists from overseas seem to love it as well. At this point, we can say Sugamo has completely recovered.”
“’Tis the strength of people, indeed.”
Both people and towns had history. The spirit of Sugamo’s residents, who would not surrender just because their home was razed, had created this new Sugamo. To Inari, it was most admirable. And within her heart, she raised her esteem for the Takemoto Samurai Corps, who surely served as the pillar of that strength.