Akabane.
It was once a place that retained the atmosphere of an old-fashioned bar town, mixing a nostalgic air with newer influences. However, Akabane, too, couldn't escape the monster disasters, and the appearance of dungeon gates at sea caused monsters to spread into the oceans.
As a result, rivers and waterways, easier to manage in emergencies, were being re-evaluated for their importance.
In this context, the significance of the Arakawa River, which connects to Tokyo Bay, had increased, and a facility called Akabane Port—something that would have been laughed off as a joke before dungeon appearances—was now a reality.
Thus, Akabane developed into a logistics hub, both for water and land transport.
With warehouses standing side by side, alongside huge markets and shops catering to individuals, Akabane had become one of Tokyo's most bustling towns. Incidentally, across the Arakawa River, Kawaguchi City in Saitama Prefecture was also thriving thanks to the spillover effect... but that’s another story.
In short, in Akabane, unless you're looking for something related to Awakeners, you can find anything.
The bus arrived at Akabane Bus Terminal, already lively and bustling. Though the auctions ended earlier in the morning, the place was still vibrant, with many shops raising their voices to draw in customers.
"Come on in, come on in! Fresh fish, cheap today!"
"Miso from Chichibu! Best time of year for it, folks!"
The air was filled with the sounds of hawkers. There were all sorts of products on display, not just seafood. Fruits like apples, various vegetables... it was quite the sight. Inari couldn’t help but let out a small impressed sound.
"Ooh, this is splendid. It doth make one want to buy all manner of things... but, nay, today’s quest is for rice."
Indeed, Inari’s purpose today was to visit a rice specialty shop. Supposedly, there was one somewhere in Akabane... but with these winding streets, it was hard to tell where.
There were plenty of signboards: "Fresh Vegetables - Sato's Produce," "Sake from Around the World - Nagano’s," "Tuna Specialist - Kanaya Fish Store."
But no rice shop signs.
After some thought, Inari decided to ask one of the shopkeepers.
"Excuse me, good sir. I beg thy pardon, but might I inquire a thing?"
"Welcome! Today’s special is freshly-caught clams! Great steamed or in miso soup!"
"Ah, nay, I am not here to purchase. I merely seek directions."
"Oh, I see! Well, if you do want fish later, please come back and see us!"
"U-umu, anyway..."
The directions Inari got pointed to an area a bit off the main road. Maybe the rice shop’s confidence in its products allowed it to survive even in such a location, Inari thought.
Leaving the main street and entering a side alley, Inari found it: a sign reading "Rice Specialty Shop Harima."
Entering the stylish, boutique-like interior, Inari was greeted with a deep bow from a sharply dressed clerk.
"Welcome. What kind of rice are you looking for today?"
"Umu... this is quite unlike any rice shop I hath ever known."
Speaking to the clerk in a neatly pressed suit, Inari received a polished, sommelier-like smile in return.
Indeed, the clerk was a certified "Rice Sommelier."
"Yes. Ever since the national Rice Sommelier qualification was introduced, Awakeners skilled in appraisal and rice expertise have been sought after. However, Akabane’s atmosphere still holds strong, which is why we set up shop slightly away from the main district."
"I see... truly, a reasonable thing."
The shop’s upscale feel didn’t match the bustling Akabane outside — but that made sense, in a way.
"Still... didst thou not think to match the town’s atmosphere?"
"Lately, this style is the standard for the rice industry. It's tough otherwise."
"The world groweth ever more severe..."
Deviating from the town’s mood would alienate customers. Deviating from the industry’s standard would isolate them too. Choosing between the two, they settled here, at the edge of Akabane. Inari nodded in understanding.
"Now then, honored guest. What sort of rice might you be seeking today? I would be honored to assist."
"Umu, that would be of great help. For I am but a novice when it cometh to rice."
With such a reliable expert available, Inari didn’t hesitate to say it plainly.
"Then, pray, couldst thou procure for me rice most suited to pairing with furikake?"