"Is this… Heaven? I must've actually died then," Katsu muttered, spinning slowly as he took in the endless expanse of blue skies and lush green meadows. The grass rippled like ocean waves, and a warm breeze brushed against his face.
He began walking aimlessly, trying to make sense of it all. The air was fresh and sweet, almost dreamlike — carrying hints of pine and lavender. Eventually, he reached a thick forest and decided to wander in.
"Well, if I'm stuck here for eternity, might as well get some sightseeing in," he said, brushing aside a branch.
After several minutes, he came across a small clearing — and in the middle of it stood an ancient shrine.
"What the... Why is there a shrine in the middle of nowhere?" he asked, stepping closer.
The structure looked old — really old. Cracked wood, faded paint, moss creeping over the torii gate. Traditional Japanese statues lined the sides, their inscriptions half-worn from time.
"I guess it makes sense. Afterlife, shrine, some kind of god to worship... sure, why not," he muttered.
As he circled around it, he noticed someone standing near the altar — a woman.
"Uh... hello?" he called out.
The figure turned. And what Katsu saw made his jaw drop.
She was stunning — radiant skin, long flowing hair that shimmered in the sunlight, and eyes that practically glowed with divine light. Her presence alone made the air feel heavier... and yet strangely comforting.
"Yep," Katsu thought, eyes wide. "I definitely died and went to Heaven. There's no way someone like her exists in real life."
The woman tilted her head slightly. "Can I help you with something?"
"The real question is—" Katsu leaned against a post, trying way too hard to act cool. "—can I help you with something?"
She stared blankly. "...Real smooth there."
Katsu froze. "I, uh—"
"So? Do you actually need something, or did you just come here to embarrass yourself?"
That stung. "I—uh, yeah, forget I said anything. Just... trying to start a conversation."
"Then do it better next time."
He awkwardly scratched his head. "Okay, fair. So... what's your name?"
Her expression brightened immediately. She stood tall, puffing her chest out.
"I will gladly introduce myself!" she declared. "MY NAME IS IZANAMI — GODDESS OF LIFE, REBIRTH, AND REINCARNATION!!!"
Katsu winced at the volume. "Wow, uh... that's quite the title."
"Indeed," she said proudly. "I take it you wish to be reincarnated? I can make you reborn into a noble family, a prince, perhaps even someone with... better pick-up lines?"
Katsu groaned. "Okay, I get it! My bad!"
Izanami chuckled softly. "In all seriousness, I can reincarnate souls. However... I cannot alter one's fate. Each soul is destined to live as the same being in the next life. Your essence remains the same, no matter where it goes."
Katsu nodded slowly. "So I'll just... come back as another me?"
"Essentially, yes."
There was a pause. Then she smirked. "Though... I could do something special. You are the first mortal I've met in a long while."
Katsu's eyes lit up. "Oh really now~?"
Her smile immediately vanished. "NOT THAT KIND OF SPECIAL, YOU CREEP!"
SLAP!
A perfect red handprint bloomed across his cheek.
"OW! Okay, okay! I wasn't thinking that—okay maybe a little—but STILL!"
She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. Then she snapped her fingers.
SNAP!
In an instant, the world shifted. The trees disappeared, replaced by a cozy-looking cottage surrounded by soft light and floating petals.
"WOAH! Did we just—teleport!?" Katsu stumbled, nearly falling over.
"Of course. All gods can do that," Izanami said casually.
"Wait, all gods? There are others?"
"Naturally. There isn't just one divine being managing everything." She paused. "Well... there is one, but that's a complicated story. Forget I mentioned it."
They stepped inside, and Katsu blinked. The place was surprisingly homey — bookshelves filled with scrolls, glowing lamps, a crackling fireplace, and an aroma of tea and wood smoke.
"Whoa... cozy. Didn't expect the afterlife to have better interior design than my apartment."
"Sit," Izanami commanded, gesturing toward the couch. "I'll be right back."
He plopped down, fidgeting. Time dragged on.
"...She's been gone forever."
"HEY, IZANAMI! HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT!?"
"JUST A MINUTE!" came her voice from the other room. "AND CALL ME GODDESS OR LADY IZANAMI!"
"I COULD CARE LESS, IZANAMI! HURRY UP!"
A heavy sigh echoed, followed by approaching footsteps.
Izanami returned, carrying a long, cloth-wrapped object. She placed it carefully on the table.
"What's that?" Katsu asked.
"Why don't you find out?" she said with a knowing smile.
Katsu pulled the cloth away, revealing a shining silver sword.
He blinked. "...It's just a sword."
Her smile vanished.
"Just a sword?!" she snapped. "This blade was forged by the God of Smithing himself! Mortals would beg for the honor to lay eyes upon it! The craftsmanship alone—"
"Yeah, yeah, looks shiny," Katsu muttered, unimpressed.
Her eye twitched. "I could take it back, you know."
"No, no! I'll take it! Sword's great, love it. Totally not gonna pawn it."
"Pawn it?" she repeated flatly.
"Joking! ...Mostly."
She sighed, then lifted the sword. Her eyes glowed as her hair began to float, a faint aura surrounding her.
"Uhhh... should I be worried?" Katsu asked, stepping back.
"Silence. I must focus."
She murmured a chant, then bit her thumb, pressing her blood against the blade. The sword shimmered, absorbing the crimson and glowing with a soft blue light before returning to silver.
"What was that?"
"I have imbued it with half my divine power. It will respond to those of pure heart and unwavering will."
Katsu's eyes widened. "So... I can use it!?"
She smirked. "You may try."
Before he could respond, she snapped her fingers again.
SNAP!
A flash of light blinded him. When it faded, Katsu found himself standing in the middle of a bustling town square, surrounded by people, merchants, and adventurers.
"What the—!? Where am I now!?" he shouted.
A random passerby gave him a weird look. "Uh, the capital? You drunk or somethin', kid?"
Katsu looked down at the sword still in his hand.
"...Guess this isn't Heaven anymore."
He sighed. "And I have no idea how to use this thing."
🌟 Little did he know — that would be the least of his problems.
FUN FACT:
Izanami is actually based on a real Japanese goddess/deity of the same name, she is known for both the creation of life and death, her name means "Female who invites", her honorary title as "Izanami no Mikoto", which means Highness Izanami or the Revered Lady Izanami.