(Continuing)
"Wait, so your saying Garton is a junkyard island located on the outskirts of Japan? And that its only inhabitants were high class criminals of Japan?" Hisashi looked to clarify Matsumoto's words.
Matsumoto clarified, "That's right, boy. In fact, this island is considered 'hell on earth', the worst kind of prison for Unkaris"
Akishima intercepted, "Wait, 'Unkaris'? What are those?"
"The veils... Those who aren't chosen by mana."
"What do you mean?"
"You see, mana lives within everyone. In fact it's what created everyone. However, some indivials possess a greater amount mana than others. They are referred to as 'Manakaris', I am one of such. The counterpart to manakaris are unkaris."
"Oh, I get it. But then why does affect us?"
"Your manakaris yourself."
"Huh?" Both boys were shocked.
"On this island the only manakaris are suppose to be Yuji and a few of his forces. At least that was what was reported. So finding boys like you two here isn't something I'd ever predicted."
"But then, why are you here? Why did you come to Garton." Hisashi inquired.
"I came here for Yuji." Matsumoto declared.
"You see, Yuji is a banished manakari. Which is why he was able to grow so powerful and take control of this island."
"I already knew that he wasn't originally from here, but I never knew that it was because he was banished." Akishima commented.
Over 150 years ago, Tokyo, Japan was a bustling and popular city, attracting tourists from all over. However, Tokyo's rapid growth and popularity came at a cost – the environment. As the city expanded, pollution and waste became significant issues.
To address this problem and maintain its global appeal, Japan had to devise a plan. Izu Oshima was a nearby and accessible island that initially didn't receive much attention. The goal was to transform this island into a designated location for waste disposal and recycling, essentially turning it into a massive junkyard.
By doing so, Japan aimed to protect Tokyo's environment, ensuring it remained clean and attractive to residents and visitors alike. This innovative plan allowed the country to sustain its growth and popularity while managing environmental concerns effectively. This plan was known as Operation Turn Izu Oshima Into A Junkyard (OTIOIAJ).
Around 60 years ago, during the 1980s, Japan experienced an anime boom with the unprecedented success of iconic series like Gundam, Dragon Ball, and Macross. As the nation basked in the popularity of these shows, something less glamorous was happening – the rapid accumulation of waste and garbage.
Japan's capital, Tokyo, was at the heart of this entertainment revolution but was also grappling with the environmental consequences of its success. It was clear that something needed to be done about the mounting waste problem, and that's when the ambitious project known as Operation Turn Izu Oshima Into A Junkyard (OTIOIAJ) was conceived.
Initially, Izu Oshima, a nearby island, was chosen as a dumping ground for the country's waste. However, it didn't take long for this once-ordinary island to transform into a colossal garbage heap due to the sheer volume of discarded items. As Japan faced an unprecedented environmental crisis, it became evident that more drastic measures were required.
To address this issue, the government embarked on an extensive and expensive project. Given the proximity of Izu Oshima to the nearest Tokyo town, they decided to expand the island by constructing a massive wall around it. This wall extended 25 kilometers from the island's shores, stretching from the ocean's surface to its depths. Remarkably, this monumental endeavor was completed in just two decades, largely due to the immense profits generated by the anime industry.
The project left a mixed legacy among anime creators. While some were frustrated that they couldn't retain all their earnings, others were content that they could contribute to their nation during a time of crisis. Regardless of their stance, one thing was clear – the demand for better anime grew, either to ensure creators kept more of their profits or to further serve the country.
However, as time passed, tragedy struck. Nearly four decades later, Garton (formerly known as Izu Oshima) was overwhelmed with garbage. The trash piled so high that it filled the 25-kilometer gap between the island's wall and the sea, creating massive garbage hills that obscured the view. People living on Garton began to feel as though they resided in a massive dump and this was also the time in which the number of women and children living on Garton started to decrease rapidly. Soon, only a couple hundred humans were on the island, 95% of which were from Yuji's kingdom.
Speaking of, around this time Yuji, The Beast, was the current warden of Garton and also the only person who had contact with the outside world.
Garton's odor was severely affecting the residents of Tokyo who were closest to the island.
Faced with this dire situation, government officials decided that the only solution was to obliterate the island. Destroying it, however, posed a challenge due to its proximity to Japan. Instead of a conventional approach, they chose a unique and beautiful way to commemorate the destruction.
This plan involved celebrating the traditional Japanese festival known as 正月 (Shōgatsu), which marks the New Year every January 1st. However, this particular 正月 was six months away in 2040, precisely at midnight. The government's extraordinary idea was to employ a substantial amount of explosives, enough to annihilate the entire island, combined with a breathtaking fireworks display.
This spectacle would serve as both a farewell to Garton and the most extravagant fireworks show in history.
(To Be Continued)