The protagonist, Kaoru, starts the chapter by expressing his disdain for the oppressive summer heat while waiting for a delayed train at a remote station that often faces interruptions due to wildlife like deer. His annoyance is compounded by the boisterous chatter of two classmates who seem unfazed by the heat, one of whom brings up an intriguing urban legend about the Urashima Tunnel, which can grant wishes but takes years off your life in return. This urban legend captivates Kaoru, who ponders over its implications.
As the train arrives late, Kaoru boards and reflects on the day's events, including the anticipation of a new transfer student at school. Upon reaching Kozaki High, he discovers a crowd around the new girl, Anzu Hanashiro. Dressed distinguishably and reading a book, Anzu exudes an air of mystique and aloofness, quickly becoming the center of attention in class due to her striking looks and talent, yet she remains largely isolated and uninterested in socializing.
Kaoru observes this dynamic while navigating his own social interactions, especially with his friend Shohei and the school's Queen Bee, Koharu Kawasaki, who demands servitude and exerts her authority over their peers, including the new girl. Anzu's disdain for the social games around her solidifies her image as a "lone wolf."
The narrative reveals Kaoru's backstory: he lost his younger sister, Karen, five years ago, which haunts him deeply. This tragedy deeply affects his family dynamic, with his father struggling to cope and often resorting to drinking. Kaoru feels the weight of guilt for not being able to protect her and carries the burden of his father's resentment.
Leaving school one day, Kaoru impulsively ventures into a dilapidated tunnel he discovers while walking along the train tracks. The tunnel, eerie and seemingly magical, is filled with torii gates and lit by unexplainable torches. In an unexpected twist, Kaoru finds Karen's old sandal inside and encounters a parakeet resembling a beloved childhood pet, Kee, who sings a nostalgic nursery rhyme they used to sing. This makes him question the nature of the tunnel-could it truly grant wishes?
Ultimately, Kaoru grapples with his decision to explore further into the tunnel. He remembers the urban legend's warning about aging, realizes the potential costs of venturing deeper, and panics, deciding to leave instead. Upon exiting, he feels relief, believing he hasn't aged, only to discover that he has lost an entire week of time.
The chapter concludes with Kaoru facing the shocking realization that time had moved differently for him after entering the Urashima Tunnel, setting the stage for an exploration of the themes of grief, the desire for connection, and the consequences of wishes and regrets.
Key Themes
Loss and Regret: Kaoru's narrative is deeply colored by the memory of his sister Karen and the impact of their tragic experience on his family.
- Isolation vs. Connection: Anzu embodies the struggle between the desire to connect and the fear of rejection, showcasing the complexities of social dynamics in school.
- Urban Legends and Consequences: The Urashima Tunnel serves as a metaphor for choices, wishes, and their potential repercussions, hinting at a larger exploration of fate and consequence in the story.
Overall, the chapter masterfully blends elements of the everyday with the supernatural, establishing an atmospheric setting that pulls readers into the emotional landscape of Kaoru's life and his yearning for something beyond the mundane