Pathway to Japanese Literature

I. Pennennenennen Nenemu’s Independence

[Several pages of the opening manuscript had burned away]. Indeed, before Mr. Kire appeared, the eastern sky would fill with amber beer. However, summer arrived just like that, and all the monsters began to stir. For some reason [seventeen characters missing], the Monster Barley also bore no fruit at all, and even though large [six characters missing] bloomed, not a single grain was produced. Even when autumn came, [seven characters missing] the chestnut trees bore nothing but green husks, and [eight characters missing] the famine had set in completely.

The year came to an end, but when spring arrived next, the Famine had already grown terribly severe. NeNeMu’s father—the blue monster of the forest—spent days cradling his head in thought until he suddenly stood up, “I’m off to the forest to find something,” he declared while staggering out of the house. But no matter how long they waited after that, he never returned. He had indeed gone to the monster world’s heaven.

NeNeMu’s mother kept a watchful eye every day and did nothing but sigh, but one day she said to NeNeMu and MaMiMi,

“I’ll go to the fields to find something,” NeNeMu’s mother said as she staggered out of the house—but just like that, no matter how long they waited, she never returned. Indeed, Mother too had been called to that heaven and gone.

NeNeMu and little MaMiMi were left all alone, shivering violently from the cold and hunger.

Then one day, from the doorway— “Well, good day. I’ve come to save this region from famine. Now, eat whatever you like,” declared a tall, sharp-eyed man as he entered, carrying a large basket filled with Wapples, grape bread, and plenty of other delicious things. The two of them practically snatched the basket away and, munching ravenously, devoured heaps of food before finally,

“Thank you, Mr. Thank you so much,” they said.

The man had been watching the two of them eat with keen eyes, and at last he opened his mouth. “You’re such good children, aren’t you?” “But just being good children isn’t good enough.” “Come with me.” “I’ll take you to a good place.” “Admittedly, the boy’s strong, and his knee and heel bones seem to have stiffened up, so there’s no helping it—but hey, girl.” “Why don’t you come to my place?” “I’ll let you eat grape bread all day long.”

Neither NeNeMu nor MaMiMi gave any response, but the man suddenly put MaMiMi into the sweets basket and—

"Ho ho, hurry hurry! Ho ho, hurry hurry!" he said while suddenly beginning to rush out of the house like wind. MaMiMi—who had been looking around in confusion without understanding what was happening [missing character]—and NeNeMu only burst into tears after exiting through the doorway,

“Thief! Thief!” he cried through tears as he chased after them, but could only catch a fleeting glimpse of the man already running across the distant yellow field beyond the forest. MaMiMi’s voice became a small white triangular light that seeped into NeNeMu’s chest. NeNeMu wept and shouted as he wandered aimlessly through the forest, until at last he grew exhausted and collapsed with a thud.

It was unclear how many days had passed since then.

NeNeMu suddenly opened his eyes. When he looked up, the monster chestnut tree above his head was puffing out steam. On its trunk hung two iron ladders from both sides, with two men climbing them while busily working in a manner that appeared to be pulling ropes and casting nets. When NeNeMu sat up and looked, Mr. Kire had completely returned to his usual appearance and was gleaming all over—his face had apparently been neatly shaved, likely that very morning.

Moreover, the withered grass was steaming, and monster bracken and such were sprouting limply. NeNeMu flew over and munched on them ravenously. Then, a strangely flat voice sounded above NeNeMu’s head. “Hey. “Kid.” “You’ve finally woken up.” “Do you still think we’re in the famine?” “Summer’s almost here.” “Won’t you help me out a little?” When he looked, it was indeed a splendid monster Gentleman. He was standing there wearing a coat made of shells and holding a water pipe in one hand.

“Mr.,” “The famine has already passed?” “What do you mean by ‘help’?” “Kelp harvesting.” “Can kelp be harvested here?” “Of course it can. “Look. “We’re putting in all this effort here.” Indeed, the two men from earlier seemed to be desperately throwing nets and pulling them in, but neither the nets nor the threads were visible at all. “Can kelp be harvested even with that?” “So you’re asking if kelp can be harvested even with those? “What a disagreeable child. “Hey, don’t jinx it! “Why would you build a factory in a place where you can’t even harvest anything?” “Of course it can. “Aren’t I and plenty of others making our living off that?”

NeNeMu finally managed in a hoarse voice, “Is that so. Mr.” “Is that so, Mr.,” he said. “Besides, this forest is entirely mine, so taking bracken or anything else without permission like you did earlier has already been prohibited.”

NeNeMu felt extremely uneasy. The Gentleman said again.

“You will help me with my work.” “I’ll pay you a dollar a day for your labor.” “Otherwise you won’t get a bite to eat.” NeNeMu nearly burst into tears but managed to restrain himself and said: “Mr.” “Then I’ll do it.” “But how do you harvest kelp?” “Hmph.” “I’ll teach you that, of course.” “There—got it?” The Gentleman pulled something like a small folded umbrella frame from his pocket.

“Got it?” “When you extend this, it becomes a ladder for children to use.” “Got it?” “There.” The Gentleman gradually extended it. Before long, a ladder about ten meters long, as thin as if crafted from silk thread, was completed. “Now then.” “This one here.” “You’re to hang it on that chestnut tree.” “Like that, you see.” The Gentleman pointed at the two men from earlier. The two men were still throwing and pulling invisible nets and threads into the bleak sky.

The Gentleman placed the ladder against the chestnut tree. “Now then,” “You’re going to climb this.” “There, get moving.” NeNeMu reluctantly grabbed hold of the ladder and began climbing, but the rungs were as thin as wire, digging into his hands and feet so deeply they threatened to snap off. “Higher.” “Keep climbing.” “There, higher!” The Gentleman shouted from below. NeNeMu reached the very top. The crown of the chestnut tree was bitterly cold. When he looked down, an eerie net—as if spun from spider’s thread—swayed unsteadily from his hands, stretching far into the blue sky. The swaying grew increasingly violent until NeNeMu teetered perilously close to falling.

“There, see? The net’s there.” “Throw it into the sky.” “Your hands’ll shake.” “That’s ’cause deep-sea sharks in the wind are bumping into it.” “Oh? You’re trembling.” “Spineless brat.” “Throw it! Throw it!” “There! Throw it!” NeNeMu felt sickeningly uneasy. Yet he reluctantly gathered all his strength to pull it taut before hurling it upward with everything he had. His vision whirled—even cheerful O-Kire-sama looked like a clod of black earth—then he went plummeting down from the ladder’s peak with a whoosh. He thought he’d died. Then he thought his ears had torn off. The reason being—NeNeMu stood properly on solid ground while the Gentleman gripped his ears, snorting through flared nostrils.

“You’re just as spineless.” “What a pathetic weakling.” “If I hadn’t grabbed your ears and stopped you right now, your head would’ve burst with a pop by this time.” “I’m supposed to be your great benefactor.” “From now on, you can’t be disrespectful.” “Now then, climb.” “Climb.” “When evening comes, I’ll send you some food too.” “When night comes, I’ll send you a quilted vest too.” “Now then, climb.”

“When evening comes, I’ll be coming back down, won’t I?”

“No.” “As if that’d ever happen.” “Anyway, you have to get the kelp.” “Let me inspect the net.”

The Gentleman pulled in the net stuck to NeNeMu's hands and inspected its contents. Attached near the very end of the net was a brown, slimy thing roughly an inch square. The Gentleman took it.

“Hmph. Is this all there is?” he said, though he still seemed to laugh a little. And NeNeMu climbed up the ladder again.

Finally reaching the top, he once again threw the net into the sky with all his strength. Then, stamping his trembling feet again and again, he pulled in the net to check, but there was nothing inside. “Throw it properly! Don’t slack off!” Below, the Gentleman was shouting. NeNeMu threw it once more. Still, there was nothing. He threw it again. Still, no kelp came in. Utterly exhausted, NeNeMu no longer cared about anything and tried to climb down. To his astonishment, the ladder was gone.

And as evening seemed to have arrived, the monster sky turned green, and a strange monster bread floated unsteadily up from below, stopping before NeNeMu. The Gentleman was nowhere to be found, with neither trace nor form remaining. The two people on the opposite tree also seemed to be eating bread while hanging their heads dejectedly and thinking. The iron ladder was no longer visible on that tree either. NeNeMu also reluctantly began to chew the monster bread.

At that moment, the Gentleman came, “Now then, once you’ve finished eating, everyone quickly throw your nets!” “I won’t give you any cotton-padded vests until you harvest one kin of kelp!” he shouted.

NeNeMu shouted.

“Mr., I can’t do this anymore. Let me down.” The Gentleman shouted from below.

“What was that? “So you eat your bread and then demand to be let down? “Don’t talk such nonsense.” “But I just can’t move anymore.” “Is that so.” “Then rest until you can move,” said the Gentleman. NeNeMu settled onto the top of the chestnut tree and rested thoroughly. At that moment, the chestnut tree exhaled steam in warm puffs, so NeNeMu felt slightly warmed and more at ease, he thought. There, he mustered his strength once more and threw the net into the sky. In the sky, the stars had just begun to glow blue.

However, this time the net was truly heavy. When NeNeMu happily pulled it in and looked, there was indeed a huge, huge piece of kelp that had fluttered into the net. NeNeMu was overjoyed. “Mr., here, I’ll throw it. I got some!” As he said this, he dropped it down. “Well done, well done. There we go. Here’s your cotton-padded vest.” The vest floated unsteadily up. NeNeMu hurriedly put it on and said.

“Mr., will you give me one dollar?” The Gentleman said from within the pale yellow haze below.

“Yeah.” “I’ll give you one dollar.” “But the bread costs one dollar a day.” “If you harvest over ten kin of kelp daily,I’ll buy anything beyond that at ten cents per kin.” “That extra amount will be your profit.” “Save up your earnings and I’ll pay out whenever needed.” “But fall short of ten kin,and I’ll dock your pay for every missing pound.” “Consider those shortages my advance against your future work.”

NeNeMu was truly disappointed. The two men on the opposite tree no longer seemed to be there, no matter how intently he peered through the starlight. They must have vanished because the work was simply too harsh. Now NeNeMu resolved. From then on—day and night—with only the chestnut tree's steam, monster bread, invisible nets, the Gentleman, and kelp as his companions, he continued this work for a full ten years. Among these elements, bread and kelp reigned supreme as his generals. The first four years brought nothing but daily debt; the next five were spent repaying it all; and in those final three months alone did money finally accumulate. There he descended—tucking away three hundred dollars—and set out toward town in the monster world.

II. The Rise of Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu

Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu, having stood upright in the trees for ten years, rubbed his aching knees as he left the forest. At the forest exit was a small general store, so NeNeMu entered and bought a jet-black coat and pair of trousers. He hurriedly put them on as he thought: "I want to study something proper and become a clerk. Just thinking about all that throwing and hauling makes my life feel shorter. Alright—I'll definitely become a clerk."

Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu paid the money and, upon exiting the shop, caught a glimpse of his own figure reflected in the mirror across the way.

His clothes were jet-black like the night, his curly red hair hung thickly from head to shoulders, his eyes shone brilliantly blue—so splendid that he doubted it was himself. NeNeMu was so happy that he whistled and ran about thirty knots in a single breath.

“How much further might there be to Hammumumumumun·Mumune City?” asked Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu of the yellow shadow monster that came falteringly toward him from ahead. “Let me see. “Come here for a moment.” The yellow ghost pinched the edge of NeNeMu’s square sleeve, led him to the foot of a monster apple tree, aligned one of his own legs with the tree’s roots, and said.

“You too, please put one leg out here.” When NeNeMu hurriedly did as instructed, the yellow ghost crouched down, closed one eye, inspected whether the tip of his foot was properly aligned with the apple tree’s roots, and then said.

“Listen. From the tip of this foot to the entrance of Hammumumumumun·Mumune City, it’s exactly six knots and six chains. Then take care on your way.” Then he spun around and headed off in that direction. From behind him, NeNeMu politely bowed.

“Ah, thank you very much. If it’s six knots and six chains, then if I walk one knot and one chain each hour, I can arrive in six hours. If I walk three knots and three chains each hour, I can arrive in two hours. Having completely figured it out—there’s nothing more joyous than this,” he said, bowing his head once more. Though his red hair dangled loosely downward, in truth the yellow ghost seemed to have already entered far into a field of shimmering heat haze in the distant monster world, leaving neither shadow nor form behind.

Thereupon, NeNeMu started walking again. Then from the opposite direction came a mouse-gray man who glinted blindingly, wearing red rubber boots. He had been staring intently at NeNeMu when suddenly he ran up to his side, firmly grasped NeNeMu’s right wrist, and said.

“Hey. You seem to have come here after getting fed up with kelp harvesting in the forest—but what’s your goal now?”

NeNeMu, thinking this must surely be a detective, stiffened and answered.

“Yes. My goal is to become a clerk.”

Then, the man twisted his short beard with his left hand, pondered briefly, and said. “Ah, so becoming a clerk is your goal?” “So that’s how it is, huh.” “You ate nothing but monster bread in the forest, didn’t you.” NeNeMu, thoroughly exposed and flustered, scratched his head with his left hand. “Yes, in truth, I believe I may have eaten a bit too much.”

“I knew it.” “It must certainly be so.” “Very well.” “I have thoroughly understood your status and intentions.” “Go on.” “I am a detective of Mumune City.”

NeNeMu, finally relieved there, politely bowed and headed toward the town again.

Exactly one hour and six minutes after walking three knots and three chains, NeNeMu encountered a monster farmer’s wife. The person approached from afar with a thoroughly puzzled look on her face but finally burst into tears and rushed over.

“Oh, Kueku! “You’ve come back safely, haven’t you? “Oh, have you forgotten me? “Oh, how heartless you are!” NeNeMu was slightly taken aback, but upon realizing this must be a case of mistaken identity, he hurriedly said.

“No，ma’am.” “I am not a person called Kueku.” “My name is Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu.”

Then, that orange-hued monster farmer’s wife, seeming to finally realize, abruptly ceased her tearful expression and said: “I must sincerely apologize for this terrible rudeness.” “Because your appearance is the spitting image of my son.”

“No. Not at all. I am now making my first visit to Mumune City.” “Oh, is that so? My son was exactly your age. My goodness—from the curl of your hair to the sparkle of your ears—everything about you is exactly alike. And with those soft slug monster-like feet of yours clad in hard steel sandals—whatever could bring you here? Oh, my son must be wearing sandals like these somewhere even now… Sob, sob, sob, sob.” The Monster Farmer’s Wife burst into tears. NeNeMu was troubled,

“Now, ma’am. Your son must surely have become a clerk somewhere by now. He will surely send for you soon without fail. There’s no need to cry so much. I must be going now, so I’ll take my leave,” he said, and with the sound of sniffling sobs like a clarinet behind him, he hurriedly left the place.

Now, fifteen minutes later, NeNeMu came to a point just three chains away from Mumune City. NeNeMu completely fixed his hair there, then washed his face in the mercury stream by the roadside, and made preparations to enter the city.

Then, calming his mind as much as possible and gradually approaching the city, NeNeMu could already sense the formidable presence befitting the monster world's capital. A low, resonant drone rose from the earth—[several pages of manuscript lost here].

“Class is in session! You noisy pest! If you’ve got business—get in here!” he bellowed, making the school building shudder.

There, NeNeMu resolutely ascended to the second floor as quietly as possible and entered the classroom. The classroom was as vast as a field. In various shapes—chili peppers, mortars, scissors—and in red and white, truly diverse student monsters were packed tightly. At the far end hung a blackboard as large as a cliff, and the teacher monster from before, over a hundred shaku tall, was conducting his lecture.

“So then, if chlorine were red in color, this would constitute the most evident absurdity.” “It must be yellow.” “Thus we observe that yellowness is an exceedingly crucial matter.” “The character for ‘yellow’ is written thus.” Dr. Fūfībō turned toward the blackboard and, using his hands, nose, mouth, elbows, collar, hair, and whatever else at once, wrote approximately three hundred instances of the “yellow” character. The students all hurriedly filled their notebooks with the “yellow” character, yet none could execute it as skillfully as the teacher.

NeNeMu quietly sat down in the very back seat and softly asked the red-and-white mottled monster student next to him.

“Hey, what’s this teacher called?” “Didn’t you know? Dr. Fūfībō. Chemistry,” answered the red monster with eyes gleaming mockingly. “Oh, I see.” “This teacher?” “He’s a renowned person, isn’t he,” NeNeMu softly muttered as he too took out a pencil and notebook from his pocket and began taking notes.

At that moment, the classroom lights snapped on. It was already evening.

Dr. Fūfībō was shouting over there. “Then why does green become distinct in the evening? This is undoubtedly due to the phenomenon of Purukīinīi. Purukīinīi is written like this.” Dr. Fūfībō wrote about three hundred squiggly Western characters all at once. NeNeMu also wrote desperately. Then Dr. Fūfībō suddenly spread his hands wide. “Verily! The hazy nebulae dwelling in heaven, the ambiguous monster laws upon earth—these indeed rule the cosmos!” he declared while leaping onto the table, crossing his arms, pursing his lips tightly, and surveying his surroundings with a piercing gaze.

The students were all excited, “Bravo!” “Dr. Fūfībō!” They shouted “Bravo!” and then closed their notebooks with a clatter. NeNeMu, now fully engrossed,

“Bravo!” he shouted, pursing his lips as if firmly, firmly resolved.

At this moment, Dr. Fūfībō finally smiled ever so slightly, lowered his voice a notch, and spoke.

“Everyone. I will now immediately commence the graduation exams. Each of you, please pass before me one by one,” he said.

The students then passed before Dr. Fūfībō one by one, opening their notebooks and showing them as they went. Dr. Fūfībō would glance at them briefly, ask a question or two, then write on their backs with white chalk—marks like “Pass,” “Fail,” “Pass with Compassion,” or “Expelled.” While being written on, the students would shrink their necks as if tickled. The students who had been written on appeared quite anxious; quietly hunching their shoulders, they would step out into the hallway, have their friends read [the marks], and then rejoice or weep. In rapid succession, the exams concluded, and at last, only NeNeMu remained. When NeNeMu presented his notebook, Dr. Fūfībō let out a big yawn, so the notebook was slurped up into the teacher. Dr. Fūfībō did not seem particularly concerned about it; he gulped it down and said:

“Very well. The notebook is exceptionally well done. Then answer the question. How many types of smoke are emitted from chimneys?” “There are four types. If I may specify the types, they are black, white, blue, and colorless.” “Mhm. The part where you noticed colorless smoke is truly remarkable. Then, what is the form?” “When there’s no wind, it forms vertical rods; when the wind is strong, horizontal rods; otherwise, shapes like earthworms. When there’s very little smoke, it also takes the form of a corkscrew.”

“Very well. You are first in today’s examination. If you have any wish, state it.”

“I want to become a clerk.”

“I see.” “Very well.” “I’ll write the address on my business card for you, so go there immediately tonight.”

As NeNeMu waited, thinking he would be given a business card, Dr. Fūfībō suddenly picked up a fresh piece of white chalk and wrote “Sem 22” on his chest.

When NeNeMu joyfully bowed courteously and stepped back a pace from Dr. Fūfībō, the doctor said in a low voice,

“The straw omelette must be ready by now,” he muttered, then threw chalk fragments, lecture drafts, and everything else into the leather briefcase on the table, tucked it under his arm, and leaped out through the window he’d peered from earlier—whoosh!—aiming for the distant black house far beyond. And NeNeMu indeed saw Dr. Fūfībō safely arrive at the drying platform in the expectant yellow dusk and enter the house.

Thereupon, NeNeMu exited the classroom and descended the ladder stairs, only to find an astonishing number of students weeping there. Truly, after failing 3,653 times—that is, over a span of ten years including leap years—without a single Sunday or summer vacation, how could they not weep? However, NeNeMu was completely different from that. Exiting the university gate with vigor, he pointed to the address on his chest and asked a passing jellyfish-like monster how to get there.

Thereupon, that monster bowed extremely courteously,

“Yes. That would be the Honorable World Chief Judge’s residence.” “If you proceed about two chains from here, there will be a large house made of hardened clay.” “You will find it immediately.” “Please kindly grant me your patronage as well,” he said and bowed courteously once more.

NeNeMu proceeded toward there at a speed of one knot and one chain per hour. In an instant, on the right side of the road, that large clay-built house stood imposingly, with a signboard reading "World Chief Judge’s Official Residence" hanging upon it. “Excuse me. Excuse me,” NeNeMu said while scratching his red hair.

Then, from inside the house came a pattering sound as a great multitude of monsters emerged. They all wore jet-black long coats and bowed deferentially. "I have come by introduction from Dr. Fūfībō of the university, but might I have a moment to meet with the World Chief Judge?" Then everyone said in unison. "That would be you." "You would be that Chief Judge."

“I see. Is that so?” “Then what are all of you?” “We are your subordinates.” “Judges, prosecutors, and the like.”

“I see.” “In that case, I am the master here, am I?”

“That is correct.” In this manner, Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu became the World Chief Judge all at once and, surrounded by everyone, plopped down onto the sponge-crafted chair in the chief judge’s chamber.

Then, one of the judges deferentially addressed him.

“There are two cases scheduled to commence this evening, but how would you wish to proceed—might you be fatigued, Your Honor?” “No—it’s quite all right.” “We’ll proceed.” “But what about the trial’s policy?” “Yes. Our judicial policy is to ensure that the people of this world refrain from appearing in the other world as much as possible.”

“Understood.” “Then we’ll proceed immediately.”

NeNeMu put on a pure white curly wig and a long black garment and proceeded to the courtroom. About thirty subordinates were already seated. NeNeMu sat in the highest seat at the front. From a small door in the far corner, the one dragged out by a monster guard was a tall, sharp-eyed gray fellow holding a broom in one hand. A prosecutor read out the documents in a loud voice. “Zashikiwarashi.” “Twenty-two years old.” “On February 7 of Atsureki 31, at the surface world residence of Itō Manta, No.21 Household, Seto District, Aozasa Village, Kamihei County, Iwate Prefecture, Japan: having wantonly appeared without cause in an eight-tatami-mat room and thereby caused Manta’s eldest son Chita, aged eight, to lose consciousness.”

“Very well.” “Understood,” Chief Judge NeNeMu said. “Is your name, age, and all other particulars correct?” “There are no discrepancies.” “Is it not indeed true that you, on February 7 of Atsureki 31, wantonly appeared without cause in the eight-tatami-mat room at the residence of Itō Manta?” “There is absolutely no discrepancy.” “What did you do after appearing?” “I was swish-swish sweeping the room.” “For what purpose did you sweep?”

“To let in the wind.” “Very well. That point indeed serves public benefit. This official hereby expresses profound sympathy. However, given that you wantonly appeared in an unoccupied room and produced broom sounds, thereby causing a child who peeked in alarm at the noise to lose consciousness, this constitutes a clear appearance crime. Therefore—you are hereby ordered to clean Mumune City’s streets for seven days starting today. Henceforth, you shall not appear wantonly on the other side without permission from the Monster World Governor.”

“Understood.” “Thank you very much.” “That’s truly a masterful judgment.” “Truly, this Chief is remarkable,” the judges whispered to one another. Zashikiwarashi bowed joyfully and withdrew. Next came a monster whose face was entirely painted with clay in kite-brown and white, its mouth split open up to the ears, chest and legs bare, wearing a thick straw raincoat-like garment around its waist. One of the judges read out the documents.

“Uuuuuei. Thirty-five years old. "On the night of July 1 of Atsureki 31, at the surface world in a clearing within the woods of Congo, Africa: having wantonly appeared without cause and thereby caused the local people engaged in dance to be terrified and scattered."

“Very well, understood,” NeNeMu said.

"Is your name, age, and all other particulars correct as stated?" "Yes." "That's correct." "Is it not indeed true that you, on the night of July 1 of Atsureki 31, in a clearing within the woods of Congo Africa wantonly appeared without cause and thereby terrified and scattered a group reveling in song and dance under moonlight?" "That is absolutely correct."

“Very well. For what purpose did you appear? Legally, this has already been deemed an unwarranted arbitrary act, but I will now inquire about your intentions.”

“Yes, Your Honor.” “The truth is, it was just too amusing.” “Yes, Your Honor.” “I deeply apologize.” “It was just too amusing.” “Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit-ribbit, ribbit, ribbit.” “Step back.” “Yes, Your Honor.” “I deeply apologize.” “I am deeply obliged.”

“Right. You have committed the most evident appearance crime.” “Therefore—you are hereby ordered to patrol Mussen Street for twenty-two days starting tomorrow.” “Henceforth, you shall not wantonly appear on the other side without permission from the Monster World Governor.” “Understood, Your Honor.” “Thank you very much.” That monster also withdrew.

“That’s truly a masterful judgment. That’s an excellent ruling,” they all whispered to one another.

At that moment, the opposite window rattled open.

“How about it—he makes a fine Chief Judge, doesn’t he? Did I impress you all?” came the voice.

That was the gray, one-meter-long face from earlier—Dr. Fūfībō.

“Bravo! Dr. Fūfībō! Bravo!” shouted the judges, the prosecutors, everyone. By then, Dr. Fūfībō’s face had already vanished, and the window rattled shut. Thereupon, NeNeMu returned to his room and removed his white curly wig. Then he went to sleep.

The rest was for tomorrow.

III. Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu’s Inspection

Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu, who had become the Chief Judge of the Monster World, woke at six o'clock the next morning and immediately summoned one of his subordinate prosecutors. “What time are the proceedings scheduled for today?”

“Today as well, there are only two cases starting at seven in the evening.” “I see. Very well. Then starting at eight this morning, we will go pay our respects to the World Governor. Then we’ll proceed directly to inspections. Everyone, prepare those preparations.”

“Understood, Your Honor.” Thereupon, Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu quickly finished his breakfast of a handful of oats and two liters of soy milk, then took thirty subordinates and went to the World Governor’s official residence.

The Monster World Governor was already sitting and waiting at the front of the grand hall. The World Governor was a Mesozoic agate tree standing 190 shaku tall.

Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu reverently advanced, kneeled on one knee, and bowed his head.

“Are you Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu, Chief Judge?” “That is correct, Your Honor. I humbly pledge eternal loyal service.” “Right. Do it thoroughly. I’ve already heard about last night’s trial. And I hear you’re heading out for inspections this morning as well.” “Yes. I am deeply obliged.”

“Right. Please carry this out thoroughly.” “Understood, Your Honor.” Thereupon, Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu once again reverently bowed to the World Governor, stepped backward, and withdrew. The thirty subordinates were overjoyed because the World Governor’s proceedings had gone well.

Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu, also in high spirits, then began inspecting the town.

The prosperity of Hamumumumumumumune City in the Monster World remained unchanged even today. Hundreds of millions of monsters passed by and came and went, crossed paths and moved onward, appeared and vanished, associated and merged, reappeared and advanced—it was truly, truly a most splendid sight. NeNeMu, even now, found himself deeply impressed. At that moment, from the opposite direction came a car with a small red flag, clanging a Charineru instrument with a "totten-totten-totten-ten" rhythm, inching its way toward them bit by bit. The spectator monsters gathered around it like a red mountain.

As Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu moved along and glanced over, he noticed that the red flag bore the white-dyed emblem “Fukujiro.” Beside it stood a grotesque child-like figure about three shaku tall—its face wrinkled like an old man’s, with a nose nearly one shaku long—wearing knee-length work pants. The creature was receiving roughly five matches labeled “Fukujiro Brand” from a black, rigid monster pulling the car. As NeNeMu watched, wondering what it would do next, that unpleasant creature toddled off with the matches.

The crowd of monster spectators resembling a red mountain clamorously followed along after it. When a young monster, pushed from behind, accidentally brushed against that unpleasant creature, Fukujiro spun around and suddenly slapped the young monster’s cheek with a sharp crack. Then the unpleasant creature went to the hardware store across the way. That hardware store was a place that sold everything from monster toothbrushes and monster toothpicks to hand towels, work pants, aprons—in short, a complete set of monster implements.

When Fukujiro toddled into the store, the hardware store’s mistress tried to flee in fear. The mistress herself had a face exactly like a baku’s and was a splendid monster, but whenever she saw the small, shriveled Fukujiro, she became utterly terrified. “Mistress. Buy the Fukujiro matches.” The mistress finally calmed down and said.

“How much is it?” “For one?” “Ten yen.”

The mistress looked like she was about to cry.

“Now buy them. If you don’t buy them, I’ll start dancing.”

"I'll buy them, I'll buy them." "I don't need the dance." "Here's your ten yen." The mistress turned pale and, trembling all over, gathered money from the cash box and produced ten yen. "Thank you. Huh." He said as that unpleasant creature left the store.

And this time, he entered the neighboring monster liquor store. The spectators noisily followed along after him. The bald-headed old monster of the liquor store also, trembling all over, produced ten yen. The next shop was called Tongue Shop, and there too the owner turned his yellow face green and trembled as he bought one match for ten yen. “This is intolerable. Utterly outrageous. The fact that such an unpleasant creature walks freely through the town is my disgrace. Just tie him up already,” Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu commanded his subordinate prosecutor. One prosecutor immediately stepped forward and bound that unpleasant creature—who had just emerged from the Tongue Shop—swiftly and tightly in ten layers. Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu pushed through the crowd, stepped forward, and said.

“Hey! You exploit your own repulsive face and form to go around forcing households to buy matches worth one sen each for ten yen apiece. You’re a vile creature. You’d better believe it—you’re going to prison.”

Then that unpleasant creature began to cry.

“Officer. “That’s cruel!” “No matter how much money I receive, I don’t take a single sen for myself.” “The master takes all of it.” “Please forgive me.” “Please forgive me.”

NeNeMu said. “I see.” “So you’re just being forced to work every day, dragged around to earn money.” “That’s right, that’s right.” “Even though he calls me ‘Master,’ he only ever puts me through terrible things.” “He doesn’t even give me proper meals.” “Hurry up and arrest the master.” “Hurry up! Hurry up!” This time, that unpleasant creature suddenly regained vigor.

Thereupon, “Arrest the one by that car,” NeNeMu said. Just then, about three policemen who had just emerged flew over and swiftly bound the black, rigid monster sitting vacantly on the car. NeNeMu went over there together with the unpleasant creature. “Hey! You’re using this crippled wretch as a front to sell one-sen matches for ten yen each. We’ll take you to prison now.”

The master looked like he was about to cry and spoke rapidly.

“Your Honor.” “That’s downright unreasonable.” “I walk around all day but barely get enough to eat.” “The master takes everything else.”

“Hmph, I see. Where’s that master?” “He’s over there.” “Which one?” “The person at that corner looking up at the sky yawning.”

“Good. Bind that guy.” The man at the corner, now bound, gaped in shock, his mouth opening and closing wordlessly. NeNeMu took the two and walked over there, then said.

“You there are a wrongdoer.” “You have no grounds for complaint.” “Confine him to prison.”

“This is outrageous. “What’s happening here?” “Ah—Fukujiro and Tan’ichi got tied up too.” “As for that business—why, I’m simply following the supervisor’s orders to watch the car here.” “I don’t get a single sen beyond my thirty-sen daily wage.”

“Hmph.” “This is truly a detestable case.” “Now—tell me where your supervisor is.” “That person standing under the telegraph pole over there, dozing on their feet.” “I see.” “Very well.” “Arrest the one under that telegraph pole.” The policemen and prosecutors immediately moved to rush off. Just then, when NeNeMu glanced further ahead, he saw countless more figures continuing into the distance—spaced about five ken apart—some yawning, others crossing their arms or standing vacantly. Thereupon NeNeMu spoke.

“Hold on.” “It seems there are still many supervisors ahead.” “Good.” “Bind them all in order and bring them here.” “Don’t let the one at the very end escape.” “Now go.”

About ten prosecutors and about ten police officers ran off toward the other side like a wisp of smoke. In the blink of an eye, all the supervisors were swiftly bound one after another, and within less than fifteen minutes, thirty monsters were dragged in a long line. “Is this the one at the very end?” NeNeMu pointed at a large green monster in exceedingly stylish attire. “That’s correct, Your Honor.” Everyone said in unison.

“Very well.” “Hey!” “You there—exploiting such pitiful disabled people to sell one-sen matches for ten yen—what exactly is the meaning of this?” “And to use thirty-two people to stubbornly conceal your wrongdoing—this is utterly reprehensible.” “Well? What do you have to say?”

However, the green stylish monster pursed his lips and showed no sign of remorse.

“This is outrageous. “I have no recollection of doing such a thing. “I have a loan of nine yen to this individual from 120 years ago, which has now grown to over five thousand yen. “I follow this person every day and take thirty yen daily as part of my business,” he said, pointing at the bright red stylish monster in front of him.

Then the red stylish monster said.

“That’s correct.” “I pay this person thirty yen every day.” “No matter how much I pay, the principal just keeps growing.” “Be that as it may, I also have a significant loan from this previous person dating back 140 years, so using that as the principal, I follow this person every day and actually collect fifty yen each day.” “I have no idea about these so-called match crimes or whatever,” he said, pointing at the blue stylish monster in front of him. Then the blue one said.

“That’s correct.” “I pay fifty yen every day.” “And since I have a considerable loan from the previous person dating back two hundred years, I merely follow them around every day to collect one hundred yen each time using that as the principal.” The yellow stylish monster in front who had been pointed at said.

“That’s correct.” “Exactly as said.” “And since I have a splendid loan from the previous person dating back some time, I follow them every day and take three hundred yen each time.”

“Hmm.” “I’ve come to understand quite a bit now!” “Now just state the year you lent [the money] and the amount you’re currently collecting,” NeNeMu said. “250 years: 500 yen; 300 years: 1,000 yen; 301 years: 1,007 yen; 302 years: 1,008 yen; 303 years: 1,009 yen; 304 years: 1,010 yen.” NeNeMu quickly calculated.

“I’ve got it. Number thirty. A standing doze under the utility pole. You’re collecting 1,030 yen, aren’t you?”

“That is precisely as you say.” “Your keen insight leaves me in awe.”

At that moment, the supervisor who had been standing at the corner earlier and yawning spoke. "How about that? Exactly as you say. I collect precisely 1,030 yen and 30 sen every day and pay exactly 1,030 yen to this person." NeNeMu said: "I see. Then who on earth is making Fukujiro walk around?" "I do not know." "I do not know," everyone said at once. At this, NeNeMu too found himself slightly troubled, but after a while he spoke.

“All right. In that case, those who know about Fukujiro selling matches—raise your hands.” Beginning with the rigid, black-clad Taniichi, only ten people raised their hands in order. “Very well.” “Then the tenth one of you is the most guilty.” “Put him in prison.”

“No.” “Not at all.” “I am merely watching Fukujiro selling matches from afar.” “To sell that for ten yen—preposterous! I have absolutely no knowledge of such a thing.”

“This really is an exceedingly unpleasant affair.” “Very well.” “Then let those who know Fukujiro sells matches for ten yen raise their hands.” From the rigid black-clad Taniichi onward, only three did so. “Then it’s you.” “Put him in prison,” ordered NeNeMu. “As I stated earlier,” “I merely observed under orders.” “So you admit knowing about ten-yen sales yet claim mere obedience—while this next one issues commands without recall.” “Though I neither ordered ten-yen pricing nor believe it occurs—merely thought ‘How ever does that tottering Fukujiro profit so?’ Am I correct?”

“Exactly as Your Honor has discerned,” the two said in unison.

“Very well.” “I’ve made up my mind.” “I hereby declare to you all.” “This is a case of bad deeds piling up one after another.” “To dress so stylishly while daily collecting interest on money lent a hundred or two hundred years ago—this is outrageous.” “The fact that this continues with as many as thirty people is truly unacceptable.” “You all spend your days yawning and dozing off, only entering the nearby restaurant at mealtimes, then rushing out to check that the previous person hasn’t gone too far before finally feeling relieved—this is truly inexcusable behavior.” “And since they claim I’m not profiting from this, plunging into wrongdoing isn’t acceptable either.” “Therefore, all of you are at fault.” “All of you must be punished.” “However, that would be too pitiful, so how about this—all of you quit your current jobs at once.” “Therefore, I’ll have Fukujiro work alone in a small room at some toy factory and let him eat snacks from time to time.” “Since the rest of you look sturdy enough, find jobs on your own.” “If you still can’t find one on your own, come consult me.”

“Understood.” “Thank you very much.” Everyone left Fukujiro behind and scattered in all directions, parting ways with the people like Akayama. Thereupon, NeNeMu assigned one prosecutor and sent Fukujiro to a factory that produces papier-mâché tigers.

The spectators rejoiced, “What a great Chief Judge!” “What a great Chief Judge!” they cheered. Thereupon, NeNeMu resumed his inspection. After proceeding a short distance, there stood a large house of packed mud on the right side of the street, its sign proclaiming “World Police Chief’s Residence.” “I’ll just take a quick look inside,” NeNeMu declared as he approached the entrance. The entire house abruptly stirred into activity before the Police Chief stepped forward to guide him. After surveying all interior facilities, NeNeMu sat facing the Police Chief across a table. The Police Chief produced a business card the size of a newspaper, unfolded it ceremoniously, and presented it to NeNeMu with deference. Looking at it,

Kenkenkenkenkenken Kueku Police Chief was written. NeNeMu, “Hmm, Kueku… That name does sound familiar.” “This may seem abrupt, but are you from a farming family in this vicinity?” he said.

Then the Police Chief seemed startled,

“Exactly as Your Honor has discerned,” he replied. “So you have left home without permission, then. Your mother has been crying terribly,” said NeNeMu. “Ah, well, in fact—I did send a telegram last night as well, so it’s not exactly that I ran away. Exactly three mornings ago, I came from home to the university janitor’s office on a small errand, but ended up getting drawn into Dr. Fūfībō’s lecture—for three days until yesterday, I listened, failed exams, and pondered. Last night I finally passed and have assumed my post here.”

“Ha ha ha.” “I see.” “That is satisfactory.” “Have you already sent the telegram?”

“Yes.” Thereupon, NeNeMu was thoroughly impressed, then left the Police Chief’s house, conducted his inspection around and around, and returned to the Monster World Chief Judge’s official residence around noon. The lunch feast was a Straw Omelette.

IV. Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu’s Reassurance

The reputation of Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu, Chief Judge of the Monster World, had now become extraordinary. Since this world began developing from a single copepod—gradually sprouting branches and growing limbs—everyone declared that such a renowned judge was truly unprecedented. Even Shalon, a monster usurer, praised him thus: “Ah, truly Lord Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu is a peerless judge! The return of Lord Danny himself—nay, Lord Danny’s very evolution!”

From the Monster World Leader came a new rank bestowed each day, along with medals sent over, so that now it took two hours just to read aloud all the ranks, and the medals filled every inch of NeNeMu’s chamber walls. Therefore, whenever NeNeMu had to read ceremonial addresses at some event, he found reciting all his titles so burdensome that he had them divided into thirty parts in advance and made thirty subordinates clamorously recite them all at once—yet even this still took four minutes. The medals were no exception. Since they could not all fit on NeNeMu’s chest, his formal coat had a strip about ten meters long extending from the chest area, lined with medals in a row, and thirty of his subordinates would trail along carrying this sash-like thing. Now, NeNeMu had obtained such tremendous honors, and furthermore—as everyone already knew—apart from Dr. Fūfībō, he was even permitted to eat the Straw Omelette that no one else was ever allowed to consume. Therefore, no one could imagine a greater happiness than this, yet in truth, NeNeMu found no joy in it whatsoever. The reason for this was that NeNeMu could not for a moment rid his mind of MaMiMi—his sister who, during that famine year when he was eight, had been placed in a basket of sweets and taken away while the man chanted “O-hoi-hoi, o-hoi-hoi.”

Thereupon, one day, NeNeMu rang the bell on the table with a chime and called one of his subordinate prosecutors. “There’s something I’d like to ask you.”

“What would that be?” “What sort of business is it that uses small girls whose bones—the bones of their knees and heels—have not yet hardened?” The prosecutor thought for a while before answering.

"That would be monster conjuring. Monster conjurers often use girls up to twelve or thirteen years old under the pretense of transformation magic—stretching them into dog shapes one moment, rounding them into rabbit forms the next—molding creatures like starch syrup candy by attaching or removing ears. Such practices are frequently observed." "I see. And how many of those practitioners exist worldwide?" "Indeed. According to surveys from two years prior, fifty-nine individuals practiced conjuring professionally, though current numbers are presumed significantly lower."

“I see.” “The fact that they engage in such starch-syrup-candy-like practices must be a relic from the days when this world was still made of slugs.” “I shall conduct an inspection.” “Depending on the circumstances, I shall have to enforce a prohibition.”

Thereupon, NeNeMu, accompanied by a subordinate prosecutor, set out into the town once again today. And under the prosecutor’s guidance, they proceeded straight to where the grand magic troupe was located. The magic show was now in full swing. NeNeMu entered with the prosecutor. The band played vigorously. Two monsters—one blue and one white, wearing nothing but gleaming steel gauntlets—conducted something called an electric duel. Every time their swords clanged clang clang, blue sparks burst forth like broom bristles, illuminating their faces blindingly as all the spectators watched on edge.

“Quite heroic, isn’t it?” said NeNeMu. Eventually, with a *thwack*, one was cleanly slashed from shoulder to chest to waist, their body splitting clean in two before collapsing with a *clatter* onto the floor. The slayer squared his shoulders, swung his sword high three times, sent up fierce purple sparks, and strode into the backstage. Then the bisected body of the fallen snapped back together with a thud, its wounds sealing completely in an instant as it sprang upright with raucous laughter. And then, dipping its head slightly, it bowed,

“My wounds haven’t fully healed yet, so please excuse this rough bow,” it said while guffawing raucously once more, then entered the backstage as well.

Bong, bong, bong-bong—the gong sounded. A table draped with a white cloth and a chair were carried out.

A young monster with pitch-black painted around his eyes deliberately puckered his mouth slightly and sat down at the table. A monster attendant wearing a white apron respectfully brought a pure white dish measuring about four shaku in diameter and placed it on the table.

“Fork!” bellowed the young monster sitting on the chair as he slammed the table.

“Right away.” “This was a grave oversight on my part.” “Right away. I’ll bring it immediately,” said the attendant while bringing a fork measuring about two feet in length. “Knife!” bellowed the young monster as he slammed the table again. “Right away.” “This was a grave oversight on my part.” “Right away. I’ll bring it immediately,” said the attendant while going behind the curtain and bringing a knife about two feet long. However, when the knife was placed on the table, its blade immediately bent limply.

“No good. This thing’s useless.” The monster sitting on the chair hurled the knife onto the floor. The knife fluttered down to the floor, burst into red flames, and vanished. “Right away.” “This was a grave oversight on my part.” “That was an advertisement for the knife.” “I’ll bring the real, proper one,” said the attendant as he withdrew. What had left NeNeMu, the prosecutor, and everyone utterly astonished was that—without anyone noticing how or when it had emerged—a splendidly large blue monster now sat cross-legged upon the plate placed on the table, calmly looking down at the young monster seated in the chair. The blue monster calmly turned toward everyone. The area around its eyes was bright red. Suddenly, the spectators burst into shouts.

“Ten-ten-ten-ten Tejimaa! Bravo!” “Bravo!” “Well now, that’s splendid.” “Tejimaa!”

The large monster on the plate who had been called Tejimaa quietly turned his face once more toward the young monster sitting in the chair. And the two of them, like a pair of lions, stared fixedly at each other. The entire audience was now on their feet. “Tejimaa!” “Don’t lose.” “Hang in there!”

“Hang in there! Tejimaa! If you lose, you’ll be eaten!” After such a commotion, everything fell silent this time. Before long, the young monster sitting in the chair seemed to find his eyes hurting and finally gave a single blink. Tejimaa on the plate inched his face closer and closer toward that side. The young monster blinked about five times in a row and, seeming unable to endure it any longer, covered his eyes with both hands. Tejimaa on the plate calmly and smoothly extended his face forward. The young monster clattered down from the chair. Tejimaa smoothly stood up on the plate, then lightly hopped down from it; after settling heavily into the chair himself, he effortlessly plucked up the young monster—who had collapsed onto the floor moments earlier—and placed it onto the plate.

At that moment, the attendant brought a knife that appeared to be made of gold and placed it on the table. Tejimaa gave a small nod, took out a wallet from his pocket, pulled out one hanshi-sized banknote, and had the attendant take it. “This master’s truly generous,” muttered the monster attendant as he vanished into the curtains. Thereupon, Tejimaa picked up the knife, squish-squish-squish cut apart the monster on the plate, stabbed it with the fork, and munch-munch-munch devoured it.

At that moment, with a “Baah!” sound, the young monster who should have been eaten leaped out from under the floor. “You held up splendidly,” said Tejimaa as he took the young monster’s hand and swung it back and forth five or six times. “Tejimaa! Tejimaa!” “Bravo, Tejimaa!” Everyone burst into applause.

The two on stage, still holding hands, abruptly gave a bow, and then retreated into the curtains while loudly singing a strange song—"Baracock, bararage, boran, boran, boran."

"Bong, bong, bong-g-g," the gong sounded again.

The stage turned blue like moonlight in an instant. Then it gradually shifted to a leisurely, unmistakably spring-like peach color. Monsters clad in jet-black robes emerged from both the left and right, about ten of them holding large shovels or shouldering glittering forks. “O-Kire’s horn goes clang clang clang Monster Barley sways sway-sway-sway Skylark chit-chik-chit-chik-chee The fork’s light goes glitter-glitter-glitter.”

They began pantomiming plowing fields and sowing seeds while singing an agricultural song of the monster world. Suddenly from the floor with a rustle-rustle-rustle, a large green Monster Barley plant sprouted up, and in the blink of an eye put forth splendid brown ears and bore small white flowers. The stage blazed a fiery red. “O-Kire’s horn goes clank, clank, clank, Monster Barley rustle-rustle-rustle. Black kite—toe-row-row-toe-row-row-toe, The sickle’s light goes shing-shing-shing.”

And they all stomped their feet and sang. In an instant, the ears bore splendid grains and bowed their heads low. The monsters in black robes had somehow come to hold large sickles and began to reap them with a swish-swish. They sang and danced as they reaped. In the blink of an eye, bundles of barley were piled up like a mountain at the center of the stage. “O-Kire’s horn goes grind-grind-grind Monster Barley goes thwack, thwack, thwa— Crow—caw-rara, caw-rara, caw—

“The winnowing machine’s drone goes whoosh-swirl-whoosh.”

Everyone had somehow come to hold sticks. And no sooner had they threshed the sheaves with a thwack-thwack than all the grains had already fallen out. The straw burst into blue flames and burned fiercely, leaving behind a small hill of yellow grains. Everyone had somehow come to be grinding it in a hand mill. A large winnowing machine had already been set up and was spinning with a whirring sound. The stage abruptly turned a translucent golden color. Splendid sunflowers were lined up in an imposing row at the back, shining brightly. Then winged insects made of blue, navy, yellow, and multicolored glass formed waves and whirls as they flew about glitter-glitter-glitter.

The jet-black velvet curtains at the back swept open on both sides, and a beautiful girl with navy-blue hair and a fiery face—clad in a fluttering white robe adorned with jewels—danced out like blue and yellow flames. The spectators were already all roaring with voices like mad whales— “Bravo! Bravo!” they shouted.

The girl smiled, nodded, returned everyone’s greetings, and made her way to the front of the stage.

The black monsters all grabbed grains of barley. The girl also picked up five or six grains and threw them toward everyone. By the time they came falling down, they had all turned into pure white pearls. “Now, throw!” they said as all ten black monsters imitated and threw. With a clattering shower, the pearl rain came down upon the spectators’ heads. The girl was laughing, humming some faintly curse-like tune while directing them all.

Pennenenennen NeNeMu stared intently at the girl's face. Without a doubt, without a doubt—that very person was indeed his younger sister Pennenenennen MaMiMi. NeNeMu could finally bear it no longer and shouted at the top of his voice.

“MaMiMi. MaMiMi. It’s me! It’s NeNeMu!” The girl looked toward NeNeMu in surprise. Then she seemed to call out something, but her voice was too faint to reach him. NeNeMu shouted again. “It’s me. It’s NeNeMu.” Just as MaMiMi, as though set ablaze from head to toe, was leaping up trying to jump down from the stage, the black assistant monsters stopped throwing barley and came running over in disarray to firmly restrain her.

"MaMimi! It's me! It's NeNemu!" NeNemu leapt onto the stage.

From behind the curtain emerged Tejimaa, clad in a loose yellow gown-like garment and appearing perfectly composed. “It’s quite rowdy here.” “What’s going on?” “Hmm.” “Now why has this gentleman come up on stage, I wonder?”

NeNeMu stared intently at his face. That was none other than the black-clad man who had kidnapped MaMiMi during that year of famine. “Shut up.” “Have you forgotten?” “I’m that child from the forest in the year of the famine!” “And now I am the Chief Judge of the World!” “That is most excellent.” “That’s precisely why I said back then that the boy was strong and would be alright.” “Look at the girl.” “She’s grown into such a splendid figure to this extent.” “She’s already become what they call a star.” “If you’re also a Chief Judge, then conduct a proper trial and show some gratitude.”

“But why do you operate puppet shows?” “Ah, “Ah, no, no— “That is truly a barbaric relic.” “It’s a relic from when this world was still made of slugs.” “So in your establishment, you don’t operate puppet shows then.” “Of course we do. “The ones at my establishment all conform to aesthetic principles.” “No—you’re impressive. “Then return MaMiMi to me.” “Of course.” “Take her away.” “But if she herself wishes it, send her back again.”

“Okay.”

How about that? In the end, things had turned out so strangely. This was all because Tejimaa’s monster standing was so high.

In any case, there, Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu was completely reassured.

V. The Appearance of Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu

Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu had gained independence, risen in status, conducted inspections, and become completely reassured; thus his body gradually grew stout and his voice considerably deeper. In most trials, NeNeMu would go out, sit heavily in his chair, and as soon as he slightly moved his lips to speak, the matter would already be settled.

Now, one Sunday, Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu went to the hill with thirty subordinates in tow, swirling a silver robe as he went.

Kurare flowers, resembling lilies, glowed a dazzling white and bloomed profusely across the hills and their crevices. NeNeMu sat on the grass and gazed intently up at the deep blue sky. The subordinate judges and prosecutors formed a ring around both sides. “How about it? It’s fine weather.” “When we come here and look, our world seems quite peaceful, doesn’t it?” NeNeMu said. Everyone’s shadows fell pitch black upon the grass.

“Lately, there have been no eruptions or earthquakes, and the sky has been nothing but blue.” The highest-ranking, bright red monster among the judges said.

“That’s right—absolutely. However, I heard Sanmuri made quite a rumbling yesterday.” “Yes, it was in the newspaper. Is Sanmuri what you mean by that?” The second-highest-ranking judge pointed at the blue-glowing triangular mountain across the way.

“Yeah. That’s right. According to my calculations, it absolutely has to erupt soon—but still. After all, the gas pressure at Sanmuri’s base has exceeded nine billion atmospheres. Moreover, the weakest part of Sanmuri should only withstand eight billion atmospheres. And yet it hasn’t erupted—isn’t that strange? I just can’t see there being any mistake in my calculations.”

“Yes.”

The senior judges and everyone else nodded in unison. At that moment, the blue light of Sanmuri in the distance swayed violently. Then, it seemed to bend slightly to the side, but in an instant, the mountain split cleanly in two like a watermelon, and yellow and brown smoke puffed high up into the air.

Then golden lava glittered and flowed out, spreading into a fan shape in the blink of an eye. Those who were watching “Ah, we did it! We did it!” and extended their hands toward it as they shouted loudly. “I did it!” “It’s finally erupted.”

Pen'nen'nen'nen'nen NeNeMu glowed in a noble indigo blue and said quietly.

It was only then that the ground quaked violently, like a wave. “Boom! Glug-glug-glug-glug-glug, rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble,” came a sound so deafening it could split eardrums. Then the wind gusted away, and in an instant, Sanmuri’s smoke bent toward the distance, the sky grew even bluer, and the Kurare flowers shone brilliantly. The senior judge said. “The Chief Judge is truly remarkable.” “Now even the earth’s crust submits to the Chief Judge’s sacred judgment.”

The second judge said. “Chief Judge Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu is truly extraordinary.” “I assert that Niicha’s philosophy has likely been inspired by suggestions from the Chief Judge.”

Everyone shouted at once. “Bravo, Chief Judge NeNeMu. Bravo, Chief Judge NeNeMu.” NeNeMu was smiling quietly. His triumphant face shone brighter than the blue sky and was more radiant than the finest lapis lazuli. Not only that—everyone’s “Bravo” cries echoed loudly across heaven and earth, the earth’s crust quaked rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble, and when those vibrations finally reached Sanmuri, Sanmuri, influenced by them, erupted a second time with a towering pillar of fire.

“Boom! Glug-glug-glug-glug, rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble.” Then the wind gusted away, driving the volcanic bombs, hot ash, and all dangerous things toward the far side of the mountain so that none would fall upon this splendid NeNeMu. NeNeMu was at the very peak of joy at this moment. Finally, he stood up and sang out loudly.

“I was once a kelp harvester in the forest, When that kelp net spread out across the sky, In the wind, the deep-sea squalls struck, My hands trembled violently. I am Dr. Fūfīvō’s disciple.

Dr. Fūfīvō swallowed the notebook I presented He swallowed it smoothly along with a yawn. Then Dr. Fūfībō flew out the window. I was long ago by the magician Tejimaa— My sister had been kidnapped. At that magician Tejimaa’s place, My sister had become a star. Now I have a hundred dozen medals I’ve already grown tired of eating straw omelettes. Even the earth’s crust submits to my judgment. "Even Sanmuri split like a watermelon indeed."

Now, the thirty subordinate judges and prosecutors, completely swept up, stood up together,

“Bravo, Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu! “Bravo, Pen’pen’pen’pen’pen Penemu!”

They began to dance while shouting. “Figaro, Figarot, Figarott.” The Kurare flowers glittered, the Kurare stems snapped with sharp cracks, and everyone’s shadow figures thrashed about as if in battle. In the distance, Sanmuri was erupting for the third time.

“Boom! Glug-glug-glug-glug, rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble.”

Golden lava, jet-black smoke. “Figaro, Figarot, Figarott.”

Chief Judge Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu Standing alongside the golden horn of blazing authority, stands on a hill of Kurare flowers at noon He commands distant blue-glowing Sanmuri. The triangular blue-glowing Sanmuri instantly offers a pillar of fire to the sky.

The wind came and the Kurare flowers glowed.

Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu laughed loudly.

Bravo. Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu “Bravo, Pen’pen’pen’pen’pen Penemu!”

At that moment, Sanmuri erupted for exactly the fourth time.

“Boom! Glug-glug-glug-glug, rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble.” Starting with NeNeMu, the monster prosecutors and judges all became engrossed in singing, jumping, and dancing. “Figaro, Figarot, Figarott.” As the wind roars through the azure sky, The aftermath descends to the ground, The Kurare flowers glittered brilliantly, Our robes billow. The wind that had raced off earlier

The wind had now reached Sanmuri. That jet-black column of smoke

The jet-black column of smoke collapsed and fell toward the distance. “Figaro, Figarot, Figarott.” “Bravo, Pen’nen’nen’nen’nen NeNeMu!” “Bravo, Pen’pen’pen’pen’pen Penemu!” Our shouts shook the ground, The wave traveled at twenty-five knots per minute.

The wave reached Sanmuri’s hot lava, Sanmuri finally erupted once more.

“Figaro, Figarot, Figarott.” “Figaro, Figarot, Figarott.” NeNeMu danced wildly, rampaged, shouted, laughed, and rushed about.

At that moment, whether from some misstep or momentum, his foot shifted slightly toward the unfavorable direction. The "bad direction" referred to a spot just behind the field in the monster world where Kurare flowers bloomed—or rather, a little ahead rather than behind—but was actually the human world. "Oh no! The Chief Judge messed up." It seemed like someone was screaming shrilly, but NeNeMu was already standing on a jet-black jagged rock, his head roaring KAAN.

Immediately before him lay a dream-like, exceedingly narrow path meandering unsteadily through gray moss. The sky stretched pure white and endlessly high, while behind him lay a steep slope that soon vanished into a blanket of immaculate clouds. Where could that flowering Kurare field of the monster world—where they had just been singing moments before—have gone? Indeed, this was the summit of the pass leading from Nepal into Tibet.

Three poles stood immediately in front of NeNeMu, with many long narrow tattered strips resembling strings tied to them, flapping noisily in the wind. NeNeMu shuddered involuntarily upon seeing that. That was none other than the demon-repelling banners of Tibet he had often heard about. NeNeMu ran away. He ran on and on across the jet-black rugged peaks of the rocky crags. However, from right ahead, two pilgrims approached while singing in thin voices. NeNeMu panicked and flailed about wildly. He desperately tried to return to the monster world as quickly as possible.

The pilgrims spotted NeNeMu. And in their shock, they prostrated themselves on the ground and began reciting some incomprehensible incantation. NeNeMu’s entire body began to go completely numb. And then he gradually lost consciousness and finally fainted with a thud.

Thud.

After some time had passed, NeNeMu heard a voice right by his ear: “Your Honor. Your Honor. Pull yourself together, Your Honor.” Startled, he opened his eyes to find himself back in the Kurare field from earlier. Thirty subordinate judges were gathered around him, looking genuinely concerned.

“Ah, what have I done?” “Your Honor had just fallen from the sky.” “How are you feeling, Your Honor?” The Senior Judge inquired.

“Ah, thank you.” “I’m fine now.” “But in the end, I have appeared.”

“I must judge myself today.”

“Ah, I will resign. Then starting tomorrow, for a hundred days, I will clean the monster university. Ah, everything is over.” NeNeMu involuntarily cried. The thirty subordinates also cried out loudly together. The sound boomed across the ground in waves, and when it reached Sanmuri Volcano in the distance, Sanmuri erupted for the fifth time with a crimson pillar of fire. “CRASH, GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG.”

The wind gusted fiercely, and the broken Kurare flowers quivered.

[End of manuscript]