Hanasaku Iroha – The Place That Blooms Someday Prologue

Prologue

TLed by: TanoshiKara

Let's cause some drama once again.

Let's paint my very own story.

The white morning light illuminated the signboard of Yunosagi station.

Alighting at the platform, Ohana was greeted by the sakura buds that were about to bloom.

The train Ohana had alighted from moved off once again and headed for the next station.

There was no one at the train station in the morning. There was, however, a soft echo of a chorus of chirping birds.

"Whoaaa......"

The wind, that carried with it the scent of greenery, slipped through the gaps between the sakura leaves and blew down upon Ohana. A faint shadow was also cast on her, along with a bright light that shone on her.

Holding down her soft and fanned out curly hair, she turned around, as if guided by the wind, and a nostalgic scenery lay before her.

Pulling her light red suitcase, she let out puffs of white air as she walked further and further, passing the café in front of the station, its shutters still down, the shopping street, and the corner of Fukuya, with only a few of its lights on.

Crossing the bridge with its street lights still lit, she shot a sidelong glance at the insects carved on the retaining wall as she made a left turn. She then checked the map, which marked the locations of various hot springs, for the name 'Kissuisou'.

After walking under a cantilever signboard with the word 'Yunosagi' on it, she could hear the murmuring of hot water flowing from the lake into the stream.

Turning into an alley, she started climbing the stairs to Kissuisou, which still had a thin layer of snow on them, while pulling her suitcase.

The sound of the grey heron, flying off as it sensed the presence of a human; Of the many trees, swaying in the wind. All of this, along with the nostalgic smell of flora, she was surrounded by as she climbed. Eventually, a burning emotion intensified within her.

Just a little bit more, just a little bit more and—

"......Arg-"

Halfway up the stairs, she could no longer bear it, so she released her grip on her suitcase and started running.

Dashing against the chilling wind, Ohana panted while she rapidly increased her speed and ran up the stairs. Nothing could stop her emotions and the rapid increase in her speed.

Beyond that long flight of stairs was Kissuisou.

"Huff, huff"

Placing her hands on her lap, she looked up slowly at Kissuisou as she gasped for air. Although its wooden plaque had been removed, it seemed, in her eyes, that its dignified appearance had not changed at all, even after seven years.

"......It's Kissuisou......"

She even had the feeling that her grandmother, and former Kissuisou Madam Manager, Sui Shijima, would appear should she look up at the window, which had stained glass fitted between its decorative grille.

"I've returned......"

The place where Ohana, 16, and Still a Bud, had a dream. The place where many dramas were born.

"I've returned, you know!"

After treading through the overgrown weeds, Ohana stood on the top-most stone step before the front door. She turned around and took in enough air to fill both of her lungs.

"I'm homeeeeeee!"

Her yell echoed across the many mountains of Yunosagi.

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Thank you for reading, I hope that you enjoyed the chapter! As promised, the surprise is that I will be translating this series as I managed to get the raws for it!