The Unseen Ritual

Collection

The Unseen Ritual

The Unseen Ritual (不見神事, Mizuno Shinji) is a short story that is part of an anthology of short stories based on the Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan series. It was written by Katsuie Shibata and published by Shueisha. "The Unseen Ritual" is included in a collection named Rohan Kishibe Does Not Laugh with three other stories, which released for sale on December 18, 2024.

A ritual that is passed down in a remote area can only be seen once in a lifetime.

Summary

Rohan conducts a research trip to eat in a famous soba restaurant which opens only once a year. He is accompanied by his assigned editor Shinji Mizuno (瑞野 信士, Mizuno Shinji), who works in the men's magazine department and had made a reservation two years in advance. While eating, the editor's name "Mizuno Shinji" is repeatedly mentioned by other customers. They discover that the other customers were actually discussing the Unseen Ritual (不見(みずの)神事(しんじ), Mizuno Shinji) which is coincidentally pronounced the same as Mizuno's name. The Unseen Ritual is held once a year in a remote settlement called Gokedani (五ヶ谷, だに), and outsiders are only permitted to view the ritual once in their lifetime. As the ritual takes place tomorrow, the two become interested and drive to Gokedani to lodge at the local inn Toroseya (とろせや) run by Kaori Torose (󠄁瀞瀬 香織, Torose Kaori) and her husband; while there, Mizuno falls in love with their daughter Emiko Torose (瀞󠄁瀬 笑子, Torose Emiko). The next day, special viewing of the ritual is unexpectedly refused for Rohan and only permitted for Mizuno. Having no choice, Rohan stays indoors along with Kaori and all Gokedani residents who are not actively conducting the Unseen Ritual.

This section requires expansion.

Appearances

Characters

Rohan Kishibe

Shinji Mizuno

Emiko Torose

Kaori Torose

Kaori Torose's Husband

(Mentioned)

Mentioned only

Yu

(Mentioned)

Mentioned only

Stands

Heaven's Door

Gallery

TBA