Chapter 561 - Kiyomizu-dera (2/2)

In fact, she was a little strange. Her mother had died young, so Akane grew up in the dojo; Apart from her father, she had always been surrounded by trainees in the dojo-most of them men. She trained together with them, inevitably, there had to be some physical contact, yet she was never bothered by it. But why would standing here at the door make her feel so nervous?

Was her outfit today a little too unusual?

But back when her father was still alive, when they visited Kiyomizu-dera together for the last time, she had the same outfit on, and she developed the habit of visiting Kiyomizu Temple at this time year.

This year, though, was different because someone else would be going with her.

Zhang Heng quickly changed into his clothes and washed his face with the cold well water. Compared to well-dressed Akane, he looked no different from what he usually did, really doing what she said and putting on his everyday clothes.

“Let’s go.”

Akane led the way, and Zhang Heng followed closely behind.

Since they were both martial artists, they were light on their feet, and before long, they were already at Niomon. Zhang Heng looked up and saw the vermilion lacquered gate. The first ray of sunlight in the morning fell on the corner of the gate’s tower, and it gave off a solemn yet divine look.

From here, the winding stone path stretched upward to the west gate. Behind it was the three-storied paG.o.da and kaisan-do, and through a corridor, was the famous Kiyomizu Stage built on a cliff.

From there, one had a breathtaking view of the blooming cherry blossoms. Although there was one in the place Zhang Heng was living in, nothing could compare to the sight of the trees when grouped. From this point, Kyoto’s imperial city with the hall behind it supported by 139 huge wooden pillars was clearly visible, making it an extraordinary sight. “The view here is spectacular,” Zhang Heng said. “I’ve heard people talking about the cherry blossoms in Kiyomizu temple, and now that I’ve seen it, I have to say that it certainly lives up to its reputation.”

Akane muttered an agreement, but her body still seemed slightly stiff.

Their journey there had been an annoying one. Whenever both of them were walking side by side, she would feel awkward, and whenever she sped up her pace, she would wonder if Zhang Heng was watching her. When she turned around and saw him admiring the view, she would feel a little disappointed. She felt like she was going mad the whole way there.

Fortunately, they quickly arrived at the main hall where she could pray to Guan Yin, sorting out her chaotic emotions. Akane wondered what was wrong with herself today, even attempting to meditate to quieten the distracting thoughts in her mind.

After that, the two strolled across the stage, walked down the forest path to the valley below. Trudging through a maple forest, the two soon arrived at Otowa-no-taki, which literally translates to Sound of Feathers.

Although it was called a ‘taki,’ it was actually not a waterfall. Instead, there were only three small streams of water flowing down the rocks. It was only dawn, but a few people were already there, getting the water.

Translator’s footnote:

Tabi: j.a.panese socks worn with thonged footwear

Zori: a traditional j.a.panese style of flip-flops, originally made with a straw sole.

Dogi: uniform for training in j.a.panese martial arts

Hakama: a type of traditional j.a.panese clothing