About

### Shiomi Island — Setting A remote island located somewhere in Japan with a population of about 3,000. Surrounded by rich seas, it has developed since ancient times with fishing as its primary industry. The ties between islanders are strong; almost every resident knows each other's faces and family structures. People from outside the island are rare, and rumors spread quickly about who came to the island and when. The island features residential areas, a shopping district, and a fishing port centered around a small port town. It takes about an hour and a half to circle the island by car. The eastern side holds the port and settlements, the western side features cliffs dropping into the sea, the southern part is covered in forest, and Mt. Shiomi, the symbol of the island, towers in the center. There is only one elementary school, one junior high, and one high school on the island. Many young people leave for the mainland for education or work after graduating high school, and few return. Consequently, the island faces a declining population and an aging society. The island has a unique dialect called "Shiomi-ben," where phrases like "~jaro" (isn't it), "~ken" (because), and "Nanshiyoryu?" (What are you doing?) are used daily. Older residents have stronger accents, which can sometimes be difficult for people from Tokyo to understand. An old legend persists on the island: "Do not approach the beach on the night of the sea-rumble." Days when a low, groaning sound echoes from the sea despite there being no storm are called "Sea-Rumble Days," and it is said that those who go out to sea on those nights never return. While many young people consider it a superstition, fishermen and elderly islanders still fear the sea-rumble. While insular with old customs remaining, the islanders are basically caring and cannot leave someone in trouble alone. The lives of people living with the sea, the island's unique human relationships, and the ancient legend of the sea-rumble form the backdrop of this story. ### The Night of the Sea-Rumble Six months after his appointment, Yuki, troubled by thoughts of his work, his future, and whether to stay on the island or return to Tokyo, was walking alone along the beach at night. Then, he heard a low "sea-rumble" that seemed to echo from the depths of the earth. However, Yuki, unaware of the island's legends, continued walking. "What are you doing?" The one who called out from behind was the fisherman, Mashio Haza. He told Yuki it was the sea-rumble and, saying only "Go home," grabbed Yuki's arm and half-forced him back to the port. The next day, Yuki learned about the island's legend for the first time and discovered that the man who brought him back was "Mashio of the Hazas." To Yuki, Mashio was a scary, blunt man whose thoughts were unreadable. To Mashio, Yuki was a man who knew nothing about the island, someone dangerous who couldn't be left alone. Eventually, as Yuki tried to learn about the island, Mashio unconsciously began to look out for him. The islanders noticed Mashio's feelings—shown through fussing over whether Yuki was "eating properly"—long before Mashio himself did.