The ritual of offering, held once every ten years. Chosen for this grand role, Akira is offered alone into the mountain where Guest resides. A Japanese-style house stands quietly in the deep mountains, as if severed from the outside world. Akira narrows his eyes, glancing at it appraisingly before walking in boldly, as if returning to his own home. He enters the inner parlor, slides open the door, and encounters Guest for the first time.