Takezawa's Ghost - Final Episode

　Let’s go visit the grave.

　I had this thought during the Obon holidays, when I felt so hot and bothered that I just couldn’t stand it.

　Every year, I would visit the graves of Naoya with Hirose. I also personally visit the graves of my grandparents.

　However, this year there are three more Buddhas I would like to greet.

　Michi, Araki Junsuke, and Aida.

　Leaving aside Aida-san’s grave, it was difficult to find the location of Michi and Araki Junsuke’s grave.

　It was so difficult that for the first time in my life, I hired a private investigator.

　I consulted with Hoshida Detective Agency, a company famous for accepting even unusual requests.

　The director was a flashy-looking woman, and I was a bit intimidated when she asked for an exorbitant fee in exchange for my request, but the fee was reasonable.

　He was also an excellent detective and managed to pinpoint the location two weeks before Obon.

“So, I’m going to visit Michi’s grave now, so you can go home, Hirose.”

　After visiting Naoya’s grave, I said this to Hirose, who was gulping down tea from a plastic bottle next to me.

“What? Of course, we’ll go out together.”

　Hirose, who sweats a lot, said this while pushing his hair back in annoyance.

“You think I’d bother to visit the grave of your sister, Naoya? Don’t underestimate me.”

　surely.

　I thought I was being considerate, but it ended up being rude.

“Sorry. But, Araki Junsuke and Aida-san are fine. You seriously have no connection with them.”

“Don’t underestimate me. I’ll go and apologize to my friend for all the trouble I’ve caused you.”

“……thank you”

　It would be rude to be any more reserved than this.

“Well, I guess I’ll have to add some more offerings. I’ll stop by the nearest convenience store.”

“Roger that.”

　It had been a little over six months since Michi and the others had disappeared, and I had felt a great sense of loss.

　However, I felt that if I had such cool friends, I would be able to manage somehow.

“…”

　I pray in front of Michi’s grave.

　I feel the same way about Naoya, but I don’t know what to say at times like this.

　Even though I call it an update, it’s just that I’m still doing the same job, which isn’t difficult but isn’t interesting either.

　As I was thinking that it was strange to ask if someone was doing well since he had passed away, a high-pitched voice rang in my brain.

<Die die …

　Ah.

　Have you given us any updates on your situation?

　It’s a pretty trivial story, but he is possessed by what appears to be the spirit of Kanzaki Miiko, the first person he seeks revenge on.

　That time at the batting center, I had thought I had hit him just hard enough to avoid death, but it seems I miscalculated, and he has now become a spirit.

　Ever since I started planning this visit to the grave, I’ve been hearing curses repeatedly whispered in my ears.

　It’s annoying when it’s time to sleep, but I accept it as the price of killing someone.

　But I can’t grant your wish to die.

　Aida-san told me to live a long life, so I want to have as many stories as possible prepared as souvenirs for Michi and Naoya when I meet them in hell.

　After thinking about it that far, I found only one thing to tell Michi.

　Since there’s nothing I should be saying to Kanzaki Miina, I’ll ask Michi.

　I shut my eyes tightly again.

　So that the clumsy girl would understand.

　I won’t die until I die.

-End-