Chapter 4
Fulfilling the Contract
As time went on, Haku began to get the feeling that he was not going to learn enough through research alone. His research was getting nowhere and he began to feel like the philosophers in the human world trying to determine the nature of the afterlife. He finally decided to go ahead on faith alone that all would work out somehow.
"In three days, I desire to conclude the terms of the contract," Haku finally told Yubaba. Yubaba looked back at him with a slight look of regret.
"I understand. Even though your position on the lower floor will be easily filled, You have worked well for me. Have you determined what form you desire to take?"
"Yes. I wish to be formless, such that I may be able to enter and leave others."
"You know, of course, that you will be contaminated by whatever spirit resides in those others..."
"...unless there is no resident spirit," added Haku.
Yubaba's usual well-practiced malevolent look brightened considerably. Haku realized that Yubaba figured out what he was about to do. "Without further consideration or contract," Yubaba in a genuinely charitable mood added, "I shall give you the ability to navigate where you desire to go while you are formless."
Haku hadn't though about that. Greatly relieved, he thanked his soon-to-be former employer. Yubaba concluded the meeting, "You and your new body will be welcome back any time, Tsugi. Just be sure the gold you bring next time stays gold."
Haku didn't need time for farewells. The workers on the lower floor were continually being replaced. The work was hard and the financial rewards made it easy to retire early. At the conclusion of the third day, he quietly announced to Chichiyaku that he was leaving on that day. "You haven't been with us that long, Tsugi. Were you able to collect enough gold to retire?"
"I don't need gold. I intend to return to nature." As it came time to turn the name attendance tags back over at the end of the day, nobody noticed that Tsugi was no longer to be seen anywhere. Haku, visible only to Yubaba, Zeniba, and Boh, was able to move about quickly and effortlessly at his own whim. He immediately set out for Numanosoko and Zeniba's home...
Fulfilling the Contract
As time went on, Haku began to get the feeling that he was not going to learn enough through research alone. His research was getting nowhere and he began to feel like the philosophers in the human world trying to determine the nature of the afterlife. He finally decided to go ahead on faith alone that all would work out somehow.
"In three days, I desire to conclude the terms of the contract," Haku finally told Yubaba. Yubaba looked back at him with a slight look of regret.
"I understand. Even though your position on the lower floor will be easily filled, You have worked well for me. Have you determined what form you desire to take?"
"Yes. I wish to be formless, such that I may be able to enter and leave others."
"You know, of course, that you will be contaminated by whatever spirit resides in those others..."
"...unless there is no resident spirit," added Haku.
Yubaba's usual well-practiced malevolent look brightened considerably. Haku realized that Yubaba figured out what he was about to do. "Without further consideration or contract," Yubaba in a genuinely charitable mood added, "I shall give you the ability to navigate where you desire to go while you are formless."
Haku hadn't though about that. Greatly relieved, he thanked his soon-to-be former employer. Yubaba concluded the meeting, "You and your new body will be welcome back any time, Tsugi. Just be sure the gold you bring next time stays gold."
Haku didn't need time for farewells. The workers on the lower floor were continually being replaced. The work was hard and the financial rewards made it easy to retire early. At the conclusion of the third day, he quietly announced to Chichiyaku that he was leaving on that day. "You haven't been with us that long, Tsugi. Were you able to collect enough gold to retire?"
"I don't need gold. I intend to return to nature." As it came time to turn the name attendance tags back over at the end of the day, nobody noticed that Tsugi was no longer to be seen anywhere. Haku, visible only to Yubaba, Zeniba, and Boh, was able to move about quickly and effortlessly at his own whim. He immediately set out for Numanosoko and Zeniba's home...