Whirlpool of Joy (よろこびの渦巻)

Whirlpool of Joy

The world is full of joy.

The world is full of joy that sprouts at the end of countless pain and sorrow.

In that case, what form would it take?

Is this joy?

Or is this joy?

Perhaps this?

Or this?

The best way to solve your worries is to not worry.

Let's see what fortune holds for you today.

I understand.

You'll have extremely good luck today.

-Part 1- Whirlpool of Joy

There it is!

He just broke a tortoise's shell.

I know because I'm an expert on these things.

Why would you break the shell?

Sakakibara, listen.

This is an ancient style of fortune-telling from China.

The shell reveals to us the universe and the cracks, the fate of humanity.

Is it accurate?

You don't get it, Sakakibara.

It's not about whether or not it'll be right.

Fortune-telling isn't about probability.

It's a form of theory...

...of morality—a perception of things.

So what did it say?

Joy!

Wow, isn't it just great?

"True joy awaits at the end."

A great auspicious sign, huh?

For us—father and son.

And you, Sakakibara!

-Me too? -Yes.

Well then.

Hey, Hiroaki!

Today's auspicious direction is the south-east.

So, leave by the window over there instead.

Shut up, man.

He's done with it.

He wants to revolt against his father, fortune-telling, and his own fate.

With all his body and soul, he wants to revolt.

Yes?

I'm telling you, I'll be taking a day off today.

Ah, no, no.

My superior says he won't be in either.

Yes.

That's why I won't be in today.

Let's say, a fortune teller says you'll become very rich.

Who's to decide whether or not you'd be happy as a result?

An old man on the verge of death wouldn't be happy to receive that money, don't you think so?

What?

What? Yes?

Yes.

Um...

That's why it's all about one's perception.

Of theory and morality.

For example, I'd be happy if you found joy in getting into a traffic accident.

That's a really bad joke.

I understand.

I understand it very well.

Hello? Hello?

Huh?

They hung up.

What should I do? If I take the day off like this, I'll get fired.

Guess I'll head to work.

Do what you want. There'll be joy either way.

Western Astrology, Flying Star Feng Shui and more.

The anti-divination movement that opposes all forms of fortune-telling...

...has become more active on a national scale this year.

Last night, two young men, in spite of their major wounds...

...refused to share what their blood type was...

...and ended up dying as a result.

Oh, so you didn't end up going to work?

Your dad has to go to work right now, though.

How about making some dinner for us?

There's some hoto soup left in the fridge.

Shut up, man.

Well, do as you like.

After all, it's your life and it has nothing to do with me.

Listen.

If you hate the company that much, how about taking my place?

Leave me alone.

Listen.

There's a saying.

You listen too, Sakakibara.

Listen.

There was once a man...

...who wandered the streets in despair over his work, friends, and family.

All of a sudden, the sky lit up.

There was a flash of intense lightning.

Truly like the rage of the heavens.

It was then that the man understood everything.

That time felt like an eternity.

But then, he saw that everything was suddenly falling apart at once.

Around the same time, there was a serious hitman...

...awaiting his mission of the day.

The lightning was as loud as always outside.

"Your mission for today: assassination. The password is—"

"You know it / I understand"

Old man?

Pops?

Old man!

Old man?

Hm? What is it?

What happened next?

What do you mean?

What's the rest of the story?

Story?

I don't remember.

I see, that happens sometimes...

Hey, Sakakibara.

What happens sometimes?

The lightning? Huh?

Or did you mean my dad forgetting things?

That's er, well both.

That's a good one!

You son of a bitch!

Hey, Hiroaki, don't waste food like that.

Stop wasting food!

Listen up!

It's the southeast fortune!

We'll definitely find joy!

Go straight forward, without hesitation!

They began their advance towards joy.

I'm so glad, we'll be able to stumble upon joy soon.

But just walking like this is bringing me happiness, so is this "joy" as well?

Shut up, dude.

What's wrong?

You go on ahead.

What?

It's fine, just go on.

Alright.

Maybe we should just give up? This is ridiculous.

What do you mean, ridiculous?

Didn't you just say this brings you joy?

Then get overwhelmed by it, man.

Sure.

Hey, come on!

Oh, thank you.

Hey, are you alright?

Huh? What happened?

Suddenly, I felt like—

Just don't overthink it, man. Okay?

Get up.

Let's go.

What's wrong?

I give up. I leave the rest of our journey to you.

But this is so sudden...

Go ahead on your own, man.

I'm sure great joy awaits you that way.

Alright.

Sakakibara!

Yes?

Sakakibara...

We've been living together for over twenty years, but...

...with this, you'll finally be able to live on your own, right?

Please, never come back.

I understand.

-Part 2- Whirlpool of Hell

Anyone want a beer?

Anyone want a beer?

Anyone want a beer?

Would you like a beer?

Sure.

This is a present for you!

What's that?

It's a symbol of good luck!

Anyone want a beer?

Anyone want a beer?

Beer!

You're not gonna take part in the protest?

No.

I was interested, but...

...when I arrived, there were so many people.

It made me feel like it didn't matter whether or not I joined them.

I see.

You're just like me.

So you're one of those that reject the universe, too?

Nope.

I just hate such stuff as happiness, joy, and luck.

Why?

My fortune is always "joy."

From dawn till dusk, everything's joy.

No way that could be real.

Sounds like a luxurious fortune.

You think so?

I mean it.