BLOOD-C

What, do you believe, defines a person...?

Not a flesh and blood embodiment of self, per se...

Yes, physical form is

of course a piece of this fascinating puzzle...

However, what I am attempting to uncover

is something further beneath the surface.

Something more often referred to as a person's "character"...

Is one's individuality, perhaps,

determined at their birth, by hereditary traits...?

Or, rather, are a person's innate qualities created

by their upbringing...?

Does nature define you...?

Or does nurture decide...?

I suggest we try a little experiment...

One day I will catch the light...

Soon...

And then I will find out what it means.

Saya.

Hello, Father!

Are you all right?

Yes, I'm fine; don't worry...

I'm really tough.

I know how strong you are...

Yet still...

A shrine maiden should try not

to smash her head into things so often...

Do you understand?

I do, but I don't always hit my head ...

Do I?

Saya... listen to me...

This is important...

You must learn to be more careful,

and not only with your head.

I understand, Father...

I'm sorry.

Well...

Perhaps it speaks to your concentration...

Your rituals?

Finished...

I saw that light again this morning.

Did you catch it?

No, sir...

I did try...

But it got away.

You should not give up...

Have you been seeing it more frequently?

Yes...

I almost feel as though I remember it from somewhere.

Almost...

I 'm not sure, though.

Your mother was a shrine maiden as well...

She often received auguries

between the real world and that of dreams.

Pay attention;

what you see may contain some portent of the future.

Maybe finding it out will help me fulfill my duty.

There is no need to force anything...

But you might learn from this light

Yes, sir...!

If I do, I'll let you know immediately!

One more thing, Saya...

Yes, Father?

If you plan on going next door for breakfast...

I suggest you change your clothes as quickly as you can

and make your way over there.

Well, I was wondering what happened to your nose...

The tip of it's a little scratched up.

Father's right.

I'm too careless.

I need to focus better.

True...

I think, at times, you can be a little hasty.

I just wish; I wish I didn't cause my father so much trouble.

That works both ways, Saya...

I know your father, remember...?

And, he doesn't exactly make things easy for you, either.

He is tough...

But he's also really kind, and honest...

He's, well... wonderful!

Ever the daddy's little girl...

You do love him a lot, don't you...?

Yes...!

So much...

I wish I could do more to help him...

But I feel like I'm still so inexperienced at everything.

Now, that's not true...

You should give yourself a break.

You're doing your best.

Hey... Isn't it time for school...?

Hold on!

You have ten minutes to get there...

Take your time, okay?

Don't trip!

Good morning, everyone!

Look who got here on time.

Yeah, barely...

It was close.

No more lost children today?

No old ladies needing your help crossing the street?

No, but...

But I did find some trash left on the ground, so...

Tell me you did not pick up someone's disgusting crap.

How could I not?

I left it where they usually pick up the trash...

...but... you know what...

I think the garbage trucks had already come by.

At least it's picked up.

What's wrong with you?

Think about it...

You are like the biggest sucker ever...

Every morning some new ridiculous thing makes you late.

But I wasn't even a little late today.

I'm not talking about today.

I'm referring to the two times a week you usually are late!

I'm sorry, Yuka.

What good does it do to apologize to me?

Yuka can be so scary!

She's like a mean, overprotective mom!

Shut your mouths!

I, uh...

I hate to interrupt but...

Oh, Class rep!

Our teacher is almost here.

Sorry; I hope we weren't too loud.

No. Don't worry.

I actually like watching your little routine.

Trust me.

Don't be stupid.

And every comedic team needs its straight man.

Who you callin' a straight man?!

You...! He means you!