Oroka

Takashi’s life is abruptly ended when his exhausted and strong mother decides that he is no longer needed on Earth. She drives him in a car to a desolate location, says, “I can’t take care of you any longer! I’m sorry,” and leaves him alone to cry. There he encounters other children in the same desperate situation. The place is called “The Land of Beast,” where a group of men, known as TEN, oversee dozens of children. Though the surroundings are harsh, the children lead contented lives, and the TEN, though imposing, speak with genuine warmth despite their blunt manner. One day, a kind couple visit the settlement and take the cutest child, Ken, to their home, promising to give him happiness. Everyone envies him. Soon a striking vehicle arrives, its face resembling the “SHINDU,” a force that forcibly removes children. The children refer to these beings as “SARAIYA.” As the children flee, Takashi cannot escape and is seized, taken into the car. The remaining children and the TEN pray in despair, saying, “This can’t be helped.” The car passes a massive gate and reaches a place called “JAIL.” Takashi questions the patrolling “MIHARI” about his unjust treatment, receiving a chilling reply: “You will be executed in three days.” Three days later, the guards carry out the execution. In the pet world, such a fate is customary, but in the human world, it is a cruel and absurd practice. The story concludes with a twist, set in the Buddha’s world.