FRAGILE [Prequel]

Chapter 6 : Testing Grounds - Part 2

Negative emotions is the foundation of Cursed Energy (CE)- Fear, anger, stress, grief. Thus all humans possess CE.

CE leaks from the human body, accumulates, and ferments over time until a Cursed Spirit manifests.
This is only the case with non-sorcerers.

Sorcerers are trained to control and channel their cursed energy into jujutsu.
If CE amount is higher than a certain degree, it grants the person the ability to see cursed spirits.

GIFU PREFECTURE

Shirakawa-go Village
February 2002

(Geto's Reminiscence)

Shirakawa Village is a rural mountain village surrounded by mountains- Ryōhaku Mountains.

Being one of the 'snowiest' places, the population has decreased significantly over the past 50 years. However 'that' is not the only case.

The officials are aware of the strange incidents, the villagers are facing but dare not to speak out in the public. In fact cursed energy, cursed spirits, cursed realm etc are all beyond normality.

Situated in the mountain-sides, the villagers, depended mainly on farming.

It was in late 1970s, a rumor circulated that an old woman in a farming family in the village spotted a woman with the notorious slit mouth standing in the corner of the garden.
Villagers ignored, as it was a rumour spread mouth to mouth. Eventually several incidents of murder were reported. The victims, all had a slit open from mouth accross their cheeks.
This started anxiety among parents and children. Night patrols were initiated and people often went in groups at night.
Some also started moving to town areas.

'Kuchisake-onna' - the local newspapers started printing articles on the issue.
Even though the officials were under pressure, they looked into that the news does not spread to other cities, towns or villages.