Kawataro is a young boy raised by his uncle. Because he doesn't have a father and mother, Kawataro's uncle likes to take him on adventures in the forest and mountains, making Kawataro love adventures, and Kawataro's uncle is also a competitive swimmer. Kawataro also loves to swim. One day, Kawataro's uncle

He died and his uncle ordered Kawataro to do this……

At a village

It was a bright early morning, a thin mist covering the entire village. The air is very cool and refreshing.

Kawataro!! A man's voice called out the young man's name.

Yes, Uncle!! A 7-year-old boy responded and ran towards his uncle with enthusiasm.

Heck, heck, Kawataro's breathless voice sounded. Kawataro's uncle saw this and shook his head lightly at Kawataro.

Uncle is going to go up the mountain. We hurry and get dressed so we can go together. Uncle said as he picked up his trusty backpack and walked to the front of the house to wait.

Kawataro hurriedly prepared his things and followed his uncle. Uncle and Kawataro Follow the path that we used to walk every day going up the mountain, but today Uncle took Kawataro to walk in a different direction. The villagers often rumored that It's a place of ghosts. that no one had even dared to step into. Kawataro stopped.

while pulling the hem of Uncle's shirt Along with saying…..

Yes….Uncle. Can you really go in? Uncle turned to look at Kawataro and said. Don't say anything yet. Kawataro heard his uncle say that and immediately fell silent. and boldly followed along. As the two walked in, they encountered darkness even though it was just 7 a.m. Uncle held Kawataro's hand tightly until Kawataro could feel that the road ahead would... You have to be careful when walking there because the road ahead is definitely dangerous.

Phew! Out of the darkness just now and becoming brighter. It is a beautiful forest. Various types of trees are very plentiful. Not a single dead tree stood. Many animals are completely fat. Beautiful colorful rivers and streams Kawataro couldn't stop thinking about whether this really was a town where ghosts lived.

11 years later

Hee hee hee hee... Kawataro, the voice of an uncle calling out to his nephew out of breath. Kawataro, the grandson, rushed to find his uncle without delay. Yes, Uncle!

Your grandchild has already turned 18 years old. Uncle wants you to follow the map. that uncle wrote No matter what you encounter You must go to the cave according to this map……. Uncle's voice stopped. Uncle slowly closed his eyes and breathed his last.

I'll do as Uncle asks. Hug Kawataro cried for a long time.

1 week later

Kawataro searches for a map in his glove box. Uncle's things lead Kawataro to find a map with a letter. In the letter it was written…..

Kawataro, dear grandchild When the grandchild opened this letter, Uncle was probably no longer there. Uncle wants his nephew to follow the map that Uncle has drawn for him. When you encounter something ahead Don't just think that what you see is impossible. And the last thing is that Uncle wants his nephew to choose for himself which path he will choose.

When Kawataro finished reading He kept both the map and his uncle's letter and prepared to pack up and leave immediately. Kawataro left as planned for a while. Kawataro stopped at an intersection. Eleven years ago, when Kawataro was a child, he came here with his uncle.

But at that time Kawataro was still very young and still bold and afraid. But today Kawataro has become much braver, likes adventures, and is not afraid of anything at all. Before entering the forest, there was a sound.

suddenly! Kawataro turned around at the sound of the voice. Cowtaro didn't hesitate and immediately walked over to take a look. But he found nothing. Kawataro continued walking into that terrifying forest. And as always, light turned to darkness. Kawataro continued walking without making a sound or showing the slightest sign of fear. After walking for a while, we saw a bright light.

What Kawataro saw in front of him were trees, grass, and various animals. Something that had never been seen perfectly before. But now it's not the same at all. everything is dark The river was dry and pitch black. Kawataro walked along the map.

Who made it like this? Even though this forest was once very fertile, Kawataro said in surprise. I couldn't ask anyone because no one had ever dared to come here.

Ha ha ha !! A man's cough sounded. Kawataro heard this and slowly came to look until he saw a man who was coughing heavily. The man's legs were black. It's like it's drying up. But there was one thing that surprised Kawataro: the top of the man's head. There is a round plate on the head. which has a little water

But it's strange if it's a real person, what is he doing here? Kawataro didn't hesitate. He immediately went towards the man.

!!!!! The man was very surprised. Tried to escape but didn't have the strength to go anywhere.

Uncle, I won't hurt you. Kawataro said with a humble, very friendly expression.

Where does Uncle come from? Kawataro asked.

Uncle has been here since birth. Uncle answered Kawataro with courage and fear.

Since birth? But I have heard since I was a child that this is a city of ghosts. No one has ever dared to come in, so why……and are there other people there? Or that Uncle is alone?

There were many people. Previously, this place was very rich, but 10 years ago, many people came. Come take over this forest. And this place became exactly as the young man saw it. Kawataro listened intently.

In what ways can I help you? Kawataro said as he shook his uncle's hand.

There was only a little water left in the river. Could you please bring it to me? Uncle was very thirsty. Kawataro got up and took out an empty canteen to scoop up water. This is it, Uncle. Uncle received water to drink. Soon, Uncle's skin color changed. become green My uncle's hands are covered with calcified tissue. And his mouth was like a bird's, but his legs were still as charred black as ever.

Kawataro was speechless. I could only stand and stare in surprise. Because what he was talking to just now was not a person but a…kappa.

Young man, are we half kappa? Kawataro was surprised by what his uncle said. Look at the young man's hands. It's like mine.

Kawataro looked at his hands as his uncle had told him. His hand wasn't blue, it was just green.

My body color has been green since I started competing in swimming. Every time I swim or get in the water it's this color. Uncle told me that it was hereditary. But I don't think I'm a…..kappa either. The man nodded to Kawataro.

She must be the 89th generation heir who disappeared. I saw that he was half human, half kappa. Uncle said happily.

I understand. So how can I help Uncle?

Uncle wants Kawataro to make this place as fertile as before. I hope that before you leave Uncle wants to see this place return to the way it was again. Kawataro nodded and continued following the map.

I think I understand half of Uncle. Uncle wanted me to come here. Because this is my hometown. But I still don't understand why Uncle wanted me to come back again. Kawataro could only think and continue walking. Kawataro stood and stopped at the edge of a pond, which was still as plentiful as ever.

But it seemed like there wasn't a single fish swimming in the river. Or Kappa, who are said to be in large numbers, don't have any either. Why?

Because this sacred well It was a well that only the next heir could enter. Any other person or animal who dares to enter will encounter the effects of the water, causing their skin to become scorched. difficult to return The voice of an elder came from behind Kawataro. Kawataro turned towards the voice.

It was found to be an old man who was a kappa. Standing holding a cane and looked at him

The person the young man saw at the entrance He tried to enter this well. But because of our sacred well that has been around for over 80 years, everyone knows that it is forbidden to even drink it, but because of that man's stubbornness, It resulted in the man becoming what he saw. Kawataro wants to prove it. Is it true that he himself is half-kappa?

And the map that Uncle wrote said that…..

Map: When you arrive at a pond Please bring your prepared luggage and place it anywhere. A safe place and wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants and before entering the pond Be still for a moment. Close your eyes and jump in. Don't forget, don't think that the road ahead is impossible.

Kawataro did as his uncle told him and…….. bob!!! Kawataro tried jumping into this pond. And when he opened his eyes He found that he himself was nothing. and immediately went swimming. As always, his body was green.

What makes Kawataro different from others is that he can breathe easily in water, and he is nothing in the human world. Even though he didn't have a round disk like other kappas, he lived comfortably.

It didn't take long to swim. He found a cave. Kawataro quickly swam in. When we arrived at the cave, it was strange that there was not even a little water in this cave. Kawataro walked forward and saw a Kappa smiling at him.

Who are you? Kawataro asked because the old man told him so. No one can come down here.

I've been here for 80 years. I've been assigned Let's give this thing to her. What that woman gave Kawataro was…..a round plate that was on every kappa's head. But this round dish is more special because She could take it off in the mortal world, but she would be very weak if she took it off.

Kawataro thought of his uncle's words. Uncle wants his nephew to choose for himself which path he will choose. Kawataro thinks we have to choose. Kawataro decides to choose his successor. Because he wanted to help everyone in Kappa City as well.

OK….. The woman immediately put on a round plate for Kawataro.

Shall I tell you the story of you as a child? I believe that Her uncle never told her stories about her childhood. Kawataro nodded because his uncle had never told him anything about him when he was a child. There aren't even any baby photos yet.

In fact, since you were born You will even be killed. Because you are half human, half kappa. But your mother pushed you to leave it with your uncle. Your uncle was also half human, half kappa, and her uncle was nearly killed as well, but his uncle fled to Human City and has always stayed there, but he

You have heard the prophecy of the elder Kappa that Kawataro will be the next heir. And you will be the one who restores everything.

Because of this, Uncle wanted me to come back here. So what should I do next? Kawataro said.

You must go up and take everything back. I'll tell you another thing about the people who tried to destroy this place. Already in Kappa City He was also trying to usurp this heir position. Kawataro understands this and will go find someone who can do this. Before leaving, Kawataro would like to ask this kappa one thing.

Can I drink this water? Kawataro asked.

Okay, but don't forget. Do not let anyone else drink or touch the water except you. Kawataro acknowledged and shared the water.

Kawataro walked out of the cave and swam up to the pond. No one was found at all, only Kawataro's belongings were lying around. Kawataro quickly gathered his things and walked out.

Kawataro traveled for a short time and met the same kappa again. The reason is that this kappa can't go anywhere. Because his legs were burnt and he was nearly exhausted. Kawataro gave one of his bottles of water to that kappa uncle. Uncle Kappa thanks Kawataro. And Kawataro walked out.

Kawataro kept walking, he followed the map, point by point, and came across a red kappa. Surrounded by other kappas

This kappa's name is Kaijiro.

You've arrived, my little brother. Kaijiro said as he walked up to Kawataro. Kawataro was very surprised. This kappa spoke his name. And still calls him brother.

I don't have a brother. Kawataro said boldly.

Huh, Uncle must really hate me. So I didn't tell you my story. Then I'll tell you, I'm your mother's son. And the correct father. As for you, your mother cheated on your father and went out with men until you were born.

And where is my mother now? Kawataro asked worriedly.

Huh, Kalakini people in the country like that. Was killed. Kaijiro laughed along with his friends.

Does my mother deserve to die? Just because I love someone, I deserve to die too. It is you who must die. Look at what you guys did to your creator. Do it with this city. It's even your hometown. You guys can still do it. Who exactly deserves to die…………. Kawataro spoke in a calm voice. and look at everyone

Ha ha ha ha ha, the sound of our laughter coming from far away from a man. The man walked past Pa Ma. and stood in front of Kawataro. Make Kawataro looking suspiciously Because this man was not at all like a kappa. From head to toe, very human-like.

Truly terrifying, you are the one who must die. Little Kappa………. Hoy!!!! Catch it. This man ordered every kappa to catch it. Kawataro goes to a sumo arena.

Everyone, listen up. My name is Hidero. If Kawataro wins against Kaichiro, I won't bother anyone here again. But if Kawataro doesn't win, I will eat kawataro. Be the next heir and take his position. Ha ha ha.

Hidero is a human who is very obsessed with winning. He is also a human who likes to eat kappa meat, especially the meat of the heir who is both. Half human, half kappa, he liked it even more.

Let the competition begin!!! Kaijiro and Kawataro fight. Kaichirou is a full-fledged kappa. With more strength than he already had, but on the other hand, Kawataro, who had just been dragged into the fight, was exhausted. The plate on Kawataro's head will be gone. Now Kawataro is starting to feel impatient.

Embroidered ! Kawataro falls and becomes Kaijiro, winning.

Ha ha ha ha, in the end you lost. This one is not worthy of being the next heir at all. Hidero said while holding the things in his bag. Kawataro came along.

Thirsty………. Kawataro said with exhaustion. Kaichiro saw that. Take the bag from Hidero. Then he handed the water in the bottle to Kawataro. Kawataro was about to take the water but Hidero snatched it back and said. What the hell are you doing?

Kaijiro says that enough is enough. Kawataro can't take it anymore.

I'm not enough. I told you what if I lose. I will eat its meat. You go away!!!!!

Huh, what did you say just now? Do you want to drink water? I will eat for you.

No…no, Kawataro stopped it. because of that water He can drink only one person.

Let's come celebrate together!!!!! Hidero picked up the water from his can and splashed it all over his group. And Hidero himself drank it.

Soon, Hidero and everyone were suffering from heat all over their bodies. Oh, oh, what kind of water!!!

Kawataro says to Hidero, "I warned you." The water you drank It is water that comes from a sacred well. I brought it to drink myself. But I myself don't think The water will attack you as well. Kawataro said as he walked away.

Everyone who was touched by holy water If exposed to little water, they will not die but will suffer greatly. But people who are directly exposed to water They all died. And Hidero didn't survive either.

Everyone in Kappa City loves Kawataro, even though Kawataro isn't a full-fledged Kappa. Because Kawataro has proven to everyone that Kawataro himself You can take care of the people as well. Kawataro restores the city along with the other kappa and Kaichirou, who repents but is imprisoned. because he had done wrong to his own hometown

By bringing outsiders to cause chaos for decades, Kaichiro was imprisoned for 15 years.

1 year later

Kawataro has been living in Kappa City for many years now. Kawataro changed many things in Kappa City. Even if he didn't grow up here. But Kawataro really loves this place. The trees, grass, and various animals have come back to revive again.

I really want Uncle to come back and see this place with me. I know that Uncle loves this place very much. I will take good care of him…..

END