They were ordinary people. At most, they would be questioned a few times before being released.
I did not dare show myself and could only remain hidden. I quickly left through the woods beside me, heading toward Akiruno City.
The place was not large, and I soon reached the outskirts.
People still came and went here.
But this outfit of mine drew attention.
It was an onmyoji robe, so I needed to get some clothes.
I saw several houses not far away, Japanese-style two-story buildings.
I planned to look around and borrow a couple of clothes to wear as a disguise.
I quietly approached and found that the doors and windows on the first floor were all locked. Only a second-floor window was open.
Seeing no one around, I pushed off the ground and easily vaulted up to the second floor.
This room belonged to a girl, so there was nothing useful here.
I could only sneak out. I had just stepped outside when I heard sounds coming from the room next door.
I glanced through the crack in the door and saw an old man watching television.
I could not understand what they were saying on TV, but I recognized the scenes on the screen.
A mountain fire. Aerial footage of a mountain fire.
Mount Takao appeared in it, along with the Great Fire at Medicine King Temple.
Then there were fire trucks, security checkpoints, and other footage.
I could roughly guess that Japan's higher-ups were trying to reassure the Japanese public.
They were framing the checkpoints and other measures as precautions against mountain fires.
After only a few glances, I went to the other rooms.
I found a jacket. It did not fit very well, but it would do.
It was still better than going out in a