"Welcome to passionate, romantic Mexico, Professor Nagayama."
The sky was a pristine blue, the sea stretched endlessly, and the water was crystal clear. Thatched wooden cabins full of Caribbean charm lined the coast.
Looking at the burly-faced United States Navy captain before him, a Cuban cigar clenched between his teeth, Professor Nagayama could not stop his eyelid from twitching. He dared not voice his anger.
Professor Nagayama had actually been in a rather good mood lately.
Although the appearance of the mythical Yamata no Orochi and God Hiruko had been a tremendous disaster for Japan, it had been nothing short of a windfall for a folklorist like him, giving him a greater voice among the government's senior officials.
The Supernatural Konoha Military Police Force had been elevated to the Supernatural Agency, and Professor Nagayama's status as its adviser had risen along with it.
Good things came in pairs. An American foundation that had long funded his research had enthusiastically invited him to give a lecture in Manhattan, offering a very generous appearance fee.
Since most of those who had performed miracles in the supernatural era were immortals and Buddhas, a wave of interest in East Asian and Japanese mythology had swept the world. Professor Nagayama had traveled abroad many times as a visiting scholar to lecture, making a fortune.
Dazzled by the enormous appearance fee, Professor Nagayama had suspected nothing and excitedly boarded the private plane arranged by the foundation. When he landed and found himself in a Mexican-style seaside town rather than a bustling international metropolis, he was dumbfounded.
Was this a kidnapping?
Looking at the squad of fully armed United States Marine Corps soldiers around him, Professor Nagayama could not help trembling.
But wasn't this a little excessive?
"Professor Nagayama, please forgive us for bringing you here in