#842 The World Tree vs. The Tree of Knowledge

After this and that happened...

We’re kicking off our cherry blossom viewing right away with the plum blossoms in full bloom at the shrine.

Admiring flowers when they bloom is the Yamato people’s spirit. 

We live in another world, though, but yeah.

Since we’ve already paid our respects at the temple, why don’t we spread out a leisure sheet, unpack our bento, and revel in the glory of the plum blossoms in full bloom?

“Pretty flowers...”

“Gorgeous.”

“Vivid colors.”

“Their fleeting bloom, blossoming and scattering in a brief moment, is so poignant.”

The residents of our farm are visibly moved by the beauty of the plum blossoms.

...

“...But don’t you think they pale in comparison to cherry blossoms?”

“There are far fewer blossoms than cherry trees.”

“They lack the charm of petals dancing in the wind.”

“After seeing the lavish splendor of cherry blossoms enveloping the whole tree, plum blossoms just seem a bit...lonely.”

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!

How can you say such things in front of the plum blossoms?

Sure, compared to the standard cherry blossoms of flower viewing, the plum blossoms might seem a bit understated. 

The cherry blossoms are extravagantly overwhelming – almost violently so.

I get it. After witnessing the grandeur of cherry blossoms, everything else might feel lacking.

But at least keep such comments out of earshot of Sugawara no Michizane!

You don’t want to be overheard by the plum blossom enthusiast himself!!!

“Hahaha, no need to get so worked up, Lord Saint.”

That’s the curse god himself laughing.

Are you really laughing when I’m fretting over your feelings?!

“Imposing one’s tastes on others is not the epitome of elegance. Plum blossoms have their beauty, but that does not mean we should deny the beauty of cherry blossoms. Both bloom beautifully in their own way.”

Right, got it.

“However, I’d like to have a thorough discussion with those who belittled plum blossoms just now.”

So, you were offended!

As I reconfirm that enthusiasts can be intimidating in any field, I also recognize that this is a laidback gathering, so things are proceeding smoothly enough. 

I’d prefer it if it could end pleasantly like this.

Feeling the unfairness of being the only tense person at a merry cherry blossom viewing party, my wish for peace seems fleeting.

For the seeds of conflict are approaching from afar.

“Satisfaction... Fibrovascular bundles...”

Thud, thud.

Huh? What’s that?

These giant footsteps, this massive echo... 

Is the ground rumbling?

Each time that deep, throbbing sound echoes, it grows louder, giving the impression that it’s drawing closer.

It must be actually approaching.

“Look over there, My Lord!”

Someone notices something amiss, and everyone’s gaze follows their pointing finger.

Something was stirring beyond the horizon.

What is it? Something big?

A giant? A monster? But it was neither.

Yet its colossal size was comparable to theirs.

Covered in vibrant light pink, scattering dense showers of petals with each movement... it was...

A giant... cherry blossom tree?

“A cherry tree is walking towards us?!”

What in the world?!

Since when do trees just get up and start walking around on two legs?!

To my knowledge, trees are supposed to be stationary, rooted in one place!

And that colossal size...

A towering, extraordinary height, clearly a hybrid of different species – the Sakura Yggdrasil!

How on earth is it walking by itself?!

“...In spring, the dawn- when the slowly paling mountain rim reddens. The most fitting flower in spring, I am... the cherry blossom. Alas, you overlook me – what is the meaning of this?”

Whose voice is that?

...Well, putting everything together, it’s clear that the cherry tree is speaking.

Is such a thing even possible? 

I can only think of one plausible explanation: the farm is home to tree spirits, entities that possess trees.

“I am Sakura Tree Spirit Cherry Boy. I’ve joined the battle by possessing the Sakura Yggdrasil, outraged by this unreasonable treatment!”

Ah, so that’s what it was. 

As if the situation wasn’t bothersome enough, another complication sprouted legs and walked over.

“Nghhhhh! What brings you here-bai, Cherry Boy?!”

In response, the plum also called upon its tree spirit.

Plum Tree Spirit Onoko Ume, too, possessed a plum tree to counter.

“I’m the star today-bai! How typical of a cherry blossom to show up brazenly! You could learn a thing or two about the Japanese spirit... the virtue of subtlety-bai!”

“Outrageous! When it comes to spring blossoms, cherry trees are the main attraction, acknowledged by 17 out of 10 people! What’s wrong with acting on that basis?”

“This is why cherry blossom trees lack decorum-bai! You gaudily decorate every branch with your flowers!”

The peaceful flower viewing quickly turned into a chaotic showdown between cherry and plum blossoms. 

This is quite a spectacle.

“Wow, with the cherry blossoms joining, things have really livened up!”

“The vibrant colors make the sake even more enjoyable!”

The farm residents’ spirits are lifted by the scene. 

Hey! This is no time to relax!

“Go for it, plum blossoms! Now’s the time to prove you’re the true symbol of springggggggg!!”

Amidst this, the belligerent curse god takes his chance, transforming the harmonious viewing into a battleground!

“Fine then-bai! I’ll riddle you with holes using my secret technique, Plum Blossom Sleeve Arrows-bai!”

“In that case, I’ll respond with Cherry Blossom Divine Purificationnnnnnnnnnnn!!!”

Though engaging in battle, cherry and plum blossoms are no ordinary flora. 

They are hybrid super trees, each a mythological grade sacred tree spirit.

Who was it? Who concocted such an astonishing thing?

Oh, it was me.

But such a clash could have unforeseen effects on the surroundings, right?

After all, one was a world-supporting great tree, and the other, a tree of original sin from paradise.

Yet, on one hand, they’re just cherry and plum trees.

Could this be considered a proxy war?

“Hngroaaaaaaaaah!!!”

“Ogogogogogogo!!!”

I worried for nothing.

Regardless of their mythical status, they were still just trees, limited to rustling their branches and leaves as their only form of protest.

“Well, the combination of plum and cherry blossom is visually stunning, perfect for a flower viewing.”

“Here’s your tea, Master.”

“Ah, thank you.”

The green tea Platy offered was rich and delicious.

It’s the perfect match for the lingering chill of early spring.

Savoring the tea while admiring the flowers was a profound experience.

Sip... 

...Haa...

...The tea tastes exquisite.

“This is no time to relaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaax!!!”

The curse god burst in, utterly lacking in grace.

“Now’s the perfect time to show that my plum is the supreme spring flower! Let’s all cheer for the plum blossomssssssss!!!”

No, I’m not taking sides.

Being impartial is part of my duty as the farm owner. 

I’m here to quietly observe any conflict on the farm and see it through to its conclusion.

Plum and cherry blossom.

The Tree of Knowledge and the World Tree.

Which one will prevail?

Watching flowers fight in a mixed martial arts style... could this be another form of flower viewing?