Dororo Adventure Novel: Choose Your Own AdventureDororo created by Tezuka OsamuText written by Toriumi Jinzō & Suzuki YoshitakeTranslated by Ainikki the Archivist Scene 3    The swamp was still, silent, and creepy. The atmosphere made Dororo's skin crawl. The villagers concealed themselves in the darkness at the edge of the swamp, waiting for what would happen next.    Dororo and Hyakkimaru held pine torches aloft, revealing a group of villagers that had captured Lord Sabame. The two torches were the only source of light in the swamp's encroaching darkness. Dororo and Hyakkimaru stood wreathed in light like figures in a heroic painting.    "All right, Sabame. I am going to show you who your wife truly is. Moths are sensitive to light. Even if they hide underwater, the allure of light is strong. See with your own eyes who--what--your wife is. Are you ready, Dororo?"    At Dororo's nod, Hyakkimaru lifted his torch high and jumped into a small boat. Dororo followed him, placing himself in the middle of the boat while Hyakkimaru stood at the prow. Hyakkimaru looked out at the surface of the water as the torchlight illuminated ripples. He and Dororo rowed toward the center of the swamp's darkness. There was no sound save for the water lapping at the sides of the boat and the creaking of the oars as they shifted in their sockets.     When it was dark all around, Hyakkimaru pulled the sword from the scabbard at his hip and held it in his right hand. In his left hand, he carried the torch.     "Dororo, it's time," Hyakkimaru said. "Be careful."    The air of the swamp was so thick with tension that Hyakkimaru could cut it with his sword. The surface of the water swirled into a shallow whirlpool. A column of water rose from the surface of the swamp and expanded, gaining power and intensity.    At the top of the column of water stood a woman in a Noh costume. Her hair was long and silver-white, and her face was concealed by a demon mask.     "Sabame, open your eyes and see!" Hyakkimaru called out. "This is what your wife really looks like! This is who she really is!"    Sabame steeled himself, then looked at his wife as she glided atop the column of water. His eyes went so wide in amazement that he feared they would never close. Go to Scene 144.

Translations by Ainikki