Sarashi Asobi

さらしあそび

8 chapters

2 volumes

2008 – 2009

In "Sarashi Asobi," a shinigami opts to spend a few days with Ren Ohba, the student council president at her school, prior to her predetermined time of death. Despite Ren's tough demeanor toward her underclassmen, the shinigami discovers that she genuinely cares for them. After their initial encounter, he takes over Ren's body, compelling her to voice these concealed emotions, thereby exposing the true extent of her concern for others. Once Ren realizes she can no longer control her speech, the shinigami vacates her body to formally introduce himself. Lacking a personal name, Ren refers to him as Ai. Enraged by the intrusion into her privacy, Ren confronts Ai with a weapon, but instead of retreating, he welcomes her aggression. Ai reveals that his job is monotonous and isolating, as no one is pleased to see a shinigami. Moved by his predicament, Ren pledges to support and confide in Ai, unaware that his presence signifies her impending death. The story also includes the one-shot "0.3 Byou Lunch" (0.3秒Lunch), originally published on December 15, 2007.