They Say Nothing Stays the Same

Toichi, a modest ferryman, navigates the mystical waters of his territory when he first spots a ghostly silhouette gliding alongside the river. This encounter intrigues him, igniting a sense of curiosity and wonder about the otherworldly being.

One fateful evening, a mysterious figure, later identified as a girl, washes ashore near Toichi's home. Driven by a deep instinct to care for others, Toichi brings her into his humble dwelling and tends to her needs, unaware of her tragic past.

As the mysterious girl recuperates, rumors circulate throughout the community about a horrific event upstream where a family has perished. Whispers about a missing girl unsettle the townspeople and heighten Toichi's concern for the silent figure in his care.

Anticipation builds within the community as the completion of a new bridge approaches, which threatens Toichi's way of life. His young neighbor, Genzo, floats the drastic idea of dismantling the bridge, which sparks Toichi's vivid imagination of dark revenge.

As time passes, the mysterious girl, now identified as Foo, starts to reveal her presence and demeanor. One day, during a rare moment without passengers, Toichi invites her onto his boat, where she finally shares her name but remains silent about her history.

Tragedy strikes when Genzo ventures upstream and discovers the shocking truth that there was no murder committed. Toichi breathes a sigh of relief upon hearing the news, momentarily lifting the heavy burden from his heart.

In the wake of this revelation, Toichi hears the heartbreaking news of Nihei's Father's passing. Remembering the elder's selfless wish to be interred in the forest, Toichi resolutely sets out to fulfill this noble request under the cover of darkness.

As the completion of the bridge looms, Toichi encounters the river ghost once again, who delivers a chilling warning. The ghost reveals that Foo was meant to perish long ago, but Toichi's actions have altered her fate, leading to ominous consequences.

The tranquility of the riverside is shattered as winter cloaks the landscape in snow, casting a somber mood over Toichi's life. The river, once a source of peace, is now tainted by dark oil slicks, mirroring Toichi's deepening despair.

Just as Toichi feels overwhelmed by hopelessness, Genzo arrives dressed in an air of arrogance, starkly contrasting Toichi's sorrow. This visit turns out to be an ironic twist of fate for Genzo, as it seals his tragic end.

While Toichi steps out to focus on his health, Genzo takes advantage of his absence and brings an unsuspecting young girl into the house. However, he is unaware of the impending consequences that his actions will unleash.

Upon returning home, Toichi is met with a horrifying sight: Genzo has been brutally murdered, his throat slit in a senseless act of violence. This shocking event overwhelms Toichi with rage and sorrow, pushing him towards a desperate act.

In a desperate attempt to rid himself of the encroaching darkness following Genzo's death, Toichi ignites the hut in flames. As the chaos unfolds, he escapes with the young girl on his small boat, leaving behind the tragic remnants of the past.

Toichi and the young girl glide away down the frigid river, leaving the fiery destruction behind. This escape marks a turning point in their lives, as they leave behind the chaos and embrace an uncertain future together.