< Encyclopedia: Shinigami | Back to Title of Contents | Encyclopedia: Yama > Guide of the Sanzu River Komachi Onozuka Ability: Manipulation of Distance Threat level: Low Human friendship level: Normal Main place of activity: Sanzu River A shinigami that ferries a boat across the Sanzu River. There are many such shinigami, but she is responsible for ferrying most of the souls of the humans in Gensokyo (*1). For this reason she can often be seen in Gensokyo (*2). Her tall geta and enormous sickle give her an imposing stature. Since she's so imposing if you see her while alive, she must be all the more overwhelming after you've died and become a ghost. As she loves to talk with her powerful yet pleasant tone, and she likely carries a number of one-sided conversations while ferrying souls (*3). All one can do is sit patiently and endure until they have reached the other side of the river. 1: She will even do the same for humans from the outside world if she is available. 2: Is she slacking off? 3: Of course, ghosts can't talk back. Ability to Manipulate Distance It's said the width of the Sanzu River changes according to the person that's crossing it. Its length is determined by the toll paid to shinigami that ferries it, and larger payments make for shorter trips. It is said that the ferriage is paid out of one's own assets. Not the personal assets collected over one's life, but rather the money spent by close friends in behalf of the deceased. If by some chance this figure is negative, then the ferry will never reach the other side, and the deceased will likely be thrown overboard into the river. Whether one makes it or not is all up to the shinigami. Komachi's Boat on the Sanzu River There is no wind on the Sanzu River, so the ships that cross it have no sails, and must be rowed by hand. Compared to her own gaudy dress, her ship is a very austere affair with no decorations. If you assume that all the other shinigami's ships are similarly furnished, one might suppose they are provided from Hell. As Hell's facilities naturally must expand to accommodate rising populations, it's said Hell is currently experiencing a period of financial difficulty. Thus, the shinigami likely have no choice but to use antiquated ferries. < Encyclopedia: Shinigami | Back to Title of Contents | Encyclopedia: Yama >