The Blessings of Tree-Sap Rubber and the Forest Purification Project
Akio’s “Life Improvement Plan” continued to breathe new life into the village. Showers, the development of swimsuit-friendly fabric, and the search for “rubber-like material.” Among these, the exploration and processing of the “Rubber-Sap Tree” that Sylvia had mentioned drew great interest from the village’s craftsmen.
Akio, Sylvia, Alto, and several villagers ventured deep into the forest and discovered several of these special trees. Under Sylvia’s guidance, they carefully collected the sap in a way that respected the environment. Back in the village, with Akio’s hazy Earth memories, Sylvia’s knowledge of herbs and resins, and Dolgan’s seasoned advice, they experimented tirelessly—adjusting boiling temperatures, drying times, and mixing in herbs. After weeks of trials, they finally succeeded in creating a dark-brown lump with moderate elasticity and waterproofing. Though far from perfect rubber, it held enormous potential to advance the village’s technology.
“We’ve done it! This’ll work perfectly for gaskets on shower valves or plugs for the tubs!”
Dolgan exclaimed, testing a prototype rubber stopper on a bathtub drain. It sealed tightly, and his satisfaction was evident. Soon, this new material was incorporated into the bathhouse’s shower valves and drains, dramatically improving their usability. Villagers rejoiced at the newfound comfort in their bathing.
Encouraged by the success, Akio secretly began working on another prototype. It was something he had been envisioning for a while—an “Akio-style cleansing device,” essentially a simple hand-pump bidet. He crafted it from a small ceramic tank, a bamboo-and-rubber hand pump, and a slender nozzle. Once finished, he installed it discreetly in the latrine of his private quarters at the central hall.
“Sylvia, I’d like you to try something…”
Explaining nervously how to use it, Akio watched Sylvia’s reaction. At first wide-eyed with surprise, she soon tested it—and was astonished at its cleanliness and unexpected comfort.
“My, Akio… this is… wonderful. Especially for women, this brings a kind of cleanliness that nothing else can match.”
Her praise was the greatest encouragement Akio could receive. He had the feeling this “cleansing device” might one day transform the village’s sense of hygiene.
At the same time, as the village population grew and water use in bathhouses and homes increased, Akio began to sense the need for a more serious approach to handling wastewater and waste from latrines. Gathering Sylvia, Dolgan, Ayane, and other key members, he raised the issue:
“It’s good that our village is growing, but that also means more ‘dirty water’ and ‘waste’ from our daily lives. If we leave things as they are, we could end up polluting this beautiful forest and river.”
Everyone listened with solemn expressions.
Then Sylvia spoke, calmly but firmly:
“Akio is right. But remember—the forest itself has a profound power to cleanse. If we lend our hands to aid and guide that power…”
Her proposal was a grand one: using the Tree of Life’s blessing along with specific herbs, mosses, fungi, and soil microorganisms, they would construct a multi-stage “Forest Blessing Purification System.” In a secluded spot downstream of the village, they would build a series of natural filtration and decomposition basins, using the land’s natural slope. Waste would be broken down and rendered harmless, and the purified water would either be returned to nature or used for limited agricultural purposes (non-edible crops).
“When this system is complete, waste will become valuable fertilizer, and water will once more return as the forest’s blessing. Our village will not foul nature, but live in harmony with it, becoming part of its great cycle.”
Her words carried the wisdom of the forest and a clear vision for the future. Akio, Dolgan, and the others were deeply moved. Thus, another great project began in Akio’s village—one that would secure its future.
In parallel, Ayane and Celestina began teaching the villagers—especially children—about the new latrines, the importance of water, and the knowledge of living in harmony with the forest.
The discovery of rubber-sap tree had brought small conveniences, but those ripples were already spreading outward, transforming not only daily life but also the village’s entire relationship with nature—a great current of change had begun.
What do you think about this chapter?
