Just after moving to the countryside with my wife Minami and starting a new life away from the city, we met the neighborhood association head, Mr. Ozawa, and others who happened to pass by our house on moving day. They seemed kind and approachable, so we welcomed them without hesitation. But from that point on, they gradually became deeply involved in our daily lives, acting as if they already knew everything about us. One day, we received an announcement about a mandatory camping trip—everyone was required to attend unless they had a special reason not to. When I explained that work prevented me from going, they suggested that my wife attend alone. Minami seemed slightly reluctant, but we had no idea that this decision would later have major consequences...