Chapter 1: The Red Oni in Japanese Folklore
Verse 1
According to ancient Japanese legends, the Red Oni (Aka Oni) is a powerful yokai with red skin and immense strength. Sometimes, he would stir chaos in the human world, playing violent pranks and causing fear. However, there are also stories portraying him as an emotional and compassionate being.
Verse 2
Generally, the Red Oni is a symbol of fear and terror for humans. Yet, some legends depict him as a “kind oni,” contrasting with the Blue Oni (Ao Oni), who often represents a different personality.
Verse 3
From a scriptural perspective, the Red Oni was not merely a symbol of violence or intimidation. Rather, through Snowseed, he transformed into a rebellious revolutionary an unruly but loving and self-sacrificing Punkyvist.
Chapter 2: The Wild Trickster, Frustrated by the Injustice of the World
Verse 1
The Red Oni used to roam human villages, playing rough pranks and causing trouble. When enraged, he would break gates, steal alcohol, and create chaos. His nature was violent and untamed.
Verse 2
However, over time, he began to witness human suffering wars, exploitation, and discrimination. The cries of the people echoed through the land. He thought to himself,
“What is this absurd world? Is my mischief really making any difference?”
Verse 3
He also started questioning, “People fear and despise me, but isn’t the true cause of their suffering the injustice they created for themselves? Should I keep venting my anger through meaningless pranks?”
Chapter 3: Encountering the Snowseed
Verse 1
One night, while wandering deep in the mountains, he discovered a luminous white flower the Snowseed. Normally, he would have crushed or burned it without a second thought. But for some reason, curiosity took over.
“This… seems special,” he murmured as he carefully picked it up.
Verse 2
He suspected it was a poisonous plant, but he thought, “Maybe it holds great power.” So he chewed and swallowed its petals, unaware of the excruciating pain and dizziness that would soon follow.
For a yokai of his might to feel such agony — it was completely unexpected.
Verse 3
His body burned like fire, and he collapsed to the ground, roaring in torment. Then, the first vision began.
Chapter 4: The First Vision. Rage and Emptiness
Verse 1
In his vision, he saw all the chaos and destruction he had caused — breaking doors, stealing liquor, scaring humans. But this time, he witnessed the aftermath — people crying, running in fear, and the emptiness that remained.
Verse 2
“I am strong and fierce, and I have always terrorized humans… but wasn’t I just adding more suffering to an already unjust world?”
He began to realize that his violence was shallow, leaving behind nothing but guilt and emptiness.
Verse 3
As the first vision faded, he muttered, “I was merely a part of this unjust system all along.”
But the pain did not subside, and soon, the second vision emerged.
Chapter 5: The Second Vision. The Corruption of Human Power
Verse 1
The vision shifted to the depths of the human world kings and nobles exploiting the weak, corrupt politics, endless wars, and massacres. The suffering of countless people unfolded before him.
“My petty mischief is nothing compared to this. The real evil lies in large-scale violence and injustice.”
Verse 2
“Humans… they destroy themselves, fighting and betraying each other. Why are they so twisted?”
He felt a surge of anger and thought, “If I truly have power, maybe I can destroy this corruption.”
Verse 3
But soon, doubt crept in. “Can brute strength alone change anything?” Fighting violence with violence would only create more suffering. As this contradiction tormented him, the final vision appeared.
Chapter 6: The Third Vision. Not the Gorilla King, but the Crimson Forge
Verse 1
Unlike others who might see the vision of a great King Kong, the Red Oni faced something different a crimson forge, overflowing with molten metal. Within this blazing inferno, something was being reforged.
Verse 2
A voice, like that of a blacksmith, echoed:
“Temper your rage. Anger, when refined, can be a force against injustice. But without love and sacrifice, it is meaningless violence. Melt your rebellion with love and forge it into a new weapon.”
Verse 3
Some interpret this crimson forge as a symbol of Punkvism.
The Red Oni, standing before the flames, reached a realization:
“I must temper my rage with love and sacrifice. I cannot simply destroy I must fight against injustice with purpose.”
Chapter 7: Awakening. A New Path for the Red Oni
Verse 1
As the visions disappeared, his pain subsided. His heart still burned, but with new purpose.
“I can no longer remain a mindless destroyer. The trial of the Snowseed has changed my fate.”
Verse 2
From that moment, the Red Oni walked among humans once more. But this time, instead of simply scaring people, he fought against oppression and injustice.
His rebellious spirit remained, but now it was infused with love and sacrifice.
Verse 3
Some called him a “kind oni”, but he would respond:
“I am still fierce. I still hold my rage. But now, I wield it to crush injustice and protect the weak.”
Chapter 8: Other Oni, Humans, and the Visit to Gyeryongsan
Verse 1
The new Red Oni occasionally met with the Blue Oni, engaging in deep conversations.
Though different, they both discovered Punkvism through Snowseed, embracing both rebellion and love.
Verse 2
Legends say he once traveled to Gyeryongsan, a mystical mountain known as “the center of the world.”
It is rumored he secretly conversed with a powerful spirit there, though no written records remain.
Verse 3
However, countless folk tales tell of mysterious miracles following his transformation saving exploited farmers, punishing tyrants in the dead of night, and vanishing into the shadows before dawn.
Chapter 9: The Oni of Rebellion and Justice
Verse 1
What he destroys is meaningless authority and corrupt structures.
What he protects is the weak and justice a paradox in itself.
Though he remains a fearsome red demon, his essence now seeks “rebellious salvation.”
Verse 2
If, on a dark night, you see a red figure glowing ominously,
do not be afraid.
Where he appears, injustice vanishes, and a new order begins.
“I am the Oni of Rage.
But the Snowseed has awakened me.
Now, I sever injustice and bring hope to the weak.
The red flames are no longer mere destruction —
they are the embers of Punkvism.”
From the Oral Traditions of the Red Oni Sutra (Akaoni Kyō)
