Mieruko-chan - Vol. 2 Ch. 11

[MangaDex]

 

[blankaex]

The "three times" at the end was left intentionally ambiguous by the author, but a bit of background knowledge can't hurt.

The "traditional" way to pray at a Shinto shrine is to bow three times, clap three times, then bow once more (though this varies by type of shrine, era, etc). This is abbreviated to two bows, two claps, one bow in almost every instance in recent years. Hence, it's possible the ghost may be saying something like "I'll help you/forgive your rudeness this time, but make sure to pay your respects properly (by bowing three times) next time".

This was my first thought, and doesn't contradict any of the panels. The two smaller ghosts bowed to the big one, and then they frantically try to signal to Miko. One is shaking its head and the other is bowing; "no bow". I'm reasonably confident that this is the intended interpretation, but nothing is definitive and there's still some leeway for speculation.

There is also a saying that literally translates to "even a saint will only keep his composure up to three times", i.e. even the kindest person will get angry if they are repeatedly treated rudely. By this interpretation, the ghost might be saying "I'll only help you three (more) times". This ties in with the fact that Miko says "please" three times during her wish, implying he'll be taking his payment (her soul or something) once the three times are up; she said she'd "do anything".

In fact, it's not even clear that he's saying "three times". There are a number of other synonyms; "dispersal", in the sense of ghosts being exorcised (he just caused the ghost to disperse), "welcome (to my shrine)", or even "adjournment". Either way it's unclear and left as an exercise for the reader.

 

[remiska]

@blankaex
thanks for the insight and translation

 

[Snakeykid1]

i always like the idea that if god was real, he and his angels would look terryfying to humans, so we might mistake them as demons

 

[Mah_Buddy_Keith]

Do your best, Mieruko-chan!

 

[Bainhardt]

god this manga is so cool and it doesn't even explain what's going on

 

[Rikeka]

@blankaex

Thx for that, mate!

 

[Aureliano]

HOLY SHIT!

 

[godofsnail]

Can someone explain to what the "three times" meant

 

[RandomPunctuation]

@blankaex

Thank you! Wow thats a really good obvservation. Im glad you were in the comments, i was over thinking that like crazy

 

[Drakan]

When they're talking about ghibli mhibli, the "troll" part is likely written in japanese as "tororu", which would be a more evident reference (totoro), I guess the worldplay just doesn't translate well to english.

 

[Renard]

@blankaex
Can you add that explanation as an extra page? It's too good to be lost in the ocean of comments.

 

[Tcof]

The three time in human language so it probably mean something. ANd she also said "will do anything"
I hope it just something don't too dangerous. Like, maybe pay with her body

 

[Slapdown3]

Fucking wicked

 

[Randomizer]

Don't judge holy spirit by it's meaty cover!

 

[TrueGoddessReincarnation]

If you think that shit is scary. Look up how angels are suppose to actually look like.

 

[aberdeus]

@blankaex the prayer style popped to mind when it said 3 time to me too

 

[Koyomiya]

jesus, im terrified for this girl but I can't stop reading

and thank you for the explanation blankaex

 

[AbuHajaar]

Now these ghost lolis are pretty spooky

 

[Deonepiece]

Wait what?

There's no cute fox lolis in the shrine!?
I want my money back!

Also, holy scary shit!