Chapter 3: Tears, determination, and sugar candy.

　　　　one

　It's been about a month since Koharu started attending high school.

　It was now October, and autumn was deepening in the city of Kyoto.

　Autumn is the season with the most tourists of the year, and the Japanese goods store "Sakuraan" in Gion is also seeing an increase in customers, making the store more lively than usual.

　While Koharu was working hard at her high school life, she also helped out at the store after work and on weekends, keeping her days fairly busy.

　The best-selling items at the Japanese goods store Sakuraan right now are tapestry hand towels with maple leaf patterns, incense goods, paper anto-dons, and other items that will help you enjoy the deepening of autumn.

　The best-selling item of all is──

"One box of chestnut tea towels please."

"Mune-chan's chestnut tea cloth is really delicious, I came to buy some."

　It was Sojiro's new autumn work, Chestnut Tea Cloth.

　Spring's cherry blossom sakura mochi mochi filled with strawberries, early summer's mini ayu sweets and waterless tsukizuki sweets, and summer cooling desserts were all well received, but this autumn's chestnut tea wraps are in a class of their own.

　If previous products have been "hit products," then the Chestnut Tea Cloth is a "big hit."

　I realized that this was due to the trust that had been built up because the Japanese sweets had been delicious up until now, and above all because there are a lot of people in Kyoto who love chestnuts.

　However, there is only one craftsman, Sojiro.

　There is no choice but to offer limited quantities, and they are sold out by the afternoon.

"Thank goodness, I'm free this afternoon."

　On Sunday afternoon, Yoshino said sincerely as she held up a sign that read, "Today's chestnut tea towels are sold out," and Koharu gave a small chuckle.

"The chestnut tea wraps are certainly delicious, but I never imagined they would become so popular."

"Well, everyone likes chestnuts and they're delicious."

　Yoshino, who rarely praises Sojiro, wholeheartedly acknowledges the chestnut tea cloth.

"So, Koharu, how is school going? Is the charm working?"

"Yes, very much," Koharu nodded with a smile.

　Thanks to the effect of Yoshino's amulet, I was able to shut out the various voices in my mind.

　That being said, it does pick up on strong emotions, but it's very different from hearing everything leak out.

　Thanks to the fact that she made a friend in Mizuhara Ai, she was able to enjoy her high school life.

"Have you met Reito-chan?"

"Yeah, I see them occasionally and just say hello."

　The other day, I ran into Mioto in the library.

　At the time, he asked her, "Koharu-chan, is it an inconvenience? If you like, we can start training you to control your powers soon?" but Koharu gave an evasive answer.

　I was beginning to think that if I had the talisman, I might not even need to train to control it.

　However, that feeling soon changed.

　It happened when I was changing into my gym clothes in the locker room before my gym class.

"Oh, Sakurai-san's bra is cute. I want one like that too."

　At the same time as my classmates called out to me,

(...Oh my, Sakurai-san, your breasts are small.)

　Such heartfelt voices were also heard.

　"Scarce..." she thought to herself as she turned her back to hide her chest, and said, "Th, thank you," with a twitching cheek.

　Amulets are not meant to be worn all the time.

　Of course, it would be better if I could control this power myself, so I decided to ask Mioto to teach me how to control it.

"...Grandma, 'poor' is not a good word."

　As Koharu looks off into the distance, holding a duster in her hand, Yoshino agrees and replies, "That's right."

"'Lack of knowledge' and 'living a poor life' - those are just sad words. Koharu, did you say you were 'poor'? What do you mean by 'poor'?"

"...Uh, yeah, just a little."

　Koharu gently placed her hand on her bare skin and let out a small sigh.

　　　　two

"--Well then, for now, I'll explain to you something like 'the mechanism behind this special power'."

　Mioto was smiling brightly in front of the blackboard, chalk in hand.

　It's lunch break now.

　Koharu's training to control her powers had just begun.

　For the time being, they decided to rent a classroom in the school, saying, "It'll be more like a class at first," and hold the class. The classroom they were in now was the "Second Audiovisual Room." This room was not usually used, and it was located at the end of the school building, so it had the advantage of being deserted.

　Koharu and Mioto were not alone in the classroom... Mizuhara Ai, who had become friends with Koharu during the tower incident and who also knew about Koharu's situation, was also present.

"I wonder what the mechanism is."

　Ai said with a serious expression, pen in hand and notebook open.

"Ah, Ai, you seem really motivated."

　As Koharu looked confused, Ai adjusted her glasses and nodded vigorously.

"I was in the Oka Research Club in middle school."

"Oka Research?"

"Occult Research Club. I love mysterious things."

"Hmm, I see."

"This is a dark part of my history, but the truth is that when I was in middle school, I sneaked into that tower and tried to summon my mother," Ai shrugged.

「............」

　Koharu and Mioto looked at each other in silence.

　Three years ago, her mother suddenly started appearing in the tower, and perhaps that was what had started it all.

"...It's fine if Ai-chan is now reflecting on her 'dark history', but you absolutely must not do anything like that in the future. It's more likely to attract strange people."

　Mioto scolded her with a smile, and Ai nodded, "Yes."

"Well, let me explain briefly. What is commonly referred to as 'spiritual inspiration' or 'special powers' is something that everyone has."

　When Mioto said that, Ai frowned openly.

"But, sensei, I don't think I have any psychic powers."

　Koharu chuckled softly at Ai, who was already calling Mioto "Sensei."

"That's right. Most people say that, 'it doesn't exist for me.' But all humans have 'spiritual intuition.' If that's the case, then why can't you feel it? It's because that power is firmly held inside of you by an invisible triangular barrier."

"...a triangular barrier."

　Koharu and Ai look confused, but take notes in their notebooks.

"The triangular barrier is like the "mind," "skill," and "body" in martial arts."

　Saying this, Mioto drew a stick figure on the board, then wrote three circles around it, wrote the characters for mind, technique, and body in each circle, and connected them with lines to form a triangle. Maybe he's not very good at drawing.

"Then, what I'm talking about here is 'mind, technique, and body.' 'Mind' is the mind, 'technique' is experience, and 'body' is exactly what the words suggest - the physical body. When these three are in good health, a barrier is activated that firmly suppresses the innate spiritual intuition that one possesses."

"Eh, but why do you need to suppress it? Wouldn't it be better if you had strong spiritual intuition or some other special power?"

　Ai tilted her head and Koharu gave a wry smile, saying, ''So that's how you think it would be good to have special powers.''

"Just like Ai-chan just said, some people might think that it's a good thing, but I think that from the primitive times when humans were wild, to the formation of modern human society, 'strong spiritual intuition' and 'special powers' have become a hindrance.' For example, if you were constantly hearing the inner voices of others, or the voices of people who have died, it would have been difficult to live in the present. So I think that's why people have moved in the direction of 'suppressing spiritual intuition.' Well, this is just my own speculation, though."

　When Mioto added that, Ai looked not entirely convinced, but Koharu was completely convinced.

　When humans lived like animals, hunting and fighting beasts, they probably needed strong spiritual inspiration.

　It must have been one of the weapons they needed to survive.

　However, after going through such times, it seems that in the process of evolution of human society, the weapon of "inspiration" became unnecessary.

"That 'clairvoyance' is usually suppressed by the balance of the 'mind, technique, and body' triangle, but when danger approaches, it can be released and activated. Even people who think they have no 'clairvoyance' can have their intuition kick in and save them from near-death situations. This is why."

　As Mioto spoke, the two nodded in agreement.

"Also, differently from that, when the triangular barrier of 'mind, technique, and body' collapses, the suppressed spiritual inspiration can leak out."

"Will it collapse?"

　The two tilted their heads, and Mioto nodded and pointed to the character for "body" in chalk.

"For example, this 'body.' Some people have very scary dreams or precognitive dreams when they have a high fever, but this happens because this 'body' breaks down."

　Koharu and Ai nodded in agreement after hearing that explanation, saying, "I see."

"Then, this 'skill'. This is something that does not come from experience, but from having a raw spiritual sense like an animal. This is why small children can see and talk to spirits. However, the reason this no longer happens as they grow up is because their 'skill' has been perfected.

　Finally, situations in which the "heart" collapses include mental depression, mental illness, drug addiction, and alcoholism. When the "heart" collapses due to these factors, the person may hear the voice of the dead calling to them, see their figure, or sometimes even speak a prophecy. And sometimes these predictions come true, so people around them may say that they are "possessed" or "possessed by a god."

　Some people go around praying to exorcise spirits, but that's not the case. This is a state where the "heart" of the "mind, technique, and body" has collapsed, and the original "spiritual inspiration" is leaking out. If "spiritual inspiration" is like blood flowing through the body as a matter of course, then it's like being injured and bleeding. So rather than praying, it's more important to go to an appropriate hospital, get treatment, and get your "heart" in order."

As Mioto explained while pointing at the character "heart," Koharu and Ai listened intently and nodded along, saying "Oh really?"

"By the way, the strength of the barrier of 'mind, technique, and body' varies from person to person. Some people's barriers leak out with even a slight breakdown, while others have barriers so strong that they don't crumble so easily."

　Those words somehow reminded Koharu of Mioto's older sister, Anna.

　I don't really know, but she seems very strong.

"Teacher, but there are some monks at temples who have very strong spiritual senses, but does that mean their mind, technique, and body are also in a state of disarray?" Ai asked, raising her hand.

"Yes, that's a good question. I was going to explain it to you now. Some people lose their psychic powers when the triangular barrier collapses, while others are able to control their psychic powers by training and honing their mind, technique, and body.

　Also, while everyone has psychic powers, some people are born with stronger powers than others. Well, this is what is generally referred to as a "person with strong psychic powers," but what I want to say is that it's not as special or strange as people may think, and I think it's similar to having a sharper sense of smell or taste than most people.

　At that moment, the bell rang, "ding-dong, ding-dong."

"Oh, it's time. Well, that's all for today, "basic thinking."

　Mioto said as he erased the blackboard.

"thank you very much"

"Thank you very much."

　As the two bowed their heads, Mioto gently bowed back.

　The graceful movement made Koharu's cheeks heat up.

　The two thanked Mioto again and left the second audiovisual room, heading to the classroom.

"--Koharu, it's so obvious that she's fascinated by Mioto-san that it's weird."

　Ai was laughing happily as she walked down the hallway, and Koharu's eyes wandered.

"B-but, Mioto-san is so beautiful. Even Ai would be entranced."

"She is certainly beautiful, but I'm not a fan of that kind of 'man-woman' type of person."

"Oh, men and women?"

"My classmates had been talking about her for a long time, saying she was 'beautiful,' but I wasn't interested. I did think she was pretty, though."

"She's so, so beautiful," Koharu muttered with a wry smile.

　Indeed, the word "beautiful" fits him perfectly.

　If you think about it that way, maybe he is the type of person whose tastes are divided.

"In that case, I think Koharu's uncle who came to the school gate would be better."

"Oh, are you talking about Sojiro?"

"Yeah, he's just as good-looking, but he had a wilder edge to him and was really cool. I've never seen anyone look so good on a bike. And more than anything, I've always been a daddy's girl, so I tend to prefer guys much older than me."

　Koharu responds with a "Yes."

　I'm not a daddy's girl at all, so I don't really understand how he feels.

　However, to Ai, her father is probably a special person.

　However, when she saw Ai's father in a spiritual vision at the tower, he seemed like an intellectual type, and definitely not the wild type, Koharu said, tilting her head.

"By the way, is Ai's father still in the hospital?"

"No, he was released from the hospital a long time ago and is working fine now. However, I've entered a school here too, so I decided not to come back to Yokohama until I go to university."

"I see, that's good."

"Well, anyway, do you have a girlfriend, uncle?"

　Asked again, Koharu was at a loss for words and lowered her eyes.

"Well, how should I put it, it seems like there is someone special."

　Hearing that, Ai pouted in disappointment and said, "That's true."

　I felt sorry, but it was better than giving them any strange hopes.

　Thinking of Anna, Koharu nodded and said, "Yes."

"Hey, Koharu, do you have any plans for 'autumn break'?"

"No, nothing in particular."

"Want to go somewhere? Universal Studios Japan or Hirakata Park?"

"Autumn break" refers to the school's consecutive holidays.

　There will be a week-long holiday in mid-October, including weekends and public holidays.

　Koharu thought that since Kyoto city would be bustling with tourists, it would be a good time to help out at the store. Still, it wouldn't hurt to hang out with friends for a day or so.

　Feeling delighted and happy, Koharu nodded vigorously, "Yes."

"I wanted to go to Universal Studios Japan. But what's Hirata Park?"

"Don't you know Hirata Park? My brother is promoting it."

"What, brother?"

　The two of them chuckled as they walked down the aisle.

　　　　three

　And so the autumn break arrived.

　Koharu was looking forward to going out with Ai, but her wish didn't come true.

"...Ai, I heard you're going on a trip with your father in Yokohama."

　Koharu sighed while helping out with stocking the products in the store on the first floor.

　Since it's tourist season, there are more customers than usual in the store and it's bustling with activity.

　However, most people are just looking around and the store itself is not busy.

"Well, that's unfortunate."

"Yeah, but it can't be helped."

"It's a boring day off. I'll ask Soujirou to take me somewhere."

　As Yoshino clapped her hands, thinking it was a brilliant idea, Koharu looked up to the second floor and asked, "Soujiro?"

"You can tell them that the chestnut tea towels are all sold out and then say, 'Take me somewhere to hang out.'"

"...Uh, yeah, then I'll ask."

　Koharu hesitantly nods and heads up the stairs.

　If I were to go out with Sojiro, it would probably be on that bike.

　Although I feel a bit hesitant because it might draw too much attention, I've never ridden on the back of a motorbike, and going out with Sojiro seems like it would be fun.

　Feeling a bit of hope, Koharu peeked up to the second floor and saw Sojiro standing in front of the kitchen with his arms crossed.

　Koharu is taken aback by his serious expression, as if he is refusing to talk to her.

"Umm, Soujirou, we've sold out of chestnut tea towels."

"...Okay," Soujirou quietly nodded, leaving Koharu confused.

"What's wrong?"

"--Ah, no, I'm just thinking about what sweets to serve as we head into winter."

　Sojiro said and took a small breath.

"The chestnut tea towels are a big hit, so why not use them in the winter too?"

"Well, I love the four seasons in Japan, so I want to sell limited edition sweets that correspond to the four seasons. In the spring I make 'Sakura Sakuramochi Mochi', in early summer I make 'Ayu to Mizumina Tsukizuki', in summer I make 'Suzukashi', and in autumn I make 'Kurichakin', and I'm thinking of selling these again next year."

　Koharu nodded in agreement to Sojiro's response, "Yes."

　Sojiro came back to Kyoto last fall, and since then he has been preparing and selling Japanese sweets. In other words, he started selling seasonal Japanese sweets from this spring.

"I wanted to make sweets that would make people think, 'I want to eat that sweet again at this time next year' when the season ends. This will be the last 'winter' sweet.

　I think that by making something that gives a wintery feeling and has a bit of impact, I can decide the impression of "Sakuraan's Japanese sweets" and the direction for now. But no matter what I make, I can't get it right. Well, I guess I just have to keep making and making and making and creating."

　Koharu was overwhelmed as Sojiro nodded vigorously and got back to work.

　He always has a frivolous demeanor, but when it comes to work he's a craftsman.

"Do your best, Sojiro. I'm looking forward to your winter limited edition sweets," I said with a smile, and Sojiro curled up the corners of his mouth and said, "Yeah."

　Koharu walked down the stairs and returned to the store on the first floor, then shook her head at Yoshino.

"Munejiro-san, you seem to be very busy creating new works."

"I see, that girl is quite obsessive despite her appearance. She's just like Shigeru in that respect."

"Grandpa, was you an obsessive?"

　I just have an image of her as being soft and gentle, always smiling.

"That's right. When it comes to things, he's particular about them. Your father is like that too."

"Yes," he nodded.

　His father became a certified administrative scrivener, a job that made use of his attention to detail, while Sojiro made use of his natural dexterity and creativity to become a Japanese confectioner.

　Though they are brothers, they are on completely different paths, but each has come to understand themselves and decided the path they want to take in life.

　Your career path isn't just about going to college, it's also about "what you want to do with your life."

　...I felt somewhat relieved that I was able to enter high school, but that was just a short-term thought and I didn't think about what would happen beyond that.

　Not in college or anything like that, but in life.

　What do I want to become? What do I want to do with my life?

　While Koharu was making a troubled face, the phone in the store rang.

　Yoshino nodded and picked up the receiver of the black telephone, a rare item nowadays that could be considered an antique.

"Yes, this is Sakuraan... Oh, wait a moment. Koharu, I have a call for you."

"For me?"

　Who on earth could it be from? Maybe someone from the school?

　Feeling puzzled, I picked up the phone and answered, "Hello, this is Koharu."

"Koharu-chan? I'm Mioto."

　My heart leaps as I hear Mioto's voice directly in my ears.

"Hello, hello here."

"Hello. Koharu-chan, are you free tomorrow?"

"Oh, tomorrow?"

　He glanced over at Yoshino and she nodded and said, "Yes, it's okay."

"Ah, it's free."

"Well then, why don't you come over to my place? I'm from Kamigamo."

"Kamigamo? Isn't Mioto's house in Shimogamo?"

"That's right. Both my house and the hospital are in Shimogamo, but my grandfather lives in Kamigamo now, and my school is nearby, so I spend a lot of time there. I think that if we're in Kamigamo, we can train Koharu's powers at our leisure."

"Yes, yes, please."

"In that case, how about meeting at the Kamigamo Shrine bus stop tomorrow at 1:30pm?"

"It's okay."

"Well then, tomorrow."

"Y-Yes, thank you very much."

　Koharu bowed deeply, hung up the receiver, and let out a hot sigh.

　Yoshino watched Koharu and gently lowered her eyes.

　　　　Four

　The next day, just like when she went to school, Koharu took a bus from the Gion stop in front of Yasaka Shrine to the Kitaoji Station bus terminal, then changed to a bus going further north and got off in front of Kamigamo Shrine.

　Kamigamo Shrine, officially known as "Kamomo Betsuwake Kaminari Ikazuchi Shrine".

　The bus stop in front of the shrine is a rotary style, and there are teahouses and shops nearby.

　There is a lot of greenery, and it really gives the impression of being a shrine near the mountains.

　Koharu attended a high school nearby, but this was her first time visiting the shrine.

　I got off the bus and looked around curiously.

"Koharu-chan"

　I saw Mioto waving his hand and walking over to me.

　He wore a very simple outfit, a white shirt and jeans.

　Seeing him in such a refreshing and casual manner made me feel like I was getting a glimpse of his true self, and it made my heart beat faster.

"H-hello."

　Suddenly feeling her cheeks heat up, Koharu bowed her head vigorously to hide it.

"Hello, were you lost?"

"It's okay."

"Well then, shall we go?"

　This way, he said, and started walking.

　The vermilion torii gate can be seen immediately from the bus stop.

　Mioto stopped in front of the torii gate and gently bowed his head.

　His behavior was so natural that Koharu was drawn in and bowed in the same way.

　Stepping into the approach to the shrine, I was impressed by how spacious it was.

"Kamigamo Shrine is huge."

"This place has been around for a really long time."

　"Oh," I replied as I walked.

　Further on in the journey there was another torii gate. Just before that there was a small shrine with a white horse there, and Koharu exclaimed, "Wow!"

"There's a horse!"

"It's called 'Kamikouyama-Gogo' and is considered the 'divine horse' of this shrine, and plays an active role in the Aoi Festival."

"That's right"

　In front of the white horse, many children were looking up at it with joy and delight.

　The two of them enter the temple grounds, admiring the horse from afar.

　The first thing that catches your eye are two mounds of white sand piled in cone buckets about the height of a child.

　A pine needle had been inserted into the top of the sand pile.

"These are called 'Tatetatezuna' and look the same in size and shape, but the pine needles on the left have three leaves and the ones on the right have two. The combination of odd and even numbers from the yin, yang and miyo-do symbols represents the appearance of the gods."

"...the appearance of God"

　A small stream flows by, and a fresh breeze blows through the shade of the trees. Here, by the clear stream, it feels so comfortable, and it seems as if water dragons are roaming about happily.

"There seem to be a lot of spirits and gods here."

　Koharu muttered,

"That's true," Mioto said, narrowing his eyes with a bit of amusement.

　The two then purify their hands and mouths at the Chozuya (purification fountain), then pass through the vermilion tower gate and head to the main shrine.

"Koharu-chan, when you come to a shrine you say, 'Please exorcise me and purify me,' right?"

"Ah, yes."

"Apart from that, there are a lot of people who make requests of their own. It's better not to make requests."

"Is that so? Would I get in trouble if I did that?"

"No, God doesn't get angry, and he doesn't do bad things. God is not such a small being. But even if you tell him your hopes and desires, they won't come true. Instead, you should say, 'Everything went well. Thank you.'"

"Everything went well. Thank you--?"

"Yes, then it will guide you in a direction that is beyond the scope of human understanding, something that will "go well". People's hopes and desires are not necessarily good directions. It will guide you in a direction that is ultimately good, not just your immediate desires."

　People's hopes and desires are not always positive.

　Although Koharu understood what he was saying, she didn't seem completely convinced, so Mioto looked up to the sky with a smile and said, "That's right."

"For example, let's say Koharu likes a boy named A and wants to marry him someday."

　Koharu is surprised when Mioto suddenly starts telling her such an analogy, but she nods in agreement.

"That A-kun may look good on the outside, but he's violent and awful. Koharu-chan is not aware of this and is thinking of confessing her feelings to him. But if B-kun, who is very kind and sincere, is the perfect match for her instead of A-kun, God will not tie her to A-kun, but will guide her in the direction of a good relationship with B-kun. Koharu-chan will think, 'I loved A-kun, but he rejected me. I begged God for help, but it's terrible!' and will resent him for a while, but later, when she meets B-kun and becomes truly happy, God will guide her to think, 'I'm glad I got rejected back then.'"

"I see, I understand. So in the end it all comes down to 'everything went well,'" Koharu nodded vigorously.

"That's right, and above all, don't forget to say thank you. By the way, saying 'I hope everything goes well' is no good. By asserting that 'It went well', the power of the words and spirit increases. Many hopes and wishes are only 'I hope it will be so', so the words and spirit are weak and most of them don't come true."

"I can honestly say that he is really strong."

"That's right. Don't you think someone who says, 'I will be successful,' is more likely to be successful than someone who says, 'I want to be successful someday?'"

"I... I can feel it."

　The two of them chuckle, stand in front of the main shrine, and clap their hands together.

"Everything went well, thank you very much."

　With that wish in mind, I left the temple grounds.

　　　　five

　After leaving Kamigamo Shrine and walking for a few minutes, you will come across a long wall, and then you will see a magnificent cypress gate with a sign reading "Kamo Yoshio."

"Mio-san's grandfather's house is really impressive."

"People gather here, and it's kind of like a shrine office."

"The shrine office..."

　Those words seemed to fit perfectly.

　This Japanese-style cypress house would be more appropriately described as a shrine office next to a shrine, rather than an ordinary residence.

　When you pass through the gate, you can see a series of stepping stones on top of gravel leading to the entrance.

　In the garden, men in white work clothes were sweeping up fallen leaves with bamboo brooms and tending to the trees. As soon as they saw Mioto, they bowed deeply.

"Thank you for your hard work," Mioto said, bowing to them, and Koharu also bowed, whispering, "Hello."

"Koharu-chan, this way."

　Upon entering the spacious entrance hall, there was a large shoe rack made of wooden frames, lined with slippers just like those you would find in a school. The long corridor leading to the back was polished to a shine.

"...It really does look like a shrine office."

　"Yeah," Miohito laughs as Koharu spills her heartfelt feelings.

"Was the person who was in the garden a relative?"

"They're not relatives, but they're related to my family."

　"Someone involved," Koharu muttered softly.

　It is said that the Kamo family has been engaged in the Yin-Yang business since ancient times.

　This is a place where such people gather, and perhaps the men in white work clothes in the garden were associated with them.

　Koharu was lost in speculation as she walked behind Mioto further into the cave.

　Mioto stopped in front of a tatami room with its sliding doors wide open.

"Please come in," he said with his right hand, motioning me into the room.

　The 10-tatami Japanese-style room only contained a table and cushions.

　There is a calligraphy scroll hanging on the tokonoma alcove, and autumn flowers are arranged underneath it.

　From the veranda, I could see the threatening deer and lions among the autumn leaves.

　It's just like a high-class restaurant, Koharu sighed, as she stepped into the tatami room.

"Please, sit over there."

　Mioto went around to the lower seat first and pointed to the upper seat, and Koharu felt embarrassed and said, "Excuse me," and sat down on the cushion.

　I, I guess I have to sit upright.

　Mioto laughs heartily as Koharu sits upright in seiza.

"If you do that, your legs will go numb, so you can relax. Sorry, this house is full of Japanese-style rooms."

　That being said, it's hard to break down.

　Still, Koharu thought it would be less of a bother to relax her legs than to become numb and be unable to move, so she obediently relaxed them.

"Ah, Mioto-san, this is Soujirou-san's new dish, so please enjoy it."

　When he took out a box of sweets from the paper bag and handed it to her, Mioto's face lit up.

"Is Soujiro's new work the rumored chestnut tea cloth?"

"Y-Yes."

"Well, I'm really happy, thank you. I'll go and prepare some tea, so please wait a moment."

　As Mioto stands up with a box of sweets in his hands, Koharu hastily says, "N-never mind," but he shakes his head.

"I want to drink some too. Koharu-chan, what would you like, Japanese tea, black tea, or coffee?"

"Well, then, I'll have some tea."

"Well, just wait a moment."

　Then, without making a sound, he leaves the room.

　As soon as Koharu was out of sight, she sighed and collapsed face down on the table.

　I was so nervous. Mioto-san is just too beautiful.

　Koharu sat up and pressed the back of her hand against her face to cool her flushed cheeks.

　Meanwhile in Gion...

　Sojiro, who was working in the kitchen, took a deep breath and stretched his back.

"Damn, they're all so dull."

　Grumbling, he heads down to the first floor with a food bat in hand.

"Hey Koharu, if you're free, how about I take you out somewhere? Maybe Lake Biwakoni," he said, popping his head into the shop on the first floor, but Koharu was nowhere to be seen, and Sojiro opened his eyes wide.

"Has Koharu gone out?"

"That's right."

　Yoshino nodded, refusing to meet his eye, and Soujirou's temple twitched.

　The young female tourists in the shop lit up with excitement at Sojiro's sudden appearance, exclaiming, "Wow!"

"...Maybe it's the poisonous flower area?"

　As Sojiro bowed to the customers, he asked in a low voice, and Yoshino nodded and said, "Yeah, I guess so."

"What are you letting me do?"

"It's what Koharu wants, so I guess there's no other way."

"Well, there's no other way. You know that Koharu has feelings for that poisonous flower, and that that poisonous flower only has another purpose, right?"

"But, right now, Koharu needs it. Even if you can see the future, it's no good being overprotective."

　Yoshino said smack and Soujirou grimaced.

"Is it really necessary to get involved with him and get hurt?"

"...That's right. And that goes for Mioto-chan too."

　Yoshino quietly stated, and Soujirou simply crossed his arms without saying anything.

　Koharu and Mioto were sitting across from each other, drinking tea and beginning their lecture.

"Koharu-chan, do you remember what we talked about the triangular barrier the other day?"

　When Mioto said that, Koharu nodded and said, "Ah, yes."

"Everyone has spiritual intuition, and by having the right mind, technique, and body, it can be controlled."

"That's right. And while training can improve the mind, technique, and body, there are also people who can use spiritual intuition, and there are also people who are born with strong abilities, right?"

"Yes," Koharu replied, hammering in agreement.

"To control the power, we need to create one more thing: a triangular barrier."

"...One more."

"Well, the image is that 'Mind, Technique, and Body' is a normal triangle, and then this time a barrier in the shape of an inverted triangle is created. This creates a hexagram - a six-pointed star. Then, if I were to imagine the other triangle in words... that's right, maybe it's 'Heaven, Earth, Man'."

"Tenchijin, is that you?"

"That's right. 'Heaven' is the universe, 'Earth' is this present world, and 'Man' is yourself. By knowing and connecting with these three, you will be able to control the strong power that you feel is too much for you to handle."

"Th-how is that?"

　As Koharu leaned forward, Mioto held up his hand and said, "It's okay."

"First of all, you need to understand the 'human' part of 'Tenchijin.' You can't move forward unless you understand yourself properly, Koharu."

"Y-Yes."

　Those words made my heart skip a beat.

　I was just thinking about what I wanted to be in the future.

　I felt like I was being told that before I could think about the future, I needed to get to know myself well.

"I told you before that even if a child has a strong intuition, as they grow up and their mind, technique, and body are refined, their spiritual intuition can be suppressed."

"yes"

"For some people, the powers reappear when they grow up. What about you, Koharu? When you were little, did you ever see or hear anything strange? And then, at some point, you lost the power, and then it came back to you now, or something like that?"

"Um, well..."

　Koharu furrows her brow, wondering how it was.

　Looking back to my childhood, I never heard voices or saw spirits.

"I don't think so."

　When Koharu answered like that, Mioto made a slightly difficult face and crossed his arms.

"... Was there some kind of trigger that caused you to develop that special power?"

"The trigger?"

"Have you ever had a high fever, or entered an old shrine, or seen a strange shadow, or had some other strange happen to you, and then suddenly started hearing your inner voice?"

　When asked that, Koharu thought about it again but couldn't think of anything.

　I was living a normal life and didn't do anything out of the ordinary.

"I-I don't know, but it was really little by little that I started to hear the voices in my mind. I think it was at the end of the summer of my third year of middle school....Little by little, I started to hear it like a voiceover..."

　Yes, at first I didn't understand what was going on and thought it was just stress from the exams.

"The end of summer...it's so strange. There are people who suddenly become possessed by a god and gain powerful powers, but Koharu isn't like that. I think that Koharu's power was probably something that was always inside of her...

　If the force is that strong, it's not surprising that there have been some symptoms up until now. Well, for now, we need to know what triggered it."

　Mioto muttered to himself, then raised his head and met his gaze firmly.

"...Koharu-chan, I'm not sure if this will bother you, but is it okay if I ask you something private?"

"Y-Yes, please."

"At the end of the summer in your third year of junior high, did you ever feel like you had 'become an adult'?"

"Have you grown up?"

"For example, the onset of menstruation, or the start of sleep with a boy."

　The question turned out to be more personal than she had expected, and Koharu's cheeks grew hot.

"No, no, my period started a long time ago."

　She answered while looking down in embarrassment, then looked up at Mioto.

"And what is this 'dokin' thing?"

　At the question, Mioto's eyes snapped open.

"Oh, the word 'doubt' is not used very often. It means 'sleeping together.'"

"Let's sleep together..."

　In other words, Koharu instantly understood the meaning of the question, "Did you become an adult when you had sex with a man for the first time at the end of the summer of your third year of junior high school?" and her ears turned bright red.

"N-no, I don't have one, not at all! I've never had a boyfriend."

　Koharu shook her head vigorously, and Mioto nodded.

"I thought so. I felt the same way, but sometimes by becoming an adult, some people's powers are freed, so I think that might be it."

"So, there's someone like that?"

"There's a gate of energy."

"The Gate of Spirit..."

"Well, let's leave that for now."

　Koharu felt a little relieved that Mioto changed the subject, even though she had heard it herself.

"I'd like to know why Koharu-chan had such great power but was unaware of it until she was fifteen, and why it suddenly appeared."

　Mioto leaned his chin on his hand and groaned.

"I-Is my power a great power?"

"Well, being able to read the thoughts of living people is a great power. And what surprised me most of all was that Dragon God."

"The dragon god, Wakamiya-kun?"

"That's right, being able to communicate with the Dragon God and have him act in the way that you want is something that an ordinary human being can't do, even if they have a special power."

　Koharu was surprised, but also taken aback, by Mioto's firm statement.

"...Come to think of it, Wakamiya-kun himself said the same thing."

"Koharu, you need to trust in people who love you more, believe in yourself, and get to know yourself.

　Why did I suddenly have such a special power? Why were you able to carry me? The bird that took me away was not an ordinary bird. An ordinary bird cannot carry me. In the same way, not everyone can carry me, even if they have spiritual powers.

　Koharu recalled the conversation she had had when she had transported the young prince to Shinsenen, and repeated those words to Mioto.

"--- You're right, I think so too. Even within the Kamo clan, who have made a living through both light and shadow, it's rare to find someone who is so closely accompanied by a god. Koharu-chan is so carefree, but it's really quite amazing."

"Uh, yeah..."

　Koharu shrugged, unable to comprehend what was happening, when a man in a white work robe appeared in the hallway and sat on his knees in front of the open sliding door.

"Mio-san, the report and photos have arrived."

　He said this and showed him the brown envelope, and Mioto walked over and took it, saying "Thank you."

"What is it?" Koharu asked, tilting her head.

"Yeah, maybe I should get Koharu to take a look too."

　As soon as Mioto returned to the table, he took out a photograph from the brown envelope.

　Then, several photos of women appeared.

"Oh, this isn't it."

　The woman's photo is immediately returned to the brown envelope.

"...What's the photo now?"

"It's a matchmaking photo."

"You mean Mioto-san, the arranged marriage?"

"That's right."

　Koharu blinked at Mioto who simply nodded.

"B-but, you're still a 19-year-old university student, aren't you, Mioto-san?"

"Yeah, but we come from a special family, so I thought we should get married quickly."

"Are you being forced to do this?"

"No, that's not it. I've been asking for people to bring me stories, but no one has really caught on."

"So... does that mean there's no one you like?"

"That's not it. It's someone who literally clicks with you. Someone you can form a bond with."

　As Mioto said this, he took out the photo again.

「............」

　While Koharu stood there dumbfounded, Mioto checked the photo and then placed it on the table, saying, "Ah, this is it."

　It shows a view of a certain town.

　Koharu had seen that view before too.

　This is Horihorikawadori Street near Seimeimei Shrine.

"When you look at this picture, Koharu, what do you feel?"

　Koharu stares at the photo on the table.

　However, Mioto's words from earlier kept going round and round in his head, making it difficult for him to concentrate.

　Mioto, I'm thinking about getting married and am going on a blind date.

　My heart was fluttering, but when I looked at the photo, I felt nothing.

"...No, I don't know."

　Koharu shook her head, and Mioto sighed in disappointment.

"I see, sorry for asking such a strange question."

"No, no, what's wrong with this place?"

"Since around summer, there have been a series of reports of 'non-human creatures' appearing around here, and I have a bad feeling about it."

　As Mioto said this, he put the photo away in a brown envelope.

"I have a bad feeling..."

　Come to think of it, they said they formed a team to investigate this during the summer, but I wonder if this is what they were talking about?

"Um... may I ask you about the Kamo family's Onmyo business?"

"--Yes. Have you heard the story that your ancestor was a famous onmyoji?"

"Yes, he was an onmyouji called Kamo Tadayuki."

　He is the famous onmyoji who is said to have been the master of Abe no Seimei.

"The Kamo family has served the Imperial Court ever since then. They would tell fortunes, ward off evil spirits, and occasionally exorcise vengeful spirits. After the Meiji Restoration, the Kamo family split into a front and back group. In the front group, they worked as shrine priests, and in the back group, they continued to serve the Imperial family, praying for the safety of the country and sometimes being asked by politicians to tell fortunes."

"That's amazing," Koharu gasped, thinking that this must mean she's a fortune teller for a country that isn't made public.

"But, all of this is about the main family. Our branch family is more like a branch office or a subcontracting company. We take on detailed investigations requested by the main family, report on them, and perform exorcisms."

　Koharu nodded in agreement, remembering what Sojiro had previously said: "If the parent company is a major general contractor, we're just a local construction company."

"But over time, the country has started to place less importance on these things and they have certainly dwindled."

　Mioto took a small sigh and brought the tea to her mouth.

"...In reality, they should have exorcised the spirits and purified the land before building anything, but instead they just did a simple exorcism and built something, and then a few years later, they caused a big problem, or they went ahead with politics without listening to the advice of the onmyoji, and ended up incurring the wrath of the gods. But they gradually became less willing to listen, and as a result, it became harder to produce powerful children in the family. It's the same for my family, my grandfather has great powers, but my father, older brother, and older sister all have no talent for onmyoji."

　Mioto said that and took a small breath.

　He must be thinking about the future of the Kamo family, and Koharu's heart swells at the melancholy look in his eyes.

"Among them all, Koharu is truly amazing."

"no"

"If I can get permission from Koharu's parents, I'd love for her to join the Kamo family."

　Koharu's heart skipped a beat as she heard Mioto's heartfelt words.

"W-Would you like me to enter the Kamo household?"

"That's right. If only her parents would forgive me, I would love for Koharu to be adopted by the Kamo family and become my little sister."

　As he continued, Koharu stopped moving and said, "Eh..."

"What a joke, I know Koharu's parents wouldn't allow something like that."

　As he spoke with a smile, Koharu could only nod vaguely.

　──I'm sure there are many people out there who have had a man they like tell them, "I think of you like a little sister."

　But I'm sure there aren't many people who would seriously say to me, like I am now, "I want you to be my little sister."

　Although Koharu was shocked, she was vaguely thinking about this.

"Koharu, would you like some more tea?" Mioto asks, and Koharu shook her head and said, "No."

　My chest feels unsettled.

"Um, about that matchmaking thing we were talking about earlier, are you sure you're okay with it, Mioto?"

　Koharu raised her head and leaned forward a little.

　"Eh?" Mioto's eyes widened.

"So, Mioto, is there no one you like? Do you not want to marry that person? I, I don't think I would like that."

　Koharu asked boldly, and Mioto gently placed the teacup down, saying "That's right."

"...I'm sure you won't understand this feeling, Koharu-chan, but for me, the most important thing is to be able to form connections with people who are destined for me. My preferences, hobbies, tastes, and feelings can all take a back seat."

　Mioto smiled and said it as if it was nothing, leaving Koharu at a loss for words.

　In Gion, Sojiro was wandering around the Sakuraan shop with a bamboo broom in hand.

　People passing by greet Sojiro with smiles.

"Good evening, Zou-chan."

"It's rare for you to sweep the front of a store, Mune-chan."

　Sojiro smiled and said "Good evening" to the neighbors.

"...It really should be 'Good evening', right? It's already six o'clock," he said, looking up at the evening sky, then quickly stuck his face in between the noren curtains.

"Hey, grandma, isn't it strange that Koharu hasn't come home yet?"

"Grandma, don't say that. It's only six o'clock."

　Yoshino shrugged and took a sip of tea.

"Well, even so, we left at one o'clock in the afternoon, and it's been five hours. A man can accomplish a lot in five hours."

"You idiot. Koharu is already in high school. And Mioto is a gentleman."

　Yoshino shook her shoulders vigorously.

"I know that. But if we've spent this much time together, Koharu will definitely come back feeling poisoned by the poisonous flower and saying, 'I love you, Mioto.'"

"What is that?"

"They say he'll come back with hearts in his eyes."

"Your eyes are hearts"

　As Sojiro and Yoshino stood in front of the store and inside the store, chatting away between the noren curtains,

"I'm home," said Koharu as she quietly appeared.

"Koharu!"

　Sojiro turned around forcefully and grabbed Koharu by both of her shoulders.

"Are you okay? Are you poisoned?"

"Poisoned, what?"

　Koharu gave a wry smile, and Soujirou took a deep breath.

"It's got to be about Mioto, of course. Hasn't she already come back completely smitten?"

"Smitten... not at all. What can I say, it was just as Soujirou said."

"Huh?"

"I hope you understand that you live in a different world than me, Mioto-san. Ah, I ate a lot of sweets today, so I don't need dinner. I'm going to rest in my room for a bit."

　Koharu said this with a weak smile and quickly went upstairs.

「............」

　After watching Koharu leave, Sojiro and Yoshino looked at each other in surprise.

"What is that?"

"Well, Mioto-chan, who noticed Koharu's feelings for him, drew a clear line, didn't he?"

"What the hell is that poisonous flower?! Don't try and dump Koharu in such a roundabout way."

　As Sojiro clenched his fists, Yoshino shrugged and said, "What are you really like?"

　As soon as she entered her room, Koharu sighed and jumped into bed.

"I really wish Koharu would be adopted by the Kamo family and become my little sister."

　The image of Mioto, who had said it as if it was something he truly wished for, flashed through Koharu's mind, and she sighed again.

　Plus lots of matchmaking photos.

"I'm sure it's a feeling you won't understand, Koharu-chan, but for me, the most important thing is to be able to form connections with people who are destined for me, and my preferences, hobbies, tastes, and feelings can all take a back seat."

　Mioto's words added to the blow.

　Koharu rummaged around, reached into her notebook, opened it, and eyed the cat-patterned bandage.

　...Mio-san wants to get married soon.

　It must have been for the Kamo family.

　As my chest hurt, I suddenly remembered what Anna had said in this very room.

　--You see, I can't see or understand anything. Not even ghosts or thoughts. So to be honest, I can't keep up with the Kamo family's secret business. But because we're an old family, we can pass on things like the "feelings of our ancestors." Maybe it's old customs and habits that are only passed down in our family. Like the Kamo family's way of thinking and customs...

　Mioto sometimes thinks that he is like a "living ghost" born from the history and thoughts of the Kamo family, and it sometimes scares him a little.

"A living ghost born from the history and thoughts of the Kamo clan, huh?"

　As she touched the bandage on her notebook, she let out a sigh.

　Of course, Soujiro would be against it.

　He has completely different values, so if I fell in love with him, I'd only end up feeling hurt.

　It seems I was completely out of the question.

　The tip of my nose went numb, the corners of my eyes felt hot, and before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face.

"────!"

　I press my face into the pillow, afraid that my crying will leak out of the room.

He said that I was "someone I admired" and it showed that he really liked me.

　And because he always cared about me, I had the wrong idea.

　The only thing he's interested in is my special powers.

　All I could think was that it would be great if I could incorporate that into the Kamo family.

　Although he said it jokingly, he seriously thought that he wanted her to be his little sister.

　To the person I loved, I was an outsider.

　I never thought it would be so painful to be confronted with that fact...

　It's no good, it's so painful.

　Let's not get close to Mioto anymore.

　With trembling fingers, Koharu peeled the bandage off the notebook and threw it in the trash.

　　　　six

"Koharu, I'm so sorry. I promised to hang out during autumn break."

　When the short autumn break ended and Koharu entered the classroom, Ai clasped her hands together apologetically.

　Koharu quickly shook her head and sat down in her chair.

"It's good that you got to go on a trip with your dad. Where did you go?"

"Eastern Hokkaido. I was overwhelmed by the vast scenery, and the food was delicious, but it was already as cold as winter even though it was still October. Oh yeah, I bought some souvenirs."

"Wow, thank you! Hokkaido is great."

"Did Koharu go somewhere?"

　When asked that, Koharu recalled going to Kamigamo Shrine with Mioto, but was at a loss for words.

"Um, well, I just wanted to check out the shrine in the city."

"Like Seimei Shrine?"

　Koharu was a little confused when Ai leaned forward with shining eyes.

"I've been to Seimei Shrine before, but not during the holidays. What makes you think I went to Seimei Shrine?"

"It's not that I thought you'd been there, it's just that that's the place I most want to go and check out right now. There's a website for this."

　Ai said as she took out her smartphone and showed it to me.

　On the black screen, I see the words "Mysterious Report: Kyoto Area" in red letters.

"What is this site?"

"On a website where people post accounts of seeing strange things like ghosts, UFOs, and UMAs, there have been a series of incredible sightings recently on Horikawa-dori near Seimei Shrine."

　Koharu's heart skips a beat as she peers at the screen.

　The photo Mioto showed me was from around there.

"What amazing sighting?"

"They say it's a demon."

"Ayakashi?"

　Koharu's eyes widened at the unexpected words.

"Someone saw a procession of demons on a moonless night. It was like a parade of demons," he says.

"That, that's just too unrealistic."

　Ai frowned at Koharu who gave a wry smile.

"Wait, Koharu, why would you say something like that?"

　Ai looked as if she was wondering what Koharu had to say because she had unrealistic, mysterious powers. Koharu shrugged and said, "You're right."

"Hey, Koharu, thanks to the amulet your grandmother made for you, you can't hear what's going on inside your head, right?"

　Ai asked in a hushed voice, and Koharu nodded and said, "Yes."

　"To a certain extent," he added silently.

　Although I am able to shut out the jumble of little voices in my head, sometimes I still get strong emotions like, "Oh, I'm hungry!" or "I hate that person!"

　Still, just having the amulet made things a lot easier.

"If I have that charm, will I be able to see ghosts and stuff?"

"Um, no, I can see ghosts."

"So, that charm only blocks the voice inside your head? Koharu's grandmother is incredible."

　Ai let out a voice that sounded truly impressed, and Koharu gasped and said, "That's certainly true."

　This talisman doesn't suppress all of my powers, but it does suppress the "voice of my heart." Is it possible to pinpoint something so specific?

　Koharu took out the amulet from her pocket and stared at it.

　After the autumn break, schools were bustling with committees preparing for the school culture festival and sports festival.

　Koharu, who enrolled mid-year, is not assigned a role as a committee member and goes home early on her own.

　It was still only three in the afternoon. I got off the bus and walked around the town of Gion, thinking that when I got back, I would help out at the store and ask my grandmother about the charms in detail.

"I'm back."

　When I walked through the noren curtain of the Japanese goods store "Sakuraan," I saw Sojiro, not Yoshino, sitting at the counter, who raised his hand and said, "Hey."

"What about your grandmother?"

"Grandma has gone out. She's going to meet her brother and have dinner."

　"Oh," Koharu agreed.

　If he is the younger brother, does that mean he is Mioto's grandfather?

　As I thought that, Mioto's face flashed through my mind and I felt a sharp pain in my chest.

"You're early today."

"Oh, yeah, there is a committee. I'm not on it."

"I see. Sorry but Koharu, could you please watch the shop for a bit?" said Sojiro, standing up. Koharu nodded and tilted her head, saying "Yes."

"Are you going out too, Soujirou?"

"Well, when I was working behind the counter, ideas for new Japanese sweets kept coming up and I just couldn't help but want to try them. I got tired of being in the kitchen all the time, so I took over as counter attendant."

　Koharu chuckled when Sojiro said that.

　It may be human psychology that being away from the kitchen gives you ideas and makes you want to go back.

"Okay. I'll go get changed, so wait for me."

"Ou"

　Koharu went up to the second floor, took off her uniform, changed into an azuki bean-colored work uniform, and put on a white waist apron. She put the charm in her pocket, brushed her teeth and gargled, washed her hands, and said, "Sorry to keep you waiting," and went down to the first floor.

"Call me if you need anything."

　Soujirou briskly went up to the second floor.

　The female customers in the shop looked at each other with a bit of disappointment at Sojiro's disappearance, then slowly left the shop.

「............」

　Koharu's cheeks twitched as she thought how blatant it was that the customers left as soon as Sojiro was gone.

　Well, that's alright. She was tired after the school holidays, so she was grateful that the place was empty rather than crowded, Koharu thought as she sat down on a chair in front of the counter and sighed softly.

　In front of the cash register were rows of Yoshino's handmade charms.

"Amulet for academic success," "Amulet for success in love," "Amulet for finding love," and "Amulet for warding off misfortune."

　Koharu holds the pink ''Love Success Amulet'' in her hand and stares at it intently.

　Perhaps my grandmother had a talent for making amulets and talismans.

　Even old-time customers are coming to ask for banknotes, so it seems that many people are feeling the effects of the service.

　Come to think of it, on the first day of school, Mioto came to see me because my grandmother mistakenly gave me a charm that would "attract the one you love."

　If you think about it that way, it might not be so strange if you could create a talisman that only suppresses the "voice of the heart"...

　Koharu put the ''Love Success Charm'' back in its original place and took out her own talisman from her pocket.

　Ever since I heard Ai's words in the classroom, I couldn't help but be curious.

　What on earth could be in this?

「............」

　Koharu swallowed hard and smoothly untied the knot.

　I felt like I was doing something very bad, and my heart was pounding violently.

　He clasped his hands together before opening it.

　Excuse me, grandma, please let me see what's inside.

　Then, as if by prior agreement, the few customers who had been in the store left the store.

　After making sure that the customer had finished, Koharu took the contents out of the package decorated with cosmos flowers.

　What came out was a small wooden board. On it, written in black with a red brush, were pattern-like characters that read "six-pointed star." Koharu couldn't read the characters.

　Besides the wooden board, there were three packages of washi paper inside.

　The first was a small octagonal mirror with a pentagram painted on the back of the mirror, the second was coarse salt mixed with incense, and the third was a piece of hair.

"......hair?"

　A small bundle of hair, about five centimeters in size, was wrapped in Japanese paper.

　Is this my grandmother's hair?

　As Koharu squinted her eyes, she heard a voice say, "Hello." Koharu replied, "Y-yes," and hurriedly put the contents into the package, then shoved it into her pocket.

"welcome"

　Koharu looked up and stopped moving.

　There was Mioto.

"Yoshino-san, Iharu?"

　Unable to look directly at Mioto, who was smiling brightly, Koharu quickly lowered her eyes.

　Only the other day, Koharu had been confronted with the fact that he didn't see her at all as a woman, and had only just realized that she had been heartbroken. And yet, now that she was facing him like this, her heart felt so excited that it made her feel bitter.

"Oh, no... Grandma is out."

"I see, that's a pity."

　Mioto took a deep breath and looked at Koharu as if he had just remembered something.

"Yes, Koharu-chan, thank you for the other day."

"Oh, no, thank you for coming."

"Even though you came all the way here, there hasn't been any progress in terms of controlling your powers. Let's meet again next time, slowly..."

"N-no, it's fine now."

　Koharu spoke up to interrupt.

　"Eh?" Mioto tilted his head curiously.

"No, well... with Grandma's amulet, I'll be able to live a fairly normal life, and with the help of Grandma and Soujirou I'll be able to control my powers."

　Koharu said this, unable to look him in the eye.

　It probably wouldn't make sense to him.

　You must think that's a bad feeling.

　But if we're together I just can't help but feel drawn to him, and it hurts me even more.

　Truly... it was just as Soujirou said.

　As Koharu continued to look down, Miohto gently narrowed his eyes.

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea too."

　Hearing that word so casually made Koharu's heart hurt as if it had been slashed once again.

　Maybe he was aware of my feelings.

　So maybe that was a warning.

　This thought occurred to Koharu after hearing Mioto's reply and she gave a self-deprecating smile.

　At that moment, I heard footsteps coming from the second floor.

"What? I had a bad feeling about this, and it's you," Sojiro said, appearing.

"Oh no, please don't say things like 'I have a bad feeling'."

　Mioto laughed happily as always.

"Did you need help with Baa-san?"

"...Yes, I wanted you to write me a talisman, but I'm sorry you weren't there. Well then, I'll come again."

　With that said, Mioto bowed and headed out of the store.

　Seeing him like that, a bad feeling came over Koharu, and she almost wanted to call out to him, but instead she kept her mouth shut.

"--Wait a moment, Mioto."

　It was Soujirou who called out to Koharu instead.

　Mioto stopped walking and turned around gently.

"Where are you going now?"

"That's a trade secret."

　He puts his index finger in front of his mouth and smiles.

"...Are you going to exorcise the rumored place?"

　When Soujiro asked that question, Mioto didn't answer.

　"Wait a moment," Sojiro said, and went into the back room, returning after a short while with a bill wrapped in white paper in his hand.

"It's a quick one, but it's a spell I wrote. It's not as good as Grandma's, but it might be of some use. Take it."

　Mioto gave a small smile as Soujirou handed him the bill, pressing it against his chest.

"Thank you. Just like your sister, you have strong 'yang' powers. It's a great help."

"And Mioto, when you're done, come back and return that talisman."

"Returning it... that might be in the middle of the night."

"It doesn't matter what time it is, when you finish work, come to me."

　Sojiro said, his eyes looking serious.

"...I understand. I'll definitely return it."

　Mioto held the talisman carefully and slowly bowed his head.

　As Koharu watched Mioto leave, her heart began to race with an irrational, unpleasant feeling.

　Soujiro must have felt the same way, as he saw Mioto off with a grim expression.

　Meanwhile, Yoshino was at a restaurant on Kikiyamachimachi-dori Street, listening to the sound of bamboo threatening the deer and lions as she quietly brought a cup of sake to her mouth.

　Facing him was Yoshino's younger brother, Yoshio, and Mioto's grandfather, smiling gently.

"You're still a great drinker, sis."

　As he said that, narrowing his eyes in amusement, he looked a lot like Mioto.

　However, his once lustrous black hair is now gray and his skin shows the rings of his years.

　However, Yoshino found it a little strange and amusing that she still felt like he was her younger brother, and she gently turned up the corners of her mouth.

"It's been a while since I last had a drink with you like this."

"...That's right, it's been since Shige-san's wake, I guess."

"That's true."

　As the two sit in the spacious tatami room and savor the kaiseki cuisine that is brought to them little by little, they slowly reminisce about old memories.

"So, what did you do today?"

　After a moment, Yoshio asked quietly, and Yoshino gently put down her sake cup.

"It's always bothered me, but I thought it would be bad for me to get too involved, so I tried not to say anything, but somehow it got to the point where I couldn't say anything."

"...Are you talking about Mioto?"

　Yoshio said, gently narrowing his eyes.

"That's right. That child is carrying a heavy load. What kind of load are you guys making that child carry?"

　Seeing his sister looking him in the eye and glaring at him with a sharp gaze, Yoshio put his hand to his forehead in a weak manner.

"No good, it's something I've been imprinting on myself since I was little. I tremble when Nee-san glares at me."

　Yoshino frowned even more at his words.

"I'm not kidding, I'm telling the truth."

　Yoshio slowly rose to his feet and stood by the window.

　There was no moon, and the Kamo River flowing in front of me looked like a black dragon.

"Tonight is a new moon."

"It's bound to be easy to get depressed," Yoshino said with a wry smile.

"That's right. And it's a night when you can't hide anything."

　Yoshio took a deep breath and turned around quietly.

"That child is carrying the sins of the Kamo clan on his shoulders. No, our sins."

"—Sin?"

"Sis, have you made peace with Souichi?"

　Having the topic smoothly changed, Yoshino frowned and shook her head uncertainly.

"Taking care of Koharu has changed things in many ways, but I wouldn't go as far as to say we've "reconciled." In the first place, I was just hated unilaterally."

"Soichi must have had a hard time because of his business as a oracle."

"...That's true."

"I feel the same way. I caused Akira a lot of pain."

　Akira is Yoshio's only son.

　He now serves as director of the hospital in Shimogamo, which is Yoshio's main occupation.

　From the outside, he was an extremely talented son and a source of pride for the Kamo family, but this was not the case within the family.

　He had absolutely no qualities as a shrine priest, and even though no one in the family would ever say it out loud, he was certainly considered something of an outcast.

"It would have been better if Akira had rebelled like Souichi. He's an earnest, honest man who is proud of the Kamo clan, so he ended up blaming himself."

　Saying this, he lowered his eyes with a pained expression.

　Yoshino listened to her brother without saying anything.

"Then, neither his first-born daughter Anna nor his next-born eldest son Kazuto had the qualities to be a diviner, so when his wife became pregnant with Mioto, Akira did something he should not have done."

"Is it wrong to do that?"

"Without telling me, in cooperation with the Kamo Onyo priests, they performed a special prayer to ensure that the next child born would be given special powers, the power of the gods."

　At his words, Yoshino's eyes widened.

"---If someone were to do something like that, wouldn't they bear terrible consequences?"

"That's right. It's so true. If we do something that distorts the laws of nature because of our own ego, we will inevitably suffer a heavy punishment. That child has had to bear all of that."

　Saying this, Yoshio looked out at the pitch black Kamo River, his face twisting in sadness.

　--Meanwhile, Mioto had gathered with his friends in front of the Inui Gogomon Gate on the west side of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, facing Karasuma-dori Street, and with a map in hand, he listened to everyone's reports.

　There are five men in total, including Mioto.

　Their ages ranged from people in their late teens to middle-aged people in their forties, and all of them were dressed in white formal attire, like priests at a shrine.

"Sightings have occurred on new moons or moonless nights."

"They all come from the west, cross a bridge, and head east."

　As Mioto listened to what everyone was saying, he made a mark on the map and looked up.

"So, did you hear where in the west they came from?"

"No, apparently you can see him around Horikawa-dori."

　Mioto nodded in agreement.

"...Horikawa-dori has a strong energy, for better or worse, so that's why some people can see it. Even so, the spirits that appear on moonless nights are just like the riots that occurred in Gion in the past."

"Oh, I heard Yoshino got rid of it."

"That's right."

　Mioto gave a small laugh and nodded, then looked at everyone properly.

"It will definitely come out tonight. Okay, I'm thinking of lying in wait for it as it comes from the west to the east. I'll be waiting on standby on Ichijo Muromachi Street, and you all will be waiting on standby on Nishi-Mushakoji Ogawa Street, Nakadachiuri Shinmachi Street, Mushanokoji Shinmachi Street, and Nakadachiuri Ogawa Street. This will complete a five-pointed star, so when the demon passes through the center, wait on the designated spot."

　When Mioto said that, his comrades nodded in agreement and each went to their own posts.

"Oh, wait a minute, everyone. Just put on this yellow 'Safety Patrol' armband. This will cut our suspiciousness in half."

　As Mioto said this, he took out yellow reflective armbands from his waistband and handed them to everyone.

"That's true. At first glance, we do look suspicious."

"I can't handle being stopped by the police."

　Everyone laughed, put their armbands on, and headed off to their posts once again.

　Mioto sees everyone off and heads towards Ichijo Muromachi-dori.

　A cold wind blew through the air, and Mioto gently rubbed his arm.

"It's already deep autumn, and this outfit is pretty bad. I need to get something for autumn and winter."

　But maybe I don't need autumn and winter clothes anymore, Mioto shrugged gently, stopped in his tracks and said, "Well," he looked at me with a firm gaze.

　　　　seven

「............」

　Even as the clock struck midnight, Yoshino had not returned to the Sakurai household in Gion, and there was no sign of Mioto arriving either.

　Koharu was in the living room with Sojiro, her fists clenched tightly around her restless chest.

　He looked at the clock several times and sighed.

　Meanwhile, Sojiro is lying on the tatami mat, watching a late-night TV program and chuckling to himself.

"This show is really interesting. Koharu, stop looking so depressed and watch it."

　Koharu gave Sojiro a cold glance and hugged her knees.

"Soujirou, even though you said that, aren't you worried?"

"Just looking gloomy is not the same as being worried."

　Koharu was at a loss for words after hearing that quick response.

　Now that you mention it, it's unusual for Sojiro to be in the living room at this time without drinking.

　It doesn't change the fact that I'm worried.

　Just because I'm living a normal life doesn't mean I'm not worried.

　...Exactly.

　"He's always so carefree, but sometimes he says something nice and it really pisses me off," Koharu thought, glaring at Sojiro with a pout.

"...Now then."

　Sojiro sat up, picked up the remote and turned off the TV.

"The show isn't over yet, is it?"

"Koharu, go to the front door."

"Huh?"

"And even if they return the bill at the front door, don't accept it, but make sure they come to this living room."

　Koharu took a breath and nodded to Sojiro as he said this, then left the living room and headed towards the entrance on the first floor.

　Koharu opened the door timidly and blinked widely at the sight of Mioto, dressed in a white work uniform, about to press the intercom.

"--Mio-san."

"This house is really amazing. Koharu, this is for Sojiro."

　He quickly handed me a bill in a white envelope.

　Koharu frowned when she noticed that his hand was trembling slightly.

"...Soujirou-san told me to come to the living room and return it to him in person."

　Koharu quietly told him, and Mioto gave a wry smile and shrugged.

"I'm no match for that guy. Well then, excuse me."

　With that, Mioto took off his sandals and went up into the house.

　Even though he was smiling as usual, I could tell his breathing was irregular.

　His steps were heavy as he climbed the stairs.

　It's like dragging an invisible lead.

　I wonder what happened.

　Koharu finds it hard to breath as a bad feeling rises up inside her again.

"Good evening"

　Mioto smiled brightly and appeared in the living room.

　As soon as Soujirou saw Mioto like that, he blatantly frowned.

"What kind of face are you making?"

"Your face is the same as always."

　Mioto laughed, "Fufufu," and was about to reach into his pocket to take out the bill, when Sojiro grabbed his wrist and with the other hand grabbed the collar of his work clothes and removed one side of them.

"Hk!"

　With her upper body suddenly exposed, Koharu's cheeks no longer blushed, but instead turned pale.

　Mioto's left shoulder, chest, and side were covered in red, blistering wounds, as if he had been burned.

　However, perhaps the amulet had worked, as the heart area was left white and square, with most of the original skin remaining.

"--What is this?"

"Please stop, it really hurts."

　Mioto said with a smile, even though her cheeks were twitching, as she put on her outerwear.

　Sweat was dripping from his forehead and he was out of breath.

"Koharu, put him down there right now."

"Y-Yes."

　Koharu immediately opened the sliding screen doors to the closet in the living room and took out the futon.

"I can't handle this, I'll call Granny."

"B-the hospital is here."

"Doctors can't do anything about wounds inflicted by non-humans."

　Sojiro said as he stormed out of the living room.

　Soon I heard the sound of a motorcycle engine outside and the sound of someone driving away.

　Perhaps Sojiro had predicted this would happen and therefore refrained from drinking.

"R-Rioto-san, stand next to me..."

　When I touched his back I was surprised at how hot it was.

"Kannin, I'm going to rest for a bit. Just for a bit."

　Then, Miohito collapsed and lay down on the futon.

　As I tried to cover his body with the blanket, Mioto shook his head slightly.

"Thank you, but don't put anything on me. My body is so hot and in so much pain I can't stand it."

"Mioto-san..."

　Even though he was out of breath in pain, his mouth was forming a smile.

　I could feel the throbbing pain in the sore area.

　Seeing Mioto like that, Koharu felt helpless and her pain grew, and tears welled up in her eyes.

　Still, this was no time to be like this. First, she tried to cool him down by making a cold towel and placing it on his forehead, and just like Yoshino had done when exorcising spirits, she placed a packet of coarse salt on the back of his neck and other places where it wouldn't hurt to move it.

　However, nothing improved, and I became anxious and wondered what to do and what I should do.

"Please, Wakamiya-kun, help me!" Koharu clasped her hands together as if praying.

　Seeing Koharu like that, Mioto gave a small laugh.

"You don't have to worry about it. You don't have to do anything."

"Well, you see, there's nothing I can do, but Soujirou will be bringing Grandma over soon."

"Probably not even Yoshino-san could do that. This was definitely something done by a non-human, but it wasn't something done by a supernatural spirit."

"Huh?"

　It was done by a non-human being, but it wasn't a demon.

　Not knowing what to say, Koharu was at a loss for words.

"This is an obstacle," Mioto replied quietly.

"What do you mean, 'obstacles'?"

"I have done evil to God."

"Huh?"

"Well, I don't feel like I've done anything to vendetta against you. It took me a while to realise that it was the 'God's Sentence'. By the time I realised it, it was too late."

　Mioto said this with a self-deprecating smile.

"God's advance sent?"

　While Koharu was just looking down at Mioto in a daze, not understanding what was going on, she heard the sound of a motorcycle engine outside again and looked up.

"Y-you're back."

　Soon the sound of someone running up the stairs reached my ears.

"Mio-chan."

　Yoshino's face turned pale as she ran into the living room and looked down at Mioto.

"...Sorry for bothering you so late, Yoshino-san."

"What are you talking about? Let me see."

"It's best not to touch it directly."

　Yoshino clasped her hands together and gently took the collar of her work uniform into her hands, looking at the red, rotten half of her body.

"Is that an obstacle?"

　Yoshino immediately realized what was going on and grimaced in pain, to which Mioto nodded and said, "That's right."

"I thought it was a demon, but it was actually a messenger from the gods."

"...What a thing to do."

"Grandmother, what do you mean, 'God's advance sent'?"

　Sojiro answered Koharu who asked that question.

"When the government of this country goes against the will of the gods, they show their anger by causing disasters. But before that happens, there is a 'message'. Before inviting the great gods who will bring disaster to this land, the lesser gods take the lead and pave the way. That is the 'gods' advance message' we are seeing today. They are sometimes difficult to distinguish from youkai because they are wrapped up in negative thoughts and have a sinister and ominous appearance. The Mioto tried to exterminate such gods and received their punishment."

　Koharu was left speechless by this unexpected news.

"...Mioto, where are the others on your team?"

"It's okay. The others were protected."

　Mioto said, looking a little proud.

"When one person has to bear the full burden, things get really bad."

　Yoshino said angrily and clenched her fists.

"Grandmother, please hurry up and make Mioto better."

　Koharu leans forward, but Yoshino keeps her expression grim.

"Hey, just chant and pray like you always do."

　As Koharu spoke earnestly, Mioto narrowed his eyes softly.

"Thank you, Koharu-chan. However, this is 'God's will' and there is nothing we can do about it."

"No, I'll figure something out. I'm just thinking about it."

　As Yoshino became angry, Mioto shook his head.

"You know that too, Yoshino-san. But it's okay. I knew my life expectancy was short. But I was healthy, so I wondered how I was going to die. But dying because of a god's interference might be just like me."

"Huh?"

　Koharu's eyes widened.

"My father lamented that he did not have the power of the Kamo clan, and that his older sister and brother did not have any power either, so when my mother was pregnant with me, he had the Onyo priests pray for her to definitely grant strength to her next child. However, this is wrong and goes against the laws of nature, and it will cause distortions. When I was born, a god descended upon my grandfather's bedside and left behind the words, 'The child born today will not live to be twenty years old because of his sins.' Only a select few knew this, and I was never told about it.

　But I knew. That I would die before I reached adulthood... So I thought that at the very least, I should use the power I had gained in exchange for my lifespan to serve the Kamo family as much as possible. And, if possible, I wanted to have children as soon as possible... But, it turned out that I wasn't allowed to even continue living."

　Mioto spoke absentmindedly, still looking at the ceiling.

　No one could say anything, they just looked down at Mioto with saddened expressions on their faces.

　In the midst of her pain, Koharu finally understood the strange feeling she had about Mioto.

　The aura that made her seem so unlike a human being, and the reason why she put all her own feelings aside to serve the household...

"Are you okay with that, Mioto?"

　In the silence, Soujirou crossed his arms and asked coldly, and Mioto smiled.

"I was prepared for it. It can't be helped."

　Saying that, he gasped.

　Koharu could see that the red, swollen "obstruction" was gradually spreading little by little, and she put her hand over her mouth.

"N-no, Mioto. Don't die like that. Why should Mioto, who has served God up until now, die like this? How can you think that it can't be helped? Please Wakamiya-kun, help Mioto."

　Koharu clung to the futon and broke down in tears.

"...Koharu-chan."

　As Mioto narrowed his eyes sadly, and Yoshino and Soujiro also looked sad, the sound of a bell rang out.

　Even though the windows were closed, a gentle breeze blew, creating a small whirlpool, and in it a young boy dressed in a mizuginu kimono appeared.

　A beautiful face. It was the incarnation of a young dragon god, Wakamiya.

"Wow, Wakamiya-kun."

"...Koharu-chan, you're truly amazing."

　Mioto laughs softly, still breathing heavily.

"Thank you so much for relying on me from the bottom of your heart, Koharu-san."

　Wakamiya smiled at Koharu, then looked down at Mioto.

"---But this time, I regret that I cannot be of any help."

"Huh?"

"As Mioto himself said, this is truly 'unavoidable'. It is God's will. Mioto, please rest in peace."

　The young prince put down the fan he was holding and said this coldly.

　Mioto chuckled wryly without saying anything.

"Wow, Wakamiya-kun, that's terrible."

　Just as Koharu was about to lean forward, Yoshino cried out, "Koharu, no!"

"Grandmother?"

"Don't be fooled by her cute appearance. That child is a black dragon - a god with the powers of the King of the Underworld."

"The power of the Underworld King?"

　Sojiro nodded firmly to the confused Koharu.

"...The black dragon is said to be a god that brings disaster. The person the advance guard was calling was probably this young prince. He was creating a path from Shinsenen to the Imperial Palace so that the young prince could move around smoothly."

　Sojiro said, looking at Wakamiya with a bit of caution.

　The young prince then looked disappointed and a little sad in his eyes.

"It's a bit different to say that I'm a god that brings disaster. I just bring about results."

　Then he looked down at Mioto.

"He lived his life with the determination in his heart that he would die before reaching adulthood. Of course, there was a curse and karma involved. But he himself was largely responsible for his fate. Mioto, you have continued to commit crimes."

"--Sin. I am aware that I am a sinful person, and I have tried my best for the sake of people, for the Kamo family," Mioto said, narrowing his eyes in a slightly frustrated tone.

"That's the biggest sin."

"Huh?"

"You talked to Koharu about the triangular barrier. The triangle is the Trinity, the law of the universe. What is important for people to live is to live for the world, for other people, and above all, for "yourself."

　If it is arrogant for a person to live only thinking about themselves, then it is also arrogant to continue to neglect yourself. You have given up on becoming an adult, and you have neglected your mind, body, and everything else, thinking that you might die at any time. You are tired now, aren't you? You don't want to live anymore, do you?

　As Wakamiya asked him with an appreciative tone, Miohto's body began to tremble.

"Really... God can be cruel sometimes..."

　Mioto's face contorted and tears welled up in his eyes.

"But seriously... of course I want to live! I haven't done anything for myself yet. I've always done it for other people, for my family. But the truth is... I don't want to do it for my family or for my father anymore, I'm me. I want to live my own life properly too!"

　Mioto cried out in pain and put the backs of both hands over her eyes to hide her tears.

　"...Mio-san." Koharu also puts her hand over her mouth and starts crying.

"...Even if you lose your current powers?"

　When Wakamiya asked that question, Mioto nodded vigorously with his eyes still covered.

"I understand. That's what I wanted to hear, Mioto-san."

　Wakamiya smiled gently.

"Very well, it is true that you have done good deeds for people and for society. I will help you. To do that..."

　Wakamiya looked at Koharu for a moment, but then turned his gaze to Sojiro and said, "No, it's still too early."

"Soujirou, please help me. I can't do this by myself."

"Me? Not you grandma?"

"Yoshino-san can't help you. Only you or Koharu-san can."

　When Wakamiya said that, Soujirou and Koharu blinked and said, "Huh?", while Yoshino gave a wry smile and shrugged her shoulders.

"Mr. Soujirou, please purify yourself and change into a white robe. Please light some incense and prepare some sake, coarse salt, and a brush."

　As the young prince flips the sleeves of his kimono and gives instructions, everyone responds in unison, "Yes, okay," and quickly gets to work on preparations.

　Sojiro took a shower and gargled with salt, Koharu lit some incense, and Yoshino prepared sake, coarse salt, and a brush.

　Once everyone was ready, Wakamiya gently looked down at Mioto.

"Now then, Mioto-san, please take off your outerwear and sit down."

　Mioto nodded silently and, his face distorted in pain, sat upright.

　As he slipped off his workwear jacket, the red, rotten half of his body was revealed, and Koharu felt the urge to look away.

"Soujirou, please pick up your brush."

　Soujiro, now dressed in a white work uniform, picks up the brush as he was told.

　Wakamiya placed her right hand firmly on Sojiro's back.

"Now, please use the brush and sake to write the prayer I'm going to recite on the injured parts of Mioto-san."

"Yes," Soujirou nodded firmly and dipped the tip of his brush in sake.

"Well then, let's go. We will appease the wrath of the gods that remains in his body."

　A breeze rose again, and Wakamiya's body seemed to glow white.

''──Takamagaharaji Kanruzasu, Emperor's guardian, Kaminurugi, Kaminuru Mino, Mikoichi, Yaoyoromanjin Touya, Kamishu, Keiji, Shutabi, Kamijiri, Gaga──Emperor's grandchild, Lifewave Toyoashihara Mizuho Kunio, Yasukuni Noto, Heisukehisa, Chishoku Seto"

　Sojiro wrote down the words Wakamiya recited almost at the same time.

　It was an incredible speed, as if he was possessed by something.

　With complete concentration, he writes on Mioto's body.

"---!"

　White smoke comes out from where he has written, and Mioto arches his back as if in excruciating pain, but he endures it without making a sound.

　Koharu watched in silence, so tense that she couldn't even breathe.

"Koharu, look closely. This is exactly what a shrine priest looks like. When a person unleashes a particularly strong power, it is when they use their body as a medium to transfer the power of the gods. When a shrine priest uses their power for the benefit of others, this is how they borrow the power of the gods."

　Koharu gasped and nodded in response to Yoshino's words.

　After confirming that Sojiro had written everything down, Wakamiya let out a sigh and let go of his hand.

　At that moment, Mioto, who had been enduring the pain, collapsed onto the futon as if all tension had been snapped.

"Mio-san!"

　The steam-like substance that had been constantly coming out of his upper body had disappeared, the red, swollen areas were gone, and his skin had returned to its original white color.

"Please let her sleep. It must have been unimaginable pain, but she managed to endure it without even crying out."

　Wakamiya said as he gently stroked Mioto's head.

"Thank you so much, Wakamiya-kun."

"No, everything is the will of the universe. And Koharu-san. As Yoshino-san said, the power of the universe, which is also called God, is passed on through people, just like now.

　Of course there are special times like this when the priest helps people, but it also happens to ordinary people. God is always trying to convey a message and help people through people, animals nearby, books, television, magazines, or something else. It is invisible to the eye, and few people notice it, but..."

　Wakamiya said with a slightly sad tone, and Koharu nodded.

　What's important is faith and gratitude.

　Receiving Koharu's understanding, Wakamiya smiled happily, stood up and bowed.

"---I thank you for Mioto, but as for the advance sent by the gods... what will happen with the matter of bringing disaster to this land, Lord Black Dragon?"

　Sojiro asked with a glaring look, and Yoshino looked startled, but Wakamiya just smiled.

"Miohito-san has knocked the advance party flying, so it won't be possible for a while."

　Koharu felt relieved at those words, but then she gave a wry smile, thinking... Mioto, you'd knocked it away.

"...However, it is the law of nature that disasters befall us. I sincerely hope that the government of this country does not go too far in the wrong direction."

　Saying this, Wakamiya looked out the window.

"The incident will be reported to the head office. I think it will reach the ears of those involved in politics, but I wonder how much they will listen."

"But the fact that this incident has been resolved may mean that there is hope for the future. Many people see me as an incarnation of destruction, but that is not what I wish for. I am also someone who encourages regeneration."

　When a country goes in the wrong direction, disaster occurs. It is for regeneration.

　Koharu felt powerless at this huge matter that she could not do anything about and looked down, when Wakamiya cupped both of her cheeks in his small hands and said, "Oh, Koharu."

"There's no need to look so difficult. If each of us treasures the Trinity, as I mentioned earlier, we will surely move in a good direction. You may wonder what one person can do, but each person has their own universe and is connected to it. We are by no means small beings."

　For the sake of the world, for the sake of others, and above all for the sake of myself.

　Koharu ruminated on Wakamiya's words and nodded, "Yes."

"Well then, everyone, see you again."

　Wakamiya bows deeply, and everyone else bows back in response.

　When Wakamiya had disappeared, Yoshino and Sojiro collapsed face down on the table, sighing.

"Wh-what's wrong, you two?"

　Koharu was surprised and leaned forward.

"What's wrong, Koharu?"

"It's the Black Dragon. It's not often that you get to face off against such an incredible god."

"But you say it in a weird way."

"I can't say it doesn't inspire me, that aura."

"Yeah, I know it's only been a short time since the succession took over and I'm still young, but it really frightened me."

　When the two of them said that, Koharu's eyes widened and she said, "Eh, whaaaat?"

　　　　eight

　Afterwards, Mioto slept like a dead man for two whole days in the Sakurai family's guest room.

「............」

　The morning of the third day.

　Mioto woke up as if nothing had happened, looked up at the ceiling, and wondered vaguely where he was, before remembering after a moment that he was at the Sakurai residence.

　Drawn by the wafting smell of roasting eggs, I got up and headed to the living room.

　In the dazzling morning sun, I saw Yoshino humming as she prepared breakfast.

"Good morning," Mioto said, bowing.

"Mio-chan, are you okay now?"

"Yes, thank you very much for your help."

"It's okay. You must be hungry. Come on, sit down."

"thank you"

　Mioto smiled and sat down at the low table, when Sojiro, who had just finished a shower, appeared in the living room and called out, "Hey."

"Good morning, Soujirou. Thank you for your help."

"Are you awake?"

"Okay, how long did I sleep?"

"Two full days."

"I see. It feels like I've been asleep for a hundred years."

"How are you feeling?"

"... I feel refreshed."

　Mioto said this and gave a refreshing smile.

　At that moment, Koharu appeared in the living room, rubbing her eyes, and said, "Good morning, Grandma Sojiro."

　Today is a holiday, so my hair is messy and I'm still in my pajamas.

"Koharu-chan, good morning. Thank you for your help."

　As Mioto said this, Koharu stopped moving completely, then let out a cry of "Aaah!" and ran back to her room as if fleeing.

　Seeing Koharu like that, the three people in the living room burst out in laughter.

"By the way, it seems that your grandfather and father are very worried about you. You should contact them quickly."

"Yes, I will. I have to go home today, I have a report to make. But there is a place I want to stop by before then."

"Anywhere you want to go?"

"Yes, at Shinsenen."

"Are you coming to give thanks?"

"That's right. Thank you to Kuroryuu-sama for your help. And also, thank you to Soujirou-san for all your help. Thank you so much."

　As Mioto bowed his head, Soujirou nodded vigorously.

"Yeah, after that, my arms were really sore. People were saying it was Koharu or ChibiRyu, but I was the one who took care of them the most."

"...If you call me a 'little dragon', people will get angry."

"God is not such a small being. But I'm really glad. It was a relief to see you acting like a human for the first time."

　Sojiro said, patting Mioto on the back.

"Human-like, huh? Seriously, what have you been doing up until now?"

"It felt like they had one foot in the underworld."

"One foot in the underworld. Ah, but now if I get close to Koharu-chan, will she not cause too much of a fuss?"

　"Fufufufu," Mioto asked with a laugh, and Soujirou frowned.

"Are you planning on getting any closer?"

"I was hoping that Koharu-chan could accompany me to Shinsenen today, if possible."

"...It's fine, he's probably bored anyway. But..."

"just?"

"You're still a poisonous flower that Koharu can't control, so don't be so overly seductive and confuse her."

"Sexy? I don't mean it that way. Maybe you think so because I look like my sister."

"What are you talking about, idiot?"

"Baka? Do people from Kansai use the word 'baka'?"

　While Sojiro and Mioto were chatting away, Koharu, who had fixed her hair and changed into some clothes, appeared in the living room.

"Hey, what are you talking about?"

　Koharu sat down at the low table in a confused state and looked at Mioto.

"Mio-san, are you really okay now?"

"Thank you, I'm fine. Would you like me to keep an eye on you?"

　As Mioto tried to take off the top layer of her work clothes,

"It's okay, I'm fine."

　Koharu blushed bright red and shook her head, and Sojiro rolled his eyes and said, "That's what I told you."

"So, Koharu-chan, did you have anything to do today?"

"No, no, I just wanted to help out at the store."

"I was wondering if you could accompany me to Shinsen-en to give thanks."

"It's okay."

　Koharu blushed bright red and nodded.

"Here you go, breakfast."

　Yoshino laid out fried eggs and toast on the table.

"Oh, I'll help you," Koharu said, hastily standing up.

　And so, breakfast was ready, and everyone put their hands together and said, "Itadakimasu (thank you for the meal)."

　While everyone else started eating, Sojiro just had coffee, as usual.

"Now that I think about it, Soujirou-san never eats breakfast."

"Sojiro, when you're hungry your senses are on edge and you can make delicious sweets."

"Wow, you're a craftsman."

"Yeah, I guess so," we said, as we finished our breakfast.

"Oh, you're done eating. Well then, I think I'll announce our new sweets."

　As Sojiro smiled, everyone's eyes lit up and they said, "New sweets!"

"I'm a big fan of the sweets that Sojiro makes, so I'm excited to be the first to try his new creations."

"You did it, Soujirou."

"Oh, it's frustrating, but the words of Little Dragon Ryuu made my vague idea clear. This time, it was unusually difficult to create."

　She pushes her bangs back and looks into the distance.

"Well, hurry up and get ready."

　Yoshino said, growing impatient.

「Geez, how irritating. Enjoy this impatience more.」

　Muttering to himself, Sojiro took out a food tray from the kitchen refrigerator and returned with the food served on plates.

"This is it."

　There were a few black beans on a small plate.

"Uh, black beans?"

"But it's dark brown."

　The three of them stared at him intently.

"These are softly boiled black beans from Tanba coated in chocolate and topped with grains of salt. Well, give it a try."

"Black beans and chocolate?"

　Everyone looked puzzled, picked up a grain, put it to their mouths,

"-----!" I instinctively put my hand over my mouth.

　The soft and fluffy black beans, the sweetness of the chocolate coating, and the saltiness create an exquisite balance that brings out the ultimate deliciousness.

"Oh, it's delicious, Soujirou-san."

"You're right, what a luxury!"

"...Well, hey, it's delicious."

　Koharu, Mioto, and Yoshino all tasted the deliciousness of their food at almost the same time, and Soujiro nodded in satisfaction.

"I was trying to launch a chocolate for autumn, but I thought I couldn't compete with chocolatiers, so I gave up once. But then I thought that if I, a Japanese confectioner, could compete with chocolate, it would be with Japanese ingredients. The combination of black beans, chocolate, and salt brings out the best in each ingredient, and black beans themselves have three meanings: warding off evil, good health, and longevity. It's a true trinity."

　Soujiro smiled and everyone nodded in agreement.

"And the other one is this."

　Next, Sojiro placed a cylindrical box on the table.

"What is this?" Koharu asked, tilting her head, and he smiled and said, "Open it and take a look."

　Koharu gently opened the lid and found a round grain inside.

　They come in a variety of colors, from lemon yellow to light blue to white, and all are translucent.

"Wow, how beautiful! Is this candy?"

　When you pick one up, you'll notice that it feels different from candy.

　As soon as you put it in your mouth, it melts away, spreading a gentle sweetness and then disappearing quickly.

"Oh, it's delicious."

　Koharu puts her hand over her mouth, and Mioto and Yoshino nod in agreement.

"It's a sugar candy that resembles the stars in the night sky. When you put it in your mouth, it disappears like a shooting star."

"Yeah, it really feels that way."

　Koharu picked up another one and put it in her mouth.

　An image of a starry sky appears in my head.

　The way it melts and disappears is reminiscent of a shooting star. This is the perfect sweet for the upcoming season, when the starry sky is said to be at its most beautiful.

　It's beautiful to look at and would surely make a great souvenir.

"So now, the seasonal Japanese sweets we will be serving are decided: 'Sakura Sakuramochi Mochi' in spring, 'Mini Ayu, Mizumina Tsukizuki' in early summer, 'Suzuka' in summer, 'Kuricha Chayakinkin' in autumn, and 'Chocolate Black Beans, Star Sugar Confectionery' in winter."

　Koharu and Mioto were impressed by what Soujiro had said and were hammering away at each other.

"Well, it's ok, do as you like."

　While feeling impressed inside, Soujirou's shoulders rose and fell as Yoshino spoke so casually.

"Such an unattractive way of speaking again..."

"I don't want you to think I'm cute."

　As the two begin their usual quarrel, Mioto holds up his hand and says, "Calm down."

　Koharu narrowed her eyes, dazzled by the sight of Sojiro establishing his own unique style.

"Well then, Grandma, I'm off. When I come back from Shinsenen, I'll help out at the shop."

Koharu said this as she opened the Sakuraan noren curtain outside, and Yoshino shook her head with a smile.

"You don't have to worry about the store, just relax."

"Yes, but you have to go home right away after you finish offering your thanks."

　Koharu said, looking over to Mioto who was already on the road.

"Well, you should just go for a stroll around town every now and then. Have a little fun. Take care of yourself too."

"That's right," Koharu nodded.

"Thank you, Black Dragon."

"Yes. I'll thank you and report back."

"Report?" Yoshino tilted her head.

"I'll discuss that with Grandma later."

　Koharu spoke with a firm look in her eyes, and Yoshino gave a small smile.

"I don't know what it is, but it's okay."

"Thank you. I'm off."

　Koharu walked briskly towards Mioto and together they headed to the bus stop.

　Gion Shopping Street, which would be crowded with people during the day, is quieter in the morning and easier to walk around.

　As Koharu walked alongside Mioto, she looked down, feeling a little nervous that they might look like a couple.

"Koharu-chan, thank you so much for all your help this time...but what a shameful sight I've shown you."

　Perhaps because he was embarrassed, Mioto avoided eye contact as he spoke, and my heart sank.

"No, no, it's not embarrassing at all."

　Koharu shook her head and lowered her eyes.

　Until then, Mioto had never really seemed like a human being, so when he showed his human side for the first time, I felt somehow relieved, and at the same time, somehow happy.

　I never thought it was embarrassing.

　Koharu gently touches the notebook in her pocket.

　The notebook now has the ''Black Cat Bondage Bandage'' that he had once thrown away pasted on it again.

"...But that Black Dragon has a cute face, but he's mischievous."

"Mischievous?"

"They dragged my true feelings out of me, and said things that made me lose my strength by helping them."

　Koharu's eyes widened as Mioto let out a smile.

"Eh──Well then."

"Yes, I'm the same as before. I'm still the same."

　"That's good for you," Koharu began to say, but stopped short.

　I'm not sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

"To begin with, although Kuroryuu cured my 'impact' at that time, he didn't mention anything about my lifespan. That was on purpose. That's also wrong."

"W-why are you being so mean?"

"I think it's about taking care of yourself because you don't know when you're going to die."

　As Mioto said this and flashed a bright smile, Koharu could sense that he had indeed changed, and her heart warmed.

"But, without this connection, I probably would have lost my life then. It would not be strange to say that I was reborn. And my original powers would still remain. How am I going to live from now on? I need to think about it carefully."

　As if drawn in by Miohito who looked up at the sky, Koharu also looked up at the sky.

　I've always wondered the same thing: how I should live my life.

　Until now, everything was unclear and I had no idea what to do, but through this experience, I have now found what I truly want to become.

　When we get to Shinsenen, I'll tell Wakamiya-kun about it before anyone else.

"I want to be a shrine maiden like my grandmother."

　--Yes, that's what I was thinking...

　Koharu looked up at the clear, high autumn sky and nodded.

　It was a very refreshing autumn morning, and the girl was filled with determination.

　Afterword

　Thank you for picking up this second book.

　As with the previous volume, for this work too we asked the husband and wife who run Shinise Japanese confectionery shop, a long-established store with approximately 250 years of history in Kyoto, to supervise the Kyoto dialect.

　As expected from a long-established Japanese confectionery shop that apparently has connections with teahouses in Gion, they said that the dialogue between the geisha, dancers and geisha was the most difficult part, and I was reminded once again how difficult it is to set a story in Gion and speak the Kyoto dialect.

The single word "don't say it" can be expressed in a variety of ways, such as "don't say it," "don't say it," "don't say it," "don't say it," and "it's better not to say it," and native speakers apparently use it differently depending on the situation.

　Also, as I wrote in the afterword of my last post, the "yaharu" in "iharu" and "yaharu" is used by some older women who live in the Gion area, and is rarely used by men or young people.

　No, Kyoto dialect is deep and difficult.

　We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Akemi and her husband for supervising this project.

　Also, Tomokaze-sama has once again provided a wonderful cover illustration.

　The editor guided me with appropriate advice.

　Thank you for picking up this piece.

　I would like to express my gratitude for all the connections that have surrounded me and this work.

　Thank you very much.

Mai Mochizuki　　

　References

"Shinto Great Purification - With Dragon God Prayer" (Nakamura Fushodo)

"Shinto and the Japanese: Searching for the Source of the Soul and the Heart" by Akiyoshi Yamamura (Shinchosha, 2011)

"The Truth About Shinto" by Akiyoshi Yamamura (Takarajimasha Shinsho, 2013)

"A Tour of Kyoto's Feng Shui: A New Selection of the Charms of Kyoto" by Shigekazu Mezaki, text by Jouji Kato, photographs by Tankosha, 2002

"The Truly Scary Stories of Kyoto" by Tomosato Kuramatsu (Saitosha, 2015)