table of contents

Prologue

Chapter 1: A lantern for a confused night.

Chapter 2: Festival revelry and matcha chestnut daifuku.

Chapter 3: Incense, Signs, and Music.

Chapter 4: The mysteries of the universe.

Conclusion

Prologue

A young girl's thoughts beneath the autumn sky.

"I want to be a shrine priest like my grandmother."

It was a decision for Sakurai Koharu, who had been hurt and tossed around by the unique power she had suddenly obtained, but who decided to accept her power and walk together with others.

He was certain that his grandmother Yoshino and uncle Soujiro would warmly accept his decision and be pleased with it.

─ ─ That's what I thought, though.

"I wanted to become a shrine priest like my grandmother."

At dusk, at the deserted Japanese general store "Sakura-an" preparing to close, Koharu declared her decision with a bit of nervousness.

However, seeing Koharu like that, Yoshino and Soujirou just opened their eyes wide in a bit of surprise and said just one word, "Huh?"

Their reaction was exactly the same as when I told them the other day that there would be an Autumn Cultural Festival in mid-November.

Now that I'm wearing Yoshino's charm, I can't hear my inner voice,

"Oh, is that so? Well, I guess it's fine," was the general feeling that was leaking out.

--Seriously, what was that reaction that took my breath away?

Lunch break at school.

As Koharu ate her lunch on a bench in the courtyard with her friend Mizuhara Ai, she recalled Yoshino and Soujirou mumbling "Huh?" and frowned in disappointment.

It's not like I wanted Yoshino to take my hand and say, "Do your best," or for Soujirou to put his arm around my shoulder and say, "Grandma's successor is now assured."

But I never expected that he would react in such a nonchalant manner.

"So, you don't believe it?"

After hearing the story from Koharu, Ai said as she put the lid on the lunch box after finishing her meal.

"You don't believe it?"

When Koharu tilted her head to stare back at her, Ai turned her cool, intelligent eyes towards her and nodded.

Looking at her again, my friend Mizuhara Ai is a beautiful woman with fair skin, short hair, rimless glasses and a beautiful face.

At first glance she appears to be a realist, but in reality she is a girl who loves mysterious stories so much that she was a member of the ''Occult Research Club'' in middle school. At first, she didn't believe in Koharu's unique ability to ''read people's minds when they make eye contact,'' but now she has come to accept it with an open mind.

Among her friends, he was the only one who knew most of what was going on with Koharu. "Well, I don't think Yoshino-san or Soujirou-san thought Koharu was being naive, but I think they felt the same way when a little kid says, 'When I grow up, I want to be a hero.'"

Koharu agreed with Ai's opinion, saying "I see."

That is very likely.

Perhaps they are only taking this decision with a grain of salt.

Even though I had gathered up my courage and expressed my feelings with courage, if they weren't taken seriously, I would feel frustrated.

Koharu pursed her mouth in disgust and brought the food to her mouth.

The trees in the backyard of the school were completely colored red, giving a sense of deep autumn.

The school Koharu attends, Toku Gakuen, was founded during the Taisho era and has an impressive, modern appearance with its brick tile construction inspired by Western architecture.

Kyoto is home to not only Japanese-style buildings, but also many Western-style structures that evoke the Meiji and Taisho periods.

From the bench in the courtyard where they were sitting, they could also see a tall tower. With a large bell at the top, it was an impressive tower like something out of a fairy tale.

However, rumors have spread that ghosts are appearing from the spring - the work of an overwhelmed Ai - and students are avoiding the tower.

As a result, the benches in the courtyard with a view of the tower were almost always reserved exclusively.

It's such a beautiful view, but it's a shame, Koharu thought to herself as she looked out over the autumn leaves and the modern school building.

However, autumn will soon be over.

Although it's nice outside now, it's going to get much colder and we won't be able to eat our lunch on the bench like this.

"Hey, Koharu. Did you tell Wakamiya-sama that you wanted to become a shrine priest? What did he say?"

As if she had suddenly remembered something, Ai turned to Koharu with shining eyes.

"That's it," Koharu sighed and leaned back in her chair.

"That day, I went to Shinsen-en, but Wakamiya-kun didn't show up."

"That day, was it the day Reito and San woke up?"

" yes "

"It's a relief that Ai knows everything so she can get things done quickly," Koharu thought with a smile.

That happened the other day.

The Mioto people encountered a great obstacle because they had obstructed the "God's Sakikari," who was creating a path to summon the god who was bringing disaster to the land.

If the government of this nation goes too far in the wrong direction, God will show his anger by bringing disaster.

Mioto risked his life to blow the advance party away, thus temporarily averting the disaster that was about to befall the land, but the injury he received literally brought him to the brink of death.

The one who saved Miohito was a young dragon god called "Wakamiya."

However, that young prince was also the black dragon that possessed the "power of the King of the Underworld" that the advance attendant was trying to summon.

Thanks to Mioto, the disaster was averted.

Mioto received retribution and was driven to the brink of death by obstacles, but his sins were pardoned by the young prince.

The young prince thus related all this.

"Everything is the will of the universe," he said.

After Wakamiya saved his life, Mioto fell asleep for two whole days, and when he woke up, with a refreshing smile on his face, as if he had stripped everything away, he said, "I want to go to Shinsenen to offer my thanks."

This is because there is a pond there where Wakamiya, the incarnation of the black dragon, lives.

Koharu decided to accompany them on the pilgrimage to express her gratitude.

Yoshino, Mioto, and even Soujirou all fear Wakamiya and consider him an "amazing god," but Koharu thinks differently.

He always appears before Koharu in the form of a young, adorable boy clad in a mizuginu kimono.

Seeing him like that, crying tears of joy, "I can't get home, so please help me", or running up to me with a smile calling out "Koharu-san!", I felt a sense of familiarity with him, and although he was a god, I couldn't shake the thought of him as an "adorable young boy".

Koharu had looked forward to going to Shinsenen Garden, expecting Wakamiya to show up straight away as he always did, but no matter how many times she called out to him, he never showed up.

"... I wonder if Wakamiya-kun is not here."

As Koharu's shoulders slumped, Mioto narrowed his eyes with a bit of amusement and said, "Well, God is fickle."

"That's how it is," Koharu thought with regret, as she and Mioto clapped their hands together.

I expressed my feelings in my heart, hoping that someone somewhere was listening.

--My decision that I wanted to become a shrine priest like my grandmother.

"... and that's why I couldn't hear what Wakamiya-kun was saying."

"Have you told Mioto about your decision?"

"Well, I was disappointed that I didn't get to meet Wakamiya-kun."

On top of that, when I got home and told Yoshino and Soujirou about it, the only thing they said in response was "Wow," so I felt even more relaxed.

"By the way, what kind of reaction did you think you'd get, Koharu?" Ai tilted her head and Koharu groaned thoughtfully. "Hmm."

"Leaving aside the opinions of others, I thought my grandma would have nodded in approval and said, 'That's a good decision,' and told me, 'Koharu, the path to becoming a shrine priest is a very difficult one, but do your best.'"

Having said that, Koharu made Ai burst out laughing.

"That's a surprise."

"That's true. In reality, all he said was, 'Oh.' Maybe he doesn't really believe what Ai is saying."

Koharu finished her lunch, put the lid on her lunchbox and shrugged.

"But, Koharu, I truly believe that."

Ai said this with a straight face and clenched her fists.

" thank you "

Koharu was grateful for Ai's words and expressed her sincere gratitude.

"And we will cooperate."

「 協 力 ？ 」

"I hope Koharu can become a great shrine maiden who can rival Yoshino-san."

"Well, I wanted to be a 'prayer priest like my grandmother,' but I never wanted to beat her."

"Okay. I'll help you become a great shrine priest who's just like your grandmother."

Feeling the intense stare he gave me,

"...Help me, what? How?" Koharu asked, tilting her head.

"Of course, that's training."

"Practice!"

Koharu's voice unintentionally cracked.

"I used to be a member of the Oka Research Club, so I have some knowledge about how to increase spiritual power."

Saying that, Ai adjusted the position of her shining glasses.

"Ha, ha, I see."

"Koharu, I'll support you in your 'prayer training', so let's work hard together."

Ai held out her hand to shake, but Koharu was confused and looked away, saying, "Training to become a shrine priest."

However, he didn't seem the least bit suspicious of my unique powers, and then he accepted my unusual request to become a shrine priest, and on top of that, he even said to me, "Let's try our best together." I quickly changed my mind and thought that there was nothing more grateful than this.

"Thank you, Ai. I'll do my best in my training. Nice to meet you."

"Well, from what I understand the training is a little tough, but do your best and follow along."

Under the clear autumn sky, Koharu and Ai shake hands on a bench in the school's courtyard.

The two of them were filled with passionate determination and a sense of mission.

At the same time, at the Japanese general store "Sakura-an" in Gion On-Sen─

"... I wonder, what's this, I have a bad feeling about this."

Yoshino, who was sitting at the wooden counter tending the store as usual, suddenly shivered as if she had caught a chill and turned her head. Chapter 1: A lantern on a night of confusion.

one

I can't remember exactly when it started.

Perhaps it was after she had made arrangements with her parents in Tokyo and returned to Kyoto that Koharu began to have strange dreams from time to time.

My dreams are always fragmentary, but when I have this dream, it's like finding a piece of a scattered puzzle, and somewhere in my consciousness I think, "Ah, it's that dream again."

As I begin to connect the scattered dreams I've had up until now, the picture will gradually become clearer.

The period is probably the Heian period.

The dream begins when Koharu gets into the palanquin.

By the way, I am not certain that it dates back to the Heian period.

This was just a rough guess based on the atmosphere of the dream I had, but it might have been the Nara or Kamakura period, but I didn't feel it was the Sengoku or Edo period.

Koharu is dressed in a glittering, almost ostentatious kimono and is carried in a palanquin.

A large number of people had gathered on the road, hoping to catch a glimpse of Koharu.

There seemed to be a celebratory mood around, and it was clear that it was a celebratory occasion.

However, Koharu's mind in her dream was not at peace.

Although I felt the blessings and expectant gazes from all around me, inside I was filled with anxiety.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?"

I have always thought that.

The palanquin carried Koharu at a steady pace, neither in a hurry nor slow, until it came to a halt in front of a large gate.

The sound of a large gate being opened reaches your ears.

On the other side of the gate stretches a beautiful, well-maintained bamboo forest that is cool to the touch.

The palanquin passes through there and proceeds silently and solemnly.

I can hear the sound of drums coming from somewhere.

The sound of drums echoed.

Ah, I feel like it's calling me.

Don don don don.

"Hey, Koharu. What time are you going to sleep? You're going to be late!"

Yes, if I don't get up early, I'll be late.

... Wait, am I late?

Hearing the loud banging on the door, Koharu finally opened her eyes.

I hastily checked the clock on the wall and it read 6:30.

Somehow I forgot to set the alarm, and I ended up sleeping in 30 minutes more than usual.

I have to leave the house after seven o'clock, so I have to get ready quickly or I won't make it in time.

"---!"

Koharu ran out of the room as if she had been shot.

Suddenly, Soujiro, who had been standing in front of the door, jumped back and said, "Oh!"

"Oh dear, I must have overslept."

Soujiro laughed cheerfully.

Her uncle, Soujiro, is the younger brother of Koharu's father, thirteen years younger than her.

He is a handsome young man who bears a striking resemblance to Yoshino, who was said to have been an unparalleled beauty when she was young, and because he looks a little younger than his actual age of 30, he hates being called "uncle." "Th-Soujiro, thank you for waking me up. But I wish you had woken up earlier."

Koharu ran through the hallway and into the bathroom.

"Don't be so selfish. I was busy this morning too."

"By the way," Koharu replied as she shrugged at Soujiro's voice reaching behind her. She dried herself off with a towel, straightened her hair, and changed into her uniform. When she hurriedly got ready and emerged into the living room, she found Soujiro sitting alone at the coffee table, sipping coffee.

His grandmother Yoshino, who should always be there, was nowhere to be seen.

"Hey, where's grandma?"

"On the first day of the month, I went to Yasaka Shrine to make a pilgrimage."

Hearing this, Koharu nodded in agreement, "Oh, I see."

Today marks the start of November. Early on the first day of every month, Yoshino makes her way to her local deity, Yasaka Shrine, for the "first day of the month pilgrimage."

"And that's your breakfast."

As Soujiro continued like this, Koharu turned her eyes to the table and said, "Wow," her face lit up.

Rice balls, rolled eggs, and pickles are served.

"It looks delicious. And if it's a rice ball, I'm glad you can eat it quickly. I'll eat it."

Koharu clasped her hands together and quickly brought the rice ball to her mouth, coughing loudly.

"You don't need to rush that much, it doesn't change the time."

Soujiro pours tea only into Koharu's teacup.

"Thank you," Koharu said, taking a sip of tea and letting out a sigh.

"By the way, Soujirou, you said you were busy this morning, but did something happen?"

"Oh, from today they start selling 'Winter Japanese Sweets'."

When Soujiro said that, Koharu cried out "Ah!"

Soujiro makes Japanese sweets according to the season and sells them for a limited time.

In spring there is "Sakura Sakura Mochi Mochi", in early summer there is "Mini Ayu" and "Mizumina Tsukizuki", in summer there is "Suzuka", and in autumn there is "Kuricha Chiyakinkin". All of them were very well received.

And starting today, sales of winter Japanese sweets will begin.

There are two limited edition Japanese sweets available only in winter.

One of them is "Chocolate Black Beans," which are steamed Tanba black beans coated in chocolate and topped with grains of salt.

The other is a colorful, semi-transparent, round, granular confection in lemon, light blue, and white, said to be inspired by the winter night sky.

At first glance it looks like candy, but as soon as you put it in your mouth, it melts slowly, spreading a gentle sweetness before quickly disappearing.

It is a sugar candy shaped like a shooting star.

"Chocolate Black Beans" are packaged in a box designed to resemble a tiered box with a windbreaker lining, while "Star Sand Confectionery" are packed in a cylindrical box printed with a fantastical illustration of the night sky.

Both were adorable packages that Koharu couldn't help but exclaim, "How lovely!"

"That's right, it started today. I'm sure these sweets will be a big hit with the adults too."

"That's fine though. And, look."

Sojiro said, handing Koharu a paper bag.

" this is ? "

"These are our new Japanese sweets. They're available from today, so come eat them with your friends at school."

"Wow, thank you."

Ai was also a big fan of Soujirou's Japanese sweets. She would surely be happy, Koharu thought as she accepted the paper bag with glee.

The adorable packaging of the new Japanese sweets inside makes the corners of your eyes drop.

I looked into the paper bag and relaxed my cheeks.

"Come on, it's about time to get ready, otherwise we'll be really late."

"Um, I'm going to brush my teeth."

Koharu came to her senses, stood up, and headed to the bathroom again.

Today is the release date of the new work, so Sakuraan is sure to be bustling with activity.

That's what I thought, but I didn't expect it.

I never imagined that customers would be lining up in front of the store before it even opened.

"Today marks the launch of Mune-chan's new sweets."

"Come buy some before they're gone"

"I wonder what kind of Japanese sweets they'll have this time. I'm looking forward to it."

"I'm off," Koharu said as she went outside, and what she saw was a group of local regulars waiting politely in line outside the store.

Koharu had expected it to be busy today, but to find herself queuing before opening time, and at such an early hour, Koharu's eyes widened in shock.

"Koharu-chan, are you going to school from now on? Be careful."

The person who had said this was Nishimura Yayoi, an old friend of her grandmother's and the owner of a pickle shop that was also familiar to Koharu.

"Yes, yes, I'll be right on my way. Nishimura-san, Tanaka-san, everyone else... there's still plenty of time before the store opens, even if you don't line up so early."

As Koharu spoke in a confused tone, everyone simply sighed and said, "I don't understand."

"Before you know it, your Japanese sweets will sell out."

"Really, we have a store too, so if we say 'later, later,' it'll be sold out in no time."

"My husband has also become a fan of Mune-chan's through the chestnut tea cloths, and he told me, 'I'll line up today so I can get one.'"

"Yeah, I'd like to be the first one to board if possible."

Everyone enthusiastically declared this, to which Koharu replied with a lame "Hmm."

"But I think it would be fine to arrive about five minutes before opening."

When Koharu said that, everyone shook their heads and said "I don't understand," and sighed.

"Koharu-chan, you're so sweet."

" sweet ? "

Just as Koharu tilted her head, young women appeared from all around,

"Look, look, I can see it, 'Sakura-an.'"

"As new products are being released today, the craftsmen will definitely come out to the stores."

"Well, I'm sure I'll be able to see Master Muneta today. Let's buy a lot of things."

"Wow, they're already lined up. As expected of Mune-sama."

Young women stood in line, chattering and chirping. It seemed as though the number of such customers was likely to increase even more.

"See," the regulars looked at her with eyes that said, and Koharu was stunned, but she simply replied, "It's true."

It seems that the Japanese sweets made by Sojiro have gained so many fans over time.

After all, the main focus here is on "Japanese miscellaneous goods"...

My grandmother, who will no doubt be visiting the shrine on the first day of the month, will be astonished when she returns.

Koharu looked into the distance and said, "I'm off now," and hurried off to the bus stop.

I had no idea that the paper bag I was holding in my hands contained this newly created Japanese sweet.

two

Lunch break.

Koharu decided to have lunch with her friend Ai, as they always did, and they sat next to each other on a bench in the courtyard overlooking the tower.

"Koharu, it seems you're buying bread today."

Ai rested her lunchbox on her lap and murmured that it was unusual, causing Koharu to give a wry smile.

"I overslept this morning and didn't have time to make lunch."

When she started high school, Koharu made it a rule to make her own lunch whenever possible.

That being said, I usually ask them to make extra side dishes for dinner, and then the next morning I just pack them into lunch boxes, but this morning I didn't even have time to pack them.

"That's strange again. Didn't grandma or Soujiro wake up?"

"That's it..."

Koharu took a soft breath and told Ai about what had happened that morning.

His grandmother went on a pilgrimage on the first day of the month, and Soujiro was busy making new Japanese sweets.

Also, regular customers and female fans of Sojiro were lined up in front of the store early in the morning, waiting.

After hearing the whole story, Ai laughed quietly, as if she couldn't contain herself with joy.

"It was a stormy morning."

"Right?"

"Even so, lining up before the store even opened is pretty amazing, Soujiro-san."

"Well, maybe she's a regular customer in the neighborhood. She can just drop in and buy things, and if she feels like it, she can even put them on hold for her."

Koharu didn't understand and shrugged her shoulders.

"Maybe they're just trying to have fun with the event, "Limited Time Product Release Date," without using tricks like putting items on hold."

"I guess so," Koharu said, tilting her head.

The regular customers, like Yoshino, had their children leave the nest and would often talk about how they were "completely old."

In the midst of all this, Soujiro, who had watched his son grow up like a relative, has returned to Gion and is now making delicious Japanese sweets for each season, which may be a source of joy for the local people.

When it comes to the first day of sale of this limited-time Japanese sweet, they probably think of it as a special event.

Koharu finally nodded in understanding and put the sandwich she had bought into her mouth.

The gentle, cool autumn breeze caresses my cheeks and stirs my hair.

Although it is the time of year known as early winter, it does not yet feel particularly cold and is quite comfortable.

After finishing her meal, Koharu quickly took out the box of sweets from the paper bag.

"That's right, so I've brought you Soujiro's new work."

"Wow, I'm so happy. It's so cute. It's a small stacked box and a package that looks like a treasure chest."

"Sure."

Koharu became a little pleased and smiled.

"Who drew this illustration of the night sky?"

"Sojiro-san said that he had an artist friend and asked him to do it."

"Wow, what kind of artist is it that draws such wonderful illustrations?"

Ai leaned forward with a look of keen interest.

"He was a friend from my time in Asakusa, and now he seems to be moving around and holding solo exhibitions here and there. Sojiro calls him 'Yayakumo'."

As she spoke, Koharu opened two boxes.

"Yakumo is a man."

Ai said this with a hint of surprise, and Koharu nodded in agreement.

The illustrations were feminine: soft, airy, dreamy and reminiscent of fairy tales.

"Here you go," Koharu asked, holding out the box. Ai bowed and said, "Here you go," and first brought a star sand candy to her mouth.

"It was so delicious! It melted in my mouth and almost disappeared!"

"That's right, it was inspired by the image of a shooting star."

"Hmmmm, it feels like a shooting star. It disappears in an instant, but leaves a lasting aftertaste."

"There are various flavors, such as lemon and soda."

"Thanks," Ai said as she stuffed another flavored sugar candy into her mouth, then looked at the other ones in the bento box with interest, "What kind of Japanese sweets are in that one?"

"This place..."

Koharu opened the lid of a small bento box and showed it to Ai.

Inside were what at first glance looked like ordinary black beans, and Ai gazed at them intently.

"Are these black beans?"

"Yes, black beans."

"But there's a grain of salt on it, and a little bit of gold leaf, too."

"There's only a little bit of gold leaf on it. This is black beans from Tanba coated in chocolate and topped with grains of salt. Give it a try."

Ai picked them up and said thank you, but she frowned a little suspiciously when she heard "black beans with chocolate." She cautiously put one in her mouth and closed her eyes, saying "Hmmmm."

"Oh, it's delicious! This is also delicious, it has a very luxurious taste."

"Well, it does taste good. I was also surprised when I tried the prototype. Even my grandma, who rarely gives compliments, said, 'Wow, this tastes good, doesn't it?' And so did Mioto..."

Having said that, Koharu blushed and kept her mouth shut.

Suddenly, Mioto's face popped into my head.

Ai seemed to understand and gave me a meaningful sideways glance.

"Oh my, Koharu-san, why did you suddenly go quiet? What happened?"

"I don't know what's wrong though."

"Did you suddenly remember Reito-san?"

Ai put both her hands to her cheeks as if on purpose, and Koharu pursed her mouth.

"Now that I think of it, I haven't seen you around recently, Mioto-san. Has Koharu seen you?"

When Ai asked, Koharu shook her head. "I haven't seen her since the last time we went to Shinsenen to offer our thanks."

"The kids in class were making a lot of noise, but it seemed like they weren't even at the university archery galleries."

" ... ... Yeah "

Almost every day that he went to school, Mioto would visit the archery dojo during breaks or after school to practice.

The high school students who admired Mioto seemed to be gazing blankly at the scene of him practicing from a little distance away.

However, Mioto hadn't been seen at the archery dojo for several days now, and his classmates had started to make a fuss, wondering if he was sick.

"Mio-san, are you really damaging your health?"

Ai asked with some concern, and Koharu shook her head with a bitter expression.

"I haven't heard anything."

"Oh, well, maybe he just missed practice."

"Hmm..." That would be good, but, she muttered to herself, Koharu brought the stardust candy to her mouth and lowered her eyes.

I remember the time when we went to Shinsenen together.

No matter how many times she called out to him, Wakamiya, the incarnation of the dragon god, did not appear, and Koharu stood there in frustration.

"Well, God is fickle," Mioto said as if it was nothing, smiling.

But Koharu could tell that he was very determined.

It didn't seem like he was simply regretful that he wasn't able to say thank you. That morning, Mioto had a refreshing smile on his face, as if everything had been washed away, but when he said, "Well, shall we go home?" there was no light in his eyes.

「 ... ... ... ... 」

Maybe, Mioto-san... I was looking down when...

"That's right, Koharu. It's just about your training, but will you be okay for Culture Day the day after tomorrow?"

Ai turned her head towards her as if she had just remembered something, and Koharu, who had been thinking about Mioto, started to think and looked up.

"Hmm, that's fine."

"Good. Well, these are your belongings, so have them ready."

Ai took out her student handbook from her pocket and handed the memo paper she had tucked inside to Koharu.

"School clothes (white work clothes, etc.), sandals, bath towel, spare underwear," it said, a string of very serious details that shocked Koharu.

"I don't have a white work uniform and sandals."

"In that case, a T-shirt, shorts, and beach sandals would be fine."

Ai quickly lowers the bar, leaving Koharu even more confused, "Huh? Huh?"

Still, I felt relieved when I found out that I could wear a T-shirt and shorts.

Even so, why do you need a change of underwear? Would you sweat so much that you would need a towel? Koharu tilted her head in confusion.

"Ai, what kind of training are you doing?"

"Oh, well..."

Ai then continued on with her words, which caused Koharu to open her clear eyes wider than ever.

--At the same time, at Sakura-an in Gion, Yoshino and Sojiro were slumped in exhaustion after a turbulent morning.

There was a sign in front of the store that read, "All of today's Japanese sweets have been sold out. Thank you."

Perhaps because of the notice, there were hardly any customers in the store at the moment. The only people there were tourists who had just dropped by were picking up items from the cart in front of the store. "What the... what a storm!"

As Yoshino sat at the wooden counter, panting, Soujirou looked into the distance and quietly let out an "ahh"

The morning was very tough.

Sakuraan, which is not particularly spacious, was packed with people, and customers waiting to buy the new Japanese sweets lined up outside.

"I've been running a shop here for half a century, but this is the first time I've had so many customers come."

As it was the first day of release, a generous amount of the new Japanese sweets had been prepared and both were sold out in a flash.

So I bought some other Japanese sweets, and the small glass showcase next to the counter at Sakuraan was literally empty.

It was a great success, but in their honest opinion, the two of them felt that it might not have been so overwhelming.

"I wanted to see an idol release a new song that would get women, young and old, squealing with excitement."

Yoshino sat down in a chair with a dazed look in her eyes, and Soujiro frowned.

"Don't call me an idol."

"But you once ran out of the house saying, 'I want to be an idol.' If someone calls you an 'idol,' you should be happy."

"So, I didn't want to be an idol, I wanted to be an actor!"

"But he said, 'I'm going to be a star!' And now he's a star in Gion."

"Shut up, ma'am."

"Grandma, you better not say that!"

As the two of them stood face to face, arguing like mother and son, a timid voice echoed softly through the store.

" ... ... Hello "

When Yoshino and Soujirou turned to look, they saw a young man with lustrous black hair, pale skin, and a very prominent face, wearing a timid smile.

"Hey... you."

Soujirou said, "I know who it is, but who is it?" and put his hand to his forehead.

"I'm not a friendly person."

Yoshino spoke in a surprised voice.

"That's right, it's Kazuto. It's been a while."

"It's been a while. My older sister, Anna, and my younger brother, Mioto, are taking care of me."

Kazuto bowed deeply. His surname was "Kakamo."

He is the grandson of Yoshino's younger brother Yoshio, the younger brother of Anna and older brother of Mioto, and sits in the middle of the Kamo siblings, with Anna being as lively as the sun and Mioto being as mysterious as the fairy of the moon. Sandwiched between such siblings, Kazuto gives the impression of being overshadowed by the personalities of the two siblings.

All three siblings had the same black hair, fair skin, and narrow faces, but Kazuto's eyes were completely narrow.

However, the shape of the statue is always curved, as if to reflect the person's personality, and gives off a very gentle and kind impression.

"Kazuto, it's been a really long time. How many years has it been?"

"That's true. I've been here since Shigeru-san's funeral. How are you? I hear you're working hard to get into medical school right now?" Yoshino asked gently as she touched Kazuto's arm, and Kazuto nodded and said, "Yes."

"I didn't inherit the power of the Kamo family, and I thought I was the only one who could take over the main family business."

Their family owns a private hospital, running an obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Shimo Kamagamo.

"Becoming a doctor is an amazing thing. Kazuto-chan has always been a hard-working kid, so he's really impressive. So, how are you today?"

"Maybe you came to buy some Japanese sweets?"

Soujiro asked following Yoshino, and Kazuto turned his eyes to the empty show case and gave a wry smile.

"Actually, that was also the case, but... I used the excuse that I came here today to buy some new Japanese sweets," she said, shrugging.

At his words, Yoshino and Soujirou both tilted their heads in confusion.

"Did something happen?"

"Yes, it's actually my younger brother."

"Mio-chan?"

"Well, Mioto... he seemed a little strange. My father and grandfather told me to leave him alone for now, but it was the first time I'd seen him like that, so I was a little shaken up. My mother seemed to feel the same way, and she said, 'Why don't you talk to Yoshino-san in Gion about it?'"

When Kazuto said that, Yoshino and Soujirou exchanged looks.

─ ─ After classes finished that day, Koharu got on the bus and headed home, just like always.

From the bus ride home, Koharu loved gazing at the sunset and Mount Hiei in the east.

However, it seems like the sun sets a lot earlier now.

Just recently at this same time the sky had been shining a brilliant orange, but now it was a deep indigo blue.

The white moon is very clear and beautiful.

As I got off the bus in front of Yasaka Shrine, the sound of bells echoed throughout the air.

It was as if they were inviting me to return to the town of Gion, and it made me feel a little happy.

Many towns in Kyoto will become quiet as the sun sets.

However, the town of Gion is an exception.

The red paper lanterns were lit and the crowds increased even more.

Among them, quite a few people were wearing kimonos.

Gion has an atmosphere where you will be accepted no matter how you walk around.

Come to think of it, I was walking around in my azuki bean-colored work clothes, and surprisingly no one seemed to notice.

On the contrary, maybe I stand out more in my current uniform, Koharu thought with a smile as she walked west along the Gion shopping arcade.

The road curves north and a small shrine resembling Tatsumi Inari comes into view. After giving a bow, you go further and the layout of Sakura-an restaurant comes into view.

The noren curtains seemed to have already been put away and were no longer hanging. There was a sign on the wall that read, "All of today's Japanese sweets have been sold out. Thank you," and Koharu laughed.

I thought he must have been busy.

"Thank you," I said as I entered the store through the entrance.

"Hey, welcome back."

"Welcome home, Koharu."

Soujirou and Yoshino, who were closing up shop, turned around with smiles on their faces.

At that moment, I am always filled with a warm feeling that I have come home, and my chest grows warm.

"Thank you," Koharu said again.

"The new Japanese sweets have sold out," he said, walking over to them.

"'Sold out' is not a cute thing, really."

"Oh, it was like a storm."

The two of them shrugged and began covering the furniture and shelves with cloths.

"That must have been really tough. Thank you for your hard work."

"Okay. Come on, go into the bathroom and get changed. Dinner will be ready soon."

Koharu replied "Yes" and went straight up to the second floor.

When Koharu had disappeared from the store, Soujirou let out a soft sigh.

"Mio, maybe it's best to keep quiet about how strange people are beinghaved from Koharu for now."

"That's right."

The two of them looked at each other and nodded.

three

November 3rd.

Koharu left home just before noon, caught the train from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station and headed for Arashiyama.

The meeting place designated by Ai was "Arashiyama Station."

Will he be training in the bustling tourist destination of Arashiyama?

Koharu was worried about what she would do if she had to wear a work uniform and train in front of a large crowd of tourists.

"This isn't my destination. I have to take a bus from here."

Ai, who was waiting at Arashiyama Station, said with a happy look on her face.

Koharu was also dressed in jeans, a hoodie and backpack, suitable for travel, but Ai was more serious.

It was a big rucksack that looked as if there might be a child on it.

The rain jacket, long pants, and hat make for a stunning outdoor look, but the bright color combination gives off a sense of good taste and a cute "mountain girl" style vibe.

"The fashion and the large luggage make it feel like an outdoor place."

"Well, my dad liked the outdoors, so we often went camping."

As we talk like that, we start walking.

"Oh, that bus. It just arrived."

"We need to hurry."

The two of them sprinted onto the bus and sat next to each other in the last seats.

The bus soon departs and heads away from bustling Arashiyama.

The view outside the window was mostly rural.

Take the train from Gion to Arashiyama, then change to a bus for your journey.

Although it was only a trip within the city, the scenery and atmosphere I saw were so different that it felt like I was traveling very far away.

"I don't know why, but I'm feeling excited."

Koharu looked away from the window and said,

"Yeah, it's exciting," Ai said, nodding happily.

"That's right, I brought some Japanese sweets again. Let's eat them together."

"I brought some too. I bought it at the convenience store, but you can eat this too."

Koharu and Ai both reached their hands into their backpacks and rummaged through them, pulling out some sweets.

The bus continued along the mountain path.

Being Culture Day, Sakuraan in Gion was bustling once again today.

That said, it's not as busy as the first day of sales of limited-edition winter Japanese sweets.

Autumn tourists drop in and out, attracted by the adorable Japanese miscellaneous goods.

Even so, the "Winter Limited Edition Japanese Sweets" were sold out before noon, and after finishing work, Soujirou left the kitchen, stretched, and popped into the shop on the first floor.

"Thankfully, they'll be sold out by lunchtime again today."

Soujirou smiled with a bit of satisfaction and turned his attention to Yoshino, who was sitting at the counter.

"That's right."

Yoshino, who makes the Ai-Machi (a wooden mallet), was busily working with her hands, holding a thin bamboo stick.

"What are you doing?"

"You can tell when you see it, it's woven from bamboo strips. Lately, all the attention has been on your Japanese sweets, which isn't fun. But this is a Japanese general store after all. I thought I might make some new products."

"So, do you use bamboo to weave baskets? That's something that's been around for a long time, so you can't really call it a 'new product'."

"It's okay if you laugh. I won't lose either."

"I'm not laughing at you or anything. Even so, you seem to be as competitive as ever, or rather, you just don't like to lose."

"Well, that's your mother."

"That's true," Soujirou said, twisting the corners of his mouth.

"So, what did you want?"

"Oh, after this, when I finish preparing tomorrow, I'll come and have a look."

"Koharu and Ai-chan?"

"No, that's not it. Well, to be honest, I'm curious about those two too."

"Really? Maybe... Kami Kagamo too?" Yoshino opened her eyes and asked, and Soujiro nodded.

"I'll go and see Mio's place and see how it goes."

Soujirou put his hands on his hips and let out a sigh.

─ ─ About 20 minutes from Arashiyama.

The bus exited the tunnel and stopped at a stop called "Kiyotakitaki."

It is located northwest of Arashiyama, at the foot of Mount Atago.

The two of them got off there and walked down a rather steep hill.

From there you can see Saruen Bridge, which crosses the Kiyotaki River.

"Wow!" Koharu and Ai exclaimed at the sight of the vermilion bridge over the clear river and the autumn leaves spreading across the mountains. "How beautiful!"

"That's true."

With a spring in my step, I crossed Watariyarubashi Bridge and headed towards Kaohsiung.

Along the way, everyone said they were hungry and took a break to eat the lunches they had each made, then set off again.

As we came to a fork in the road, Ai said, "Take the Tsukikinowa Temple on the left," holding up a printed map that she had prepared beforehand.

Walk along the mountain path alongside the stream.

There is a stone sign that reads "Kuuya ya Taki" and a figurine of a raccoon dog, and from there a series of stone steps lead up. It can be a little out of breath, but the green moss, colored leaves, and sunlight filtering through the trees are so beautiful that you don't feel tired at all.

Soon the vermilion torii gate came into view, and at the same time the sound of rushing water reached my ears.

Koharu and Ai exchanged glances and hurriedly climbed the stone steps.

As we passed through the torii gate, a waterfall suddenly appeared in front of us.

Just in front of the waterfall are stone torii gates, lanterns, and a rock cave statue of Acala.

The waterfall splits into several streams and flows, crashing against the rocks and sending up spray.

The drops hitting my cheeks and the breeze from the waterfall gave me a sense of power.

"We've arrived. This is Kuya Falls. Apparently, it's the training ground of the Heian period monk Kuya."

"It's an amazing place."

Koharu was overwhelmed and muttered softly.

"Hmm, isn't this the perfect place for some 'waterfall training'?"

" ... ... Yeah "

This is truly a place of training, a sacred place.

It felt as if an elderly, virtuous dragon god was coiled up around me, watching over me.

Just as he was thinking this, a huge, grey, almost white dragon popped its head out from the top of the waterfall, and he was struck by the illusion that it was looking at them with some amusement, and he instinctively stepped back.

While Koharu was gazing at the waterfall, Ai took off her backpack and busily took out something that looked like a small tent.

"Ai, what is that?"

"One-touch room tent, this is where you change into your work clothes." "Y-you're really going to train under the waterfall... right?"

When Koharu asked again, Ai raised her head vigorously and said, "Of course!"

When Ai said to Koharu in the school courtyard, "Let's do some waterfall training," her eyes were wide with surprise, but she quickly nodded and said, "Sounds fun."

However, when you actually find yourself facing the waterfall, you start to feel hesitant.

Even so, Koharu was truly impressed that Ai knew so much about the waterfall known as "The Waterfall of Training."

"The best way to increase your spiritual power is to practice under a waterfall! Don't worry, I'll join you."

Ai took out what looked like a white work uniform from her backpack and gave me a fierce look in her eyes.

Overwhelmed by the force, Koharu let out a silly "Haa" and decided that there was no choice but to make up her mind.

The two of them took turns entering the room tent and changed into their training clothes.

Although they are called training clothes, Koharu is wearing the azuki bean-colored samue that is the shop's uniform, while Ai is wearing a judo uniform.

This wasn't because Ai was doing martial arts, but was something she wore in her physical education classes. Looking at Ai's judo uniform, Koharu muttered to herself, "She could have just worn the school-issued judo uniform."

"Well, I will begin my training. But first, let's show our respects to the waterfall."

Ai spoke with a serious look on her face, and Koharu turned to look at the roaring waterfall.

"The water is flowing down with quite force," Koharu thought, grimacing.

"But, I was worried that I would get in trouble if I went into the waterfall."

And when I said that in a frightened voice,

"Are you undergoing training?"

A hoarse old man's voice came from behind them, causing Koharu and Ai to startle, their shoulders trembling.

When I turned around, I saw a smiling old man with a white beard dressed as a Shinto priest.

For a moment, Koharu gasped, thinking that it was an incarnation of the dragon god that lived in this land, but then...

"Sorry, sorry, may I practice with you?"

As Ai bowed her head after saying this, it became clear to the old priest that she was a human.

There is a torii gate, so this must also be a shrine.

"Both of you, please look at that sign over there."

The old priest raised his arm and pointed to a warning sign.

Worried that they might get in trouble if they did so, Koharu and Ai felt that way when they looked towards the sign, which read, "Please practice without causing trouble to others."

「 ... ... ... ... 」

Feeling a beat slipping away, the two of them turned their gazes back to see the aged priest smiling with a crooked expression of ecstasy.

"That is it. I ask that you continue your training without any confusion."

As the old priest bowed and said this, the two of them bowed back, saying "Yes, yes."

"Okay, so if you're not used to it and you're doing waterfall training, at first you should only do it for a minute or a minute and a half. If you do it for a long time, you'll hurt your neck and shoulders."

The old priest spoke to them in an admonishing tone, and the two nodded again in agreement.

"Also, stones and pieces of wood may fall and injure you, so please be careful. Sometimes they can hit you on the head and cause severe injury."

The old priest continued like this,

「 ... ... ... ... 」

Koharu and Ai were at a loss for words and exchanged glances.

It is a waterfall in the mountains after all. It wouldn't be surprising if anything fell.

With that thought in mind, they both became frightened this time and exchanged looks that asked, "What should we do?"

"Well, then, why don't you go up to the side of the waterfall and touch it with both hands? You will receive a lot of things from both your hands."

The old priest smiled brightly, and Koharu and Ai nodded, saying "That might be a good idea."

"I will."

" thank you "

The two of them bowed deeply to the old priest and stood in front of the stone torii gate in front of the waterfall. While being showered with the spray from the waterfall, they bowed twice, clapped twice, and bowed once. "I wanted to become a shrine priest like my grandmother, so I came here to train. I would appreciate it if you could allow me to use this opportunity. Thank you in advance."

With this silent greeting, we both stepped into the river, our sandaled feet exposed.

"--!"

It was so cold that I felt like every hair on my body was standing on end.

"It's so, so cold, Ai."

"That's true, even though it's warm outside, it's already November."

The two of them sprinted forward, and together they let out a cry of amazement at the force of the spray from the waterfall.

It really was a good thing she just got to touch the waterfall, Koharu thought, stretching out her arms.

The water from the waterfall pelted endlessly onto both my hands.

Just as the old priest had said, it felt like I could receive the energy of the mountains, water, and earth without being hit by the waterfall.

"Koharu, this is amazing! I feel like the eyes on my forehead are about to open!"

Beside me, Ai shouted with joy.

Suddenly, the words Mioto had spoken to her earlier flashed through Koharu's mind.

"There is something called a 'third eye' on your forehead, and Koharu-chan's was in a state where this eye was overly active."

If I was already in a state of overactivity, wouldn't the energy of a waterfall make the eyes on my forehead seem to open even wider?

The moment Koharu imagined the eyes on the forehead opening wide, a certain image popped into her mind.

It's that dream I sometimes have.

I can see it more clearly than I can in my dreams.

I was wearing a glittering kimono, similar to a twelve-layered kimono, and was being carried in a palanquin.

The gate opens and we pass through a beautiful, well-maintained bamboo forest that is cool and refreshing.

The dream I had the other day ended here.

What is coming to your mind right now is probably a continuation of that.

I found myself alone in the spacious tatami room and breathed a sigh of relief.

It was dusk outside and the bell crickets were chirping.

A portable lantern softly lit the room.

Thinking about what would happen next made me feel uneasy and I rubbed my fingertips together, which were growing cold from the tension, when suddenly a young man appeared in the room.

He gets down on his knees and grasps my trembling hands in his arms.

"...It's okay, I'm with you."

The young man's face is obscured, as if shrouded in mist.

However, those words made me feel a sense of relief in my heart, and I thought to myself, "If only this person could say that to me."

As they gazed at each other and held hands, the mist that had covered the young man's face gradually began to lighten.

Ah, I can see your face.

I missed you - I miss you.

"Koharu!"

Koharu came back to her senses when she heard Ai's distressed voice.

Koharu suddenly realized she was crouching in front of a waterfall.

"Let's get out quickly," Ai said, taking Koharu's hand and leading them out of the waterfall.

When she looked, the old priest from before was staring at Koharu with a serious look in his eyes.

"Was it you?"

"Eh?" the old man said in a nostalgic voice, and Koharu and Ai exclaimed in unison.

"... So much time has passed. Please convey this to Lord Riryo."

The old priest bowed deeply and disappeared.

"It's gone."

Next to Ai, who was standing there in a daze as if she had just had a daydream,

"Um, what do you mean, 'Riryou-dono'?"

Koharu also had her eyes and mouth open in shock.

While Soujiro was preparing food for the next day in the kitchen on the second floor, an idea suddenly came to his mind, and he began making prototypes for new Japanese sweets.

"... I did it."

By the time it was finished, it was already evening.

"Well, when should I take them? This one is for Bareback and Koharu."

With that, he packed the prototypes into boxes. He left one with Yoshino and Koharu, wrapped the other box in a towel and put it in a backpack, then went down the stairs.

"Well, I'll be off then."

He didn't show his face inside the store, but instead stood at the back entrance putting on his shoes and shouting,

"Wait a minute," Yoshino said, bustling out of the store.

"I've finished a new piece too, so I'd like to give it to Mioto-chan."

Saying this, he handed me a wrapped box that fit in both hands.

"Wow, what did you make?"

Soujirou took the box and looked at it closely.

"Well, we'll have fun later. See you, Mioto-chan."

As Yoshino gave him a mischievous smile, Soujiro said, "Okay," and put the box into his backpack.

I go straight outside and hop on my jet-black American bike.

When I turn the key to the ON position, grip the clutch tightly, and press the start button, the engine roars and the vibrations are transmitted to my body; this moment always makes my heart pound.

"Okay, let's go."

Soujirou took the wheel firmly in his hands and set off heading north under the evening sky.

Four

Koharu and Ai were in a somewhat dazed state as they rode the bus home.

Just like when we arrived, we are sitting side by side at the back of the bus.

When we got on the bus at Kiyotaki stop, it was practically chartered, but now there are no seats available.

Koharu looked out the window and pondered the words of the old priest.

Who is "Riryo"?

Maybe it had something to do with the strange dreams I'd been having here and there?

While Koharu was lost in thought, Ai clenched her fists beside her.

"Koharu... I finally did it," she whispered.

"Huh?"

"Finally, I saw it with my own eyes. A ghost..."

With her cheeks flushed, Ai spoke with a hint of excitement,

"A ghost," Koharu said, tilting her head in confusion.

Koharu felt that the priest was probably an incarnation of the dragon god that lived in that land, and thus different from a ghost, but just as she was about to say so, she caught sight of a woman getting on the bus, and her breath caught in her throat.

This was because there was something pitch black clinging to the woman's back.

Seeing Koharu's eyes wide open and face pale, Ai leaned forward and asked, "Koharu, what's wrong?"

"That person who just got on the bus seems to have a lot of bad things attached to his back."

Koharu whispered something in Ai's ear, and Ai squinted her eyes.

"Uh ... I still can't see anything."

"I was able to see it just a moment ago," Ai said with her shoulders slumped, and Koharu gave a wry smile.

A black shadow clings to the woman, covering her shoulders and head.

Just looking at it is enough to send shivers down your spine, and Koharu truly believes that it would be better if she couldn't see such things.

If it had been my old self, I might have just seen it and turned a blind eye.

It's a little different now. I want to become a shrine priest like my grandmother.

"Hey, Koharu, is it possible to remove that person's 'dark shadow'?"

Ai seemed to be thinking the same thing, as she grabbed Koharu's sleeve and said.

"I also wanted to lift them up if I could. I don't know the technical way to do it, but I think it would make a big difference if I could just give them a pat on the shoulder."

"Leaving aside the ordinary person, if Koharu pays it, it will definitely have an immediate effect. Let's do it."

"Well, well, then I'll do it when I get off at Arashiyama Station."

"But maybe that person will get off before then?"

"I see, in that case, I'll pretend to go to the exchange and head forward."

"That's good."

The two of them whispered to each other and then stood up.

"Ryo, shall I exchange some money?"

"Uh, huh."

Koharu and Ai were well aware that no one could have heard them, but they still managed to come up with an excuse and muttered it to themselves, and together they hurriedly moved to the front of the crowded bus.

A woman with a black shadow on her back is holding onto a handrail near the front of the bus.

A black shadow clung to her, hanging from her head to her shoulders.

Just watching it made Koharu feel short of breath.

When they got almost inside the bus, Koharu came to a sudden halt.

She turned around, met Ai's eyes, and nodded.

With every step I take towards her, I feel the oppressive force of a black shadow.

How painful it must be for her to carry this burden all the time.

Or perhaps people who are not particularly psychic wouldn't feel much of a burden like this even if they were to carry it?

Koharu caught a quick glance at her profile.

She was a slender, beautiful woman wearing a suit, with the air of an office lady.

However, his eyes were glassy and his face looked pale. He even looked like he was having difficulty standing.

Perhaps he is feeling bitter after all.

That's true, it's such a terrible shadow. If only I could lift my shoulders and make it a little more comfortable...

However, she would no doubt be very surprised if a stranger suddenly brushed her off.

What's going on?

While Koharu was hesitating, Ai gave her a look that said, "Come on, now's the time."

"After waiting a moment," Koharu replied with a wry smile, "brushing the shoulder of a stranger is quite a hurdle to overcome," when she pressed the stop button.

The automated announcement "Next stop" echoed through the car, making Koharu feel anxious.

Ah, now is the time.

As if to clear away the noisy pounding of her heart, Koharu stretched out her hand and slapped her on the shoulder.

In that instant, the black shadow she was carrying disappeared like scattering spiders.

"-Huh?"

She looked at Koharu with more surprise than suspicion.

"Oh, that little spider..."

The moment she touched the black shadow she was reminded of a spider, so when Koharu blurted this out on the spot, her expression immediately softened.

"That's right, thank you."

" home "

Soon we arrived at the next stop, and after she bowed to Koharu, she got off the bus.

"...Koharu, how was it?"

Ai asked in a whisper, and Koharu responded with an "Uh-huh."

"I think the exorcism has been completed, because the black shadow has disappeared."

"You did it, Koharu! You've completed your first job."

" thank you "

The two of them held hands and rejoiced.

Eventually the bus arrived at its final stop, Arashiyama Station, where Koharu said goodbye to Ai and transferred to the Hankyu Railway.

I'm glad I was able to help that person, Koharu thought, and her heart was filled with a refreshing feeling that she had been able to help someone without them even realizing it.

But that was only for a short time.

A little while after riding the train.

Suddenly, I felt something heavy and heavy in the center of my back, which gradually began to hurt.

Before she had time to hesitate, the image of the girl from earlier, and also that of another middle-aged woman, flashed through Koharu's mind.

She and the middle-aged woman were arguing.

"Aren't you ashamed of yourself, making a move on someone else's husband, you thieving cat?" the middle-aged woman cried while crying, to which she was mocked.

"What a cat thief! I never thought there would be someone who would actually use words like that these days. Isn't it because she's such an old-fashioned woman that people are starting to get carried away? Not only is her appearance old-fashioned, even her mind is old-fashioned. A cat thief."

"I'll sue him. I'll make him learn what happens if he lays a hand on someone else's husband."

"Please, I'll file a lawsuit too. Your husband raped her at the office after hours. He took pictures of it and pressured her into a relationship. This is the truth. If this becomes known to the world, your child will never be able to walk outside again."

"Ahahaha," she laughed, while the middle-aged woman's eyes turned red and she clenched her fists.

"Don't worry. I'm going to break up with you. Ah, I was forced to stay with you and I didn't want to, so I want to get some compensation."

She says this, careful in case she is being recorded, and stands up.

"I, I won't forgive you. I absolutely won't forgive you."

"Waaaaaahh", the cry of a middle-aged woman echoed in my head.

--That black shadow was a mass of that woman's thoughts.

A strong feeling of hatred and "unforgiveness". This is probably what is commonly known as a living spirit.

The heavy pain I felt in the center of my back spread to my shoulders and throat, and soon it got to the point where I was even having difficulty breathing.

... I feel sick and in pain.

Koharu held her mouth and somehow got off at Kawaramachi Station, then dragged herself off to Gion.

Koharu had a hunch why the wind had suddenly become like this.

He had only half-heartedly exorcised the thing that the woman from earlier had been carrying, and so it had come back to haunt him.

Feeling her back getting heavier and heavier and feeling short of breath, Koharu finally made it through the noren curtains of Sakura-an.

There are no customers in the store and Yoshino is preparing to close up.

"Welcome home, Koharu."

Yoshino turned to Koharu and opened her eyes wide, "What is that?"

"Oh, Grandmother, help me."

As Koharu knelt down there, Yoshino looked relieved and walked over holding a packet of coarse salt.

He picked up some of the salt between his fingers and sprinkled it on Koharu's shoulders and back while chanting, "Pure heaven, pure earth, pure inside and out, pure and purified the six senses," and then shook it off with a bang.

By doing this, the heaviness you have been feeling will not subside all at once, but will gradually.

"...Koharu, why did you get all this?"

Yoshino asked, gently stroking his shoulder.

" actually ... ... "

Koharu told me about what had happened today.

Thinking, "I want to become a shrine priest like my grandmother," he went to undergo training at a waterfall with Ai.

I met a mysterious old priest and in the end, I was able to touch the waterfall without getting hit by it.

Also, on the way home on the bus I saw someone carrying a black shadow on his back, so I brushed it off with my hand to help him.

After hearing the whole story, Yoshino let out a sigh and put her hand on Koharu's head, saying, "You idiot."

"Ah, are you stupid?"

"...Koharu, come inside the shop curtain. Let's have a nice chat."

Yoshino said this gently, and I nodded and said, "Yes."

Soujirou was humming to himself as he sped north through the streets of Kyoto on his motorbike.

Now Mioto is not at his own home in Shimogamo, but at his house in Kamigamo - which to the outside world is his grandfather's house, but which is actually the Kamo family's barracks - and he drives along the Kamo River.

The setting sun had disappeared in a flash, and now the moon was reflecting its image on the river.

When Soujiro arrived at the Kamigamo mansion, a middle-aged man in white work attire, who appeared to be a gatekeeper, was waiting in front of the gate and bowed to him.

"I heard about this from Yoshino-san and have been waiting for you. I'm the manager here, Matsubara Bara."

He lifted his head and opened the magnificent cypress gate.

"Hello, Matsubara-san. This is Sakurai Soujirou. Sorry to bother you."

Soujiro also bows his head and passes through the gate.

As I walked along the stepping stones on the gravel leading to the entrance,

"Mio-san is in the room at the end of the hall. Please just come in."

Matsubara's voice reached behind him.

"I understand," Soujirou replied, nodding, and stepped into the mansion.

There was so little sign of anyone in the mansion right now that it seemed as if Mioto and Matsubara were the only people there.

The only lighting in the long corridor leading to the back of the hall came from a lamp at the foot.

"It has quite a certain charm," he thought, as he rounded a corner down the corridor and headed towards the room at the end, and a cool night breeze brushed against his cheeks.

It looks like the sliding doors are wide open.

Approaching the room, Soujirou squinted his eyes.

The lights were off, and Mioto was lying on the veranda in the moonlight.

Right next to him was a beautiful young woman with long hair wearing a kimono.

As the sweet scent of fragrance drifted through the air, she looked down at Mioto lovingly and gently stroked his hair and cheeks.

A sweet laughter, 'fufufu, chuckling', echoed through the quiet room, and Soujirou stopped in his tracks, wondering if he was disturbing the lovers' intimate moment, but then he quickly moved on his way.

The beautiful woman who had been stroking Mioto's head smiled coquettishly as soon as she confirmed Soujirou's presence.

And in the next moment, he disappeared like smoke. "For a moment I thought he was having fun, but it turned out he was some kind of demon."

Soujirou shrugged, said, "Don't disturb me," and stepped into the room.

"These days they are spirits, or perhaps relatives of gods. They seem to want my seed, and sometimes they tempt me."

Mioto was lying on the veranda in a light ink-colored kimono and, without turning to face Soujirou, was muttering to herself.

"I see, it's a tale of interspecies marriage."

"Yes, if they don't absorb new powers, they will be wiped out."

"So that's why he came to ask you out. He seems to be very popular even with non-humans."

"It's a good nuisance."

Miohto spoke in a absent-minded tone as he gazed at the moon floating in the deep blue sky.

"But this is again just as I have heard."

Soujiro laughed softly and sat down on the veranda.

"Is that your brother?"

" ah "

Soujirou nodded and looked up at the moon, reminiscing about the time Mioto's older brother, Kazuto, had come to the store.

"My younger brother, Mioto, is acting strange."

The other day, November 1st.

Kazuto began to speak quietly under the scarlet umbrella in the dining area of ​​Sakura-an.

"That's strange, how is it?" Yoshino narrowed her eyes worriedly.

"Well, he's always been pretty weird. Maybe weird is the standard."

As he continued like this, Yoshino swatted him away with her hand as if she were swatting away a fly and said, "You should be quiet," and Soujiro shrugged and said, "Heh, heh."

Seeing the two of them, Kazuto's mouth widened, but he quickly lowered his eyes.

"Thanks to everyone that night, Mioto narrowly escaped death. Thank you very much. After that, Mioto went to Shinsen-en with Koharu to offer thanks, and then came back home and told him everything that had happened. At that time, Mioto seemed a bit dazed. The next day, I slept until late afternoon, and I thought maybe I was still tired. But then, for the next two days, I didn't go to college and just slept until late afternoon. I can't believe it.

Kazuto spoke with an exasperated tone, and Soujirou tilted his head.

"But you know, it's not uncommon for a college student to get so tired that he skips school and sleeps until after noon."

"That's right," Yoshino agreed.

"That may be the case for a normal university student, but Mioto is different. Even if he's been feeling a little tired up until now, unless he's sick and bedridden, he's the kind of kid who wakes up almost every day at 5:30 in the morning, takes a shower, gets ready, says hello to the gods, cleans his room, sweeps the yard, and then does his morning worship!"

When Kazuto said that, Yoshino and Soujirou stood with their mouths wide open.

"Well, I mean, that's the one that's weird."

"Yeah, that's true, but it's very Mioto-like."

Yoshino nodded.

"That Mioto would laze around until late in the day, then in the evening he'd go out somewhere and come back late at night. In other words, he'd be out enjoying the nightlife. This went on for days on end. ...Well, that's fine. Mioto is a university student after all. Maybe he was finally starting to act like a normal kid, so I felt a little relieved, and happy. But then that incident happened at a time like that..."

Kazuto took a deep breath and placed his hand on his forehead.

"Is there an incident?" Yoshino and Soujirou asked in unison.

"Yes, that's the incident. One night, Mioto came home and found his head..."

"Your head?"

"My hair was blonde."

His words made Yoshino let out a cry, and Soujirou held his hand over his mouth to stop from bursting out in laughter.

"All the women in my house were screaming. My mother was crying and calling my sister in Tokyo, my sister was telling me to send pictures, the hospital staff was shocked... I was shocked too. This is like a nightmare and it doesn't suit me."

"Oh, really, you still have blonde hair?"

"No, my friends just sprayed me with blonde hair spray for fun, and it came off with shampoo."

"What? If that's the case, then it's nothing special."

"No, but, the previous Mioto was the kind of kid who would never do something like that, even when playing."

Yoshino gave a wry smile as Kazuto spoke again in an angry tone.

"Well, Mioto-chan is Mioto-chan and is probably searching for a turning point. Just stay quiet."

"...I guess that's how it is. My grandfather and father said the same thing," Kazuto said, shrugging his shoulders.

"You're still the same kind girl, Kazuto-chan."

Yoshino put her hand on Kazuto's shoulder and Kazuto shook his head and said "No."

"I'm always incompetent and a pathetic brother."

Kazuto said, laughing derisively at himself.

"---So, you were just rolling around, then you were partying all night, dyeing your hair blonde, then you were just rolling around again."

Soujirou recalled Kazuto's words and looked down at Mioto, who was still lying on his side.

"The blonde hair? I just got it because I was playing pranks on my friends."

Mioto just lay there and shrugged his shoulders.

"But Kazuto said that if you were you before, you would never have done something like that, and that it was an impossible story."

"Well, I suppose so. I thought, 'I'll try doing something that I've never done before.'"

With a vacant look in his eyes, Mioto then rolled over onto his back.

"So, you overslept and went out late?"

"That's right. I thought I'd give up everything I'd been working hard at and try doing things a normal college student would do. Like sleeping in, going out at night, going to parties if I was invited."

"Mio-chan, you're going on a dating party! You're so popular."

"I wonder. But I guess it's no good if it doesn't fit. I'm just tired."

"And now, there's that rolling noise again?"

Soujirou sat cross-legged and rested his chin on his hands.

"Soujirou, until now I had a strong core in the center of my body. But now it feels like that core has been removed and replaced with konnyaku. I can't put any strength into it."

"It's called konnyaku."

As Soujirou gave a small laugh, Mioto gently turned up the corners of his mouth and showed his vacant eyes again.

"Because I was given a 'power that humans don't have' and was given a very short lifespan, I was always aware of death, and I thought of myself as a 'special person' who doesn't fear death. So I feel like I've always looked at things from a bird's-eye view."

"Yes, that's what it felt like. Like looking down from above the clouds."

"Now I've been thrown out of that cloud and I don't know what's going on anymore."

Looking down at Mioto, who was sighing, Soujirou responded with "Hmm."

"Hey, Mioto."

" yes "

"That night, you said you fired a bullet without realizing it was a 'God's messenger,' but that was a lie," Soujirou said, lowering his gaze to Mioto.

「 ... ... ... ... 」

Mioto didn't say anything and just looked away.

"The 'Advancement' is wrapped up in negative thoughts and has an ominous appearance, so it is true that it is easy to mistake it for an evil spirit. But you are not mistaken, are you? At that time, even though you were up against a god, you sacrificed yourself, not wanting to bring disaster to this land, right?"

Soujiro asked quietly, and Mioto grimaced guiltyly.

"I see. But even when you shot it away, it was only a temporary dodge. Was that the thing you risked your life for?"

When Soujirou asked that, Mioto shook his head slightly.

"If things started to move even as far as 'Sakeniyari' and it became known that I had been sacrificed because of it, the head of the family would probably try desperately to persuade the politicians. If the world moves in the right direction, disasters may be averted. That's what I bet on at the time."

As Mioto spoke, Soujirou silently crossed his arms.

five

Koharu and Yoshino had closed the curtains and were sitting across from each other at the tea kettle in the living room on the second floor.

Yoshino took a sip of tea and let out a sigh.

"When you said you wanted to become a priest, I should have had a proper discussion with you."

Seeing Yoshino looking like she was regretting her actions later, Koharu leaned forward a little.

"Maybe your grandma wasn't happy when I said I wanted to become a shrine priest?"

"Everyone is raising their hands in approval, isn't that right?"

" Why ? "

As Koharu presses her further, Yoshino groans, "Hmm."

"Hey, Koharu. When you were in Tokyo, you were trying hard to get into a high-level high school, right? I believe you were aiming for T High School."

Being asked that out of the blue, Koharu was taken aback and simply nodded, "Um."

At that time, I was working hard to gain entrance exam eligibility, as there were only ten places available at my school.

"Really, if you were to become a mother someday and your child entered the same junior high school in Tokyo that you used to go to, and you said to him, 'I'll do my best to get into T High School's selection process,' would you be completely happy?"

Hearing this, Koharu became speechless and was at a loss for words.

This is because, in many different senses, he knows something very strange.

Not only will I do well in school, but I'm also worried about how much my friends will be jealous of me.

"That's what it comes down to. If I know a lot of difficult things, I can't be happy for you. If you say, 'I want to be a doctor,' or 'I want to be a lawyer,' I know it's a difficult thing to do, but I don't know how difficult it is, so I can support you without reservation. If you say, 'I want to be a priest,' I hope you will love me. "I understood what he meant, and it made me very happy. But the business of a shrine priest involves a lot of things, so I couldn't just say 'Do your best' without reservation. I think the same was true for Soujiro."

Finally realizing the truth behind their subtle reaction at that time, Koharu nodded, "Hmm."

"First, let me tell you something important. Koharu, when you go to different places from now on, I think you'll have many opportunities to meet people with the same burdens you had today. However, as a general rule, you shouldn't just go and exorcise spirits on your own."

Yoshino stated in a forceful tone, and Koharu's eyes widened and she said, "Eh?"

"If someone asks you to, that's a different matter. If they ask you to, or if you ask a being that possesses that person, or a god that protects them, like when you conveyed Ai-chan's mother's will to them before, then you should think about it. However, even if there are exceptions sometimes, and nothing has been said, we will not exclude them at our discretion. I don't really recommend you to do this.

"What? What's wrong?"

"That is the debt that person is shouldering, in other words, their karma. For example, if there is someone who gambles day and night and gets into debt, and you "seem to be in big trouble" and pay off the debt for them, even though they didn't ask you for help, it's the same thing. Do you think that would be to that person's benefit?"

Koharu shook her head. "Exactly. What you did was the same as taking out a debt that that person incurred through their own doing. It's not something that's in that person's interest. That person will become obsessed with it, work hard, and at the end of the day, they'll awaken and grow. There are cases where people have to go through such training."

As Yoshino explained this, Koharu nodded seriously.

The dark shadow over her was the wife's resentment born out of an immoral relationship.

It can truly be said that this is what one gets for oneself. It is not doing that person any favors if you perform an exorcism on your own without them asking you to.

I could understand very well what Yoshino was saying.

"I hope you understand. By arbitrarily exorcising something, you might hinder someone's growth, and more than anything, if you arbitrarily exorcise everything you can see, you might receive it and be crushed. Since you can see it, I know it's painful to turn a blind eye, but even so, I want you to keep a strong heart. Even so, it is necessary to turn a blind eye. If you are fortunate enough to be able to help someone and they ask for your help, and you truly want to help them, then you should do your best to help them."

As Yoshino spoke, Koharu nodded in agreement and memories of past events came back to her.

It happened some time ago, when Mioto and I went to Yasaka Shrine.

On the way home, I saw a woman who seemed to be possessed by something.

"Oh, that's no good. You got so many of those. But, you got what you deserved."

That's all Mioto said and did nothing.

Thinking back on it later, Koharu thought that his reaction at the time might have been cold, but finally she came to the realization that that was what it meant.

── The veranda was illuminated blue by the moonlight, and the room was enveloped in silence.

The chirps of autumn insects can be heard in the distance.

The insects are still chirping, thought Soujirou, narrowing his eyes, when after a short while Mioto let out a loud breath.

"No, I'm sorry."

" different ? "

"The truth is, I just wanted to be a hero."

Mioto looked away and told him to breathe, but Soujirou didn't say anything.

"Even though I knew that the other person was a god, I still risked my life to protect this land. Don't you think that this is a fitting end for a 'chosen person'? And yet, when I was faced with death, I begged for my life without a trace of it before God. I don't even have the slightest inkling that I am a 'special person who does not fear death.'" I was a pathetic, weak person who just kept up a false front and tried to save myself by thinking I was "special."

"...That is, a 'normal human'."

"Huff," Soujirou chuckled, and Mioto narrowed his eyes softly.

"That's right, he was a really normal person, to the point that it was funny. At that time, I was saved by throwing everything I had into the sea and begging for my life. If I had lost my special powers at that moment, I might have been able to move forward with the feeling that I had been reborn. But my powers... "I was left behind. I wondered why I had done that."

Mioto said this while looking at the palm of his hand.

"Why does my power remain? Is it necessary for me to continue working for the Kamo family as I have done up until now? Or is it okay to ignore this power and live life the way I want to? If I really went to Shinsen-en and met the Black Dragon who saved my life, I'm sure I would find words that would serve as a guidepost. I was hoping that he would bestow it upon me, but he never showed himself. ... That god is truly no good."

Mioto took a deep breath and rolled onto his side.

"And so you became confused and wandered around..."

Having said that, Soujirou lowered his eyes and put his hand over his mouth.

"... Yes. I feel so pathetic, I'm so sorry. Soujirou-san was worried about me too, wasn't he?"

Even though Mioto said that, Soujirou didn't reply, just kept his head down, his body trembling violently.

"Mr. Soujiro?"

"Sorry, Mioto..."

"Huh?"

"I can't be patient..."

Having said that, Soujiro burst out laughing, "Ahahaha," and said, "Soujiro-san?"

Mioto opened his eyes and sat up.

"Mioto skipped university, went out partying at night, got blonde hair, and is always sulking and saying things he doesn't understand, and he's just too lost. It's too funny! I thought it would be really interesting, but I didn't think it would be this interesting."

Unable to contain himself, Soujirou burst out laughing, and this time Mioto's body began to tremble.

"What are you laughing at? I'm serious!"

"That's stupid, it's only funny because you're serious. Seriously, my stomach hurts. Stop making me laugh, Mio-tan."

"Please stop it, if you came here to make fun of me, then go away!"

Mioto stood up and pointed down the hallway.

He glared at Soujirou with eyes as sharp as a sharpened sword.

It was an energy that was unimaginable from Mioto, who always had a smile on his face, and Matsubara, who had been secretly peeking at the situation from outside the room, instinctively stepped back.

Soujirou stopped laughing in front of Mioto like that.

"Finally, you spoke loudly and stood up. Do you feel a bit better?"

Sitting cross-legged, Soujirou looked up at Mioto and gave him a slight smile.

"...."

Mioto choked on his words, sat upright on the spot, and let out a big sigh.

"Soujiro. Just now, I couldn't put any strength into my body. I wanted to get up, but I just couldn't. But now, strength has naturally come into my body, my back is straight, and my mind is clearer. It's a little bit, but I feel like I've returned to my usual self."

"That was good."

"...to get something that has become immobile to move again, you need a lot of energy. Anger is the quickest way to do this, and it generates a lot of energy. Soujiro-san, you purposely made me angry, and you drew out the energy inside me."

Mioto gently raised the corners of his mouth.

"No, I didn't have the slightest intention of intentionally making you angry. You were laughing, Mio-chan, but you were being very serious, so I held back until the very last moment. I was bossy."

As Soujirou shook his hands, Mioto's cheeks twitched.

"You really are a tough guy."

"You're just a poisonous flower man who can't eat it, so don't say that. If you think about it, that little dragon is incredible. To think he could easily make a man like you roll over here."

Soujirou chuckled again, as if he had just remembered something.

"...There are no enemies to God. But humans are truly troublesome. When you're given a mission and heading towards a goal, it feels like you're tied down by those things and suffering, but when those things are gone, you don't know what to do."

"The spine becomes like konnyaku."

"... It's not the spine, it's the core."

"Well, either way is fine, but I've also had the experience of my core turning into konnyaku, so I understand that." As Soujirou nodded, Mioto looked up.

"What happened to you then, Soujiro-san?"

"How so? From then until now, it has remained like konnyaku?"

Soujiro said this casually with a straight face.

Mioto's mouth dropped open, and after a moment his shoulders began to tremble.

"I see, is that so?"

"After turning into konnyaku, it's really hard to get up. That's when I..."

Sojiro said that and took the backpack. "That's right, I brought a souvenir."

"Maybe it's the black beans and sugar candy from back then?"

As Mioto looked at him expectantly, Soujirou shook his head and said, "No."

"I've made something new again," he said, taking out a box wrapped in a bath mat and holding it out to me.

"Thank you very much, I'll take it then."

Mioto took it with both hands and carefully opened the furoshiki.

Inside was a skewer of dumplings.

The skewers of dango were not served with any sauce such as mitarashi, and consisted of just three white, green, and black-colored dango pieces, very simple.

"Are these skewered dumplings? They're modern colors and look delicious," Mioto said, looking a little taken aback and saying, "What is this?" as he picked up one.

"Well, try it."

"Yes, I'll have it."

Mioto took a bite of the top dango and opened his eyes wide.

"It has bean paste inside."

"Oh, that's a big Fukumochi skewered dumpling. The top is smooth bean paste, the middle is matcha, and the bottom is black sesame."

"Hey, this is delicious."

"Well, it's delicious whether lightly grilled or broiled."

"That's true. It's perfect for the coming season."

"When I had turned into konnyaku, I discovered a delicious Japanese sweet and felt like I had been saved."

Soujirou narrowed his eyes nostalgically.

"... so I became a Japanese confectionery craftsman."

Mioto relaxed his cheeks with a sigh.

"Do you want to become a Japanese confectioner too?"

"No, it won't be."

"I'm a little strict though."

"So it's not possible."

"Oh, that's right, I also picked it up from my grandmother."

Sojiro said as he reached for his backpack.

"I didn't hear you."

"Oh well," Mioto said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Give this to you."

Soujiro took the box out and placed it on the floor.

"Yoshino-san, may I open it?"

" of course "

Remove the wrapping paper with a Japanese design and open the box.

Even though he was there, Mioto's cheeks relaxed.

"Hey, how adorable."

"Oh, this is definitely good."

"With this, we can light up the road at night. Yoshino-san, that's very cool."

"Well, I don't know if you've thought that far."

"Soujirou, would you like something to drink?"

As Mioto stood up, Soujirou nodded and said, "Yes."

"Well, I'll have some hot tea then. I'll have some daifuku mochi and dango on a stick."

"All right. Please wait a moment."

Mioto smiled sweetly and was about to leave the room when he stopped in his tracks.

"... Soujiro-san."

"Hmm?" "Thank you so much, thank you so much."

Perhaps out of embarrassment, Mioto didn't even try to meet his eyes and quietly told him,

"Hey, your voice just now was quiet and hard to hear. Speak louder, please..."

By the time Soujirou said this, Mioto had already disappeared.

Yoshino and Koharu had dinner by themselves, and after the meal, they ate the daifuku mochi and dango skewers that Soujirou had left out, narrowed their eyes and said, "Hmmmm."

"Delicious! I can't get enough of this feeling of satisfaction."

"That's true. It's easy to eat and it's good. I'll bring out the brazier next time, so it would be good to grill it."

"Mmmm, I think it's absolutely delicious."

The two of them ate their rice dumplings, sipped their tea, and took a deep breath.

"Hey, grandma, it seems like Mioto-san is taking a break from college, but I wonder if he's okay."

Koharu asked quietly, and Yoshino nodded and said, "That's right."

"Are you worried?"

Koharu nodded.

"When we went to Shinsen-en to offer our thanks, Wakamiya-kun didn't show up no matter how many times we called him. Mioto-san acted fine, but I think he must have been shocked."

"What made you think that?"

"I think I understand a little bit of how you feel, Mioto-san."

When Koharu started talking like that, Yoshino simply nodded in agreement without saying a word.

"When I couldn't go to school anymore and couldn't get into the high school I wanted, I didn't know what to do. It was like my goals and the visions I had for the future were taken away, and I became lost. All my values ​​and what I wanted to do were destroyed in an instant. Maybe that's what happened to Mioto, who has dedicated his all to the Kamo family. That day at Shinsen-en, I think he wanted Wakamiya-kun, who saved his life, to give him advice on what to do next. But he never showed up. "Maybe Mioto got lost just like I did back then," Koharu said, lowering her eyes.

"Why do you think the Black Dragon didn't appear?"

"I think it really meant, 'Think for yourself'. That's what you said to me before, Wakamiya-kun. 'Please feel free to rely on me anytime, I'll help you when I need to, but I won't help you when it's better not to.' So I think that at that time it was 'when it's better not to help'."

As Koharu spoke, Yoshino nodded and smiled sweetly.

"The truth is, the place Soujirou went to today was Mioto-chan's place."

Hearing this, Koharu's eyes widened.

"That's right."

"Do you want to come with us, Koharu?"

Koharu thought for a moment and then shook her head.

"Well, Mioto-san is very worried, and he really wants to go and see you, but I'm sure he doesn't want anyone to see him looking lost. But I have a feeling that Soujirou-san will be okay."

"Why, if it's Soujirou?"