"The young master of the Kuhōzuka family was abducted by that guy?"
When Satsuki informed Erica of the news the next day, Erica's face was filled with disbelief.
Although she had never witnessed the full extent of Satsuki's strength, she had a general idea of it.
Lu Yinghua might be extraordinarily powerful, but there was no way he could accomplish something like that right under Satsuki's nose.
As the former "Red Devil," Erica reacted immediately. After making sure there were no magical surveillance measures set up around them, she lowered her voice and said, "Satsuki, this was intentional, wasn't it?"
"More precisely, it was my suggestion."
"Why would you do that?"
"Because what is sealed inside the West Heavenly Shrine is not the so-called Divine Lord Tōshō, but a Heretic God. And I am very interested in that god."
Erica's mind worked quickly. She tapped a finger lightly against her temple and said, "So they have a way to break that seal? But why now? That seal has existed for several hundred years. And Luo Hao herself has been a Godslayer for over two hundred years. Why choose this timing to undo it?"
"That is unknown. Perhaps they only recently found a method. Or perhaps something happened recently that gave them the conditions necessary to lift the seal."
Hearing this, Erica glanced toward the door, where the girl was currently with Yuri Mariya—could it be related to her?
During this period, in order to prevent the Kuhōzuka family from using any special methods to take Hikari away, Yuri Mariya had entrusted her to Erica. Whenever she had time, she would come here as well.
"In any case, I think we need to pay a visit to this so-called West Heavenly Shrine."
Erica nodded in agreement, then shook a small bell. "Lily, get changed. We're heading out."
"...That damned woman." From outside the door came the teeth-gritting voice of a certain Fairy Knight. Whether it was because she had some hidden masochistic tendency or not, she still quickly changed into her usual blue outfit, gripping her Silver Giant sword, and followed Erica outside.
If they were going to Nikkō, traveling by car was more economical than taking the train—and far less conspicuous.
Of course, they would not trouble Miss Arianna to drive this time. There were ordinary people in the car, and if something really happened, that would be troublesome.
About an hour later, a familiar male face suddenly emerged from the shadows without warning. It was the ninja who excelled at concealment—Touma Amakasu.
He usually avoided matters unrelated to his official duties whenever possible. "Don't expect loyalty beyond my salary" was his catchphrase—a model employee of the new era who refused to overwork himself.
But recently, his superior, Sayanomiya Kaoru, had assigned him the task of investigating the West Heavenly Shrine as well.
He had originally been wondering how to proceed. Now things were simple. With the presence of a Campione, and Satsuki serving as the nominal ruler of Japan, he could approach the place openly and legitimately.
...
After boarding the bus, the group of six quickly set off toward their destination.
Nikkō was about a two-hour ride from the Tokyo area—not particularly far by Japanese standards, yet not exactly close either. It was an awkward distance.
Along the way were twenty post towns—Senju-shuku, Sōka-shuku, Koshigaya-shuku, and so on. These so-called post towns were the equivalent of modern highway rest stops. Due to Nikkō's unique historical background, many of them also had a tourist function, forming sightseeing districts centered around the old post stations. Such places were known as shukuba-machi.
There were many such locations on the road to Nikkō.
During the long journey, Satsuki was not fond of talking. Back when she had still been an ordinary person, she would have chosen to sleep at times like this. Now, instead, she immersed her mind in her sea of consciousness, checking on the progress of the modifications being made to the Progenitor God.
The girls in the back seat, however, were far less quiet.
Their conversation began with amusing incidents at school, then gradually shifted to matters of magical training. While comparing their respective practices, Erica grew curious about how shrine maidens trained in their daily lives, since Yuri Mariya did not seem to undergo any particularly intense physical conditioning most of the time.
In response, Yuri Mariya explained, "To become an outstanding Hime-Miko, one must undergo rigorous training. Depending on individual talent, each Hime-Miko must complete no fewer than eighteen and no more than seventy-two trials. These trials temper both body and mind, allowing the body to withstand divine descent and ensuring the heart remains steadfast and pure."
"Why do some need eighteen while others require seventy-two?" Lily asked curiously.
"Because of differences in aptitude and responsibilities. The stronger one's spiritual power and the greater one's talent, the more trials one must endure. For example, I only completed forty-eight trials, while Sayanomiya Kaoru, who trained in the same batch as I did, completed fifty-six."
"What about Ena Seishuuin? She's known as the top Tachi Hime-Miko. How many trials did she pass?"
Yuri Mariya shook her head. "I'm not entirely sure. I only know that a few years ago, when I parted from her, she was already undertaking her sixtieth trial. That number already surpassed all contemporary Hime-Miko. That is why she is publicly acknowledged as the first."
Hearing this, Erica asked curiously, "What about Hikari? How many trials has she completed now?"
"Erica-oneesan, I'm not yet an official Hime-Miko, so I'm not qualified to undergo the trials. Strictly speaking, perhaps going to the West Heavenly Shrine for training will count as my first trial."
As she said this, Hikari suddenly asked with curiosity, "I've actually been wondering—Is Satsuki-oneesan also a shrine maiden?"
"Satsuki... I can't quite figure her out either," Erica said, secretly glancing at Satsuki. "Rather than a shrine maiden, she feels more like some kind of reclusive master who knows everything. Leaving other things aside, just in terms of battle record, she once defeated the King of Swords and the First Hime-Miko. And several times when I was in danger, she was the one who saved me."
"That's amazing. When I visited Ena-oneesan before, I heard her mention Satsuki-oneesan as well. She said that aside from the Campione, Satsuki-oneesan was the strongest opponent she had ever encountered."
As she spoke, Hikari's eyes sparkled as she looked toward the front seat, where Satsuki was resting with her eyes closed.
"If one day I could become someone as strong as Satsuki-oneesan, that would be wonderful."
"Then you'll have to work hard, Hikari—not only in your studies, but in your training as well," Yuri Mariya added promptly from the side.
"I will do my best, Onee-san."
...
After a lively journey, they arrived at their destination at around one in the afternoon.
Mount Nikkō—home to Tōshō-gū, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnō-ji.
There are many Tōshō-gū shrines throughout Japan, but the one located in Nikkō is the head shrine. It has applied for and received UNESCO World Heritage status.
As an international tourist city in the northern Kantō region of Honshu, the area was already bustling at this hour with numerous worshippers and visitors who had come to sightsee or pay their respects.
Though it had not yet reached the overwhelming, shoulder-to-shoulder density of Chinese holiday attractions, the atmosphere was already close.
The crowd consisted of people of all ages—men and women, young and old—and there were also quite a few foreign tourists. The types of visitors varied widely… in short, every kind of person imaginable was present.
The others got out of the vehicle first, while Amakasu followed the signs and parked the minibus in a designated lot.
The group then made their way to the main approach to the shrine.
Tall cedar trees lined both sides of the path. Since it was not autumn, the main road was flanked instead by upright advertising boards introducing Tōshō-gū and recommending related attractions. Ahead stood a faded torii gate, and upon entering and looking to the left, one could see a small five-story pagoda.
Further inside lay Tōshō-gū itself. To the right was Rinnō-ji, and deeper to the left stood Futarasan Shrine.
Satsuki had no interest in sightseeing. After stepping out of the car, she quietly began sensing the seal of the so-called West Heavenly Shrine. Then, guided by her intuition, she walked straight toward the torii of Tōshō-gū.
Behind her, Erica and Lily followed, still discussing where they would stay for the night, as though they truly regarded this trip as a vacation.
Nikkō Tōshō-gū is a mausoleum built to enshrine the deified Tokugawa Ieyasu—Tōshō Daigongen.
Having undergone modern renovations in later generations, the main hall did not appear to carry several centuries of history. From the outside, it glittered with gold and radiated brilliance and luxury. Yet precisely because of that, compared to the Four Great Shrines Satsuki had once seen in the world of Inuyasha, it lacked a sense of historical depth.
Leaving other aspects aside, the most direct indicator of a shrine's standing is whether it possesses a powerful spiritual vein and formidable shrine maidens. At this fully commercialized tourist site of Nikkō Tōshō-gū, Satsuki felt no particular power. In contrast, at places like Yasaka Shrine or Katori Shrine in that other world, shrine maidens with considerable spiritual power had been everywhere.
Of course, the two worlds were entirely different. Drawing such comparisons was somewhat forced.
It was precisely for that reason that when a building of striking plainness suddenly entered their field of vision, it stood out all the more.
Compared to the adjacent structures, this building was far more subdued in color, its surface etched with the marks of time.
"This place feels unexpectedly old," Erica remarked, looking up at the aged structure before them.
"This is the Sacred Stable," Yuri Mariya explained. "The Sacred Stable houses the divine horse and is the building most closely associated with the Divine Lord of Tōshō-gū."
As she spoke, Yuri specifically introduced the history connected to the stable.
"When Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands visited Japan, she saw that the stable was empty and specially gifted a Dutch horse. Above the plaque of the Sacred Stable are eight panels of monkey carvings, depicting the story of a monkey's life as a reflection of human existence."
The most famous among them are the three monkeys covering their eyes, ears, and mouth—See No Evil, Hear No Evil, and Speak No Evil.
"Is the West Heavenly Shrine also dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu?" Satsuki suddenly asked.
"Ah—"
Yuri, who had been explaining enthusiastically, froze for a moment before suddenly realizing something. "Right, I forgot to clarify. The West Heavenly Shrine enshrines a deity independent of Tōshō-gū. It is said to be a god known as the Monkey Divine Lord. Legend says he is the incarnation of a monkey and also the protector of dragons."
"West Heavenly Shrine… Sacred Stable… monkey… protector of dragons…"
If before it had merely been speculation, now Satsuki was almost certain of the identity of the god sealed here.
She had not expected it to be that one…
Yet, in a way, it was only natural. Japan indeed held an unusual reverence and affection for this deity.
But Satsuki did not believe that the being once suppressed beneath Five-Element Mountain for five hundred years would enjoy remaining sealed here.
Her steps halted for an instant. Then, in an almost casual tone, she asked, "How was this Monkey Divine Lord sealed here?"
"I don't know," Yuri replied somewhat embarrassed. "Perhaps only when we reach the West Heavenly Shrine and ask the Kuhōzuka family will we learn the inside story."
"Is that so?"
"Then let us proceed to the West Heavenly Shrine. There is a ward that repels ordinary people, so please stay close behind me."
As she spoke, Yuri took out a talisman and stepped first into the vast woodland behind the Sacred Stable. Satsuki, Erica, Lily, and Hikari followed behind her.
After walking through the forest for more than ten minutes, they finally arrived before an ancient shrine.
Under normal circumstances, at this hour, members of the Kuhōzuka family would be present to receive distinguished guests—especially since a Campione was visiting this time.
Yet strangely, there was not a single person in sight at the West Heavenly Shrine. Even the floors showed no signs of having been cleaned or swept.
Satsuki and Erica naturally knew the reason. But Yuri Mariya and Hikari found it somewhat puzzling. After glancing around and confirming that no one was present, Yuri spoke to Erica with a hint of regret.
"How strange. Even if the others were dismissed, the young master in charge should have been here. I wonder why he has suddenly disappeared. It's quite unexpected."
"It's fine. We can look around ourselves."
As she answered, Satsuki walked forward as if no one else existed, heading straight into the grounds of the West Heavenly Shrine. She soon stopped before an old shrine hall that was neither particularly large nor ornate.
Low trees grew around it—likely peach trees.
Around the shrine hall and the peach wood trees, shimenawa ropes were strung in all directions, releasing what could barely be considered "strong" curse power.
However, within Satsuki's Tenseigan, behind this seal lay a passage leading to another realm.
It was not a place unfamiliar to her. She had been there before.
"The Realm Between Life and Undeath—the Netherworld. I see. So that is where it has been sealed?"