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Kannawa Lake, located deep in the Tanzawa Mountains, was a massive man-made lake formed by a newly constructed dam. It had become a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and especially fishing enthusiasts.
What most visitors didn't know was that hidden high in the surrounding mountains, overlooking the reservoir, stood a small, ancient holy shrine—one that didn't exist on any official map.
This secluded place wasn't just forgotten history—it was one of the Lion King Agency's top-secret bases.
Its main purpose? To guard a certain powerful relic sealed deep beneath the waters of Kannawa Lake.
At that moment, Ryo, having taken one of the agency's private cars, arrived at the hidden shrine nestled deep within the forest. The vehicle came to a slow stop in front of the vermilion torii gate.
In Japan, torii gates mark the entrance to sacred spaces—dividing the human world from the domain of the gods. They're often bright red and serve as symbolic gateways to Shinto shrines.
Beneath this particular torii, two small figures stood waiting.
One was an elderly woman in a scarlet shrine maiden outfit, face lined with age. The other was a petite, cute girl wearing a junior-sized version of the same outfit—Nagisa Akatsuki.
They stood side by side, ready to welcome the agency's honored guest.
As soon as Ryo stepped out of the car, Nagisa's eyes lit up in surprise.
"Huh? It's the big brother from Gozo Island!"
Delighted, she skipped up to him with her hands clasped behind her back, and asked playfully, "Hey, big brother! You remember me, right?"
Ryo gave her a blank look. "Uhh… sorry, who are you?"
"What?! You're kidding, right? It's only been a few days!"
Nagisa's face fell, her excitement instantly replaced by disappointment.
But before she could sulk for long, a large hand landed on her head and gave her hair a good, playful rub.
"Of course I remember! How could I forget such an adorable little Nagisa~?"
"Adorable? Ehehehe~" Nagisa giggled, her face blooming with a goofy, satisfied smile as he continued to ruffle her hair into a complete mess.
Ryo grinned. "So tell me, are you the cutest shrine maiden at this shrine?"
"N-Not the cutest! I'm still just a trainee!" she squeaked, a little flustered.
"I'm only helping out because Grandma is the chief priest here."
Hearing that, Ryo put on a comically exaggerated expression. "Ohhh, I see how it is! Helping out the family at such a young age? You're amazing, Nagisa."
Amazing in more ways than one… Ryo chuckled to himself.
Nagisa let out a sigh like a tiny grown-up. "Ugh, it can't be helped. Dad, Kojou, Yaze—they're all hopeless. They don't know how to take care of themselves. It's like babysitting a bunch of idiots. But from now on I—"
"Ahem!"
A dry cough interrupted them.
Ryo and Nagisa turned their heads and saw the elderly shrine maiden—Nagisa's grandmother—watching them with a weary look.
"Ah—Grandma!"
Nagisa finally realized she'd been monopolizing Ryo's time, just chattering away. Her face turned bright red, and she quickly ducked behind him in embarrassment.
"I didn't mean to ramble…"
Ryo laughed and reached back to give her head another playful rub.
"Wait, you're messing up my hair again!"
Nagisa swatted his hand away, frantically trying to smooth her hair back into place.
That's when Ryo noticed the odd expression the old woman was giving him.
Ah. That's the look of someone watching her granddaughter get snatched away…
"You must be Lord Ryo Yagami," the elderly woman spoke, her tone dignified. "I'm Hisano Akatsuki, the Shrine maiden of this humble shrine. I believe Nagisa had the pleasure of meeting you on Gozo Island."
"Kinda," Ryo replied with a smile. Then he gave her a once-over and raised his eyebrows. "You're pretty spry for your age."
'Spry' was putting it lightly. The way her shrine maiden outfit clung awkwardly to her frame, it was clear this woman had some serious muscle underneath.
A muscle granny. Absolutely terrifying.
"Just a little personal interest in staying fit," Hisano replied, waving it off like it was no big deal.
"Well, I'm pretty into fitness myself," Ryo grinned. "Maybe you could give me a few tips sometime, ma'am."
That old shrine maiden? Definitely a powerhouse.
Of course, Ryo meant in this world's context—Strike the Blood. But still… there was something about her. That calm presence, that practiced control… she gave off a vibe kind of like Retsu Unohana.
The type of person who'd mastered a craft to the point of terrifying precision. A true expert.
"Oh? A fellow enthusiast?" Hisano's face lit up. "If you don't mind, I wouldn't be opposed to offering a bit of guidance."
Of course, that was just being polite.
No one in their right mind thought a retired shrine granny could actually teach anything to the man who straight-up beat the Third Primogenitor in a head-on fight. Still, getting praised by someone like Ryo? That was definitely a mood booster.
Whether it was thanks to her granddaughter or not, Hisano was thoroughly enjoying the compliments. Even Ryo—this "wild man trying to steal her granddaughter"—was starting to look a little more agreeable in her eyes.
"We've got about an hour before the lake's special phenomenon begins," Hisano said. "If you don't mind waiting, why not come inside for a bite?"
Special phenomenon, huh? Ryo's eyes narrowed in interest. But he smiled and nodded.
"An invitation from a respected elder? Of course I'll accept."
"Ohoho!"
Hisano chuckled in delight. Ryo's polite and respectful demeanor was leagues above the younger generation. Compared to her own disappointing sons and grandsons, this guy was a gem.
"Honestly, you're much more pleasant than any of my grandkids," she said. "Come to think of it, I believe my grandson owes you quite a bit."
She was referring, of course, to the knowledge Kojou had received—those mysterious and powerful techniques. That kind of knowledge… only someone like Ryo Yagami could casually toss it out.
The Akatsuki family had definitely benefitted. And Hisano's opinion of Ryo was rising fast.
Suddenly, she shot him a mischievous glance. "Say, Lord Yagami—how'd you like to sample some of our shrine's finest offering sake?"
Nagisa blinked. Offering sake? Wait a minute—
Her face turned crimson. She scrambled to protest. "Grandma! Y-You can't just go offering alcohol out of nowhere!"
"What's the big deal?" Hisano shrugged. "Ryo and I are both adults. A little drink never hurt anyone."
Then she gave him a mock glare. "If you refuse, I will be offended, you know!"
Offering sake, huh? Ryo tilted his head… then caught a glimpse of Nagisa's bright red face and panicked expression.
Oh.
Thatkind of offering sake.
He glanced at Hisano's sly smile, and it clicked.
Kuchikamizake or kuchikami no sake— a type of traditional rice-based alcohol, originally made by shrine maidens who chewed the rice to start fermentation. A traditional, sacred brew offered to the gods.
Of course, here it was made by magic instead of saliva, but there was a kiss ritual and even that warm-in-the-chest thing... It was created through something lewd, yeah, but not disgusting at all.
"..."
'Oof… Nagisa actually did that?'
'Probably tricked into it by her sneaky grandma.'
Seeing the situation for what it was, Ryo gave a fearless grin.
"Well then, how could I possibly say no?"
"EHH?! NOOO!" Nagisa cried out, truly flustered now.
Ryo looked at her with mock confusion. "What's wrong? Is there something weird about the sake?"
"N-No, it's just—just some old bottles Grandma's been saving, that's all!"
Off to the side, Hisano turned toward Koyomi and Shirona, who were still standing near the car.
"You two want a drink too?"
"We respectfully decline," they said in unison, without a moment's hesitation.
Hisano pouted. "Tch. Too bad. I was gonna bring out the ones you two made back in the day."
At that, both Koyomi and Shirona went stiff.
Oh no.
That damned old lady was seriously about to bring out those bottles? The ones they got tricked into brewing? That dark chapter of their past?
She wouldn't… she couldn't…
Fuck. She absolutely would.
At that moment, both women felt a strong urge to silence the old Shrine maiden—permanently.
Meanwhile, Hisano clapped a firm hand on Ryo's shoulder.
"Come, Lord Yagami! Let's have ourselves a proper drink today!"
"Don't blame me if I end up finishing your whole stash," Ryo joked, grinning.
"Hah! You think I'd complain? I've got more than enough to go around. Just drink your fill!"
And with that, the two of them—one old and crafty, the other bold and shameless—marched up the steps toward the shrine like a pair of mischievous partners-in-crime.
At the foot of the stairs, Koyomi, Shirona, and poor Nagisa were all blushing furiously, staring after them in disbelief.
The entire scene… looked utterly ridiculous.
.
.
.