"What is kuchikamizake?"
Footsteps sounded from behind as Ritsu and the others arrived. Soon, a large group crowded around the shrine.
"Kuchikamizake, as the name suggests, is a type of sake fermented using saliva instead of other agents. The process involves shrine maidens chewing cooked rice in their mouths, then spitting it out. The enzymes in the saliva, like amylase, ferment the rice."
"Ew!"
Ritsu shuddered and took two steps back, staring at the kuchikamizake in front of the shrine with a horrified expression.
S-so gross!
But soon, as if realizing something, she suddenly relaxed and said, "But if it's made by a beautiful girl, then it feels acceptable somehow."
"Right, Sato?"
"Yeah!"
Sato nodded instinctively.
But almost immediately, his whole body stiffened. He suddenly sensed something was wrong… a cold, blade-like gaze stabbed into his cheek.
Ritsu, you're getting me killed!!!
He swallowed and forced himself to remain calm as he glanced to the side, only to see the girl named Konomi smiling at him.
"Since you think it's fine, Sato, I'll have my underclassman prepare a jar for you later. There just happens to be a kuchikamizake-making ritual at tonight's festival."
Outside, the sun was bright, yet inside the cave a cold wind seemed to howl, chilling Sato to the bone.
…
Itomori Town.
By the time they came down from the crater, it was already near evening. The sun was sinking toward the other side of the mountains.
They found a ramen shop in town and had a satisfying meal, then began heading toward Miyamizu Shrine.
Along the way, many residents of Itomori had already changed into yukata.
"Ugh… it's such a shame we didn't bring yukata!"
Yui looked at the people around her with a pitiful expression. She also wanted to wear a yukata to the festival.
"Big sis, we came here to practice."
Hirasawa Ui looked at her helplessly. Who brings yukata to a practice trip?
Itomori Town was built along the mountains, and Miyamizu Shrine was located at a higher elevation. From afar, they could already see the red torii gate.
Following the mountain road upward, when they looked back, they could see groups of residents heading toward the shrine. As the sky gradually darkened, lights began to glow throughout Itomori, and the street lamps along the road lit up one by one.
Bright lights illuminated the path in the night, and the star of tonight, Miyamizu Shrine, shone brilliantly.
Before long, they arrived at the shrine.
Japanese shrine festivals were somewhat like temple fairs. Along both sides of the mountain path were various stalls, with small games and plenty of food.
The crowd grew lively, filled with noise and laughter.
"Wow! It's so lively!"
The girls widened their eyes in delight at the scene before them. Any lingering fatigue disappeared instantly.
At that moment, Miyauchi Kazuho, the eldest in the group, spoke. Still with her usual squinting eyes, she looked up at the shrine and said,
"Alright, everyone, you can go off on your own for now. Let's meet back at the torii gate up top in an hour."
Everyone immediately scattered.
Sato was about to take Kanna and Miyauchi Renge to have some fun when a soft, slender hand suddenly tapped his shoulder.
"Sato, come with us to visit the head of Miyamizu Shrine."
"Huh? I have to go too?"
Sato blinked in surprise.
Fujimiya Konomi said, "Weren't you interested in kuchikamizake? I'll take you to have a look."
"Huh?!"
I'm not interested! That was all Ritsu's fault!
Sato complained inwardly. As for whether he was actually interested or not, no one knew, but in any case, he did not refuse.
"Then I'll leave Ren-chan and the others to you, Kaede-neesan!"
Kagayama Kaede raised an eyebrow, then looked down at the two little girls staring up at her.
"Alright."
She nodded.
…
Miyamizu Shrine.
To one side of the shrine was the residence of the Miyamizu family. After entering with Fujimiya Konomi and Miyauchi Kazuho, Sato saw an elderly woman wearing reading glasses. She looked somewhat stern, yet carried a gentle kindness.
"Grandma Hitoha, we've come to visit you!"
Fujimiya Konomi and Miyauchi Kazuho greeted her.
The elderly woman slowly looked up at them, and soon a kind smile appeared.
"So it's the children of the Fujimiya and Miyauchi families. You are very welcome tonight…"
Miyamizu Hitoha smiled and nodded to them.
Soon, her gaze fell on Sato, who had entered with them, and a hint of curiosity appeared in her eyes.
Seeing this, Sato introduced himself, "Hello, I'm Konomi's friend, Nohara Sato from Asahigaoka."
"Asahigaoka… Nohara…"
Miyamizu Hitoha murmured the name, her expression quickly turning a bit strange.
She looked at Sato with curiosity and asked, "Do you know Nohara Ginnosuke?"
Sato paused, then nodded. "He is my father."
Suddenly, Miyamizu Hitoha's gaze became somewhat complicated, mixed with emotion. She said, "I'm glad you don't take after your father."
Sato was taken aback and asked in surprise, "You know my father?"
Miyamizu Hitoha nodded with a smile. "Back in high school, Ginnosuke and I were in the same class. He often did things that…"
"I understand!"
Sato held his forehead and cut her off, even though it was somewhat impolite.
Bad news really does travel far…
Honestly, after decades, it was rare to remember a high school classmate. The fact that the head of Miyamizu Shrine still remembered him showed just how deep an impression Nohara Ginnosuke had left.
After all, ordinary people do not leave that kind of impression.
"Hm? Konomi-senpai!"
At that moment, a girl walked out from the back, dressed in red and white shrine maiden robes, wearing a gold headdress with a distinct religious style.
When she saw Fujimiya Konomi, a flash of surprise and delight appeared in her eyes.
"Hi, Mitsuha-chan!"
Fujimiya Konomi greeted her with a smile.