Asada Shrine.The largest shrine within Tokyo, founded more than fourteen centuries ago during the Asuka period, famous throughout the entire Kanto region.
In his past life, Morikawa Yu had never even heard of it. He only knew of the Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo.
Every year, it held the grand festival known as the San-sha Myojin, one of the city's most important annual celebrations, bustling with life and tradition.
Here, however, it seemed that Asada Shrine took that role. Perhaps in this world, the name had simply changed.
"So this is Asada Shrine?"
Yu lifted his gaze to the towering structure in the distance.
It didn't look as ancient or imposing as he had expected. The vermillion torii gate before him bore weathered lines, yet the long approach beyond was spotless—clearly restored many times.
But the worship hall at the far end… that still carried the weight of the Asuka era.
Just a glance made it feel as though history itself—over a thousand years of it—had crossed time to stand before his eyes.
Whether this Asada Shrine resembled the Asakusa Shrine of his previous world, he didn't know. They might be the same shrine at their core, but they belonged to two different worlds.
"Yes. This is Asada Shrine. You've never been here before, Morikawa?"
Behind him, Hojo Maki walked up. She had driven them, stopping at the parking lot earlier.
Though the trip hadn't taken long, dusk had already settled by the time they arrived.
"No."
"That's fine. Now you have. Come on."
She took his arm and stepped past the torii, leading him along the shrine's approach.
As Yu followed, he suddenly felt a strange warmth.
It was evening—the air had cooled—but it felt as though he were standing under the midday sun, warm and welcoming.
He instinctively lifted his head, catching sight of the shimenawa rope swaying gently on the torii, as if something unseen were welcoming him in.
"What is it, Morikawa?"
Maki's puzzled eyes flicked toward him.
"Nothing… I just saw the rope move."
"The shimenawa? Probably the wind. Don't think too much of it."
She tugged him forward. "Come on. I sent a message on the way. She should already be waiting."
"…Alright."
Yu nodded, quickening his pace.
It was strange, yes, but since Maki hadn't made anything of it, he decided to convince himself it had only been an illusion.
Before long, they reached the end of the approach. There, Yu spotted an unexpected figure.
A boy in a white school uniform stood waiting, smiling brightly.
"Long time no see, Morikawa-kun."
"…Kondo-kun?"
Yu blinked in surprise. Of all people, it was Kondo Kiyoshi waiting here.
Yesterday, this guy had barged into the dojo to challenge him for his sister's sake, only to be soundly defeated and then kicked out by the vice captain.
And now—here he was again.
"Kondo-kun, what are you doing here? Come to pray?"
"Ah, no. I'm here to help out."
"…Help?"
"That's right."
Kondo nodded.
Yu frowned, confused by the vague answer.
Kondo hesitated for a moment, then seemed to realize something.
"…Morikawa-kun, hasn't Kaori said anything to you?"
"Say… what?"
"About her troubles, maybe?"
Kondo smiled knowingly and pointed toward the worship hall behind him.
"This is my family's shrine, after all. The head priest is our grandmother."
"She wanted Kaori to succeed her as the next head priestess, but Kaori refused. That's why she's still going to school."
"…!"
Yu immediately thought of the shy, timid girl he had seen earlier that day.
Wait. No way.
That quiet little thing… turned out to be the hidden heiress of this massive shrine?
He stared at the sprawling grounds around him. This entire shrine belonged to her family?
For a moment, Yu felt his heart skip.
Not because of wealth, but simply because her timid, gentle demeanor suddenly seemed even more endearing.
Cute enough to steal his heart.
Three seconds later, he shook his head, regaining his composure.
Like or not, feelings shouldn't be toyed with. He couldn't carelessly hurt a girl's heart.
"…Ah. So Morikawa-kun really is a decent person."
Kondo's expression softened, touched with both regret and admiration.
"I thought telling you might score some points for my sister. Turns out you're not the greedy type at all."
He chuckled. "That only makes me like you more."
"You see, the reason Kaori doesn't want to become the shrine's priestess is because once she becomes a miko, she won't be allowed to date."
"But if you're willing to wait until she's twenty-five, that won't be a problem."
Yu's face twisted, but Kondo pressed on with a grin.
"Don't give me that look. I'm not scheming anything. I only care about my sister's happiness."
"Our family owns more than just this shrine anyway—several companies too. But those aren't my concern. I'll be going into politics once I graduate from Meiji University. When that time comes, I'll count on you and my sister's support…"
Kondo leaned closer, elbow nudging Yu's chest like they were confidants.
Yu instinctively shoved him back, and immediately, Kondo let out a yelp.
"Ahhh, my head!"
The culprit was standing beside them—Hojo Maki—shaking out her fist.
"Enough nonsense. Where's Ran?"
"In the Kagura Hall… Auntie's waiting in the Kagura Hall…"
Kondo clutched his head, voice full of complaint.
"You could have just asked! Did you really need to hit that hard, Auntie Maki?"
"…Auntie?"
Maki's face darkened. Her fist shot out again.
"Gah—!"
Kondo's eyes rolled back as his head lolled to the side, his reaction so exaggerated it looked like his neck had snapped.
Worried, Yu hurried to catch him—only to realize it was pure dramatics. He was fine.
Maki gave a sharp huff, then kicked him for good measure.
Yu could only stare, stunned. He had never realized she had such a violent side.
A faint blush colored her cheeks.
"…I'm just teaching a junior a lesson. Even if he's older than me, his generation is beneath mine."
She turned her head away with a sniff.
"Hmph. And Ran—she doesn't even bother to come greet me?"
"That's because she heard you were bringing someone possibly possessed by a dangerous yokai. She's a little nervous…"
Kondo's weak reply trailed off.
"Tch. That cowardly woman. I rarely ask her for anything, and this is how she responds?"
Maki scowled, clearly displeased.
Then she caught herself, remembering Yu at her side. Bringing him here to rid him of a supposed yokai, then insulting the shrine maiden she wanted him to rely on—that would hardly inspire confidence.
"Don't worry, Morikawa," she said quickly. "Her personality may be… questionable, but she's the true goshin-ko of Asada Shrine. She really does have the power to help you."
Yu nodded silently, though he found her phrasing odd.
He understood what goshin-ko meant. A shrine maiden—miko. He'd learned a little about them from anime in his past life.
Ordinary mikos generally fell into two categories: those who served in shrines, performing rituals and prayers, were called shinko. Those who worked among the common people were known as ichiko.
Higher-ranked mikos, when their shrines held great influence, were honored as goshin-ko.
And at the very top stood the Saiō, shrine maidens chosen exclusively from the Imperial family.
If Hojo Maki was seeking out a goshin-ko, then this woman must truly be formidable.
Still, Yu couldn't help but wonder.
How would she compare to Hakurei Reimu?
If only she were Hakurei Reimu.
…But that was wishful thinking.
From the way Maki spoke, it was clear this shrine maiden was nothing like Gensokyo's fearless shrine guardian. Instead of a first-class youkai exterminator, she sounded more like someone who preferred running from trouble.