'It's better to go find Ioroi first. He should know something.'
With that thought, Shiki strolled out of the Kamisato Estate. It would serve as a way to clear her head and calm her overheated mind.
The environment of Chinju Forest was quite pleasant. As it never saw sunlight, Chinju Forest was always bathed in a pale blue light, giving off a serene feeling, very suitable for walking and contemplation.
But that was now. Before Tadatsune Harunosuke sealed the Tanuki clan, Chinju Forest was far from peaceful.
Imagine, the moment you step into the forest, before you even have a chance to appreciate the beautiful scenery, a bunch of Tanuki start playing tricks on you in various ways. Although they mean no harm and just want to play, that feeling surely isn't pleasant, is it?
Ah, no, that's not right. She had already destroyed Tadatsune Harunosuke's seal. Chinju Forest should have returned to its state from several centuries ago by now.
Just like now...
"Nao nao! (It's Big Sister Shiki!)"
"Nao nao nao... (It really is! Everyone, come out!)"
Dozens of Tanuki emerged the moment Shiki stepped into Chinju Forest. Of course, they wouldn't forget their benefactor who freed them from the seal.
After being turned into stone statues, they couldn't see or speak. It was fortunate that Tanuki were simple by nature, otherwise they would have gone mad during those long years.
Shiki naturally couldn't understand the Tanuki's language, but she could guess a little, after all, she was the one who freed them from the dark, endless seal.
"Little ones, do you know where that big guy Ioroi is?" Shiki said, bending down and then stroking the closest brown Tanuki.
Humans couldn't understand the Tanuki's language, but Tanuki could understand human language.
This world was ultimately dominated by humans, even though they weren't at the very top of the food chain.
Purrrr...
The Tanuki purred under the girl's soft little hand. After rolling around a few times, it stood up and pointed into the distance.
"That way? Thank you."
Shiki followed the direction the Tanuki was pointing. She remembered there was a small river there, flowing from the mountain on the other side.
'That Ioroi, he's not taking a bath in the river right now, is he?' Shiki couldn't help but wonder.
Ding-a-ling...
The crisp sound of bells echoed through Chinju Forest. Giant trees obscured the sunlight, and under the pale blue light, stood the serene girl, followed by the Tanuki.
Tanuki's hearing was naturally extremely keen, not to mention a great monster like Ioroi.
So when the bell sound came from the girl, Ioroi's furry ears twitched, and he turned to look behind him.
"Shiki?"
"Of course it's me, who else could it be?"
Shiki said, jumping down from the slope, then pressed her face against Ioroi's furry belly. After not seeing him for many days, she missed this feeling dearly.
"No... it's just that you suddenly changed your clothes, and I didn't recognize you at first glance."
"It's not that bad, is it? It's just a change of clothes. Or do you only see me in that one set of furisode?"
"Isn't that right?"
Shiki: "..."
The atmosphere instantly became a bit awkward, because Ioroi was right. Ever since she had the furisode she brought from Earth repaired, she had been wearing it constantly, only changing into this new set today.
"Ahem, that's not important. I came to ask if you know Onmyōdō? It's the magic that guy Tadatsune Harunosuke uses."
"Tadatsune Harunosuke? Isn't that the little brat who followed behind that Fox? How would I know what magic he uses?"
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