Night at the Grand Narukami Shrine was quiet.
Hanachirusato had just learned from Qiqi about something called a "Magical Girl," and her expression tightened in thought.
Qiqi noticed but didn't disturb her. Instead, she lifted her hand and pulled out the tiny key tucked inside her collar.
She'd gone out tonight to help with the [Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual]. Since she'd transformed once already, the item now needed to be recharged.
Clasping the key in both hands, Qiqi bowed her head, lips parting as she began a practiced prayer to her master.
Her low chanting filled the room.
Hanachirusato blinked out of her thoughts and turned to watch.
As Qiqi's prayer went on, a soft white glow slowly spread from her interlocked hands.
The sight tugged at old memories buried in Hanachirusato's mind, leaving her expression faintly unsettled.
After a while, the glow faded.
Qiqi opened her eyes, loosened her hands, and slipped the little key back into her collar.
Hanachirusato asked softly, "Were you… recharging your transformation item just now?"
Qiqi nodded. "Yes."
Hanachirusato hesitated, then asked, "Could you… transform into a Magical Girl? Just once, so I can see?"
Qiqi glanced at her. Seeing the hope shining in her face, she replied, "I can."
"Thank you," Hanachirusato said quickly.
Qiqi reached inside her collar again, wrapped her fingers around the key, and whispered the word: "Transform."
White light flared, enveloping her entire body. When it faded, she was dressed exactly as she had been the night they first met.
"Now you've seen it."
"So this is… a Magical Girl?"
"This is a Magical Girl."
"It feels… almost the same as being a god's familiar."
"A god's familiar?"
"Mm. Like the bond between Yae Miko and the Raiden Shogun."
"That doesn't matter. What matters is—do you want to become a Magical Girl? If you do, I can ask Master for you."
"I… need to think about it."
"Alright. Tell me once you've decided."
"Mm."
Qiqi released her transformation, recharged the key again, and then settled back into her nightly cultivation.
Hanachirusato lay awake in bed, restless, tossing and turning. Sleep wouldn't come easy.
The next morning.
Qiqi opened her eyes and glanced at the other bed.
Hanachirusato was still asleep.
Now that the [Golden Circlet] had suppressed everything strange about her, her body was as fragile as any ordinary girl's.
She'd had too much on her mind last night and hadn't given in to sleep until very late.
Qiqi chose not to wake her. Better to let her rest.
Checking her phone, she saw Dragon King posting in the group chat that he was almost there.
Qiqi slipped out quietly and strolled toward the shrine's front gate. There, she found Yae Miko already waiting.
She had seen the group messages as well.
As shrine priestess and Raiden Ei's attendant, of course Yae Miko would be at the gate to welcome such important guests from overseas.
Her eyes landed on the round sparrow perched on Qiqi's shoulder. She reached out and teased it.
A short while later, Yae Miko lifted her gaze toward the sea. The faint outline of Ritou was visible on the horizon.
They should be arriving soon.
She and Qiqi chatted idly until a breeze blew in from the ocean, damp and tinged with brine.
Moments later, figures appeared at the shrine gates.
"We made it."
"Finally."
"Good morning, Qiqi! And Lady Guuji Yae!"
It was Dragon King, Venti, and two adepti.
Qiqi gave a small nod. "Good morning, everyone."
Yae Miko wore her perfect priestess smile. "Welcome to Inazuma. No need for formalities—just call me Miko."
Dragon King brushed aside the courtesy with a wave. "Qiqi, where's your master?"
"He might still be asleep. If he's up, he'll be in the kitchen helping with breakfast."
Venti's eyes lit up. "Perfect! We've been traveling all night and we're starving. Come on, let's eat! Lady Guuji, which way to the dining hall?"
"I'll take you there," Yae Miko said smoothly.
"Much appreciated!"
"Think nothing of it."
Venti and Dragon King followed her in.
Venti seemed quite familiar with the grounds, pointing out a tree in the courtyard to Dragon King, reminiscing about how small it had been last time. Dragon King laughed, saying time passed quickly—he closed his eyes underground and centuries slipped away.
As they neared the dining hall, Yae Miko perked up.
The air carried the savory scent of fried tofu—and not just any, but the same kind she'd tasted yesterday, the most delicious she'd ever had.
It had to be Mr. Xia's cooking!
She couldn't resist drawing in a deep breath, forcing down her mouthwatering urge.
What a wonderful man, she thought. If only she could eat his fried tofu every morning.
Venti and Dragon King walked straight into the hall.
Yae Miko exchanged a few polite words with Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver, who trailed behind, then slipped quickly into the kitchen.
Mountain Shaper's gaze lingered on her retreating back, thoughtful.
Moon Carver nudged him. "Why are you staring at Lady Guuji like that?"
He glanced around, then lowered his voice. "That instinct again. The same one I mentioned before—the one that told me Eula and Mr. Xia weren't ordinary acquaintances. This time, it happened again."
"You're saying Lady Guuji and Mr. Xia…"
They murmured as they walked in and joined Dragon King at the table.
"What are you whispering about back there?" Dragon King asked.
Mountain Shaper quietly repeated himself.
Venti's expression turned mischievous. "Well, lucky me. I get to see this firsthand. Go on, do a divination. Right now."
Moon Carver clearly didn't want to, but with Venti and Dragon King watching, he had no choice. He pulled out his old coins and cast them discreetly onto the table.
The hexagram formed.
"What's the result?"
"It does suggest… some entanglement of the heart between Lady Guuji and Mr. Xia."
"Tsk…"
After breakfast, everyone greeted Dragon King and Venti's group properly.
"So, what's everyone's plan for today?" Venti asked.
"We were going to walk around Inazuma City," Xia Ci replied.
Dragon King nodded. "Perfect. It's been ages since we last visited. Let's go together."
Zhu Zi walked ahead of the group, excitement plain on her face.
After nearly a year drifting abroad, she was finally going home.
Yae Miko watched her, the corner of her mouth curving into a sly smile.
Xia Zhen, familiar with her foxy ways, caught that smile and leaned closer to ask what was going on.
Yae Miko whispered in her ear about something amusing that had happened with Zhu Zi's family recently.
Xia Zhen's expression shifted to match hers. "That is… interesting."
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