Minoyama sipped her sake with a sharp, serious expression while Tamamo gave the shikigami an equally stern look.
"So, they will attack in one year's time? That surprises me..."
Tamamo looked at Minoyama and asked,
"What makes you say that, Minoyama?"
The red and green shikigami appeared nervous in Minoyama's presence. After she had revealed that she knew they had been entering and leaving her realm, they realized she likely knew far more about the situation than they had expected.
"It's quite simple, actually, Tamamo."
Minoyama pointed toward the stars overhead. Tamamo followed her gaze and thought for a moment. Then her eyes widened in alarm as realization struck her.
"It is exactly as you figured out, Tamamo. The Grand Convergence will occur in precisely one year. Every realm will align, and natural gateways will open between them. Even I cannot hide the Tanuki Realm when the convergence begins because it is a natural cosmic phenomenon."
She took another sip of sake.
"So that means..."
Tamamo finished the thought for her.
"Yeounui and Kayo will be able to move between realms freely and cause destruction until they get what they want... Kuroyasha and Kuzuno. Even if we hid them in another realm, it wouldn't matter because of the Grand Convergence."
"Correct," Minoyama replied. "Which means every realm is in danger. Yeounui, driven by grief, rage, and vengeance for what Goddess Inari did to her, will not hesitate to destroy entire worlds to get what she wants-the Shinigami Blade. And she knows Kuroyasha is the key to finding it."
She turned back toward the shikigami and calmly sipped her sake.
Then her mana began to rise.
Tamamo's eyes narrowed.
She's upset...
I haven't seen Minoyama truly upset in centuries.
The situation involving Kuroyasha must be far more serious than I realized.
Minoyama's mana continued to surge. The festival carried on around them, completely unaware of what was happening.
No one else could sense it.
She had focused every ounce of her pressure solely upon the two shikigami.
The force of her divine mana slowly began tearing them apart piece by piece.
Minoyama spoke calmly, yet there was a frightening edge hidden beneath her gentle tone.
"I have tolerated your little game of watching Kuroyasha for long enough. You will tell me everything regarding this matter, and you will not give me half-truths as you did with Princess Kuzuno."
Her eyes sharpened.
"Do I make myself clear?"
The red shikigami spoke first.
"Goddess Minoyama is serious, Green Shikigami. If we are erased here, we cannot complete our mission. Our hand has been forced."
The green shikigami nodded.
"Yes, it seems you're right. If she knew about us entering and leaving her realm all this time, there is no telling what else she knows. I would much rather have the Goddess of the Tanuki Realm as an ally than an enemy."
Minoyama calmly took another sip of sake, and her mana slowly dissipated.
"Wise choice, shikigami. Or should I say Elder Goddess Izanami and God Emma-O, rulers of the Shikigami Realm?"
The two shikigami froze in shock.
"You know who we are?" the red shikigami asked.
"How did you know that? We went to great lengths to conceal ourselves."
Before he could finish his sentence, Minoyama's mana exploded outward once again.
Her serious gaze remained fixed solely on them.
"Nothing happens within my realm without my knowledge."
The pressure intensified.
"The fact that you appeared before me believing I knew nothing is quite insulting."
The shikigami remained silent.
Minoyama continued.
"I knew who you were the moment I met the Elder Goddess Evoni'No. It was faint, but your mana carries a similar presence to hers. Furthermore, the only shinigami capable of traveling freely between realms are members of the royal bloodline."
She shrugged casually.
"All I had to do was put the pieces together."
Her mana grew heavier.
"Now then, you get one chance to tell me everything. Speak honestly about this matter, or your time observing my son Kuroyasha will come to a very unfortunate end."
The pressure vanished once more.
The red and green shikigami exchanged glances before nodding.
The green shikigami spoke first.
"It is exactly as you said. I am the Elder Goddess Izanami, and the red shikigami is my husband, God Emma-O."
Tamamo's eyes widened slightly.
"We have watched over Kuroyasha since he was an infant," Izanami continued. "Our purpose was to ensure that the Shinigami Blade never fell into the wrong hands. We believed placing it within a mortal would be the safest course of action."
Her expression darkened.
"However, we never anticipated that the Dark Nine-Tails would learn of its existence."
Emma-O nodded.
"This development places every realm in danger-including our own."
Tamamo crossed her arms and spoke.
"Then every realm must begin preparing immediately. It may only be Yeounui and Kayo, but Yeounui alone is a cosmic force to be reckoned with."
She paused.
"Kayo is another matter entirely. We are both newly ascended goddesses, but her natural talent has always exceeded expectations. Her growth rate will only accelerate."
Tamamo's expression hardened.
"So I will take responsibility for facing Yeounui."
Minoyama shot her a sharp glance.
"And what of Kayo? New goddess or not, the power of the sun is not something to underestimate."
Tamamo looked down toward the festival grounds.
Below them, Kuzuno sat peacefully while Kuroyasha rested on her lap as they watched the lanterns rise into the night sky together.
"You already know the answer to that question, Minoyama."
Minoyama sighed.
"Kuzuno has come a long way during her three years here. Her power has grown considerably."
She folded her arms.
"However, the gap between her and Kayo remains enormous."
Her voice became blunt.
"At best, Kuzuno could hold Kayo off for a few minutes."
She paused.
"And that would only be if Kayo were toying with her."
Tamamo remained silent.
"If Kayo fought seriously, I would give Kuzuno two minutes."
Minoyama shook her head.
"Kuzuno only possesses four tails. She is nowhere near ready to attain godhood. Even with the Fox Link and Kuroyasha fighting beside her, it wouldn't be enough."
Tamamo closed her eyes.
She knew Minoyama was speaking the truth.
"Yes, I am aware of that. Unfortunately, our options are limited."
Emma-O suddenly spoke.
"There is another issue."
Everyone turned toward him.
"Yeounui intends to perform the Forbidden Ritual in order to restore the soul of her unborn child."
The atmosphere instantly became heavier.
Emma-O continued.
"Recalling a soul from death is among the gravest sins that can be committed. Such a ritual requires immense amounts of life energy."
Tamamo's eyes widened as the full scope of Yeounui's plan became clear.
"So that's why she hasn't attacked us yet..."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"She intends to use mortal souls to fuel the ritual."
Realization spread across her face.
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"And with the Grand Convergence occurring in one year..."
Minoyama finished the sentence.
"No mortal soul in any realm will be safe."
Silence filled the area.
Even the shikigami looked grim.
Minoyama slowly set down her sake dish.
"Then preparations must begin immediately."
Her gaze drifted back toward Kuroyasha and Kuzuno below.
Her expression softened slightly.
"However..."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"We will tell the children later."
The others looked at her.
"For now, let them enjoy this festival."
She watched the lanterns rise into the heavens.
"It may be the last peaceful night they have for a very long time."
Three days after the festival, Goddess Minoyama and the others gathered at Hachiman HQ through one of her mirrors.
Meanwhile, Goddess Tamamo had returned to the Fox Realm to explain the situation to Emperor Toba and Yukimaru so they could begin discussing countermeasures.
Inside the Hachiman War Room, Minoyama finished explaining everything she had learned.
Kuroyasha was the first to speak.
"Thank you for explaining the full scope of the situation, Mother."
He folded his arms thoughtfully.
"Now we simply need to train as much as possible. Kuzuno and I will train under Goddess Tsurara to strengthen our Fox Link."
He turned toward Queen Yamauba.
"We also need combat training. And when it comes to not holding back, you're the best person I know."
A battle-crazed grin immediately spread across Yamauba's face.
"I'm looking forward to running you brats into the ground until the Grand Convergence arrives."
She then glanced toward her daughter.
"However, I think some mother-and-daughter bonding is long overdue."
Without warning, Queen Yamauba grabbed YamaKiba and launched herself at Murasaki with full force.
Murasaki's eyes lit up instantly.
A matching battle-crazed smile appeared on her face.
"Finally!"
The two charged each other.
CLANG!
Their weapons collided with enough force to tear through part of the wall.
Moments later, they crashed through another section of HQ before continuing their battle outside.
Kuroyasha sighed.
"She really is her mother's daughter."
He rubbed his forehead.
"Thank the gods this place repairs itself automatically."
Tsurara suddenly spoke.
"Young Hachiman, I am Kuzuno's master."
Her icy eyes narrowed.
"I agreed to train Kuzuno and Kuzuno alone. I will not make exceptions."
She folded her arms.
"Even for the Hachiman of Realms."
As she spoke, she glanced down toward Biki-Ba, who was peacefully sleeping in her lap.
A faint blush crossed her face.
"Now..."
She looked away.
"If it were you, I might make that exception."
Minoyama immediately noticed.
Of course she did.
The Tanuki Goddess slowly turned toward Tsurara.
Tsurara raised an eyebrow.
"Do you have something to add, Minoyama?"
She crossed her arms.
"I told you already. I will train Kuzuno. Not the Hachiman."
A mischievous smile spread across Minoyama's face.
"Oh, I completely understand."
From within her sleeve, she produced a crystal disk.
Tsurara immediately became suspicious.
"...Minoyama."
The smile widened.
"Let's refresh our memories, shall we?"
Minoyama activated the crystal.
The room instantly filled with Tsurara's own voice.
"My Biki-Ba."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Tsurara froze.
Her face immediately turned bright red.
The recording continued.
"My Biki-Ba."
Minoyama calmly watched.
The others slowly turned to stare at Tsurara.
Tsurara somehow maintained her composure.
Though only barely.
"...Damn you, Minoyama."
Minoyama casually twirled the crystal disk between her fingers.
"Oh? Am I forcing your hand?"
Tsurara glared at her.
"Yes."
Minoyama pretended to think.
"Hmmm."
She smiled innocently.
"I wouldn't call it forcing your hand. I would simply say that as a fellow goddess, you've realized the seriousness of the situation."
She leaned closer.
"And that this definitely isn't blackmail."
Tsurara's eye twitched.
"You're impossible."
Minoyama's smile somehow widened.
Tsurara let out a long sigh.
"Fine."
She pointed at Kuroyasha.
"I'll train both of them, you devious tanuki."
She folded her arms.
"I'm just glad my Biki-Ba doesn't-"
She froze.
Slowly.
Very slowly.
She turned her head.
Minoyama was now holding a second crystal disk.
The smile on her face had become positively terrifying.
Tsurara immediately realized her mistake.
"...No."
Minoyama's voice became sweet enough to cause fear.
"I'm very glad you've reconsidered, Tsu-Tsu."
She gently spun both crystal disks in her fingers.
"I do hope we won't need to have this conversation again."
She casually walked back to her seat.
Tsurara's face turned crimson.
A cold aura spread throughout the room.
Frost rapidly formed across the floor.
The temperature began dropping.
Dangerously.
Then-
Biki-Ba moved.
Without opening his eyes, he gently lifted his hand and placed it against Tsurara's cheek.
The room fell silent.
The frost immediately stopped spreading.
Tsurara blinked.
Biki-Ba smiled softly in his sleep.
Then he returned to resting peacefully in her lap.
As though nothing had happened.
A faint blush appeared across Tsurara's face.
How does he do that?
Her eyes softened.
How can he calm me so easily?
She gently looked down at him.
It's as if it's second nature to him.
He doesn't even speak...
Yet I always know exactly what he's trying to tell me.
Her hand unconsciously brushed through his hair.
No mortal should be capable of calming the Ethereal Goddess Tsurara when she's angry.
Yet somehow...
He can.
Tsurara looked away.
As much as I hate admitting it...
I...
I like it when he does that.
Kuroyasha let out another sigh.
"Mother."
Minoyama looked up innocently.
"Yes, my son?"
"If you're quite finished blackmailing a fellow goddess, may we return to the meeting?"
Minoyama raised her sake dish.
"Of course."
She smiled brightly.
"I'm all ears."
Kuroyasha was about to continue the meeting when the world around him suddenly vanished.
In an instant, he found himself standing within an ancient mindscape.
Before him stood a magnificent phoenix engulfed in sacred flames.
Suzaku of the South Wing.
"Kuroyasha..."
The celestial bird's voice echoed throughout the endless space.
"I trust you know why I am here."
Kuroyasha blinked once before a grin spread across his face.
"As I live and breathe..."
He folded his arms.
"You actually found a worthy candidate? I never thought I'd live to see the day."
Suzaku's eyes narrowed.
"Your tongue remains as sharp as ever."
The phoenix sighed.
"A trait you undoubtedly inherited from the Tanuki Goddess."
Kuroyasha smiled proudly.
"Indeed. Mother would be disappointed if I wasn't."
Suzaku shook his head.
"Regardless, that is not why I am here."
The phoenix's expression became serious.
"A candidate has been chosen."
Kuroyasha's smile disappeared.
"What I need to know is who."
Suzaku extended one blazing wing.
A vision appeared before Kuroyasha.
The moment he saw it, his eyes widened.
Then he laughed.
"Well, that's a surprise."
He folded his arms.
"Though, now that I think about it, your mana and abilities are remarkably similar."
His grin returned.
"So be it."
He nodded.
"I'll have Murasaki escort him to the South Wing so he may undergo the trial."
Suzaku gave a satisfied nod.
"I shall be waiting."
The phoenix slowly faded away.
The ancient mindscape disappeared with him.
Moments later, Kuroyasha found himself back in the meeting room.
He blinked several times.
Minoyama immediately noticed.
Naturally.
"I see that stubborn bird has finally chosen a partner."
Kuroyasha wasn't even surprised she knew.
Minoyama smiled warmly.
"And one of my sons, no less."
She placed a hand against her chest.
"I must say, I have raised some truly remarkable children."
The room grew quiet as she continued.
"One son became the Hachiman of Realms."
She looked toward Kuroyasha.
"One son has been chosen as a candidate for Suzaku's Bonding Ritual."
A proud smile crossed her face.
"One son will bring about a wonderful change in a certain troublesome fox, difficult though it may be."
Her eyes drifted toward Tsurara and the still-sleeping Biki-Ba.
"And one son has earned the affection of a celestial goddess whose softer side has remained hidden from the world."
Tsurara immediately looked away.
Minoyama's smile widened.
"As a mother, I can feel nothing but pride."
Kuroyasha wisely chose not to comment.
Instead, he returned to the matter at hand.
"Mother, depending on how Biki-Bi's trial proceeds, I may have an idea for protecting the realms."
Minoyama's expression immediately became serious.
"You intend to use the Dai-Tanuki Shield."
She leaned forward.
"At a celestial level."
Kuroyasha nodded.
"Combined with your mana and Biki-Bi's divine mana, assuming he successfully completes the ritual."
Minoyama closed her eyes.
"The theory is sound."
She paused.
"But only in theory."
The room became quiet.
"Even if every piece falls perfectly into place, the shield would only last twenty minutes."
Kuroyasha nodded.
"I came to the same conclusion."
Minoyama continued.
"Even if Biki-Bi ascends to godhood, he will still be learning how to use divine mana."
She folded her arms.
"And while Kayo faces the same limitation, her power has undoubtedly increased as well."
Her expression darkened.
"Not to mention Yeounui."
The room grew heavier.
"Unlike the others, she is a seasoned goddess. Her mastery over the Gravity Flame is immense."
Kuroyasha looked toward the table.
"Tamamo can keep Yeounui occupied."
Minoyama nodded.
"For a time."
"Long enough for the shield to function."
"Perhaps."
She shook her head.
"But Kayo must also be stopped."
Kuroyasha's expression hardened.
"Then I'll-"
"Absolutely not."
Minoyama's response was immediate.
The room fell silent.
Her gaze locked onto her son.
"Using yourself as bait would only give them exactly what they want."
Kuroyasha looked away.
He knew she was right.
Every plan would fail the moment he was captured.
Minoyama's voice softened.
"And you already know who must face Kayo."
Kuroyasha clenched his fist.
His thoughts immediately drifted toward Kuzuno.
She had finally begun healing.
She smiled more often.
She laughed more often.
For the first time in years, she seemed genuinely happy.
The thought of forcing her to confront Kayo again filled him with dread.
Then he felt a gentle claw rest upon his hand.
Kuzuno.
"I won't deny that facing my sister frightens me."
Her voice was calm.
"But I need to be the one who confronts her."
She squeezed his hand gently.
"So I ask that you trust me."
Kuroyasha stared at her for a moment.
Then he sighed.
A small smile formed on his face.
"I do trust you."
His expression softened.
"I just can't help worrying."
Kuzuno nodded.
"I know."
She smiled warmly.
"But for now, let's focus on our training."
Her eyes sparkled.
"We'll become stronger together."
Before Kuroyasha could respond, Kuzuno leaned forward and gently kissed his cheek.
His entire face immediately turned red.
"Besides..."
A playful smile appeared on her face.
"You asked me to be your wife."
She tilted her head.
"And I'm holding you to that, Mr. Hachiman."
Kuroyasha looked as though his soul had temporarily left his body.
Then-
"THAT'S MY FUTURE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW!"
The entire room jumped.
Minoyama had leapt to her feet.
She pointed dramatically at Kuzuno.
"YOU TELL HIM, KUZUNO!"
She slammed her sake dish onto the table.
"YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW, MINOYAMA, HAS YOUR BACK!"
The room erupted into laughter.
Even Kuroyasha couldn't help smiling.
After several moments, he finally looked around the room.
Then he glanced toward the numerous holes now decorating HQ.
"Well..."
He stood.
"We should probably deal with that."
He pointed outside.
"Murasaki and Queen Yamauba are still sparring."
He rubbed his forehead.
"And with Murasaki becoming more like her mother every year, it's not a fight I'm looking forward to breaking up."
Kuzuno laughed.
"It's not a bad thing."
She stood beside him.
"In the Demon Ogre Realm, that's simply how they express affection."
She smiled.
"They haven't seen each other in three years, after all."
Kuroyasha nodded.
"Fair point."
Together, the two left the room to retrieve the mother-and-daughter duo before they accidentally demolished more of HQ.
Soon, only Minoyama and Tsurara remained in the meeting room.
For a few moments, neither goddess spoke.
Then Tsurara broke the silence.
"Minoyama."
The Tanuki Goddess glanced toward her.
Tsurara's expression was unusually serious.
"While the plan is sound in theory, Kuzuno's psychological scars will be the greatest obstacle she must overcome."
Minoyama remained silent.
Tsurara continued.
"She has come incredibly far during her training."
A faint smile crossed her face.
"Farther than I honestly expected."
The smile faded.
"But we must face reality."
Her icy blue eyes narrowed.
"Kayo Zenko could defeat Kuzuno through psychological warfare before a single attack is ever exchanged."
The room fell quiet.
Minoyama slowly looked into her sake dish.
The reflection staring back at her seemed far older than her usual carefree demeanor suggested.
"I know."
Her voice was softer than usual.
"I am painfully aware of that."
Tsurara folded her arms.
"Then why leave such a burden entirely on Kuzuno's shoulders?"
Minoyama took a slow sip.
"Because Inari did."
Tsurara frowned.
"What?"
Minoyama set the sake dish down.
"Inari gave Kuzuno this challenge."
Her eyes remained fixed on the reflection in the liquid.
"And as fellow goddesses, we must respect the choices she has made concerning her realm."
Tsurara scoffed.
"Respect?"
The temperature in the room dropped slightly.
"You mean the same Inari who upheld the decree ordering the extermination of every demigod?"
Her expression darkened.
"The very decree that created the Dark Nine-Tails in the first place?"
Minoyama remained silent.
Tsurara's voice sharpened.
"Inari lost my respect the moment she allowed Yeounui's unborn child to be taken from her."
The Ethereal Goddess clenched her fist.
"God or not, she is still a woman."
Her voice carried genuine anger now.
"Can you imagine it?"
She looked away.
"Having the child growing within you torn away by the very goddess you devoted your life to serving?"
The frost on the floor slowly spread.
"I honestly cannot blame Yeounui."
Tsurara looked down at the sleeping Biki-Ba.
Her expression softened immediately.
"If someone took away the one I loved most..."
Her voice became quiet.
"I would freeze ten realms before I let that pain go unanswered."
Minoyama raised an eyebrow.
"Tsu-Tsu."
Tsurara immediately realized what she had just implied.
Her face turned red.
"That is not the point."
Minoyama smiled.
"Of course not."
Tsurara glared at her.
Minoyama wisely decided not to push her luck.
Instead, her expression became thoughtful.
"Actually..."
Tsurara looked at her.
"I may have a way to finally uncover the truth."
The Ethereal Goddess tilted her head.
"What truth?"
Minoyama leaned back.
"The truth behind the decree itself."
That immediately caught Tsurara's attention.
"You think there is more to it?"
Minoyama nodded.
"Much more."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Now that we know where an Elder God resides, we finally have someone we can ask."
Tsurara immediately understood.
"Evoni'No."
Minoyama smiled.
"Exactly."
Tsurara thought for a moment before shaking her head.
"That doesn't make sense."
Minoyama raised an eyebrow.
"Explain."
Tsurara folded her arms.
"From everything you've told me, Evoni'No has existed for thousands upon thousands of years."
"Correct."
"The demigod decree is relatively recent."
"Also correct."
Tsurara pointed toward Minoyama.
"Then why would she know anything about it?"
A grin slowly spread across Minoyama's face.
"You're getting warmer."
Tsurara narrowed her eyes.
"I hate when you say that."
Minoyama ignored her.
"The decree appeared suddenly."
She tapped the table.
"Far too suddenly."
Her gaze grew distant.
"The Elder Gods have existed long before most modern deities."
She paused.
"So why issue a decree targeting demigods?"
Tsurara thought carefully.
Minutes seemed to pass.
Then realization struck her.
Her eyes widened.
"Kuzuno and Kuroyasha."
Minoyama smiled.
"Exactly."
Tsurara leaned forward.
"You think someone is trying to stop something."
"Yes."
"Something involving the two of them."
"Yes."
The room fell silent.
Tsurara slowly exhaled.
"Which means..."
Minoyama finished the thought.
"Yeounui and Kayo may simply be pawns."
The words hung heavily in the air.
"Pawns in a much larger game."
Neither goddess liked that possibility.
Not one bit.
Tsurara eventually spoke.
"You intend to use your Mindwalking Technique."
Minoyama nodded.
"Once Kuzuno reaches her fifth tail."
Tsurara frowned.
"To speak with Evoni'No?"
"Exactly."
"And what will you tell Kuzuno?"
Minoyama smiled slightly.
"The truth."
Tsurara raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
"No."
The answer came immediately.
Tsurara sighed.
"Of course not."
Minoyama chuckled.
"I'll simply tell her that I wish to observe the current state of her mind."
"Which technically isn't a lie."
"Exactly."
Tsurara shook her head.
"You're impossible."
Minoyama laughed.
"Perhaps."
Her expression gradually became serious once more.
"Evoni'No specifically asked me not to reveal anything until Kuzuno gained her fifth tail."
That surprised Tsurara.
"Why the fifth tail?"
Minoyama looked down into her sake dish again.
The liquid reflected only darkness.
"I don't know."
Her voice was quiet.
"Evoni'No never explained."
The darkness within the reflection seemed endless.
"But I do know this."
Tsurara listened carefully.
"Whatever secret she is keeping..."
Minoyama's gaze hardened.
"...it is important enough that even an Elder God refuses to reveal it prematurely."
The room fell silent.
For once, neither goddess had a joke to make.
Neither had a clever remark.
Only questions remained.
Questions with no answers.
Eventually, Tsurara nodded.
"Then we wait."
Minoyama nodded in agreement.
"First, we allow Biki-Bi to complete Suzaku's trial."
She slowly finished the last of her sake.
"Then we speak to Evoni'No."
The room fell silent once more.
As Tsurara watched the Tanuki Goddess stare into the darkness of the empty sake dish, she could tell Minoyama was still thinking.
Still calculating.
Still trying to understand the pieces of a puzzle no one else could see.
Minoyama's thoughts drifted toward Inari.
Toward the decree.
Toward Kuzuno.
Toward Kuroyasha.
And toward the possibility that the fate of every realm had been set in motion long before any of them were born.
If what I suspect is true...
Minoyama's eyes narrowed.
Then all of Inari's actions begin to make sense.