Chương 3
Chapter 3: Goddess Minoyama Daimyojin - Ruler of the Tanuki Realm
The figure was finally revealed-the goddess of the Tanuki Realm herself, Minoyama Daimyojin.
She stood at 5'9", her beauty nothing short of breathtaking. Her caramel-toned skin carried a natural glow, as if it resonated with the essence of nature itself. Her long black hair faded into deep red at the ends, flowing like embers in the wind. Her lips were full, and her warm smile toward Kuroyasha seemed to illuminate the entire throne room.
Her piercing hazel-green eyes held both kindness and overwhelming authority.
She wore a red kimono that elegantly revealed her figure-graceful, confident, and regal without excess. Her hands appeared human, though sharp claws extended from her fingers. A tanuki tail swayed gently behind her, and red markings flowed like living currents from her left arm, circling around her heart. Tanuki ears rested atop her head, twitching slightly with awareness.
Kuroyasha sighed, clearly annoyed-but beneath it, there was unmistakable warmth.
"Still hugging people from behind, huh? I keep telling you... people are going to get the wrong idea."
She tightened her embrace.
"My, such a cold greeting... Is that any way to speak to your mother, who worries about you?"
Kuroyasha paused-then turned and hugged her back. She gently nuzzled his nose.
"I'm sorry, Mother. That was disrespectful. I've just... been through a lot lately."
Minoyama smiled softly, her expression filled with understanding.
"Yes... I am aware."
Her gaze shifted-sharp and immediate-toward Kuzuno.
"First, a fox princess crashes into your life and wounds you..."
The air in the room grew heavy.
"Then you fight her sister as well. The daughters of Tama seem to bring nothing but chaos. Tama herself caused no such trouble... yet her children..."
Her eyes narrowed.
"...seem quite unruly."
The temperature in the room dropped.
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Kuzuno's eyes began to glow faintly.
"I didn't mean to hurt him! I was lost, confused, and-"
Before she could finish-
Minoyama raised a single finger.
With effortless force, Kuzuno was flung into the wall and pinned there.
The goddess released Kuroyasha and descended from her throne with slow, deliberate grace.
Each step carried overwhelming presence.
Kuzuno felt it-true fear.
Minoyama stopped inches from her face, her voice soft... yet terrifying.
"Just because you are Tama's daughter does not grant you the right to speak unless I permit it."
She glanced briefly at Murasaki, who sat frozen in fear.
"Do you have anything to add, Princess Murasaki?"
Silence.
"...I thought not."
Her attention returned to Kuzuno.
"You injured my son... and nearly froze an entire realm because you lack control over your own power."
A pause.
"I will train you-because your mother and I share history... and because Inari has asked it of me."
Her tone sharpened.
"But understand this-if you endanger my realm... or harm Kuroyasha again..."
Her eyes glowed faintly.
"...your mother will not be the one dealing with you."
A chilling pause.
"I will."
Suddenly, a hand rested gently on her shoulder.
Kuroyasha.
"That's enough, Mother."
His voice was calm-but firm.
"Kuzuno didn't mean to hurt me. She's still learning to control her power. We're partners... so we're going through this together."
Minoyama's expression softened instantly.
She turned and embraced him again.
"Very well, my son. I will be kinder."
She paused, smiling slightly.
"I suppose I forgot... about the Sacred Fox Link between you two."
Still holding him, she shot Kuzuno a sharp glance.
Kuzuno was released from the wall, collapsing to her hands and knees as she caught her breath.
"I give you my word... I won't harm Kuroyasha again. I'll learn to control my power."
She hesitated-then spoke again.
"But... there is one thing I must insist on."
Minoyama stopped.
"And what might that be, Princess?"
Kuzuno stood, her face flushed bright red.
"PLEASE LET GO OF KUROYASHA!"
The room froze.
"He's my partner-and you hugging him like that is driving me crazy, so please stop!!!"
Kuzuno immediately covered her mouth, shocked at her own outburst.
Silence.
Then-
Minoyama smiled.
She released Kuroyasha.
Her voice echoed softly-only in Kuzuno's mind.
"Well, well... you've already passed the first step."
A quiet chuckle.
"I expected it to take longer, given your gentle nature... but your bond with Kuroyasha is stronger than I thought."
A pause.
"We will speak privately later. For now... call me Madam Mochi. You are only the second person I have granted that privilege."
Minoyama returned to her throne.
"Now then... let us proceed."
She gestured for them to sit.
"Queen Yamauba has already informed me of your situation and your current progress."
Her gaze moved between them.
"Kuzuno-you require the most work. Your power is vast, but your control is nearly nonexistent."
"Murasaki-you hold back out of fear of harming others."
"And Kuroyasha... you must refine your Fox Link form alongside Kuzuno."
She leaned forward slightly.
"We will begin with Murasaki."
Kuroyasha frowned.
"And us?"
"Wait."
Minoyama beckoned.
"Princess Murasaki-come here."
Murasaki hesitated, then approached the throne.
Minoyama placed a single finger on her forehead.
"God Art: Tanuki Wrap Zone."
In an instant-
Murasaki vanished.
Kuroyasha stepped forward, alarmed.
"Mother-what did you do?! Where is she?!"
Minoyama smirked slightly, amused.
"Relax, my son. She is within my Tanuki Wrap Zone."
She leaned back into her throne.
"A perfect space for training-free from distraction... or hesitation."
Her eyes gleamed.
"The intensity of the training reflects the heart of the one inside."
A pause.
"And hers... will be quite interesting."
She smiled knowingly.
"After all, she was chosen by Seiryu-the Azure Dragon of the East, a guardian of the compass."
Her gaze sharpened.
"And yet... she has not embraced that power."
With a snap of her fingers-
A large oval mirror appeared before them.
Within it-
Murasaki wandered through a dense, unfamiliar forest, clearly confused.