Back at DaiTanuki Castle, Murasaki rested peacefully in her room while Kuzuno explored the vast halls.
She couldn't help but stare in awe.
Everything felt... different from the Fox Realm castle she had grown up in. Warmer. Livelier.
Eventually, her wandering led her into the grand DaiTanuki kitchen.
It was enormous-filled with every kind of cooking tool imaginable. Any dish, from any realm, could be made here.
As Kuzuno peeked inside, she froze in surprise.
Madam Mochi sat comfortably in a chair, sipping sake, watching everything with the sharp, watchful gaze only a mother could possess.
She noticed Kuzuno immediately.
"Princess Kuzuno," she said warmly, "please, join me. I am simply ensuring dinner preparations are going well. After all, not only are my beloved sons home... we also have an honored guest from the Fox Realm."
With a snap of her fingers, a chair appeared beside her.
Kuzuno sat.
Her eyes shifted toward the kitchen staff-and widened.
"...Kuroyasha?"
Not just him.
Three other tanuki were working alongside him, cooking under clear supervision.
Kuzuno blinked.
"Madam Mochi... why are they cooking? Don't you have chefs?"
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Madam Mochi smirked, clearly amused.
"Oh, I do. Some of the finest chefs in all realms, in fact-far superior to those in the Fox Realm palace."
She took a slow sip of sake.
"However... my foolish sons thought it wise to eat ramen knowing I would prepare a feast tonight."
Her eyes gleamed.
"So now-they cook."
Kuzuno couldn't help but smile.
Despite everything, through her fox link, she could feel it clearly-
Kuroyasha was enjoying himself.
All of them were.
"...Who are they?" Kuzuno asked softly.
Madam Mochi's expression softened.
"My other three sons. Biki-Bi, Biki-Bu, and Biki-Ba... the Amazing Tanuki Brothers."
She watched them fondly.
"They help protect this realm. They report disturbances, handle threats, and maintain peace."
A brief pause.
"And like Kuroyasha... they are not my blood. But they are my sons nonetheless."
Kuzuno nodded.
She understood that kind of bond.
Then Madam Mochi spoke again.
"Tell me... how is Queen Tamamo?"
Kuzuno blinked at the sudden shift.
"My mother is well. She trained us every day-strict, but kind. In battle... she's untouchable. Neither I nor Kayo could ever land a hit on her."
Madam Mochi laughed softly.
"They didn't call her the Untouchable Fox for nothing."
She leaned back, eyes distant with memory.
"We attended school together, you know. Sparred often. I never once struck her successfully."
Kuzuno's eyes widened.
"You... went to school with my mother?! She never told me that!"
"It was thousands of years ago," Madam Mochi replied calmly. "Before either of you were born."
A small smile appeared.
"We were best friends."
Her gaze softened as she looked at Kuzuno.
"And you look so much like her... it feels as though I'm spending time with little Tama again."
Kuzuno smiled faintly.
For a moment... things felt peaceful.
Madam Mochi stood.
"I have a meeting to attend, Princess Kuzuno. While I'm gone, strengthen your fox link with Kuroyasha. You may suggest dishes... but do not interfere."
Her tone sharpened slightly.
"This is training."
Kuzuno nodded.
As Madam Mochi left, Kuzuno closed her eyes-focusing, reaching, deepening her connection.
DaiTanuki Castle - Upper Chambers
Madam Mochi entered her private quarters.
The room was magnificent-crafted by the finest artisans. Silk sheets, polished wood, a sterling silver mirror that shimmered faintly with hidden power.
She sat before the mirror.
With a gentle touch of her claw, its surface rippled like water.
Her reflection... changed.
Another figure appeared.
A goddess of ice.
Tsurara
Her beauty was ethereal-skin pale as fresh snow, long light-blue hair flowing like winter winds. Her white kimono shimmered with blue trim, and crystalline horns adorned her forehead.
Her piercing blue eyes locked onto Madam Mochi.
"It has been quite some time, Goddess Minoyama Daimyojin," Tsurara said. "Three thousand years, if I recall correctly."
Madam Mochi nodded.
"Indeed. You seem well, Goddess Tsurara."
Tsurara's expression sharpened slightly.
"Let us skip pleasantries. You would not contact me after millennia without reason."
A pause.
"You wish to claim the favor I owe you."
Madam Mochi smiled faintly.
"You've always been perceptive."
She leaned forward slightly.
"Yes... I intend to claim that favor."
Her tone deepened.
"But first-there is something you need to hear."
Tsurara's eyes narrowed with interest.
Madam Mochi spoke clearly.
"...Does the name Yuki Hakai mean anything to you?"