I became Hokage in Tokyo

Chapter 399 Chapter 400 Sasuke in White

Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Gion.

As the sun sets behind Aihong Mountain, the indigo night falls.

Everywhere you look, you see couples dressed in brightly colored yukatas, all talking and laughing loudly, in high spirits, their eyes sparkling.

"..."

Naruto Uchiha, dressed in a dark black yukata, walked calmly alongside Masaki Fujiwara, the archery prince, who wore a plain white yukata.

Fujiwara Masaki's eyes flickered, his expression awkward and embarrassed.

Ahead of the two, Matsudaira Chiyo and Yashiki Saki, also dressed in beautiful bathrobes, were chatting and laughing like best friends.

After the Tokyo Metropolitan Federation Archery Tournament, Uchiha Naruto and Matsudaira Chiyo stayed in Kyoto to visit the Gion Festival.

It's summer vacation at Japanese universities now, so there's plenty of time.

The Gion Festival lasted for a week. After a few days of sightseeing in Kyoto, Matsudaira Chiyo surprisingly called out Yashiki Saki along with Fujiwara Masaki.

Matsudaira Chiyo had exchanged contact information with Yashiki Saki during a previous match.

A double date for the four of them.

The four handsome men and beautiful women were very eye-catching, but because they were a mixed-gender group, others did not dare to approach them rashly.

Fujiwara Masaki looked uneasy because he had just said he looked forward to seeing Naruto again at the Ise Grand Shrine and that he would definitely impress him. However, they met again just a few days later, so he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

Naruto Uchiha, however, didn't seem to care.

He looked up and his gaze fell on the rows of lanterns in front of the shop.

Lanterns lined the streets and alleys, one after another, shining brightly. Stalls along the way offered a dazzling array of goods, including takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and cotton candy. The lights stretched endlessly to the very end of the street.

The patterns on most of the lanterns are divine patterns composed of three tomoe, almost turning into a sea of ​​Sharingan.

It's like entering a timeline where the Uchiha have already conquered Kyoto.

Just then, one of the tourists exclaimed in surprise:

"Why are there Akatsuki Sharingan patterns everywhere at the Gion Festival? The Minor Offenses Act prohibits the promotion of imitations of the Akatsuki. Is this really allowed?"

Immediately, some Kyoto locals glared angrily at the tourists who had spoken rudely.

"You country bumpkin, what do you know? This is the crest of Yasaka Shrine, which enshrines Susanoo. It has been like this for thousands of years during the Gion Festival and has nothing to do with the Akatsuki organization."

During the reign of Emperor Seiwa in the Heian period, a series of events occurred, including the eruption of Mount Fuji, an earthquake, and a tsunami, known in history as the "Jōkan Sanriku Earthquake." Summer was a season when epidemics were frequent. Due to the concentration of population and the backwardness of public facilities, epidemics were rampant in Heian-kyō (Kyoto) at that time, and people were filled with fear.

Amidst this turmoil, the Yamato court consulted yin-yang masters who divined the cause, concluding that it was the work of evil spirits. Therefore, they decided to hold a memorial service to pray for blessings, provide disaster relief, and eliminate the plague.

This is the origin of the Gion Festival.

Because of the Japanese tradition of combining Shinto and Buddhism, Susanoo and Yakushi Nyorai, the protector of Gion in Buddhism, are considered to be one entity, possessing the power to cure diseases and eliminate disasters. The temple that enshrined Susanoo was then called "Gion-sha".

It was not until after the Meiji Restoration, when the decree separating Shinto and Buddhism was issued, that it was renamed Yasaka Shrine.

"But this is too similar, it's practically identical."

"How ignorant you are. Not only Yasaka Shrine, but even the sacred crests of Yamana Shrine look the same. Can the Supernatural Police Department just ban them all without a second thought?"

The questioning tourists, having made a fool of themselves, slunk away into the crowd and disappeared.

"Tsk."

Uchiha Naruto chuckled to himself.

This isn't the first or second time this has happened.

Seeing this little farce, Fujiwara Masaki shook his head and smiled wryly:

"The Gion Festival in the first year of the Extraordinary Era was almost canceled, but fortunately the Supernatural Police Department was understanding."

Indeed, stories are full of coincidences.

Naruto Uchiha smiled slightly.

The three-pointed star pattern of the Sharingan was popular during the Heian and Kamakura periods and was widely used in weapons, clothing, daily necessities, and roof tiles of buildings.

Besides being used as a divine crest by Yasaka Shrine, Hachiman Shrine, and Takemikazuchi, it was even adopted as a family crest by some noble families.

It is indeed difficult for the Japanese government to find any trace of the Uchiha clan in the Sanba crest.

The Yasaka Shrine, which is dedicated to Susanoo, has a three-pointed star pattern similar to the Sharingan of the Uchiha clan. The Uchiha clan awakens the Susanoo after activating the Mangekyou Sharingan. This provides an opportunity for discussion.

"What are you talking about?"

Matsudaira Chiyo and Yashiki Saki walked gracefully in their wooden clogs.

"I overheard something about the supernatural."

"Boys are all like that. Especially boys who practice martial arts like kendo and archery, which one of them doesn't dream of becoming extraordinary?"

After the advent of the extraordinary era, the Japanese government vigorously promoted traditional martial arts such as judo, karate, sumo, kendo, and kyudo, seemingly in an attempt to cultivate a reserve force of extraordinary individuals.

After all, there are extraordinary beings like the Hourai Shrine Maiden who use tradition and bows.

Practicing martial arts is a very popular trend in high schools and universities these days.

"Smack."

Matsudaira Chiyo and Yashiki Saki are playing a shooting game in front of a stall.

"You won! The girl has good aim. Here's the prize."

The stall owner handed the prize to Yashiki Saki with a smile.

Despite Matsudaira Chiyo's serious efforts, she still missed.

"Ah Ming, I want that."

Matsudaira Chiyo tugged at Uchiha Naruto's sleeve, pointed to the innermost plush dog, and said coquettishly.

Her bright red bathrobe was adorned with butterflies and auspicious clouds, and her long, black hair was styled in an updo with a peony hairpin, revealing the back of her fair neck.

Naruto Uchiha glanced at it; the ragdoll's cheeky appearance was somewhat similar to his family's ninja dog, Tsunayoshi, and he couldn't help but become interested.

"Smack."

Naruto Uchiha took the toy gun and fired a rubber bullet at random, making the toy dog ​​wobble.

"It only counts if it's knocked down."

The stall owner didn't even blink, and said expressionlessly.

Naruto Uchiha glanced at Saki Yashiki: "Can't my friend just win the prize?"

"Can a boy's strength compare to a girl's?" the stall owner rolled his eyes and said matter-of-factly.

Heh, pretty boy, trying to show off in front of such a beautiful girlfriend? Do you really think I'm some NPC who helps you gain favor?

The stall owner, who had been single for forty years, sneered inwardly.

Is this toy gun, which can only fire soft rubber bullets, some kind of high-tech weapon equipped with a gender recognition system?

The stall owner's unreasonable arguments and discriminatory treatment of men and women amused and angered Uchiha Naruto.

"Boss, bullets are 100 yen each, right? Fill them up."

Naruto Uchiha slammed a Fukuzawa Yukichi card onto the table.

You can forget about doing business today.

"Uchiha, wanna have a match?"

Fujiwara Masaki's eyes lit up, a fighting spirit rose within him, and he took out his wallet.

"If you're interested."

Uchiha Naruto remained noncommittal.

These despicable gigolos are actually so rich, but that money will soon be mine.

Making money off them is doing justice!

The stall owner sneered as he took the money and pushed a box of rubber bullets in front of the two men.

"Hmph, just bring it on."

Ten minutes later, the stall owner was filled with remorse, almost kneeling down and begging for mercy.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Archery Federation's first and second place finishers are not to be underestimated; before they even ran out of bullets, Uchiha Naruto and Fujiwara Masaki had already swept up all the prizes.

"I love you, A-Ming."

While casually scattering other prizes to passing children, Matsudaira Chiyo, holding a plush dog, tiptoed and gave Uchiha Naruto a quick rub on the cheek.

His bold and unrestrained style made both Fujiwara Masaki and Yashiki Saki blush a little.

"Where should we go next?"

Matsudaira Chiyo asked with a smile.

"It's almost time to begin. The Yamahoko procession is the most exciting part of the Gion Festival," said Fujiwara Masataka, a native of Kyoto, his spirits lifted.

Yamahoko is a super-large float used in the Gion Festival, and it comes in two types: 'Yama' and 'Hoko'.

The roller coaster has no roof, and its body is decorated with elaborately crafted dolls; the top of the coaster is fitted with a spear-like weapon that can repel evil spirits and absorb plagues and calamities.

First comes the roller coaster parade, representing the appearance of evil spirits and rampant disease.

Then, the statue of Susanoo, riding in a palanquin, departs from Yasaka Shrine, signifying the descent of the gods. Together with the hoko-gura (a type of chariot), they begin their patrol, exorcising evil spirits and suppressing malevolent beings.

The gods and humans unite as one, and a grand celebration unfolds until the evil spirits are finally confirmed to have been driven away, the gods are sent back to their rightful place, and they return to Yasaka Shrine.

As the group prepared to leave, Matsudaira Chiyo and Yashiki Saki whispered to each other and went to the restroom together.

Uchiha Naruto and Fujiwara Masaki remained where they were.

He looked around and saw a bustling crowd, laughing and joking, and all he could hear was a noisy commotion.

That's far too lax.

Naruto Uchiha's eyes flashed.

Although the battle between Seth and Jeanne, the angels, took place just last month, for the Japanese people who have been living in peace for a long time, it was just a topic of conversation in Africa that had nothing to do with them.

After the Asakusa Incident, the extraordinary events that occurred on the Japanese mainland were nothing more than minor incidents.

The clashes between the Eagle Organization and the Twelve Divine Generals were not intense, as both sides consciously controlled the situation.

"Even if I try my best to control the power of my main body, no matter how much I delay, the Crimson Moon will inevitably descend, and most likely it won't be delayed until next year."

Uchiha Naruto's gaze was deep and unwavering as he thought to himself.

Although today's leisure activities are quite enjoyable, there are still important things to do.

Before the next crimson moon arrives, some initial and final tasks need to be completed.

The Yasaka Shrine, which enshrines Susanoo, the Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine, which guards the gate to the underworld, and the sacred crest of the Sanba Monk—the stage for the Gion Festival was prepared so perfectly by some strange twist of fate, and the atmosphere was so intense that Naruto Uchiha couldn't help but feel restless.

"My actions this time are a preemptive warning, a preparation for the coming of the Crimson Moon, and an awakening of a complacent society."

Naruto Uchiha thought to himself, oblivious to the world around him.

"It's about time to take action."

"Oh! It's those two older brothers from the archery competition."

Just then, two lovely young girls, one in yellow and the other in purple, wearing exquisite bathrobes, with water balloons hanging from their hands, ran over with their wooden clogs clattering on their feet.

The two girls looked up, their eyes filled with surprise and admiration; they appeared to be high school students.

"We were there at the competition a few days ago. The archery uniforms were so cool, and of course, the yukatas were great too."

"I'm a fan of both of you! Your skills and dedication have deeply moved me!"

Naruto Uchiha frowned, looking somewhat uncomfortable.

For a young girl of that age, she doesn't care about archery; she's definitely a fan of the looks.

Thank you both for your support.

The archery prince, with his experience in greeting fans, flashed a warm and sunny smile.

"Are you two older brothers here together for the Gion Festival? Could it be... hehe..."

A short-haired girl wearing frameless glasses looked at Uchiha Naruto, then at Fujiwara Masaki, and suddenly became excited. She pushed up her glasses, and her laughter began to sound a little eerie.

Uchiha Naruto and Fujiwara Masaki exchanged puzzled glances.

It was a flirting attempt, wasn't it?

"No, I came with my senior. Uchiha-kun also has a girlfriend, they'll be here soon."

The girl with glasses was inexplicably disappointed, her face filled with dejection.

Another girl stepped forward and boldly said:

"Can I take a picture with you?"

"No problem, of course I can," Fujiwara Masaki readily agreed.

Uchiha Naruto waved his hand, refusing without even thinking:

"Sorry, my girlfriend is very jealous."

This is how a shield is used.

The two high school girls made peace signs and asked Uchiha Naruto to take a few pictures of them and Fujiwara Masaki. Matsudaira Chiyo and Yashiki Saki then turned back.

Goodbye, my two older brothers.

The girls waved energetically and walked away quickly.

"Miwako, is that what you meant when you said we could both be honored together?"

In the girl duo, the girl in the purple bathrobe poked Miwako's forehead with her finger and said reproachfully.

"I can admire either the icy pretty boy or the sunny handsome guy, so combining them makes me even more admirable!"

Miwako cupped her face in her hands and said with great interest.

"Your stench of decay has reached me."

The girl in the purple bathrobe fanned herself under her nose with her hand and pouted.

"Besides, both of them have beautiful girlfriends, so don't get your hopes up."

Miwako immediately looked like a wilted eggplant, sullen and unhappy.

"Stop thinking about all that nonsense. The Gion Festival only happens once a year. Let's go to Yasaka Shrine. We shouldn't miss the time when the Ushi-no-Ten-O's palanquin departs from Yasaka Shrine."

The two finally arrived at the entrance of Yasaka Shrine.

The streets were packed with people, with tourists from home and abroad jostling each other, waiting for the procession of the divine palanquin.

Traffic control has been implemented on Zhengma Road, with police tape set up, and volunteers and police are struggling to maintain order.

"look!"

Miwako, who had just been listless, suddenly became excited and pointed forward.

On the empty road, there stood a handsome, somewhat delicate-looking young man with black hair, his expression indifferent and aloof.

The boy was dressed in snow-white robes, with a gray apron draped over his waist, and a long, sheathed sword inserted into a purple shimenori rope tied around his waist.

As the palanquin of Susanoo-no-Mikoto moved outward from beneath the torii gate, the black-haired boy's lips curled into a faint smile.

"The Gion Festival, with its procession of the Yamahoko (mountain boat), is a ritual symbolizing the suppression of evil spirits..."

What's so interesting about a non-existent, illusory evil spirit, or a clay and wooden puppet statue of Susanoo?

The true Susanoo has descended upon this place!

(End of this chapter)