Don't use Type-Moon references in Oregairu!

Bei Mudshou remained noncommittal: "I'm not saying this because I'm worried that my preconceived notions might influence your judgment."

Fujimaru Ritsuka recounted the news she had heard from the Noh noodle shop owner that day, adding, "I walked through the entire shopping district and sensed a faint aura in most places, but no very obvious magical reaction. So for now, we can conclude that no one in the shopping district was involved in this round."

"Perhaps. What do you think might be involved this time?"

"I'm not entirely sure, because the information from the shop owner seems to be related to the woman who visits the Ushi-oto-do shrine. Considering the previous incident in Fukuoka City, it should be closely related to the jealousy of the Seven Deadly Sins. But I can't imagine that such a weak and strange being as the Ushi-oto-do woman would make Hikigaya's spiritual senses feel threatened."

The woman of the hour of the ox, also known as "Ushi-ji-san" (丑時参), means to worship at the hour of the ox. According to Toriyama Sekien's "Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki" (今昔画图續百鬼), at the third quarter of the hour of the ox (especially on a dark, moonless night), a woman dressed in white, with a mirror hanging from her chest, wearing single-toothed wooden clogs (or tall wooden clogs) and an iron ring with three lit candles on her head, would go to a large tree (or cedar tree) near the shrine and nail a cursed straw doll to it to perform a ritual. If her actions were seen by someone, the curse would be nullified.

Even with the involvement of the Envy faction of the Seven Deadly Sins, such a ghost should not pose any threat.

Beimu Nishu was also familiar with this legend, but he hadn't inquired about it, focusing more on matters of interest.

"As expected, different directions make a difference. The information I gathered in the shopping district mainly concerns the situation of the priests at Tenmangu Shrine. In recent years, it seems that there has been a negative change in the priests Tenmangu Shrine deals with external parties. Shop owners have reported that it has become more difficult to deal with Tenmangu Shrine in recent years. The staff under the Tenmangu Shrine's chief priest who liaises with the shops will take more commission from shops with higher sales and will encourage shops selling similar products to compete with each other."

Ah, is this a good comparison? Fufu, someone's trying to steal your job.

"So all I can be sure of is that there might be a traitor within Tenmangu Shrine, and the power of faith is the only treasure Tenmangu Shrine has left. It's unlikely they're eyeing the land deeds in Tenmangu Shrine's possession, is it?"

However, Kaiki Deishuu also confirmed what Fujimaru Ritsuka said: Ushi no Toki was indeed not very strong.

At that moment, Kasumigaoka Utaha timidly raised her hand: "Can I say something?"

"Hmm? Did you perhaps discover something?" Fujimaru Ritsuka asked with a curious expression.

Kasumigaoka Utaha forced a composed demeanor: "After hearing Fujimaru-kun's analysis, I had an idea. The Ushi no Toki certainly doesn't want to be strong, but what if there's a supernatural being who rises to power?"

Seeing Fujimaru Ritsuka's encouraging look, she composed herself and continued, "The shop owner probably mentioned that a series of his Noh masks had been stolen. Actually, in the world of Noh masks, Ushi-no-Toki is a woman filled with resentment and jealousy. She is a monster who fell from an ordinary human. And in this series, there is the Hannya that we are familiar with."

"The so-called Prajna refers to a vengeful woman who grows two horns due to jealousy and hatred, transforming into a man-eating demon, representing the hatred in people's hearts. In the end, she will completely fall, lose her ears to hear words, and completely transform into a terrifying monster called the True Serpent."

As an expert in rituals, Beki Mudsho, who possessed magical knowledge from Hohenheim, had a sudden realization: "From a human to a demon? If they want to use the power of faith in the Heavenly Palace to transform this woman of the hour of the ox into a real snake as part of the ritual, in order to distort the power of faith?"

He took out paper and pen, drawing and writing on it while muttering jargon that made everyone's head spin. Suddenly, he looked up: "Faith can never be completely pure, especially for a popular deity like Tenmanjitsu Tenshin. While praying for improvement in their studies, knowledge, or acting skills, they inevitably harbor negative resentment towards those stronger. If the Divine Body were still intact, suppressing these feelings would be a piece of cake. But now..."

Fujimaru Ritsuka suddenly remembered something the shopkeeper had said: "[The Noh noodles of the gods were also lost]." He hurriedly asked, "Is the god in the Noh noodles based on Sugawara no Michizane?"

Kaiki Nishu stopped writing and drawing: "Indeed."

He put down his pen, remembering something he had overlooked: "The god Sugawara no Michizane was originally a vengeful spirit."

71. Kasumigaoka is eager to try.

Regarding Sugawara no Michizane's identity as a vengeful spirit, Fujimaru Ritsuka discussed this topic with Komachi on the way to Fukuoka City.

After being framed by his political enemies, he transformed into a vengeful spirit. The popular perception of him as a thunder god stems from the anecdote that he manipulated lightning to kill his political rivals and frighten the emperor to death.

Even gods shouldn't forget their roots; a tiger that eats vegetarian food is still a tiger.

Sugawara no Michizane can also symbolize the process of a human transforming into a vengeful spirit and then into a deity, possessing a dual nature of god and vengeful spirit. Now that the divine body is absent, if his vengeful spirit side is awakened, the filth and impurities hidden beneath his faith will, like this god, undergo a complete reversal. Is this the goal their ritual seeks?

Fujimaru Ritsuka, guessing what the other was thinking, couldn't help but shudder. He grabbed Kaiki Deishuu and asked carefully, "So, do gods really exist?"

With his eyelids drooping and looking listless, Bei Mudshou said, "Gods, monsters, these things didn't exist before. Before the first materials and monsters appeared in the world, they were just legends passed down by word of mouth. They were just beliefs erected in the midst of nothingness."

"But now, the legend has become reality. Ideas, perceptions, and beliefs have shaped Sugawara no Michizane and Tenma Jidaijin in people's minds. So it is possible that the other side could use the components of this belief to reverse the two extremes."

Fujimaru Ritsuka gave Hachiman Hikigaya a deep look as he rushed back, knowing that he hadn't told her about the Chiba Cave incident. She then sighed and recounted the whole story of what had happened in Chiba City.

"Since we already have experimental examples, you guys hurry up and get ready, we can't wait until tonight." Although he still used a calm and indifferent tone, Kaiki Deishuu had already put down his paper and pen, and took out a series of props to start assembling.

Fujimaru Ritsuka gave a wry smile, then said to Kasumigaoka Utaha and Sakura Hibiki, "You two should hurry up and get ready to go back. This is no longer the time to leisurely play puzzle games."

"I have a feeling this isn't going to work." Kasumigaoka Utaha silently pointed out the window, and the strange sight made everyone who had been reminded widen their eyes.

In early May, it's 5 pm in the neon city, and the sun shouldn't be setting yet.

But now the sky is already dusky and the sun has silently set behind the mountains, while the distant sky is already showing a fiery glow.

The tourists on the street didn't seem to notice anything unusual, or even pay attention to the change in the sky. They seemed to take it all for granted.

Faintly, from afar, came a barely audible sound. It was the sound of nails being struck, one strike after another, accompanied by a mournful melody drifting through the air.

At dusk, at the hour of Oma.

Fujimaru Ritsuka rubbed her head, feeling a bit of a headache. "Wasn't it supposed to be 8 o'clock? It's not even 8 yet. It's like a virgin who finally managed to get a date with his beloved goddess and rushed over several hours early to wait."

"Stop talking nonsense, Fujimaru Ritsuka, use your eyes to look at things."

Yukinoshita quietly nudged Fujimaru Ritsuka and gave him a gentle push.

Fujimaru Ritsuka, who had been blinded by the anomaly, also came to his senses and opened his Eye of Karma.

The whites of his eyes turned a pure golden yellow, with flame-like light flickering and leaping within them.

The shopkeepers outside the guesthouse, the tourists on the street—everyone's figure was reflected in those clear, golden eyes.

He saw countless people with orbs of light appearing above their heads, like tangled balls of yarn.

Red and white intertwined light spots continuously emerged from the sphere of light, flying towards the distant Tenmangu Palace like swallows returning to their nests.

The white dots of light were filled with an excited spirit, as if they were praying to go further; the red dots, on the other hand, flickered with an ominous light, as if they were secretly cursing and envying the stronger ones around them.

As the light was gradually drawn away, their expressions seemed to slowly calm down, filled with a serene and desireless demeanor.

If you saw monks with such expressions in a temple, you might mistake them for highly accomplished monks. But in the present day, everyone on the street looks like they've been molded from the same mold, giving off a chilling and unsettling feeling.

Fujimaru Ritsuka shifted her gaze to the distant Tenmangu Shrine. It was like a black hole, continuously absorbing the faint specks of light above everyone's heads.

In places too dark to look directly at, an unattainable terror seems to be brewing.

What about us?

Fujimaru Ritsuka silently glanced at the outside of her guesthouse. The guesthouse seemed to be completely isolated from the outside world.

A curtain of light, invisible to the naked eye, covers the area where the guesthouse is located, like water. If you look closely, you can almost see faint, colorless ripples moving in the air.

"I didn't expect to force out our defensive measures so quickly." Bei Mu Nishu said with a gloomy face. "According to Hohenheim's memory, this defensive barrier, at its peak, should be able to block a Noble Phantasm attack. That being said, he seems to have been slashed a few times by some guy with a golden sword and then fell down. But at least it shouldn't be a problem in this situation."

Fujimaru Ritsuka took a deep breath. "Are you planning to hold the ceremony here, or are you going to storm into Tenmangu Shrine?"

"Right here. This location is perfect for drawing some faith power from Sugawara no Michizane's side from the edge, since we don't need much. But it seems that as long as no one can stop the enemy's ritual, we, the scouts, won't be able to get a single drop."

"That's good. Even if we don't need to treat Komachi, we still have to take them down. Haruno-nee, Kasumigaoka, and Sakura Hibiki, you guys stay here. Hikigaya and Totsuka-kun, you stay here to protect Mr. Kaiki and Yu Ishigami, just in case."

“I want to go too.” Kasumigaoka Utaha suddenly stood up.

"Why did you follow me?" Fujimaru Ritsuka was a little surprised by Kasumigaoka's somewhat irrational behavior. Wasn't this like a lamb looking for a big bad wolf, courting death?

Kasumigaoka calmly answered Fujimaru Ritsuka's question: "Your goal should ideally be to defeat the opponent directly, and secondly, to disrupt or delay their ritual."

She pointed to Kaiki Deishuu and continued her analysis: "It seems that Mr. Kaiki is going to stay here to maintain the ceremony and can't leave. So there needs to be someone who can act as his eyes to observe the scene. And coincidentally, I am very familiar with the Noh play 'Aoi,' which is based on the Ushi-toki-onna, Hannya, and even the Shinja. Perhaps I can offer some suggestions. Then Mr. Kaiki can provide remote guidance. After all, I have confidence in my intelligence."

But that's not why Kasumigaoka Utaha would take risks for someone she's not close to.

Fujimaru Ritsuka looked into her eyes, where a curious and burning light shone.

It's confirmed. This kid is the type who would personally try out PAY in order to write an erotic novel.

Kaiki Deishu pondered for a moment, then pulled out numerous strange items from his pocket: a cross, prayer beads, amulets, even a yellow paper triangle folded into a triangular shape, and a pair of earrings, handing them to her: "I don't think it's a good thing for ordinary people to participate in this kind of thing. But I won't stop you. We do need to be able to observe the other side, and combat personnel's observation skills are indeed not as good as those of bystanders. So take these things; the earrings will allow us to communicate, and the other items will serve as concealment and defense. Good luck."

Kasumigaoka Utaha took the prop, carefully placed it close to her body, put on the earring, and nodded excitedly and nervously: "Of course. But I hope that Mr. Kaiki will grant me a small request afterward and teach me some spells."

"My fees aren't cheap."

"My family is quite well-off."

"Then get the money ready."

The two quickly reached a deal, and Fujimaru Ritsuka said dejectedly, "Then remember to follow up on Kasumigaoka. We'll do our best to protect you."

“Yes, I believe you.” Kasumigaoka Utaha replied with a bright smile.

A muscular man pointed to himself with a frustrated expression: "What about me? How could you forget about me?"

Fujimaru Ritsuka revealed a subtle expression. He recognized who the other person was. He couldn't say that the other person's presence was indeed not high when he didn't show his muscles, so he could only flatter him: "Oh my, Lord Machio Naruzo is definitely going to be the spearhead of our team. I'm looking forward to seeing the power of the Invincible Sword."

Machiyuu patted Fujimaru Ritsuka's shoulder triumphantly, the force so heavy it almost made him stumble: "No, my strength lies in my muscles. Let me tear him apart with my muscles in a fair and square way."

Ah, with the muscular senior as our meat shield, there's nothing to be afraid of.

Fujimaru Ritsuka glanced around the room: "Then let's set off, wish us luck!"

72. How many years will I be sentenced for cutting down cultural relics? I need an answer online, it's urgent.

Walking among the crowd, even the usually cheerful Masaki Masayuki couldn't muster his usual smile.

In the usually bustling shopping street, both the tourists coming and going and the shopkeepers enthusiastically soliciting customers all wore eerie expressions.

Previously, when visiting Yuri Tenmangu Shrine, one could see that the expressions of tourists were filled with anticipation or unease.

They are filled with hope and expectations for the future, hoping to become better and achieve better results in important occasions. Or perhaps they are anxious and conflicted about their current situation, hoping to pray to the gods and gain strength to move forward from the rituals of visiting Tenmangu Shrine.

The shopkeepers, of course, kept smiling as they watched the crowds come and go, thinking about how to attract more customers.

But those feelings had faded from their faces, leaving only emptiness. Their thoughts grew increasingly peaceful, their desires gone. The yearning for change no longer lingered in their hearts.

They greeted each other calmly and strolled leisurely down the shopping street.

"Have you sensed anything unusual?" Masao Naruzo, who was leading the way, turned around and looked at Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others.

Shaking her head, Fujimaru Ritsuka's eyes remained golden as she constantly watched her companion: "The effects of the ritual seem to only affect ordinary people. Kasumigaoka Utaha shows no abnormalities; the items provided by Kaiki Deishuu have protected her well."

Upon hearing her name called, Kasumigaoka Utaha nervously gripped the amulet in her pocket and nodded stiffly.

The people around her had become like the stone statues of the earth by the roadside; their seemingly enlightened expressions were, in Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyes, nothing more than numbness.

With stiff steps, she tried to catch up with the increasingly faster-moving group, and the discomfort in her heart grew stronger.

So, as ordinary people, when faced with such a constant stream of bizarre events, is there nothing we can do but wait to be slaughtered?

She hates this real world.

A twilight deeper than usual enveloped the vicinity of Tenmangu Shrine. The once sacred and solemn place was now shrouded in an eerie atmosphere under the dim light.

The once antique buildings now cast shadows that chill the heart.

In front of Tenmangu Shrine stands an iron bull sculpture, a mascot symbolizing Sugawara no Michizane. Visitors often stroke its honest-looking head, praying for good fortune.