Western Province, within Yasaka Shrine.
Only a few days had passed, yet the Saigū, Sakura Fubuki, already seemed to have matured noticeably. Her features had grown more refined and graceful.
The cursed jewel on her forehead had also disappeared. When she first realized it, the sensation felt like a dream—but with the subjugation team's return and their detailed report, the reality had finally begun to sink in.
Shuten Dōji was dead…
The century-old nemesis of their clan was finally gone…
After countless generations of sacrifice and unending struggle, could this truly be the long-awaited success achieved through their perseverance?
Although Ayami miko's report claimed that "we worked with a group of mysterious allies to jointly subjugate Shuten Dōji and his subordinate, Hoshiguma Dōji," since those mysterious figures had chosen not to leave their names, the Saigū could only sigh and turn her gaze toward Satsuki, who was preparing to depart.
"Satsuki miko, are you leaving already?"
Sitting solemnly within the great hall, Sakura Fubuki watched Satsuki with a complex expression. She couldn't explain it, but she felt strongly that this miraculous victory had much to do with this mysterious miko who had seemingly appeared out of thin air.
After all, from the reports of her clansmen, it was clear that Satsuki's group possessed extraordinary power—enough to face the Oni King of Strength head-on and even defeat her. Their strength far surpassed her expectations.
"Yes," Satsuki replied calmly. "Though my primary objective remains unfinished, I trust the Saigū hasn't forgotten what she promised me."
"You mean the Decree of Separation Between Gods and Buddhas?" Sakura Fubuki asked with a hint of doubt. "But since Shuten Dōji is already dead, how do you intend to deal with Abe no Seimei?"
"That's precisely why I must go to Kyoto," Satsuki answered evenly. "If possible, I wish to observe this world-renowned Onmyōji up close." She paused, then added casually, "During that time, I'd like to temporarily disguise myself as one of the women rescued by the Sakura clan."
"But…"
"Would that really be alright?" The Saigū hesitated, her gaze sweeping over Satsuki's attire—a robe with high slits that revealed her shapely thighs wrapped in sheer black tights, and an open collar that partially exposed the upper curves of her chest.
The outfit far more provocative and exquisite than anything even the highest nobles wore. Her divine, breathtaking beauty could make even the gods pause in admiration.
"Even if it's not, it won't be a major problem," Satsuki replied faintly. "After all, this is Yasaka Shrine's best and most legitimate opportunity to solidify its standing. Rather than focus on me, those Onmyōji—who are far more sensitive to political power—will have their attention fixed entirely on your shrine."
There was nothing wrong with her logic.
Yasaka Shrine's reputation had long stood high not only because it handled the dirtiest and hardest work of the Shinto world, but also because it had always maintained an air of detachment from political ambition.
After all, with members of the Sakura clan living no longer than five years each generation, there was little point in pursuing temporal power. The gods themselves understood that until the curse was completely lifted, it was not yet time for Yasaka Shrine to approach the world's true center of authority.
But now, things were different. With the Oni King of Yasaka Shrine's lineage defeated and the centuries-old curse lifted, Yasaka Shrine finally had every right to enter Kyoto in glory.
The only ones likely displeased by this turn of events would be the Onmyōji—after all, it meant their dominance in Kyoto would be diminished.
That, however, was an issue Yasaka Shrine would have to manage in due time.
For now, they were in a perfect position—powerful, freed from their curse, and credited with slaying Shuten Dōji. So long as they didn't commit any major missteps, the Onmyōji's dissatisfaction would mean little.
Surely the Saigū understood that as well—after all, an entire pantheon of warrior gods stood behind her.
"In any case," the Saigū said solemnly, "without Satsuki miko's help, we could never have succeeded in this endeavor."
She rose and bowed deeply to Satsuki once again, then turned to her attendant. "Bring forth the divine artifact."
"Yes, my lady."
The attendant replied softly and withdrew. Moments later, she returned, carrying in both hands an ornate brocade chest roughly thirty centimeters long, wide, and tall.
Satsuki's Tenseigan easily pierced through the densely woven barriers and divine blessings surrounding the brocade chest. Even the box alone, layered with such intricate seals, was itself no lesser than a top-grade Shinto artifact—likely strong enough to rival some powerful exorcist implements if used as a weapon.
But what truly mattered was the treasure within.
Even Satsuki's Tenseigan could not fully discern the artifact's nature in one glance. Yet, the divine radiance spilling forth from the box, intertwined with faint hymns of sacred voices praising its existence, was proof enough that it was no ordinary relic.
Satsuki immediately understood—the contents of the chest were of an exceptionally high tier.
Sakura Fubuki received the brocade chest from her attendant with great solemnity and turned toward Satsuki. "Without your assistance, and that of your two companions, our mission to subjugate Shuten Dōji could never have succeeded. To express our gratitude for your aid to Yasaka Shrine, the War God has decreed through divine oracle that I, as Saigū, bestow upon you one of the divine treasures inherited from Him—the Yasakani no Magatama."
With that, the Saigū extended her hand. A soft light shimmered across her palm as she opened the chest, revealing the radiant object inside.
The instant the divine light filled the hall, Sesshōmaru's body stiffened violently. Overwhelmed by the oppressive sacred aura, he vanished from sight in a flash, retreating at incredible speed beyond the hall's boundaries.
"Yasakani no Magatama?"
Satsuki cast a curious glance at the artifact within the chest. The so-called divine treasure, Yasakani no Magatama, was a curved, violet-black jewel shaped like the letter C. Its surface shimmered like a shifting starry sky, with faint, iridescent ripples of light constantly changing hue. Invisible vortices revolved slowly around it, emanating waves of divine authority and an unusual, law-like energy signature.
One end of the jewel bore a small hollow—designed for a cord to pass through.
The pronunciation of Yasakani Magatama carried layered meanings: "Ya" symbolized excellence, "Sa" meant protection from calamity, "Ka" denoted divine blessing, and "Ni" represented the harmony of yin and yang that nurtures all life. The term Magatama itself contained "Ma," meaning one who possesses a good name yet avoids worldly conflict, and "Ga" (or "Na") implying fortune under divine protection. Combined, the name could be interpreted as "greatness" and "radiant glory."
"Yasakani no Magatama…" Satsuki repeated softly.
She did not doubt its authenticity. As a child of the gods, Sakura Fubuki had every right to possess true artifacts of divinity. From what Satsuki's Tenseigan observed, the Magatama indeed contained at least one authority-level law within it—certainly qualifying it as a genuine divine relic.
To Satsuki, who had transcended mortal realms, it was little more than a finely crafted ornament—but even she could not deny its significance as a sacred heirloom.
Granting such a treasure to an outsider like herself seemed… excessive.
After all, Satsuki was not of the Sakura clan. Her contribution was great, yes, but bestowing a divine relic of this magnitude upon her was still far beyond reason.
Thus, she did not immediately accept the chest. Instead, she turned toward the expectant Saigū and said evenly, "Such a supreme treasure—I am unworthy of it. If I may ask, could the Saigū speak frankly as to the true purpose behind this gift?"
To resist temptation before a treasure like the Yasakani no Magatama—and remain utterly calm—such a miko could scarcely be found anywhere else in the world.
Before them stood Satsuki, whose beauty and presence were already unmatched, yet what truly set her apart was her unparalleled strength and composure.
Such a being inspired awe beyond measure.
For the first time, the Saigū of Yasaka Shrine truly felt admiration and respect for the miko before her.
After carefully closing the brocade chest containing the Magatama, Sakura Fubuki straightened her posture and bowed deeply to Satsuki. "This is by the will of Lord Susanoo-no-Mikoto. I am merely carrying out His command."
"Is that so?" Satsuki mused for a moment before replying, "In that case, may I request a direct audience with Susanoo-no-Mikoto Himself? Otherwise, such a divine treasure may not necessarily be a blessing for me."
"This… may not be easy to arrange…"
The Saigū's expression turned troubled as she began to explain—but suddenly, from the massive statue of Susanoo-no-Mikoto behind her, two beams of divine light burst forth from its eyes, striking her body.
Her expression changed instantly. Behind her appeared a vast halo of divine light, golden flames of sanctity igniting around her as waves of divine power rippled outward. Her hair floated as if in a storm, and her eyes turned entirely golden, shining like radiant suns.
Throughout Yasaka Shrine, every miko and monk felt the divine phenomenon. In unison, they knelt reverently, pressing their foreheads to the floor before the main shrine where the god had descended.
The Saigū—now possessed by the deity—lifted her gaze toward Satsuki, her tone imbued with majesty. "Miko, do you question this one's divine gift?"
Though no power was forcibly exerted, the weight of that gaze alone could have crushed an ordinary human to their knees in worship.
It was not intentional on His part; rather, the natural presence of a deity inspired irresistible reverence within mortals.
For any ordinary miko or monk, facing a god's descent would be like a small nation meeting an empire—whatever the god said, they could only agree.
A god offers you a divine relic, and you… question it?
But Satsuki was no ordinary shrine maiden. Her true existence stood on a plane equal to that of an Enlightened Being. For her, a second-generation deity within a lesser divine system demanding reverence was almost amusing.
The light of the Tenseigan flickered faintly in her eyes, but her tone remained calm as she said, "Lord Susanoo-no-Mikoto, may I ask plainly—what is the reason for bestowing such a sacred treasure upon me?"
Susanoo's divine vessel showed a flicker of surprise, followed by a hearty laugh.
"Interesting… I have watched over this world for thousands of years, yet never have I seen a miko speak to a god as you do. Tell me, I am truly curious—which deity does your shrine worship?"
"My attitude, you mean?" Satsuki asked calmly.
"Yes," Susanoo replied, gesturing toward his colossal statue behind him. "From the moment you proposed the Decree of Separation Between Gods and Buddhas, to when you faced the Yasakani no Magatama, and even now before My divine presence—your eyes have never changed. Joy, anger, sorrow, contemplation, fear, awe—these mortal sentiments always betray themselves, no matter how they are hidden. To gods like us, such concealment is meaningless."
He paused briefly, then continued, his tone more contemplative. "But you are different. Within your eyes, I perceive both the power of creation and of destruction… and beyond that, something even deeper—an overwhelming, profound force lurking beneath it. Even I, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, feel a shiver when I look upon it."
Despite his words, there was no fear in his demeanor—only intrigue and exhilaration, befitting His bold and untamed nature.
Satsuki narrowed her eyes slightly. She had always been confident in her concealment—between the Vipralopa's power and the Dead Line Boundary, no method of perception should have been able to penetrate her nature.
Only a Creator God or an Enlightened One could gaze beyond the river of fate to discern her true identity.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto, while a second-generation god of high standing, was far from possessing such perception.
Otherwise—if he truly knew that Satsuki's essence was that of Māra, the Demon Buddha—then his presence before her would not be courage.
It would be folly.
From his words, Satsuki immediately discerned his true intent. This warlike god—Susanoo-no-Mikoto—was not merely showing generosity. He sought to win her allegiance, and to do so, he was willing to pay a heavy price.
"In that case," Satsuki said evenly, "I can accept such a lavish gift even less."
She had no desire to become entangled with any of these deities. Within her grand design for the Vipralopa Era, every god of this world would one day become her target.
"Do not be so quick to refuse, miko," Susanoo said, a mysterious smile forming on his lips. "Perhaps I should share an interesting piece of information—something that may make you reconsider."
At that, Satsuki paused. For her, information circulating among the gods was often of great value.
"You're already familiar with the Shinto system of this world," Susanoo began. "My elder sister, Amaterasu Ōmikami, was tasked with ruling Takamagahara, the Heavenly Realm. My elder brother, Tsukuyomi no Mikoto, was sent to govern the Land of Night, or the Netherworld. As for me, I was assigned to rule over Ashihara no Nakatsukuni—the Human World. Originally, the three realms were governed in balance by us three siblings, and we had no reason for conflict. Yet, due to various... disagreements, our relations soured."
"Disagreements?" Satsuki's tone held faint amusement.
Through the archives of Katori Shrine, she had already studied the mythic history of this world. The great war between the Kunitsukami and the Amatsukami was among its most pivotal and blood-soaked chapters.
Clearly, Susanoo was downplaying the truth. The causes of that divine civil war went far deeper—rooted in power, ideology, and divine authority. That he avoided the details was unsurprising; after all, Satsuki was not one of their kind.
"The war led to the downfall of nearly all sixteen million deities in Japan. Few remained untouched. Most were either annihilated or fell into corruption, transforming into demons. The divine order collapsed, and in its absence, chaos and malice flourished. Thus the world became the domain of yōkai."
"I see," Satsuki murmured softly. "According to my knowledge, in that war, the Kunitsu faction under your leadership was ultimately defeated and forced into subjugation beneath the Amatsu faction led by Amaterasu Ōmikami—exiled to…" She paused, her expression sharpening. "Ah. So that is why Yasaka Shrine exists here."
Why would an obscure clan receive such extraordinary favor from the gods? The reason now became clear.
"Hahaha! Sharper than I thought, miko," Susanoo laughed heartily. "Indeed. The annihilation of Shuten Dōji was the condition set between the Kunitsu and Amatsukami. If my followers succeeded in slaying that Oni King, the Amatsu faction would be compelled to allow us to return to Takamagahara. And when that happens…"
His golden eyes blazed with divine fire.
"The second war between the Kunitsukami and the Amatsukami—will begin anew."