However, what he didn't know was that even Ran wasn't sure of the plaque's origins. From the moment she became Yukari's Shikigami, that ancient plaque had always been there.
It seemed ready to fall and shatter at any moment, yet a power sustained it, allowing it to persist there.
Even after countless years, the plaque still emanated the lightning energy of the one who wrote it, as if declaring to the world that it came from the brush of the Master of Thunder.
Upon entering the Yakumo Residence, the interior space was vast. There were not only countless rooms but also a large courtyard, a pond, and a bamboo grove.
Among these, the Kendo dojo near the bamboo grove was the most eye-catching. It was constructed in an extremely ancient style, as if the entire dojo could be considered an antique.
But Yusei didn't pay it much mind. Everything here had existed for a very long time, and it didn't seem unimaginable that Yukari had studied Kendo.
Who knew how long she had lived? It was possible she became interested in kendo for a period, built a dojo, got bored of it, and went back to sleep.
They didn't linger at the dojo for long. Soon, led by Ran, they arrived at an inner room, one with a very classical style not belonging to the present era.
Ran brought Yusei and the others to the door and silently stepped back.
"Yukari-sama is waiting inside. Please enter."
Although Ran said this, she was curious inside. Because Yukari's earlier command was to 'please bring the honored guest over'.
The term 'honored guest' was very thought-provoking. Ran remembered that even figures like Kazami Yuuka or Yuyuko Saigyouji wouldn't be called 'honored guests' by Yukari. (T/N: Just regarded Kazami Yuuka's name to be different from Kazami Yusei's name.)
But she was merely Yukari's Shikigami, so she just had to obey.
As Yusei and the others were about to enter, Ran stopped them, shaking her head slightly, "Yukari-sama only permits you to enter alone... uh, and this one..." Ran looked at Yusei, and then at Athena.
Tohru, seeing this, puffed her cheeks in annoyance and also grew wary, concerned that it might be a trap inside to ambush Yusei.
However, Yusei slightly waved his hand, signaling to Tohru that it was okay. He then asked Tohru and Hina to wait in a guest room nearby, while he and Athena entered.
The room wasn't filled with gaping eyes as Yusei might have imagined, but was a very normal, ordinary room.
In the center of the room was a table, and in front of it sat Yukari, wearing loose robes that resembled ancient-style sleepwear.
Yakumo Yukari… this was a youkai absolutely born to enchant.
Her pale purple eyes exuded unparalleled charm, but this was only the surface. Deep within lay absolutely profound knowledge and immense age.
How long had Yukari lived? Yusei didn't know, but her current appearance was undoubtedly that of a teenage girl.
A folding fan half-covered her face, revealing only those eyes.
Coincidentally, Yusei's eyes were also purple, a captivating purple.
When Yukari saw these eyes, it was as if she remembered something. The corner of her mouth hidden behind the fan curled up slightly, and a strange light flickered in her eyes.
Seeing her stare at him so intently, Yusei began to feel somewhat awkward, 'Was I so handsome that even youkai were attracted?'
But he hadn't come today to charm the Youkai Sage, he was here to cure Hina's 'illness'.
Yusei lightly coughed, "Honorable Youkai Sage, I have come this time to-"
"We agree."
"..." Yusei looked blankly at Yukari, not understanding what she had agreed to.
As if Yusei's expression was quite amusing, Yukari gave a faint smile and lowered her fan.
"We said, we agree to your request."
"Uh... Do you know what I came to ask you for?" Yusei looked at Yukari, puzzled.
'Although her straightforward agreement to help was great, wasn't it a bit strange? Like a pie falling from the sky?'
"Isn't it to cure that girl's illness? We are the Youkai Sage, capable of reading minds. We know perfectly well why you seek us out." A teasing smile appeared on Yukari's face.
"Mind reading!" Yusei immediately grew alert. He knew there was a Koishi Komeiji in Gensokyo who could read minds, but he hadn't known Yukari could also 'read minds'.
"Yakumo Yukari-san, isn't it improper to read minds without permission?" Athena beside him looked displeased at Yukari. As a chief goddess, she did not fear Yukari.
Yukari naturally noticed Athena and seemed somewhat impressed, but she didn't say much, instead offering an apologetic smile.
"Just an occasional occurrence."
Yusei gently tugged Athena's small hand, signaling that it was okay.
However, the look he gave Yukari now held deeper meaning.
Yukari had just said she read his mind and learned his purpose was to help Hina resolve the physical curse.
But in reality, the Human Path of his Rinnegan had not been triggered.
The powers of the Rinnegan's Six Paths were all special.
Among them, the Human Path specialized in the soul, controlling both the enemy's soul and his own.
It could be said that with the Human Path active, it was impossible for him to fall under illusions or have his mind read.
As for why Yukari claimed to have read his mind, Yusei did not know.
But judging by the current outcome, it was good. After all, she had directly agreed to help Hina resolve the curse.
Soon, following Yukari's mental message, Ran brought Tohru and Hina into the room.
Hina looked somewhat nervous as she glanced at Yukari.
Although she had already witnessed [Heaven] and knew this world contained all sorts of strange beings, as an 'ordinary' girl, the corner of Hina's eye couldn't help but twitch upon seeing Ran.
Those swaying tails looked very soft, but Hina swore she absolutely dared not touch them. They clearly looked formidable.
Coincidentally, she had learned from Ran that Yukari was Ran's master.
If the servant is a youkai, what could the master be? So, even though Yukari currently appeared as a beautiful girl, in Hina's eyes, she couldn't help but imagine a terrifying youkai with a gaping, bloody maw.
Yukari, at this moment, seemed not to be reading minds and was unaware of Hina's wild thoughts.
She simply glanced at the transparency on Hina's body, then reached out a hand to probe Hina's transparent body before withdrawing her hand and her gaze.