The training of a shrine maiden is divided into distinct ranks.
Upon graduating from initial studies, the ability to accurately recite ritual prayers earns one the Chokkai (Direct Rank), the simplest level. Becoming a deputy Guuji grants the Seikai (Regular Rank). Compared to the first level, the training for Seikai is far more grueling, bound by numerous ascetic disciplines and precepts.
Above that precept Meikai (Bright Rank). This level requires reaching the state of Ten-Di Ming-Cha—an insight into Heaven and Earth. At this stage, one understands the natural laws of the universe and possesses a profound clarity regarding worldly affairs. Reaching this realm almost guarantees the acquisition of a Vision and significantly extends one's lifespan.
Finally, there is the Jokai (Pure Rank). Historically, this title is reserved solely for the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine; there is only one in the entire institution. However, compared to Meikai, Jokai is more of an honorary title and is not strictly tied to combat prowess.
Yae Miko is the only—and currently the strongest—Jokai in existence.
What is important here is that Meikai rank—the "Insight into Heaven and Earth." This state implies a total understanding of the natural order. Simply put, Yae Miko possesses a near-prophetic ability to discern fortune from calamity.
While not as precise as an astrologer's reading of fate, it usually allows her to be perfectly prepared for anything.
Yet, in the face of Bai Luo, her insight was useless.
She could not predict his movements, could not fathom his thoughts, and could not see the depth of his power. It was as if the man had jumped beyond the three realms and existed outside the five elements of destiny.
Yae Miko was curious. As far as she knew, everyone was bound by the Heavenly Principles, their fates reflected in the starry sky. How did this man manage to do it?
Looking at Bai Luo, who was lying comfortably on the scrubbing table, Yae Miko slowly raised her hand. Pink fur began to manifest on her fingers, and sharp claws slid out from her pads. The claws brushed lightly against Bai Luo's spine, causing a layer of goosebumps to rise across his back.
If she struck now, Bai Luo would certainly not survive.
However...
"Sigh."
Forget it.
When her hand finally descended, the fox claws had reverted to ordinary human fingers. She remembered the last time she had scrubbed someone's back like this—it was with Lady Kitsune Saiguu. Back then, she was nothing more than a "hand warmer" for the Lady.
In her desire to prove herself before she had even mastered her human form, she had picked up a towel that was far too large for her and tried to scrub the Lady's back, only to be shoved into a wooden tub by Kitsune Saiguu. It had been quite a pathetic sight.
She had practiced in secret later on, but unfortunately, after Kitsune Saiguu tricked her into the position of Guuji with the promise of fried tofu, she had gone to Tenshukaku and never returned.
She had told Miko that being the Guuji meant endless fried tofu, but she hadn't mentioned that Miko would have to attend every festival in full regalia, or that if she wanted to go out and play, she'd have to sneak away in secret.
Adults really were the best at lying.
"Speaking of which, the Yae Publishing House has a column called Monthly Gossip, doesn't it?"
Feeling the comfort on his back, the tension Bai Luo had been holding finally began to dissipate. Truthfully, he had felt her claws brush against him. He had thought she was going to strike and was already prepared to "quantize" his body to escape.
"Yes, there is indeed such a column. Does the Instructor have any brilliant suggestions?"
When she spoke this time, Yae Miko no longer used Kuroda's tone. Her act of extending her claws wasn't just to threaten him; it was a test. If Bai Luo had turned around in confusion, it would mean he truly didn't know her identity. But the claws had touched him, and he hadn't reacted at all.
This meant the man had likely seen through her long ago and simply hadn't called her out.
The situation now was clear: both parties knew exactly who was who, but they were still enjoying the play-acting.
"I wonder if Mr. Kuroda would mind adding a new column?"
Bai Luo rolled over, looking with great interest at the "Kuroda" in front of him, gesturing for her to continue the scrub.
"Lady Yae is in charge of Monthly Gossip. I have no authority to add a column to it," Yae Miko replied. By tossing the towel back into the wooden basin, she was refusing both his proposal and his request for more scrubbing. Now that the cards were on the table, why bother continuing the act?
"Oh? But I think Lady Yae would be very interested in this column. She might even promote you for it, Mr. Kuroda."
Like their ability to jump, a fox's curiosity was incredibly strong. Bai Luo knew this well, and he knew exactly how to hook her. If anyone else had said this, Yae Miko would have dismissed it. But if it came from Bai Luo... it was different.
It wasn't because he was a Harbinger. It was simply because he was Bai Luo. Though this was their first formal meeting, she had researched him. At their core, they were the same kind of people—chaos-seekers who lived for the "fun" of it.
If Bai Luo said she'd find it interesting, there was an 80% chance she actually would. Of course, she also knew he was likely just making excuses to keep messing with her—a tactic she used often herself.
Still, curiosity won. She picked the towel back up from the basin. "Do tell."
"You've heard of the 'Dog General' over on Watatsumi Island, right?" Bai Luo said, enjoying the pressure of the towel.
Truthfully, she had probably never scrubbed anyone's back in her life; she was just roughly rubbing the towel over him. But Bai Luo wasn't enjoying the technique; he was enjoying the situation. As he thought before: work can be done anytime, but a fox in *this* state is a rare sight.
"That little fellow, Gorou?" Yae Miko asked. Given her age, calling him a "little fellow" was an understatement. She was curious, though. What did Bai Luo want with the Dog General? Rumor had it the Fatui were involved with the Resistance. Had he done something to the little pup?
"From now on, you can call him... Miss Hina."
"..."
Yae Miko's expression turned subtle. She had investigated the General; he was a boy through and through. To hear Bai Luo call him "Miss Hina" implied there wasn't just a story there—there was a full-blown incident.
"So, what do you want to publish in Monthly Gossip! ? Miss Hina's story?"
One had to admit, Bai Luo was an expert at baiting foxes. The mere mention of the name "Miss Hina" had her hooked; her mind was already racing through a dozen scandalous possibilities.
"Come back to my place later," Bai Luo said with a grin. "I'll show you something good."
_______________________________________
Hey guys, A little support will be appreciated. As you know, we don't earn on fanfiction.
Check my P@treon for advance chapters:-
Their are 10+ advance chapters available on P@treon
[email protected]/AnimeDarcx