I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

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"I'm quite busy, you know," Yae Miko said, flashing her ever-playful smile. "As the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine, I have plenty to manage."

"Then why come here yourself? Surely you didn't believe I'd harm one of your shrine maidens," Kiichi Hougen replied with a smirk.

Miko's eyes narrowed slightly, her playful tone unwavering. "You revealed yourself publicly despite centuries in obscurity. Why now? Do you seek something from me, or perhaps you wish to meet the Raiden Shogun herself?"

"Hmm… Meeting her does sound interesting," Kiichi Hougen mused, placing a finger on her chin. "They say she's an unparalleled swordswoman, the progenitor of Inazuma's martial arts. Hearing such praise makes my fingers itch to challenge her."

Miko blinked in surprise. "You're joking."

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Kiichi Hougen smiled faintly. "I've taught my disciples martial arts because I take pride in my skills. Testing them against the best would be fitting."

"Even the most accomplished dojo masters of Inazuma wouldn't dare compare themselves to the Shogun," Miko replied, shaking her head. "But… if you are truly a millennia-old yokai, perhaps you'd qualify for such a duel."

"Just qualify?"

"She is our God, after all. What more could you want?" Miko shot back, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Kiichi Hougen chuckled softly at her faux indignation. "I'll set that challenge aside for now. After all, time is something we yokai never lack. For now, I do have a favor to ask of you."

Miko tilted her head, feigning curiosity. "Oh? And what might that be? Surely, a grand millennia-old yokai wouldn't need anything from me, a mere five-hundred-year-old fox."

"Still playing coy, aren't you?" Kiichi Hougen replied, unfazed. "One of my disciples wishes to join the Tenryou Commission. I hope you can keep an eye on her."

Miko arched a brow, her smile becoming a touch more genuine. "You're asking me to meddle in the Shogunate's affairs? That's a tall order, even for me. My position as the Shogun's attendant isn't exactly all-powerful."

"She doesn't need favoritism," Kiichi Hougen explained, her tone firm. "She's more than capable of proving her worth on her own. But she's young and idealistic, and I worry she may suffer setbacks without guidance."

Miko's gaze softened. "I see. You want her to succeed but fear she'll falter. You're like a parent, watching their child take flight for the first time—hoping they soar, yet dreading they'll fall."

"I won't deny it," Kiichi Hougen admitted.

A gentle silence fell between them before Miko smiled and said, "Very well. I'll do what I can. Consider it a trade—what will you offer me in return?"

Kiichi Hougen's lips curled upward. "A loyal and capable soldier dedicated to Inazuma's future isn't enough? If that doesn't suffice, consider it a favor you can call in later."

"A favor from a thousand-year-old yokai…" Miko mused, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "How could I resist? Very well, I accept your terms. I'll ensure your disciple doesn't get eaten alive."

"Thank you."

As Kiichi Hougen finished her first request, she reached into her sleeve and pulled out a worn journal.

"What's this?" Miko asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It's the story of a group of heroes—people who shouldn't be forgotten," Kiichi Hougen said, handing the journal over.

She recounted the events she had witnessed within the sealed domain: the bravery of a young girl named Chika, the resilience of her father, a yin-yang master, and the tragic fate of their comrades who became monstrous yet steadfast guardians.

The more Kiichi Hougen spoke, the more Miko's expression darkened, the lighthearted demeanor giving way to solemnity.

By the time Kiichi Hougen finished, Miko was silent, her gaze fixated on the journal in her hands.

"So… you want their story to be remembered," Miko finally said, her voice low.

"They deserve that much," Kiichi Hougen replied, her tone heavy with conviction. "They fought for a future they'd never see, bearing burdens that no one should have to carry. Their God should know of their sacrifices. Unfortunately, I can't reach the Raiden Shogun myself, but you can."

Miko sighed softly, her usual wit nowhere to be found. "The Shogun… or rather, the puppet she left behind, is not so easily reached. Still, I'll keep this journal safe."

Carefully, she tucked the journal away, then did something rare—she bowed her head to Kiichi Hougen.

"You're right. Their stories should not be forgotten. If nothing else, we owe them that much."

For a moment, the two yokai stood in shared understanding. Though centuries apart in age and experiences, their respect for the past and those who had come before bound them together.

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