The clear ring of Kagura bells once again drifted through the shrine grounds.
The flames of the bonfires wavered slightly, and as if in response, a gentle breeze brushed over the yagura stage.
The dance had begun.
Moving in perfect unison, the two girls took their first quiet step.
Their white and scarlet priestess uniforms swayed, tracing ethereal paths in the lantern light.
Nagisa was the first to move.
She held the Kagura bells high, letting them chime as she performed each step with deliberate care. Her movements were modest yet refined, carrying a stillness that seemed to soothe the heart.
Fuuka followed by unfurling her fans.
The pair of fans featured a design of faint cherry blossom haze, softly reflecting the light with every motion. In contrast to Nagisa’s restraint, Fuuka’s movements were supple and flowing. Each time she turned her wrist, the fans sliced through the night air, tracing the trajectory of the dance with grace.
They circled one another until they stood back-to-back.
As Nagisa shook her bells, Fuuka spread her fans.
Their breathing was so perfectly synchronized that it felt as if the chime of the bells was a purification and the sweep of the fans was a blessing.
In the midst of that rhythm, Fuuka suddenly looked up.
Illuminated by the lanterns, her expression was visible for a fleeting moment—she was wearing a radiant, genuine smile.
Haruto-san, who had been watching from nearby, let the corners of his mouth relax.
“…She finally smiled.”
His voice was a mere whisper, but it carried the profound, heartfelt relief of a man who was truly like an older brother to her.
Eventually, the dance moved toward its climax.
Fuuka’s fans swept out with a grand flourish, and mana like cherry blossom petals danced through the air. In time with the display, Nagisa’s bells rang out with even greater intensity.
The two slowly approached each other until they overlapped. Taking their final step, they bowed their heads.
The dance was over.
However, Fuuka quietly straightened up and took one more step forward.
The fans were no longer in her hands.
In their place was the cursed katana, Hakuyou, its blade shimmering with a pale cherry-blossom light. Catching the glow of the bonfires, the white-tinted steel sliced through the trembling air.
Every person in the audience held their breath as they watched her.
Fuuka slowly took a stance. Her eyes were fixed straight ahead, gazing into the night sky.
“…So that this nation can move forward once more.”
Her voice was steady, sounding like a prayer directed at no one and everyone at once.
Then, she swung Hakuyou.
The sharp sound of the blade rending the wind echoed into the night. A demonic aura, resembling a drift of cherry blossom haze, scattered faintly from the steel.
Fuuka followed through with the strike and then quietly returned Hakuyou to its sheath. As the blade settled into the scabbard without a sound, the wind blew through the precincts once again.
Then, quiet applause began to ring out—starting with one person, then another.
This time, there was no hesitation. It was the sound of respect and gratitude.
Taking it all in, Fuuka simply lowered her head in silence.
◇
The lingering resonance of the applause slowly faded into the night sky.
The dance was finished.
The crowd naturally began to filter out, heading down the approach to Tenrei Shrine. This sanctuary—located halfway up the sacred mountain—was usually off-limits to the public, opened only on the final day of the Reibu Festival.
That was what made the arrival of this night so special.
With quiet emotion and respect in their hearts, the citizens began their trek home with few words.
We waited for Fuuka at the stage wings behind the shrine.
Before long, she appeared. She had taken off her white vestments and draped a haori over her shoulders, carrying her white fox mask in one hand. Her expression was somewhat bashful, yet refreshed.
As we ran toward her, she paused and let a small smile spread across her face.
“Good work, Fuuka,” I said.
Shion faced her directly, her eyes still brimming with tears.
“…It was so beautiful. The dance, your declaration, everything… I was so moved.”
Shion’s praise was earnest and straightforward.
“Thanks. —More importantly, where’s my candied apple?”
Fuuka’s response was characteristically off-kilter.
Shion stood there, blinking in surprise. The rest of us burst out laughing.
“…You really never change, do you?” Haruto-san said.
His voice didn’t hold exasperation, but rather a mix of relief and affection.
“I saw Haruto eating one from up on the stage. It’s unfair for only Haruto to eat first,” Fuuka accused him with a pout.
“We made sure to buy a portion for you too, Fuuka-san,” Luna said, holding out the treat.
“Thanks!”
Fuuka’s eyes sparkled as she accepted it.
I thought to myself once more—she really hadn’t changed.
But something had certainly been rewarded.
The night breeze gently brushed our backs as we descended the stone steps. The bustle of a summer night returned to the shrine approach, which was lined with the soft glow of paper lanterns.
Fuuka, who was already working on her third candied apple, suddenly came to a stop.
“…As I thought, the summer breeze feels good.”
Her profile was radiant as she looked up at the night sky.
“Do you like summer?” I asked casually.
Fuuka seemed to think about it for a moment before giving a relaxed reply.
“……It’s okay.”
As I shrugged and smiled, she took a small breath and continued.
“But… I think I might have come to like it again.”
She whispered those words and looked forward.
She began to walk slowly toward the lights of the city. I didn't quite understand what she meant by "again," but seeing her smile was enough for me.
In the quiet night, where even the cicadas were silent, only the wind softly passed us by.
Thank you for reading to the end.
There is only one more part left in Chapter Nine, but since the next part will focus on elements leading into Chapter Ten, this is a significant milestone. I would be happy if you read the next one as well.
I have two announcements to share!
First Point: Volume 16 of the manga adaptation was recently released! The battle between Orun and Oliver, the climax of the martial arts tournament, is depicted with Yonezou-sensei's wonderful artwork, so please check it out!
Second Point: The anime broadcast date has been set for January 2026! Considering the broadcast starts in just four months, it still hasn't quite sunk in for me. Even so, I hope to enjoy it together with everyone as a viewer. I will continue to provide updates as soon as there is further news, so please look forward to it!