"You're quite down, that's not like you."
Not far away, a shrine maiden approached Qin Yu and said with a smile.
The shrine maiden was named Kano Nana.
She was cousins with Kano En Heizang.
Qin Yu perked up and couldn't help but complain,
"Sister, I was almost beaten to death just now, and you just stood there watching for so long."
Kano Nana smiled apologetically upon hearing this.
"Sorry, from the shrine's standpoint, I couldn't intervene."
"After all, Shrine Maiden Yae..."
Qin Yu rolled his eyes and waved his hand.
He couldn't be bothered to listen to that woman's lectures.
"Thank you for your help, Sister."
If it weren't for Kano Nana representing the shrine and protecting him, he would likely be in jail.
It was like children fighting.
Adults wouldn't care who was right or wrong, or if you were wronged.
If you fought, you'd be punished.
Moreover, the Tenryou Commission wasn't a monolithic entity...
Qin Yu couldn't guarantee he would receive fair treatment.
Kano Nana chuckled, covering her mouth, "You're Heizang's friend, so of course, I have to look out for you."
Then, she feigned surprise as she looked at Hiyori, whose face was dirty and who was pouting.
Her tone was teasing, "And who is this young lady?"
Hiyori lifted her small face, blushing.
"I'm Xiao Yu's fiancée!"
"We're not together anymore, and don't call me Xiao Yu."
"Okay, Xiao Yu."
"..."
Qin Yu covered his face, unable to bear Kano Nana's inquisitive gaze.
Hiyori puffed out her cheeks.
Like a small cat protecting its food, she wouldn't back down.
This silly girl was getting worked up again.
It was embarrassing to say it out loud.
"Since everything here is resolved, you should return to the Kanjou Commission."
"I won't go back! Wherever Xiao Yu goes, I'll follow!"
Thus, after some pulling and tugging,
Qin Yu finally surrendered.
He truly had no way to deal with the silly girl.
And so, the two of them, accompanied by Kano Nana, set off on the road to Grand Narukami Shrine.
"Hehe, Xiao Yu is the best."
Hiyori tried to link arms with Qin Yu, but he dodged.
"Your face is covered in dirt, you don't look like the young lady of the Kanjou Commission at all."
Earlier, Hiyori had buried her face in Qin Yu's chest and taken the opportunity to nuzzle for a while.
Qin Yu had triggered a diffusion reaction with his body, resulting in a lot of dust.
So, naturally, Hiyori had also become a soot-stained kitten.
"I'm sorry, Xiao Yu."
The girl smiled gently, bright and charming.
She never cared about her status as the young lady of the Kanjou Commission.
In her heart, Xiao Yu was the most important person.
"What a fool."
Qin Yu shook his head helplessly and casually took out a handkerchief.
"Quickly wipe yourself clean."
Hiyori's face instantly turned red again.
She whispered, "Is this Xiao Yu's token of affection..."
"Say another word and I'll throw it away."
"Xiao Yu is so fierce, you're clearly caring about me, but you're not cute at all."
"...Be quiet."
"Then what will Xiao Yu use?"
Qin Yu's blood pressure surged, "Give it back to me after you're done."
"So you want to use mine... Xiao Yu, you're so wicked!"
Hiyori said, then covered her face and ran away.
Heavens, what was she just talking about!
"..."
Qin Yu took a deep breath.
His fists felt hard.
Kano Nana witnessed everything and showed an aunt-like smile.
"Young people really know how to have fun."
Qin Yu shook his head, "Sister, please stop teasing me."
"Speaking of which, do you have a mission to go down the mountain this time?"
Kano Nana nodded, "You've seen through me."
"I was ordered by the Shrine Maiden to come down the mountain, not only to meet you but also to find a treasure that has gone missing from the shrine."
Qin Yu nodded silently, pondering in his heart.
Would that woman coincidentally send someone to meet him here?
It was as if she knew his whereabouts all along.
It seemed he should speak less ill of her in the future.
Qin Yu felt something and looked up, asking curiously,
"Why are you looking at me like that, Sister?"
Kano Nana smiled, "Aren't you curious about what the shrine lost?"
"I'm not curious."
"Really?"
Qin Yu's expression stiffened. Such a familiar smile.
Sister was planning to use him as labor.
"You know, I just fought with the Fatui..."
"Sister has already kindly healed your injuries."
Kano Nana's smile was kind, like a big sister next door.
She even squeezed Qin Yu's strong arm.
"It's been a few days, and you've gotten even stronger."
"I really wonder which young lady will be lucky enough to have you."
Qin Yu sighed helplessly, knowing he couldn't escape.
"Alright, what's the situation?"
Kano Nana explained.
Qin Yu's expression fell slightly, "You want me to catch a pet?"
As a samurai of the Tenryou Commission, every word and action must uphold the dignity of the General.
How could he do something so demeaning?
Impossible, don't even think about it.
"It's not a pet, it's a magical tanuki."
That's still a pet...
Qin Yu pouted.
In his previous life's game, tanukis were elusive.
They were especially skilled in transformation techniques.
Whenever the Traveler approached, they would mockingly wag their tails.
Then they would disappear underground, hiding.
And now he had to catch this thing?
He didn't want to do such tedious work.
Kano Nana smiled, "There's Mora involved."
"Yes, I'd be very happy to help Sister."
Qin Yu coughed lightly, Mora wasn't important.
When he was down on his luck, Kano Nana had often looked out for him.
"Don't worry, you have a helper this time."
"You just need to assist her."
Qin Yu felt a sense of dread. Kano Nana's helper?
"Sayako—stop sleeping, come here quickly."
Qin Yu's expression changed slightly, "Sister, wait a moment!"
He hadn't used the reward for unlocking his next character encounter yet!
It was too late.
The grass in the distance rustled.
A round "tanuki" popped out.