Yae Miko and Lady Kitsune embraced, savoring their reunion after centuries apart.
The profound longing between them needed no words.
After all, both were cunning "fox spirits" with deeply intertwined hearts.
"This is how it should be."
Qin Yu watched the two women, their atmosphere so harmonious and loving, and felt a sense of contentment.
With Lady Kitsune by her side, perhaps the "wicked fox" would temper her mischievous nature.
Or so he thought.
A flicker of thought crossed Qin Yu's eyes.
A happy, complete ending...
But what would such an ending mean for Hanasato?
Hanasato was a soul fragment of Lady Kitsune, the two were one and the same.
This was certain.
Their relationship was akin to that of multiple personalities.
As Lady Kitsune's true soul returned, Hanasato's memories would naturally merge into the vast ocean, like a stream.
However...
The shrine maiden, who claimed not to be Lady Kitsune, also had her own resolve.
Perhaps she should not simply fade away.
"I must depart for now, Miko."
After a moment of peace, Lady Kitsune spoke softly.
She was still a spirit form, unable to remain in the mortal realm for too long.
"The purification ritual ahead is yours to handle, little fox."
"Heh, wanting to sneak off for a nap again, are we?"
A playful curve touched Yae Miko's lips as she recalled their past.
The two foxes sneaking out of the shrine to drink and play cards was a common occurrence.
Of course, the intensified training upon their return was unavoidable, courtesy of the pink-haired fox.
And the white-haired fox?
She would naturally seize another day of laziness under the guise of supervision.
If a shrine maiden came to report her work, she might even tease them a bit.
Indeed, despite Lady Kitsune's current quiet and gentle demeanor,
In ordinary times, she was more playful than anyone, possessing a lively and spirited personality.
For example...
"Before I go to sleep, can I pet your tail, little fox?"
Lady Kitsune chuckled softly and raised her hand, intending to lift Miko's chin.
Having regained some strength, she wanted to playfully tease the adorable little fox.
Miko, anticipating this, gracefully turned and moved to Qin Yu's side.
"Heh, dream on."
She covered her mouth with a light laugh, lifting her chin in a provocative manner.
Miss Fox was quite vengeful.
When you're fully revived, we'll see who pets whom.
Qin Yu: Why are you looking at me?
"Sigh... very well."
Lady Kitsune shook her head regretfully and turned her gaze to Qin Yu, who had been silent.
"May I trouble you with one more thing?"
She bowed, her words becoming solemn.
If it were you, you would surely find a way.
Lady Kitsune knew this well.
Qin Yu was a very special person.
The Sacred Sakura praised him for changing Inazuma, making the nation better.
And all of this originated from a special memory.
That of the shrine maiden, Hanasato, who held onto her conviction for centuries.
"You want that too...?"
Qin Yu's eyes lit up, and he asked quickly.
He had rescued Lady Kitsune from the corruption of the Abyssal Eivil, their bond reaching deep into their souls.
Naturally, they understood each other implicitly.
"Hanasato is, in a way, another persona of mine."
"So... I intend to separate the memories that belong to her."
Lady Kitsune said softly, handing an object to Qin Yu.
It was Hanasato's fox mask, bearing the traces of long years of weathering.
"I see."
Qin Yu murmured, subconsciously looking up at the shrine maiden before him.
Hanasato, with her mask removed, had a pure and beautiful face.
Her warm smile was as pure and beautiful as her hopes for Inazuma.
"You can definitely do it, can't you?"
Lady Kitsune walked slowly towards Qin Yu and tilted her head.
She believed in him, without a doubt.
Through the Sacred Sakura, she had learned many things.
Miko, Ei...
If you can mend so many regrets, please take one more step forward.
"Mhm."
Qin Yu also smiled and extended his hand to the shrine maiden.
Hanasato, you will not disappear like this.
I promise.
The next moment, pure light flared, bringing warmth like a spring breeze, dispelling the darkness.
"..."
In the light, Qin Yu's eyes widened slightly.
Two women, with their distinct charms, simultaneously extended their hands and gently took his.
One of them wore a red and white shrine maiden outfit, with white hair and golden eyes, her figure breathtakingly beautiful.
Her pointed white fox ears and her fluffy, soft white tail were particularly eye-catching.
"Qin Yu, are you stunned?"
Lady Kitsune observed Qin Yu's reaction with amusement, covering her mouth as she chuckled.
As she spoke, she playfully winked.
Qin Yu, who could change Inazuma, would also be captivated by a fox?
Makoto and Ei were also like this.
She wondered if Qin Yu preferred the white-haired fox or the pink-haired fox?
Lady Kitsune sensed the scent of prey.
"I apologize, it's my first time seeing your true form."
Qin Yu came back to his senses and said softly.
From now on, he too would be a person who would raise cats and foxes.
And maybe a pet fish...
"Lady Kitsune, Lord Qin Yu."
Hanasato gently pursed her lips, appearing somewhat reserved, and tried to withdraw her hand.
She did not possess Lady Kitsune's noble Shiramine bloodline, nor did she have her world-enchanting beauty.
She was merely an ordinary shrine maiden.
How could a body corrupted by the Eivil be compared to these two?
"Thinking nonsense again."
Just as Hanasato was about to withdraw her hand, Lady Kitsune tapped her on the head, her expression one of displeasure.
"Oof."
The former cried out in pain and instinctively clutched her head, like a child who had made a mistake.
"You saved Inazuma, so why are you leaving?"
Qin Yu looked at Hanasato and said softly.
"It wasn't me, it was Lady Kitsune...!"
Hanasato instinctively tried to explain, but then froze, her eyes widening.
"Didn't you say you weren't Lady Kitsune?"
Qin Yu revealed a knowing smile and teased her.
"I..."
Hanasato opened her mouth and instinctively looked at Lady Kitsune.
"Thank you, Hanasato."
Lady Kitsune didn't say much more, merely opened her arms gently.
Everything was understood without words.
"Lord Qin Yu?"
Hanasato pursed her lips and looked at Qin Yu again.
Qin Yu nodded encouragingly and released her hand.
"I... I was just..."
Hanasato murmured, momentarily at a loss.
Could she, corrupted by the Eivil, truly embrace the flawless self she once was?
Just then, a golden-haired girl ran over.
"Miss Hanasato, we've vanquished so many monsters, please believe in yourself!"
"I won't allow you to disregard your own efforts and perseverance!"
Lumine clenched her small fist and said earnestly.
Beside her, Paimon put her hands on her hips: "Uh... Lumine is right!"
"Traveler... and Paimon..."
Hanasato was about to say something else when she heard a melodious singing.
To her surprise, her spirit felt more solidified and pure.
"Your journey should not end here."
"Shed your burdens, carry everyone's blessings forward, and go admire the scenery you've overlooked."
An angelic, pure silhouette appeared beside Qin Yu and smiled.
It was Columbia, her song carrying sincere blessings.
Paimon: "Uh... that's right too!"
"Thank you, everyone."
Hanasato's eyes welled up, and she wiped away a tear.
So, she too had people who cared, people who watched over her.
Her hundreds of years of perseverance had not been in vain.
"I... I'm truly... so happy."
A crystal drop fell.
A flawless tear landed on the earth, blooming into a breathtaking tear-flower.
Hanasato tentatively raised her hand and finally embraced Lady Kitsune tightly.
"You can finally relax, Hanasato."
Lady Kitsune gently comforted her and closed her eyes.
"Sleep now, and when you wake again, you will face a brand new life."
"Of course, and me too."
The bodies of the two women began to glow, eventually scattering into cherry blossom petals.
"..."
"Sweet dreams."
Qin Yu said softly.
The cherry blossom light particles were absorbed by the amulet he wore, protected.
The amulet Yae Miko had given him proved useful at this moment.
"..."
Yae Miko extended her hand, looked at the cherry blossoms in her palm, and sighed with relief.
"Lady Kitsune and Hanasato are thanking you."
Qin Yu placed the amulet into her palm, gently holding her soft hand.
Miko shot him a glare, taking advantage of him again.
Qin Yu's expression was innocent; he was a respectable person.
"Take good care of the amulet, Qin Yu."
Yae Miko crouched slightly and carefully hung the amulet back on him.
Her movements were gentle, like a wife sending her husband off.
"Alright, let's complete the Sacred Sakura ritual in one go."