Establishing a Link

What’s wrong? Is there a problem? Kanako asked directly, a flicker of confusion crossing her eyes as she watched Miketsu suddenly sink into thought.

Hearing Kanako's voice, Miketsu temporarily pushed aside the questions regarding her own uniqueness and shifted the topic.

It’s nothing... Anyway, since I didn't lose, you should uphold your promise and not force me back to Takamagahara...

Of course. I am a woman of my word, Kanako said with a smile. I’ve already informed Takamagahara that the Inari Okami in Heian-kyo was an imposter, a false god, and that I have eliminated her. That should keep them from sending anyone else for a while.

Miketsu was slightly surprised by Kanako's cooperative attitude.

I didn't expect you to be so considerate of my situation. Aren't you afraid of being held accountable if they find out later? Miketsu asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

What is there to fear? If that ever happens, I’ll just say the Inari Okami back then was indeed a false god, and that you only awakened afterward. As long as you don't expose the lie, there’s nothing they can do to me. Kanako shrugged nonchalantly, her attitude clearly indicating she felt little loyalty toward the bureaucracy of Takamagahara.

Heh, then you have my sincere thanks... Miketsu replied, offering her genuine gratitude.

It’s nothing. I owed you a favor for what happened with Suwako; consider this a partial repayment. However, you must be careful. As the faith in Inari continues to expand, the fact of your awakening cannot be hidden forever. Sooner or later, Takamagahara will send other gods to find you, Kanako warned seriously.

Miketsu countered with a question. Other gods... Kanako, where do you rank in terms of strength among the gods?

Me? Well, in terms of combat... because of my divine office, I’m considered among the stronger types. But as you know, the most powerful are the Mihashira-no-uzunomiko, followed by the gods of war and martial deities.

War gods, martial deities... are there many of them besides you?

Not many, but there is one in particular who is worth noting... If the one who comes for you is him, and you still don't want to go to Takamagahara, your best bet is to run. Kanako’s expression turned uncharacteristically solemn.

Who is this notable figure?

Takemikazuchi-no-Kami. He holds many titles: God of Thunder, God of War, Martial Deity, and God of Blades. His power is immense among the gods of Takamagahara, arguably the strongest beneath the Mihashira-no-uzunomiko. He is also the God of Heavenly Punishment, the loyal executor of Amaterasu’s will. Almost all of Takamagahara’s divine punishments are carried out by his hand... Kanako’s voice grew increasingly grave.

I fought that fellow once, and I lost...

Takemikazuchi-no-Kami... a god who had defeated Kanako in battle... and the primary enforcer of divine punishment... Miketsu fell into deep thought as she processed Kanako's words.

Finally, having concluded her exchange with Kanako, Miketsu had successfully avoided the immediate threat of being taken to the Celestial Realm. Shortly after, it was time for Kanako and her group to depart.

At the foot of a torii gate on the edge of the Secret Realm on Mount Inari, Kanako, Suwako, and Kaki stood together. Miketsu had come specifically to see them off. Tsuruha, now in her human form, stood by Miketsu’s side, cradling a small red fox with bright, lustrous fur in her arms.

Well, it’s time for us to head out. Though this place is quite nice and I wouldn't mind staying a few more days, I still have to report back to Takamagahara... Kanako said with a hint of reluctance. Hearing this, Miketsu’s lip twitched slightly; she couldn't help but think that these three had truly treated this entire trip to Heian-kyo as a vacation.

Will you return to your domain first before heading to the Celestial Realm? Tsuruha asked curiously, still holding the little fox.

Yes. The Celestial Realm is much harder to reach than the Underworld. Even orthodox gods need to be within their respective domains to use their spiritual power to open a passage, otherwise, they have to travel to Izumo. Of course, in an emergency, one can forcibly cross the boundaries, but it consumes a massive amount of spiritual power... Sigh, I miss the old days. It’s becoming more and more inconvenient to move around in the human realm lately, Kanako explained with a touch of helplessness.

Miketsu took note of this new information. In the past, was the activity of orthodox gods in the human realm higher? It seemed that descending or ascending without using a domain was taxing, and Izumo was a special location in this regard.

Miketsu looked at the trio and spoke up.

Since you’ve come all this way to Heian-kyo, it wouldn't be right to let you leave without a souvenir. Here, take this.

Miketsu took the little fox from Tsuruha’s arms and handed it to Suwako. The latter was momentarily stunned.

A... a fox?

Oh! What a cute little fox, Lady Suwako! Kaki’s eyes sparkled as she looked at the creature.

Her name is Harumutsu. Although she cannot speak yet, she is already sentient and is an excellent candidate for a Divine Messenger. Regardless of the circumstances, Suwako passed my trial, so she is entitled to use the Inari name and have a fox as an Inari messenger... Miketsu said with a smile.

What... I never said I wanted your divine name. I’m not exactly lacking in faith on my end, Suwako muttered, a bead of sweat appearing on her forehead.

Haha, the name doesn't matter, but you should keep the child. If there’s ever a need to get in touch in the future, she can serve as a link, Miketsu continued, her smile widening. Suwako immediately understood Miketsu’s intent.

This Inari fox was a channel to reach Miketsu. If anything happened in the future, they could use her to communicate with each other.

Well, if that’s the case, I’ll accept her, Suwako said, taking the fox. Miketsu felt a sense of satisfaction seeing this.

By establishing a link with Suwako, she would have someone to consult directly whenever she encountered problems related to the Ancient Gods in the future.

After a final farewell, Miketsu watched as Kanako and her companions disappeared from sight.

Once they were gone, Miketsu let out a soft sigh of relief. Next, it was time to deal with the matter of the Great Snake.