Instigation

As school came to an end, the sunlight gradually dipped toward the western horizon. Students remaining on campus were busy with their respective club activities. Outside the school's tennis courts, Eguchi, a member of the tennis club currently unable to play due to injury, stood dazed and stunned as she stared at the handsome young man before her.

"Se—Senior Matsugami... what are you talking about?" Eguchi's expression was filled with surprise, and a faint blush even crept onto her cheeks as she looked at her upperclassman.

Matsugami was a star player in the tennis club, strong, athletic, and handsome. He excelled in both academics and sports, making him the undisputed celebrity of the academy and the object of admiration for countless younger students. Even Eguchi, despite her less-than-ideal habits, was no exception. In fact, she had joined the tennis club specifically because of him.

Finding her idol suddenly appearing by her side made Eguchi's heart race. She was not only surprised by his sudden presence but even more so by his words... What did he mean by asking if she had someone she resented?

"Haha... I just happened to overhear some of your muttering while I was passing by. I was a bit curious, that's all. Nothing special," Matsugami said with a bright, sunny smile. Seeing his cheerful expression, Eguchi's heart couldn't help but relax.

"I see... Hmph... Actually, yes. There's a really annoying person in my class. Because of certain things, I feel disgusted just looking at them now. Even the injuries that are keeping me off the court are because of that person..." Eguchi snorted coldly, her expression turning angry as she spoke. Hearing this, Matsugami hummed in thought before speaking again.

"So Eguchi's injuries were caused by someone else. Having this many injuries is indeed a bit much... No wonder you hate her so much..." Matsugami said slowly. Hearing his misunderstanding, Eguchi paused, then spoke hesitantly with a guilty conscience.

"Uh... actually, these injuries weren't exactly..."

"Regardless, anyone who could do such a thing is unforgivable. She should receive the punishment she deserves. Eguchi, have you ever thought about getting revenge on that classmate you hate?" Matsugami interrupted before she could finish. Hearing his blunt words, Eguchi's expression faltered.

"Well... I've... I've thought about it, and even tried, but..."

Seeing her reaction, Matsugami had already guessed the gist of it. A small smile played on his lips as he spoke with a hint of mystery.

"Actually, speaking of resentment, have you heard the rumors about Hell Correspondence?"

"Hell... Correspondence?" Eguchi looked confused. Matsugami continued immediately.

"Yes, Hell Correspondence... Legend has it that it's a website you can only search for and access at exactly midnight. If you enter the name of the person you resent into this website, the Hell Girl will come and ferry that person to Hell..." Matsugami whispered conspiratorially. Eguchi stood frozen in place, murmuring to herself.

"Hell Girl... ferrying people to Hell... You're joking, right? How could something like that be real? It's... it's just an urban legend, isn't it?" Eguchi's face was full of disbelief. Matsugami simply shrugged casually.

"Yes, it's an urban legend. But who says an urban legend can't be true? Or rather... if you don't try to verify it, how will you ever know it's not real?" Matsugami continued, his voice taking on a strange, persuasive tone.

"Besides, trying it costs you nothing. What if the legend is true, and the person you hate really is sent to Hell?"

Eguchi stood there stunned, not knowing what to say for a moment. Seeing her like this, the smile on Matsugami's face became even more meaningful. He then turned to leave.

"Well... it's my turn to head onto the court now. I'll be going first, Eguchi." Matsugami walked away, leaving a bewildered Eguchi standing alone.

On his way to the court, Matsugami began to straighten his clothes. As he slightly tugged down the crew neck of his sportswear, a patch of skin below his collarbone was revealed. On it was a tiny, pitch-black mark—a pattern of black flames.

As he stepped onto the court with his racket, the smile on Matsugami's lips remained.

The sun gradually sank below the horizon as twilight arrived. The glow of the sunset spread across the western sky, marking the end of the day.

At the Kagami-oboro Inari Shrine on Mount Kagami-oboro, the Inari miko Yotsuya Miko was continuing her rigorous training, wrestling with a muscular humanoid fox and learning various practical combat techniques.

Miketsu, dressed in her miko robes, was sitting in the small hut behind the shrine. She was eating chips and watching the show as usual, enjoying the sight of Miko being pinned to the ground in various elaborate ways.

Just then, a dialogue box suddenly popped up on the screen of a laptop placed nearby, accompanied by a notification sound. Miketsu glanced over and saw a call request from Tsuruha.

"That was fast..."

Miketsu sighed and flicked her finger, directing a small paper figure to move the mouse and click the dialogue box. The elegant fox-eared woman appeared on the screen.

"Lady Uka, the task you assigned has been initially completed." Tsuruha bowed respectfully to Miketsu on the screen. Miketsu nodded, signaling her to continue.

"Following your will, Lady Uka, I have contacted several Inari diplomatic posts in the Underworld to inquire about 'Hell Correspondence' or the 'Hell Girl.'

"In the past hour, they have questioned nearly ten Yama and their Shinigami. However, none of them know anything about Hell Correspondence or the Hell Girl. Both the Shinigami and the Yama seem to be completely unaware of what they are..."