I have an infinite number of shikigami

"They should just be partners, right?" Yukino Ritsuko said uncertainly.

"I think they're in cahoots, a perfect match for a scumbag and a bitch!" Kitagawa Ryoko said, and then, in the same disdainful tone, she turned to Fujiwara Reya, "Hey, scumbag, you should hook up with her."

"Huh?"

Following behind, Kawashima Miki and the other two glared at her simultaneously.

All of a sudden, Kitagawa Ryoko felt a chill inexplicably and couldn't help but shiver.

"Should we break them up?" Fujiwara Reya looked like he was deep in thought.

"Yeah, yeah... can we?" Kitagawa Ryoko thought about such a scene, feeling a bit of anticipation.

"Shouldn't be a problem, right? I'm handsome, sweet-talking, and quite skilled..."

"Mm, hook up with her! Train her right in front of that Takeuchi whatever, once she's head over heels for you, dump her to get back at her by starting and ending it all chaotic! By that time, she won't be able to leave you. You can have her work in Kabukicho to earn money and support you."

"Such an evil girl..."

"Tch, Ryoko has seen even more wicked things than this, didn't even bat an eye."

"What do you mean not batting an eye?"

"I told you Ryoko has seen much more, and you ask if my eyes get dry?"

All the way holding Fujiwara Reya's hand, Yukino Ritsuko, with a helpless expression, looked at the two minors who were not being serious. She could naturally tell that Fujiwara Reya was having fun with Ryoko all along, but Ryoko might be serious. When she heard Ryoko telling Fujiwara Reya to hook up with that fox, she instinctively squeezed his hand, subtly signaling that he shouldn't do that.

After Fujiwara Reya gave her a reassuring look, she felt at ease and turned her gaze to the performance area.

The three of them walked to the creekside, stopped thirty meters away from the performance stage.

Kitagawa Ryoko squatted down to wash her hands, muttering things like "that woman surely has feelings for you, otherwise she wouldn't talk to you," and as she spoke joyously, she scooped up some creek water and splashed it towards Fujiwara Reya.

Being quite far, the water naturally didn't reach Fujiwara Reya.

Yukino Ritsuko, smiling, pulled Fujiwara Reya away, slightly pouting as she scolded the girl, "What if you get your clothes wet?"

Kitagawa Ryoko stuck out her tongue.

"Let's rest here too." Fujiwara Reya sat down by the creek.

The trickling creek water occasionally carried trays with drinks flowing down, and guests could freely enjoy whatever they saw.

This was called the Qu Shui Banquet, an elegant entertainment of the royal nobles in ancient dynasties.

People wrote poetry and painted by the river. When the wine cup floated by, they picked it up and drank it all, continuing with their literary pursuits.

Yukino Ritsuko tried bending down a bit, the creek water clear and cool.

Afternoon weather was still very hot, and Snow Woman's body couldn't handle the heat, so she carefully took off her shoes and socks, lifting her kimono skirt with both hands and stretching her legs out. In the bright sunshine, her crystal-clear bare feet and fair slender legs gleamed with an enchanting luster, beautiful like an ice sculpture. Fujiwara Reya wasn't done looking when she immersed her feet in the creek.

"Mmm~"

Yukino Ritsuko squinted her eyes, resting her head on Fujiwara Reya's shoulder.

The expression of enjoyment, extraordinarily cute, resembled a little obedient puppy.

"Do you really like it here?" Fujiwara Reya gently wrapped his arm around her waist.

"I really like it, there's the creek, cherry blossoms, and a performance to watch, what about you?"

"This year, I particularly like it."

"Wasn't it like this in past years?"

"You weren't here in past years." Fujiwara lay on the grass with his hands crossed under his head.

Yukino Ritsuko looked down at him, "Every year from now on, I'll be here."

The two exchanged smiles.

A little further away by the river, Kitagawa Ryoko's small hands played with the water.

Listening to the couple's conversation, her eyes occasionally glanced over as she pouted. In her heart, there was a slightly abandoned feeling, far away, a song floated over through the wind, melodious and beautiful. Kitagawa Ryoko thought of her companions at Furukawa Conference Hall, turned around, and walked back alone along the path they came.

"Ah, Ryoko..."

"Let her go back first, find her in the evening."

"Alright then. And don't always tease her, she's just a pitiful little girl..."

"Okay, okay."

The sunlight dappled through the shadows of the trees, the woods fragrant with the rich scent of earth and the pleasant aroma of cherry blossoms. Beneath the cherry blossoms, they whispered sweet nothings, the atmosphere peaceful and serene. In the gradually sunset-lit glow, they lived like a beautiful painting.

A few minutes later, Kawashima Miki and her companions also came over.

In the woodland, the stage performance continued.

Six or seven geishas danced in kimonos, someone beside them beat a drum. The scene was very elegant, and through the gaps in the cherry tree's green leaves, one could glimpse the gradually setting sun.

"Keep an eye on Koriya tonight," Natsuki Kuri said to the two ladies.

"Why?" Kasahara Fumi was still adjusting to her new identity.

"He will not let things rest that easily." Kawashima Miki laughed, with a hint of resignation and satisfaction, "He seems friendly on the surface, but is ruthless behind the scenes. Is the example of the Black Spider Group's overnight demise not enough... I dare bet he'll make a move tonight."

As she said this, Kawashima Miki was very certain inside.

Because she had deeply experienced it herself.

Back then, she only dismantled his shrine, and he PUA'd her, making her pay with her own body... truly too cruel and petty.

"That won't do!" Kasahara Fumi said, "The plot of the Fox Clan and Ghost Clan working together hasn't been fully investigated yet, how can we let him kill the suspect."