Chapter 24: Banner

After a short while, Kishimojin slowly regained consciousness. Her body emitted a faint Buddhist radiance.

Then, to Hikaru's surprise, Kishimojin's form changed from a chubby Buddha statue into that of a slender, graceful young woman. The tattered monk's robe she had been wearing transformed into vibrant silk attire. Her long, glossy black hair was styled in a traditional updo; her lightly pink lips parted slightly, and her snow-white skin radiated a touch of noble elegance. Under the wide silk sleeves, two conspicuous bulges gave her an air of both refinement and softness.

"She can transform like that?"

Hikaru was inwardly astonished. The three girls beside him were just as surprised to see what had been a pot-bellied Buddha now become a woman. Going from a male form to a female form in an instant was hard to accept.

Upon awakening, Kishimojin opened her eyes and slowly rose to her feet. Her gaze lingered briefly on Sona Sitri, then finally settled on Hikaru.

"I thank you, benefactor, for helping me break free from the corruption of resentful souls. It's a pity those poor infants couldn't achieve their rightful reincarnation."

A tinge of sorrow crossed the woman's features. As a protector of children ("Aizibo"), she'd occasionally regained clarity over these past decades—though only for fleeting moments—enough to feel how the infant spirits' hatred grew over time.

She stared at Hikaru, and he realized that if he didn't speak up, she might just keep silently gazing at him forever.

"It's not your fault. You're just a minor deity,"

Hikaru said.

In fact, there isn't only one Kishimojin. This role is more like an office or station—any being meeting certain conditions can hold it, much like a tutelary spirit of the land or mountains. The Kishimojin of the Sitri domain simply didn't have enough divine power to ward off all those vengeful infant souls.

"Even so, I failed in my duties. Benefactor, you're more suited to this role than I. If you would accept…"

Hikaru knew exactly where she was going, so he cut her off.

"I'll leave that position to you. Instead of trying to foist it on me, why don't you think of how to repay me? If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way."

He was far too busy to take on a deific job like that.

Hearing him, Kishimojin sighed softly:

"So be it; I won't insist."

She reached into her sleeve and produced a small flag:

"I have little divine power and no real treasures to speak of—only this small banner that I can offer you."

Hikaru took the flag, turning it over in his hands. It resembled an ancient Eastern array banner, covered in black markings that leaked wisps of black mist.

"This flag was once lodged within an infant spirit. After I guided that spirit on, the banner remained behind."

"Renhuang Fan (Human Emperor Banner)?"

"…No. Has my benefactor ever seen a Human Emperor Banner that exudes black gas?"

"Actually, yes—some of us in the 'international server' refine that type."

"..."

Kishimojin wasn't sure what "international server" referred to. Sona Sitri and Tsubaki Shinra, on the other hand, grasped the joke and couldn't help snickering softly.

"In any case, benefactor, I don't really know what powers this banner possesses. But I suspect you'll make far better use of it than I."

Having spoken, Kishimojin's figure wavered as though becoming less substantial.

"My divine power is weak and my foundation unstable… I need to rest. Benefactor, is there anything else you require?"

"Got any more treasures?"

Hikaru asked.

"…No."

"Then I'll be going."

"Hold on," Sona interjected. "Lady Aizibo, I am Sona Sitri, heir to the Sitri household of the Underworld. I'm the ruler of this city. If you ever need anything in the future, feel free to contact me."

"So you're the successor of the Sitri house... if you want to help, then please do a better job overseeing affairs in the human world. Compared to a hundred years ago, even more infant souls have nowhere to go now."

Kishimojin heaved a slight sigh.

"I'll do what I can,"

Sona replied.

"Wait—Kishimojin!"

All at once, Yayoi Hozuki—who had been quiet—spoke up. Kishimojin tilted her head slightly, spotting the little girl and giving a kind smile.

"I'm really sorry about before."

"It's fine. But, child, why did you call me?"

"I wanted to ask if you could lift the curse on my sister's arm."

Yayoi Hozuki blurted out. Kishimojin shook her head:

"Were it in the past, perhaps I could have helped. But now, I need at least several years to recover. If you can wait, come again in five years."

"That's too long. Five years is out of the question."

The young girl's face hardened.

"Then perhaps rely on our benefactor. He may have a way."

After saying this, Kishimojin dissolved into a wisp of green smoke and disappeared into her statue.

~~~

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