Please to Kitsune-sama!

Incidentally, the auction in question was an online auction hosted by the Awakener Association—a marketplace where immense sums of money changed hands daily. For Awakeners, an account was automatically created alongside their Awakener card, so the process was extremely easy.

…Well, whether it was easy for Inari was another matter entirely.

“By the way, we’re heading straight home after this, aren’t we?”

“Ugh… Yes. I’ve realized that simply offering support when it’s needed is probably the best thing I can do for Miss Kogami.”

“Aye, aye. I be pleased to see thou hast understood.”

All that business about teammates and parties—at least for now—was unnecessary for Inari. Considering her current goal, it was faster for her to grow stronger herself than to nurture companions.

That being said, this was merely her judgment for now. Who knew what might happen going forward…

“Now that I have done this twice, the pattern becometh clear… This reeks of a foul game. Or mayhap, it merely be staged to seem so… Either way, I wouldst know for certain, ere long.”

To bestow power upon mortals, to slay monsters and grow stronger with ease—it sounded beneficial, but the purpose behind it remained veiled in mystery. Even the rewards—belts, swords—where did they come from? By what logic did they appear?

“T’ain’t as though they be trying to reenact the tale of the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi… Truly, what a bother…”

“Hmm? Did you say something about the Ame-no-Murakumo?”

“Nn?”

“They say it exists, but no one’s found one yet. A Masamune’s been discovered though—just the one so far.”

“Ahh, is that so…”

Of course, Inari thought, such legendary blades shouldn’t be turning up like loose change. But she kept that to herself.

And yet… It did seem true that weapons bearing the same names as famed swords of legend dropped from dungeons.

“Ugh… Now I’ve gone and pictured the Ame-no-Murakumo popping out from each tail of the Yamata-no-Orochi… How horrid.”

Had that been the case, even the mighty Susanoo might have fainted dead away. But, leaving that aside—

“By the way, Miss Kogami…”

“Mm?”

“You’ve been getting a lot of photos taken of you for a while now. Is that… okay?”

“Ahh… So those are cameras, after all.”

“They’re smartphones, technically. But yes, they have cameras.”

Inari had noticed the strange devices being pointed her way, but since they didn’t seem to pose a threat, she hadn’t bothered to stop it. Her appearance seemed to draw attention, and it was something the Awakener Association Japan Headquarters was well aware of.

“Well, if it be harmless, I suppose I care not.”

“If you say so…”

“Still feels like this is going to become a pain… Maybe I should report it to my boss…”

From Yasuno’s perspective, most of them were likely reporting to their respective clans.

Something like: “Promising rookie spotted.” Or worse, some might be uploading to social media.

For now, since Inari was with Association personnel, only an utter fool would try to approach her.

…

“You there, brat. I heard you’re pretty strong. How ’bout joining our clan?”

“Excuse me. And who exactly might you be? This individual is currently under Association escort.”

So much for “only a fool would try,” Yasuno nearly muttered aloud.

Occasionally, idiots like this showed up—but she hadn’t expected one right now. And unfortunately, logic rarely reached these types.

“Tch, shove off, Association. We’ve got every right to recruit, don’t we?”

“You can’t just—of course that’s not allowed!”

“Ahh, let it be.”

Having stayed silent until then, Inari stepped between them and gave the interloper a firm push back.

Yasuno, by now, wasn’t even surprised. But the idiot looked utterly stunned—”Did she just move me!?”

“Thou there. Came to recruit me, didst thou?”

“Yeah, now we’re talkin’. We from the Black Bla—”

“I refuse.”

“…Huh?”

“To begin with, thy manners are atrocious. Art thou some scoundrel brat? Mind thy tongue.”

She waved him off like one would shoo away a beast—but the man grabbed her arm roughly. He had no idea how he’d been pushed back earlier, but looking at Inari, he saw only a magic-type dealer. A physical-type like himself should be able to intimidate her easily.

That delusion shattered the moment she flung his hand aside with ease.

“…Eh?”

“Touching a maiden’s hand unbidden—thou knavish fool!”

As he reached again, Inari flung him—his entire body—skyward.

Before he could even grasp what had happened, he was slammed into the ground, unconscious.

“W-was that… aikido just now?”

“Mmm? There used to be a master of such arts living near mine old village, I think? I never trained formally, but from observation alone, I’ve picked up a fair bit, nay?”

Unregistered technique detected!

Integrating into the World System…

Skill 【Kogami-ryu Aikijutsu】 has been generated!

“Well, I did not create it, but… I suppose 'tis no use saying so now.”

“What was that?”

“Ohh, nay, 'tis nothing. Pay it no mind.”

She hadn’t studied under anyone, not formally. Just watched. But somehow…

A new skill had been generated, not merely acquired.

How absurd that truly was—Inari had no idea. Nor was it certain whether she ever would.

=========================

Trivia Time!!!

The Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi (天叢雲剣), meaning "Heavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds", is one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan, also known more commonly today as the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (草薙の剣, Grass-Cutting Sword). According to Japanese mythology, the storm god Susanoo-no-Mikoto slew the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi. Inside one of the serpent’s tails, he discovered a powerful sword—Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi.

Masamune refers to the legendary Japanese swordsmith Gorō Nyūdō Masamune, active during the Kamakura period (c. 1264–1343). He is considered one of Japan’s greatest swordsmiths. His blades are known for their elegance, superior balance, and incredible sharpness, not just sheer brutality.

Aikijutsu (合気術) is a classical Japanese martial art focusing on harmonizing with an opponent’s energy to control or neutralize them. It predates Aikido and emphasizes joint locks, throws, and precise timing. While Ryū (流) means School or Style. So, Kogami-ryu Aikijutsu means Kogami/Fox Deity School/Style Aikijutsu.