I'm a demon in Tokyo!

Chapter 341 [Evening Festival], Welcoming the Arrival of Inari! This gentleman's wish may be unattainable.
At first, the two fox phantoms guarding the gate were warily watching the two-foot-tall man whose aura was slightly strange. At first glance, he looked like a Bodhisattva, but upon closer inspection, he was completely different from the man in terms of temperament.

But after Uesugi Tetsu solemnly vouched for them, the fox phantom didn't obstruct them any further, only giving them a few more reminders with its eyes.

"This torii gate is said to have been donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi."

A faint voice sounded from behind, causing Uesugi Tetsu to look up and gaze at the imposing red torii gate for a moment.

"A monkey..."

Uesugi Tetsu murmured almost silently.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi will be his enemy in the "near future".

If he succeeds, will the torii gate disappear? Or will someone else donate it on his behalf?
—The words "Dedication" are engraved on the stone bases on both sides where the fox stone sculptures are displayed. The stone sculptures have been exposed to high temperatures and sun, wind and rain for countless years.

Presumably, these two fox phantoms are the same.

Thinking of this, Uesugi Tetsu casually smeared some soul ash into a small pouch and tossed it into the hands of two diligent but bored fox phantoms.

—We're all working people, a little treat shouldn't be a big problem.

The two fox phantoms were startled by what was thrown at them. Just as they were about to raise their naginata to warn it, they suddenly found themselves feeling a little lighter.

They sensed it for a moment and discovered that the small kraft paper pouch contained a crystallization of pure soul.

Even just wearing it close to my body makes me feel a little lighter.

The fox phantom guarding the gate remained silent for a moment, then bowed slightly to Uesugi Tetsuya, who had already crossed the steps.

At this moment, Uesugi Tetsu was examining the two humanoid dolls, about half a person's height, carrying bows and arrows on their backs on either side of the entrance.

He couldn't recognize its exact name, but it did resemble the humanoid form of the left and right ministers he had encountered before, only this one was more refined from head to toe.

Moreover, there's a strange feeling that it's always in motion.

Behind him, Karuta, who was once familiar with the building, loosened his clenched fist and relaxed a little.

Yuan Jingshui continued to glance around out of the corner of her eye, and when she found that not a single person in the crowd had noticed their unusual behavior, she couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

If it were just her and Uesugi Tetsu, it would be fine, but now there are four of them, and they haven't even walked together yet...

The source of still water in the heart determines the way—

Uesugi Tetsu's Yin-Yang techniques are probably no less than those of established and renowned Yin-Yang masters.

Throughout history, those who cultivate both spiritual and martial arts have almost always focused on one as the primary and the other as the secondary.

But Uesugi Tetsuya seems to be more like someone who excels in both areas.

Yuan Jingshui was puzzled; where did this extra energy and time come from...?

Uesugi Tetsu crossed the torii gate and truly entered the sacred grounds of Fushimi Inari Shrine.

The so-called torii gate is less a way of distinguishing between the divine realm where gods reside and the mortal world where humans live, and more of a reminder.

A reminder to all "visitors": you have entered the realm of the gods.

However, Uesugi Tetsu didn't feel anything special. It's probably because his level was too low to perceive the difference between the two, and he couldn't get the gods in the shrine to notice him.

"Lord Che! Look, look! There are opera singers up ahead!"

The surprised voice of the two-foot-tall woman came at the same time as the feeling of being pulled from her waist and abdomen. In a few moments, she climbed from the ground onto Uesugi Tetsuya's shoulder.

Then he straddled the top and sat down.

Uesugi Tetsu: "Next..."

Before he could finish speaking, the two-foot-tall man seemed to have anticipated his move, and sighed pitifully, "There are just too many people worshipping, what am I supposed to do if I'm so short and can't see anything..."

Uesugi Tetsu: "Get taller and bigger."

The two-foot-tall man grinned and leaned close to his ear, asking, "Then, Lord Che, would you like to sit on my shoulders?"

"Let's leave it as it is for now."

Uesugi Tetsu listened to the geisha's shamisen singing for a while with a headache, and then found that his headache got even worse.

Sure enough, he couldn't appreciate it at all.

But when he glanced back, he saw that Minamoto Shizumi had a habitual expression on her face, while Karuta was gently tapping his chin to the beat, looking quite pleased with himself.

"It seems my taste, manners, and upbringing are still too low..."

Seeing that Karu was still listening, Uesugi Tetsu didn't leave immediately, but instead circled around the area.

Not far away, there was a small shrine sign that read "Higashimaru Shrine".

Uesugi Tetsu wasn't quite sure about this, wondering if it was possible for another shrine to be located inside a shrine...

Oh well, Fushimi Inari is so big anyway, I probably won't be able to finish reading it.

If you still have time after you get out, go and have a look around here.

Further in, you'll see two foxes sitting on stone seats—one with a golden ear of wheat in its mouth, and the other with a golden incense burner on its tail.

They were two seven-tailed foxes, and they exuded a barely perceptible aura of ghosts and spirits.

Their eyes were solemn, staring straight ahead without moving, like sentries.

Seeing this, Uesugi Tetsu didn't say much or give them anything, but simply nodded to them in greeting.

They responded with eye contact.

When Karuta arrived, blushing and embarrassed, after listening to the song, Uesugi Tetsu had already noticed that many of the torii gates inside the shrine were inscribed with the words "Honoku".

Yuan Jingshui said that this means that these torii gates were gifts from worshippers, who probably wanted to exchange them for some good luck and blessings.

Upon hearing this, Uesugi Tetsu looked ahead at the famous Fushimi Inari landmark – the Senbon Torii (thousands of torii gates).

Above the densely packed torii gates, the words "offering" were prominently displayed.

"No wonder they built so many torii gates, they were all free..."

Uesugi Tetsu muttered something, used a little trick to separate the crowd in front of him, and the four of them walked together into the passageway made up of torii gates.

On either side of the thousand torii gates, every nine torii gates are guarded by a phantom fox holding a naginata.

It was heavily guarded, and absolutely no evil spirits or monsters were allowed to exist there.

After walking a distance, the tall, well-positioned man with a better view used his legs to turn Uesugi Tetsuya's gaze to the other side where there were more people.

"Lord Che, shall we go take a look over there...? We see...po! There are a lot of people worshiping over there!"

Uesugi Tetsu had originally planned to visit the shrine along the way to see if anything would happen, so he nodded.

"In that case, go and pay your respects over there first... There are still two feet left, you should get down now. It's not right for you to worship while riding on my head."

"Huh? No, no, Lord Che..."

Although the young master said that, he still obediently jumped down after entering the shrine and walked beside Uesugi Tetsuya.

He stood at the end of the long queue, glanced at the crowd in front of him, and had just taken out a few 5-yen coins when he felt his clothes being tugged.

"Lord Che, don't forget to wash your hands before worshipping!"

Uesugi Tetsu blinked.

The practice of visiting shrines seems to actually exist.

Seeing Uesugi Tetsu's sudden realization, the two-foot-tall man put his hands on his hips and hummed twice as if to claim credit.

The former naturally understood and patted the little boy's head as a reward.

The water at the handwashing station flowed from a row of emerald green bamboo tubes, and even before touching his hands, Uesugi Tetsu could sense that the water was extraordinary.

He stared at it for a while with his interpretive eye and discovered that it not only contained abundant spiritual energy, but also probably had some effect of warding off evil and enhancing good fortune.

Ordinary little devils and resentful spirits probably wouldn't dare to approach upon sensing this aura.

No wonder Fushimi Inari Shrine is so popular with visitors and worshippers.

They even spared no effort in providing handwashing water, so it would be abnormal if it didn't work and not many people came.

After washing his hands with Nisha and Karuta, Uesugi Tetsu looked at Minamoto Shizumi, who was still standing a few meters behind, with some curiosity. "Ms. Minamoto, aren't you going to wash your hands?"

Without even thinking, Yuan Jingshui shook her head: "I don't believe in this, so I don't need it."

Her disbelief is not the same as the disbelief of ordinary people.

Uesugi Tetsuya stared at her for two seconds, then smiled.

"If Ririko were here, she would definitely say the same thing as you."

Before Yuan Jingshui could answer, he continued, "Then please wait for us here for a moment, Miss Yuan."

Although the line for worship was long, it didn't take much time, so it only took a few minutes for Uesugi Tetsuya and his group to get to go.

Both the young lady and Karuta seemed to be familiar with the shrine visit process. They walked past the approach and took out the 5-yen coins that Uesugi Tetsu had given them, then put them into the shrine box.

Next comes two bows and two claps, followed by one more bow, and finally, closing your eyes and reciting your wish in your heart.

Uesugi Tetsu, who was visiting the shrine for the first time, naturally followed their lead.

In their hearts, Qing and Xiao Jia also made a wish together.

But when it came time to close his eyes and make a wish, Uesugi Tetsu suddenly didn't know what to wish for.

After a few seconds of contemplation in the darkness, he could feel the two women beside him exhale softly, having finished making their wishes.

Uesugi Tetsu opened his eyes.

He turned his head slightly and saw the two-foot-tall man holding his index finger to his lips and saying "secret," and Karuto, who was looking down at him shyly.

Uesugi Tetsu left the shrine, his heartstrings tugged.

What wishes did you all make?

The questions were naturally directed at Xiao Jia and Qing.

Just as Qing was about to say that this had to be kept a secret, Xiao Jia blurted it all out: "We told the Inari God that we hope that the Inari God will bless Master Yin to live a long and healthy life!"

Qing followed behind, looking rather helpless, and said slowly, "If you make a wish and then say it out loud, it won't come true..."

"Well!?"

Xiao Jia was startled, her tone filled with fear.

"—Then how about we go and sincerely make another vow to Inari-sama!"

"It's fine."

Uesugi Tetsu said to it, "The Inari God will hear you, and your wish will not go unfulfilled."

"Is what the master said true?"

"When have I ever lied to you?"

"Aqing, is this true?"

"..."

"If Lord Uesugi says it's true, then it must be true."

"Okay!"

"By the way," Uesugi Tetsuya said curiously, "Little Jia, did you only wish for me?"

"Ah."

"Because Xiao Jia is too stupid, he can't remember so many people... He only has his master in his heart."

Uesugi Tetsu and Ao remained silent.

After a moment, he touched the hilt of Kaga Kiyomitsu's sword without saying a word.

When they turned around, they found that Minamoto no Shizumi was quietly looking at a large area of ​​red lanterns not far away, where many shrine maidens were hanging lanterns under the eaves of the shrine building.

The lantern had three large black characters written on it: 【宵宫祭】.

"This is……"

"—This is a festival to welcome and thank the Inari gods."

A little witch, carrying two large bags of materials and looking quite strained, stopped by the roadside and explained things to them.

Uesugi Tetsu used his inner energy to lighten most of the weight of the materials and smiled slightly at the shrine maiden: "Could you explain in detail?"

Suddenly feeling incredibly strong, the little witch raised the material in her hand, almost lifting it above her head, drawing shocked stares from the surrounding crowd.

"Cough cough..."

The little witch quickly put down her materials, stared at the face in front of her that was not very clear, yet she couldn't help but feel a sense of goodwill towards it, and said, "Can we talk as we walk?"

"It's impossible."

Uesugi Tetsu followed beside the little shrine maiden, listening to her detailed explanation.
"The Night Festival is a festival held on the eve of the Main Festival. The Inari gods do not reside permanently in the shrine, but only descend on the eve of the Main Festival, so—"

The little shrine maiden drawled, "Everyone is going to hold the Evening Palace Festival tonight to welcome and worship the Inari gods!"

As she spoke, the little priestess lowered her voice again: "It is said that... seemingly because it is the first year that supernatural powers have truly become widespread, this year's Night Palace Festival is unprecedented in scale."

"Guests, you are truly blessed!"

"I see." Uesugi Tetsuya pondered for a moment, then looked at Minamoto Shizumi. "Ms. Minamoto, are you in a hurry?"

"One day is nothing."

Yuan Jingshui immediately understood what he meant: "Besides, I'm also a little curious about this festival."

"Then let's wait for half a day."

Uesugi Tetsu nodded.

"In the past, two or three thousand lanterns were considered a lot, but guess how many lanterns we have this year?"

Before Uesugi Tetsuya could answer, the little shrine maiden with a mysterious expression replied on her own: "Eighteen thousand! A full eighteen thousand... and the number is still increasing!"

Uesugi Tetsu glanced at the busy shrine maidens and blinked.
"Will all these lanterns fit?"

"Of course there's not enough room... We've filled every nook and cranny, so we'll just put the extra lanterns on the ground. Anyway, the Inari gods didn't say it wasn't allowed..."

The shrine maiden walked to her spot, placed the two large bags of materials down, and immediately looked at Uesugi Tetsuya.

She pulled a slip of paper from behind her waist, her eyes sparkling: "Speaking of which, guests, now a large lantern costs 2 yen, and a small lantern only costs 5 yen. The price is still the same as before!"

So, is it worth it?

Fearing that Uesugi Tetsuya might disagree, she quickly added, "The divine messengers also said that donating these lanterns can ward off evil and disaster for everyone. Would you like to donate one as well?"

Uesugi Tetsu found it somewhat amusing: "The lanterns were donated to ward off evil spirits and disasters, but do they really work?"

The little witch stuck out her tongue.

"Sincerity brings results, while insincerity brings no results."

The shrine maiden raised a finger and said methodically, "Guest, think about it, there are so many people in this world, it's impossible for the Inari gods to protect those who don't believe in them."

"That does...make some sense."

Uesugi Tetsu nodded and wrote down those words.

"lets change a topic!"

The little witch clapped her hands and peeked to the side, asking, "Grandma Fukuda, could you please help these guests see what they would be suitable to pray for?"

The elderly shrine maiden, known as Granny Fukuda, raised her eyes from the sales window.

Her gaze, heavy with the weight of time, swept over the slightly awkward Karuta and the expressionless Minamoto Shizumi, finally settling on Uesugi Tetsu, who was smiling gently.

Grandma Fukuda was about to speak several times, but in the end she just sighed.
"What this gentleman is seeking... I'm afraid it can't be obtained at the shrine."

(End of this chapter)