Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

Don't push his limits.

The double-decker yacht docked at Cat Island.

Haruhiko stood at the bow of the boat, and all he could see were cats.

Of course, there were also quite a few tourists.

"Mari-neechan, do you know who the King of Cat Island is?"

Haruhiko scanned the area, his eyes nearly blurring, but he still couldn't figure it out.

The main reason is that many cats look exactly the same.

It would be better to ask the fifth-tier great demon Shiranui next to you.

She most likely knew.

After all, humanity is one circle, and so are monsters.

"Oh, are you looking for that kitten girl?"

Tsuchimikado Mari disembarked and said, "I'll take you there."

Qingyan and Baishuang followed behind her.

The cats along the way avoided Tsuchimikado Mari, much to the surprise of many tourists.

The cats on Cat Island have become accustomed to being fed and petted by humans.

Such cases are extremely rare.

However, noticing Tsuchimikado Mari's astonishing and powerful aura, no one dared to step forward and ask questions.

After walking for a few minutes, we came to a reef.

There was a white cat lazily sunbathing.

Upon noticing Tsuchimikado Mari, it was instantly startled and jumped a meter high.

"Did you need something, meow?"

The white cat landed back on the ground and spoke in a voice like that of a young girl, though her tone trembled slightly.

"not me."

Tsuchimikado Mari took a half step back, and Haruhiko stepped forward and took out the protective gem.

The white cat's eyes lit up instantly. With a swift movement, a white shadow flashed, and the gem was already in its mouth.

"I found it in Tokyo Bay."

Seeing its excited appearance, Haruhiko explained, "It has been possessed by a group of rat demons."

"Thank... thank you, meow."

The white cat, with a gem in its mouth, spoke somewhat unclearly.

Haruhiko suddenly remembered that Tsuchimikado Mari had said she was a catgirl.

If this were a humanoid character, the scene would be quite something.

Just then, a flash of psionic light appeared, and the gem disappeared into its mouth.

Do you need a demon tamer?

The white cat glanced at Tsuchimikado Mari before turning to Haruhiko and saying, "There are quite a few cats on Cat Island. If you like, you can take one with you as a reward, meow."

"I already have two demon tamers."

Haruhiko shook his head and refused, saying, "We don't need a third one for now."

If it were the white cat in front of me, I might consider it, given its strength.

But the rest of the cats weren't very useful.

He already has Izumi, who is good at being cute, and Shirai, who is aloof and capable, so he doesn't lack anything.

"pity."

The white cat didn't press the issue. After a moment of contemplation, it said, "Then I'll give you a gift."

Haruhiko helped him find the protective gem, so he should repay him.

Moreover, he even brought a fifth-tier great demon to their door.

Letting him go empty-handed could cause serious problems.

The white cat nimbly leaped off the rocks, turned and left, only to reappear shortly after.

It held a flower in its mouth; the flower was entirely white and emitted a rich fragrance and spiritual energy fluctuations.

Haruhiko reached out his hand, and the white cat immediately released its grip.

The flower landed in his palm.

"It has a beneficial effect on warding off demons."

The white cat explained, "You can give it to your demon-controlling ability."

【Name: Soul Mint】

[Rank: Third Rank]

[Effect: Has a certain probability of causing spirit-type monsters to evolve.]

"Thank you."

Haruhiko said quite sincerely.

He traded a third-tier item for a third-tier item, but he made a huge profit.

After all, the protective gem has lost its intended effect.

"Mari-neechan, let's go back."

Haruhiko has achieved his goal, so there is no need for him to stay any longer.

As for the other Inugami relic, its location is unknown, so it's not of much use for the time being.

Tsuchimikado Mari nodded slightly and turned to walk outside.

It was another rather long voyage.

Upon reaching Tokyo Bay, the two parted ways.

Firstly, since Haruhiko had already driven the car, there was no need for Tsuchimikado Mari to drive him again.

Secondly, because she also needed to return the ship.

Haruhiko watched Tsuchimikado Mari leave, then turned and saw Utsunomiya Mina's cruise ship.

It's not over yet?

Even broad daylight isn't enough.

Haruhiko did not board the ship.

The white frost is still there.

You must not corrupt the monsters.

There's no rush to trade with Mina Utsunomiya.

The man and the fox returned home.

After dinner, I discussed and exchanged ideas with Yuki until midnight, and then it was another new day.

I have two classes today.

One period each in the morning and afternoon.

By noon, Haruhiko received a message from Aizawa Kaoru informing him that they had finished cleaning up the ruins and returned to the University of Tokyo.

Originally intending to go home, he changed course and headed to Worry-Free Garden.

Haruhiko took out his key and opened the door.

Chiyome and Kaoru Aizawa were sitting in the living room, but Aya Aizawa was not there.

"Teacher, senior sister."

Haruhiko stepped forward to say hello.

"How polite."

Kaoru Aizawa beckoned with her finger and said with a smile, "Junior brother, come and sit down."

Chiyo glanced at him sideways before resuming her dazed expression, lost in thought.

Haruhiko sensed that she seemed a little worried.

The only thing that could make a fifth-tier psychic act like this is the Asama Shrine.

He decided to sit next to Aizawa Kaoru.

"Where is Sister Ling?"

Haruhiko asked with some curiosity.