Chapter 2: Sayuri Under Attack

Sayuri reached the shrine, but there was no one there.

An offertory box, a bell rope, shrine bells—
it was a perfectly ordinary shrine.
She let out a long sigh and slumped her shoulders.

At that moment, something was slammed against the stone pavement.
A straight trajectory split Sayuri’s body cleanly in two—
and passed straight through.

“What are you doing?! That’s startling!”
She jumped forward and then turned around.
In her line of sight, an elderly Shinto priest was sitting flat on the ground.

“W-w-what are you…?”
Still pointing a finger, his voice was trembling.

“I’m a ghost, so I’m fine, but I still do get startled!
And if it were a normal person, they could’ve gotten hurt!”
She landed lightly, put her hands on her hips, and showed a sharp edge of anger.

“…Hmph. Fine, whatever.
It’s your fault for showing your back. Now get lost.”
The priest stood up and snapped, making no effort to hide his irritation.

“Why am I the one getting yelled at?!”

“Shut up! Get out of here at once!
This is a sacred shrine!”
Glaring at her, the priest backed away toward the shrine office.

“Ugh! What was that supposed to be?!”
With nowhere to direct her anger, Sayuri floated lightly up into the air and left the place behind.