Ghost Catching Game

The old woman and the young girl slowly walked to the vermilion torii gate at the shrine entrance and bowed deeply in reverence.

Then they rose, passed through the torii, and went to a water basin called the temizuya. Using the wooden ladles inside, they washed their hands and rinsed their mouths before heading toward the statue of Daikokuten, leader of the Seven Lucky Gods.

A long line had already formed before the statue.

The clear chime of bells echoed through the shrine one after another. The two moved forward with the line until they finally arrived before the statue of Daikokuten.

Yurina and Grandma Crane stood side by side. They first gave a slight bow before the statue, then Yurina reached up and grasped the hanging bell rope, giving it a gentle shake.

Ding—!

As the bell rang, she took out a five-yen coin from her pocket and placed it in the offering box, symbolizing her bond with the god.

They looked up at the statue of Daikokuten, then bent down and bowed deeply twice. They clapped their hands twice before them, then bowed deeply once more.

"Kind and powerful Daikokuten, God of Fortune, please receive our prayers.

"You are the God of War from the other shore, the nemesis of all evil. You bring peace and happiness to the human world, driving away all misfortune and ill omens... Please keep us far from disaster and evil, and grant us happiness and hope.

"May your blessed light shine upon the earth."

Having finished her prayer, Yurina slowly straightened.

Beside her, Grandma Crane remained bent over, silver-white strands of hair hanging beside her aged cheeks. She murmured in a voice only she could hear:

"I hope Xiao Youli can have a happy and beautiful future..."

Yurina had not heard what