By the time the crowd had dispersed, it was already dusk.
The main hall... aside from Miroku, the shrine was almost completely empty.
Silence once again enveloped the Miko Shrine complex.
The setting sun cast an orange-red glow over the rows of buildings.
Miroku sat on the cushion, completely motionless.
Or rather... she couldn't move.
"You did very well..."
Hyuga Sho emerged from the shadows and walked over, looking down at Miroku.
"..."
Her figure was covered by his shadow.
Miroku slowly raised her head.
Her beautiful, faintly trembling head revealed her current condition.
She wanted to speak, but it seemed she couldn't open her mouth.
She could only use her eyes to express how exhausted she was from today's work.
Then...
Hyuga Sho walked behind Miroku and helped her up.
The shrine's stream flowed gently, its sound reaching their ears and soothing their minds.
"Miko, you should go and get some proper rest now..."
Hyuga Sho suggested.
He would help Miroku return to the buildings behind the shrine, where she could rest.
"Mm..."
"What is it?"
Hyuga Sho asked.
"Miko, are you feeling unwell somewhere? I once studied Medical Ninjutsu under Lord Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin. Would you like me to examine you?"
Hyuga Sho was very concerned about Miroku's health.
Today was the first day the Miko Shrine had opened.
Many Konoha Ninja and civilians had come to pray for blessings.
The incense money they had received was considerable. Very considerable.
Although it couldn't compare with the rewards for high-level ninja missions,
it was still far more than an ordinary worker's income.
This job... was enough to make anyone envious.
Of course.
That wasn't the main point.
The main point was...
"Whether they're ninja or ordinary people, everyone needs some spiritual comfort. The Miko Shrine exists