After that, the atmosphere between Luo Zhen and the three girls who served as his shikigami improved considerably. It was no longer quite so awkward.
Luo Zhen regained his composure and chatted with the girls about many things.
With Natsume, he talked about how much he had missed her during their year and a half apart.
With Suzuka, he discussed their lives and growth over the past year and a half.
With Kyoko, he talked about how they would arrange tomorrow's operation.
Under these circumstances, it was impossible for the atmosphere to remain awkward.
Not to mention that Natsume and Kyoko seemed ready to put their differences behind them. They no longer competed against each other as they had in the past, but had reached a consensus: as shikigami, they would properly assist Luo Zhen.
With Suzuka acting as though she did not care either way, the three girls had not exactly become close, but they had formed a united front, sharing the same purpose and goal.
The night passed under these circumstances.
Meanwhile, the plan on the other side was also proceeding in full swing.
Tokyo, Chiyoda Ward.
There was a shrine here.
It was a vast shrine whose grounds contained a sacred gate, shrine buildings, stone statues of Ōkuninushi-no-Kami and Sukunahikona-no-Kami, a monument commemorating Emperor Meiji's visit, a rooftop garden, and various other sights.
The shrine had been founded in the second year of the Tenpyō era (730 AD). Known as Edo's guardian shrine, it had been revered by the Edo Shogunate and the people of Edo. Its principal deity was Kanda Myojin, the collective name for the three divine beings Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto (Ōkuninushi-no-Kami), Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto (Sukunahikona), and Taira no Masakado-no-Mikoto (Taira no Masakado).
This was Kanda Myojin Shrine, also known as Kanda Shrine.
At that moment, countless Demons