Back in the courtyard, Ryūshiki activated Tsukuyomi again.
Kaguya spent a year mastering the All-Seeing Eye Rift.
When Tsukuyomi ended again, another day had passed in reality. Less than half a day remained until the time Ryūshiki had verbally agreed upon with Isshiki.
At dawn, they would have to part.
Kaguya had sweated quite a bit during her training, so she performed a purification in the spring at Watatsumi Shrine.
After cleansing herself, Kaguya dressed and returned to the courtyard.
She saw that Ryūshiki was actually holding a little monkey.
Kaguya's eyes brightened. "This is..."
Ryūshiki said, "My friend Sarushiki stole my Heavenly Wine Gourd. After getting drunk, he mated with a female monkey, and this little fellow was born. Neither parent wanted him, so they dumped him on me in the end."
"He hasn't adapted well to Takamagahara. I thought you could release him into the wild when you go to Mitsuki Country."
Kaguya cradled the little monkey in her arms. For a monkey, he was remarkably well behaved.
The two sat beneath the tree, gazing at the moon.
Remembering that she had been a rabbit when she was born, Kaguya asked, "Ryūshiki, were you a dragon when you were born?"
"Uh... more or less."
Ryūshiki had lied. He had been born a carp and only became a dragon after leaping over the Dragon Gate.
Kaguya pressed him. "What do you mean, more or less...?"
Realizing this question could lead to trouble, Ryūshiki changed the subject. "Besides you and me, ten others were chosen by the Auspicious Power. Want to hear about them?"
"Yes." Kaguya was genuinely a little interested.
And so Ryūshiki began talking with relish.
"Oni-shiki is the Rat. He's grandly called our clan's 'cleaner.' To prevent future trouble, we send him to the Dead Stars left