Outside Kusushi Shrine at Mount Fuji's tenth station, the mountain-sized demon lay sprawled on the ground like a broken peak.
An unremarkable arrow was embedded in its forehead.
Though insignificant compared to the enormous demon's body, the feathers at the arrow's end trembled gently, radiating an utterly pure spiritual glow.
The survivors gathered behind Hyuga Miko wore expressions of reverence and adoration, worshipping her like a god.
"Lady Miko, is the monster sealed now?"
The high school girl with the high ponytail spoke with stars in her eyes.
So cool! Lady Miko was just so cool!
After Lady Miko's first arrow blasted the enormous demon apart, it refused to die, its scattered flesh gathering together in an attempt to revive and wreak havoc again.
But Lady Miko immediately struck its head with another arrow, sealing it into a deathlike slumber.
Dressed in a white robe and scarlet hakama, Hyuga Miko lowered her eyes, her long lashes fluttering. The grace she displayed while shooting made even the girl's heart flutter.
Hyuga Miko shook her head at the high school girl, then raised her brows and looked down Mount Fuji as though sensing something.
Curious, the high school girl followed the direction Hyuga Miko faced, but clouds and mist shrouded the view from Mount Fuji's summit, leaving nothing clearly visible.
Hyuga Miko, whose eyes had remained closed throughout, seemed unaffected. She pressed her lips together, drew another arrow from her quiver, and bent her bow.
A white streak shot from Hyuga Miko's hands, its long trail of light cutting through the air toward the mountainside.
After firing the Sealing Arrow, Hyuga Miko immediately turned around, seemingly unconcerned with the shot's outcome-or perhaps she had already foreseen it.
"Lady Miko, what exactly happened on Mount Fuji? What is your connection to Sengen Shrine?"