Early the next morning, mist shrouded the Sumida River. The morning fog gradually rose, unveiling a clear sky.
The Skytree in Tokyo's Sumida Ward was less than a ten-minute walk from Senso-ji, and the temple could be clearly seen from its observation deck, 450 meters above the ground.
Unfortunately, although the Skytree still stood, Senso-ji had been wiped off the map entirely.
With such an enormous upheaval in nearby Asakusa leaving everyone on edge, the Skytree was naturally closed to the public.
Yet a figure stood silently on the deserted observation deck.
Looking down from there toward Senso-ji's former site, a cordon had already been established around the area. Staff in white coats and black uniforms scurried back and forth like ants, endlessly busy.
"What a pity that he drew him close at midnight, asking not of the people, but of gods and ghosts."
A large, plump crow with glossy feathers perched on Uchiha Naruto's right shoulder, preening away.
Uchiha Naruto slowly opened his closed right eye, his expression odd, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
Even he had not anticipated that after the Asakusa incident, the Government of Japan would make worshipping the Lord of Mount Tai its top priority.
Rebuilding Asakusa, relocating its residents, reassuring the public, dealing with pressure from public opinion across the country and around the world, and disclosing the many supernatural phenomena since Heisei 19—any of those tasks was enough to leave the Government of Japan overwhelmed.
Even so, the Government of Japan had decided to hold the Ritual of the Lord of Mount Tai.
Moreover, they intended to spare no expense, making it a grand affair and elevating it to a national rite in one stroke.
Preparations were now proceeding at a feverish pace. They had even dispatched people specifically to search for