Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

The sun painted half the sky crimson as dawn faded away. Dazzling sunlight scattered across the ground like golden ripples.

Iroha stood at her dressing table mirror brushing her teeth, squinting at her reflection. Her vacant eyes betrayed her fatigue, her mind clearly wandering elsewhere.

After completing her simple morning routine, she walked to the living room where she found Ayase and Kirino deep in discussion about Jujutsu.

'... Ayase seems much better than she has been lately. I thought she'd struggle with this for much longer.'

Given Ayase's obsessive personality, accepting such news would typically take several days at minimum. Then again, she might simply be maintaining a calm facade to keep her and Kirino from worrying.

Although Iroha wished her friend didn't have to endure this process, she had to admit that the angel-like Ayase could be rather persistent and obsessive.

"Iroha, you're up! Senpai wants us to eat next door."

When Ayase spotted her emerging from the bathroom, the memories of last night's events made her too embarrassed to meet Iroha's eyes.

Fortunately, having had a long dream and feeling under the weather, Iroha merely yawned, failing to notice Ayase's expression.

As for Kirino, she had spent the past two days focusing entirely on refining her Cursed Energy. The intense training had left her so drained that she'd fallen asleep instantly upon reaching her bed.

That deep slumber had helped restore her depleted spirit, though it meant missing out on Ayase's changes and activities.

"Is that so? Let's go then." Iroha, unsurprised, moved to head toward Daiki's place and opened the door.

As she did, she found herself face-to-face with two senior students from Sōbu High School.

Miko Yotsuya and Hana Yurikawa!

Though not particularly well-known, she recognized them from school. Hana's prominent assets were rather eye-catching, making Iroha somewhat hesitant to face her.

'Damn it! When did Senpai get involved with these two? And now they're showing up at his home!'

Her cute cheeks puffed up as Iroha's head began to feel heavy.

"Senpai! Good morning!" Despite everything, she greeted them with a smile.

The cute kōhai's cheerful face caught both Miko and Hana off guard.

"Ah! Good morning! Are you also a student at Sōbu High?" Miko asked in surprise.

"Yes, I'm Iroha Isshiki, first year. Are you looking for Daiki-senpai?"

"Yes, do you know him?"

"I do, he's right next door!"

Iroha led Miko and Hana next door.

Just as she opened the door, before she could make introductions, Hana flung herself at Daiki, crying "Help me, Daiki-kun!"

Iroha's fist clenched. Ayase's hand unconsciously reached for where a knife might be. Kirino merely thought this Senpai sure was busy.

However, after Hana explained the situation, the three of them were left speechless.

"The Sankō Shrine? Isn't that the place we encountered before?" Ayase and Iroha exclaimed in surprise, covering their mouths.

Mei frowned slightly and said softly, "The situation with the Sankō Shrine is complicated. According to Tangen from the Tokyo Jujutsu High, it's a historical legacy issue. It's not only outside the jurisdiction of Jujutsu Sorcerers, even Onmyōji avoid it, and it might involve certain Mage Associations from Eastern Europe."

Her words made Daiki raise an eyebrow.

Then, Ayase asked the most puzzling question.

"Mage Associations? Are they forces independent from the Jujutsu World and the Bureau of Onmyō?"

"Yes! They're madmen who serve the Demon King wholeheartedly. They usually keep a low profile, but no one knows what they're really hiding." Mei said with a grave expression.

According to Miko, her best friend Hana had clearly been targeted by the Spirit deity dwelling in the shrine.

From her perspective, while the God of the Mountain was merely troublesome, the inner sanctum of the Sankō Shrine seemed to hide something more sinister. This had left both the Jujutsu World's higher-ups and Onmyōji leadership at a loss.

The strength of Makima, the head of the Public Safety Devil Hunter Division, was unknown. She didn't concern herself with these matters, focusing instead on slaying Devils across the land.

However, since she was appointed by the Prime Minister and her Jujutsu Supervision Department had steadily suppressed the Jujutsu World for years, it was clear she possessed real power. Yet her thoughts remained inscrutable, and no one knew what this division chief truly intended.

Mei had met her once, during a mission to eliminate a Cursed Spirit, where she witnessed a Devil consuming Devil flesh.

Though Makima's slender figure belied no overwhelming power, her aura was enough to chill even a Grade 1 Sorcerer like Mei. However, this current situation had nothing to do with Makima.

"Daiki-kun, the Eastern European Mage Associations won't tolerate any interference with the Sankō Shrine — it's their territory!" Mei emphasized, warning that these magical societies had deep-rooted influence.

Their most formidable forces were the Great Knights, serving a Demon King who seemed to have truly existed and may have left behind protective measures. The reclusive powers' intense interest in the Sankō Shrine suggested a significant connection.

She didn't want Daiki to get entangled in such dangerous matters.

"…"

Hana and Miko grasped the severity of the situation.

Hana fought back tears. She had simply bought some blessed beads online to cope with her trauma from the previous Evil Spirit incident.

Who would have thought those beads would be from the Sankō Shrine, leading to the appearance of a young shrine maiden making a three-fingered gesture?

"The Sankō Shrine, huh..." Daiki had long wished to visit this place.

He had previously abandoned the idea, lacking sufficient power and foundation. Now, his strength had grown considerably, his foundation was solid, and he had developed connections with these Demon King-serving Eastern European Mage Associations.

His usual composure gave way to excitement. The timing seemed perfect, having just collected Ayase yesterday and received a new reward.

He walked to the window and gazed at the sun. There was ample time left in the day.

"In that case, let's go check it out."

His casual declaration left Miko and Hana stunned.

"Please don't — I can't bear to see you get hurt." Moved by his offer, Hana embraced him, her soft curves pressing against him in a way that made hearts race.

She hadn't expected Daiki, someone she barely knew, would risk confronting such powerful forces for her sake. After reflection, she couldn't accept burdening him like this.

However, he didn't give her a chance to refuse.

After breakfast, he led everyone back to the Sankō Shrine.

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