Please to Kitsune-sama!

Chapter 134 : Kitsune-sama Arrives in Itou

Three days later. As promised, Inari was picked up by a car from the Awakener Association, and together with Yasuno, she was on her way to Itou.

The talks were apparently scheduled for the next day. But to ensure things proceeded smoothly, they were entering Itou a day early, with a short meeting and a welcome banquet planned beforehand.

“Itou City has graciously arranged a hotel for us. I heard we’ll have it entirely reserved.”

“Ohh, how generous indeed.”

“Yes, quite so. I heard it was originally proposed by an event company as part of a regional revitalization plan. The matter was finalized after the recent Shinjuku incident.”

“An event company, you say?”

“Yes. Um… Isurugi Planning. An awakener company. They apparently shifted from being a staffing firm not long ago. Well, smaller companies often have to adapt to survive.”

Inari, however, wasn’t particularly interested in such behind-the-scenes matters. She had no desire to immerse herself in “image business” like other awakeners. But words like ‘regional revitalization’ and ‘community building’… those tugged at her heart a little.

After all, the abandoned village she had once lived in was once brimming with life. Only the flow of time had turned it into a ghost village. If a little of her help could prevent other towns from sharing that fate, then surely that was worth her effort.

“Oh, we’re almost there. That’s the hotel!”

“My, my.”

The somewhat old-fashioned building bore the sign “Itou International Hotel.” Not particularly large, but neatly maintained. Being close to the sea meant risk, but it also promised a fine view.

When their car stopped in the lot, a man in a suit emerged from the entrance alongside a hotel staff member. Smiling broadly, he offered a business card as soon as he saw them.

Isurugi Planning – Representative Director: Takuma Isurugi.

The brand-new card caught Yasuno’s eye as she exchanged her own.

“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Isurugi. I am Yasuno of the Japan Headquarters of the Awakener Association.”

“It is an honor. I am Isurugi, the one in charge of this project for Isurugi Planning.”

“I understand this is your first work since changing industries recently. Is there anything we can assist you with?”

“Not at all. We’ve long been in people-related business, so rest assured…”

While Yasuno began her early discussions with Isurugi, Inari’s gaze wandered back to the hotel.

In ages past—during what was called the bubble era—the hot spring industry had thrived. Company retreats, banquets, everyone went on hot spring trips. Likely this hotel was from that era. The fact it still stood meant it had survived both the burst bubble and the monster disasters.

“Truly, a marvelous thing.”

Moved by human resilience, Inari nodded solemnly.

Of course, in truth, the Itou International Hotel had endured waves of hardship, long closures, and even ownership changes—but Inari didn’t know that, nor did she need to.

“Miss Kogami, our meeting is done. The mayor will be arriving tonight, so until then, let’s relax.”

“Hm? Very well, I shall.”

“By the way, what were you looking at?”

“The hotel. To think it survived such trying times.”

“Ah, actually—it didn’t. I checked, and the ownership changed about seven years ago.”

“…So that’s how it was…”

“Sorry…”

Inari’s faintly crestfallen face made Yasuno wince.

“Ah, I really should’ve kept that to myself.”

“Well… adapting and surviving in new form is history too.”

“True enough.”

As Inari and Yasuno were led inside, Isurugi’s eyes followed them closely. Only when their figures vanished completely did he exhale.

“Good grief… this is troublesome.”

“Seeing her in person, the sheer strength was chilling. She could scatter us in an instant. And yet—she should already be more than twice as strong as she was in the dungeon.”

At first glance, she looked like a frail young girl, easily crushed. And like him, she was clearly of the magic type. But… the difference was vast.

Compared to Yasuno, whom he was certain he could kill easily, the fox girl was on a completely different level. His vigilance only deepened. He pulled out his Awakener Phone and began speaking to his comrades.

“It’s me. Everything is proceeding as planned.”

“…Is she really that strong?”

“Stick to the plan. Failure is not an option.”

“Understood. As a warrior, I regret not testing myself against her…”

He ended the call with a sigh.

“That sort of thing can wait until after the deed is done, against lesser prey. That they don’t understand… Well, that’s why I’m the one giving the orders.”

“All for our king. Just a little longer now… Very soon.”

The sea breeze seemed almost to nod in agreement with Isurugi’s vow.