Please to Kitsune-sama!

Chapter 146 : Kitsune-sama and a Peaceful Society

The Itou City Takeover Attempt Incident brought changes even to the lives of ordinary, non-awakener people.

The fear—that you yourself, or the person beside you, might have been replaced by someone unknown—was like something out of the occult. It drove people to buy amulets, talismans, and warding trinkets, things they normally wouldn’t bother with. Not because they believed such things truly worked, or because any expert had declared so, but simply because they wanted to soothe their fears, even a little. It didn’t take long before it became common to see charms dangling from handbags on the street.

Television, magazines, and the internet were full of “real power spot” specials. Still, most predicted the trend would eventually calm down. Among awakener, jobs like Exorcist and Priest—those that sounded particularly spiritual—were gaining popularity. And naturally, attention had also turned toward the now-famous Inari.

“So, in short, we can’t keep up with the demand for goods.”

“Wouldst that be what they call a ‘happy problem’?”

“Exactly. But to be honest, this isn’t how I’d like them to sell. It feels like preying on people’s fears.”

“Aye. And are there not shrines, temples, and churches aplenty for such blessings? Why buy goods?”

At the FoxPhone flagship store in Akihabara, Inari sat on the office sofa sipping tea. Across from her, Akai gave a troubled sigh.

“In the end, it’s like carrying merch of your favorite idol—you feel close to them. Here, it’s the sense that Kogami Inari’s power is protecting you. Of course, they don’t truly believe it. It’s about the feeling.”

“They say even a sardine’s head, with faith, is sacred… yet possession is not such a thing, is it?”

“Apparently not. It seems to have been a monster skill. Nothing similar has been confirmed in Shizuoka Dungeon No. 1. From what the Association says, the conditions for activating it are extremely strict—it’s not something that can be done easily.”

In other words, the current public anxiety was disproportionate. As long as one exercised caution, the threat was no worse than any other monster danger. The Association had been broadcasting that message, but fear did not vanish so easily. Fear was fear, plain and simple.

“Actually, there’s been a lot of requests for you to attend events. Offers to write a book, release a photo collection… even to debut with a song.”

“That hath naught to do with public fear.”

“Well, they say it’s to lift spirits during these times, so in that sense, it’s related.”

Hearing that, Inari thought perhaps some people were already recovering from the invisible terror. Humanity had suffered many fears before, not least the great monster disaster that once changed the world. And yet people recovered, resumed their daily lives. That resilience was strength. Thinking of it, Inari could not help but smile gently.

“’Tis unnecessary. Even without me, there are those far better suited to bringing cheer.”

“No, that’s not the point.”

“Mm?”

“Everyone just wants to see the cute fox shrine maiden singing and dancing.”

“Ahh, so it was about the depth of human folly…”

“To be honest, we’ve already prepared a system for voice training and dance lessons for you. Just in case you ever agreed.”

“I shall neither sing nor dance!”

“…Such a pity.”

Thanks to Atsuage’s love of anime and tokusatsu, Inari at least knew of songs and performances. But she never once thought she could do such things herself. Nor did she want to. Those who truly desired such a path should pursue it. Inari believed it required real intent and commitment—not mere demand and supply.

That aside, as she said, society was gradually returning to normal, though in changing forms. Walk the city streets, and you’d see trendy ads. Shops lined with new products.

Even when “something” happened, such everyday sights didn’t change—unless another great disaster struck.

And that human strength, that everyday peace… Inari loved it more than anything.

“By the way, the prototype of your figure just arrived.”

“…Do with it as thou wilt.”

“Wait—really?”

“…Nay, bring it here at once.”

That some people, like Akai, delighted in doting on her with such things, was still a truth Inari could not quite comprehend.