Please to Kitsune-sama!

Chapter 238 : Kitsune-sama Goes to Kusatsu Onsen

Three days later, Inari and Shion arrived in Kusatsu.

The bus terminal, which had existed since long ago and had been repaired and renovated after the monster disasters, still retained much of its original atmosphere. Within its grounds was even a footbath, making it a place that immediately evoked the essence of “Kusatsu Onsen.”

“Oho, they even have hot spring water for handwashing… marvelous.”

“Mm, marvelous.”

The sheer abundance of hot water was impressive. When Inari tried washing her hands, the heat and character of the water made her smile softly without thinking.

“Now then, shall we head to our inn?”

“Mm.”

Leaving the bus terminal, they were already within Kusatsu’s hot spring district. No matter where one went, the hot spring presence was felt.

Descending a slope, they soon reached Kusatsu’s most famous landmark—the Yubatake.

The seven wooden channels, called yuhī, cooled the hot water naturally as they carried it to the surrounding inns, supplying them with Yubatake Source water. At the same time, they also served to collect yunohana (hot spring minerals). Looking closely, white deposits of yunohana could be seen clinging to the channels.

“So that’s why it’s called a field… truly splendid.”

“Mm.”

“But… that green stuff, is it moss, I wonder?”

Indeed, on the rocks of Kusatsu’s Yubatake grew green moss—or rather, algae. These algae had adapted to Kusatsu Onsen’s highly acidic waters, their vivid green color pleasing to the eye of all who visited. Though Kusatsu’s waters could dissolve even metal in a matter of days, these algae thrived in harmony with it. A rare phenomenon indeed.

“…Or so I read.”

“Oho, thou art knowledgeable, Shion.”

“I researched.”

“Mm, mm. I must follow thine example.”

Around the Yubatake, several other hot spring sources could be found, along with countless inns and hotels nestled close by.

The one Inari and Shion had chosen was a hotel overlooking the Yubatake itself. After dropping off their luggage in a wa-yō (Japan-Western) style room, they stood side by side at the window, gazing down. At night, the Yubatake would be lit up—surely a splendid sight.

“Ahhh… marvelous indeed. Perhaps I should live in Kusatsu after all.”

“Kusatsu has no sea, so work would be difficult for me.”

“Wait, art thou assuming to move here too…?”

“Being apart from a friend would be lonely.”

“Oho, oho… spoken so, my conscience doth ache.”

While exchanging such words, they reviewed their plans. For they had not come merely to play—this trip held multiple purposes.

“First, Gunma Dungeon No. 1 is… here.”

Unfolding a Kusatsu tourist map, Inari pointed to an area marked “Western Riverbed”. The name supposedly came simply from its location west of Kusatsu Onsen. Yet the names of nearby spots invoking demons and the like hinted at a deliberate association with the mythic Riverbed of the Dead.

In any case, this region was home to the Western Riverbed Source, another fine example of Kusatsu’s renowned waters. To think that Jizo Source also existed within Kusatsu made for a curious connection indeed… but that aside.

“The dungeon lies partway along this Western Riverbed Onsen.”

It was said some building had once stood there, though no record remained of what. Perhaps it had long since outlived its purpose. Regardless, that was where Gunma Dungeon No. 1 now existed.

Not far from there was a large outdoor bath—whether out of courage, or simply trust in “Fortress,” none could say. For indeed, Fortress’s own home lay nearby.

Japan’s third-ranked top-ranker, Fortress, Doma Takeru. His presence in Kusatsu, and his refusal to leave it, guaranteed its safety and boosted its land values.

“Fortress… we’ll visit Doma too. We’ll see the dungeon, and then enjoy the hot springs.”

“Mm, mm. A fine plan indeed. Perhaps we should try that outdoor bath too?”

“Good suggestion. Let’s.”

The two were brimming with excitement. Leaving the inn, they strolled along a charming street. On the path toward Western Riverbed, inns and eateries lined the way, some of them selling the famous hot spring manju.

“Oho, hot spring manju. I had some in Atami, and they were quite delightful.”

“Let’s buy some later.”

“Mm, indeed.”

It was just about lunchtime. Shion’s stomach growled, and Inari smiled.

“Then let us have soba.”

“…Mm.”

“Now that I think on it, we’ve yet to eat lunch. That is my oversight.”

“It’s not your fault, Inari.”

Indeed, Inari never truly grew hungry, eating only out of mood. She had no inner sense of mealtime. Usually she was careful about such things—but perhaps the excitement of Kusatsu Onsen had made her a bit careless.

And so, they looked for a place to eat. Just then, they came upon a soba restaurant.

“Shall we eat here?”

“I like soba.”

“Then… halloo, may two enter now?”

“Welcome! Please, sit wherever you like!”

The interior had the atmosphere of a traditional soba shop. Perhaps because it was a weekday, or because it was still early, there were few customers. Though the staff’s eyes flicked toward Inari’s fox ears, no one commented.

Scanning the menu, Inari spotted something. It was… maitake mushroom tempura.