落とし穴番外：最古の付喪神 (Part2)
"Hmm, I’m not entirely convinced, but... well, it can’t be helped."
"I sense some unpleasant gazes, but oh well."
"No, Amaterasu-Omikami. If we do not correct the insolence of the lower beings, your dignity will not be maintained. Would you please leave this to me?"
"Oh, really? I’d like to say that, but do you honestly think it’s possible to make that man show me respect?" Luna-san said, pointing at Yuki-san.
"That young man? If it is just him, then it should be easy... ea... sy... Wait? This divine aura... Amaterasu-Omikami!?"
"Yes, he’s my subordinate, in a manner of speaking. Like a direct retainer."
"Wh-!? My deepest apologies! This is somewhat beyond my capabilities! I have been terribly rude! Please, I beg you to forgive my earlier insolence!"
"Nah, I don't mind. We both really have a hard time with our bosses, don't we?"
"Yes. Wait, no! I am certainly not talking about when you shut yourself away!"
"It’s fine, really. Besides, you wouldn't have been born if that hadn't happened, would you? Anyway, back to the main topic..."
After that little scene, Luna-san finally explained why she had asked Suzuhikohime to come here.
Even Suzuhikohime seems to have a hard time with Luna-san...
Gods are truly selfish. Then again, considering the nature of mythology, perhaps this is only natural.
Yeah, as Yuki-san says, I really don't want to get involved with gods at all.
"I see. So, you wish for me to teach the wives of Yuki-sama about yokai."
"That’s the gist of it. But there are many of them that are too intense to just leave alone, aren't there?"
"Yes. Among yokai, there are some that, at a single glance... Wait, why is Shuten-doji of Mt. Ooe here?"
"Oh, do you know him?"
"Yes. I was the one used to seal him. Ah, this is a distasteful topic. My apologies."
I suppose it’s not exactly a pleasant memory to bring up in front of Akiten-chan, especially regarding the time she was sealed.
"True. But let’s put the past aside. Right now, she’s living a relaxed life as one of Yuki’s children. Right?"
"Father, I am happy to have so many mothers."
"Is that so? That is a good thing. So, do you wish for me to summon yokai that would be safe to bring into this place?"
"Yeah. Suzu-chan, what kind of yokai would be good?"
"I was considering a tsukumogami."
Suzuhikohime changed the subject immediately. This girl is surprisingly considerate.
"Hmm. Since I am also a divine artifact, I can subdue even somewhat ferocious yokai... but it is best not to take unnecessary risks. In that case, a tsukumogami of my own kind would indeed be appropriate."
Saying this, Suzuhikohime tilted her head adorably and thought for a moment.
"Let us see. Something that could be used in this other world and wouldn't feel out of place... Ah, a Karakasa-obake (umbrella ghost) would be a safe choice."
"Eh? Doesn't a Karakasa-obake spin around to slash people or shoot weird beams from its eye?"
"Pardon? I have never heard of such bizarre abilities. They were born during the Edo period when umbrellas became widespread and many were discarded; I see no reason why they would possess such mysterious offensive capabilities. From where did you acquire that knowledge?"
Oops. I accidentally let my anime knowledge slip out. It’s something I should have realized if I had just thought about it.
"Ah, Suzuhikohime. In modern Japan, there are TV shows where those kinds of yokai are given powers to fight. Oh, do you know what a TV is?"
"Yes. I am aware of such things. I see. So, umbrellas fighting? That sounds interesting. I would like to see it someday."
"Ah, he’ll probably show you that eventually."
Wait. I said something reckless!
"So, Suzu-chan, will you call a Karakasa-obake for us?"
"I'm looking forward to it!"
"Ah, no. As for the summoning itself..."
"Ahem, leave that to me! I shall summon a top-tier Karakasa-obake for you!"
Uh oh. This is going to be bad.
Seeing Luna-san start to glow again, I felt a sense of dread. Yuki-san had the same "oh no, this is bad" look on his face.
Well then, I wonder what kind of outrageous Karakasa-obake is about to appear.
***
*The bell said to have been used when Amaterasu-Omikami hid in the Heavenly Rock Cave.*
*I decided on the "oldest tsukumogami" title on my own, so perhaps the Yata Mirror from that time is also one.*
*Also, I have received several questions regarding the difference between "Pitfall Gaiden" and "Pitfall Numbering."*
*The numbering has been stalled due to New Year's content, making it difficult to adjust. Therefore, I will stick with "Gaiden" until the New Year's content is concluded!*
*It is the result of my, the snowman's, lack of coordination.*
*I am sorry.*