神社と……コスプレ？

[Hisa Takei]Sorry, Mihoko, for always dragging you with me when I go shopping.
[Mihoko Fukuji]Don't say that. It'd be a shame to stay in a hotel all day since we've come all the way to another city. I think it's great to go out for a trip.
To give all members of the Kiyosumi Mahjong Club more time to practice during the national tournament, the club president Hisa Takei decided to take on the responsibility of buying everyone's daily supplies.
Maybe it was just a coincidence, but she always seemed to run into Mihoko Fukuji who also came here to participate in the individual competition of the national tournament. As a result, they often went out together like this.
[Mihoko Fukuji]...Hisa, aren't you worried at all about what that person said just then?
[Hisa Takei]Just then? Oh, you mean the fortune teller?
Earlier, when Hisa was on her way back after shopping, seized by a whim, she decided to ask the fortune teller to read her fortune...
After fiddling with the tarot cards for a long time, the fortune teller only said: "Beware of the stairs". After that, the fortune teller refused to reveal more details no matter what Hisa said, so she scratched her head and left after paying the fee.
[Hisa Takei]"Beware of the stairs?" It sounds more like a safety warning in a public place than a reading from a fortune teller.
[Mihoko Fukuji]It's better to be safe than sorry. I can't shake the feeling that something isn't right.
[Hisa Takei]Well, even if I am to be careful, I don't think I can turn around whenever I see stairs, right? Mihoko, if you're so worried, why don't we pray for a blessing at the shrine here?
Hisa points at the torii gates along the stairs next to her. Logically, the steps should lead to a shrine.
[Hisa Takei]Nodoka would definitely complain about us being too superstitious if she finds out that we went to pray for blessings right after having our fortune told.
[Mihoko Fukuji]Ahaha... Well, since we're here... It'll be a pity not to make a prayer or two.
[Mihoko Fukuji]By the way, shrines usually sell souvenirs. Do you think it's a good idea to buy some as gifts for the others who are staying in Nagano?
[Hisa Takei]Ohh! Great minds think alike! I was just thinking of buying something for them. It's decided then. Let's go!
[Hisa Takei]Oh? This place is bigger than I expected.
The two of them thought that the shrine at the top of the stairs would be small, but they walked up there to be greeted by a grand sight.
If it wasn't for the buildings and furnishings such as the hall and money box on the side, they might really think that this well-tended courtyard in front of them belonged to some sort of mansion.
[Hisa Takei]Is this an attraction? How strange... I've never seen this place in a travel brochure.
[Mihoko Fukuji]Hisa, someone seems to have come here before us.
Hisa looks in the direction of the hall where the crisp bell sounds are coming from and sees a stylishly dressed girl standing there, praying with her back to them.
[Hisa Takei]What a coincidence. Imagine meeting you here. I remember you're from Achiga Girls'...
[Ako Atarashi](Hmm? Oh, it's Kiyosumi and Kazekoshi's...)
[Hisa Takei]It's the adult version of Yuuki.
[Ako Atarashi]I'm Ako Atarashi! Geez... Why does everyone keep saying that I look like that shorty? We look quite different, okay...
[Hisa Takei]Sorry! I was just joking.
[Mihoko Fukuji]It's been a while, Miss Atarashi. Congratulations on reaching the finals.
[Ako Atarashi]Thank you. We only managed to make it to the finals because players from Kazekoshi and the other schools trained with us. Are you here to pray for blessings?
[Mihoko Fukuji]Yes, we decided to take a look when we were passing by.
[Ako Atarashi]Same here. Well. I have something to do, so I'll be on my way. Take your time here.
Meeting her opponents by coincidence before the official match makes Ako feel a little embarrassed. Although the atmosphere isn't too bad because Mihoko is here, she decides to leave first after remembering the reminder of her supervisor, Harue Akado.
[Ako Atarashi](Harue said the president of Nodoka's team is their strategist. It would be bad if I have a slip of the tongue and give anything away. I better leave first...)
[Hisa Takei]...Is it just me, or did she seem a little cold? Was my joke too insensitive?
[Mihoko Fukuji]Miss Atarashi is a magnanimous person, I think she wouldn't get angry over something like that. Let's make a prayer too.
[Hisa Takei]I feel better hearing that since your judgment of people has always been very accurate. Okay, let's start praying!
[Ako Atarashi]...Argh!
The two girls are just about to put their hands together in prayer when they hear a strange shout from the direction of the entrance.
They run over to take a look and see Ako helping up a girl who has collapsed on the ground and is looking overwhelmed.
[Ako Atarashi]A-are you okay? Can you hear me, Miss Onjoji?
[Toki Onjoji]Urghh...
Hisa and Mihoko also know the girl in Ako's arms—Toki Onjoji, the vanguard and ace of the elite Senriyama Girl's High School.
[Mihoko Fukuji]I remember this girl fainted in the tournament. Shouldn't she be resting in the hospital? Why is she here?
[Ako Atarashi]I had barely taken a few steps when I saw her lying under the torii gate. Where is Miss Shimizudani? Where is her guardian?
[Hisa Takei]We can't leave her here like this. You two look after her while I ask the staff here if we can find a place for her to rest.
[???]It isn't necessary to ask about a matter so trivial!
[Mihoko Fukuji](Er... When did this person arrive?)
In both Mahjong and life, Mihoko is a person who is extremely sensitive to her surroundings, so the sudden appearance of the girl in front of them surprised her more than the other two.
[Kaguyahime]Oh? Why are you all standing there like silly ducks...! Oh, I know! You must all be blown away and completely speechless in my dazzling presence! I understand. It's only natural for mortals to have this reaction when they meet deities!
While it's true that everyone is shocked and speechless, it isn't what the woman thinks.
[Hisa & Ako](Oh my... W-what's with that flamboyant outfit?!)
[Kaguyahime]Could this child be suffering from heatstroke? That wouldn't be strange at all since it's quite hot today.
[Kaguyahime]Since I'm in such a good mood, I'll allow you to rest in the shrine. Follow me!
The woman walks towards the corridor on her own. The three girls come to their senses and hurriedly thank her before helping Toki follow after her.
[Kaguyahime](Hmm... They are all so quiet... They must be touched by my kindness.)
[Mihoko Fukuji]...Miss Atarashi, can a shrine staff... wear cosplay so brazenly in the shrine? (whisper)
[Ako Atarashi]No way, this is too strange... (whisper)
[Hisa Takei]Although it's strange, it's quite... unique... (whisper)
[Hisa Takei]Phew! It's so much cooler here!
[Mihoko Fukuji]Thank you for letting us rest in here, Miss Kaguyahime.
[Kaguyahime]Don't mention it. I'm just doing what any good host would do.
[Wanjirou]This isn't your shrine, so stop pretending to be the deity of the shrine, woof!
[Wanjirou]Here, put this ice pack on that little lady's forehead. It'll make her feel more comfortable, woof!
[Ako Atarashi]Thanks! You're so helpful.
The ice pack is very effective. Toki's breathing has eased a lot after applying it to her forehead.
[Kaguyahime]Muhahaha! Wanjirou, are you feeling jealous of the thanks I'm receiving from the mortals? That's so unseemly of you.
[Wanjirou]Stupid rabbit, the heat must have made you delirious too. Go grab an ice pack for yourself, woof!
[Kaguyahime]How dare you call me a stupid rabbit! Even if I need one, one of you should bring one over and serve me!
[Hisa Takei]I'll go get it. You've given us a place to rest and an ice pack. I'll feel bad if I don't do something back for you. By the way, Mr. Wanjirou, aren't you hot with such a thick coat of fur?
[Wanjirou]As long as one doesn't get shocked by everything like a certain someone, you'll naturally feel cool when your mind is calm, woof!
[Hisa Takei]Oh! That's really impressive determination.
[Hisa Takei](It sure is hard to work at a shrine in this day and age. Not only do you have to cosplay, but you even have to wear an animal body suit on such a hot day.)
[Ako Atarashi]But this really is a strange shrine. There's actually a Mahjong table here.
[Wanjirou]Well, we spend most of our time here playing Mahjong, woof.
[Ako Atarashi]Is... is that so...
[Mihoko Fukuji]That's quite like the atmosphere at Eisui Girls' High School.
[Wanjirou]Eisui Girls' High School? I don't know which shrine you're talking about, but the Mahjong here at Mahjong Soul Shrine isn't the same as the Mahjong you usually play, woof.
[Wanjirou]Something unexpectedly good will happen if you win here, woof.
[Mihoko Fukuji]Something good will happen?
[Kaguyahime]Speaking of which, why is the shorty taking so long to find someone to stand in for the game? I've been waiting so long that I'm getting sleepy.
[Hisa Takei]...If you don't mind, we can stand in for now. My hands are getting itchy for some action after seeing a Mahjong table!
[Hisa Takei]What do you say? Mihoko. There's still quite some time until dinner, so it should be okay to play for a while.
[Mihoko Fukuji]I see... Just as well. The Senriyama girl still hasn't awakened, so I feel uneasy leaving like this.
[Hisa Takei]What about you, Miss Atarashi? Will you join us? Or do you have somewhere else to be?
[Ako Atarashi]The sun is so strong outside, and the UV is bad for my skin, so I think it's a good idea to play for a little bit before I go back. However, I thought we can't play against each other right now?
[Mihoko Fukuji]Hisa, don't forget that you're competitors in the finals. According to the rules, you're not allowed to have private matches before the finals.
[Hisa Takei]Oh... I think you're right. Well, Mihoko, you can play then. I'll just watch from the side.
[Hisa Takei]I'm sorry, Miss Atarashi. I invited you to play, but I...
[Ako Atarashi]That's okay. I was planning on leaving after Miss Onjoji wakes up anyway. I feel uneasy about just leaving her here.
[Hisa Takei]It seems that I'm overthinking things! Good luck, Mihoko! You need to get to the TOP.
[Mihoko Fukuji]Hehe, I'll do my best.
[Wanjirou]Let's start now that we have enough players, woof!
[Kaguyahime]Muahaha! Have a taste of the majesty of a deity, mortals!