Shibou Valley

Takumi felt a chilling sensation when he felt someone press a drink can to his cheek.

"Drink first!"

"Minami-san!"

Itsuki Minami sat beside Takumi. He opened the soft drink can and drank it.

"This is what I was worried about from the start, Akazawa."

Takumi was silent. He waited for Itsuki to continue his sentence.

"I approached her so you wouldn't get too involved with her, but you accuse me of wanting her. We never know what Sakurako's real intentions are."

"W-what do you mean, Minami?"

"Sakurako is actually different from you. You shouldn't have feelings for her," Itsuki said casually.

Takumi didn't understand at all what Itsuki meant. What's the difference? If Itsuki mean gender, of course it's different. Takumi is a boy, while Sakurako is a girl, right?

"From now on, pretend you never know Sakurako again, Akazawa! That would be much better for you guys."

Itsuki walked away, leaving Takumi who was still dumbfounded at the strange words of his classmate.

***

Shibou Valley is a place in the Other World, where the kitsune live. These kitsune are under the control of the Hyuugahito Kingdom. This kingdom is ruled by a capable, clever, just and wise king named King Hayashi. However, during a battle with the buffalo demon a few weeks ago, King Hayashi was killed. He left behind one daughter and one niece.

When the war was over, all that was left was Prince Saburo, the nephew of King Hayashi. Princess Sakurako and Commander Toneri were declared dead in battle. The entire Hyugatsuki Race mourned that.

The state of affairs is chaotic. Many revolts everywhere to overthrow King Saburo as temporary King. The military of the Hyuugahito Kingdom also weakened after the abandonment of their leader.

However, a few days ago somehow the story of Princess Sakurako has returned. Back with the Commander-in-Chief of the Ootsuga army. The Ootsuga Army is the chosen army of the Hyuugahito Kingdom.

Now it was as if the spirit of the soldiers was rekindled. They were ready to receive orders from their commander, Toneri.

Sakurako was in the meeting room with King Saburo and Toneri.

"Tomorrow your coronation as Queen will be carried out, My Sister," said Saburo softly.

Sakurako was silent. She had been holding back her anger ever since.

"Stop it, Older Brother! How can you talk about my coronation when our kingdom is in chaos?" Sakurako said loudly.

Saburo did not object. He preferred to avoid his sister's gaze.

"This cowardly me instead chose to hide in the Mortal Realm, leaving you with all this mess."

"It's not your fault, My Sister," interrupted Saburo.

In the midst of the debate, the sound of a trumpet sounded. If the trumpet sounded, it was a sign that this kingdom had been attacked.

Saburo, Sakurako and Toneri are on standby.

***

Takumi's behavior is getting weirder by the day. Everyone he meets looks like Sakurako. He even calls his sister 'Rako-chan'. He seemed too lazy to do anything. Lazy to eat, lazy to study, lazy to do activities.

It's just watching dramas that Takumi isn't lazy. You see, he has to finish the drama to tell Sakurako the ending one day.

Itsuki is annoyed to see Takumi whose job is just lying on the bench while staring at the window. It was also possible that Takumi expected Sakurako to appear suddenly at the window.

"Oi, are you all right, Akazawa?"

"I'm 'nothing', Minami," replied Takumi Akazawa, lazily. "How can I be okay when my inspiration is somewhere right now."

"Hufftt ...." Itsuki took a deep breath. He can't bear to see Takumi like that all the time. However, if he told him all that, it would become troublesome for him.