I loaded the geek game

"squeak!"

Upon hearing the young head of the family, Kanoya, say that they would clean up the basement together, Goujin was naturally full of enthusiasm.

The white ribbon tied to its head, like a headscarf, fluttered up and wiped away the traces left by the crawling gem crystal insect.

At the same time, the mouse shook the wooden basin in its hand.

Compared to before, this wooden basin now has a vibrant and lively painted design around its rim. It depicts two graceful cuckoos with colorful plumage, looking at each other with lifelike detail.

As the grime swayed the wooden basin, the painted decorations on its surface trembled.

"Chirp!"

With two clear and melodious calls, two painted cuckoos flapped their wings and nimbly flew out from the patterns on the edge of the wooden basin.

They hovered lightly in the basement, and wherever they passed, whether it was the water stains created by Mimiko or the melted snow water sprinkled by Hiyoribo, they were all drawn by an invisible suction force, turning into thin streams of water that fell precisely back into the wooden basin held high by Kouhachi.

These two azaleas originated from the strange relics that Gouchang acquired last year.

It comes from a type of yokai called Kamubori Nyudo.

In the folk beliefs of the northeastern region of Japan, such as Iwate and Aomori prefectures, Kamupari Nyūdō is usually described as a bald, monk-robed monster or spirit that spits out cuckoos and wanders around the toilet.

Sometimes it is depicted as only showing a bald head in the toilet.

It is not a malevolent spirit that harms people; it is generally regarded as the guardian of toilets. It is said that if people keep their toilets clean and treat them with reverence, entering the Kamupari monastery will bring good fortune; conversely, if the toilet is dirty or disrespectful, it may bring illness or misfortune.

Furthermore, "Kamupali Śūraṅgama" should actually be translated as "Skull Monk." The word "Kamupali" originates from Sanskrit and means "skull" or "crane." In Tantric Buddhism, it specifically refers to skull artifacts made from the skull.

Esoteric Buddhism believes that transforming a corpse, which is considered "impure," into the most "pure" vessel for enlightenment.

In short, the "skull" in Buddhism symbolizes extreme "impurity," and the toilet is precisely an "impure" place in daily life. Therefore, Kamupari Nyudo is a strange monster born from the application of Buddhist ideas such as "impurity contemplation" and "skeletal contemplation"—which aim to purify the fear of death—to the "filth" of daily excrement.

It represents the extreme transformation from "filth" to "purity".

This property of merging filth and purity is very suitable for defilement.

Before falling into a deep sleep, Kamiyagawa instructed Takamagahara to find a way to elevate Gokujo to the status of an Aragami.

Although it was only a verbal instruction, Takamagahara, who was extremely efficient in his execution, would definitely take it seriously and do it.

The strange relic that allowed the rat to absorb Kamuhari into the Dao was orchestrated by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Takamagahara, mainly by the Vice Minister of Education and Culture, Fukusa-baba.

Granny Fukusa and her Ainu missionary team were well-versed in the operational logic of traditional beliefs. Promoting the cultivation of Aragami within Takamagahara and the subsequent construction of a corresponding belief system was one of their core tasks.

Currently, they have already constructed a feasible path for Gouchang to ascend to the status of a Wild God in the future.

Absorbing Kamubori's relics was an important part of the plan, serving as a springboard.

This not only enhanced the rat's attributes of filth and cleanliness, but also gave it the conceptual power of "toilet guardian" similar to that of Kamupori Nyudo.

In this way, the construction strategy for the Aragami Shrine after the Gouki-kyu becomes very clear:

If all goes well, it will become a "peaceful deity," or in simpler terms...

Toilet God.

Although the name of this toilet god is not particularly pleasant, and even somewhat "vulgar," in Japan, which is said to have "eight million gods," the toilet god belief is a legitimate and orthodox belief.

In fact, the Ministry of Education and Culture in Takamagahara has now begun to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enshrine special statues belonging to the Kakujo (a type of Japanese deity) at toilet shrines throughout the world.

The tiny mouse has already developed a clear understanding of the divine way!

I believe that when Kamiyagawa wakes up in the future, the thought that was once somewhat sarcastic—"Even the housekeeper in my house is an Aragami"—can be realized.

……

After completing the cleanup work with the ghost stories of Gokujō and others, and having Hiyoribou use her "little sun" ability to thoroughly evaporate the last remaining moisture in the basement, Kanoya finally returned to her sun-drenched living room on the first floor with peace of mind.

She sat down again at the low table and picked up the mechanical pencil.

The rustling sound of pen strokes rang out again, and the story continued to unfold on the paper.

I don't know how much time passed, maybe just the time it takes to finish a few frames.

"Oh~ oh~ so good, so good."

A familiar and affectionate voice, the soft and sweet voice of a Zashiki-warashi, came clearly from the direction of the corridor.

The little deer paused, its pencil hovering over a certain line.

She turned around with some curiosity and looked at the sliding door leading from the living room to the hallway.

A zashiki-warashi dressed in a pure white kimono appeared in the corridor by the door, carefully holding a little girl who looked to be about a year old.

As she walked, she gently patted the doll's back, humming a soft, soothing melody that was slightly off-key.

This maternal quality, reminiscent of a "little mother," is somewhat similar to that of the former Master Prajna. Of course... this refers to Master Prajna's usual serene state.

"Yeah~ Yeah~"

Behind Zashiki, there were two other children, a boy and a girl, around one year old, crawling on the floor, trying their best to follow Zashiki's steps.

The little boy climbed faster, but would stop every now and then, turn around and look at the little girl who was a step behind with his wet eyes, making short, babbling sounds.

It was like urging someone on, and also like encouraging them.

"You should call her Zashiki-neechan."

Zashiki turned her head, her small face beaming with a satisfied and smug smile, and the iconic ahoge on her head swayed playfully as she turned her head.

As she spoke, she puffed out her little chest, seemingly trying to make herself look more reliable, even though the drool from the doll in her arms had already quietly dampened her pure white cuffs.

The three children, of course, couldn't speak clearly yet. They responded with cute, babbling syllables that were not quite clear in meaning. Their big, round eyes looked curiously at the zashiki, then at their surroundings, while their little arms and legs continued to move around.

Zashiki didn't seem to mind and appeared to enjoy the feeling of being "followed".

She continued to hold the well-behaved doll in her arms, leading the two babbling "little followers" behind her, slowly walking along the sun-drenched corridor, forming a crooked yet inexplicably orderly little line, through the open door of the living room.

The Zashiki was accompanied by Kamiya's three children.

After Kamiya ascended to the throne and fell into slumber, deities took turns guarding the perimeter of the newly built Takamagahara Shrine. As for the interior of the shrine, only Kaname, Himawari, and other core members who were extremely close to Kamiya were allowed to enter.

These three children were the ones that Kanoya and his junior sister took out of the Takamagahara Shrine last year.

"So cute."

Kanoya watched the small "Boy Scout" patrol disappear around the corner of the corridor, a soft smile unconsciously creeping onto his lips.

She marveled at how reliable Fu Bao was at taking care of the child, then turned back to continue drawing, only to suddenly realize something...

"wrong!"

Xiao Lu let out a soft cry, and casually tossed the pencil in her hand, which rolled a few times on the low table.

She practically sprang from the cushion, frantically rushing out of the living room and chasing after the hallway where the zashiki and children had disappeared.

"Wait, Zashiki! Shouldn't the babies have already returned to the mortal world by now?!"

The current childcare time has expired!

……

"It's supposed to be a day off... but it feels more tiring than my usual training days..."

Kanoya finally returned to the doorway of the living room in his home.

She saw her junior sister, Tsurumi Aoi, sitting upright in front of a low table in the living room with her back to the door. Her smooth black hair was tied into a neat ponytail at the back of her head. Even in the relaxed atmosphere of her home, her posture carried a touch of the dignified composure unique to a practitioner.

"Kui, you're back," Kanoya greeted.

My junior colleague didn't rest this afternoon; instead, she went to the countermeasures headquarters.

Upon hearing this, Tsurumi turned her head slightly. Her expression remained calm, though a hint of relief after completing her work flashed in her eyes: "Senior sister, dinner is already being prepared."

A delicious aroma could indeed be smelled coming from the kitchen, a blend of the mild scent of miso soup and the smoky aroma of grilled food.

It's likely that Daishi and Takayama are already preparing dinner.

Xiaolu nodded and went into the living room. She noticed that the sketches she had scattered on the low table that afternoon, which she hadn't had time to tidy up, were now neatly stacked and placed in one corner of the table. The edges were aligned, and there wasn't a trace of mess.

Tsurumi, however, maintained his upright posture, with a blank sheet of paper spread out in front of him, holding a pen and writing something meticulously.

The rustling sound of the pen tip gliding across the paper was regular and clear.

It's probably a report on exorcism... or a document from the countermeasures office.

Kanoya thought to himself.

Xiao Kui is just that kind of earnest person.

Kanoya didn't disturb his junior sister; he simply sat down naturally on the cushion next to her and relaxed.

After a while, Tsurumi put down her pen, seemingly having finished. Her gaze didn't immediately leave the paper, but instead shifted slightly, landing on the stack of drawings she had neatly arranged on the corner of the table:

"Senior sister, your comic..."

"You've seen it?"

"Hmm." Tsurumi nodded, his face still expressionless. "It's different from before."

By now, Tsurumi has long known about his senior's "personal hobby"—his senior seems to enjoy creating some... strange comics with rather unique plots and character relationships, and stories that often unfold in a rather "intense" way, to relax.

But the drawings on the low table are different from the previous ones.

"Of course it's different."

Upon hearing this, Kanoya's eyes lit up. She straightened her back and, in a tone as if announcing major news, clearly stated, "This time—it's a work for those coming ashore!"

The comic strip Xiaolu was creating this afternoon:

The story revolves around a young exorcist named Taiga Kanzaki and his energetic, sometimes clumsy, but exceptionally talented female apprentice, Kanoko. The manga unfolds as this master-apprentice duo solves urban ghost stories and supernatural events, resulting in a series of hilarious, heartwarming, and slightly adventurous daily adventures.

It's the kind of serious light comedy manga that, even if submitted to the magazine "Hyakki Yagyō" (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons), might be seriously considered and adopted by the editors.

Of course, Xiaolu had no intention of making this story, which belonged to her, public.

"I like this story."

Tsurumi gave a concise yet very positive review of this "serious manga".

Her clear gaze fell on the drawing, as if she could see through the lines a familiar ease and warmth.

"Hehe, maybe I actually have the potential to be a cartoonist!"

Xiao Lu was even more pleased with herself for gaining her junior's approval.

"And this is for you, senior sister."

Instead of continuing the discussion about "potential to become a manga artist," Tsurumi gently pushed the sheet of paper in front of him, which had just been filled with writing, towards Kanoya.

"what is this?"

The little deer curiously took it and looked down at it.

The handwriting on the paper was neat and orderly, but the content... did not seem to be the serious mission report or cultivation notes she had expected.

"The detailed outline I wrote for the sequel to my senior's comic."

Tsurumi explained in her usual calm yet serious tone.

"Huh?" Little Deer froze, holding the paper, a little confused.

"It mainly lays the groundwork for the appearance of Kanzaki Taiga's second female disciple, 'Mitsuba Aoi,' and also sets the stage for how Kanzaki Taiga will meet this second disciple and gradually build a deep bond with her..."

Tsurumi further explained that the logic was clear and the details were specific, suggesting that it had been carefully considered.

"Huh—? There's no second disciple!" Little Deer finally realized, "Little Sunflower, this is a manga I drew! The main characters, master and disciple, are only Kanzaki Taiga and Kanoko!"

Upon hearing this, Tsurumi merely blinked, his long eyelashes fluttering gently, his expression remaining innocent yet earnest, as if to say:

I know, so what?

The little deer puffed out her cheeks slightly, finding it amusing, then pretended to be angry: "At least it's in my own comic..."

Seeing her senior sister's sullen yet helpless expression, Tsurumi's lips curved upwards into a gentle, spring-like smile. She calmly met her senior sister's gaze and, in that characteristic tone—a tone tinged with straightforwardness and self-assurance—softly said:

"Senior sister, you can't have Master all to yourself."

Whether it's reality or a parallel world in a comic book.

"Well--"

Looking at his junior sister, who had a serious expression but a determined look in her eyes, Kanoya's anger at the "altered" plot gradually dissipated, replaced by a more comforting warmth.

Xiao Kui seems to have become more lively than before.

She's no longer the aloof girl who always kept to herself, hiding all her thoughts and feelings. She'll actively express her preferences, and even use this slightly cunning way to "protest" and fight for her "presence."

That's not bad either.

"Really... alright, alright, you win." Kanoya carefully folded the outline her junior sister had written and placed it next to her own drawing. "However, the final development of the plot is in my hands! If 'Mitsuba Aoi' doesn't perform well or isn't cute enough, I'll keep her as a background character forever!"

She deliberately put on a stern face, adopting a serious "editor" demeanor.

“Hmm.” Tsurumi nodded, seemingly unconcerned about the “threat,” but the faint smile in her eyes deepened a little. “I think ‘she’… will definitely do well, senior sister.”

From the kitchen, just in time, came the gentle voice of Takayama Mai calling out that dinner was ready, and the aroma of the food became even more enticing.

Outside the courtyard, the setting sun withdrew its last golden rays, the horizon transitioning from warm orange to a vibrant violet. The final, almost transparent ray of sunlight slanted through the clean glass sliding doors, leaping lightly and weightlessly into the room—

The light brushed past the two female disciples who were still playfully bickering. It cast a soft, golden halo over Kanoya's flowing hair and Tsurumi's smooth ponytail.

The ink soaked into the stack of drawings on the low table that contained the adventures and daily life of "Taiga Kanzaki and Kanoko," and equally illuminated the neatly written and logically clear outline of the "Mitsuba Aoi Appearance Plan" next to it.

Finally, the light shifted subtly, completely illuminating the whiteboard hanging on one side of the living room wall.

The notes held in place by colored magnets on the whiteboard faded into the background, except for the Polaroid photo of the three members of the Kamiya family, frozen in the center, precisely illuminated by the small twilight glow of this final kiss. (End of Chapter)