Chapter 109: Preparations Must Be Thorough (Extra Chapter with Monthly Ticket Bonus)

Originally, since they had decided to learn exorcism techniques, the group should have returned immediately to Shimogamo Shrine to begin intense and rigorous training. But this was none other than Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a renowned tourist attraction in Kyoto.

Having come all this way and paid for the tickets, it would be a waste not to enjoy themselves before heading back. At least, that was how Qiao Qiao felt.

The six shrine maidens happily went to rent kimonos and quickly changed into them. However, among these six girls, at least five were locals from Kyoto, and the remaining one frequently visited the Kansai region. Was it really okay for them to be so excited?

Qiao Qiao sat inside a dango shop, patiently waiting, holding a freshly purchased skewer of matcha dango in his hand.

He had to admit, adding matcha to sweets was truly a brilliant invention. The slight bitterness counteracted the overwhelming sweetness, elevating the flavor profile. If it had been the original sweet dango, Qiao Qiao would be satisfied after two skewers. But with matcha dango, he could easily eat three!

At the same time, a thought crossed his mind. Since adding matcha enhanced the taste, what if chili peppers were added to create spicy mala dango? Would that be even more popular?

Nowadays, with the craze for bubble tea, perhaps incorporating tapioca pearls into dango to create pearl dango could also become a hit.

He shared these ideas with the shop owner.

The owner gave Qiao Qiao a somewhat puzzled look.

Buzz—his phone vibrated. Checking it, Qiao Qiao saw a message on Line from Saori Iguchi, whom he had just met.

[Saori-chan's Grand Success]: Qiao-san, how was my acting just now? Did I make them so annoyed they were grinding their teeth?

[Qiao Qiao]: Well done, the effect was excellent.

[Saori-chan's Grand Success]: Glad to hear that. Honestly, I’ve been annoyed with Maki Araki’s lazy attitude for a while. Since you’re friends with Fujiwara-san, I had to help out.

[Qiao Qiao]: Let me treat you to a meal sometime. Thanks again.

Putting away his phone, Qiao Qiao sipped his tea.

After confirming the need to train these shrine maidens, the first thing Qiao Qiao did was to find them a reason to fight. Aimless soldiers do not make competent warriors; true fighters must have a cause worth fighting for.

Having read through the profiles of these shrine maidens, Qiao Qiao had some ideas but still needed a catalyst.

So, he sought help from the experts in the Tokyo Exorcism Enthusiasts Association.

He successfully contacted Ayano Fujiwara and asked her to connect with Saori Iguchi from the main Tenmangu Shrine.

Saori Iguchi was mentioned in Maki Araki’s profile as a kind of rival.

What followed was only natural.

While the shrine maidens were watching the horror film “Ju-on,” Qiao Qiao contacted Saori to confirm their next steps.

Then, he arranged for the maidens to “accidentally” encounter Saori at the studio park.

Using Saori’s words, they emotionally provoked the shrine maidens.

Qiao Qiao himself fanned the flames.

By all accounts, it was a success.

Initially, Qiao Qiao thought he would have to spend much time unraveling their psychological barriers one incident at a time, like the famous exorcist Oni O Eikichi, but that would leave too little time.

He figured the shrine maidens’ identities actually provided them with many advantages.

Though they were not yet skilled in exorcism, their spiritual power and training kept their minds sharp and bodies healthy.

For these inexperienced high school girls, once they tasted the essence of spiritual power and realized its wonders, they could easily become addicted.

Qiao Qiao was referring to spiritual energy.

Thus, although they verbally resisted, their bodies were obedient.

This applied to learning exorcism as well.

Moreover, having witnessed vengeful spirits firsthand, these girls understood the preciousness of having spiritual power capable of dispelling such curses.

While pondering this, Qiao Qiao saw the girls returning.

He was no stranger to appreciating beauty; honestly, each of them was quite lovely.

Especially Ariko Asano.

She chose a kimono of pale yellow with pure white pear blossom patterns. Her long hair was tied up and adorned with a pear blossom hairpin. She seemed somewhat shy, probably not used to wearing kimonos in front of others, which added a certain charm.

Maki Araki wore a red kimono with white patterns, embodying the traditional colors of shrine maidens.

Ryoko Kitagawa’s was a deep purple with coin motifs, unmistakably the attire of a noblewoman.

Haruka Sasaki opted for a plain light green kimono with subtle cloud patterns at the sleeves, simple and unassuming.

Kotone Hashimoto’s was a classic pink with cherry blossom designs, reflecting a timid choice in clothing.

Nanase Hayami found a rather trendy kimono covered with various emoji-like symbols, quite modern.

Truth be told, as he walked among these six young women, Qiao Qiao attracted the most gazes.

At first, many were curious about who this wealthy young man was, accompanied by six distinct beauties.

But upon seeing Qiao Qiao’s face, they fell silent.

“This must be some celebrity filming a show,” they thought.

“Where’s the camera?”

The thought crossed their minds.

Besides the Edo-period architecture, the studio park offered numerous amusements.

For example, an outdoor set linked to the “Masked Rider” series, where visitors could experience the filming process or even participate.

There was also the Ninja House, a place to dress as a ninja and enter rooms designed to disorient through visual tricks, including climbing challenges, plus daily ninja performances at scheduled times.

Additionally, there were classic amusement events like the Oiran procession and street juggling acts.

Curiously, Qiao Qiao even spotted a collaboration event for “Pretty O”—after all, Toei operated the studio park.

“Suzuka might really enjoy this place,” he murmured, having received a Line message from her just minutes earlier. She seemed to have gone shopping with a Kyoto-based Vtuber friend.

He wondered if that friend knew Suzuka’s true identity.

Watching the elaborately dressed oiran gracefully parade down the street to classical music, followed by samurai and ninja attendants, Qiao Qiao glanced at shrine maiden Asano beside him.

She appeared to be enjoying herself.

Just then, a green hand gently tugged at Qiao Qiao’s sleeve.

“Exorcist-sama,” said the kappa from the haunted house ticket booth.

Since many people on the street were dressed like yokai, the kappa’s appearance did not cause fear.

“What is it?” Qiao Qiao asked as they stepped away from the crowd.

“Actually, we’ve recently encountered a problem,” the kappa said, rubbing its hands anxiously.

“Hm?” Qiao Qiao inquired.

“There have been vengeful spirits causing trouble here in the studio park,” the kappa said, looking at him with pleading eyes.

“What?”

What kind of world was this?

Monsters asking a human exorcist to eliminate vengeful spirits?

Qiao Qiao was bewildered.