The Miko is a type of clergy, a profession with a long and storied history.
In several nations, primarily those in the East, the profession or position of Miko has existed. The Japanese Miko, which has continued into the modern era, is the most widely known.
The Miko of the Far East, also known as Kamiko (God Child), were legendary figures who could become vessels for the gods, channeling their will and performing duties such as prayer, exorcism, and rituals.
A Far East folklorist pointed out in one of his works that in ancient times, all women possessed a latent spiritual power for sorcery, and any of them could become a Miko.
This ability to communicate with the gods shrouded them in an aura of mystery among the populace.
Such a clerical role, combined with their unique "spirit-channeling" abilities, placed the Miko at the pinnacle of power in ancient times.
The era in Japanese history where women were revered over men and empresses frequently appeared was also related to the Miko worship of that time.
After all... in ancient times when productivity was less developed, wondrous and magical arts were the best way to explain everything.
Yae Sakura was the Miko of the Yae Shrine in Yae Village, located in the Shinano province of the Far East.
However, she was very different from her peers.
In the center of the shrine, the gracefully figured woman took up the spirit blade that was enshrined there.
She was an exceptionally rare beauty.
Her sakura-pink hair cascaded down to her waist, and her cyan pupils were like jewels.
Her attire was an off-the-shoulder Miko uniform with a black undergarment, a shimenawa tied around her waist, and a plaid skirt below.
A purple scarf was wrapped around her neck, adorned with a pendant bearing the mark of the Fox God. A knot was tied into the shimenawa, and on her feet were long, purple boots.
Except for the lack of a pair of crimson beast ears, she looked identical to the Pseudo-Herrscher who had emerged from the seal.
The woman who had taken up the exorcism blade did not linger in the main hall for long, quickly making her way to the area behind the shrine.
And then—
Whoosh—!
The slender spirit blade danced through the air, creating a whistling wind.
The woman, who was more warrior than Miko, brandished the longsword in her hands in the open field. The sweeping blade reflected a cold light under the sun.
The techniques were honed in battle against wild beasts! The moves were not refined, but broad and powerful.
However, that sword style, which could hardly be called refined, was enough to make the vast majority of samurai turn pale.
Yae Sakura's swings were too fast. She didn't seem human at all; she was more like a phantom!
The power contained within them was even more astonishing!
It was no exaggeration to say that before that sharp blade, which carried immense force, even the most prized armor would be cleaved apart like butter sliced by a dinner knife.
Of all the martial arts in the world, only speed is unbreakable, and only power is unbeatable.
Possessing speed and strength far beyond that of an ordinary person, she was a natural-born Kengo!
Evidently, the Miko of Yae Shrine did not need to rely on "spirit channeling" and other such divine mumbo-jumbo to make a living.
Her mission as a Miko was to protect the villagers. Her duties involved driving away wild beasts, slaying demonic monsters, and... performing rituals.
Yae Sakura disliked the last one very much.
But if it didn't rain for years on end and a ritual was required, she would still perform it according to the villagers' wishes.
Performing the ritual was a Miko's most important duty.
To refuse a ritual due to her own personal resistance was not something an outstanding Miko should do.
"Big sister, you have to become an excellent Miko, okay!"
Her sister's last words from four years ago were still clear in her mind, and that tear-streaked smile had never faded from her memory.
Am I an outstanding Miko now?
The Miko, bound by her mission, recalled her sister's dying words and silently swung her spirit blade, honing her martial arts.
Yae Sakura wasn't particularly fond of swordsmanship, either.
But a Miko's duty was to protect the village.
Training hard and becoming stronger would bring her closer to being an outstanding Miko.
I must not fail to live up to Rin's expectations.
She continuously swung the exorcism blade, the sharp edge cutting through the air again and again, leaving behind a trail of deadly afterimages.
And then—
A man's voice rang out, interrupting Yae Sakura's sword practice.
"Lady Miko, I have something to report to you."
Yae Sakura turned her head and saw a middle-aged man who, despite his beard, was still quite handsome.
His eyes shared the same color as her own.
"Lord Kannushi, is what you wish to discuss the upcoming ritual?"
Yae Sakura looked at the man with whom she shared blood ties, her expression cold and detached as she inquired.
"If you are speaking of the ritual, I am already prepared. There is no need for you to repeat yourself."
It hadn't rained in the village for three months. As was customary, it was time to select a sacrifice to offer to the gods in exchange for their protection.
Yae Sakura had been a Miko for four years. She was already accustomed to performing the ritual, to trading a vibrant life for a downpour of rain.
"Sakura, you have become a very outstanding Miko."
The man who had once led the villagers to capture her as she tried to flee with her sister, the man who had then held her hand as he killed Yae Rin, now wore an expression of deep gratification.
An outstanding Miko?
Yae Sakura, who had promised her beloved sister she would become one, fell into a long silence.
So, I am already an outstanding Miko?
Does that mean I have fulfilled my promise to Rin?
She unconsciously brought her free hand to her chest, tapping it in confusion, wanting an answer.
What she received was not an answer, but emptiness.
"A terrifying bear monster has appeared outside the village."
The Kannushi did not give Yae Sakura much time to ponder the meaning behind that emptiness.
He spoke, reporting on the unfortunate situation of the village.
"A villager has already been eaten."
"If we let it live, it will bring even more disaster."
Hearing the words from the Kannushi, the girl who was less a Miko and more the guardian of Yae Village couldn't help but tighten her grip on the spirit blade in her hand.
"Kannushi, do you know the exact location of that bear monster?"
Without much hesitation, she asked for the demon's whereabouts.
"It is to the west of the village."
The Kannushi of Yae Shrine pointed in a certain direction.
"If we wait until nightfall, the bear monster will come out to forage for food, and the people of the village may be killed by it."
Yae Sakura lifted her head and glanced at the sky.
The sun in the sky was already moving westward.
It was already afternoon. If she didn't hurry, it would be difficult to stop the bear monster from foraging.
It seemed she had to act quickly.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, Yae Sakura sheathed the spirit blade named Sakura Fubuki.
"I will eliminate the bear monster as quickly as possible and restore peace to the village."
The Miko of Yae Shrine said to the Kannushi, then turned towards the indicated direction and advanced without a single look back.