Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: Shrine Maidens = Bitches = Cow Tits = Meat Toilets
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"Is... is this the place?"
I'd come out to the meeting spot for a direct deal and was waiting for someone.
...To buy a figure of myself, no less.
Honestly, figure collecting wasn't a hobby I cared much about, but somehow my wallet had flown open on its own.
"It's my face, but damn, it's pretty cute..."
The delicate features and voluptuous curves were so stunning that even I couldn't help but admire them.
Beautiful enough that if I displayed it at home, I might spend the whole day just staring at it in a daze.
...Is this what they call narcissism?
"Um... excuse me, Bunny Bunny?"
"Carrot Carrot?"
While I was grinning to myself, the seller appeared before me, whispering our agreed code phrase.
"Um, nyahllo~?"
Turns out the person I'd been waiting for was a Japanese woman mangling her Korean.
And the black-haired beauty hesitating in front of me gave off a strangely lewd vibe, her ample breasts a stark contrast to her adorable face and petite frame.
"Wow, so kawaii..."
"Eeh...?!"
I couldn't help it—an awed sigh slipped from my lips, like I'd been enchanted.
...A Japanese shortstack cutie showing up to sell my figure? Is this some kinda rom-com?
"You're the buyer-chan, right?"
"Ah, yes."
"Here you go~..."
Anyway, I took the bag she handed me and peered intently into her eyes, but...
"Thank you. Um, by the way..."
"W-Well then, sayonara!!!"
"Ah?!"
I'd been hoping to invite her for coffee just in case, but she shot me down cold.
Ugh... she was so damn cute, too.
I'd hoped to get friendly on the spot, but no such luck.
"...Huh?"
But inside the bag I'd received, besides the figure box, there was a suspicious slip of paper.
[To Korea's Strongest Hunter - Ersia.] Hello? I'm Himiko, the youngest of Japan's S-rank Shrine Maiden sisters. I'm reaching out for support—the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons led by Demon King Hakurou is getting worse. My shrine maiden sisters and Korea's Hunter Lightning have already been defeated by the Demon King and forced into a temporary retreat. At this rate, not just Kyoto but the entire Kansai region is in danger. Only the Great Witch Ersia can overcome this crisis now. So please, reply to this letter. "Hmm, not your average seller, huh."
I have no idea how crazy modern espionage tech has gotten.
Swapping out a second-hand market seller for secret contact... that's pretty slick.
If it was a kunoichi or something, maybe.
"Guess I'll hit 'em up."
Demon King Hakurou was on my list anyway, and I could kill two birds with one stone by meeting this cute sushi girl too.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Japan's S-rank Hunter Himiko—known as the Kunoichi—had made contact with Ersia at her government's request.
...One of her specialties was even messing with internet second-hand sites.
Japan might chase that analog vibe, but to work as a kunoichi in the modern world, you had to get digital too.
Anyway, she'd hacked Ersia's contact info with shinobi techniques, then "requisitioned" (their word for swiped) the original seller's item.
After that, she played the real seller, made contact, and delivered the secret cooperation letter right on plan.
"...She's pretty."
But in that brief encounter, Himiko found herself quietly admiring Ersia's feminine allure.
Even through the mask, her beauty shone through, and that snowy silver hair was a rare sight in Japan.
Her plump hips and breasts only amplified her sensual charm.
'Her boobs are huge...'
Himiko's own chest—already ridiculously big—felt modest next to Ersia's rack.
Anyway, mission accomplished with the message delivered. Time to head back.
If Ersia was interested, she'd bite for sure.
With the government op wrapped up, Himiko returned to Japan.
Her big sisters would surely praise her for a job well done, right?
"Himiko, why'd you even deliver that letter?"
"Huh...?"
But her welcoming sisters were ice-cold.
"No need to play nice with some has-been hag."
"Yeah, if that Korean Hunter Lightning had done his job, we wouldn't need to call in favors."
"Eh..."
The eldest, Hakurei, and second sister, Shimiko, spat their words laced with resentment at needing outside help.
"That old bitch thinks she can hang? We sisters could've won easy!"
"Right? The government's acting like we retreated 'cause we're weak."
"..."
There were a few reasons they were pissed about the situation.
First, Demon King Hakurou's power was way beyond what they'd expected, forcing the retreat.
Second, the Japanese government didn't trust the Hakurei sisters' skills and called in Korea for backup.
And finally...
"Ersia—that scheming old vulture—stealing the spotlight? No way."
"Japan's Hunter scene belongs to us three sisters!"
They were paranoid about any threat to their status.
Unlike Himiko, her two sisters were the proud, greedy type.
"Oh darling~! What's up? Mmm... got it!"
But as the meeting dragged on, second sister Shimiko picked up a call in her sultry voice and started gossiping.
"...Shimiko, we're in a family meeting."
"Hehe, sorry~ Just had to chat with my man."
Two years older than the youngest, Shimiko was always knee-deep in scandals.
Rumors had her tangled up with famous actors, athletes—even the Chief Cabinet Secretary.
'Honestly, she doesn't even look that pretty anymore...'
Shimiko had her clean hime-cut and balanced slender figure, sure—but her loose ways made her beauty fade in Himiko's eyes.
'Lady Ersia... was way prettier than her...'
Ever since spotting Korea's Great Witch, no beauty had dazzled Himiko like before.
The eldest, Hakurei, rocked a neat ponytail and pure style—drawing eyes everywhere since her JK days.
But even Hakurei looked kinda plain next to Ersia's looks.
"Himiko, you listening?"
"Ah... yes!"
Snapped out of her looks comparison by Hakurei's quiet stare.
"We have high hopes for you. Make us proud in this subjugation op."
"...Yes."
Of course, Himiko wasn't in a position to judge them either.
Her bangs hid her eyes, making her look gloomy.
And everyone always teased her for tits too big on her tiny frame.
Could an ugly duckling like her ever measure up to Ersia?
'I'm jealous...'
Himiko once idolized her sisters, but now Ersia was her aspiration.
That immense power, upright character... gentle personality too.
So much to learn from her.
"Meeting adjourned! See you at the op briefing in a week!"
"Yes~!"
"Yes..."
Finally shaking off her thoughts, the sisters dispersed at eldest Hakurei's call.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Whoa, so this is Japan..."
Stepping off the plane, I soaked in the exotic scenery and hurried along.
As an S-rank, I'd enjoyed a comfy business-class flight, then followed a guide to the platform.
Now, where were the people supposed to pick me up...
"Ersia-sama desu ka?"
"Ah... uh, hai..."
Suddenly, a pack of burly Yakuza-lookin' guys covered in tattoos approached and spoke up.
...No Korean interpreters here, huh.
Guess I'll handle it with magic.
"Transform."
"?!"
"Ahem, nothing at all."
"Ah, yes..."
One spell for fluent Japanese, and the big Yakuza dude flinched in surprise.
"The young ladies sent us to escort you. This way."
They gestured casually, like it was no big deal, and led me off.
'I wanted to hit Akihabara...'
I'd figured they'd give me time for a quick tourist jaunt, but the Yakuza hustled me straight into the car.
I'd even picked out spots for proper karaage, soy wagyu donburi, yakiniku—kinda anticlimactic.
'If they have any decency, at least the food'll be good, right?'
Vrrr...
I climbed into the back seat, eyed the Yakuza at the wheel, then gazed out the window.
Come to think of it, those Shrine Maiden sisters are super popular in Japan...
'Hehe, maybe get an autograph?'
I'm pretty into subculture stuff, so I've always fantasized about shrine maidens and ninjas.
Like, summoning black flames a la Aster or double-meteor bombing with Susanoo.
Screech.
"We're here."
"Thanks."
The Yakuza announced our arrival, and I stepped out under escort.
Now, let's see how pretty Japan's idols are...
"You made it, granny."
"Think that flabby gut can even fight?"
"???"
But instead of greetings, they hurled insults cold as ice.
Ah... no, I literally did nothing.
"Isn't that a bit harsh for a first meeting?"
"Hmph! Great Witch or not, we'll show you you're no match for Japan's top shrine maidens!"
"Eh..."
Well, at least they ooze confidence. Guess I can trust that much.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Nyohoooooo~?!♡♡♡ My asshole's getting all loose~?!♡"
"Yamete...! Don't take the eggs in my ovaries~?!♡♡♡"
"Sigh."
I knew it'd be like this.