Where Loyalties Lie (
Short Summary[]
Kiun evaluates Yato's loyalty to Heaven on Takemikazuchi's behalf. Yato and Bishamonten encourage their guides to reconcile with one another at the upcoming 26XXth Divine Council.
Extended Summary[]
When Hiyori arrives at Kofuku's house, Yukine explains that they have a guest visiting.
Upstairs, the guest introduces himself to the group. It is Kiun, the shinki of Takemikazuchi who took the form of a lightning dragon and partook in the subjugation of the previous Ebisu. Yukine offers them tea, but Yato is upset to be showing Kiun any sort of hospitality due to his role in killing Ebisu.
Kiun then reveals his reason for the visit. Since Yato has recently been added to the Heavenly Register, Kiun is there to determine whether Yato is loyal to Amaterasu (the highest goddess in Heaven) and willing to comply with the will of the Heavens. Yato says that although it was his long-time dream to be accepted by the Heavens, he now dislikes to idea because of what happened to Ebisu. When he questions why Kiun is asking, he replies that it is a simple formality before receiving an invitation to the Divine Council. Yato prods further, asking why Kiun specifically was sent rather than one of the Heavenly Guard. Instead of providing a direct answer, Kiun goes on to explain that if Yato does not pledge loyalty, his Heavenly Registration will be revoked, his shrine will be demolished, and the Yatogami faith will be named a cult. Yato interrupts him by immediately and enthusiastically expression support for Amaterasu. Yukine scolds him for betraying Ebisu and Hiyori assures him she can build him a new shrine, but Yato insists that he'd rather be a turd than be called a cult. During their argument, Kiun takes a photo and sends a message to his master that Yato has capitulated. Kiun then gives Yato an inviation to the 26XXth Divine Council. Before Kiun makes his leave, he wishes Yukine well.
Once he's gone, Yukine tells Yato they shouldn't go to the Divine Council since Kazuma, who is now their enemy, will be there. Yato tries to reassure him that Kazuma is not exactly their friend, but he isn't a bad person. He reminds Yukine of the centuries he's spent repaying his debt to Yato, and the time he's spent training Yukine. He tells Yukine to make up with him, and marks his response to Heaven as "attending" before sending off the reply. Yukine storms off, still refusing to go– but Yato calls after that it would be scary to see Kazuma by himself, confident that saying so would get Yukine to accompany him. Afterward, Yato also invites Hiyori to the Divine Council.
In the following flashback, Kazuma met Tsuyu at the Kameido Tenjin Shrine. She refused his request to use her abilities to locate the Crafter. When he pleads with her, she interrupts by stating that she is not a shinki like him, but merely a servant. She clarifies that Tenjin appointed her as his guide because he has learned that humans are treacherous creatures, capable of betrayal, lies, and sin. She tells Kazuma pointedly that a human would know the ways of humankind.
Upon reflecting on their conversation at the Ha Clan estate in Takama-ga-hara, Kazuma looks at a plant in the hallways and realizes that Tsuyu knows he killed Tsuguha. Since world travels fast, he reasons that she must not want to risk herself and her master being caught up in any trouble.
His thoughts are interrupted when he encounters Bishamonten. Together, they go to Suehiro Jinja, one of her shrines in the mortal realm, then rest on a nearby park bench. Kazuma notes that she had been leaving Iwami's room, and assumes she was asking him about the Crafter. She denies it and recommends he stay away from matters of the Crafter, but Kazuma goes on to explain that he'd also attempted to get information from Iwami. However, it was no use, and he couldn't just make everyone sing for him. Bishamon asks what he means by that, and Kazuma, abashed, admits that he used the truth-telling spell on Yukine. Bishamon is distressed to hear it, and she says that even though he did this for her sake, he must keep his ego in check– they have few friends in Takama-ga-hara due to the rumors going around about them, so they should not be making enemies. She compels him to honor his debt to Yato, and to apologize to Yukine at the Divine Council. She also tells him to visit Tsuguha's grave with her, so they may apologize together.
Days later, Bishamon meets Hiyori in the mortal realm. She offers her condolences over what happened at the Iki General Hospital. She asks if it would be possible for Yukine to spare some time at the Divine Council to speak to Kazuma, who has something important to tell him. Hiyori, realizing they would likely reconcile, excitedly assures Bishamon that Yukine will make some time. Hiyori makes an offhand comment that the gods' shrines will all be empty, since they will all be in attendance at the Divine Council. Bishamon, seeming to realize something, makes her leave.
Meanwhile, Kiun reports back to Takemikazuchi. He is unsure what to make of Yato, since his loyalty is clearly an act. Takemikazuchi is amused by this, and asks whether the blessed vessel will also be attending the Divine Council. Kiun confirms he will. He then asks Kiun when he will become a blessed vessel; Kiun assures him that he would gladly offer his name if something were to happen to his master. Takemikazuchi replies that he is still waiting for "something" to threaten them, as neither of them have had a worthy opponent in centuries– except the blessed vessel Kazuma, who has managed to scar him. Kiun responds by saying that blessed vessels are extremely rare, and can be either a good or a very bad omen, as "blessed" could refer to the blessing of death. Takemikazuchi waves this off. He flippantly says he wished Yato had chosen disobedience, as it would have made him a threat, which is what he truly desires. He turns and asks if Eyami, who is revealed to be the Stray, feels the same.
Characters[]
Character Debuts[]
No new characters debuted in this chapter.