Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

The ancient shrine stood tall among the mountains.

The intricately carved bluestone steps, as delicate as a painted scroll, extended down to the foot of the mountain. White mist, like an enormous canvas, shrouded the entire shrine.

Holding onto the red railings on both sides of the bluestone steps, they climbed up. It was as if they had suddenly entered a completely new and unknown realm of time and space. Perhaps due to the recent continuous rainy weather, The bluestone steps were more slippery than usual, and one could easily fall if not careful.

The visitors to the shrine were also few and far between, pitifully scarce. Daiki and the Nakano quintuplets were also enjoying the peaceful solitude.

"Woohoo... Miku, you guys walk faster, this is too slow..." Yotsuba, with the best physique, was full of energy like a bird returning to the forest.

While the other four were already out of breath, she seemed completely unaffected. Among them, Itsuki and Ichika were in the worst state.

The former naturally had an appetite exceeding that of ordinary people, coupled with infrequent exercise. Although her figure didn't show any signs, her stamina was particularly weak.

"Nino, I now understand why you were able to book the guest room."

Given the current weather conditions, it was really not suitable for visiting the shrine.

"And Miku... this is cheating! It's not fair!"

"Ahhhhh... why isn't anyone carrying me!"

"I'm also weak and sickly! I want to be carried too!"

Miku, sprawled on Daiki's back, suddenly blushed with embarrassment. She buried her little head in his collar, not daring to look up. Compared to Itsuki and the others' stamina, she was truly the weakest.

Even with Daiki's agile movements, she had nearly fallen several times. In the end, he simply decided to carry her on his back as they walked towards the shrine. The soft, delicate feeling of the black stockings and the majestic softness was captivating.

Seeing this scene, Itsuki and the others couldn't help but tease.

"Stop joking about Miku, let's hurry up." Nino, pinching his clothes with her fingers, couldn't help but remind them.

Letting Miku ride on his back right in front of her was already the limit! She even felt like her head was starting to sprout with vibrant colors.

However, considering that Daiki was still Miku's boyfriend for now, she didn't say anything, obediently holding onto his clothes as they climbed up.

Suddenly, A gentle breeze from the forest swept across the bluestone path. The nearby mist was blown away, revealing two blurry figures.

"Sigh, are there other people choosing to visit the shrine at this time?"

The speaker was a beautiful older sister with chestnut-colored slightly curly long hair, exuding a mature aura and seemingly gentle personality.

The figure standing beside her looked particularly familiar.

"Isn't that Daiki-kun's desk mate? I remember her name is Ginko Sora!"

"Oh! The famous genius female shōgi player! The White Snow Princess of Naniwa!"

Ginko's reputation as a genius shōgi player was well-known. Although her personality was a bit eccentric and aloof, her talent for shōgi was undeniable. The Nakano quintuplets recognized her the moment they saw her.

Miku, being carried on Daiki's back, also became secretly alert Even the arms wrapped around his neck tightened with a bit more force. As if declaring her ownership.

"Boring!" Ginko's gaze swept over everyone.

Her aloof and eccentric personality made her equally disdainful of everyone. Except for Keika Kiyotaki beside her, there wasn't much difference between the others. Whether it was the Nakano quintuplets or Daiki...

Perhaps remembering the rice ball he had given her before, Ginko's attitude softened slightly, and she stiffly nodded in acknowledgment.

Seeing this, Daiki also nodded in response.

Keika, who was resting, couldn't help but curiously examine him.

It wasn't easy to make the aloof and eccentric Ginko take the initiative to greet someone. At least since she and the girl had become disciples of the female shogi association president, Rina Shakando, She had never seen her shōgi simbling voluntarily greet anyone.

"I'm Keika Kiyotaki, Ginko's senior disciple. Are you her classmates?" Seeing the atmosphere gradually becoming tense, Keika took the initiative to break the silence.

Miku silently puffed up her cheeks, her teeth lightly biting Daiki's neck. Ginko didn't show any reaction, but Nino almost couldn't hold back.

That's her future husband! No biting allowed!

Oh, right, he's still your boyfriend for now, Miku. But still, it's not allowed!

Nino was gritting her teeth in anger, but she couldn't do anything about it. Helplessly, she could only look away, pretending not to see or care.

"We're Daiki-kun's classmates, but we've also heard of Ginko-san."

"I see, are you also here to visit the shrine?"

"Yes, our grandfather is getting old, so we wanted to come and pray for his blessings."

"I'm here to pray for my father and myself. Shall we go together then?" Keika excitedly extended an invitation.

In fact, whether invited or not, it made no difference. The path to Star Shrine was just this single bluestone trail beneath their feet. Walking together was almost inevitable.

"Then we'll be intruding." Ichika, Itsuki, and the others politely said.

The grand procession of eight people headed towards the Shrine in the mountains.

"Daiki-kun's stamina is really amazing! Climbing the mountain while carrying someone, and not even showing the slightest strain. He must work out regularly."

After walking for a while, Keika and the others couldn't help but stop to rest.

At this moment, she suddenly noticed that Kyogi's breathing was extremely steady. There wasn't even a single drop of sweat on his forehead. What kind of monstrous physique was this?

"Daiki-kun, I'll get down now." Suddenly realizing this, Miku hurriedly loosened her arms. His overly relaxed state almost made her forget that they were climbing a mountain.

After walking for another while, the vague outline of Star Shrine appeared.

By the time they reached the shrine, Keika and the Nakano sisters were already panting heavily.

Not to mention the frail and sickly Ginko. Her fragile figure looked like it could be blown away by the slightest breeze.

The majestic shrine finally appeared fully in everyone's view. Unlike the quiet bluestone path, there were still figures in the open space in front of the shrine.

"Isn't that... Yukino-san from Class 2-J?" Yotsuba, who had met Yukino before, said with wide eyes.

Ginko and Keika's gazes also focused on the wishing plaque pavilion.

Who would have thought that a visit to the shrine would lead to encountering so many acquaintances.

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T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!

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