Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

Yukino Yukinoshita's face also bore a look of bewilderment. Clearly, she hadn't expected anyone to come worship at this time. Among the eight people visiting the shrine, seven were her classmates.

"Yotsuba, don't shout like that!" Itsuki quickly stepped forward and covered her sister's mouth, smiling apologetically in Yukino's direction.

Standing next to Yukino was her older sister, Haruno.

Haruno's face always wore a bright and cheerful smile. The excellent etiquette she had cultivated since childhood completely concealed her true thoughts, leaving others unable to guess what was really going on in the depths of her mind.

However, she seemed to be facing a troublesome situation. Even Yotsuba, who wasn't adept at reading social cues, could see how tired Haruno was.

The exhaustion and weakness emanating from her entire body seemed about to bend her spine — something almost impossible to imagine before. Yukino's gaze towards her sister was filled with concern and distress.

"Oh my, are these Yukino-chan's classmates?" Haruno hid her fatigue and displayed a sunny smile.

"Yes, we're students from Sōbu High. We've met at school before."

The Yukinoshita family was one of the prominent local clans in Chiba. They had deep roots and connections in areas such as real estate development.

Even the usually carefree Ichika's movements became slightly restrained.

"Yukino, why don't you go for a walk with your friends to clear your mind?" Haruno, who had been worrying about how to send her sister away, brightened up and suggested.

"No need. I'm not in the mood for such trivial matters right now." Yukino refused coldly, her attitude stiff.

"Yukino, don't be difficult. Things are different now."

"Sister, it's precisely because of this that I can't leave."

"Can't you stop being so unreasonable?"

"The one being unreasonable is you, sister. Even though things have come to this..."

Over a simple suggestion, the two sisters had started arguing.

It's worth noting that Haruno's etiquette was considered impeccable. For her to argue without regard for the family's image was quite rare.

"Ahem, ahem, ladies, perhaps it's time to leave now." Mimiko Hasaba, standing behind the two, gently reminded them.

Haruno, in the midst of the argument, realized her lapse and quickly composed herself.

"I apologize for the embarrassing display." She said, bowing and regaining her graceful demeanor.

"You're too kind." Keika replied, her voice unconsciously lowering as she recognized Haruno's identity.

It wasn't fear of the Yukinoshita family that caused this reaction, but Haruno's outstanding reputation. At such a young age, she had already begun managing the family business. Both outsiders and friends alike held her in nearly perfect esteem.

As for Keika herself... Her father was Kōsuke Kiyotaki, a top-tier professional 9-Dan shogi player once considered a dominant figure in the shogi world.

However, for her, even becoming a basic female professional shogi player seemed a far-off dream, despite being the daughter of a 9-Dan player.

Thanks to her father's reputation, she had managed to become a disciple of Rina Shakando, along with Ginko, under the chairwoman of the women's professional shogi association. Yet her junior apprentice had gradually become an idol in the shogi world, even holding the highest titles of "Queen" and "Women's Meijin".

Despite putting in countless hours of effort, Keika's shogi skills were regressing rather than improving. She found herself moving further away from becoming an official female professional player.

Now, meeting the seemingly perfect Haruno Yukinoshita, she instinctively felt inferior, naturally lowering her posture.

"Well then, we'll be taking our leave." Haruno said, nodding slightly as she headed down the mountain.

Mimiko, standing behind her, kept her head lowered, extremely nervous — as if she had seen a ghost in broad daylight.

Daiki glanced at her, and her body immediately trembled. It was obvious she had sensed the Cursed Energy on him.

He remembered that the Star Religious Group was also secretly collecting Sukuna's Fingers. After a moment's consideration, he made no extra moves. Instead, he followed Nino and the others to their pre-booked guest rooms.

Surprisingly, Ginko and Keika had also made reservations in advance.

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Haruno and Yukino walked silently along the mountain path.

"Miss Mimiko, thank you for your timely reminder."

Mimiko Hasaba, a mysterious Jujutsu Sorcerer stationed at the Star Religious Group, was following Haruno for protection — a service the latter had paid for. The Yukinoshita family had recently come into conflict with the rising Matsushita Group.

While the Matsushita Group couldn't compete in legitimate business, they excelled at assassination, commanding a group of powerful supernatural beings. After being attacked, the Yukinoshita family had no choice but to seek help from the Star Religious Group.

Powerful Jujutsu Sorcerers were rarely available, however. It would be a miracle to have them stay at the Shrine for even half a month a year. Usually, only Mimiko and Nanako guarded the Star Shrine.

These two young Jujutsu Sorcerers, rumored to be orphans adopted by the Star Religious Group's leader, possessed techniques stronger than ordinary people. Yet their power was limited, especially against the formidable opponents facing the Yukinoshita family.

Mimiko had been clear: she was only responsible for basic safety. In a particularly dangerous situation, she would flee.

The helpless Haruno had pinned all her hopes on the Star Group Leader, who hadn't returned. It seemed the Yukinoshita family would have to find a way to save themselves.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Mimiko didn't respond. Instead, she nervously wiped the sweat from her brow with her sleeve.

"Miss Mimiko, are you feeling unwell?" Haruno asked, bewildered.

Since meeting the girl, she had only known her to maintain a cold demeanor. Mimiko had never looked at them directly.

This was understandable. After all, she was a mysterious Jujutsu Sorcerer.

Her nervous demeanor now piqued Haruno's curiosity even more.

"Of course not!" Mimiko glared fiercely, "Next time you two sisters argue, can't you be more aware of the situation?"

"I'm sorry! We won't make a scene at the shrine again." Haruno said apologetically.

Seeing her sister's humble attitude, Yukino felt very uneasy. But this was their new reality.

"I'm not talking about the shrine issue!"

"Huh?" This time it was Haruno's turn to be stunned.

Besides the shrine, what else did they need to be cautious about?

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