Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

"Damn it! How could Mimiko do this to me? Dumping such a big problem on me and then running off."

The ancient shrine was quiet and peaceful.

Nanako Hasaba, the shrine's guardian, wore an angry expression.

As per Mr. Geto's instructions, she and her sister were responsible for guarding the shrine. They earned a substantial income by exorcising Curses for ordinary people from the mountain. Occasionally, one of them could accompany others down the mountain for exorcisms.

Nanako had already gone out once before. This time, it was her sister Mimiko's turn to fulfill the Yukinoshita family's request.

But who could have foreseen that a Special Grade Jujutsu Sorcerer would appear at such a critical moment?

And her sister had unhesitatingly chosen to continue down the mountain. This irresponsible behavior was driving Nanako mad.

Unfortunately, reality didn't give her much time to dwell on it. As she approached the shrine's main gate, she saw a large group already praying.

Daiki stood not far away, like a bottomless abyss. The terrifying Cursed Energy emanating from his body felt like a nightmare intruding into her mind. His mere presence was enough to make Nanako break out in a cold sweat.

"This can't be happening. It's truly the Cursed Energy of Sukuna, the King of Curses. It's identical to the aura contained in Sukuna's Special Grade Cursed Finger."

Even if it was just one of Sukuna's Fingers, it was still Special Grade! It held an overwhelming advantage over Jujutsu Sorcerers below Special Grade. This was not something someone of her level could contend with at all.

Fortunately, this mysterious Jujutsu Sorcerer showed no signs of taking action.

"Oh? Tsukasa-kun, don't you want to pray?" Keika, who had finished praying, asked upon seeing him.

"Not at the moment." Daiki's gaze swept across the entire shrine.

He didn't detect any Cursed Energy emanating from Sukuna's Finger. There were also no precious artifacts in the shrine that met the Collection System's standards.

"It seems Tsukasa-kun's life is quite prosperous." Keika remarked, watching Miku pray.

Anyone could see that their relationship was out of the ordinary. And indeed, it was just as she had anticipated.

As soon as Miku finished praying, she ran into Daiki's arms, leaving Nanako dumbfounded at the shrine's entrance. Nino turned to witness this scene, gritting her teeth in anger.

Endure it! Just consider it repaying Miku. After all, her, Nino, would be the ultimate winner!

"Miku, be a little more mindful. There are other people here." Nino said, despite telling herself to endure.

"Oh my, Miss Miku and Tsukasa-kun seem to have a wonderful relationship!" Haruno, who had unexpectedly returned, greeted them with enthusiasm.

The Nakano quintuplets and Ginko were surprised. They hadn't expected Haruno and her two companions to come back, especially with such enthusiasm — a stark contrast to their previous fatigue.

"Miss Haruno, what brings you back?" Keika asked curiously.

"We forgot to pray for our mother." Haruno replied with a bright smile, "She's raised us alone for so long and still supports the vast Yukinoshita family. We can't believe we forgot — it's unacceptable. Perhaps we should handle fewer family affairs next time."

Her words subtly revealed pride.

Keika, unsuspecting, followed along, "After all, the Yukinoshita family is the leading enterprise in Chiba's real estate industry. It must not be easy for you to manage such a large business."

Her response was exactly what Haruno had hoped for.

"It is indeed exhausting." She said jokingly, "Sometimes I really want to marry a suitable man, but unfortunately, I haven't found a prospect yet."

Such frank words made Yukino uncomfortable. Mimiko, meanwhile, just lowered her head, seemingly counting dust particles.

"Miss Haruno really loves to joke." Keika laughed, covering her mouth.

Everyone knew the Yukinoshita family insisted on having the son-in-law marry into the family. It was unrealistic for the first daughter, and the one who was carrying the business so well, to marry into someone else's family.

Haruno didn't refute this. She glanced at the unmoved Daiki, immediately feeling defeated and downcast.

These mysterious Jujutsu Sorcerers clearly didn't care about money or family business. What could the Yukinoshita family offer to interest him?

For the first time, Haruno felt unsure of herself. Noticing the close relationship between Miku and Daiki made her even more envious. It's true that comparisons are odious!

"Well then, Miss Kiyotaki, are you all heading back?" Haruno asked as everyone finished their prayers, her heart sinking. There had been no opportunity to connect with Daiki at all.

"Ah, no, we're planning to stay overnight at the shrine." Keika replied, "We haven't had a chance to show Ginko around before, so this is perfect."

Haruno noticed the young girl, and memories immediately surfaced in her mind.

The genius female shogi player, known as the White Snow Princess of Naniwa — Ginko Sora. If that was the case, then Keika must be the daughter of Kōsuke Kiyotaki, the 9-dan shogi player.

No wonder her name had seemed familiar.

"What about you, Nakano sisters?"

In the past, Haruno would have eagerly sought to connect with Ginko. After all, this prodigious shogi player was the disciple of Rina Shakando, the influential president of the Women's Professional Shogi Players' Association.

Establishing a relationship with either of them would have been invaluable for the Yukinoshita family's growth.

But now, an even rarer and more valuable person stood before her.

"Oh, us? We're also planning to stay overnight." Itsuki replied, pointing at herself with a surprised expression.

"There's an abandoned old building in the back mountain. We can all go treasure hunting together." Ichika added, sharing their plans.

Nino and Miku frowned, displeased by this turn of events.

Miku worried that with so many people around, she wouldn't be able to make any moves on Daiki.

Nino's concerns were even more straightforward. If the Yukinoshita group joined the treasure hunt, how could she scheme in the crowded old building?

She had been hoping to experience the thrill of their current transgression in that abandoned place.

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