I've listened to and sung this song more times than I could count, as it gives me a sense of security from taboo.

It became quite popular in Kyoto because it held a symbolic meaning of spring and change. It also represented the fallen warriors who died in battles, and honored the souls of the dead.

Not only that, this song has a small secret.

"Your voice is as angelic as ever, Mirai-san."

"Kenichi-san..!" I could feel my cheeks turning red. The shrine maidens told me no one else was at the honden! 

I could never mistake that charming voice of his, let alone get uncomfortable around it. Perhaps I could forget that encounter with Kiri no Tsujigiri by this.

"What brings you here?"

"Just checking around, but I expected you'd be here, practicing for the hundredth time."

"That's because I have to. Otherwise, my only chance of getting rid of a spirit like Kiri no Tsujigiri would go to waste."

Kenichi kneeled beside me on the wooden floor, before raising a brow, "Do you really have to make every single line perfect?"

"Well . . ." I start to fidget with my fingers. "If I don't, nothing good will happen. I'll have to wait until next year to exorcise him. But even if it doesn't work, I can always wait."

Kenichi smiled, his eyes gentle. It only reminded me that he's one of the few people who know my secret.

After all, he has been my friend since childhood, and he came along with me from Kyoto because he wanted to help the people while looking out for me.

Although he came from a family of swordsmiths, he's a lot gentler and softer-spoken than how swordsmiths usually are.

He wasn't able to follow in his elder's footsteps because of his dream to marry and become a doctor, and he also wasn't in perfect condition to forge katanas.

Kenichi has always been so physically fragile. It got a bit worse when he came here, where the temperature is harsh. He'd always brush it off like it was nothing.

How ironic for an aspiring doctor not to take care of himself.

"Kenichi-san, do you think the ceremony will end well?"

"Of course!" He coughed for a bit. "Last year's ceremony was said to be the first one without much bloodshed because you handled it."

Guilt rose in my chest, "Is that so?"

"Yes. It's a shame no one gave you credit for that."

It was better to keep a low profile than expose myself to people and ghosts before they discover . . .

"Even now, I still can't help but be surprised. A song that can exorcise ghosts." He crossed his arms and spaced out in thought.

"I didn't believe it at first, either. That's probably why I was sent here by my elders. It sounds even more unreal than the things happening in this weird town."

My gaze fixated on the stone statue before me. One that was supposed to resemble the Shinigami King, whom I used to assume was an animal with horns, or at least a snake with wings, a centaur, even.

Instead, the statue was carved into the shape of a kneeling man in an extravagant montsuki, radiating a rather gentle aura.

According to the legends, they said that the Shinigami King was a wrathful and vengeful spirit although he looked the opposite as a statue.

"Hey, Kenichi-niisan . . ."

"Yes?'

"Do you still remember when I accidentally banished Hayashi-san with the chant? That night before we were sent to Kyoto?"

Kenichi chuckled softly, "Ah, yes. I was there when it all started, wasn't I? That was when your elders discovered your abilities. It caused quite a commotion within your household."

"I was merely singing out of boredom when Hayashi-san popped into smoke! I can still remember the terror on his face when he realized he was a goner.

"It was still traumatizing, I have to admit."

I chuckled, "You've always been afraid of ghosts."

If Ayumi knew what I did, I don't think she'd believe it at first. The fact I was the one who banished an urban legend a decade ago-it was something people would consider as witchcraft.

"That reminds me, I should ask for blessings while I'm here."

"In that case. . . ."

Kenichi dropped two ryō into the wooden offering box nearby and rang the small bell hanging at the shrine's pillar.

I gave him a thankful nod before we began to bow deeply, two times. We rose and clapped our hands twice and began to pray in silence.

Shinigami King . . .

Despite how much I've claimed to hate you, I ask that you protect Ayumi at all costs, that you won't lay a single finger on her and that she may continue to delight in her next life.

As the head shrine maiden, I worshipped you and promised my purity to you, that I will remain pure until my purpose is fulfilled as the head maiden of the Urami Shrine.

Once again, I pray for your mercy and hope that you'll give me the chance to make use of my ability.

After that, I rose and bowed once more to end my prayers.

That's right. I developed the ability to exorcise ghosts by chanting 'Sakura Sakura' - a famous chant in the capital. 

Little did people or ghosts know about its secret power. As much as it pains me, the song could work when it's chanted by a very few people

The only living one who can actually do it is Mirai Shizuka.

At least that's what my elders told me. It could only work around the spiritual and physical presence of a ghost. It'll be stronger when the moon is present.

For the past year, I've tried to chant the song as much as I could whenever the town was empty. And yet, I've rarely banished any ghosts.

Either they always escape, I've missed out a line, or mispronounced a word. It added up to the reasons for me to avoid a single failure and make sure that this ceremony must not be ruined by Kiri no Tsujigiri, or any ghosts at all.

Sometimes, I didn't know how it works and I doubt it does, and that maybe Hayashi-san popped off coincidentally.

Kenichi bowed as soon as he ended his prayers.

Silence filled the space between us for a while, until he finally let out an utter, "Hey . . . Mirai-san."

His face came into my full view, making me flinch.

Oh, he's so handsome.

A strand of his neat umber hair brushed past his brow. I held in my breath and sat still, hoping he wouldn't notice the unexpected throbbing of my heart.

"I, uhm, apologize for the sudden notice. I was wondering if, uh . . . Did Ayumi tell you that I . . . "

"Yes?"

Kenichi bit his lip before pulling himself away from my view. It seemed like he had something to say, but held it back. His expression was uncharacteristically melancholic.

He cleared his throat and gave me a reassuring smile, ". . . That I told you not to overwork yourself? She probably did. I know you can do it." 

I released a relieved sigh before smiling, feeling glad that he and Ayumi had faith in me.

"Thank you."