Matsuo

Matsuo didn't actually need a mirror to travel to the Realm of the Gods. But over the centuries, they had all learned that disappearing unnoticed was far more elegant than making a dramatic exit in the middle of a crowd of humans.

Remaining unseen was much easier than explaining to people that the deities they had worshipped for centuries had long since been living among them. Reflective surfaces had always been regarded as portals to other worlds, and since mirrors could now be found almost everywhere, they offered the most convenient way to travel discreetly.

Of course, Matsuo could have used the direct passage through his shrine. But it was in Kyoto, and he had a feeling he should get there as quickly as possible. So he chose the shortest route.

He stepped in front of a full-length mirror in the restroom and placed a hand against the cool glass. The surface began to shimmer. In the blink of an eye, almost too quick to notice, the club behind him dissolved. When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in a vast green garden. The grass glistened in the gentle light, bamboo swayed in the breeze, and somewhere nearby water trickled over smooth stones.

Matsuo took a deep breath. The scent of earth and pine resin filled the air, a familiar fragrance that immediately calmed him. But the murmur of voices reaching him didn't let that peace last for long.

He followed the sound until he reached a gathering of gods. At first glance, he knew this was no ordinary meeting. Whenever so many of them assembled in one place, it meant something greater was unfolding.

He felt the tension ease from his shoulders. At least it probably wasn't just about him. Maybe it's only some small announcement, he thought hopefully.

His gaze wandered across those gathered before him. There stood Amaterasu, the Goddess of the Sun, her golden robes shimmering like liquid light. Beside her stood Susanoo, the God of the Sea and Storms, surrounded by a barely visible current of swirling air. A little farther away, he spotted Inari, the goddess he liked the most.

Like him, she preferred living among humans and cared little for the strict rules of the old order. Her golden-brown eyes lit up when she noticed him, and she greeted him with a slight nod.

He continued looking around, and indeed, almost all of the major deities were present. Naturally, not every single one of them; with more than eight million Kami in Shintō, even the most powerful among them found it difficult to gather everyone in one place. But the most important ones were here, and that alone told Matsuo that something significant was about to happen.

He had just started making his way toward Inari when three little monkeys came rushing toward him in excitement. One immediately climbed onto his left shoulder, another onto his right, while the third gestured wildly to get his attention.

Matsuo smiled despite himself and gently stroked their soft fur. Monkeys were his messengers, lively, loud, and endlessly curious. The fact that they were this agitated could only mean one thing.

Something had upset them.

He understood immediately. Apparently, they were offended because they hadn't been allowed to fetch him themselves. Instead, other messengers had been sent to retrieve him from the club.

"All right, all right," Matsuo said soothingly, scratching one of the little monkeys behind the neck. "Don't worry about it. You know how it is. When the Big Boss calls, we all come running. But tell me, do you know what this is about?"

One of his furry little friends leaned closer and whispered into his ear.

"The tournament."

Matsuo blinked, and then it all clicked into place.

Of course.

The Celestial Tournament.

Every hundred years, Izanami and Izanagi, the Creator Gods, summoned their children to inaugurate the Celestial Tournament.

A broad grin spread across his face.

"Ah, the Celestial Tournament," he murmured with a quiet laugh. "Another hundred years have passed so quickly..."

A wave of relief washed over him. No dispute, no stern reprimand, no heavenly catastrophe—those were all things he had been summoned for more than once before.

Even though it had almost never been his fault.

Really.

The Celestial Tournament meant he could devote himself to his favorite responsibility: organizing the celebrations that accompanied it.

He loved that part of the heavenly tradition. While the ambitious deities competed for honor and glory, he much preferred making sure the sake kept flowing and no one had to fight on an empty stomach.

Almost lightheartedly, he made his way toward the front, where the other deities had gathered. Before them stood a wooden platform draped with heavy fabrics and golden cloth. Behind it, two indistinct figures could be seen, their outlines shimmering in the light.

Whenever Matsuo tried to focus on them, their forms blurred like mist. He couldn't make out their faces.

No one could.

Izanagi and Izanami had always remained hidden.

Inari now stood beside him, as elegant as ever, her long auburn hair shimmering in the light. She inclined her head slightly, and there was a knowing glimmer in her eyes.

A solemn silence gradually settled over the gathering. Conversations faded, the rustling of robes came to an end, and every eye turned toward the platform, where a thin veil of shimmering mist slowly rose.

Matsuo folded his arms across his chest. The air itself seemed to vibrate as their presence grew stronger. Something inside him tensed, an ancient reverence that had never faded, even after centuries.

"It is wonderful to see everyone gathered here," Izanami's voice rang out. It was clear, gentle, and yet impossible to ignore. "Today marks the beginning of an ancient and beautiful tradition. We are delighted that the time has come once again."

Of course we're all here voluntarily, Matsuo thought dryly. He immediately pushed the thought aside when it seemed as though one of the shadows behind the veil had turned in his direction. It was irrational. The two of them couldn't possibly hear individual thoughts.

But better safe than sorry.

Even Matsuo-no-Kami knew there were limits he had no desire to test.

"The time has come once more," the voice continued. "A hundred years have passed, and the Celestial Tournament shall begin anew."

A murmur spread through the crowd. The air was filled with anticipation, a faint radiance, and an almost tangible weight.

"Why do we hold these competitions?" Her voice softened. "Because we wish to preserve the bond between humans and the gods. In a world where humans are turning their attention more and more toward other things, they must not forget us, nor must we forget them. That is why we choose deities who will train alongside an equally chosen human for one month before competing together in three trials.

"The victorious human shall receive blessings, good fortune, good health, and a place in history. The victorious deity shall gain new followers, more visitors to their shrine, and with them greater strength to fulfill their duties in the human world. In this way, the bond between heaven and earth is renewed."

Matsuo had long since stopped listening. His thoughts were already occupied with planning the menu. After every trial, there would be a lavish feast, sake, delicious food, and music. That was his responsibility, and he was perfectly happy with it.

He had no need for additional glory or a new shrine filled with worshippers burying him under endless requests. His shrine in Kyoto was modest but well cared for, and the prayers offered there were usually kind and predictable. That suited him just fine.

A grin crept across his face. He already pitied whoever ended up winning this time: more work, more responsibility, more people, more drama.

No, thank you.

Inari gently nudged him with her elbow. Apparently, she had noticed that his mind was already somewhere between the sake barrels and the banquet tables. Matsuo cleared his throat quietly and tried to look serious again.

"As in every tournament," Izanami continued, "we have chosen the deities who will be permitted to participate. Those whom we deem worthy and suitable to represent this centennial event."

Author's Note

Matsuo might be celebrating a little too early there...

Thanks so much for reading! If you enjoyed the chapter, I'd really appreciate a like, a comment, or a subscription. It really helps the series grow and reach more readers.

See you in the next chapter!