Shikigami Summoning in Konoha

Chapter 15: Courtyard Changes

Three days had passed since Hinata was abducted. During these days, Katsuragi had been accompanying Hinata, helping her with various academic assignments. He had finally come to understand the hardships that Hinata faced as the heiress of the Hyūga Clan.

The burdensome homework, terrifying even to any four-year-old child, along with peculiar etiquette lessons, made Katsuragi deeply sympathize with the princess's struggles.

However, Katsuragi was, after all, a transmigrator. While he was powerless in terms of etiquette, he could still offer some assistance with her studies. This made the little Hinata admire him even more, successfully advancing his somewhat… ahem, mischievous plan.

Hyūga Clan Study Room.

Feeling a bit bored, Katsuragi sat nearby, watching Hinata diligently practice her calligraphy. Since Hyūga Hiashi was present for only one session, Katsuragi couldn't sneak over to offer help.

As Katsuragi was contemplating whether to join the Three-Tailed Fox and Yuki-onna in conversation within the courtyard, a masked figure suddenly appeared in the room, startling both him and Hinata. The figure swiftly approached Hyūga Hiashi and whispered something in his ear.

Katsuragi's ears twitched—this wasn't some top-secret information; he could actually hear the person speaking.

"Sir, the Third Hokage has summoned you!"

Notably, over the past three days, Katsuragi had barely interacted with Hyūga Hiashi. Each encounter had been brief, usually involving only a couple of sentences before the clan head hurriedly departed. Today, however, Hyūga Hiashi seemed to have stayed longer, but it looked like he was about to leave again!

"Mm!"

Hyūga Hiashi nodded to the masked individual, indicating his acknowledgment. As the person dissolved into a wisp of smoke, Hiashi stood up and addressed Katsuragi and Hinata.

"You two continue your practice! I have something urgent to attend to!"

Without further ado, Hyūga Hiashi exited the room, leaving Katsuragi and Hinata alone once again.

"Father!"

Watching Hyūga Hiashi's departing figure, Hinata whispered with a worried look. Even she could sense that the atmosphere at home was unsettling, as if something was amiss.

"Hinata, let me help you!"

Seeing Hinata's worried expression, Katsuragi silently moved closer and said, "Actually, when I heard about the Third Hokage's summons, I could guess what was happening. It's probably related to the kidnapping incident from before."

The Hyūga Clan had killed the emissaries sent by the Cloud ninja. If the Land of Lightning didn't seize this opportunity to create some trouble, it certainly wasn't in their style. Meanwhile, the Third Hokage was striving to avoid war, so in dealing with the aggressive Cloud ninja, it was likely a compromise.

"Thank you, Katsuragi!"

Watching Katsuragi take over her pen and mimic her handwriting, Hinata shyly expressed her gratitude.

"It's nothing!"

Katsuragi smiled. He realized that with Byakugan-like insight, he could still observe things carefully. However, the girl named Asa wasn't as strict while checking Hinata's assignments, so even if she noticed something, she'd just smile and overlook it.

Of course, this was also why Katsuragi rarely helped with such exercises. He preferred teaching Hinata how to study because he knew that doing all the work for her would only harm her in the long run.

"I should handle it myself. Thanks again, Katsuragi!"

After a while, Hinata stopped Katsuragi from continuing. She took the pen from his hand and began practicing on her own.

As evening approached, Hyūga Hiashi did not appear again. Upon returning home, Katsuragi silently sighed. Will his arrival change how Hyūga Hizashi dies?!

Nighttime in Katsuragi's Room

At night, Katsuragi lay on his bed, closing his eyes. His consciousness drifted to the courtyard. As he arrived at the Three-Tailed Fox's room, he heard her voice:

"Yuki-onna, when will winter finally pass?"

"What's wrong with winter continuing forever?!"

Yuki-onna sat beside her, listening to the bored lament of the Three-Tailed Fox, and responded coldly.

"But winter is so cold!"

"I don't feel it!"

Listening to their conversation, Katsuragi felt like laughing. Complaining about the cold to Yuki-onna was like talking to a fish—how could there be any difference in meaning?

"Fox Sis, Yuki-onna Sis! Good evening!"

Katsuragi walked into the room and greeted the two women.

"Hmm!? Katsuragi, you're here!"

The Three-Tailed Fox sprang up, excited to see Katsuragi enter, while Yuki-onna merely nodded without any particular expression.

"Hey, Fox Sis. By the way, have you noticed that the courtyard seems a bit bigger than before?!"

Katsuragi approached the Three-Tailed Fox, a question he had been contemplating for some time. He hadn't paid attention until, by chance, he noticed the stream and realized the barrier's position seemed off. Upon closer inspection, he discovered the courtyard's boundaries had expanded.

Since Yuki-onna was summoned later, she wouldn't know about the change. Only he and the Three-Tailed Fox were aware of how the courtyard originally looked.

"Really?"

The Three-Tailed Fox was momentarily stunned. She was so careless that, if Katsuragi hadn't mentioned it, she might never have noticed. She quickly went outside to inspect, looking around left and right.

After a moment, she tapped her chin thoughtfully and said, "It does look like it's gotten bigger! Those stones weren't there before!"

The Three-Tailed Fox pointed to several large stones by the shore, confirming that the courtyard had indeed expanded.

"What's going on, Katsuragi!"

Listening to her puzzled inquiry, Katsuragi shook his head with a wry smile. He also wanted to know what was happening, but there was no information available. If it wasn't for pure chance, he might never have noticed the change.

"However, since this only happened after summoning Yuki-onna, it should be related to the number of Shikigami, right?"

Katsuragi speculated internally. However, without talismans or Magatama to prove his guess, he could only keep an eye out for the next summoning.

Seeing Katsuragi's confused look, the Three-Tailed Fox didn't press further. She glanced around again and sighed in disappointment, "Even though it's expanded a bit, it's still pretty small! There's not much to do here!"

"Sorry, Fox Sis!"

Hearing her comment, Katsuragi apologized. He realized that the Three-Tailed Fox and Yuki-onna's current situations were quite similar to the Nine-Tails within Naruto's lore—only their environments were slightly different.

"Alright! Don't think about it too much!"

At this moment, Yuki-onna spoke up, "With the time we have, we might as well train instead!"

"But training is so hard!"

The Three-Tailed Fox mumbled softly. However, seeing Yuki-onna staring at her expressionlessly, she obediently responded, "Alright, I understand! I'll train!"

Seeing the Three-Tailed Fox agree, Yuki-onna's lips merely curled up slightly before she quickly withdrew them. Turning around, she addressed Katsuragi, "Katsuragi, you're injured. You should go rest now!"

"Mm! Fox Sis and Yuki-onna Sis, you should rest early too!"

Watching their expressions, Katsuragi felt not only fortunate but also a bit thankful. If the two Shikigami had clashing personalities, handling them together could have been much more complicated!

End of Chapter 15