The Shinto temple in the mountains was practically empty. The monks were preparing for the upcoming festival of the vernal equinox.

The sliding door was ajar, and you could see a dark-haired man sitting on a tatami mat with his back to the aisle. He slowly spilled tea on a clay figurine of Bandzaiten, the goddess of luck.

"Don't stand behind me."

His voice sounded calm, and he didn't even move.