Spring is here. The trees… their pink petals show, flowing through the air.

I am Tada Eiko, a shrine maiden. This specific shrine is located on a small island, a kilometre away from the city in the middle of the river by bridge. It is a shrine dedicated to the Kitsune and the wellness it brings to the city.

Every night we launch fireworks from the water to celebrate our beloved city.

I watched the petals outside as I start to prepare for the day. My a white robe with a scarlet pair of divided, pleated trousers, and a white loose jacket with wide cuffs for dances, along with white or red hair ribbons. I looked at my face.

In the mirror, I saw a strong shrine maiden, ready to fulfill my duties.

“Hm, another day.” I nod.

What only the priest know is that I am a kitsune. A fox spirit tied to this very island.

It is a secret I’d like to keep hidden.

I put on a kitsune mask and slide the door to the side. I step out and walk around the shrine, observing the views of the sky, the waves, and the city before me.

It was early in the morning as I heard the birds chirp and the petals fall that I noticed someone who was here.

A gentlemen in a black suit with an earpiece and… a sort of flag as a pin on his chest.

He was wearing black shades and had a belt with… pouches and a radio on it.

A sleek perfect black tie, and he was on the phone with someone. And I could also see he had… a weapon on his waist.

Who could this man be?

I asked myself.