Chapter 2

After Leaving Takamagahara Kengo Tsuchimikado , a stable yet humorous tsukumogami, chose to settle on the outskirts of Gensokyo. He hid his immense power, leading a life of extreme modesty.

Deep within the forest, he built a small wooden cabin and cultivated a vegetable garden, living a self-sufficient life of farming, chopping wood, and embracing serenity.

"This kind of life is far better than the endless slaughter in Takamagahara," Kengo muttered to himself, turning over the soil in his garden.

However, Gensokyo is never short of "unexpected" disturbances.

An Uninvited Guest in the Garden

The morning sun streamed through the forest canopy, casting dappled light on the ground. Kengo crouched in his vegetable garden, expertly turning the soil with his hoe. His movements were calm and practiced, occasionally glancing at the sky with a tranquil expression.

This garden was a crucial part of his peaceful life, a product of his diligent care and effort. Though his strength was suppressed to a billionth of its true power, he could still sense subtle changes in the air currents.

"An uninvited guest is approaching," Kengo murmured as he sensed a swift gust drawing near.

He looked up to see a golden-haired girl descending from the sky on a broomstick, quickly landing at the edge of his garden.

Marisa Kirisame, a renowned magician in Gensokyo, wore her signature black-and-white witch's hat and robe, holding her hat in one hand as her curious eyes examined Kengo's garden.

"Yo! Someone actually lives here?" Marisa called out with her usual brash and curious tone, her clear voice echoing through the forest.

Kengo straightened up, brushing the soil off his hands, and greeted her with a warm smile. "Of course. Did you think these vegetables grew themselves?"

Marisa laughed heartily, spinning her broom and landing gracefully. With one hand on her hip, she looked at Kengo with a teasing smirk. "It's rare to see someone make a vegetable garden this neat in a place like this. So, are you a youkai or a human?"

"Neither," Kengo replied, pointing at the hoe by his side. His tone was calm. "I'm just an ordinary tsukumogami. I liked the scenery here, so I decided to stay, plant some vegetables, and enjoy a quiet life."

Marisa frowned slightly, clearly skeptical of his claim to being "ordinary." Crossing her arms, she studied Kengo intently, her tone half-doubtful. "Ordinary? In such a remote place, managing a garden this pristine… your kind of 'ordinary' sure isn't simple."

Kengo chuckled lightly, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. "I'm very ordinary. Planting, farming, doing odd jobs—that's my daily life."

Marisa's "Tasting"

Marisa's gaze swept across the garden before she enthusiastically leaned toward a patch of vibrant green cabbage. She casually plucked a leaf, popped it into her mouth, and began chewing. Her eyes lit up with surprise as she exclaimed, "Hey! Why is this cabbage so tender? There's no bitterness at all!"

Kengo set down his hoe and replied leisurely, "If you tend to the soil with care, the crops will naturally reward you with the best flavor."

Marisa smacked her lips, grinning. "With vegetables this tasty, why don't you sell them at the Human Village or Scarlet Devil Mansion? Letting these go to waste is a real shame!"

Kengo shook his head, his tone steady. "Money can't buy peace. These are for my own meals. There's no need for that kind of trouble."

Marisa paused, briefly stunned by his response, before becoming even more intrigued. Her gaze landed on a fruit tree at the edge of the garden. Her eyes sparkled. "The fruit on that tree looks good! Are they edible?"

Following her gaze, Kengo nodded. "They're edible, but don't take too many. I use them for cooking."

Marisa eagerly ran to the tree, picked a bright red fruit, and took a bite. Her expression immediately turned blissful. "This fruit is as sweet as honey! Are you sure this is just an ordinary tree?"

Kengo smiled faintly, his tone calm. "It's just an ordinary tree. I simply put in a little extra care."

Probing Interactions

Wiping the juice from her mouth, Marisa's eyes glinted mischievously. "Hey, since you're a tsukumogami, do you have any magical plants? Like

flowers that breathe fire or fruits that freeze?"

Kengo shook his head, maintaining his serene tone. "Sorry, everything here is ordinary. Gensokyo already has plenty of miracles. I just want a simple life."

Unconvinced, Marisa discreetly released a small amount of magical energy, attempting to probe for unusual spiritual waves in the garden. To her astonishment, the garden's energy was incredibly stable, as if it had seamlessly merged with nature, revealing no anomalies.

"How strange…" Marisa mused inwardly. Observing Kengo's unwavering composure, she decided not to press further.

Farewell and Afterthoughts

"Alright, looks like you really just want to grow vegetables and enjoy life." Marisa hopped onto her broom and waved at Kengo. "But next time, I might bring some friends along. Good stuff like this shouldn't be enjoyed by you alone!"

Kengo smiled faintly, a trace of helplessness in his tone. "Suit yourself. Just don't turn this place into a marketplace. I really value my peace."

Marisa laughed as she soared into the sky, quickly disappearing beyond the treetops.

Watching her retreating figure, Kengo muttered softly, "What an interesting magician… But if this place really draws more visitors, I'd rather not have to use any extra power to protect it."

He picked up his hoe once more and resumed tending to the soil, his expression as composed as ever. However, deep down, he understood that the curious young witch wouldn't let him off so easily, and more visitors were likely to find their way to this quiet vegetable garden.

The Scent of Alcohol at Night

Kengo was sitting at a simple wooden table in front of his cabin, sorting freshly harvested vegetables. Suddenly, the sound of soft footsteps reached his ears, accompanied by the rich aroma of alcohol wafting through the air. Without looking up, he continued to focus on the tools in his hands, though he became subtly more alert.

"Hey! Isn't it boring being all alone out here at this hour?" A playful voice, tinged with laughter, broke the silence.

Kengo raised his head to see a petite, brown-haired girl standing nearby. She carried a large gourd in her hand, her face flushed as she smiled brightly.

"And you are…?" Kengo raised an eyebrow, smiling warmly. "A guest visiting so late at night—could it be you've had too much to drink and lost your way?"

The girl grinned, taking a swig from her gourd before wiping her mouth. "I'm Suika Ibuki, the oni of the mountain! Lost? No way—I came because I sensed a strange aura here and wanted to check it out."

Setting his tools aside, Kengo stood up and dusted off his clothes. "A strange aura, you say? I'm just a regular tsukumogami. What sort of aura could I possibly have?"

Suika narrowed her eyes, a mischievous smile on her face. "Regular, huh? But this garden is so well-tended, and the vegetables taste like they're infused with spiritual energy. Are you sure you're just 'regular'?"

Kengo chuckled softly. "With care and effort, the land yields good results. A fine garden is simply the reward of hard work."

Suika's gaze fell on the neatly arranged vegetables at his feet. Without asking, she grabbed a fresh carrot and took a bite, her eyes lighting up. "Delicious! Even better than the feasts at the tengu banquets!"

Watching her carefree demeanor, Kengo couldn't help but laugh. "You know, it's not very polite to help yourself to someone else's harvest without asking."

Suika waved dismissively, unfazed. "I'm an oni. Being direct is how we roll! But seriously, with flavor like this, it's hard to believe you're just some regular tsukumogami."

Kengo maintained his calm demeanor. "That's exactly what I am—a regular tsukumogami. Farming is my hobby, and I simply put my heart into it."

Testing Strength

Suika studied him with growing interest, a spark of curiosity in her eyes. "Alright, if you're so 'regular,' why don't we have a little contest? Let's see if your strength matches your claim."

Kengo shrugged, his tone calm. "I'm not keen on contests, especially against someone as powerful as an oni. Besides, I moved here to live a peaceful life. I'm not interested in fighting."

Suika smirked, unfazed. "How about this—we see who can lift that boulder over there. That's not fighting, right?"

Following her gaze, Kengo spotted a large rock in the corner of his land. He had noticed it long ago but had left it undisturbed as it didn't interfere with his gardening.

"That one?" Kengo's expression remained neutral, though he found the situation amusing. The boulder was feather-light to him, but he couldn't let that show.

Suika patted her chest confidently. "I'll go first!"

She took a deep swig from her gourd, hung it on her waist, and approached the boulder. Gripping it firmly, she crouched slightly, and the ground trembled as the rock began to rise. She lifted it partway, clearly holding back some of her strength.

"Not bad, huh?" Suika grinned at Kengo, triumphant. "Your turn. Don't let me down!"

Kengo stepped forward, placing a hand on the boulder. He furrowed his brow and deliberately pretended to struggle. Slowly, he lifted the rock just an inch higher than Suika had, then let go with a feigned sigh of effort. "You're definitely stronger than me. I can't manage much more than that."

Suika squinted at him, dissatisfied with his performance. "You didn't look like you were really trying! Want me to go again and show you what real oni strength is like?"

Kengo smiled faintly and stepped back. "No need. I've already admitted I'm no match for you. Besides, whether or not the rock gets moved doesn't really matter—it's just part of the land."

Suika stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. "You're an interesting one. Whether you're really weak or just don't care to compete, I'd say the food and drinks tonight were worth it!"

Sharing Drinks and Stories

Kengo brought out some homemade rice wine and invited Suika to sit with him. As they drank and chatted, the atmosphere became relaxed and jovial. Suika asked many questions about his gardening and day-to-day life, to which Kengo replied with his usual claim of "ordinary effort."

As the night deepened, Suika stood up, swaying slightly from the alcohol. She shook her gourd playfully. "I had fun today. Next time, I'll bring even more sake and see if you can keep hiding your secrets!"

Kengo smiled warmly. "You're welcome anytime, but don't come too late—you might get lost."

Watching her disappear into the night, Kengo collected the cups and looked up at the sky. He murmured to himself, "A life like this… doesn't seem so bad."

A Visitor Under the Moonlight

The pale moonlight bathed the vegetable garden, its silver glow reflecting off the freshly watered soil. Kengo stood with a watering can in hand, carefully nourishing his crops while enjoying the serene stillness of the night.

However, this tranquility was soon disturbed by a faint yet peculiar presence. It was as light as mist yet carried a trace of coldness and an oppressive air, as if an unseen gaze was watching him closely.

Pausing his work, Kengo's lips curved into a subtle smile as he murmured to himself, "Tonight's guest seems to be a bit unusual."

At the edge of the garden, a slender figure quietly appeared. Her silver hair shimmered faintly under the moonlight, and her elegant blue maid uniform was impeccably tailored, exuding both grace and cold detachment. Sakuya Izayoi stood there, a silver knife in hand, her cool gaze sweeping over Kengo as she scrutinized him.

"Busy even this late? You're certainly a diligent 'ordinary tsukumogami,' aren't you?" Her voice was cool and refined, laced with subtle sarcasm.

Setting down the watering can, Kengo straightened up and returned her gaze with a warm smile. "A late-night guest, and no less than the head maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion? Now that's unexpected."

Sakuya arched an eyebrow, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Oh? You know who I am?"

"Your reputation precedes you in Gensokyo," Kengo replied casually yet courteously. "The one who controls time, the head maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Sakuya Izayoi—how could anyone not know?"

A Test of Time

With a slight wave of her hand, Sakuya released several silver knives into the air. They floated around her, their tips aimed directly at Kengo. Her gaze carried a hint of inquiry, her tone faintly tinged with intimidation. "Since you've heard of my name, you must know that I'm not here for idle conversation."

Kengo's expression remained calm as he patted the dirt off his apron, his tone light and unhurried. "Some say I'm not ordinary, but I suspect they're mistaken. I'm just a gardening tsukumogami. Apart from this little patch of land, there's really nothing special about me."

Sakuya smiled faintly without responding, instead snapping her fingers lightly.

In an instant, time seemed to come to a halt. The wind ceased, the moonlight froze in place, and the floating knives transformed into silent streaks of silver, darting toward Kengo from all directions. In this suspended moment, the knives carried an invisible killing intent, contrasting sharply with the frozen world around them.

A God of Battle's Response

Kengo glanced around, a flicker of calm indifference mixed with amusement flashing in his eyes. He found Sakuya's control over time intriguing, though he knew this was merely a test, not a true attempt on his life.

Raising a hand, Kengo casually drew his fingers through the air, as if brushing away an invisible barrier.

The silver knives immediately lost their momentum, dropping gently to the ground like fallen leaves. Time resumed its flow—wind rustled through the garden, and the moonlight once again illuminated the scene.

Sakuya stood in place, her expression momentarily tinged with surprise and caution. Never before had she seen someone so effortlessly move within her frozen time, let alone neutralize her attack so casually.

"That's not something an ordinary tsukumogami could do," she remarked, narrowing her eyes slightly, her tone carrying a hint of probing curiosity.

Kengo bent down, picked up one of the fallen knives, and handed it back to her with a smile. "Perhaps your knives are too elegant to harm anyone."

Taking the knife, Sakuya regarded Kengo with a meaningful look. "You seem to have some understanding of controlling time yourself."

Kengo shrugged lightly, his tone composed. "When you're farming, it's important to observe how time changes—watching the seasons cycle through sowing and harvest can provide a bit of insight."

Sakuya observed him silently, searching for any cracks in his demeanor or tone. She could sense an extraordinary power hidden within him, yet his disguise was impeccable, revealing no flaws.

A Brief Respite Over Tea

At last, Sakuya withdrew her knives, her expression returning to its usual composure. "Perhaps I was overthinking. Still, this place is indeed quite peaceful."

Kengo invited her to sit, bringing out a simple cup of tea he had prepared. "Care for a cup of tea to unwind after work? Though I fear my tea is rather plain and may not suit the taste of the Scarlet Devil Mansion's head maid."

Sakuya accepted the cup, taking a light sip. Her eyes flickered with a trace of surprise before a small smile appeared. "Simple tea, yet it's calming. For an 'ordinary tsukumogami,' you're full of surprises."

Kengo chuckled, his tone as steady as ever. "For a farmer, the most important thing is to do simple things well."

The End of the Test

After finishing her tea, Sakuya stood and adjusted her skirt, her gaze carrying a hint of deeper meaning. "Tonight's visit has been quite fruitful. However, Kengo-san, I hope your 'ordinariness' remains as you claim."

Walking her to the edge of the garden, Kengo smiled. "The head maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion gracing this place with her presence already makes it shine. But next time you visit, bring some good tea to trade."

Sakuya's faint smile lingered as she turned and disappeared into the moonlight, her silver hair and blue dress glowing elegantly in the night.

Watching her leave, Kengo shook his head lightly, muttering to himself, "These people… none of them are easy to deal with. Still, I have to keep up the act—this quiet life is worth preserving."

The Song in the Mist

The forest was shrouded in a light morning mist, with sunlight filtering through the treetops to create a dappled pattern of light and shadow. The damp scent of grass and trees lingered in the air as Tsuchimikado Kengo carried a bucket of water along the winding path toward his vegetable garden. His steps were steady, his expression calm, as though the entire world had nothing to do with him.

Suddenly, a soft humming reached his ears. The song was low and distant, like an ancient melody from another time, carrying an inexplicable sense of sorrow. Kengo stopped in his tracks, looking toward the source of the sound.

Not far away, under a large tree, lay a red-haired girl sprawled lazily on the grass.

Her blue-and-white uniform and the long scythe slung over her shoulder gave her a relaxed yet authoritative air. Sensing Kengo's gaze, the girl smiled and waved casually. "Hey, the air here's pretty nice. You must be the tsukumogami living here, right?"

Kengo set down his bucket, smiling faintly. "That's right. But coming here so early—who might you be?"

The girl sat up, hugging her knees with a languid expression. "I'm Komachi Onozuka, a ferryman. Today's been slow—no souls to ferry across—so I figured I'd slack off a little and ended up wandering here."

"A ferryman?" Kengo glanced at the scythe on her shoulder, quickly realizing she wasn't someone ordinary. Nonetheless, his warm smile remained unchanged. "What a coincidence to choose this spot for your break."

Komachi leaned against the tree, propping her chin on one hand. Her gaze held a glimmer of curiosity. "You're an interesting tsukumogami. Out here in the middle of nowhere, you've got this neat garden, and your crops are practically glowing with spiritual energy. Doesn't seem very 'ordinary' to me."

Kengo chuckled softly, his tone mild. "With care and effort, good results come naturally. All I have is this little patch of land—nothing else out of the ordinary."

Philosophy in Laziness

Komachi pulled out a sake flask from her waist, taking a hearty swig. Her face lit up with satisfaction as she observed Kengo carrying the bucket. Her tone was casual, tinged with curiosity. "You're different from the other youkai. Most of them either stir up trouble or go around showing off their strength. But you? Hiding out here and farming. Are you running from something?"

Kengo paused in his watering, considering her question briefly before shaking his head with a light laugh. "Not running—just avoiding unnecessary conflicts. To me, a simple life is the most meaningful."

Komachi narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze lazy but sharp. "That's an honest answer. Still, I get the feeling you're like a river that's been dammed up by something."

Kengo chuckled as he raised his head, meeting her inquisitive gaze. "Maybe everyone has their reasons. I chose a quiet life simply because I want to protect this little piece of land."

Komachi's smile turned playful as she looked up at the sky, her tone thoughtful. "Human, youkai, even tsukumogami like you—eventually, everyone gets tired. The more you suppress something, the bigger it's going to explode when it finally comes out."

Kengo lifted the bucket and replied evenly, "Whether it's suppression or release might just be someone else's perspective. For me, taking care of this land is enough."

A Brief Exchange

Komachi eyed him with growing amusement, her smile widening. "You're quite an interesting tsukumogami. But, you know, just farming isn't going to make life that easy. Maybe one day I'll bring some 'interesting souls' over to liven this place up."

Kengo glanced at her, a faint smile playing at his lips. "You're welcome anytime. Though my hospitality is simple—just a few cups of plain tea."

Komachi burst out laughing, standing up and slinging her scythe over her shoulder. She brushed the grass off her skirt and said, "Alright, I've slacked off enough for today. But next time, I'll want to hear more of your story."

As Kengo watched her leave, a contemplative look crossed his face. He murmured to himself, "Interesting souls, huh? Let's hope that day doesn't come too soon."

The Blade's Edge in the Morning Mist

The morning sunlight pierced through the forest canopy, illuminating the mist that hovered gently over the vegetable garden, casting an ethereal glow on the world. Kengo crouched at the edge of the garden, carefully sorting freshly picked vegetables. His breathing was steady, his movements deliberate and unhurried, as though the world beyond this patch of earth held no significance for him.

However, the tranquility was interrupted by a sharp, weighty presence. It was like the edge of a blade slicing through the air, carried on a faint breeze, bringing with it an invisible pressure.

Kengo paused, his hand stopping mid-motion. He glanced up, his calm eyes scanning his surroundings.

A clear, melodic voice suddenly rang out, "Excuse me, are you the tsukumogami who lives here?"

Following the voice, Kengo turned toward the source and saw a young girl standing beneath a distant tree. Her silver-white hair shimmered in the sunlight, her posture tall and poised.

At her waist hung two elegant swords, and her expression was cool, marked with a blend of caution and respect. She was none other than the half-human, half-phantom gardener and swordswoman of Hakugyokurou—Youmu Konpaku.

Kengo smiled faintly, his tone steady and warm. "That's me. And you are…?"

Youmu gave a slight bow, her voice clear yet tinged with guarded politeness. "I am Youmu Konpaku, gardener and swordswoman of Hakugyokurou. I heard that there's a tsukumogami here who grows vegetables infused with spiritual energy, so I came to pay a visit."

Kengo raised an eyebrow, a trace of amusement flickering across his face. "Spiritual energy-infused vegetables? That does sound impressive. But I'm afraid the crops here are just ordinary produce. You may have made the trip for nothing."

Youmu lifted her gaze, a flicker of doubt and curiosity in her eyes. "Really? But this land has a distinct aura… something subtle yet extraordinary."

Kengo shrugged lightly, his tone relaxed. "Perhaps it's just the natural fertility of the soil. Or maybe, you're overthinking it."

Testing the Blade

After a brief pause, Youmu lowered her eyes to the swords at her waist. Her tone grew more earnest, tinged with a hint of challenge. "Perhaps I am mistaken. However, since you are a tsukumogami, might I request a sparring match?"

Kengo raised an eyebrow, a hint of exasperation creeping into his otherwise calm demeanor. "A sparring match? I'm a farmer, not a swordsman. I'm afraid I have no skill with blades."

Youmu smiled slightly, her tone becoming more sincere. "It's not about victory or defeat. I wish to refine my swordsmanship. Your aura is unique—perhaps sparring with you could provide me with new insights."

Kengo studied her gaze, sensing the pure determination of a swordswoman. After a moment of thought, he nodded lightly. "If it's that important to you, I suppose I can oblige. But don't expect too much—I'm as ordinary as they come."

Drawing her dual blades, Youmu's swords glinted like flowing water in the sunlight, radiating a faint chill. Her stance lowered slightly as she assumed a textbook-perfect draw stance, her entire being seemingly merging with her blades, exuding an air of sharp focus.

Clash of Spirit and Earth

Youmu made the first move, her blade flashing like a phantom, accompanied by a barely audible whisper of wind as it aimed for Kengo's shoulder. Though her strike appeared light, it concealed layers of intricate variation.

Kengo, however, simply took a small sidestep, his foot seemingly landing at random yet perfectly neutralizing her attack.

A glimmer of admiration flashed in Youmu's eyes as she immediately increased her speed. Her twin blades became a flurry of strikes, each one swift, precise, and aimed at Kengo's vital points.

Yet, Kengo remained rooted in place. With minimal movements, he effortlessly avoided each strike, neither countering nor fully retreating, but always finding the perfect angle to evade her assault.

"So fast…" Youmu thought, her strikes growing sharper with each attempt. Despite her best efforts to adapt and shift her attack patterns, Kengo's movements remained calm and natural, as though he were merely strolling through the garden rather than engaged in battle.

The End of the Test

Finally, Youmu stopped, lowering her blades as she caught her breath. A light sheen of sweat glistened on her brow as she gazed at Kengo with both confusion and admiration.

"You never drew a weapon, yet you avoided every strike as if it were effortless. How could a so-called ordinary tsukumogami possess such skill?"

Kengo chuckled, his tone carrying a hint of playful teasing. "As I said, I'm just a farmer. When faced with sharp blades, it's better to move as little as possible—that's its own kind of technique."

Youmu sheathed her swords and bowed deeply, her voice filled with genuine respect. "Thank you for your guidance. Your footwork and movement have taught me much about my own shortcomings."

Tea and Reflection

Kengo invited Youmu to sit and served her a simple cup of tea. As Youmu held the cup in her hands, she lowered her gaze, quietly reflecting for a moment before looking up again. Her eyes held a trace of curiosity as she asked, "Are you really just an ordinary tsukumogami? Your aura feels deeper than that of most youkai."

Kengo took a sip of his tea, his tone calm and unassuming. "Perhaps it's just the energy of the land giving you that impression. I'm just someone who enjoys tending to his crops—no more, no less."

Youmu nodded slightly, seemingly accepting his explanation, though a faint trace of doubt lingered in her expression. Placing her cup down, she stood and offered another deep bow. "Today's sparring session has been most enlightening. I hope to have the chance to learn from you again."

Kengo smiled, his tone light and teasing. "You're welcome anytime. But next time, leave your swords at the edge of the garden. You might scare my crops."

Youmu blinked in surprise before a faint smile crossed her lips. "Understood. I'll be more careful next time."