Chapter 4

At the edge of Gensokyo's Forest of Magic stood a humble cabin, built by Kengo with his own hands. Though simple on the outside, its interior was meticulously arranged to be warm and inviting.

This small house had become a regular gathering place for the three tsukumogami, and today, they were seated at the table in the courtyard, sipping tea and reminiscing about their lives over the past month.

"Gensokyo is such a wonderful place compared to our past," Kyouya remarked, downing his cup of tea in one gulp before leaning back in his chair with a satisfied smile. "Ah~ This place is like heaven! Back in the day, it was nothing but bloodshed, day after day, with nothing in our heads but fighting and killing."

Kengo held his cup calmly, his steady gaze resting on the distant forest as he spoke in a gentle tone. "Indeed. Every day back then felt like a race against time, with no chance to catch our breath. Now we can grow vegetables, drink tea, and make friends. It's a blessing."

"Exactly!" Tamami chimed in, cupping his tea with both hands, his voice filled with natural joy. "Everyone here is so interesting, and they all love the food I make! I feel like this place is truly our home."

Kyouya raised an eyebrow and smirked mischievously. "Heh, from the way you're talking, you must have already gathered a lot of admirers. Let me go first."

Kyouya clapped the table, his face full of pride. "Isn't it obvious? The girls in Gensokyo are head over heels for me at first sight—"

"Kyouya, talk properly," Kengo interrupted with a calm glance.

"Alright, alright." Kyouya sighed, though the smile never left his face.

"Reimu at the Hakurei Shrine is a fascinating shrine maiden. She might seem lazy, but her gaze is something else. Then there's that old lady Yukari, always speaking in riddles and constantly picking on me. She's incredibly entertaining."

Tamami tilted his head curiously. "And the others?"

"Remilia? She's a little princess through and through," Kyouya spread his hands. "Though she's a bit of a tsundere, she's actually very reasonable. Mokou… well, she's hot-headed but has a strong sense of justice. As for Aya… she's a real troublemaker! Always flying around and challenging me to speed races."

Kengo chuckled softly. "Sounds like you've been keeping busy in Gensokyo."

Kyouya raised his cup with a grin. "Of course! But honestly, compared to your peaceful lives, I think my way is more fun."

Kengo smiled faintly, setting down his cup as he spoke calmly. "Liveliness aside, I prefer the quiet life. The people here in Gensokyo are kind, and sometimes they bring unexpected surprises."

Kyouya smirked. "Like what?"

Kengo looked at him with a serene gaze, his tone unwavering. "Marisa. She's as energetic as a little bird that never gets tired, always asking questions. Suika, on the other hand, is quite interesting. Despite her excellent drinking capacity, she's very easygoing."

Tamami leaned in, his eyes sparkling. "What about Sakuya-san? I heard from Flan-san that she can manipulate time!"

Kengo nodded. "She's meticulous but not overly aggressive. Sparring with her left a strong impression on me. As for Komachi, talking with her feels like crossing a river. Every word she says carries a hint of philosophy, making you think."

Kyouya teased with a sly grin. "And Youmu? I hear she's quite the pure-hearted swordswoman."

Kengo smiled. "Indeed. Her swordsmanship is pure, and sparring with her is truly enjoyable."

Tamami blushed slightly, his tone filled with innocent happiness. "I've been lucky too. Everyone I've met has been so kind, and they love the food I make."

Kyouya and Kengo spoke in unison. "Like who?"

Tamami began counting on his fingers. "Sanae-san is very gentle. She even lets me help cook at the shrine sometimes. Yuyuko-san is a foodie and especially loves my desserts. Kaguya-san is so elegant; she said my snacks reminded her of long-lost flavors."

"And Patchouli and Flandre?" Kengo prompted with a kind smile.

"Patchouli-san really appreciates my cooking and asked me to try making new flavors for her. As for Flan-san, she's a big fan of sweets and said she'll definitely have more next time we meet!" Tamami beamed with happiness.

Kyouya burst into laughter, nearly doubling over. "You've become Gensokyo's official food supplier in just a month, haven't you?"

"Days like these are hard to leave behind," Kengo said, lifting his cup with a hint of sentiment. "Gensokyo is so different from our past, but this kind of life brings peace of mind."

Tamami nodded, his eyes filled with hope. "Yes, I hope we can stay here forever and continue bringing happiness to others."

Kyouya scratched his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Our power could reshape this land in an instant, but everyone here has their own brilliance. I wouldn't mind just being a normal person, watching them laugh and play."

The three raised their cups and lightly clinked them together, their smiles soft as they gazed into the depths of the forest, cherishing the people and memories they had come to treasure in Gensokyo.

As they continued enjoying their tea in Kengo's courtyard, a more serious topic surfaced—how to control their immense power precisely and avoid causing irreparable damage.

Kengo lifted his cup, his tone steady yet tinged with a quiet warning. "Though we're living peacefully now, we must never forget that our power was born to destroy evil spirits and malevolent gods. One mistake, and Gensokyo wouldn't survive our carelessness."

Kyouya lounged casually in his chair, waving a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about me. My control is pretty solid. The other day, I sparred a little with Mokou, and not even a single spark flew. I've got this."

"Do you really?" Kengo raised an eyebrow, his tone neutral. "I heard that when you raced Aya, a few nearby trees were uprooted by your wind pressure."

Kyouya froze, then chuckled awkwardly. "Ah… that was an accident! She's so fast, I had to use just a tiny bit more strength!"

"Tiny?" Kengo stared at him, his voice steady. "That wasn't even one-billionth of your power."

Tamami set down his cup, a hint of worry in his gentle eyes. His voice was soft but serious. "Kyouya, Kengo is right. We really need to be careful. The other day, when I was helping Yuyuko-san make desserts, I accidentally used a little too much strength pouring water and nearly shattered all the tea sets on her table."

Kyouya waved a hand, laughing. "Tamami, you managed to break tea sets just by pouring water? Have you gotten rusty at controlling your strength?"

Tamami's face turned slightly red, and he spoke quietly. "But that's the problem… Even when we think we're being gentle, it's already overwhelming for this land."

Kengo's expression grew somber, his tone heavy. "Do you remember the ancient times? We thought we had our power under control, but every battle reshaped the mountains and rivers around us. The seas of blood… no matter how strong we were, we couldn't avoid them."

Kyouya's smile faded, and he fell silent for a moment before sighing softly. "Back then, our enemies were demons capable of destroying the world. We got used to solving everything with total annihilation, to endless killing… But Gensokyo is different now. It's too fragile."

Tamami nodded, his gaze gentle yet resolute. "That's why we must always remember not to lose ourselves to overconfidence. Even the smallest actions require utmost caution."

Kyouya raised his cup, a hint of regret in his tone. "Alright, alright. Seeing as you're both so serious about this, I'll be more careful too. But honestly, this place is so much better than having to fight for survival every day."

Kengo nodded, his eyes firm. "Gensokyo is a land full of possibilities. We're not just here to enjoy a peaceful life; we're here to protect this paradise."

Tamami smiled, raising his cup. "Exactly. As long as we control ourselves, we can ensure everyone continues to enjoy happy days."

The three clinked their cups gently, their resolve solidifying alongside the tea's soothing aroma. This land, and the friends they had made, were treasures they would protect at any cost.

"Remember, no matter what, we must never forget to control our power," Kengo's voice resonated through the courtyard. The three exchanged knowing nods, a silent pact forged between them.

Above, Gensokyo's sky remained clear and beautiful.

Afternoon at the Hakurei Shrine, Reimu leaned against a pillar, holding a cup of tea as she lazily surveyed the group. Her tone was as casual as ever: "Those three tsukumogami, don't you think they're interesting? They call themselves ordinary, but they're anything but."

Marisa laughed heartily, waving her broom. "Interesting, sure, but Kyouya's a total narcissist! Always showing off with the wind and making my hat fly into the lake over and over."

Sanae smiled as she refilled the teapot, her tone gentle. "Tamami-san is pretty nice. When he helps out at the Moriya Shrine, the food he makes is just incredible! But his airheadedness can sometimes be… a bit concerning."

Yuyuko lightly fanned herself, her tone cheerful. "Airheaded? That's fine! Tamami-san's desserts are divine! If he comes to Hakugyokurou again, I'll tie him up so he can't leave!"

This comment drew a round of laughter. Patchouli, sitting in a corner with her nose buried in a book, spoke in a calm tone: "Tamami's desserts are indeed impressive, better even than some magically enhanced ones. As for Kyouya and Kengo, their powers… they're hiding them well. I suspect they're far from just ordinary tsukumogami."

Remilia elegantly held her teacup, a faintly meaningful smile gracing her lips. "Kyouya Amaba? His self-important attitude can be irritating, but his abilities are quite useful. Last time he visited the Scarlet Devil Mansion, he used the wind to clean the courtyard spotless, saving Meiling a lot of effort."

Flandre, munching on a slice of cake, giggled. "I like Tamami Nii-san the best! His desserts are even better than Pache's magic-enhanced ones! Don't you think so, Pache?"

Patchouli glanced at Flandre and replied flatly, "Indeed, his skills are impressive."

Kaguya leaned lazily against her chair, her tone carrying a hint of languor. "Tamami claims to be ordinary, but his cooking has a nostalgic warmth to it. If he wanted to stay at Eientei, I wouldn't mind adding another person to the household."

Mokou let out a cold chuckle. "Ordinary? Kyouya and Kengo are anything but. When I sparred with Kengo, he didn't even use one percent of his power, yet the pressure he exerted was overwhelming. As for Kyouya, that narcissist's bamboo shoot dishes were decent—barely useful at best."

Suika laughed heartily, raising her gourd to take a swig. "Kengo, that guy, he grows vegetables! He even said he wants to start a small garden to grow specialty gourds. Haha, I'll need to drink a few more rounds with him!"

The conversation grew livelier as Yukari gently waved her fan, a mysterious smile playing on her lips as she turned her gaze toward Reimu.

"Reimu, speaking of which, isn't Kyouya living at your shrine?" Yukari's tone was lazy, but her words carried a hint of teasing. "How does it feel sharing the place with him? Anything interesting happen?"

Reimu was momentarily stunned, almost spilling her tea. She glared at Yukari. "Sharing? That guy is just shamelessly freeloading here!"

Yukari covered her mouth with a laugh. "Oh? Freeloading, yet he cooks for you every day, cleans the shrine, runs errands, and even helps you earn offerings. Doesn't that make you… happy?"

Reimu's ears turned slightly red as she tried to maintain her composure by sipping her tea. "Happy? That guy causes nothing but trouble! He even treats the shrine as his experimental kitchen, making all sorts of weird dishes. They're tasty, sure, but it feels like he's scheming something!"

Yukari smiled knowingly. "Oh? Then why haven't you ever kicked him out?"

Reimu faltered, her gaze wandering as she mumbled under her breath, "…Because he cleans the shrine every day. It's too much trouble to kick him out."

This exchange prompted laughter from everyone around. Reimu's face turned beet red as she slammed her teacup down. "What's so funny? I don't need that guy!"

Yuyuko gently fanned herself, a sly glint in her eyes. "Oh my, it seems Kyouya-kun is quite important to Reimu, after all."

Remilia took a small sip of tea, smiling faintly. "Reimu, you can relax. Kyouya may be clumsy, but his concern for you is obvious to anyone with eyes."

Reimu glared at the group, her lips moving as if to retort, but in the end, she said nothing and simply pretended to focus on her tea.

In the courtyard, the conversation sparked by the three tsukumogami continued, the lively atmosphere filling the air.

Everyone had their praises or complaints about these so-called "ordinary" tsukumogami, yet deep down, a peculiar sense of recognition had taken root. After all, these three—simple, natural, and brimming with gentle strength—had quietly become an integral part of life in Gensokyo.

Aya sat perched on a tree branch, camera in hand, her tone excited. "Whether it's Kyouya's wind, Kengo's earth, or Tamami's water, their powers are ridiculously strong! They keep saying they're ordinary, but what kind of ordinary tsukumogami are like that?"

Yukari sat elegantly nearby, fanning herself with a sly smile. "Ordinary tsukumogami? Heh, this kind of 'ordinary' is certainly a first. Still, they hide their powers well, and that, I can appreciate."

Youmu softly added, "Kengo-san's footwork and stance… they're reminiscent of an ancient swordmaster. His strength runs much deeper than he lets on."

Komachi leaned lazily against the doorframe, her tone relaxed. "Whether they're ordinary or not, at least they've brought a lot of fun and topics to Gensokyo, haven't they?"

Reimu glanced at everyone, clicking her tongue. "Ordinary or not, as long as they don't cause me trouble, I don't care."

"But their powers…" Patchouli's voice was calm. "If they ever lost control, the damage to Gensokyo could be irreparable."

"Exactly," Remilia said as she set down her teacup, her tone tinged with caution. "We should continue observing them but not push them too hard."

Yukari smiled faintly, her tone light but profound. "Don't worry. They're far more careful than you imagine. After all, this Gensokyo is a land they've come to cherish."

The girls present nodded in agreement. The tea party continued amidst laughter and chatter, but deep down, everyone's thoughts about the three "ordinary" tsukumogami grew more complicated.

Reimu leaned against the pillar, holding her teacup lazily. "Those guys keep claiming to be ordinary tsukumogami, but who can't tell that they're anything but?"

Marisa laughed loudly, chiming in. "Exactly! Especially Kyouya—he keeps saying he's ordinary but can play with the wind like it's nothing. How is that ordinary?"

Yukari elegantly waved her fan, her tone light. "Since everyone is so curious, why not send a few people to spar with them and see what they're really capable of?"

Yuyuko chuckled. "Sparring sounds like a good idea. After all, just observing them won't reveal their limits."

Reimu raised an eyebrow. "That brings up the question: who should we send? If we want to truly test their strength, we can't just send anyone and risk embarrassing ourselves."

Discussion of Opponents

Opponent for Kyouya Amaba

Marisa excitedly raised her hand. "Me! Kyouya's wind abilities look fun. I can race him with my broom!"

Yukari shook her head with a smile. "No, it should be Reimu. She knows Kyouya's personality best, and the two often argue. Reimu would be the ideal choice."

Reimu squinted. "Hey, I'm not your tool for this."

Patchouli calmly added, "But Reimu, your spiritual charm techniques are perfect for countering his wind abilities. That makes it more valuable for testing."

The group unanimously agreed, and Reimu sighed in resignation. "Fine, fine. I'll do it."

Opponent for Kengo Tsuchimikado

Suika spoke up. "Kengo's strength is ridiculously steady, but surely it's not invincible? I think I can push his limits."

Remilia chuckled softly. "Suika, your strength is impressive, but his control over the ground is far beyond what a typical youkai can handle. This calls for someone skilled."

At that moment, Sakuya gently set down her teacup, her tone composed. "I'll go. My precision and time control make me well-suited to challenge his steadiness. Besides, I've sparred with him before."

Patchouli nodded slightly. "Sakuya is indeed a fitting choice. Her agility and accuracy will force Kengo to face her head-on."

Suika shrugged. "Alright, let's send Sakuya, then."

Opponent for Tamami Shiomi

Sanae smiled and raised her hand. "Tamami-san and I are close, and I have some understanding of his abilities. Let me try."

Yuyuko elegantly raised her fan. "No, no, no. This opportunity should go to me. Let me experience his true power beyond cooking."

Patchouli retorted, "Yuyuko, you just want him to make more desserts, don't you?"

Remilia added, "Sanae's familiarity with Tamami makes her the most suitable candidate right now."

Yukari glanced at Sanae and nodded with a smile. "Then it's settled. Use your divine powers to test his water manipulation."

Sanae smiled determinedly. "No problem. I'll give it my all."

In Kengo's cabin, the three tsukumogami gathered, the atmosphere tense but not without humor. Kyouya had just used his ability to sense air currents to learn that the girls at Hakurei Shrine were discussing plans to choose representatives to spar with them. His expression changed, and he immediately summoned his two brothers.

Kyouya paced back and forth, muttering under his breath. "This is bad, really bad! They've already decided their opponents and are coming to spar with us! This isn't a joke; it's a serious matter!"

Kengo sat calmly nearby, holding his teacup steadily. His tone was composed. "Kyouya, calm down. It's just sparring. What's the big deal?"

Tamami, looking a little lost, glanced at Kyouya and quietly asked, "Kyouya, who… who did they choose?"

Kyouya stopped abruptly, pointing at the two with exaggerated alarm in his voice. "Listen up! My opponent is Reimu, Kengo's opponent is Sakuya, and Tamami's opponent is Sanae! These three are no ordinary characters!"

Tamami froze, nearly dropping the teapot in his hands. "Sanae-san? But… but what if I lose control of my power and flood the Moriya Shrine?"

Kyouya slammed his hand on the table, his tone growing serious. "Brothers, that's the point! The issue isn't winning or losing—it's how we control our power and still make them believe we're just ordinary tsukumogami."

Kyouya took a deep breath, his tone becoming more resolute. "Think about it carefully. From ancient times until now, how many people have actually survived a serious attack from us? Big Sis (Amaterasu), our brothers (Tsukuyomi and Susanoo), Takemikazuchi, Ame-no-Tajikarao, Futsunushi… you can count them on two hands. Only divine beings among divine beings could spar with us. Now we're facing the girls of Gensokyo. They're not even close to our level!"

Kengo pondered for a moment, nodding in agreement. "Our power, even if suppressed to one ten-thousandth, could still plunge Gensokyo into crisis. This test isn't about our strength; it's about how we control it."

Tamami held his head in his hands, guilt written all over his face. "But… it's so hard to break the habit of killing. In the past, every enemy we faced was capable of destroying humanity, Takamagahara, or even entire planets. That kind of habit… can it really just be changed?"

Kyouya patted Tamami's shoulder in reassurance, his tone tinged with helplessness. "Yeah, I find it hard too. Every battle we fought in the past was life or death—either we destroyed the enemy, or the enemy destroyed the world. Now having to use such minimal force… it's honestly torture."

Kengo added in a low voice, "But that's the price we pay for choosing peace. If we can't completely abandon our old ways of fighting, it's only a matter of time before Gensokyo is endangered."

Kyouya Stands at the Table, Planning Strategies for Each Opponent:

Kyouya vs. Reimu: Comedic Role

Strategy: Kyouya plans to use his wind abilities to deflect Reimu's spiritual charms but deliberately "reacts too slowly," allowing her attacks to hit him, making it seem like his power is inadequate.

Comedy Moment: After being blasted away, Kyouya pretends to flail around and says something ridiculous like, "Miko-sama's charms hurt so much! I'm filing for workers' comp!"

Kengo vs. Sakuya: Playing the Steady Role

Strategy: Kengo will use his earth manipulation to stabilize Sakuya's time control but will pretend to "fail to react in time," allowing her daggers to strike at close range.

Comedy Moment: After being "hit" by a dagger, Kengo calmly remarks, "Your precision is impressive. It's almost like you're slicing vegetables."

Tamami vs. Sanae: Comedic Water Mishaps

Strategy: Tamami will use water flows to counter Sanae's divine power but pretends to "lose control," resulting in water splashing onto himself and creating a clumsy scene.

Comedy Moment: After falling into the water, Tamami waves his arms and shouts, "Sanae-san, you're amazing! I surrender already!"

Kyouya clapped his hands on the table, his tone brimming with confidence. "Alright, it's decided! This sparring session isn't just about controlling our power; it's also about showcasing our acting skills! Let's make them believe we're just ordinary tsukumogami!"

Kengo lowered his head in thought, then nodded slowly. "This is a great opportunity to finally leave behind our old ways of killing."

Tamami chuckled sheepishly and raised his hand. "Then… then I'll prepare a few lines so I don't mess up when I get nervous!"

The three exchanged glances and finally burst into laughter. Kyouya raised his fist. "Brothers, this test isn't about our strength—it's about our acting skills! Ready to get beaten up?"

Kengo and Tamami nodded, raising their teacups together. "We're ready!"

A sparring match filled with humor and misunderstandings was about to unfold, as the three tsukumogami prepared to meet the "test" set by the girls of Gensokyo with wit and theatrics.

After Finalizing the Strategy

The three tsukumogami quickly sprang into action, deciding to "coincidentally" show up at the Hakurei Shrine to observe the situation and prepare for the upcoming sparring matches. However, before their plan could be executed, they were caught red-handed by Reimu.

Kyouya led the way, using his wind to scatter leaves off the path as he walked, his expression confident. "Remember, we're just passing by the Hakurei Shrine. Don't look too nervous. I'll handle Reimu!"

Tamami whispered nervously, "But… what if she asks why we're here?"

Kyouya patted his chest, his tone steady. "Relax, I have the perfect excuse! Just say—we're here to visit my home!"

Kengo raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with exasperation. "Your home? The Hakurei Shrine belongs to you now?"

Kyouya grinned mischievously. "Well, not entirely, but close enough! I help clean and do odd jobs around here. That practically makes me a tenant!"

As they chatted, Reimu's voice called down from the steps above. "Hey, Kyouya! What are you three doing here again?"

The trio stopped in their tracks and looked up to see Reimu standing on the shrine veranda with her hands on her hips, her eyebrows raised and suspicion gleaming in her eyes.

Kyouya quickly shifted into an innocent mode, spreading his hands and smiling. "Ah, Reimu, don't be so harsh! We're just here to admire the shrine and show my brothers where I live!"

Reimu blinked, then let out a derisive laugh. "Where you live? Kyouya, what makes you think this shrine is your home?"

Kyouya replied with a straight face, "Why not? I help you clean and do chores every day, and I cook for you too. If this isn't my home, then what is it?"

Reimu shot back without hesitation, "You barely help out by wiping a few pillars now and then, and you freeload here all the time! That's what you call living here?"

Tamami timidly interjected, "Uh… so, Reimu-san, does Kyouya actually live here?"

Reimu glared at him, her tone laced with exasperation. "He doesn't live here. At most, he's a shameless freeloader!"

Jumping down from the veranda, Reimu crossed her arms, her tone growing colder. "Stop changing the subject. You're here because you heard we're planning to spar with you, aren't you?"

Kyouya's smile faltered slightly but quickly recovered. With exaggerated disbelief, he exclaimed, "Sparring? What sparring? We don't know anything about that! We're really just here to show my brothers around the shrine!"

Reimu raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Really? Funny how we were just talking about challenging you, and here you are. What a coincidence, huh?"

Kengo calmly stepped in, his tone steady. "Reimu-san, we truly happened to be passing by. If you have plans, we're happy to cooperate. Perhaps it could even be a more relaxed exchange?"

Reimu let out a cold laugh. "Relaxed? Don't worry, we're just curious to see how ordinary you tsukumogami really are."

Reimu stood firm, glancing over the three with a slight smirk. "Let me tell you who your opponents are: Kyouya, you're up against me; Kengo, your opponent is Sakuya; and Tamami, Sanae's already waiting to spar with you."

Tamami's eyes widened, and he stammered, "Sanae-san… wants to spar with me? But… but I…"

Kyouya clapped Tamami on the shoulder, cutting him off. "Hey, this isn't just a sparring session; it's a chance to strengthen your bond! Reimu, should I thank you for setting up such a great opportunity?"

Reimu snorted. "Kyouya Amaba, stop running your mouth. Save your talk for the sparring match!"

Before the trio could argue further, a gap suddenly opened, and Yukari elegantly emerged, fanning herself with a sly smile. "Hehe, since everyone's so eager, why not start now? We spectators are ready and waiting to see your true skills."

Kyouya's expression froze, but he quickly forced a smile. "Now? Oh, Yukari-sama, isn't that a bit sudden? We're not ready yet!"

Yukari gently waved her fan, her tone soft but firm. "It's just sparring; what preparation do you need? I trust you have the capability, don't you?"

Reimu strode toward the courtyard without looking back. "Stop wasting time and get moving. Don't dawdle!"

Kyouya glanced at his brothers, letting out a quiet sigh before whispering, "Brothers, it's time to start our performance. Remember, act natural!"

Kengo and Tamami nodded lightly. The three quickly adjusted their expressions and stepped onto the courtyard's stone tiles. A sparring match full of humor and misunderstandings was finally about to begin…