Chapter 6

A Few Days After the Sparring Sessions with the Girls

Morning at the Hakurei Shrine, sunlight filtered through a thin veil of mist, bathing the crimson torii gate in a gentle golden hue. The courtyard was tranquil, the occasional rustling of leaves in the breeze adding to the serene atmosphere.

Kyouya was standing under the shrine's veranda, holding a cloth and carefully wiping a donation box. His focused expression was a rare sight, contrasting with his usual mischievous demeanor.

Over the past few days, he still acted like a goofy and ordinary tsukumogami, but Reimu couldn't shake the feeling that something about him had changed.

"Hey, Kyouya," Reimu called out as she stepped out of the shrine with a broom in hand, her tone lazy as usual. "Are you heading to Kengo's place again today?"

Kyouya looked up and flashed a radiant smile, his voice carrying his signature dramatic flair. "Of course! Sharpening one's skills is a man's sacred duty! I can't afford to slack off!"

Reimu raised an eyebrow, leaning on her broom with a smirk of mockery. "Skills? With your level? Just a few days ago, I had you flat on the ground. And you're talking about improvement?"

Kyouya was momentarily at a loss for words, but he quickly regained his composure, clutching his chest in a theatrical display of mock agony. "Oh, shrine maiden, must you cruelly reopen my wounds? That was merely me going easy on you! How else could I have lost?"

Reimu snorted, her tone utterly devoid of sympathy. "Ha. Then next time, I'll beat you even harder and see how much more you can 'go easy.'"

Kyouya shrank back slightly, but his voice remained defiant. "Don't underestimate me! Someday, I'll—"

"Enough with the 'someday.'" Reimu cut him off, her voice carrying a tinge of impatience. "So, is breakfast ready or not? If it's not, you'll regret it."

"Of course it's ready!" Kyouya immediately straightened up, his expression smug as he gestured toward the shrine's interior. "Grilled fish, miso soup, fresh rice, and a few side dishes I made myself—all set and waiting in the kitchen. Go and enjoy it while it's hot!"

Reimu cast him a skeptical glance, her tone laced with doubt. "Really? You've been pretending to be busy all week. Now you're saying you actually made a decent meal?"

"Don't underestimate me!" Kyouya grinned confidently. "My cooking skills are universally acknowledged. You'll be begging for seconds!"

Reimu turned and headed inside, her voice casual as she tossed back, "If it's bad, I'll really beat you up this time."

Watching her retreating figure, Kyouya let out a quiet sigh of relief before a satisfied smile crept onto his face. He muttered under his breath, "Shrine maiden, you really haven't changed…"

Unbeknownst to him, Reimu glanced back briefly as she entered the shrine, a faint smile playing on her lips. She murmured softly, "What a fool…"

Deep within the Magic Forest stood a modest wooden cabin—Kengo's hut. Nestled along a secluded forest trail, a path dappled with sunlight led the way, accompanied by the gentle babbling of a nearby stream.

Tamami, ever the wanderer without a fixed home, would occasionally stop by to meet with Kengo and Kyouya. The hut was more than just a meeting place—it was their secret base, where they reflected on their shared mission to "play their roles."

It all started a few days ago, during their first sparring matches. The scenes were nothing short of absurd and comedic—a spectacle that left the girls with the impression that the three of them had some skill, but were far from exceptional.

That evening, the three gathered in Kengo's cabin.

The wooden structure stood in a quiet corner of the forest, where winding trails led to solitude. As the setting sun bathed the cabin in warm golden light, its simple furnishings reflected a cozy atmosphere.

Kyouya couldn't hold back his laughter, collapsing onto a chair and cackling like a cat that had just stolen cream. "Hahaha! Can you believe it?

Today's plan to mess up was absolutely flawless! Reimu totally bought that I was clumsy and weak. She didn't suspect a thing!"

Kengo calmly poured tea, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Sakuya-san's sharp eyes are nothing to scoff at, but my act of 'earnest effort ending in failure' fooled her completely. Our execution was impeccable."

Tamami, however, rubbed his nose awkwardly, his expression sheepish. "But… it really hurt. I made such a mess, and poor Sanae-san ended up covered in mud. The nosebleed wasn't fake either. Can we try something less dramatic next time?"

Kyouya burst into another fit of laughter, slapping Tamami on the back. "That's exactly why it worked! Your 'authentic reaction' sealed the deal! Sanae probably thinks you were just super nervous—no way she'd suspect anything else!"

Kengo nodded, his tone thoughtful. "The key to acting is naturalism. We're not trying to seem incompetent, but to convince them we're capable yet far from extraordinary. This way, they won't see us as a threat."

Tamami still looked uncertain, lowering his voice. "But… what if one day they find out who we really are? What then? How would they look at us?"

Kyouya's laughter faded, and his expression turned serious. He set down his teacup and spoke softly but firmly, "That's why we have to earn their trust now, to make them see us as dependable friends. These bonds we've formed are the most precious thing we've gained here. We can't afford to lose them."

Kengo contemplated this for a moment before speaking, his voice steady but resolute. "No matter how they react, as long as we truly become a part of their lives, the truth won't change these bonds. What matters is how we protect them, not how we fear their breaking."

Tamami seemed partially convinced but couldn't resist muttering under his breath, "I just hope the next match doesn't leave me looking so pathetic…"

Kyouya chuckled and raised his cup. "Alright, alright, no more brooding! Our performance was flawless this time, and there'll be plenty more opportunities to show off the 'ordinary tsukumogami' charm!"

Kengo raised his cup as well, his gaze steady but warm. "To our secret… and to them."

Tamami let out a small laugh, finally lifting his cup. "Fine. To these priceless bonds."

The gentle clink of their cups echoed in the cabin, mingling with the sound of the stream outside. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a warm glow over this alliance of secrecy and camaraderie.

In the days that followed, they continued sparring with others, each battle just as peculiar as the last…

Sparring with Yukari

Kyouya stood before Yukari, his expression slightly tense. Yukari gracefully waved her folding fan, and a boundary gap opened at his feet. His movements were swift, clearly capable of avoiding it with ease.

However, just as everyone expected him to dodge smoothly, Kyouya's foot "accidentally" slipped, and he fell into the gap with a startled cry. Yukari covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

"Kyouya-kun, could it be that you can't even pass my little test?"
Climbing out of the gap in a disheveled state, Kyouya scratched his head and laughed sheepishly.

"Ah, maybe the wind's direction is a bit off today."

Sparring with Remilia

When Remilia launched her scarlet rush attack, Kyouya slightly shifted his body, seemingly able to evade it. However, at the last second, his foot "accidentally" slipped, and he fell to the ground, getting hit by the shockwave.

"Hehe, defeated by such a simple attack. You're even weaker than I imagined," Remilia chuckled while elegantly flicking her cape.
Still lying on the ground, Kyouya let out a wry smile.

"Well, it seems the vampire noblewoman is simply too powerful."

Sparring with Mokou

Kyouya's battle with Mokou's flames was the most dramatic. He used wind manipulation to try and weaken the fire, but he deliberately misdirected the airflow, causing the flames to surge directly toward him and leaving his face covered in soot.

Coughing in embarrassment, Kyouya tried to shake off the ash as Mokou squinted and patted his shoulder."Looks like your wind doesn't obey you very well."

Kyouya laughed nonchalantly."Must be the humidity today!"

Sparring with Aya

Kyouya challenged Aya to a speed duel, brimming with confidence as he started. The power of the wind subtly carried him forward. However, just as the crowd watched with bated breath, he "accidentally" slipped, crashing into a tree and tumbling to the ground amidst a cascade of falling leaves.

Aya stopped and turned back, laughing.
"Kyouya, your speed isn't bad, but your control leaves something to be desired."

Kyouya rubbed his head and chuckled awkwardly."Ah, the wind wasn't cooperating. I'll try harder next time."

Sparring with Marisa

Marisa unleashed her Master Spark, the brilliant beam roaring toward Kengo. He raised an earthen wall to block it, but at the last moment, he deliberately weakened the structure, allowing the shockwave to blow him away and send him tumbling to the ground in a cloud of dust.

Marisa smirked, blowing on her fingertips.
"Kengo, is that your so-called 'earth power'? Don't underestimate my magic next time."

Dusting himself off, Kengo replied with a resigned smile.
"As expected, the genius magician is hard to beat."

Sparring with Youmu

Youmu's dual blades gleamed as they clashed against Kengo's terrain manipulation in a highly engaging duel. When Kengo successfully raised a wall of earth as a barrier, he deliberately moved too slowly, allowing Youmu's blade to graze his shoulder.

She stepped back and sheathed her swords, bowing slightly."Your earthen wall is impressive, but it's not fast enough."

Kengo nodded, a self-deprecating smile on his face."Looks like I need to practice more."

Sparring with Komachi

Komachi swung her scythe, and Kengo attempted to block it with an earthen wall, but he "conveniently" miscalculated the strength, allowing her to break through effortlessly.

"Kengo, your reaction time is still too slow," Komachi teased, dragging her scythe back with a smug grin.

Kengo scratched his head."Yeah, I guess you're just a bit quicker than me."

Sparring with Suika

Suika swung her gourd, unleashing massive force that stirred up a wild wind. While Kengo could have easily stabilized the ground, he intentionally altered the terrain incorrectly, causing himself to trip and fall flat on his back.

Suika burst into hearty laughter."Kengo, your earth manipulation is no match for me!"

Climbing to his feet with a helpless expression, Kengo replied,"Your brute strength really leaves me at a loss."

Sparring with Yuyuko

Yuyuko's spirit butterflies fluttered gracefully yet lethally. Tamami responded with a curtain of water but "mistakenly" allowed the flow to scatter, letting the butterflies strike him in the chest.

Falling to the ground, he panted heavily."Yuyuko-san, your butterflies are really something else."

Yuyuko smiled serenely."Your water manipulation is quite good, but alas, still a little lacking."

Sparring with Patchouli

Patchouli summoned a seven-element magic circle, and Tamami countered with flowing water. However, he allowed the mist to thicken and obscure his own vision, ultimately raising his hand in surrender.
"Patchouli-san, you win… I overdid it with the water."

Patchouli's tone was calm as always."You need to learn to control it, rather than let it flow unchecked."

Sparring with Kaguya

Tamami's duel with Kaguya was full of theatrics. He used a water wall to block her moonlight attack, but he "accidentally" let cracks form in the barrier, allowing the light to dazzle his eyes. He stumbled backward, falling to the ground.

Standing elegantly in the moonlight, Kaguya chuckled softly."Tamami, you won't be able to handle my moonlight like that."

Covering his eyes, Tamami replied with an awkward laugh."Your moonlight is simply overwhelming."

Sparring with Flandre

In the courtyard of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Flandre gleefully flapped her wings, the destructive orb in her hands glowing ominously.

"Careful, Tamami-niisan! Don't let me blow you up!" she giggled, her voice sweet yet filled with destructive energy.

Tamami raised a shield of water and replied gently,"Flan-san, please go easy on me. I'd rather not turn into steam."

Though he defended skillfully, during a dodge, he "accidentally" slipped and fell, losing control of the water, which splashed all over his face.

Flandre clapped her hands and laughed."Haha! Tamami-niisan, you're so funny!"

"Ahaha, just a slip-up, nothing more," Tamami said, scratching the back of his head with an embarrassed smile as he got up.

Each of the trio's defeats was seamless and convincing. Those prone to suspicion, like Yukari, Patchouli, and Yuyuko, pondered deeply but couldn't find any concrete evidence. Meanwhile, others like Marisa, Suika, and Aya simply enjoyed the trio's clumsy antics, never doubting that it was all an act.

This constant back-and-forth reinforced everyone's belief that the trio was composed of solid mid-tier fighters with decent potential but lacking any significant burst power or real combat experience.

Throughout these sparring matches, the girls hardly entertained any doubts. Their collective impression of Kyouya, Kengo, and Tamami was that while their foundations were solid, they still had a long way to go compared to the girls themselves.

The phrase "Try harder next time" became a standard refrain, echoing behind the victors as they walked away after each match.

Back at Kengo's hut, the three would always gather around the small table, sipping lukewarm tea and replaying every expression and move they had made earlier.

Kyouya, striking a dramatic pose with his hands on his hips, laughed like a devious cat."Hahaha! Our acting deserves an Academy Award! Gensokyo owes us three golden statues!"

Kengo merely smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, calmly reminding Kyouya not to laugh so openly. Meanwhile, Tamami rubbed his nose and carefully stretched his neck, still feeling the awkwardness of his earlier falls, his expression a mixture of amusement and resignation.

Whether it was Kyouya's exaggerated tumbles, Kengo's composed defeats, or Tamami's naturally clumsy missteps, their performances were seamless. Over these past days, their "masked theater" had become increasingly refined, flawless, and airtight.

The girls remained oblivious, truly believing they had the upper hand over the trio. Little did they know that the meticulously choreographed defeats were all part of a clever act devised by the three.

Exchanging a knowing smile, the trio was filled with confidence in their "art of performance," while the girls continued to see them as merely above-average fighters, completely unaware of the astronomical level of power the three were hiding.

Another day of sparring concluded, and once again, the tsukumogami trio was "conveniently" defeated.

The courtyard of the Hakurei Shrine was now bathed in the golden hues of sunset. Fallen leaves trembled lightly on the ground, and the lingering echoes of laughter from earlier battles floated in the breeze.

But as the sparring ended, a far more enticing event was about to unfold—the trio's "encore performance": a feast of unparalleled gourmet dishes.

Kyouya, Kengo, and Tamami walked side by side toward the small kitchen beside the shrine. It was a simple and humble space, with only a wooden table, a cooking pot, and some basic utensils.

Yet, under the trio's skillful hands, it transformed into a magical kitchen capable of producing cuisine that could rival a Michelin three-star restaurant.

Having once studied culinary arts under Uke Mochi in Takamagahara, their knife skills, mastery of heat, and understanding of flavors had long reached divine levels. However, they had always been cautious about revealing their full prowess.

They worried that serving "god-tier cuisine" right from the start would arouse suspicion: "These so-called ordinary guys—how can their cooking be so impossibly good?"

Thus, up until now, they had only occasionally served simple dishes, casual meals that were already impressive enough to leave a favorable impression. But they had yet to truly showcase their culinary talents.

Today, after firmly embedding the impression of their "mediocre" combat abilities in everyone's minds, they decided to get a little serious. That "little" effort, however, was enough to upend mortal taste buds and nearly move people to tears.

Kyouya began by inspecting the ingredients: fresh mountain vegetables, mushrooms from the Magic Forest, fish and shellfish freshly caught from Misty Lake, and high-quality rice and flour acquired from some mysterious source.

Kengo used his earth-manipulating powers to gently vibrate the ground, applying just the right force to bring aged meats stored in an underground cellar to the surface without releasing even a hint of unnecessary energy.

Meanwhile, Tamami employed subtle water manipulation to clean the vegetables and seafood, leaving each leaf and every scale glistening and pristine.

The trio divided their tasks with precision:

Kyouya specialized in creative appetizers and desserts, using his knife skills and the rhythm of the wind to cut fruits and vegetables into paper-thin slices.

Kengo excelled in main courses and soups, creating dishes that balanced rich flavors and comforting textures, like orchestrating the harmony of mountains and rivers.

Tamami was skilled in rice dishes, pasta, and desserts, using his water manipulation to knead dough to smooth, elastic perfection, steaming or boiling it to a texture as light as clouds.

Appetizers

Kyouya picked up a delicate knife, and with a few swift movements, apples, pears, grapes, and forest berries were sliced into translucent layers that shimmered like crystals.

These were stacked into a fruit salad resembling a glass tower. Alongside it was a lightly dressed vegetable salad, tossed with sesame oil, crispy nuts, and flower petals, each bite offering a harmonious balance of tartness and freshness. This was merely the beginning, yet it already made one want to hold their breath in anticipation.

Soup

Kengo combined mushrooms from the Magic Forest, wild ferns, and tender bamboo shoots in an earthen pot, slow-cooking them over a carefully controlled heat.

By using the resonance of the earth, the broth fully permeated the ingredients. He added a pinch of secret herbal spices and a small amount of clam stock from the lake, resulting in a soup that was clear with a hint of milky white, evoking the crisp air and morning dew of a mountain forest.

Main Courses

Kengo handled the aged wild boar and venison with precision, achieving a perfect sear that left the exterior crispy and the interior tender and juicy.

The dish was paired with a mushroom, butter, and red wine sauce, melting in the mouth with every bite. Meanwhile, Tamami prepared a seafood rice dish: mixing the rice with just the right amount of vinegar and sake, he harmonized the flavors of salmon roe, grilled eel, clams, seaweed, and rice into a dish that was rich but not overwhelming, flavorful but not fishy.

For meat lovers, Kyouya prepared Japanese-style fried oysters and grilled yellowtail cheek, paired with a slightly sweet sauce. He also offered a Western-style dish: pasta dressed in a white wine and cream sauce, garnished with flying fish roe and finely chopped herbs, exuding elegance and sophistication.

Desserts

The grand finale was Tamami's specialty. Using seasonal fruits and fresh cream, he crafted a light soufflé cake that felt like biting into a cloud. This was accompanied by Japanese-style sweet sake jelly, fermented to perfection using water manipulation; caramel custard meticulously slow-cooked by Kengo; and an array of candied fruits and flower-petal preserves as decorations. The sweetness was balanced and never cloying, leaving a lingering, satisfying aftertaste.

As the three plated their creations, it was like witnessing a live art exhibition. Though none of them were formally trained chefs, they had been personally taught by the goddess Uke Mochi in Takamagahara.

Their mastery of knife skills and control of heat had reached an unparalleled level. What they called "a little serious"—a mere release of 60–70% of their usual restrained culinary prowess—was already enough to rival, or even surpass, the finest chefs in the human world, including Michelin three-star masters.

Soon after, the girls gathered around the long table, each holding exquisitely plated dishes. At first, they thought the trio's efforts were just an attempt to "win their favor." However, the moment they took their first bite, their faces lit up with expressions of utter astonishment.

Reimu, who had previously dismissed Kyouya's antics with indifference, took a sip of the clear soup and tasted the gelatin salad. Her eyes lit up slightly.

"Eh? This is way too delicious…"

Her thoughts drifted to Kyouya's usual flamboyant antics. Suddenly, she found it hard to ignore that, despite his goofy personality, he possessed undeniable skill—at least in the realm of cooking. Her impression of him began to soften.

Kyouya, sitting at a distance, vaguely caught Reimu's murmurs and couldn't help but let a smug smile tug at the corner of his lips. But he quickly pretended not to care, focusing on arranging the plates in front of him.

Yukari sipped the mushroom soup gracefully, her violet eyes half-closed as a pleased smile graced her lips.

"My, what intriguing children. Their combat skills may be middling, but their cooking… is quite exceptional."

Though a faint sense of suspicion lingered, the happiness brought by the meal was enough for Yukari to set it aside for now. Her opinion of the trio rose slightly; she now saw their "ordinariness" differently—not as truly ordinary, but as an intentionally restrained performance.

Yuyuko, as expected, indulged in three desserts in succession: the creamy custard pudding that melted in her mouth, the fluffy and soft strawberry cake, and the bittersweet chocolate mousse. Her eyes glistened as if on the verge of tears.
"So delicious…"

Her voice was gentle, almost trembling, as though utterly conquered by the flavors.
"They must be angels…" Yuyuko smiled contentedly, having mentally designated the trio as her "personal chefs."

Marisa devoured the seafood rice voraciously, the tender fish and aromatic rice blending together perfectly. She couldn't stop herself.
"Oi, oi, how is this possible! This is better than any food I've had out there! This isn't food—it's a drug! Totally addictive!"
Clutching her bowl, she sighed in admiration.
"These guys… could they secretly be gourmet professionals?"
Whatever doubts she had about them dissolved in the face of such exquisite food, leaving only a sense of friendly appreciation.

Sakuya, familiar with both ingredients and culinary techniques, was nonetheless captivated by the precision of the cooking. She chewed slowly and silently, her crimson eyes reflecting admiration.
"Such meticulous craftsmanship… the control of heat and balance of flavors is flawless."

Her fondness for Kengo deepened; she had always appreciated his gentle and steady demeanor, but now she found herself admiring the perfection he displayed in cooking as well.

Sanae, tasting Tamami's carefully prepared main courses and desserts, blushed with happiness.
"Tamami-san… this is incredible. I've never had food so thoughtful and tender."

Recalling their earlier awkward sparring match, she felt reassured.
"He might not be good at fighting, but he's a genius in the kitchen."
Her affection for him soared.

Remilia, with her refined vampire palate, was thoroughly impressed by the artful preparation of the dishes. Raising a piece of steak glazed with the crimson wine sauce, she cut off a small piece and tasted it, her lips curving into a smile of surprise.
"Such artistic cuisine… Are there truly such talents among tsukumogami?"

Her perception of the trio shifted; they were no longer merely weaker companions but individuals with unique talents.

Flandre gleefully nibbled on the dessert cake, giggling.
"Tamami-niisan and the others are so interesting! They're clumsy most of the time, but their cooking is amazing!"

Her affection was simple and pure, her childlike laughter reflecting her growing fondness for the trio.

Patchouli, typically calm and reserved, carefully savored the fusion of foreign and Japanese culinary elements in the dishes.

Lowering her gaze slightly, she softly praised,"The control of heat, knife skills, seasoning, and ingredient pairing—all impeccable."

Her evaluation of the trio improved significantly. Previously suspecting they might be hiding something, she now felt her vigilance wane thanks to the quality of the meal.

Mokou, with no resistance to wholesome and delicious food, initially suspected Kyouya of "playing dumb" during their duel. But as she tasted the tender stews and noodles that melted in her mouth, she let out a satisfied sigh."This is too good…"
She found herself appreciating the trio more.

Kaguya, with her princess-like finicky palate, was also won over. Dabbing her mouth with a napkin, she smiled and remarked,"What curious fellows. Perhaps they're not skilled in battle, but their culinary talents could rival the divine."

Her wariness diminished, and her friendliness toward them grew.

Suika, joyfully downing soup and devouring meat, praised with her usual exuberance."Haha! Now this is what I call good food! I hereby declare you officially approved as my chef friends!"

Always carefree, she now felt even more favorably toward them.

Aya snapped photos as she ate, exclaiming,"This… this is totally newsworthy! Are you guys secretly gourmet masters?"

She grinned while tasting the dishes, any lingering doubts about the trio evaporating. Instead, she found them endlessly fascinating.

Youmu, a gardener and swordswoman, was particularly sensitive to knife skills. Watching Kengo's precise fruit and vegetable carving, tasting Kyouya's perfectly balanced soup, and feeling the texture of Tamami's handmade noodles, she was filled with admiration."Their knife work and tranquil mindset… how remarkable."

Her respect for them grew, as if she had glimpsed an alternative form of swordsmanship.

Komachi, rubbing her full belly, laughed heartily."This feels like a treat! I used to think they weren't much, but now… ah, if only I could eat like this all the time."

Her affection for them naturally rose.

The fifteen girls, each with their unique personalities, were unanimously captivated by the trio's "slightly serious" culinary efforts. Whatever lingering doubts they had now seemed unnecessary.

After all, how could someone hiding their true strength resort to such exquisite cooking to win people over? Instead, they believed the trio to be talented culinary geniuses who simply lacked combat prowess.

Kyouya sneaked a glance at Reimu and, seeing the satisfied smile on her face, hummed softly to himself. Kengo, catching Sakuya's appreciative gaze, smiled as he sipped his tea, both understanding each other without words. Tamami, noticing Sanae blushing as she ate her dessert, couldn't help but feel a small joy in his heart.

Though the trio had only been "slightly serious," they had successfully deepened the girls' goodwill toward them.

As night fell, the courtyard lights flickered gently. With this victory, Kyouya, Kengo, and Tamami became even more certain: the girls wouldn't question their supposed mediocrity.

Any potential doubts were thoroughly drowned in the warmth of this flavorful memory. Amid the laughter and delicious food, their disguises grew even stronger, and the girls' affection for them steadily increased.

This was the trio's carefully devised dual strategy: to shape perceptions through deliberate defeats and dispel suspicion with top-tier cuisine.

In the days to come, they would continue this harmonious duet of "clever defeats" and "unparalleled cooking" to cement their unique position in Gensokyo.