Chapter 21D: Takamagahara

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Author's Note:

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Author's Note:

•Miko - also known as a Shrine Maiden

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Miko - also known as a Shrine Maiden. A young female attendant who assists Shinto priests.

Kosode - a short-sleeved, kimono-style garment that is a type of traditional Japanese clothing.

Hakama - divided pleated trousers that is a type of traditional Japanese clothing.

Yamato Nadeshiko - the personification of an idealized Japanese woman. The epitome of pure, feminine beauty: poised, proper, kind, gentle, graceful, humble, patient, virtuous, respectful, benevolent, honest, charitable, pious, faithful, and submissive/subservient to the husband.

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It didn't take long before Sasuke and I passed by the tall hedges where the two guards were posted. Chijo introduced us to both men. They tried to make casual conversation with Sasuke and me. But that didn't last long. Sasuke was having none of it. He rolled his eyes at Chijo and bluntly told him to do his job and take us where we need to go.

Soon after that, Chijo walked us to an enclosed garden and a stone pathway that leads to a wooden pavilion with an arched, pointed roof supported by wooden pillars. He then lifted his arm forward and told us that his master was waiting for us -- there in the pavilion -- a few meters away. Squinting my eyes, I saw what looks to be Orochimaru with some man with spiky, silver-colored hair. A man I surmised to most likely be Tomo.

I should have felt relieved to be closer to a person who can lead us in the right direction and help Sasuke and me to break the Soulbound enchantment. But something bothered me as we were getting closer to the pavilion. And that something still bothers me now that I'm sitting here beside Sasuke on a rattan sofa facing Tomo and Orochimaru who are sitting on the opposite side.

It's odd. Unsettling.

My surroundings are clearly a Level Orange situation. How can it not be? There are half a dozen burly men in gray tunics with katanas clasped to their sides on every corner of this garden. Most are stationary but others patrol the vicinity. Some talk through their phones.

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