Chapter 15D: Tanabata

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Author's Note:

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Author's Note:

• Shinto shrine - (meaning "place of the gods") is a structure whose main purpose is to house one or more kami

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Shinto shrine - (meaning "place of the gods") is a structure whose main purpose is to house one or more kami.

Kami - are the spirits, gods, or "holy powers" that are venerated in the religion of Shinto.

Torii - a gate in a Shinto shrine which represents the division of the everyday world and the divine world.

Chozuya - a small pavilion near the main hall with water and ladles where people come to wash their hands and rinse out their mouths before going to the main hall to pray.

Komainu - the stone dogs which face each other at the entrance to shrines.

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Ten minutes. Twenty minutes, tops. That's all I am going to give this endeavor. After that, I'll walk and slip away. I should have just stabbed this boy with Kitkat or even told him off so I can leave. But for the heart of me, I just couldn't get myself to do it. He's been too nice to me throughout my journey. Without Naga, I think I wouldn't have been able to use Sasuke to get out of Shimogakure. And that's exactly why I am here in this shrine with him now.

The shrine in this village is the smallest shrine I've ever seen. It's astoundingly simple which is surprising considering it's a Shinto shrine. There's no elaborate décor that sets it apart though there are a number of lush evergreen trees and carefully manicured shrubs surrounding the shrine keeping it secluded from the outside world. Still, the shrine is sorely lacking. Though I have to admit that it does have the basics to make it a functional shrine.

There's a large red Torii gate which about nine meters tall that Naga and I passed by a while back before we walked the pebbled road. People lined up to use the chozuya to clean themselves. And there's also a pair of komainu on each side of the entrance of the worship hall observing those who enter with a watchful eye. So I guess it's not that bad. Though I doubt the Kami in this shrine would absolutely be pleased to be housed here.

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