“Tenko?” 

Rei placed her hand on her chin, leaning slightly forward, her expression a blend of feigned emotion. The white silks interwoven with delicate floral patterns draped around her on the staircase as she gazed at the bounty hunter. 

“It is said that Tenko-dono lost virtually all his powers after using them to seal evil in the world. Since then, he has lived in seclusion in the Tenko-jinja cave, and no one is allowed to see the Sanctuary Master,” she said, her voice sweet and clear, carrying a conspiratorial tone mixed with feigned pity. 

“Is what you say true?” Chikara asked suspiciously. 

Rei exchanged an enigmatic glance with Hinata, who had a half-smile on her face. “Whether it’s true or not, I don’t know, but wouldn’t it be a shame, onēsama?” 

Hinata seemed more melancholic, her pearly gaze remaining distant. “Yes, it would be a shame.”