Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

The next morning, golden dawn light spilled across the land.

Sōbu High School buzzed with vibrant energy. Cherry blossom petals, in full bloom, danced freely on the breeze throughout the school grounds.

Daiki sat in the back row by the window in Class 2-F.

Across the aisle to his right sat a girl holding a folding fan. Her expression was aloof, her cool-toned short hair tousled, and her skin as fair as jade. Her whole being exuded an aura of fragility.

Ginko Sora!

An idol in the shogi world with formidable skills, she had earned the 2-Dan Rank. As a disciple of Rina Shakandō, the Women's Professional Shogi Players Association President, she was known as the "White Snow Princess of Naniwa". She held the two highest titles: "Queen" and "Women's Meijin".

Due to her severe heart condition, Ginko's frail body couldn't withstand direct sunlight, so she often carried a parasol when going out.

She shared a desk with Daiki, but their relationship was unremarkable. This was mainly because her personality was eccentric and reclusive, making her extremely difficult to get along with.

Not only was him unable to connect with her, having not known her for long, but the entire Sōbu High might not have a single person who could communicate with her. As for shogi — well, that field requires talent.

Ginko had memorized shogi rules at the age of two and was both the youngest elementary school Meijin in history and the youngest holder of a women's title. Anyone could see her extraordinary talent in the field of shogi.

"Daiki-kun, I got this question wrong again. I still don't understand!"

The girl holding up the test paper was on the verge of tears, her waist-length sea-blue hair swaying and her amber eyes misted with moisture.

Fumino Furuhashi, one of the geniuses at Sōbu High, excelled in modern literature, classical literature, and Japanese classics. Students knew her as the "Sleeping Beauty of the Literary Forest."

However, despite her prowess in liberal arts, Fumino aspired to enter a science university.

She was the polar opposite of Rizu Ogata, their classmate known as the "Clockwork Thumbelina".

To help them realize their dreams, their homeroom teacher Mafuyu Kirisu tutored them daily. Yet, without fail, these sessions always ended in disappointment.

Rumors circulated that Kirisu-sensei had lost hope. Instead of supporting their wishes, she considered it better to redirect their misguided thinking and guide them towards success in their natural areas of expertise.

"This is a basic question, isn't it..." Daiki glanced at the test paper and sighed helplessly.

While Fumino's liberal arts scores were unparalleled, her science aptitude was abysmal. It seemed as if she had traded her science talent for liberal arts prowess.

"Ugh... I knew it... Even Kirisu-sensei is ready to give up... I'm truly worthless, lower than an insect... Waaah..." Fumino's face crumpled in dejection, her entire being radiating despair.

At this moment, their homeroom teacher Kirisu entered the classroom. Her waist-length cherry blossom-colored hair framed a slender, tall figure and well-proportioned body. Dressed in a dark suit and black high heels, she exuded a cool demeanor.

"Everyone, please settle down." She said, "Soon, it will be time for Sōbu High's annual mountain retreat. I hope you all prepare in advance and use this opportunity to improve your academic abilities."

Upon hearing this, the class immediately buzzed with excitement. Cooped up in the school every day, they eagerly anticipated the mountain excursion.

Daiki rested his chin on his palm, his thoughts already drifting.

'Despite finding numerous casualty reports online, I couldn't uncover any information about Jujutsu sorcerers or similar entities. I did, however, discover a mysterious Public Safety Devil Hunters Division and a highly effective shrine renowned for its exorcism skills. The existence of a Public Safety Demon Hunter Division suggests there must be several Private Demon Hunter Organizations too, but I can't find a way to contact them.'

He sighed softly, then turned his mind to other possibilities.

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As the lunch break bell rang, the atmosphere in the entire class suddenly became lively. Small groups of two or three gathered together.

Daiki, carrying his prepared lunch box, headed to Sōbu High's rooftop. Opening the creaking iron door, he was greeted by the expansive view.

Two pairs of eyes immediately fell upon him.

Utaha Kasumigaoka from Class 2-A!

Saki Kawasaki from Class 2-E!

The rooftop at this hour was typically a refuge for those who didn't quite fit in.

"It's this guy again…" Utaha muttered, her teeth gritting in annoyance at the sight of Daiki.

She came to the rooftop to escape the crowds. If he'd come alone, it wouldn't have been an issue — after all, she didn't own the place. Even that seemingly delinquent girl, Saki, frequented the spot.

But Daiki's presence was one thing; bringing his girlfriend was another. Who could tolerate opening their eyes only to witness others flaunting their relationship? Yet, unable to voice her frustrations, she could only endure it, eating with her head bowed.

Daiki sent a message to Miku but received no response.

At that moment, another figure appeared at the rooftop entrance — his desk mate, Ginko.

When it came to poor social relationships, she certainly ranked high. Her footsteps faltered slightly, clearly surprised by the scene. She found a shaded spot away from the sunlight and opened her lunch box.

Utaha took out a sandwich she had bought from the school convenience store.

"Daiki-kun!"

A girl with cherry-red long hair came running towards him.

The other three glanced up, then resumed eating silently, heads bowed.

"Sorry, Miku's phone died, so she couldn't message you. Yotsuba sprained her ankle helping the girls' track and field club this morning. Miku's looking after her, so she probably can't join you today." The breathless Itsuki whispered in his ear.

"I see. Could you take this lunch box to Miku, then?"

Miku had given him a protective charm at the exorcism shop. He'd been pondering how to repay her. With his newfound culinary skills, a homemade lunch seemed the perfect choice.

"Of course! I'll make sure Miku gets it. I should go now — I need to check on Yotsuba too."

"Mm."

With that, Itsuki left the rooftop, lunch box in hand.

The others sighed in relief. After all, who wants to witness a couple's affection during lunch?

Utaha's gaze turned curious. She'd heard of the quintuplets before, but seeing someone nearly identical to Miku still startled her.

A thought struck her: Could Daiki truly tell those five sisters apart? What if he couldn't distinguish them, or if a misunderstanding arose? Wouldn't that lead to... forbidden love... a family torn apart...

Thinking of this, Utaha couldn't suppress a wry smile. Her delicate feet, encased in black stockings, tapped rhythmically against the ground. The subtle movement of her right leg inadvertently emphasized her curves.

The surge of writing inspiration flickered like a string of light bulbs, each flash igniting a spark of excitement in her heart.

However, this burst of creative energy was short-lived.

Daiki settled into a comfortable spot and opened his lunch box.

Instantly, a rich aroma wafted across the rooftop, enveloping the space.

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T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!

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