It continued to prey on her mind the following day, as the rain also continued, a constant grey drizzle that dampened her mood as well as the ground. She found herself unable to sit still in the office, and went out into the shrine grounds, wandering under an umbrella.

The wet rocks of the iwakura glistened in the dim light, the stone seeming even darker than normal. Akiko had been staring at them for some time before she realised, but even then she couldn’t tear her eyes away, following the contours of the rocky surface. She thought about touching the stones, and involuntarily took a step backwards. <em>No,</em> she thought, <em>I don’t want to talk to the aramitama.</em>

There were sounds of commotion from the bottom of the steps, and, with a sigh, Akiko went to see what was happening this time. Looking down, she could see a small group of umbrellas, and hear an argument.

“Please get out of the way.â€

“Why are you supporting this fascist organisation?â€

“Excuse me, I just want to enter the shrine.â€

“Think about what you are doing! Think about its consequences!â€

Akiko sighed again. She didn’t recognise either voice, but it was clearly her job to intervene. As she started down the steps, the sandals clicking on the stone, a couple of people looked up from under their umbrellas. Naoyuki was there, but he looked down again, quickly, and Akiko pretended that she hadn’t seen him.

“Let him through.â€ Akiko wondered whether she should have phrased it more politely, but she was getting tired of dealing with the protesters when there were more important problems.

“We just want him to think about it.â€ The protester who had been confronting the visitor looked up at her, and Akiko recognised him; he was often there.

“I’m sure he will. Now please let him through.â€ The protesters showed no sign of moving. “You are blocking access. Should I call the police?â€ Akiko didn’t even try to hide her irritation, and two of the protesters moved aside at once. The last, the one who had been doing the talking, looked at her for a few moments, as if trying to decide how serious she was, and then stepped aside.

The man came up the steps, nodding to Akiko in acknowledgement. Akiko led him to the porch of the shrine house, where they could talk out of the rain.

“How can I help you?â€

“Ah, my name is Yamaguchi. I’m a friend of Mr Tanaka. You know, you, er, performed a harae at his house.â€

“Yes. Pleased to meet you, Mr Yamaguchi. I am Akiko Tanahata, miko at this shrine.â€

“Likewise.â€ Mr Yamaguchi fell silent again, but Akiko was sure that there was still something he wanted to say, so she waited. Sure enough, he soon spoke again.

“How much does one of those ceremonies cost?â€

“You should give what you feel is appropriate,â€ Akiko began, reciting the conventional phrase, “but we suggest 10,000 yen or more for a ceremony outside the shrine.â€ Mr Yamaguchi nodded.

“I see. I would like you to come and perform a harae at my house. Maybe it will…â€ He broke off, obviously embarrassed. Akiko bowed again, disregarding his final comment.

“Of course. Let me get the priest.â€