I thought the "open are" might be "open area".

And it's too late to protect the people from the angry kami. They're going to have to pay this time. 20 million yen at least, or <i>else</i>!

Also, I think Akiko said "thank you" because Tamao graciously let her rescue Hideo Tanaka's shrine before it blew away. He's such a benevolent kami, that serpent.