When Shiraishi and Akiko returned to the house after performing the morning ceremonies at the tree, they could hear a commotion from the foot of the steps. More of the protesters seemed to have arrived since Kazumi and Ms Yamanaka had been through, and they were now arguing with someone who wanted to come in.

“Put everything in the office,â€ Shiraishi said, putting her load down in the entrance hall. “I’ll go to see who it is.â€

By the time Akiko reached the top of the steps everything was quiet. Looking down, she could see Shiraishi walking up accompanied by a middle-aged man, and the protesters gathered at the bottom, looking rather sullen.

“Mr Yamamoto, this is Akiko Tanahata, the shrine’s miko.â€ Shiraishi introduced Akiko to the man as soon as she reached the shrine grounds. “Ms Tanahata, this is Mr Yamamoto, one of the shrine’s ujiko.â€ Akiko bowed to him, and he bowed in return.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms Tanahata.â€

“The pleasure is mine. I hope that we can be of service.â€

“Please,â€ Shiraishi said, “this way.â€ She led the way into the house, and had Mr Yamamoto sit in the reception room. When Akiko got back with the tea, they were still talking about the weather. Shiraishi gestured for Akiko to stay, and offered Mr Yamamoto the sweets. He took one, placing it by his tea, and then fell silent.

“How can we help you, Mr Yamamoto?â€

He looked up, glanced at Akiko, and then seemed to make a decision.

“First, I have to apologise for neglecting the shrine.â€

Shiraishi bowed slightly, making non-committal noises.

“No, really. I… I made a mistake. You have to understand,â€ Mr Yamamoto went on, talking rather quickly, “that things were not easy. There were several people on the residents’ committee speaking out against the shrine, including Mr Akiyama, and he’s my daughter’s headmaster. I really didn’t think I could go against him, which was why I’ve been staying away from the shrine.â€

Akiko glanced at Shiraishi; the priest looked shocked. It seemed that this was news to her, although Akiko had to admit that it made sense given what had been going on.

“Anyway,â€ Mr Yamamoto continued, “I’m sure that Mr Akiyama won’t do anything to my daughter just because I’ve come back here, and… and I was hoping that you would be able to do something about the bad luck we’ve been having.â€ He sounded very embarrassed as he finished, and he wasn’t looking at them. Akiko could sympathise. Admitting that you actually believed in the kami wasn’t a terribly easy thing to do, as she could testify from experience.

Shiraishi just nodded, calmly.

“We can perform a harae,â€ she said, “and that should purify you of anything that is causing bad luck. We could also do a ceremony for the safety of your family.â€

“Yes!â€ Mr Yamamoto sounded very eager. “And for safe journeys? I’ve really started worrying about Mirai’s journeys to and from school.â€

“Of course. Would you like to bring your family here for the ceremony?â€

“Actually,â€ Mr Yamamoto dropped his voice, as if he didn’t want to be overheard, “I’m worried that our house is cursed. Could you come and purify it?â€

<em>It quite likely is,</em> Akiko thought, remembering the prevalence of kegare across the city, and Shiraishi also quickly agreed.

“We should do the ceremony while your whole family is there. Would this evening be suitable?â€

“Yes, yes. Thank you. Well, then. I will expect you later. Thank you again.â€

After they had seen Mr Yamamoto off, Shiraishi turned to Akiko, her face dark.

“Just how long have people been campaigning against the shrine?â€

Akiko, of course, had no idea.