Almost 9 a.m.
Earlier that day...
Shizu, Kazuya, Orihime, and Genta all assembled at the master's office. Shizu called for this meeting so they could deliberate on what the people would be told in the next hour and what would be requested of them.
They also needed to deliberate on what would be needed on the quest they were about to embark on and what they would do as an alternative if the people refused to help them.
But first, they needed to talk about what Shizu would tell them.
"I imagine this is going to be a drag," Orihime said. "I mean, where would you even start from?"
"Where to start from is not the problem," Shizu said. "It is what to tell them that is the big issue."
"You are right," Kazuya complimented, "there are certain details they don't need to be aware of."
"Why don't you just tell them the whole truth and get this over with?" Orihime suggested.
"Because it is important to find out if there is avoidable conflict before doing something like that," Shizu replied.
"Fine! "I agree with you on that," Orihime said with her hands dramatically raised up. "But don't you think it would be cool if you at least let them know the complete stuff of the matter?" I mean, it has everything to do with them, doesn't it? "Don't you think they have the right to know about it?"
"I have fought wars that not a single member of the guild has known about for longer than you've lived." So trust me when I conclude that they do not need to know any of it," Shizu replied.
"Okay, hear me out," Orihime said. "Let's assume the worst happens and what we are about to do backfires, but somehow we survive." How do you think your followers will feel when they hear that you embarked on such a mission without telling them the stakes involved? "Don't you think they would start to question your leadership from there?"
Shizu remained silent in a manner that gave the impression that she was being ignored.
"Come on! "Is it just me that sees the problem here?" Orihime asked as she looked around for support.
After about ten seconds of silence, Kazuya sighed before speaking up, "As much as I would hate to agree with her, Orihime does have a point." As a means of anticipating the worst, I think it would be best if you told them about it.
That way, they would have no reason to take offense at you when the time comes. Besides, like she said, this is bigger than you and your guild. The fate of the human race is at stake, and people are dying because of it. My family was among the several casualties that occurred as a result, and I could swear that there are others who are suffering now as well.
...so I think we would be doing people a disservice by not telling them about it when we have the chance to. Now, I don't mean we have to go preach against the worship of the gods or anything; rather, we need to raise awareness when appropriate. "Does that make sense?" he asked.
Orihime widened her eyes when she heard this. It was beyond unusual to hear Kazuya Yo say anything in her favor.
Shizu sighed. "You are right," she replied, and Orihime gasped.
"The last thing I want is a long-term disapproval from my people," Shizu said. "Maybe this is one of those rare occasions where I would need to have my cake and eat it too."
"I agree," Kazuya replied, and Orihime was all the more astonished. Then she looked at Genta as well, expecting her to also give a supportive comment. But all she did was return the stare with a smile.
"Then it is settled," Shizu said. "I will disclose the whole situation to them." Though it will be a gamble to see how they react, it would be best to at least let them know about it. "Whatever comes after should be treated as secondary."
Then they all nodded in agreement.
Then Kazuya spoke up next, wanting to hear Shizu's experienced opinion on the power scale of the goddess: "Have you had any encounters with a deity before?" "Particularly with any member of the Mikami?" he asked.
"Well, I do recall several encounters with divine entities," Shizu replied, "but the only member of the Mikami I remember having an encounter with was Maou Mazoku, the head of all Shinigami." It was back when I had an assignment involving uncovering an illegally opened and hidden portal leading to the underworld. It was when I uncovered it and stepped into it for confirmation that I met with him. "He was fearsome beyond all imagination, and it was an encounter I would never forget."
"Do you think we might stand against a being like that?" Kazuya asked.
"I thought we have been through this," Orihime said, "why are you worrying about that?"
"No, Orihime," Shizu chimed in, "I understand his question."
Then the old woman looked at Kazuya. "A god or goddess of the Mikami would have the physical power of over ten men under their helm and also have some level of mystical prowess as well," she replied.
"So do you think Sarasa would scale up to that as well?" asked Kazuya. "Do you have any specific details that might give us a somewhat clear picture of what we are dealing with?"
So Shizu went on to explain further...
"Specifically, from what the folklore says, when it comes to physical features, she is an extremely skilled swordsman." In one of her tales, she is depicted as a warrior who fights over a hundred soldiers at once and comes out with little injury...
However, when it comes to mystical features, things become even more interesting: She has the elemental prowess of ice and also has the companionship of a white dragon summon ready to help at her beck and call. Then, of course, she has her signature technique of teaching and granting wisdom to all sentient creatures...
... Least importantly, she is also excellent with the craft of the visual arts and is also very talented in the art of music. Legend has it that she was the one who taught the birds how to sing.
Kazuya thought about it and realized it wasn't all that different from the numbers presented to him by Gaichu the night before.
"I see," Kazuya said, "so in other words, we might stand a chance, right?" "You are saying that we not only have to upgrade our equipment but also have to get stronger, aren't you?"
"You always make things sound so simple, don't you?" asked Shizu.
"I'm just stating things as they are, old woman," he replied. "So how would you suppose we do that?"
"Well, I'm considering the use of summons," she said, "but I would first have to converse with the guild about it."
"Why? "Aren't summons primarily used for training and reinforcement?" asked Orihime.
"Yes, they are," Shizu replied, "but here at the guild, we have a different philosophy on how summons are meant to be used."
"Whatever you say, old woman," said Orihime, not being in the mood to argue any further. "
"Good," Shizu said, "now let's go address the crowd downstairs." They've been waiting for us.
-
Past 9 a.m.
Back at the present moment...
"Please know that everything I am doing that concerns you is for your own good; it has always been that way, and that is not going to change anytime soon," she said to them.
After she said that, the mode of the atmosphere changed, and people went from mindlessly critiquing their master to feeling her love for them.
"I would never ask any of you to join me on this." Even these adventurers going with me are going against my wishes. "All of you are too precious for me not to do anything about this situation," she told them. "All I am asking for is your moral support." "But even though you refuse to grant it, I will still do what I must for your sakes because I love you."
Orihime leaned in towards Kazuya's ear. "Damn, this old chick really knows how to sweet-talk an audience, doesn't she?" she whispered.
"For once, I completely agree with you," Kazuya replied, equally impressed by the sweet words that came out of the master's mouth.
Almost a full minute of complete silence passed before the first cheer was heard from the crowd. What followed was a round of applause, and Shizu bowed with gratitude like a stage performer after performing a spectacle.
"Thank you," she said, with tears forming in her eyes. It was a very blissful moment—so much so that Kazuya and the other two couldn't help but bow in gratitude as well.
After the applause was done, the quad stood erect, and Shizu resumed her speech: "As an act of preparation, we will be using summoning techniques to rank up our equipment." But if any of you are willing to donate resources for this cause, you are welcome."
Then Kanpachi screamed out from within the crowd, "You don't have to use summons." We will give you the resources you require. "Just tell us what you need, and we will provide it," he said, turning to the crowd around him and asking, "Aren't we?"
They all cheered in response, audibly sounding their support in loud roars from all directions.
"There is no time to call summons, Master," Izuku said before winking at Genta. "We will give you whatever you need; just name it."
Genta sighed, not knowing whether he meant to say that or if he was just trying to impress her.
Shizu was glad to see the guild on her side, as it would serve as great motivation to move ahead, despite the outrageous mission ahead of them.