Reimu Hakurei and Marisa Kirisame's cheerful announcement reached the ears of all the humans, youkai, hermits, gods, magicians, and other guests at Hakurei Shrine. "This year's Reitaisai will begin with a battle of bullets show performed by me, the wonderful shrine maiden, and an eccentric and contrary magician." "Whoa, did you really just say that? I can barely remember the last time you complimented me." "That wasn't a compliment... You really are contrary, huh?"

The Hakurei Shrine Fall Reitaisai is a festival held every year during the harvest season at Hakurei Shrine. While festivals are religious events where people show their thanks to the gods, they are also an excuse to let loose and forget about the hardships of daily life. Perhaps that is why these two were chosen for this opening ceremony.

Reimu Hakurei leads a carefree and easy life as she conserves the incredible spiritual power within her for when it is needed most. Marisa Kirisame, on the other hand, does all she can to increase her magical power through research or thievery to stand on equal footing with Reimu. As they raised their hands, beautiful ofuda and star bullets shot across the sky, signaling the start of the festival. It was like a fireworks show, drawing the eye of everyone in attendance. At least, that's how it started...

"Hey, Reimu, look down. The guests have already started the festivities." "I can't believe this! They're the ones who forced me to put on this battle of bullets show, so how come they get to enjoy all the food and attractions before me?!" "I guess they're more interested in the food than a pretty show." "Fine, if that's how they're gonna be... I'll give 'em a taste of my bullets."

A beautiful double salvo of bullets formed through the harmonious combination of spiritual and magical power that was meant to light up the sky was instead directed down at the ground―at the guests who had already started enjoying the festival. Reimu and Marisa decided if the guests couldn't wait for their show to end, they'd just have to make them wait by force. Of course, there was no way the guests would take this quietly. Their expressions changed as they rose to the challenge, not to an expression of rage but of joy. Everyone loves battles of bullets, especially if they get to participate. "I shoulda known it'd turn out like this. Why'd I even bother rehearsing?" "You say that, but I can tell you're enjoying yourself." "Yeah, well, I am a contrarian."