Minoriko Aki
Minoriko Aki's Fantasy Rebirth Story
Hmm...
Minoriko, where are you?
Minoriko
Huh?
Minoriko
Isn't the back door god or greater youkai with you today?
(Ah, that's Minoriko's voice.)
They said they didn't want any sweet potatoes today.
Minoriko
...
Minoriko
Do they think I'm a sweet potato goddess or something?!
Minoriko!
Let's play!
Minoriko
Hey, don't forget you're talking to a goddess here!
What?!
D-Do you want me to call you Lady Minoriko?
Minoriko
Oh, umm...
Minoriko
Sorry, I should explain.
Minoriko
I talked to my sister recently about what it means to be a goddess...
Minoriko
I've always been a goddess, but now I'm trying to act more god-like. Does that make sense?
Minoriko
*sigh* The Lost Word Incident really is something. I wonder how far it's spread.
You're starting to sound like an actual goddess...!
Minoriko
So at times like these, I need to, like, take things more seriously.
Minoriko
Maybe I'm just overthinking things. All I gotta do is try my best!
Minoriko
Hmm, that sounded lame, huh? How about... "All I gotta do is use my true strength!"
(That sounds way more powerful.)
Minoriko
I am Minoriko Aki, the harvest goddess, and I control the life-giving aspects of autumn.
Minoriko
My work isn't as impressive as my sister's, but I fill the bellies of the villagers, and they worship me for it.
Minoriko
Thanks to me, people have food to eat, allowing them to thrive. I'm actually a pretty amazing god, right?
You've been trying to recruit more followers lately, right?
Minoriko
Yep! I've been helping out the villagers in the fields!
Do you remember all the people who pray to you?
Minoriko
Of course. That's part of being a goddess.
Minoriko
Autumn is the season of harvest. You reap what you sowed and begin planning for the future.
You're not just talking about growing crops, are you?
Minoriko
Nope! Spring is the time for new beginnings, summer for action, and autumn for consolidation.
Seasons affect our lives so much, huh?
Minoriko
I couldn't have said it better myself! You sound like a true believer!
Minoriko
But these days, I'm starting to feel I shouldn't put so much effort into recruiting followers.
How come? It sounds like it was going really well!
Minoriko
Well, you see...
Minoriko
Whenever I help out in the fields, the villagers show me what I'm doing wrong and help me improve.
Minoriko
That's not a problem, but, well... I'm a goddess!
Minoriko
With my power, the crops will grow no matter what!
Minoriko
I enjoy spending time with the villagers, and I love how they treat me as one of their own...
Minoriko
But when I offered to keep a lady safe during childbirth, she said she'd already prayed to the mountain god.
But that's you... So what's the problem?
Minoriko
There isn't one, really... but it doesn't feel right!
Minoriko
On top of that, whenever I go to the village...
Minoriko
The children call me the sweet potato youkai! Especially the little boys!
Minoriko
They ask for sweet potato candy. One boy even said he wants to marry me when he grows up!
Doesn't that just mean...
...the children love you?!
Minoriko
The little girls ask me for sweet potato perfume. They're so cute!
Minoriko
But I don't feel like they have faith in me...
So that was why you were talking about being a goddess.
Minoriko
Uh-huh. Now more than ever, I need to build up my power!
Minoriko
Would throwing sweet potatoes at the Lost Word Incident do any good?!
Minoriko
But I don't know what to do...
That's why you wanted to see Miss Okina or Miss Yukari.
Minoriko
Uh-huh.
Minoriko
I understand it's important to look after humans, but I need to think about myself too!
Then maybe this will help...
Here.
Minoriko
Oh! I heard rumors about the Youkai Sage giving out costumes.
Minoriko
Can I open it?
Of course!
Minoriko
Th-This is...
Minoriko
Amazing! Now I'll be more goddess-like than ever!
Minoriko
Costumes like this suit my sister better, but it can't hurt to try it on, right?
Minoriko
Miss Yukari sure picked a beautiful costume. With this, I'm sure the villagers will start to worship me!
Umm, about that...
You're only to wear it when the time comes.
For now, you'll have to make do with your usual outfit.
Minoriko
Whaaaat?!
Minoriko
No. I need to remember to stay calm like my older sister.
Minoriko
...
Minoriko
...Ah!
Minoriko
Did you give me this because you knew I was struggling?
Huh?! I have nooo idea what you're talking about!
After all, you're a goddess, and I'm just a human!
Minoriko
Yeah, I guess so...
Minoriko
Anyway!
Minoriko
I am a mountain god, and I bless the village with autumn.
Minoriko
...Just like my older sister.
Minoriko
I reside on the mountain, and with all my power, I am the subject of a great many rituals and prayers.
Minoriko
But not only that...
Minoriko
I also walk among the people and help them thrive.
Minoriko
Gods take many forms. They come and go, bestowing blessings on the people. I am no different.
You seem...
...happier than ever!
Minoriko
Thank you, PLAYER. I think I understand myself better now.
Minoriko
When the time comes, I'll use my power.
Minoriko
I will protect you and all the children in the village!
Costume Presentation
Minoriko Aki
Eating with someone fills your belly and your heart with joy! I think you must be friends if you share food together! ...Um, so how about I cook you some yummy autumn food after the harvest? It'll be my blessing to you as thanks for your faith!
