Mentioned Characters: Byakuren, Kokoro, Miko

Have you heard of the Japanese four-character phrase sessa-takuma? It originally described the process of refining an ordinary stone into a work of art, which involved cutting, sharpening, striking, and polishing it with great care. That process is symbolically similar to self-improvement, and so over time, the phrase sessa-takuma took on the meaning of mutual improvement, where two friends work to better themselves and each other.

Mutual improvement is not limited to fighting. Working together toward a common goal is just as important. For example, let's take a look at how Byakuren and Miko treated Hata no Kokoro in her time of need. Miko, seeing her mourn the loss of her missing mask, crafted her a new Mask of Hope. Meanwhile, Byakuren, knowing that Kokoro had nowhere to live, invited her to join her temple as a follower. Though their methods differed, both did what they could to help the troubled menreiki. Even now, they continue to watch over her.

The confidence to guide and save the followers who look up to them. The compassion to reach out a hand to those in need. The resolve to march ahead into Gensokyo's future alongside their companions. There may well be times when differences in their circumstances or beliefs cause them to clash. But when you compare them side-by-side, do they not seem more alike than not? In a certain interview, they were even seen having a heated argument, but perhaps that can be seen as evidence of the bond they share. After all, a good argument requires a good friend.

It is often said that the more people have in common, the easier it is for them to be friends. However, Miko and Byakuren's relationship is not so simple. It is precisely because they are alike that there are aspects of each other they simply cannot accept. And so, they end up clashing. The bond that they share cannot be easily explained. ...Hm? You're asking who I am? Heh, I'm no one worth knowing. Just think of me as a run-of-the-mill dreamer.

The hues of twilight blended together, and crows cut across the sky as if to separate them once more. What were the heretical monk and the saint thinking as they gazed up at such a sky? The only proof they had of each other's existence was the warmth of their back against their own. No matter what kind of world awaits them, they will surely never stop moving forward.