Mentioned Characters: Hisami, Zanmu

Zanmu Nippaku is the King of the Silent Bliss of Nirvana and possesses the ability to manipulate nothingness. With her genius intellect, bold actions, and self-righteous oni mindset, she reigns over Hell as its charismatic leader. She was the architect behind the plan to reform Hell, which had become outdated, by abandoning Former Hell and seeking a new land. They say she is willing to use any means necessary to quell the chaos in Gensokyo.

Hisami Yomotsu is the Beautiful Stalker of Hell and possesses the ability to never let anything slip from her grasp. She guides those who wander into Hell to their destinations, though they aren't always the destinations they had in mind. She harbors an intense, one-sided admiration for Zanmu Nippaku, Hell's charismatic ruler. As long as she's able to remain in close proximity to Zanmu, she seems completely unconcerned with her own well-being.

"Hey, Hisami?" "Yes, Lady Zanmu?" "If I said I was going on a trip, what would you do?" "...Where are you going? Have you already decided on your itinerary? Are you going with anyone? If you are, what's your relationship with them? I would suppress my desire to ask all such questions and follow you wherever you led me." "...How unfortunate." "Huh?" "All those who dare to leave Hell must be crushed. That is Hell's way. There are no exceptions―not even me." "How foolish of me! Please forgive me. But, Lady Zanmu..." "What?" "Are you really going on a trip?" "Not for the time being. Without ever leaving Hell, I can see the events transpiring on the surface as clearly as I see you. Everything that occurs does so on my watch."

Zanmu Nippaku is the charismatic ruler of Hell, and Hisami Yomotsu is utterly devoted to her. Simply working alongside her was enough to bring her joy each day. However, stemming from her deep admiration, there was one thing that troubled Hisami about Zanmu. (Oh, Lady Zanmu... Why? Why won't you look at me today, either?) Lately, Zanmu's focus hadn't been on Hisami but on some far-off place. She had reassured Hisami that she had no intention of leaving Hell, but only Zanmu knew if that was truly how she felt. And so, Hisami devised a secret plan to meet with some residents of Gensokyo without telling Zanmu. What they did together didn't matter. The goal was to attract Zanmu's attention and earn a scolding. (I'm sorry, Lady Zanmu. From now on, I'll be visiting Gensokyo over and over again... just to make you angry.)

(Hmm, that's probably what she's thinking… but of course, I've already got that covered.) Each time Zanmu felt the heat of Hisami's gaze on the back of her neck, she smiled softly. What made Zanmu a true ruler was her profound, far-reaching schemes and her sharp powers of observation. Her gaze extended far beyond Former Hell and Blazing Hell, encompassing even Gensokyo. So naturally, she was already aware of Hisami's peculiar recent behavior. For a strategist like Zanmu, her greatest frustration was that literally everything went according to plan. In Gensokyo, however, there were those—immature as they might be—who had the potential to disrupt her designs. In fact, she quietly hoped that one day, they would do just that. (I suppose I'll remain an observer for now. How I adore all these pawns dancing to the tune I hum.)