A Steamy Plunge
Marisa
Now that we're here, we HAVE to check out the hot springs!
Shion
I agree. I gotta say, this resort is pretty amazing.
Utsuho
Yeah, this place is full of thrilling rides and delicious food, but Lady Satori is especially proud of the hot springs here!
Utsuho
I'm super excited!
Remilia
And it looks like PLAYER is, too.
Yeah! I'm SO looking forward to this!
Remilia
Hehe, I forget you're still a child. I can see the excitement on your face. A true lady like myself would never let it show.
Marisa
Are you sure about that? It's written all over your face...
Remilia
I-I'm just eager to try out the sauna, OK?! I heard it's quite something.
Shion
Come on! Let's get in the hot springs while we still can!
Marisa
What do you mean, "while we still can?" The hot springs aren't going anywhere.
Shion
They aren't?! So... we can stay in them as long as we like?
Shion
Th-That sounds like heaven...!
Utsuho
Ahahaha... You're so dramatic.
Utsuho
Anyway, come on! Let's get in!
Remilia
What is it? Is something bothering you?
Marisa
No, I was just thinking...
Marisa
I never thought the five of us would be here, enjoying the hot springs together.
Remilia
Hehe, fate is a strange thing.
Marisa
Well, the journey to get here was strange. Not to mention long.
Marisa
All right, let's go!
─Right before the girls entered the hot spring.
Marisa, Remilia & Shion
...
Remilia
Um, this doesn't affect me since I'm going in the sauna, but...
Remilia
Is that really what hot springs are supposed to look like?
Utsuho
C'mon, hurry up! The temperature in here's perfect!
Remilia
Says the hell raven... but that's clearly too ho─
Shion
C-C'mon... what are we waiting for? I'm gonna catch a cold at this rate.
Marisa
I'm sure they're pumping in steam from somewhere. You know, to make it seem extra hot!
Marisa
C'mon, Shion, PLAYER! Let's hold hands and jump in on three!
Here we go. One, two... three!
???
And that was the moment screams of agony echoed throughout the Earth Spirits Hot Spring Resort.
Rinnosuke
My goodness... what are those girls up to?
Rinnosuke
Well, I guess no adventure can be trouble-free.
Rinnosuke
But what sparked their interest in hot springs in the first place?
Rinnosuke
Let's rewind and start from the beginning.
Shion All Alone
Joon
Shion... Shioooooon...
Shion
Zzz... Joon? What do you want this early in the morning?
Joon
...up, Shion! We...! ...a new... in Former Hell!
Shion
Urgh... Just five more minutes... Zzz...
Joon
I'm gonna... without you... find me... awake!
Shion
*yawn* What a great night's sleep.
Shion
Where's Joon? I don't see her around...
Shion
Hmmm, I feel like she said something while I was asleep...
Shion
But I can't remember what it was... Guess I'll go look for her.
Shion
I can't find her anywhere... Looks like I've wandered all the way to Hakurei Shrine.
Shion
I might as well look for her here too.
Marisa
Why if it isn't the poverty god? Pretty rare to see you at one of these parties.
Shion
Yeah, well, I'm looking for someone...
Marisa
If it's Reimu, you're outta luck. She isn't here.
Shion
That's fine. I'm not here for her.
Shion
Have any of you seen Joon?
Marisa
Nope, but did you check Myouren Temple? She's probably training there.
Shion
Yeah, I checked. She wasn't there.
Shion
Wait a minute. I think she mentioned Former Hell! Maybe I should go look there.
Remilia
Oh, what a coincidence. We were just talking about Former Hell.
Marisa
Yeah, apparently, they've built a resort in Former Hell's old capital.
Marisa
They've got lots of rides and delicious food... Not to mention hot springs and fancy saunas, too!
Shion
D-Did you say food?! *gulp*
Remilia
Don't tell me you forgot about your sister the moment you heard the word food...
Remilia
Anyway, there's nothing great about hot springs. They're all just hot water, aren't they?
Marisa
Tut, tut, tut. That's where you're wrong. A hot spring is not just hot water.
Marisa
All the minerals and stuff in the water are good for the body. They even help with blood circulation.
Marisa
I dunno how it works, but it's basically magic that keeps you in good health!
Marisa
And that's just above-ground hot springs. Imagine the wonders the hot springs in Former Hell can do for you!
I don't quite get it, but they sound amazing!
Shion
Hmm... why does all of this sound so familiar?
Shion
Oh, I remember now!
Joon
Wake up, Shion! We gotta go! There's a new resort in Former Hell!
Shion
Urgh... Just five more minutes... Zzz...
Joon
...Tch. I'm gonna go ahead without you. Make sure you come find me once you're awake!
Joon
I'll be waiting for you.
Shion
I FINALLY REMEMBERED!
Marisa
EEP! What're you shouting about?
Shion
Joon said she'll be waiting for me in Former Hell!
Remilia
Then it sounds like your search is almost over.
Marisa
Hey, PLAYER, whaddya say we go check out the hot springs?
(I'll get Aunn to tell Reimu where I've gone...)
Remilia
All right, I'm coming, too.
Remilia
Of course. I wouldn't want to miss going to such a wonderful place. I'd take everyone from the mansion, too, but...
Remilia
As the mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, it's my duty to check if it's safe first.
Shion
Um, can I join you?
Shion
I'm worried I won't be able to find Joon on my own. It'll be nice to have you guys around...
Remilia
You can join us. But first, you need to prove yourself.
Remilia
How can you help this team?
Remilia
Marisa knows how to get us to Former Hell, and PLAYER has friends there.
Remilia
But what do you bring to the table?!
Marisa
I could ask you the same thing, ya know?
Remilia
I'm talking to you, Shion Yorigami!
Shion
Hehehe! I can't let you underestimate me like that.
Shion
Everyone knows they sell treats like manju, fruit-flavored milk, mini hotpots, and specialty sweets at hot springs.
Shion
And I guarantee I can gobble up ALL of them!
Marisa
Yeah, but how does that help the team?!
Remilia
I'm sure it'll come in handy. Now all we need to do is have...
Remilia & Shion
A BATTLE OF BULLETS!
Marisa
Wh-Why was I dragged into this...?
Remilia
Hm? We're traveling together, so why wouldn't we do things together?
Marisa
But we haven't left yet!
Haha, but at least now Shion gets to join us!
I can't wait to see the hot springs and the resort!
Shion
Yeah. And I hope we can meet up with Joon, too.
Remilia
OK, time to go. Marisa, lead the way to the resort.
Marisa
What makes you think I know how to get there? I've just heard rumors.
Shion
I thought you knew!
Marisa
Well, we'll figure it out! I've been to Former Hell a couple of times, so it shouldn't be that hard to find!
Shion
Um, I've been to Former Hell with Joon before, and as far as I remember, it's pretty huge.
Remilia
...You could've told us that sooner, you know?
A New Form of Jealousy
Remilia
That's one huge bridge. Are we supposed to cross over?
Marisa
Yeah, the old capital is right on the other side!
Shion
Look... there's someone over there.
Parsee
You guys seem to be having fun. I'm so jealous!
Parsee
I've been seeing lots of tourists around here lately.
Parsee
But Former Hell is a dangerous place, you know? And as payback for making me jealous... I'm gonna prove it to you!
Shion
By the way, have you seen Joon?
Parsee
Joon's your sister, isn't she? I saw her cross this bridge not that long ago.
Shion
Now, let's head for the old capital─
Parsee
You know... I'm jealous of you.
Shion
Me?! I didn't know anyone could be jealous of me...
Parsee
You're the most misfortunate person there is... Which gives you something to brag about. Gosh, I'm so jealous.
Shion
That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me...
Remilia & Marisa
It wasn't a compliment.
Hell Raven for Hire
Remilia
So where is this resort?
Marisa
Hm, I thought it'd be obvious once we got here.
Shion
You seriously have no clue where it is, do you?
Remilia
Well, standing around isn't going to help. What should we do?
Shion
Hmm, Former Hell is huge. We'll never find it at this rate...
Marisa
Yeah, but it's still too soon to give up.
Marisa
I may not know where it is, but I know someone who might!
Remilia
Who "might"? You're not exactly filling me with confidence...
Marisa
It'll be fine! C'mon, let's go!
Marisa
Sup! I'm sure you know why we're here.
Satori
*sigh* What do you think this is? A tourist information center?
It's like you read our minds!
Shion
We need someone to take us to the resort. They've gotta know their way around Former Hell AND have time to spare.
Remilia
If only such a person existed...
Utsuho
*yawn* What's going on here?
Utsuho
You guys woke me up from my nap...
Everyone
Sh-She's perfect!
Marisa
She knows Former Hell like the back of her wing!
Remilia
And she's clearly got nothing to do!
Shion
AND she's wearing fancy clothes!
Remilia & Marisa
(Fancy... Really?!)
Remilia
This is perfect. We'll be borrowing the hell raven.
Utsuho
What? Where are we going?
Satori
Can we slow down here? Nobody said you could "borrow" anyone.
Rin
Where do you think you're taking our Okuu?!
Marisa
Uh, we just need her to be our guide─
Koishi
STOOOOP! I'm not gonna let you kidnap Okuu!
Satori
EEP! Where did you come from, Koishi?!
Satori
Maybe letting Okuu go with you all is a good opportunity for us...
Satori
But you can't just show up here out of the blue and demand to take her with you.
Satori
You need to be taught a lesson!
Rin
How dare you try to kidnap Okuu!
Marisa
How many times do I need to tell you we weren't kidnapping anyone?!
Rin
I don't wanna hear it!
Koishi
Oh, you just need a guide? Why didn't you just say so?!
Rin
Yeah, you should've told us that to begin with.
Remilia
Gosh, we went through all of that for no reason.
Utsuho
Sooo, what exactly do you guys want from me?
We want you to take us to the new resort!
Utsuho
Oh, I know that place! But I don't know if I'm allowed to go...
Satori
I'll allow it. You can go have some fun.
Satori
We're the ones who had it built, after all.
Satori
You didn't know? I thought the name would've given it away.
Satori
It's called "The Earth Spirits Hot Spring Resort"!
Marisa
Knowing that would've made this all WAY easier...
Satori
Anyway... there's a slight problem.
Satori
We built the resort as a new way to manage the vengeful spirits, but...
Satori
Sometimes they go berserk, and we don't know why.
Rin
It'd be real bad if something goes wrong. That's why me and Okuu go there from time to time to keep a check on the place.
Satori
And that's why I'm sending you with them, Okuu. Please check on the resort as you show them around.
Remilia
I wonder if we'll even be able to relax there.
Shion
I'm worried about Joon.
Marisa
Vengeful spirits running amok sounds pretty rough, but they said it only happens sometimes. Let's go see for ourselves!
Marisa
C'mon, Utsuho, you're coming with us!
Satori
...I wonder if they're going to be OK.
Shooting Practice
Utsuho
Welcome to the Earth Spirits Hot Spring Resort!
Marisa
Whoa, look at all that water! They've literally made a sea down here! This is amazing!
Marisa
And they've even got rides over there! It looks like so much fun! C'mon, let's go check it out!
Shion
Wow, there are so many food stalls! And they all look delicious!
Remilia
I-Is that... sunlight?! Wait, it's just artificial lighting.
Remilia
There's no way the sun can shine down here. Hehe, it feels nice not having to carry a parasol.
Utsuho
You like our lighting system? I can make it brighter if you want.
Marisa
I see a lot of little shops out here. I wonder if any of them sell rare magic items.
Marisa
Wait a minute... I recognize that sign.
Rinnosuke
Hello there. Are you looking for something?
Rinnosuke
Oh, it's you, Marisa.
Rinnosuke
I knew you'd show up here at some point after hearing the rumors...
Rinnosuke
But I must say, I'm surprised to see the five of you together. What are you up to?
Marisa
I could ask you the same question! What's that you're holding?
Rinnosuke
This? I can tell you all about it if you're interested.
Marisa
Nah, I'm good. Sounds like it's gonna be a long story.
Rinnosuke
That's a shame. It's a truly magnificent item...
Marisa
I'm more interested in knowing why you've set up shop here.
Rinnosuke
I'll admit I'm not a fan of noisy places, but this seems like the type of place I might come across some rare items.
Rinnosuke
This shop is just a side thing. Think of it as a pop-up Kourindou.
Shion
You got quite some weird... I mean, unique items here.
Rinnosuke
Yes, I'm something of a collector.
Rinnosuke
By the way, aren't you hot in those clothes?
Rinnosuke
Would you like to change into a yukata?
Marisa
Sounds good! That'd be much cooler!
Remilia
Hey, Mister Shopkeeper. I hope you have an outfit for me too.
Rinnosuke
I-I'm sure I have one here somewhere. In fact, I'll get one for each of you.
Shion
Huh?! You're gonna give us new clothes just like that?
Utsuho
I don't need anything! I'm already wearing cool, comfy clothes.
Remilia
You'd better find an outfit that suits me. I'm not interested in hearing any excuses.
Rinnosuke
All right, all right!
Rinnosuke
I suppose I could always make new ones. You can keep yourselves busy with the shooting game until I'm done.
Remilia
There's a shooting game?
Rinnosuke
I thought I'd try something different, so I opened up a bullet shooting booth. But no one seems to be interested...
Remilia
All right, fine. We'll give it a go. It'll give us something to do while we wait.
Utsuho
If it's a shooting booth, doesn't that mean there are prizes?
Marisa
You're right! Now I can't wait to give it a try!
Shion
I-I'm gonna do my best!
Marisa
Yes! I hit a target!
Remilia
Pay attention. That was my bullet, not yours.
Marisa
Really? OK, I'll try again!
Utsuho & Shion
I got one!
Shion
Now we get a prize!
Utsuho
Yay! I wonder what we won.
Remilia
Hm, this isn't like any shooting stall I've played before. You don't think...?
Marisa
Yeah, I'd bet we ain't getting any prizes... No wonder we're the only ones playing.
Marisa
Is this how I'm supposed to wear this?
Remilia
Wow, you even made protectors for my wings. That was very thoughtful of you.
Shion
Are you really just gonna give these to us?
Utsuho
Nice! Everyone looks great!
Marisa
Hehe! Now I'm starting to get in the hot spring spirit!
Shion
It's so soft and comfy... I feel so happy wearing this.
Remilia
Hehe, I think I could get used to this.
Marisa
Thanks, Kourin. You can put this on my tab.
Rinnosuke
Sure. Though I doubt you'll ever pay it all off...
Everyone
It's vacation time!
Rinnosuke
I thought you were here for the hot springs...
So Much to Eat, So Little Time
Marisa
Ahaha! Water slides are so much fun!
Utsuho
I know, right?! Let's go again!
Remilia
I'm not used to walking around without a parasol when it's bright outside. It feels good to relax on a deckchair.
Shion
Oh, right. You usually avoid the sunlight.
Shion
Don't you wanna try sunbathing some time?
Remilia
Let me answer that by asking you a question. Do you ever feel like jumping in boiling water?
Shion
Why would I want to do that? I'd burn myself!
Remilia
Exactly. That's what sunlight feels like for me.
Remilia
Are you done playing on the water slide already?
Utsuho
Yeah! We had so much fun!
Marisa
Let's check out the food stalls next. I'm getting hungry!
Remilia
Oh, yes, we saw lots of them earlier. There were souvenir shops too. Let's go check them out.
Utsuho
Yeaaaah! Let's eat till we're stuffed!
Shion
T-Till we're stuffed...?
Shion
Is that really OK?!
Marisa
Yeah! Let's eat everything in sight!
Remilia
Indeed. There's no need to hold back today!
Utsuho
Look, I found hot spring eggs! I filled my basket with them!
Marisa
Whoa, nice! I'll take one!
Remilia
Wow, is that boiled egg black? You don't see that every day.
Marisa
It's still white on the inside, though. Only the shells are black.
Marisa
Remember I told you hot springs contain minerals? Well, the gases react with each other, and that turns the shells black.
Remilia
Magic, huh? If they're tasty, maybe I'll get Patchy to make some for me.
Marisa
I guarantee you'll like it! Go on, have a bite.
Shion
*nom* *nom*... Mmm! This is yummy!
Marisa
I told you, didn't I? Never judge a book by its cover... or an egg by its shell!
I could eat a hundred of these!
Utsuho
I know, right?! These hot spring eggs are pretty famous!
Marisa
OK, what should we eat next?!
Remilia
Didn't you just stuff yourself with those hot spring eggs? How about you relax for a bit?
Marisa
Aw, c'mon! What's wrong with enjoying ourselves once in a while?! That's what resorts are for!
Remilia
Gosh, you're such a child.
Shion
I wanna try those manju next!
Utsuho
That's actually one of the resort's specialties! C'mon, let's get some!
Shion
It's so sweet and delicious! It's like I'm in heaven!
Marisa
Mmm, yummy! They're fluffy on the outside, and the inside is packed with red bean paste! These are the best!
Remilia
Um, Shion? Would you like my share?
Remilia
Yes, I'm already full. I'll just watch you enjoy them.
Shion
You're so kind! Thank you!
Shion
*munch* *sob* Mmm, so good... I don't think I'll ever be this happy again...
Remilia
Hehe, you're really enjoying them, aren't you?
Utsuho
I wanna try those weird-looking taiyaki next!
Marisa
Taiyaki served with a scoop of ice cream... That's weird, all right. But they still look delicious!
Shion
Yeah! Let's try 'em!
Marisa
Remilia, let's share this one!
Remilia
OK, I'll have half.
Utsuho
Look at them sharing food! I'm kinda jealous!
Shion
Why? Sharing just means you'll get less food...
Utsuho
No, it doesn't! If two people share one mouthful... then that makes it two mouthfuls... So there's more food... right?
Utsuho
I coulda sworn that's how conservation of mass works...
Um, that's too complicated for me, but...
I feel like sharing food makes it taste better!
Utsuho
I know what you mean! Why don't the three of us share one then?!
Shion
But my taiyaki... OK, fine. If it'll make it taste better...
Utsuho
We had so much fun today! Plus, we ate a ton!
Shion
We sure did. I had a blast.
Remilia
It's nice to do this once in a while.
Marisa
Agreed! Today was a good day!
Marisa
But why do I feel like we're forgetting something...
Rinnosuke
Hello, again. Did you have fun in the hot springs?
Everyone
The hot springs!
Ring Toss With a Twist
Utsuho
Hmm, where were the hot springs...?
Remilia
Haven't you been here before? Get your act together!
Shion
Look, there's something happening at the beach.
Marisa
Huh? Isn't that...
Marisa
Sup, Ichirin! What're you doing here in the Underworld?
Ichirin
Well, they asked me to come and help with one of the game booths!
Ichirin
And just FYI, we used to live down here. Surviving down here is a piece of cake!
Shion
Y-You're pretty tough, huh? ...So, what's your booth all about?
Ichirin
I'm glad you asked...
Ichirin
I call it the Floatie Toss!
Ichirin
You guys should try it! But I gotta warn you, me and Unzan won't be easy to beat!
Remilia
Sorry, but we're here for the hot springs. You'll have to find someone else to play.
Ichirin
Aw, c'mon! A quick game won't do you any harm!
Utsuho
Sh-She's so pushy...
Marisa
OK, fine! We'll play for a bit.
Ichirin
Now you're talking! Let me explain the rules!
Ichirin
OK, so it'll be you guys vs. me and Unzan. You gotta pick one team member and land floaties on them.
Ichirin
The team that collects the most floaties wins! Sounds simple, doesn't it? But it's lots of fun!
Utsuho
Um, we just gotta throw the floaties, right?
Marisa
Who's gonna do the catching? We gotta think carefully about who we pick, Remilia!
Remilia
What makes you think I'm going to play?
I'll do it! Throw them at me!
I'll do my best to catch them all!
Shion
W-Wait... Can I do it instead?
Shion
I-I don't know how I'll fare, but... I wanna try. Is that all right?
Remilia
Your courage is commendable.
Remilia
OK, I've changed my mind. I'll give you all a hand.
Utsuho
Yaaaay! Everyone's on board! Good luck, Shion!
Shion
Th-Thanks! I'll do my best!
Ichirin
It looks like everyone's ready!
Marisa
H-How's this possible?!
Utsuho
We've thrown so many floaties, but not one has landed on Shion!
Remilia
They're going nowhere close to her! Don't tell me this is happening because...
Marisa
...Because she's a poverty god?!
Shion
N-No way! Why did I even bother trying...?
Ichirin
Great work, Unzan! Keep 'em coming!
Utsuho
Wh-Whoa... Just look at how many floaties Ichirin's collected!
Remilia
Using a nyuudou has got to be against the rules.
Shion
I-I don't wanna lose!
Marisa
Then it's time to bring out the big guns!
Marisa
We'll use bullets to throw the floaties! Shion, you might get hit by a bullet or two, but hang in there!
Ichirin
H-How did you manage to get so many?! You won by a landslide!
Shion
Hah! That'll teach you not to mess with the Most-Despicable and Disastrous Elder Twin Sister, Shion Yorigami!
Ichirin
*sob* You crushed us with your incredible determination!
Shion
Hehe, it feels nice to win!
Utsuho
OK, now let's head for the hot springs! I'm pretty sure it's this way!
Remilia
"Pretty sure"? That doesn't sound very reassuring. Oh well, let's go.
Joon
This resort is amazing! There are so many souvenir shops and hot springs here!
Joon
The sweets from the food stalls were also delicious!
Joon
I wish Shion was here, but she's probably still asleep.
Joon
I know, I'll bring her back some manju! She'll be so happy to see a big mountain of them when she wakes up!
Phantom Flag Frenzy
Remilia
Will somebody please tell me what we're doing with the ship phantom?
Minamitsu
You guys had fun playing games with Ichirin, now it's time to enjoy some training with me!
Utsuho
Training? What happened to playing games?
Minamitsu
It's training with a game!
Marisa
Soooo are we training or playing a game?
Shion
What's with the flag...?
Rinnosuke
Oh, it's you guys again... Are you still playing around?
Marisa
Not by choice. Although I guess we can leave any time...
Marisa
Now you're here, can you tell us what that flag's for?
Rinnosuke
Do you mind if I borrow it for a moment?
Minamitsu
Of course! You'll even save me some time with the explanation!
Rinnosuke
Hahaha. OK, let me take a look.
Rinnosuke
Hmm... Flags like this are used in beach races.
Rinnosuke
You place it in the sand, then compete to see who can get to it first.
Remilia
That's it? How does that count as training?
Rinnosuke
Well, that's because―
Rinnosuke
It helps you respond quickly to beach accidents.
Rinnosuke
If someone's drowning, you have to run across the beach to help. This flag represents a person in danger.
Rinnosuke
It's not easy to run on sand, but it has to be done when someone's life is at stake.
Rinnosuke
And racing toward the flag provides great sprinting practice.
Shion
W-Wow, so it's a matter of life and death.
Rinnosuke
But, like I mentioned earlier, it's still just a race.
Rinnosuke
That's probably what Murasa meant by training with a game.
Utsuho
I didn't follow all that, but if it's a game, that means it should be fun, right?!
Minamitsu
For now, all you need to know is I'm in charge of the flag races.
Shion
So does that mean if there's an accident in the hot springs or the pool, you'll run to help?
Minamitsu
Yes, it's my job to keep a lookout and run to anyone who might be drowning, but...
Minamitsu
Nobody said anything about helping them!
Marisa
You don't have to sound so happy about it!
Rinnosuke
I have to go now, but I think you guys should try racing. Oh, and don't forget about the hot springs.
Marisa
We won't! That's what we're here for!
Remilia
...So after all that, we're doing this silly race, aren't we?
Minamitsu
It's a lot of fun!
Minamitsu
I call it Phantom Flag Frenzy!
Shion
I didn't know it had a name.
Marisa
It's not like that makes it any better...
Minamitsu
OK, get ready! I'm gonna plant the flag in the sand...
Minamitsu
First one to grab the flag wins! And don't think I'll go easy on you!
Remilia
All right. Go on and win this so we can leave already.
Marisa
Aren't you gonna take part?
Remilia
I don't want to get splashed...
Shion
We are quite close to the pool, so the chances of you getting wet are pretty high.
OK then, it's us against the captain!
And Remilia can cheer for us!
Remilia
All right, all right. I'll cheer.
Minamitsu
Oh, I forgot to tell you guys one thing...
Minamitsu
Using bullets to sabotage others is perfectly fine!
Utsuho, Marisa & Shion
WHAT?!
Shion
Wow, Utsuho, that was amazing!
Marisa
Damn, she beat me to it!
Remilia
But our team still wins, right, Miss Ship Phantom?
Minamitsu
*sigh* Yes... Maybe I'd have won if didn't get carried away trying to slow you all down...
Marisa
I'd like to say that we should get going now, but...
Shion
Running on sand is exhausting... Maybe we should rest up first.
Remilia
I can't believe you're complaining after one little race.
Marisa
You didn't even participate!
Minamitsu
By the way, where are you guys headed? This resort is huge...
Utsuho
Um... where were we going again?
Everyone
To the hot springs!
Minamitsu
Why don't I drown you all to celebrate your Phantom Flag Frenzy victory instead?!
Minamitsu
That's too bad...
Marisa
Geez, if you really wanna sink something, go drown Kourin in that pool.
Minamitsu
Really?! OK, I'll do that the next time he passes by!
Remilia
Rest in peace, Mister Shopkeeper...
Water Gun Fight!
Remilia
*sigh* How far are we from the hot springs...? I underestimated how big this resort was.
Marisa
Haha, yeah, you did.
Marisa
It's pretty great though. All the massive rides and endless food stalls...
Shion
Yeah, the food was so yummy...
Utsuho
Look what I found!
Shion
Whoa! That was cold!
Remilia
Hey, be careful! You almost splashed water on me!
Marisa
Did someone drop their water gun?
Marisa
I can see quite a few just lying around. I get it, though. Cleaning up is a pain.
Marisa
Aaaaaaand take this!
Shion
Now you've gone and done it!
Shion
I'm gonna get you for that!
Utsuho
Not bad! But how do you like this?!
Remilia
Gosh, they're all so childish.
Remilia
I'll just go for a walk to stay away from the water.
Remilia
Maybe I can check out some souvenir shops on my way.
Remilia
Wow, these accessories are so cute...
Remilia
I-I mean they're very elegant! I think I'll buy some.
Remilia
They're all getting far too carried away playing in the pool.
Remilia
They need to learn how to behave like ladies─
Remilia
What's that? It kind of looks like a boat...
Remilia
W-Wait, is that...?!
Marisa
Phew, that was a blast!
I'm completely drenched, but I had fun!
What about you, Remilia? Did you enjoy shopping?
Remilia
Y-Yes, it was OK!
Shion
I returned the water guns.
Shion
Are there any more lying around?
Marisa
Nah, that was the last one. Sorry for asking you guys to clean up.
Utsuho
Ahaha, don't worry about it!
Shion
Hmm... I feel like we're forgetting something important.
Remilia
What's wrong, Shion? Is something on your mind?
Shion
Huh...? U-Um... I was just thinking about where we should go next!
Utsuho
Let me see... I recommend...
Everyone
The hot springs! We're forgetting the hot springs!
Marisa
OK, no more detours! Let's get into the hot springs before we catch a cold!
Remilia
Maybe this time, we'll actually get there...
A Steamy-Hot Hot Spring
Marisa
OK, let's go with this hot spring!
Shion
There were so many to pick from... Thanks for the recommendation, Utsuho.
Utsuho
Ehehe, I only know 'cause Lady Satori's sent me here so many times.
Remilia
Hehe, I knew it was a good idea to bring you along with us.
Remilia
But wait... do they have a steam sauna here? I don't see one anywhere.
Utsuho
You'll see it once we get in there!
Remilia
Oh, right. That's good news.
Marisa
I can't wait to soak in the hot spring with everyone!
Yeah! This is going to be so much fun!
I wanna come back here with Reimu and Aunn!
Utsuho
You should! It'll make Lady Satori very happy!
─Right before the girls entered the hot spring.
Marisa, Remilia & Shion
...
Remilia
Um, this doesn't affect me since I'm going in the sauna, but...
Remilia
Is that really what hot springs are supposed to look like?
Marisa
The water does seem hotter than any hot spring I've seen...
Utsuho
C'mon, hurry up! The temperature in here's perfect!
Remilia
Says the hell raven... but that's clearly too ho─
Shion
C-C'mon... what are we waiting for? I'm gonna catch a cold at this rate.
Marisa
I'm sure they're pumping in steam from somewhere. You know, to make it seem extra hot!
Marisa
They're probably just going for the whole "hot spring in hell" vibe!
Remilia
I hope you're right...
Marisa
C'mon, Shion, PLAYER! Let's hold hands and jump in on three!
Here we go. One, two... three!
Marisa
That was horrible...
Shion
This fruit-flavored milk sure hits the spot after almost being boiled alive...
Utsuho
It wasn't that hot, was it? I thought the temperature was perfect...
The water was a bit too hot, but it was still relaxing!
Let's come back here again sometime!
Remilia
You're one tough cookie...
Rinnosuke
I heard screams so I came to check things out... Is everyone OK?
Marisa
Whoa, you again?! There's no escaping you today, huh?!
Rinnosuke
Well, I'm currently on duty here. I'll head back to my booth soon, though.
Rinnosuke
I had quite the fright on my way over here when a ship phantom tried to drown me.
Rinnosuke
That's why you have to always be on guard...
Marisa
(Yikes. That was probably my fault.)
Marisa
B-By the way, Kourin, d'you know where we can find a hot spring that's a little less hot?
Rinnosuke
A less hot hot spring, you say?
Remilia
Yes, and it'll be great if it has a nice steam sauna, too.
Utsuho
Let's find a big one! One we all can get in together!
Shion
A-And it should have fruit-flavored milk and hot spring eggs and loads of other delicious stuff...!
Rinnosuke
Hahaha, that's a long list of demands.
Rinnosuke
But I do have one in mind. I'm still on duty here, so for now, I'll just give you directions.
Marisa
Wow, thanks, Kourin! You're the best!
Marisa
Kourin said the hot spring was somewhere near the food stalls.
Shion
I didn't notice any before. Guess I was too busy eating all the delicious food...
Remilia
...Hm, what's with all the commotion?
Utsuho
I hope it's not what I think it is!
Marisa
Whoa, whoa! Don't tell me it's the vengeful spirits Satori was talking about!
Utsuho
Sorry, but could you guys lend me a hand?
Remilia
Dealing with vengeful spirits isn't going to be easy. We'd better focus.
Marisa
Yeah, but we can't just leave them running wild―
Marisa
―if we wanna relax in the hot spring!
Marisa
Phew, we finally got rid of 'em! Good thing there weren't that many.
Remilia
But unfortunately, many more are popping up all over the place. It's like a vengeful spirit festival is in town.
Utsuho
Maybe we'll find out what's causing this once we take care of the rest of them.
Shion
Maybe... But at this rate, everyone at the resort is in serious danger.
Shion
O-Oh, no! Joon's here, too! We gotta find her!
Marisa
Oh, yeah. I completely forgot about her...
Marisa
For now, let's just focus on getting rid of the vengeful spirits. If we're lucky, she'll show up.
Shion
O-OK... Hang in there, Joon!
A Post-Bath Snack
Marisa
Whoa, we're back at the food stalls.
Utsuho
If it weren't for all the vengeful spirits, we'd be relaxing in a hot spring right now... Sorry, you guys.
Shion
I-It's not your fault! And we can always enjoy the hot springs after we're done taking care of this mess!
Exactly! Let's work together and give it our best!
Then we can find a hot spring and a steam sauna!
Remilia
Come on. Let's finish this.
Remilia
I'm sure you want to report back to your master with good news.
Utsuho
I sure do! Thanks, everyone!
Marisa
Great! Almost all the vengeful spirits in this area are taken care of!
Remilia
Gosh, now we've got fairies running wild.
Shion
But look... they seem to be enjoying themselves.
Marisa
Come to think of it, even the vengeful spirits weren't really being violent.
Utsuho
Hm, I wonder if it's related...
Remilia
We can't be sure about that right now. Let's deal with the fairies next.
Marisa
Yeah, we don't want any more trouble 'cause of their pranks.
Utsuho
OK! I'm gonna turn up the heat to max for this!
Marisa
That should teach 'em!
Remilia
Indeed. Let's head to the next area of the resort─
Marisa
Hey! What are you two up to?
Remilia
What are you eating?! You can barely talk with that much food in your mouth...
Shion
Ba bwairies fwad bot bring eggs! Bwe bwust coubn't webist!
Marisa
Uh, I don't understand a word of what you're saying. Are those hot spring eggs you're eating?
Remilia
So that's why they look so happy...
Remilia
Wait, no! This isn't the time to be scavenging for food!
Marisa
It's OK, Remilia. Let 'em finish. They'll be done soon.
Marisa
You guys better not choke on those eggs.
Utsuho & Shion
Beeee booon't!
Remilia
Gosh, I can't believe how lightly they're taking all of this...
Joon
Gah! I was having so much fun! Why did those vengeful spirits have to ruin it?!
Joon
This place isn't safe anymore.
Joon
Maybe it's a good thing Shion didn't come here. There's nothing fun about vengeful spirits running wild.
Joon
I better get back to her!
Joon
But before that, there's something I need to do... I better hurry!
Climbing Up the Slide
Utsuho
We're back at all the rides...
Shion
Is it just me... or are the vengeful spirits even livelier here?
Hm, there's gotta be a reason behind it...
Remilia
Having vengeful spirits running amok is a serious matter.
Remilia
And if they're livelier here, maybe this place has something to do with how this all started.
Marisa
You're right, but I still can't figure it out.
Marisa
...I know! If we get a view of the whole area, we can see where the vengeful spirits are most concentrated!
Shion
We might even be able to see what's causing this. But... we'd need to get up pretty high.
Utsuho
I know! We can use the water slide!
Remilia
You mean the one you were playing on?
Marisa
Yeah. I reckon it's high enough. I bet if we go all the way to the top, we'll be able to see the whole area.
Remilia
I see. But what if I get wet...?
Marisa
You can hop on my broom. That way, you'll stay dry.
Marisa
And if I see a splash incoming, I'll protect you with magic. I've seen Patchouli do the same thing before.
Remilia
I-I didn't know you could be so considerate.
Remilia
I guess I owe you a thanks.
Marisa
Hehe, don't mention it!
Utsuho
Wow, we can see everything from up here!
Shion
Hmmm... Where are the vengeful spirits gathering...?
Marisa
Is it just me, or is this slide wobbling?
Remilia
You've got to be kidding me...
Marisa
Yep, most of them are right...
Remilia
I guess we better get rid of them─
Utsuho
Did you hear that? I could've sworn I heard a voice coming from inside the slide.
Shion
M-Maybe someone's being attacked... What if it's Joon?!
Kisume
*sob* I finally made it up here...
Marisa
It's Kisume, not Joon!
Shion
I don't know if I'm relieved or disappointed...
Utsuho
Hey, Kisume, what happened in there? Did the vengeful spirits attack you?
Kisume
Um, yes, there were vengeful spirits in there, but I wouldn't say they attacked me...
Kisume
B-But it was horrible! P-Please help me!
Remilia
Don't worry. We're right here with you. Just calm down, and tell us what happened.
Kisume
Th-The vengeful spirits are...
Kisume
...sliding backwards!
Kisume
Um...! I mean, they're climbing up from the bottom!
Marisa
Oh, so that's how you ended up here.
Remilia
OK, now we know the vengeful spirits will come out from the slide's entrance. This makes things easier for us.
Utsuho
Yeah! Let's get 'em!
Kisume
Wow, you guys are the best!
Kisume
(Wait a minute... Doesn't that mean I'll be caught in the crossfire?)
Shion
Don't worry. It'll be OK.
Shion
Yeah, we'll blow away those vengeful spirits!
Kisume
That's exactly what I'm worried about...
Remilia
Oops, it looks like the tsurube-otoshi got blown away too.
Shion
But we managed to get rid of the vengeful spirits, so I'd say it went OK overall!
Utsuho
All's well that ends well... right?
Utsuho
I'm still amazed at how the vengeful spirits were climbing up the slide.
Remilia
They're like kids playing around and having fun.
Shion
Yeah, they haven't been violent or anything. They're just being hyperactive.
Maybe the reason they started going crazy is...
...'cause this place is a lot of fun!
Marisa
I kinda understand how they feel, but if that's really the case, then this was all a bit anti-climatic.
Remilia
We still don't know the real reason, but at least we have a theory.
Remilia
Also, don't you think the situation is already pretty much under control?
Shion
What makes you say that?
Remilia
Just take a look around.
Remilia
There are far fewer vengeful spirits.
Marisa
Maybe it's thanks to Yuugi. After all, she's in charge of handling them.
Remilia
That's quite possible.
Remilia
Let's keep moving for now. And don't let your guard down.
Remilia
We still need to find your sister.
Marisa
I hope Joon has taken cover somewhere. For now, we just gotta keep looking!
Utsuho
She might still be in danger! We better find her quick!
Bottomless Grape Juice
Marisa
By the way, Remilia, there's something I've been wanting to ask you...
Marisa
You've been drinking that grape juice, right?
Remilia
Of course. I've lost track of how much I've drunk.
Utsuho
Huh? That's strange.
Shion
Yeah, your glass has been full this whole time...
Remilia
That's obviously not possible.
Remilia
Come on, the vengeful spirits and the frolicking fairies are back. Let's focus on dealing with them.
Remilia
Phew, I'm thirsty. I think I'll have some more grape juice.
Marisa, Utsuho & Shion
...?!
(Wait... did I just see Miss Sakuya?!)
Remilia
What's wrong? Why are you all making that weird face?
Remilia
Oh, my. My glass has been topped up again. You were right.
Remilia
I got this glass from Kourindou, so maybe it's a magic item.
Sakuya
Lady Remilia is such an admirable mistress. She's out here checking if this place is safe for everyone.
Sakuya
The least I can do for her is pause time to top up her glass.
Sakuya
I will always be watching over you, milady.
Crockery on the Run
Marisa
We finally got rid of the vengeful spirits, but there's still no sign of Joon.
Utsuho
We've looked all over. Maybe she went back home?
Remilia
Maybe... but this is Joon we're talking about. She could also just be shopping or enjoying the hot springs.
Shion
Ahaha, I hope you're right.
Shion
Th-That was Joon's voice! It sounds like she's under attack! We gotta hurry!
Marisa
Wh-Whoa, wait for us, Shion! C'mon, let's go after her!
Joon
Ugh! What's with all this crockery surrounding me?!
Joon
And since when can crockery move?!
Joon
This can't be happening! They stole the gift I got for Shion!
Joon
What do I do? That was the last one in the shop─
Shion
Joon... stay back. I'll handle this.
Shion
How dare you bully my sister!
Shion
Now you'll have to deal with me─Shion Yorigami, the Most-Despicable and Disastrous Elder Twin Sister!
Shion
Are you OK, Joon?! Did you get hurt?
Joon
No, I'm fine. Thanks, Shion.
Shion
Phew... I'm glad I made it in time!
Joon
But wait, what are you doing here? I thought you were at home...
Utsuho
HEEEEEY! Are you guys all right?!
Remilia
Shion, I understand you were worried about your little sister, but please try not to be so reckless next time.
Marisa
Well, all that matters is that the two of you are OK!
Joon
Wow, what an odd group. Are they with you, Shion?
Joon
Actually, there are bigger things to worry about right now!
Utsuho
Why, what's wrong?
Joon
Those weird moving crockery things stole something from me.
Marisa
For real? Wait, what do you mean, "moving crockery"? Are they, like, tsukumogami?
Shion
Hm... I drove some of them off before you guys got here, but they didn't seem like tsukumogami to me...
Remilia
We'll just have to see for ourselves. Where did they go?
Joon
They went that way. You'll know them when you see them.
Marisa
Got it! We'll go get your stuff back for you!
Utsuho
Shion, you stay here with Joon!
Shion
O-OK! Thanks, you guys!
Marisa
What are these things...?!
Remilia
And how are they moving around? Don't tell me the vengeful spirits are behind this too.
Rinnosuke
Oh, it's you girls. Perfect timing.
Rinnosuke
Well, that's rude.
Rinnosuke
Anyway... I need help with something. Can you give me a hand, please?
Marisa
We've got our own problems right now.
Rinnosuke
The magic items I was testing ran off on me. I wanted your help to bring them back, but I guess if you're busy...
Remilia
Wait a minute... Did you just say your magic items ran off?
Utsuho
You don't mean those things over there, do you?
Rinnosuke
Yes, that's them. They were surprisingly fast. I couldn't do anything to stop them.
Utsuho, Marisa & Remilia
That means...
Utsuho, Marisa & Remilia
It's all your fault!
Marisa
We'll explain later. Right now, we gotta catch those things!
Marisa
Tch, I can't believe Kourin. Why does he have to make such crazy things?
Utsuho
But just think about how cool it'd be if cups and teapots could pour tea for us on their own!
Remilia
That's kind of creepy...
Utsuho
By the way, what did they steal from Joon? None of them seem to have anything out of the ordinary.
Remilia
Wait... That bowl's got a box.
Marisa
That might be it! C'mon, let's go get it!
Marisa
Hey, we got your stuff back! Is this what they took from you?
Joon
Yeah, that's it! Thank you!
Shion
Good for you, Joon.
Joon
...Actually, Shion, this is for you.
Joon
I didn't think you'd come, so I bought this for you.
Joon
I wanted to buy more, but they had only one box left because of how popular they are. I'm sorry, Shion.
Shion
No, don't be sorry. I'm really glad you bought something for me. Can I open it?
Shion
It's the yummy manju from the food stall!
Shion
*sob*... Thank you, Joon!
Joon
Hehe, I'm glad you like it!
Marisa
OK, now that things have calmed down, whaddya say we go enjoy the hot springs?!
Joon
Sounds good! I'm coming, too!
Byakuren
Where do you think you're going, Joon?
Byakuren
I've been looking for you. I understand breaks are an important part of training, but this...
Joon
Umm, I'm here for a good reason...
Byakuren
Oh, really? OK then, you can explain everything to me...
Byakuren
...back at Myouren Temple.
Byakuren
Goodbye, everyone. Joon and I are leaving.
Joon
EEEEEEEEEP! Hijiri, I'm sooooorrrrrrryy!
Shion
I forgot Joon had started training at the temple again. She keeps sneaking back home, so it never felt like she was away.
Utsuho
Ahaha... well, the two of you can come back here together once she's done!
Remilia
Now can we finally go to the hot springs?
Um, Marisa... What about Mister Rinnosuke?
Marisa
Oh, Kourin? You can forget about him.
Marisa
We buried him in the sand at the beach. That should keep him from creating weird things for a while.
─There are many kinds of baths. A sand bath is one of them.
I once read they help with perspiration and improve blood circulation. They invigorate both the mind and the body.
If that's true, then maybe being buried in the sand isn't such a bad thing.
But it's dangerous to remain in a sand bath for more than an hour. At least, it is for humans.
Then again, this isn't a normal sand bath. In fact, perhaps it's not a sand bath at all.
Rinnosuke
At least I can breathe. I can't say the same about moving, though...
Rinnosuke
Somebody, help...
So Close, Yet So Far
Marisa
Is this the hot spring Kourin was talking about?
Remilia
I don't see any other hot springs around, so this must be it.
Utsuho
OK, time to test it out!
Marisa
Why, if it isn't Yuugi? So I was right. You did come here to take care of those vengeful spirits.
Yuugi
Yeah, I'm pretty used to getting called out here.
Remilia
That sounds quite serious... Anyway, thanks for getting things under control so quickly.
Yuugi
I should also be thanking you. You've been a great help.
Yuugi
I've been meaning to thank you for your efforts, but this resort is huge. I had some trouble finding you guys.
Utsuho
Not to mention we were constantly on the move.
Shion
Finding Joon was nothing short of a miracle...
Yuugi
Plus, there are a ton of shops and rides. No one would guess this place was made to keep the spirits happy.
Yuugi
It's a little too much fun here, don't you think?
Remilia
What are you talking about?
Yuugi
Like I said, this resort was originally built for the vengeful spirits.
Yuugi
But the Palace of the Earth Spirits decided to turn it into a tourist destination...
Yuugi
They made it so even humans and youkai will have a great time here.
Shion
So what does that mean...?
Yuugi
It means this place is now way too exciting for the vengeful spirits.
Remilia
So the reason they were running amok was because...
Marisa
Yes, PLAYER got it right. 'Cause this place is a lot of fun.
They need somewhere fun, but no too fun!
Yuugi
Yeah, I'm gonna suggest ways to make sure the vengeful spirits don't get too excited.
Utsuho
W-Wait a minute! Are you saying that it's the Palace of the Earth Spirits' fault?!
Utsuho
How can I report that to Lady Satori?!
Yuugi
Hahaha! You just gotta tell her the whole story.
Yuugi
I'm sure she couldn't have known this would happen. Don't worry, she'll understand.
Utsuho
Yeah, you're right! I'll tell her once I get back!
Marisa
Just make sure you don't forget...
Marisa
Now that we have all our answers, it's finally time to get in the hot spring─
Yuugi
There's something you need to do first.
Yuugi
Isn't that obvious?
Yuugi
We gotta see who's stronger!
Marisa
That's got nothing to do with the hot spring!
Yuugi
Now, now. You don't need to be like that! A dip in the hot spring after a battle will feel much better.
Marisa
We can't keep doing this...
Everyone
Let us enjoy the hot spring!
Yuugi
You guys still have tons of energy! Who's up for another round?!
Marisa
Lay off it, would ya...?
Yuugi
Hahaha, I was just kidding. You can go relax in the hot spring now.
In the Hot Spring at Last
Marisa
Aaaaaah! I'm sooo relaxed.
Remilia
This steam sauna's amazing.
Shion
Really? Maybe I should try it.
The sauna really is fancy!
Utsuho
I know, right?! All of us can comfortably relax in here! I can feel all my tiredness washing away!
Marisa
Yeah, this hot spring was totally worth all the trouble we went through to get here!
Shion
A bottle of milk after a dip in the hot spring is the best!
Utsuho
Look! They sell ice cream!
Marisa
I could go for some ice cream!
Remilia
Hehe, which flavor should I get?
Utsuho
They all look so delicious!
Marisa
Yeah! That way, we'll get to taste all the different flavors!
Shion
I was planning on eating one of each...
Shion
But everything tastes better when it's shared.
Remilia
I heard from Sakuya that every hot spring has different effects depending on the kind of minerals they contain.
Shion
I wonder what's in this one.
Utsuho
It took away our exhaustion, so it's gotta be something amazing.
Marisa
Let's ask the person on duty─
Marisa
...That reminds me, is Kourin still stuck in the sand? I thought I made sure he could get out by himself...
Remilia
Look, all the benefits of this hot spring are written on that board over there. It's pretty long and detailed, though...
Marisa
Then it was obviously written by Kourin...
Marisa
OK, fine. I'll skim through it and read out the important parts.
Marisa
Let's see... This hot spring is good for...
Marisa
Neck stiffness, back pain, joint pain...
Shion
Isn't that all pretty common?
Remilia
So basically, this hot spring is nothing special.
Marisa
Maybe we shoulda gone for a sand bath instead. I heard they're great for your skin and detoxifying.
Utsuho
Um, I don't know much about all these benefits, but...
Utsuho
I had a lot of fun in the hot spring with you guys!
Utsuho
So as far as I'm concerned, "fun" is the main benefit of this hot spring!
Marisa
Hahaha! I like that! There's nothing more effective than having fun.
Marisa
C'mon, let's go find an even more fun hot spring to relax in before we go home!
Remilia
I also want to try out the other steam saunas.
Utsuho
Yeah! Let's explore a little and go in the next hot spring we find!
Yamame
Sorry, we're currently cleaning the place.
Marisa
How long will it take?
Utsuho
Oh, hey, Kisume! I didn't know you were helping out here.
Kisume
Um, thanks for saving me earlier!
Yamame
Hmm... I don't really know how long the cleaning will take...
Kisume
By the way, have you guys been on all the rides?
Remilia
Not yet. Now you mention it, we haven't even seen the whole resort.
Yamame
Then maybe you should go have a look! There are plenty of fun things to do!
Shion
What do you guys say?
Marisa
Yeah, let's do it!
Utsuho
So how many rides are there exactly?
Yamame & Kisume
Around... 136!
Everyone
That's WAY too many!
Rinnosuke
Phew... I finally managed to get out.
Rinnosuke
Wow, my skin feels so good... Or maybe I'm just imagining it.
Rinnosuke
Guess I better go close up my shop.
Rinnosuke
I look forward to seeing you again. I'll be waiting at Kourindou. The above-ground one, that is...!
An Unexpected Business Proposal
The vengeful spirits problem at the Earth Spirits Hot Spring Resort was brought under control, but hasn't been resolved.
This story follows what happened to PLAYER and the others after their visit to the resort.
It begins with Utsuho returning home...
Utsuho
Lady Satori, I'm here to report the events of the day!
Satori
Welcome back, Okuu. Tell me everything.
Utsuho
Hm, where do I begin... So, first, we all had fun playing...
Satori
...Thanks for the report, Okuu.
Satori
It sounds like it wasn't all fun. You had a hard time, didn't you, PLAYER?
But Okuu and the others were there to help!
Satori
Hehe, I see. I'm glad Okuu was of service to you.
Utsuho
Oh, that reminds me. I bought you guys some gifts!
Utsuho
I wanted to give them to you straight away, but I forgot!
Satori
Gosh, you two are so childish...
Utsuho
Let me show you! It's... *drumroll*
Rin
I've been wanting to try these! Thanks, Okuu!
Satori
Let's all sit together and have some tea. Why don't you join us, PLAYER?
That sounds nice. Thanks!
Satori
We need to make sure the vengeful spirits don't get out of control again.
Satori
I've taken Yuugi's suggestion to get the renovations done as soon as possible.
Satori
When I first got the resort made, I gave a lot of thought to the kind of place I wanted it to be.
Satori
And as a result, it ended up being too much fun for the vengeful spirits, which was quite a surprise.
Vengeful spirits running amok can be scary, but...
We had a lot of fun with all the rides and hot springs!
Satori
That resort wasn't built to entertain humans or youkai, but I'm glad you all enjoyed yourselves.
Satori
It's good that you got to see the resort. I can use your experience to make improvements.
Satori
...We've been getting a lot of visitors of late. Yes, how can I help you?
Kanako
I heard your conversation, master of the Palace of the Earth Spirits.
Kanako
If you want, I can help you with the renovation work for the resort.
Satori
Hmm... That'd be great, but...
Satori
What's in it for you?
Kanako
You're a satori. I'm sure I don't have to spell it out for you.
Satori
...So you want a share in the resort.
Kanako
It'll be beneficial for both of us. So what do you say? Want to be business partners?
Satori
I see no harm in hearing you out...
Satori
But why didn't you send a messenger instead of coming here yourself?
Satori
You know I can read all your thoughts, right?
Kanako
Yes, I've already taken that into consideration.
Satori
Very well. Let's hear what you've got to offer.
Satori
Hmm, that certainly would be less risky.
Kanako
I told you, didn't I? And there are other benefits too...
Satori
I'll admit, your plan is very detailed and well thought out. Let's get started on it right away.
(I can barely keep up with their conversation...)
(But I'm excited to see how it'll make the resort better!)
Kanako
All right, sounds like we have a deal.
Rin
*nom* *nom* Did Lady Satori just agree to work with that god over there?
Utsuho
Hmm, it seems like it. All this complicated stuff is too much for me... *nom* *nom*
Rin
Yeah, it went over my head, too. Lady Satori sure is amazing!
Koishi
*nom* *nom* Yeah! You're amazing, Satori!
Koishi
Hey, Okuu... do you have more of these hot spring manju?
Utsuho
Sorry, Lady Koishi. They're really popular at the resort, so they sell out fast. This is all I could buy.
Satori
Indeed... I wanted to try some, too.
Koishi, Utsuho & Rin
Oops.
Kanako
Hehehe, things are about to get reeeal busy!
Chicken on Duty
Joon
Phew, I finally get to soak in the hot spring.
Shion
Welcome back, Joon. How was your training at Myouren Temple?
Joon
I'm exhausted... Hijiri can be so ruthless sometimes.
Shion
But I'm glad she allowed you to come here.
Shion
...Are you sure you didn't sneak out again?
Joon
Obviously not! I've been working my socks off just for this!
Joon
C'mon, Shion, PLAYER! Let's get in the hot spring!
I'm so excited to do this again!
Shion
I'm looking forward to the bottle of milk afterward, too! I wonder what flavor I should try next.
Shion
Huh, aren't you...?
Kutaka
It's been a while since we last met! It's me, Kutaka Niwatari!
Joon
Ah, I know you. You're the gatekeeper of... something.
Joon & Shion
Maybe hot springs...?
Kutaka
The gatekeeper of Hell! Get it right!
Kutaka
They actually asked me to help out around here since I'm also a god of water distribution, so I've been taking a few shifts.
Joon
(But then why was that shopkeeper on duty here? Ah, well... I guess it doesn't matter.)
Joon
The three of us would like to go in, please.
Kutaka
Yeah, about that...
Kutaka
I'd love to let you in, but...
Kutaka
Things around here have changed, and...
Kutaka
Anyone who wants to enjoy a dip in the hot spring first has to battle against whoever's on duty―AKA, me!
Joon & Shion
Huuuuuuuuh?!
Joon
Why do we have to do that?!
Kutaka
I'm not really sure...
Kutaka
But that's the rule!
Shion
We just wanna enjoy the hot spring.
Kutaka
You can't do that without battling first! Rules are rules!
Joon
*sigh* It looks like we have no other choice... C'mon, Shion, let's get this over with.
Joon & Shion
You'll regret messing with the Most-Despicable and Disastrous twins!
Kutaka
Wow, you two are really strong!
Kutaka
OK, you can go in now!
Joon
Let me wash your back for you, Shion.
Joon
Hehe, it's nice to relax like this once in a while...
Shion
OK, now it's my turn to wash your back.
Shion
Phew, that felt good. And this milk is super delicious!
I love that warm feeling after a dip in a hot spring!
Shion
It's great how spacious this hot spring is. It'd be so nice if there was one bubbling up close to our house.
Joon
True, but in case you've forgotten, with hot springs come vengeful spirits...
Shion
Anything but vengeful spirits...
Joon
Yeah, they're of no use to us.
Joon
If they were as lucrative as the oil we collected, then I wouldn't mind it at all.
Shion
You never learn, do you?
Shion
Take it easy with the evil plans. You'll end up getting told off by Hijiri or Reimu again...
Joon
Not if I don't get caught. I'm a pro now.
Shion
Give it a rest, Joon. Don't you owe Hijiri for helping you out anyway?
Joon
I guess... But her lectures are so annoying. I had to listen to another one today, you know?
Joon
She keeps giving me odd jobs like cleaning and cooking. Sitting still and meditating isn't easy, either.
Joon
And on top of that, she makes me memorize these impossible sermons...
Joon
Sorry, Shion... I've been complaining this whole time.
Shion
Don't worry about it.
Shion
There, there. You've been working really hard, haven't you?
Joon
S-Stop it, Shion! You're embarrassing me!
Shion
Sorry... I'll treat you to something nice later.
Joon
I don't need anything.
Joon
H-Have you forgotten I've been training at a temple that teaches people to get rid of materialistic desires?
Joon
You're all I need...
Joon
There's no need to cry!
Joon
Fine, cry all you like...
Sliding Into the Hot Spring
Marisa Kirisame and PLAYER have just arrived at the resort...
Marisa
Aaaand we're back!
I could do this every day!
(I was here with Shion and Joon just yesterday!)
Marisa
We ain't taking any detours today! We're gonna head straight for the hot spring!
Rinnosuke
Oh, hello. I see you two have taken a liking to this place.
Marisa
You could say that! So, are you on duty here?
Rinnosuke
I came in here earlier, but there was no one around. So I thought I'd keep an eye on the place.
Marisa
Everyone here just does what they want, huh?
Marisa
Anyway, we wanna go in the hot spring now!
Rinnosuke
Um, I'm sorry, but I can't allow you to do that yet.
Marisa
What do you mean "yet"?
(Oh, right... the new rule.)
Rinnosuke
The Earth Spirits Hot Spring Resort has a new rule now.
Rinnosuke
Anyone who wants to enjoy a dip in a hot spring has to first battle against whoever's on duty.
Marisa
Uh, but as far as I know, you don't take part in battles of bullets...
Rinnosuke
That's right. I don't.
Rinnosuke
Go play on the water slide instead!
Marisa
Why would we do that?! And what've water slides got to do with battles?!
Rinnosuke
Now, now. There's no need to get upset. You'll understand once you get there.
Marisa
But I wanna soak in the hot spring now...
Marisa
Just let us through, Kourin! We won't tell anyone.
Rinnosuke
I can't allow that. Please try to understand, Marisa.
Marisa
Hmmm... Fine! But we'll be right back!
Rinnosuke
I'll be waiting.
Marisa
(Why is he even here if he can't battle?)
Marisa
Gah! I just wanna enjoy the hot spring!
Marisa
I mean, I'm not saying the water slide isn't fun.
Marisa
I'm gonna speed things up and get this over with! Blazing Star!
Whoa! We're going too fast, Marisa!
Marisa
HAHAHA! Hold on to me tight!
Marisa
Whoa, just look at all the fairies that've gathered here... They all look so eager to play.
Marisa
Oh... Now I get what Kourin meant.
Marisa
All right, I'll play along! Bring it, fairies!
Nitori
Former Hell is so scary. I hope I don't run into any oni...
Nitori
But I can't let this business opportunity slide. If anything happens, I'll just use my optical camouflage suit to escape.
Nitori
Opening up a shop close to the water slide is gonna help me attract a ton of customers in no time!
Nitori
I can already see my next victims... I-I mean, customers sliding down.
Nitori
Ahem. Welcome to Watertop, the most famous stall in the Earth Spirits Hot Spring Resort!
Nitori
We've got limited-edition Shiri-Cola and cucumber-flavored pudding!
Marisa
Who's going down next?!
Marisa
Huh, what's the kappa doing here? It looks like I accidentally knocked her out.
Marisa
Yeah, I'm sure she'll wake up eventually.
Marisa
C'mon, let's go back to Kourin!
Rinnosuke
Well, that was fast.
Marisa
Yeah, and we even had a battle of bullets. Now let us in!
Rinnosuke
So she was right... It did work.
Marisa
Huh, did you say something? Who's "she"?
Rinnosuke
Never mind that. You can go ahead and relax in the hot spring.
Marisa
Aaaaaah! This feels so good...
Marisa
Getting in earlier would've been nice, but hot springs are definitely better when you're exhausted. I'm in heaven.
Marisa
We should bring Reimu and the others the next time...
Marisa
She'll complain at first, but I bet she'll end up loving it here more than anyone!
Marisa
OK, we better get out before all our fingers start to wrinkle up!
Marisa
That was awesome. And cooling off in front of a fan after a dip in the hot spring has its own charm.
Marisa
I've seen fans like this around, but I never knew this was how you use 'em.
Marisa
Hey, PLAYER... try saying "ah" into the fan.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
Marisa
Fun, ain't it?! It makes your voice sound all funny! Lemme go next!
Rinnosuke
I can tell you why it does that.
Marisa
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
Rinnosuke
─And that's why when you speak into the fan, it sounds weird.
Marisa
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
Rinnosuke
─Now you know why. So, do you have any questions?
Marisa
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
Rinnosuke
You didn't hear my explanation, did you?
Marisa
I wonder why Kourin's crying all of a sudden...
Marisa
Anyway... that hot spring felt great. We should come back here again sometime!
Phantom Flag Frenzy - Round Two
This time, the residents of the Scarlet Devil Mansion and PLAYER have just arrived at the resort...
Remilia
Hehe, thank you all for coming.
Remilia
Today, I shall introduce one HELL of a place. It's called...
Remilia
The Earth Spirits Hot Spring Resort!
Meiling
Wow, a hot spring resort! I'm so excited!
Sakuya
It'd be nice if you were this enthusiastic about your job.
Meiling
I-I do my job with just as much enthusiasm!
Koakuma
Are you feeling OK, Lady Patchouli?
Patchouli
*sigh* Walking on sand can be so exhausting.
Koakuma
Here, you can hold my hand!
Patchouli
Thank you, Koakuma, PLAYER.
Flandre
There's so much water out here, Remilia. And it's so bright... Are you sure it's safe for us?
Remilia
Don't worry. All of this is artificial lighting. Doesn't it feel great to walk in the light without a parasol?
Flandre
Well, I guess it's better than walking in the sun the whole time. But is this place even worth it?
Remilia
I've personally checked the safety of every facility here, and I can tell you, this resort is a lot of fun.
Flandre
Oh, really? (So she came here and had a bunch of fun without me...)
Remilia
There's one thing in particular I want you to try out...
Flandre
OK. But I'm gonna destroy it if it's boring.
Remilia
You don't have to destroy EVERYTHING you don't like!
Sakuya
Just look how excited Lady Remilia and the young mistress are.
Meiling
Y-Yeah, I guess that's one way to put it...
???
Sup! Are you enjoying yourselves?
Remilia
Why are you here? Don't tell me the vengeful spirits are out creating chaos again!
Yuugi
Nah, you don't have to worry about that today. I'm here for something else.
Meiling
Lady Remilia, young mistress! Quick, get behind me! I'll find out what this oni's after!
Yuugi
Chill out, I'm not here to fight! I'm just waiting for customers.
Sakuya
Why...? Are you a tour guide or something?
Yuugi
You could say that... So, are you all here for the hot springs?
Remilia
Yes, we are. Can you take us to one?
Yuugi
Of course! But before that...
Yuugi
You gotta fight me!
Remilia
Is that all you ever think about...?
Koakuma
What should we do, Lady Patchouli?! She won't let us through without a battle.
Patchouli
Leave that to me. I've read about defeating oni.
Koakuma
Wow, you're amazing!
Patchouli
Give me a minute. I'm sure it was on this page somewhere...
Koakuma
L-Let me help you!
Flandre
See, I knew this place was gonna suck. We should've never listened to you, Remilia...
Remilia
Don't blame me. This doesn't normally happen here.
Remilia
Listen, Yuugi, why don't we do this some other time?
Yuugi
I don't mind, but you can't enter the hot spring without a battle first. That's the new rule.
Yuugi
That's why if you wanna get past...
Yuugi
You're gonna have to beat me in a game of Phantom Flag Frenzy!
Koakuma
Um, what's a Phantom Flag Frenzy?
Patchouli
Remi has been here before, so she probably knows what it is.
Remilia
I do... Let me give you all a quick rundown on the rules.
Remilia
So the game is basically about this one flag...
Remilia
...that you need to steal from your opponent by beating them in a battle of bullets.
Th-That's not how I remember it!
Yuugi
Well, that's the gist of it!
Sakuya
So... we're still stuck with a battle of bullets, aren't we?
Yuugi
C'mon, let's start! Take this flag from me, and I'll let ya pass!
Yuugi
HA HA HA! Is that all you got?! Those weak bullets ain't gonna get you this flag, you know?!
Koakuma
The flag is ours!
Patchouli
Good job, Koakuma.
Remilia
By the way, what did Yuugi trip over?
Yuugi
Ow-ow-ow... Who dug a hole here?
Yuugi
It looks like someone was having a sand bath here. I can't believe I tripped over this.
Remilia
Did you say a sand bath? Maybe it's the one Marisa dug for... No, it can't be.
Remilia
This still counts as a win for us, right, Yuugi?
Yuugi
Yeah, and I had a lot of fun, too! I'll let the person on hot spring duty know about it.
Yuugi
You can go ahead now!
Remilia
Come on, everyone. Let's head for the hot spring.
Remilia
Well? How do you like the sauna, Flan?
Flandre
It's... definitely a new experience. It's not bad.
Remilia
Hehe, that's high praise coming from you.
Meiling
Aaaaaaah, the water is so warm... Zzz...
Sakuya
Hey, stop dozing off in the hot spring, Meiling. It's dangerous.
Sakuya
This feels so good! Lady Patchouli, did you know this hot spring is good for asthma?
Patchouli
Wow, then it's perfect for me.
Patchouli
By the way, I finally found the right page. Apparently, oni are weak to beans.
Sakuya
But we already defeated the oni. And anyway, won't the book get wet if you're reading it in the hot spring?
Patchouli
It's fine. I'm using water-proofing magic.
Flandre
I feel so toasty warm. Steam saunas are awesome!
Remilia
I'm glad we did this together.
Sakuya
Thank you for inviting us here, Lady Remilia.
Koakuma
I feel totally refreshed!
Patchouli
It's like all my aches and pains have washed away.
Remilia
Hehe, I knew you would all like it.
Remilia
Thank you for coming along with me.
A Satisfying Conclusion
Renovations were underway and the resort continued to get a lot of visitors...
Marisa
Oh, hey... I didn't expect to see you guys here!
Utsuho
Yeah, what a coincidence!
Remilia
We were all here together once before, and now fate has brought us here again.
Shion
Um, I don't know about all that, but have you guys been coming here often?
The rides are fun, and the hot springs feel amazing!
Marisa
Yeah, I can't get enough of these hot springs.
Shion
I know what you mean. That first dip was something else. I can't stop coming back here...
Shion
Joon has her training today, so I've gotta make sure I have enough fun for the both of us.
Utsuho
Nice! Lady Satori said I could come enjoy the resort, so here I am!
Utsuho
Wait a minute. I think she might've asked me to come here and inspect the place...
Remilia
It's OK. Everyone needs a break. That's why I make sure my servants get their time off.
Marisa
But what's with the new rule they've added?
Shion
Are you talking about the "battle before getting into the hot spring" rule?
Remilia
Yuugi challenged us to a battle the last time we were here. I vaguely remember her saying something about a new rule.
Remilia
I thought she just made that up because she's addicted to fighting, but it looks like it's being done all over the resort.
Marisa
I mean, the hot spring does feel way better after a battle, but I wonder why they came up with that rule to begin with.
Utsuho
Come to think of it, an order went out to all the staff that they had to battle people before letting them in the hot springs!
Utsuho
No, it wasn't Lady Satori. Um... I think it was...
Utsuho
Yeah, it was Lady Kanako! Long time no see! I can't even remember when we last met!
Kanako
It was just the other day... At the palace, remember?
Remilia
So you're the culprit behind this new rule?
Kanako
Culprit? I prefer the word genius.
Kanako
All I did was give Satori a few ideas to improve the resort.
Kanako
And now Moriya Shrine is a joint owner!
Marisa
You couldn't just mind your own business, huh?
Kanako
Before, the only thing this resort provided was satisfaction.
Kanako
A world with no dissatisfaction is like constantly eating your favorite food. You'll soon get sick of it.
Kanako
Let's say the world was a place where everything was good. In such a world, the concept of bad wouldn't exist.
Kanako
And if there was no bad, the concept of good would lose all meaning.
Marisa
So basically, you're saying people will never feel dissatisfied in a resort that provides only satisfaction...
Marisa
Which means, eventually, they'll stop feeling satisfied all together...
Kanako
Exactly. That's why to keep the feeling of satisfaction alive, we added a rule that'll provide a sense of dissatisfaction.
Kanako
Now tell me, wasn't your latest experience in the hot spring better than the first time around?
Marisa
That actually makes sense... I'll admit, hot springs feel way better when you're exhausted. But...
Hot Spring Enthusiasts
It was really annoying!
Kanako
Really? Hm, then maybe there's still room for improvement.
Marisa
Being forced to do stuff just causes extra stress, and no one needs that in their life.
Shion
We know you meant well, but...
Remilia
You wore us all out.
Marisa
I'm dying of exhaustion... Let's not waste any more time and get into the hot spring already.
Kanako
I'll join you. Maybe some new business ideas will flow my way.
Marisa
Whatever... You do you, Kanako.
Marisa
Wow, this hot spring never disappoints.
Shion
Aaaah, it feels like a nice warm hug...
Marisa
Whoa, stop messing around!
Remilia
Hehe, they seem to be enjoying themselves.
Kanako
Hm, maybe getting satisfaction by relaxing and playing around is a good thing, after all.
Kanako
But if it goes back to being a place with only satisfaction, the vengeful spirits might go berserk again.
Kanako
My business mind says one thing, but my heart says another. It's not easy to find a balance between the two.
Kanako
Oh well, I'll just enjoy the hot spring for now.
Kanako
Aaah... this really does feel great after a hard day's work. It's so soothing.
Marisa
See? Satisfaction isn't a bad thing now, is it?
Kanako
I'll agree with you on that.
Kanako
But maybe that's because this water is a little tepid, so there's still a slight tinge of dissatisfaction.
Marisa
Hahaha! You've got a comeback for everything, don't you?
Utsuho
Is it not hot enough for you? Don't worry, I'll heat it up!
Kanako
N-No, wait! Not you! Anyone but you!
Marisa
Th-This is bad! RUN!
―And that was the moment an enormous blast and screams of terror echoed through the Earth Spirits Hot Spring Resort.
Yamame
Gah, I can't believe this! Now we gotta start the renovations all over again!
Kisume
W-We better get to work, Yamame...
Utsuho
I'm sooooooorrrryyy!
Remilia
I almost got burned to a crisp...
Marisa
A little stress does make the hot spring feel better, but...
Shion
Only up until a certain point...
Kanako
That's another thing for me to consider...