When Chiyo's gaze drifts to the mysterious divine-looking woman, the figure smiles with her fascinating indescripable eyes, and introduces herself to the student.
– I am The Second Goddess of Life, Matsuno Kaori~
– Matsuno... Kaori... Chiyo was still staring, both perplexed and confused.
– Indeed, my dear, would you like to take a walk with me and talk?
Chiyo didn't knew what to do here, she barely knew this woman and she already invites her to a walk. Chiyo looks away, rubs her neck a bit, then slowly glances back to the Goddess and asks:
– H-How can I even trust you?... What if y-you have bad intentions?...
Matsuno's eyes widen a bit, but then she chuckles a bit.
– Seems you are pretty clever too. Never let your guard down, kiddo... she says while pulling out an ID card and showing it to Chiyo, proving she is trustworthy, I am associated with the Varyashim organization, dear~
Chiyo was amazed that she got the proof to back it up and so she accepts her offer to take a walk with her.
Walking through the streets of Shainihebun and crossing along the glimmering beach, the Goddess was expressing her thoughts about the potential she can feel through her, how she has seen the way she fought against her enemies in the Varyashim Exams.
– I have an offer for you, Chiyo. She says with a more serious tone.
– Yeah? G-Go ahead.
– I know how to train you to use your main ability... the crystal abilities... and I wanted to ask if you wanted to join me inside my realm and let me train you on it... don't worry, we will go ask your teacher and your parents only if you are willing accept...
Chiyo looked down, and then thought carefully, but this time she decides to trust and say without any hesitation:
– I accept.
– Well that was fast... the Goddess chuckles a bit, finding this a bit funny, alright, let's head to Lady Yano, your teacher...
Chiyo nods and the two females return to the Varyashim Orders, Yano was preparing to leave since she was done with spectating the last students in the exams and she runs into her apprentice Chiyo with the Goddess of Life.
– What's up with you two?
– We are here to ask if I could take your precious student Chiyo to be trained by me...
– Well, sure, if she wants to... Yano says reluctantly, and then walks away.
Matsuno chuckles, takes Chiyo's hands in hers, and smiles at her.
– I'll pass by tomorrow to your place and ask your parents if they could let you train with me...
– Got it... she nods, excited that she will finally be able to master her crystal technique.
In the meantime, back in Tsukigakure, Kowamaru was cleaning the king's shoes with a wet towel, and the old man was looking down on Kowamaru, petting him mockingly and saying:
– Good boy... make them clean and then I will feed you more...
Kowamaru's eyes were cringing in anger. After finishing, the guards come by, grab Kowamaru and take him back to his cell and throw him a piece of rotten human steak, the scent was horrendous, and as he takes a bite, he can feel flies sticking by his face. The guards also look down on him and chuckle mockingly.
Later, the king comes in front of his cell and mockingly promises:
– You are such a good boy... keep that up and you will be the king once I am dead...
Seeing this old disgusting man chuckling and mocking him fills Kowamaru with hatred. As the king leaves, he slowly grins sadistically, and comes up with the idea of poisoning the old man with a steak made off of his own kind.
The next day, meanwhile, Chiyo wakes up with Matsuno at her doorstep, she groggily gets up and opens the door, the Goddess looks playfully at her clock and says:
– Oh my, really leaving a Goddess like me here waiting for you to wake up... tsk tsk.
The Goddess comes in and talks with her mother, Chiyo prepares the tea while that happens.
– Would it be okay if I took your daughter to train with me? I see a lot of potential in her ability, and I believe it would be worth it if she had to go through my training session...
– Of course... Chiyo's mother agrees, smilling softly, my daughter always wanted to master that amazing ability of hers, so I would feel grateful for you to train her... would you want something in retur—?
– No no no.... the woman waves her hand, this was my decision and interest to take her with me, there is no need to pay me back...
The women smile at each other while Chiyo brings the cups of tea.
Time passes and the Goddess brings the girl to her friends for goodbyes; Rika, Etsuko and Orochi were standing in front of her, smilling, and Chiyo hugs each of them with a hint of slight sadness and acceptance. Once she says her goodbyes, the Goddess slices through space itself to create a portal and takes Chiyo's hand gently, walking with her in the portal.