GOD YEAH the fox/tanuki themeing and how they interchange with each other surrounding the Shi Clan in particular is Very Good. Harvest festival is a favourite episode with how much it absolutely punches you in the gut on finishing season 2. Also chock full of meaning. And yeah I agree with the shrine idea! It would make sense, though it would probably have to be when Shisui is a bit older than a child because of childhood details you'll see in coming episodes. Probably when she's eleven/twelve or so. Maybe she had to accompany Shenmei at some business in the village and met Hiroe there and they struck up a friendship during that time.

I can say this since this isn't a spoiler because the anime cuts this line out but in the light novels, Shisui does call the former emperor an imbecile so Hiroe would definitely find someone willing to commiserate with her. Hiroe will have a lot to say because trust me, it definitely does get worse! unfortunately!

Will do, I'm enjoying their CR as well! :D