The Future of Hakurei Linage is One of Uncertainty

The Great Hakurei Border of Gensokyo is traditionally maintained by the Hakurei shrine maiden. The current one is the last living member of the bloodline.

The Hakurei Shrine is located in the outskirts of Gensokyo, on the eastern part of the Great Hakurei Barrier that separates Gensokyo from the outside world. Due to its remote location, few visitors make regular visits to the shrine.

The Great Hakurei Barrier separates the outside world from Gensokyo. It allows youkai to survive inside Gensokyo, even after humans in the outside world no longer believes in them. In an era where science has replaced faith, the barrier remains as important as ever at protecting the existence of youkai.

The Hakurei Shrine plays an important role in maintaining the Great Hakurei Barrier. In addition to ensuring the continued existence of the barrier, it serves as the only known gateway between the two worlds, allowing lost humans who wandered into Gensokyo to safely travel back outside.

However, there is fear that the barrier may not be as strong as previously thought. The current shrine maiden, Reimu Hakurei, is the last living member of the Hakurei bloodline. Being orphaned at a young age, much of the secrets of the Hakurei Shrine was lost to subsequent generations. The identity of the Hakurei Shrine's God is a mystery even to Reimu herself, which combined with decreasing visitors, lead to the decrease in faith and power of the Hakurei Shrine.

"I know the shrine is built here to protect the barrier between Gensokyo and the outside world," Reimu said, "but I don't really know if a god is necessary for that."

While it is easy to worry about the stability of the border, one must be reminded that the architects of Gensokyo are the type to plan ahead. If the last Hakurei were to die before an heir can take her place, we can be sure that some form of contingency plan will be put into place.