Well, if you haven't noticed already. Ibara Kasen was never, is not and will never be a hermit. Especially this chapter made unmistakenly clear what she is.
I'm still waiting for the hint that reveals why she is considered to be one of Gensokyo's sages.
Anyway, I missjudged this manga when I started it. Right now I put it on the same Level as Forbidden Scrollery, maybe even higher: Amazingly good!