Tokyo Ravens - Volume 14 - Chapter 1.4

Part 4 
The editing department is being disorganised as usual. 
The Onmyou Agency made a statement two days back about Tsuchimikado Harutora’s announcement on planning a terrorist attack, there is even a magic battle broke out on the streets close to the building last evening. With regards to that magic battle, there were rumours saying it is related to the previous independent exorcist, Heavenly Sword, Kogure Zenjiro, who had just transferred to the magic investigation department. However, the Onmyou Agency did not make any statements after that and there were saying that the Onmyou Agency is filled with rumours as well. 
The magic investigation department are chasing after Tsuchimikado Harutora’s location, the exorcist bureau has to deal with the increasing number of spiritual disaster, on the other hand they have to prepare to stop the imminent threat of the terrorist attack. 
There is not a moment to lose focus, the things that are happening in the magic world now and what will happen afterwards. 
In face of such ever changing situation, Chief Editor of Onmyouji Monthly Magazine, Kobayashi, is worried with another problem… no, this cannot be considered as [another problem], it can be considered a problem part of the [unrest] and should be considered the problem [center of the unrest]. 
However, the scale of the problem is different from the usual work he has been doing, it is a huge problem that might shock the whole industry. Kobayashi will be starting his great adversity of age forty-two [8] this summer, he had already met with bad luck during his visit to the shrine on New Year Day, looks like the unlucky spirit that should be wiped out is lingering in his line of work. 
“… Kurahashi! Are you still not able to contact Wakamiya?” He roared fiercely. “I have not.” Newcomer Kurahashi quickly answered. Kobayashi cursed and looked at his laptop once more. He squints and stare at the monitor, the monitor shows the letter sent by his subordinate Wakamiya. The contents of the mail make people wonder if she had gone insane, if it’s the usual him, he will treat the contents as a bunch of nonsense without reading the entire letter, because the letter mentioned about Kurahashi Genji and his partners being the masterminds of the previous two and the upcoming terrorist attack in two days’ time. This is so ridiculous and it is not part of the scope of the editorial department. 
It’s just… 
The most frustrating thing is that the report has answered many of Kobayashi’s suspicion towards the Onmyou Agency for many years. 
“… Damn it.” 
This letter was sent by Wakamiya late last night. 
According to her in the letter, she had begun working with Kogure Zenjirou since summer two years ago, investigating the secrets of the upper echelons of Onmyou Agency. Wakamiya did not trust Onmyou Agency at all, Kobayashi knows that she is investigating independently as well. Even though he did not encourage her to do this, but he was observing at the side as well, sometimes even gave suggestions without leaving traces. He hasn’t been honest with her before, after working in this line for so many years, he had developed similar suspicions as her. He seriously did not expect Wakamiya would be able to get so far with her investigations alone. 
Additionally, Wakamiya was at the scene of the magic battle last evening – truth to be told, it seemed like the magic battle occurred because of her. 
Wakamiya began to look into the past incident where the mystical investigator, Hirata Atsune, went missing after infiltrating Twin Horn Syndicate for investigation, after searching through his network, she found out about a girl named Souma Takiko. As she was infiltrating the hotel where the girl was staying, she was attacked by the shikigami in the hotel, placed to ambush by the enemy – Kogure arrived in time and both parties immediately had a fierce battle, Wakamiya took the opportunity to escape by using the chaos created from the battle. 
--- It gets to my nerves, that wild girl... 
Afterwards she couldn’t contact the editorial department because she lost her phone during the escape. Having no more ideas, she could only go to the manga café and use her newly registered account to send the mail. She has predicted that she will be chased down by the magic investigation department and hinted the editorial department that they might be observed by the magic investigation department, that’s why she would avoid the editorial department for the time being and go underground. In fact, he replied the mail immediately, it’s just there were no replies coming back after that. 
This is not a joking matter. 
“… Hopefully nothing happens, damn it.” 
Kobayashi took out a pack of cigarette from his shirt pocket, straighten his face and stare at the monitor while his hand took out a stick of cigarette from the pack, after that he put the cigarette into his mouth before lighting it. 
After blowing out the smoke that filled his lungs— 
“Ah, Kobayashi chief.” A subordinate at the side called out to him. “Any news from Wakamiya?” after he consciously turned his head over, he saw the other party pointing and signalling against the cigarette on his mouth. 
The editorial department has banned indoor smoking two years ago, he blankly let out a “Ah” and make a fierce looking facial expression, made an evil sounding grunt before standing from his seat. 
The subordinates gave a surprising look towards at their superior who is in a foul mood as he leaves his desk and walked out of the office. Needless to say, he did not reveal the contents of Wakamiya’s letter to them and he dare not say out either. This wasn’t the first time Wakamiya took action alone, the others may start to suspect, not knowing why Kobayashi being so angry. 
Upon entering the corridor, Kobayashi walked towards the smoking room at the corner of the building level with the cigarette in his mouth. In this short amount of time of movement, he had met quite a few people from other departments rushing to the editorial department. 
Whenever there are major happenings with regards to magic, the usual non-mainstream Onmyouji Monthly Magazine editorial department will become the main centre for reporting. However, this is not something that can be easily discussed with anyone, he even had some kind of misconception, he felt that everyone who had just walked past him were staring at him. He felt like he was hugging a bomb while being stark naked. 
--- The magic investigation department is observing this place? Give me a break… 
It is fortunate that there were no one else in the smoking room, he made himself comfortable in this small space, in his mind he starts to rethink about Wakamiya’s report. 
This rushed report has an unrefined content, it is an unsatisfactory report. It was due to the laptop containing the investigation report being left in the hotel, this report did not contain any detailed records or documents, it only simply described the most important facts. 
Just relying on this letter will not bring anyone to anywhere, only Wakamiya’s passion and sincerity had been delivered. 
Additionally, the most important thing is… 
--- Damn it, why is it such an obviously unrefined report, yet it is so realistic. 
Kobayashi’s [gut feeling] is telling him that the credibility of Wakamiya’s report is very high. 
It is normally extremely difficult to prove any news related to magic to be real, speaking of extreme, those magic users who resents Kurahashi Chief and the Onmyou Agency had suggested to Wakamiya, faking this report – this possibility cannot be dismissed yet. Not just manipulating people’s hearts, they can also make the other party hallucinate, or even using various kinds of shikigami. What is normally deemed impossible, it can be easily achieved just by using magic, for normal people who do not have Spirit Sight to see through the crimes magic users did, it is just impossible. 
However, it is because of this, those who are related to news reports regarding magic highly trust their own [instincts]. Even though magic is something out of the world, but the magic user who is using it is still a human. Just by carefully observing human behaviour -- not just on the surface, but the deepest parts, one can understand what kind of person he or she is. This kind of judgement compared to using logic, relies more on [instincts]. 
Assuming Wakamiya’s report is true, deciding on how to deal with the report will be even more thorny, not true, in fact, he just doesn’t know what to do with it. 
Kurahashi Genji is the leader of the magic world now, holding to a position that no one can ever compare, to say he is the true supreme leader of the magic world is not exaggerated as well. In such situation where one does not have any concrete evidence, accusing this kind of person of a crime is truly unrealistic. 
Yet, if he wants ignore this matter, it is too serious for him to do so, it concerns many people’s lives. Since he already knew of this, he cannot act as if he doesn’t know anything. 
“… What should I do.” 

Kobayashi mumbled, a desperate look and an overexerted smile comes up on his face. 
He is just as concerned about Wakamiya’s safety, even though considering her age has allowed accumulation of much experience, but Wakamiya is still a normal human. If she is really targeted by the people in the magic investigation department, in this kind of situation it is impossible for her to escape alone. Besides, Wakamiya got a hold of such a big scoop, she would not just quietly stay still and hide. 
--- Ah ah, damn, if at least Heavenly Sword is with her, I wouldn’t be so worried. 
In order to take number one priority in escaping from that spot, Wakamiya did not witness the conclusion of the magic battle last evening. However, if Kogure was on site, there were no news and attempt to make contact with Wakamiya after that, it is logical to conclude he had lost. If he had really lost, that will be a very shocking news. Kogure is a previous Independent Exorcist, he was a first class elite Onmyouji of the exorcist bureau, normally speaking, this kind of person would not lose to a shikigami. 
“… As expected, that guy is being delusional... hopefully so, really…” 
Without noticing, the cigarette that has not been smoked had half of it turned into ash. Kobayashi threw away the cigarette furiously and lit another cigarette. 
At this moment, “Sorry for the interruption, Chief Editor Kobayashi.” A subordinate from the editorial department opened the door of the smoking room. “What is it?” he replied loudly with a hint of anger, the worries in his mind can be felt. 
“There is a strange call made...” 
“A strange call?” 
“The caller is looking for Wakamiya.” 
He immediately threw away the cigarette he just lit, rushed out of the smoking room. The subordinate was surprised, but immediately chased after him. 
“Who called?” 
“The caller does not wish to reveal her identity, but it is a young lady, at a very young age, might not be an adult yet. She would like to thank Wakamiya for that canned coffee… due to the special circumstances now, we are guessing if that is a voice signal used by Wakamiya.” 
“Is the call still on line?” 
“Of course.” 
After Kobayashi returned to the editorial department, he rushed to the nearest phone and picked up the line on hold. 
“--- Hello, this is Chief Editor Kobayashi.” 
While he was speaking towards the speaker, he waved to signal his subordinate to leave. Understanding his intentions, his subordinate shrugged his shoulders, gave a slight bitter smile before returning to his desk. At the same time, a reply came from the other end of the call. 
“Is Wakamiya-san in? May I ask for a method to contact her?” 
The slightly anxious voice really sounds like a young girl. 
This means… 
“Excuse me for asking this, are you Kurahashi Kyouko?” 
He specially concluded, hearing the other end let out a speechless breath. Judging from the reaction, he confirmed his own guess to be accurate. “Ah ah, please do not hang up.” Kobayashi continued quickly. “I heard about you from Wakamiya, about your father – Kurahashi Genji placing you on observation, I also know about you leaving home after the last interview. You have something to tell Wakamiya right? Something that you can finally say after escaping from being observed.” 
“……” 
“Regrettably, no one knows where is Wakamiya now, there is no way to contact her, I am also worried about her well-being. If possible, could you tell me the things that you are going to tell her? It’s just… to be on the careful side, I will give you my handphone number, could you please call back later? It seems like Wakamiya is dragged into the disturbance yesterday, you understand what I mean right?” 
After interviewing Kurahashi Kyouko, Wakamiya thinks highly of this young girl from a wealthy and famous family. In fact, just by hearing about her results and expectations in the Onmyou Academy, one will already know she is a very talented and intelligent individual. Another thing, to leave her house in this situation, it is evident she has decided on going against her father – Onmyou Agency Chief’s stand obviously. Even though it is unknown how much she knows, but it is highly possible her statements will be able to prove Wakamiya’s report. 
Of course, this could also be a [ploy] from the magic users of Kurahashi of the enemy team… Kobayashi’s [instincts] is clearly telling him that he must not let this girl go. “Kurahashi-san, are you willing to accept my suggestion?” 
He asked, after a few seconds quietly passed by, “Okay.” The other party agreed. 
Simple as it may sound, a strong determination can be heard from her voice. “Thank you.” After Kobayashi told the other party his handphone number, “Please call me back as soon as possible.” He repeatedly reminded the other party before ending the call. 
Kurahashi Kyouko’s reaction is mostly positive. The other party is still an underage, she must have muster a lot of courage before contacting the editorial department. One should not be too anxious, should not give unnecessary stress as well and should first gain the other party’s trust. 
--- This kind of thing I really cannot be compared to Wakamiya. 
On who is better at pleasing a girl who is in her teens, Kobayashi has no way to compare himself with Wakamiya. Now is a time where he should portray himself as a reliable chief editor where other party could try to rely on, taking the lead and guide the other party. As he was thinking about this, his phone rang in a short time. 
The call returned very fast. Kurahashi Kyouko is indeed excellent. If he could truly guide her, she may achieve his expectations. 
--- Don’t be too impatient, need to have a gentle attitude. 
Kobayashi took a deep breath, firstly to let the other party to be at ease, he said... 
“Hello, thank you for calling, I am chief editor Kobayashi—” 
“As expected of a veteran chief of editorial department, no waste of time in explanation.” 
The speaker brought out a voice vastly different from before, a voice of an aged man. 
Kobayashi widened his eyes and went speechless, the other party seems to not allow him to think, continued speaking... 
“I am the Chief of the Magic Investigation Division two years ago, Amami Daizen, surely you have heard of me? I apologise for making such a request suddenly, there is something I require your diligent help with. I think we should talk about this after we meet— no problems right, chief editor?”