Tokyo Ravens - Volume 14 - Chapter 2.3

Part 3 
“The reaction of the public is more intense than predicted.” 
Kobayashi said that straight away. The mobile phone is on loudspeaker mode, Natsume and the rest listened attentively to the reporting voice echoing in the living room. 
“The news had spread very fast as well, it’s just that it did not develop into a fierce debate, the isolation of the magic world is indeed an obstacle. Everyone is either half believing or just watching from the side lines, conversely, there are some that reacted hysterically. However, most of the people could not understand what had happened, they are just holding to a feeling of insecurity while observing the situation, this is mostly the same outcome as predicted.” 
“I had already expected the public reaction will be slow on uptake, moreover, the other medias don’t seem to be doing anything, this matter has spread further than initially expected, which is good enough for us to rejoice.” 
“Yes. It was all because of the prestige of [The Divine Fan] Amami, if it was somebody else, they would not be able to create such a reaction. Even though there is no proof, but through various outlets, we heard that the people on the ground were quite shaken.” 
Kobayashi’s excited voice could be heard through the mobile phone’s loud speaker. 
In Onmyou Agency, the bureaucrat impression that Kurahashi Chief gives off is quite strong. Similar to the Exorcist Bureau, it is the same for Miyachi Chief being the onsite leader, the onsite leader for Onmyou Agency is Amami— as a matter of fact the he is the one that has been active for many years as front-line commander, who was also Chief of Magic Investigation Department before. 
It is precisely because someone like Amami making the accusation, the blow towards the members of the Agency is greater. 
“Looking at the situation now, everybody is only shaken.” 
“Ah ah. Shaken but not to the extent of crumbling, that organisation isn’t so weak. More importantly, did the other party took any direct action?” 
“I have not received anything yet.” 
“Alright. We will continue counting on you subsequently, please be wary of Magic Investigation Department.” 
“—But, if anything really happens, no matter how careful we are, we will still be unable to resist them. On the contrary, you guys be careful too, if you have any information regarding Wakamiya, please contact me.” After finish saying, Kobayashi ended the call. 
-- This is the beginning. 
Natsume had this kind of feeling. 
It is said that all the calls made to [Onmyouji Monthly Magazine] right now are all enquiring about that exposition article, Kobayashi had achieved far more than expected on this matter. According to him, Wakamiya had sent him a report regarding the conspiracy between Kurahashi and his men, but just the report alone, making the choice of helping Amami and become enemies with Onmyou Agency, to the Editorial Department and others, it was an extremely difficult choice. 
“A debt of favour is really something that you owe as long as you live, before I finish clearing all the debts, I cannot die yet.” 
Amami spoke in an old-fashioned way, then he clapped his fan and turned towards Natsume and the rest. 
They are now situated in a condominium in Roppongi, other than Natsume and Amami, Touji, Tenma and Suzuka were there as well, Kyouko and Suisen is in the other room. 
“… Ultimately, it got the attention of the public.” After Natsume confirmed, “Yes.” Amami nodded. “There is still no specific course of action?” Tenma asked straightaway. 
“To be clear, this accusation is ridiculous to no end, the only vouch is the person who spoke those words, which is me only. To have such high expectations at this stage, that is too greedy.” 
“… Because I am in the industry that’s why I did not know, the public indeed doesn’t understand much about the internal organisation structure of the magic world, to the point where knowing the contents of the accusation did not give them the sense of danger.” 
“To be accurate, they did not feel the sense of [real] danger. After all, it is a group of people chanting some baffling mantra, in order to make some baffling disaster go away, we can’t blame the public for not able to figure out what is going on.” 
When Amami was exposing Kurahashi Chief this time, he did not mention about Souma’s existence. This is done in order to be easily understood, through simplifying the contents of the exposition. The enemy had spent great efforts in covering up the traces of the Souma Clan’s participation, there will definitely be a chance to mention about them in the future, it’s just Amami and the rest had determined at this point in time, focusing on [the bad guy is Kurahashi Chief] will give the best results. 
The main reason of the denounce this time is to create social debate— to create a situation where Naota can take action, that is why content wise the easier to understand the better. It’s just… 
“… I still cannot bring myself to accept this. If I appeared in the video as well, there will surely be a wider coverage, because I have a higher reputation in the society.” 
Suzuka pulled a long face in displeasure, “There she goes again.” Amami gave an awkward expression. 
“Haven’t I explained this before, Suzuka. To put an underaged girl in front of the public, it will be easy to arouse suspicion.” 
Amami repeated what he had said many times before. 
Facing Suzuka who volunteered to expose, it was Amami who stopped her. What Suzuka said wasn’t wrong, as a famous idol of the Onmyou Agency, she is more well-known in the public compared to Amami. Even now that she had stopped her idol activities these few years, she still has quite a few fans, surely there are many people out there who still remember her looks and her name. 
Amami’s accusation only had a small coverage in the news, to what extent is the public concerned is still unknown. If Suzuka appeared as well, it will definitely gain attention from those who weren’t concerned with the magic world. 
It’s just that even with Suzuka’s accusations, it might still be difficult for this to turn into a debate. 
The media might be concerned with this news, but they might treat this in half-hearted way next time, only being curious about it. The moment they push an underage girl to the frontline to expose the crimes of the Onmyou Agency, the chances of the public treating this piece of news with seriousness will be very low— Worse, the people that Natsume and the rest wanted to influence may disregard her words. 
Of course, in Amami’s heart, he is also against the idea of using a young girl like Suzuka as a [political] tool, but he did not reach this conclusion based on his own personal feelings. He is not treating Suzuka as a child, and he did not have the intention of belittling her worth, he purely feel that she is [unsuitable] for this mission. 
“I understand you wish to amend the mistake you made with Akino that time, I will create enough opportunities for you in future, so you should wait for the chance now.” 
After listening to Amami, Suzuka pouted unhappily, her face flushed slightly, it seems like Amami was correct about her. 
The exposition this time is just the [start], after lying low for so long, this is the [attack] Natsume and the rest finally used, it is no wonder they are so anxious. 
However, this matter cannot be rushed, precisely because they are in a dangerous situation where they need to risk, they need to be extra careful when choosing [what to risk], this is what Amami said. There is not much time remaining, so they must use the remaining time for things that will be meaningful to them. Moreover, because they do not have the energy to leisurely wait for reply, they cannot make a move carelessly. 
“Even though this is a good start, but the subsequent developments will be difficult to predict… Touji, there is still no contact from your father’s side?” 
“… No.” 
Touji replied in a heavy tone to Amami’s affirmation. 
He had already told everyone about the exchange that happened between him and Member of Parliament Naota, regrettably, the result doesn’t seem well. 
But, the situation has not fall into that of despair, Touji calmly and positively explained to his comrades about the [confidence] he felt at the end. 
“The confidence I felt at the end in fact is just my own feeling, I did not affirm this with the other party… even though as the person who screwed up, I do not have the right to say such things— To be honest, to bet everything on that man, I think it is too risky.” 
Touji said, after finish reporting. 
Of course, there was no need for Touji to remind, Amami is using various methods now. He is fully utilising all the connections he made in the past, trying to convince them to [stand against] Onmyou Agency. For example, those who weren’t present right now, Kyouko, with Suisen accompanying her, are in the other room reading stars, attempting to find out which candidate of the [Twelve Divine Generals] they can make contact with. 
[The Twelve Divine Generals] who works for the Onmyou Agency, if they had seen the exposition article and Amami’s video— The appearance of the long missing former Mystical Investigation Chief, surely, they will have their own ideas. If there is a way to make contact with them, convince them to join this side, it won’t be impossible to overturn the situation then. Needless to say, to move recklessly will possibly cause them to get arrested, besides, without any evidence, carrying out this matter is definitely not easy… 
“Not able to exploit the situation and follow up is really vexing— yet, complaining doesn’t help either, moreover, this is originally not a situation where just the few of us can change.” 
Amami words sounds depressing, but this is exactly the reason why Natsume and the rest cannot take any actions as they please. No matter how hard they struggle now, just with Natsume and the rest, is impossible to break out of the current situation. To stop the enemy’s plot, they must consolidate the power of the people in the surroundings or organisations, that’s why they are just waiting for the public’s reaction. 
In addition, they were waiting not just for Naota’s reply. 
-- Harutora… Natsume clenched her fist tightly. 
“… Harutora and Ohtomo-Sensei had already seen the video right.” 
The person who mumbled is Tenma. 
Natsume reactively become focused. “Should be.” Touji replied with a nod from the side. 
“Even though we do not know how frequent the two of them surfs the internet, but logically speaking, both of them are keeping a close eye to Onmyou Agency’s movements, it is impossible that they did not notice the panic in the Agency, they will naturally investigate after noticing.” 
“… Speaking of which, that stupid guy sure knows to choose time, just when we are doing our best to prove his innocence, he went ahead and launch what surprise attack.” 
“No choice, it was last midnight that Harutora appeared at Shinjuku Branch… before the website was updated. That guy is running out time too.” 
“But wouldn’t this give people a bad impression? What if even our accusation thought to be fabricated as well?” 
Suzuka spoke angrily, just that her anger comes from insecurity. In fact, when they know about Harutora attacked the Shinjuku Branch, Natsume and everyone were extremely furious. 
Harutora had took the opposing stand against the Onmyou Agency in the past, but when things develop to the point of attacking a Branch, the impression that it gives people will be vastly different. Luckily no one died, but the party that was attacked surely will think this exposition article is unbelievable. To Natsume and the rest that is working so hard to recruit even one comrade, this is an extremely great loss. 
-- If only we had exposed few hours earlier… 
Maybe he would not have attacked the Exorcist Bureau Branch, no, the situation may be still the same, in the end, there is still no knowing of Harutora’s true intention. 
“What is exactly Harutora’s motive for attacking the Shinjuku Branch?” 
“… The only thing that I could think of is he was looking for Souma Takiko, other than that, I really have no idea.” 
Touji replied Tenma’s question. No matter friend or foe, everyone knows that Souma Takiko is the key character. Natsume and the rest had given up on using the method of directly launching attacks on her, but it is a different affair for Harutora, now that he had invaded Shinjuku Branch alone. 
“Could it be that Takiko was in the Shinjuku Branch last night?” 
Suzuka furrowed her brows while saying, “No.” Tenma immediately rejected that possibility. 
“If Souma Takiko was there, Yase Doji will surely be by her side, logically speaking it would then develop into quite a large-scale magic battle, but the attack last night doesn’t seem to be that way.” 
“So, he made a wasted trip? He did not know she wasn’t there, and barged into the Shinjuku Branch like an aimless housefly?” 
“This could also prove that guy had ran out of ideas as well.” 
Amami replied the stunned Suzuka with a straight face. 
If the result of Harutora’s hurried actions clashed head on with our action of exposition, it truly makes us feel fretful, but since both sides is unable to work together, it is inevitable for this situation to happen. Perhaps, Harutora did not expect this exposition to happen as well. 
The problem lies ahead. 
“… Amami-san, if Harutora is looking for Takiko, what action do you think he will take after he saw that video?” 
Touji, Tenma and Suzuka were also concerned about the question Natsume raised, her voice sounded stiff— it is because she spoke in a desperate tone. After listening to Natsume’s question, Amami stayed silent for a moment, he observed Natsume’s expression, and clapped the fan on his hand. 
“If I had the answer, we would not be suffering now.” 
He shrugged his shoulders while forcing a smile. 
“The enemy of our enemy is a friend— this is the best scenario, but we have no idea what is his final objective. That said, even if we wish to work together, we have no idea the location of each other is as well. If we are talking about intuition, looking at his past actions, it is impossible for him to coordinate with us now, to honestly hold himself back.” 
“… Yes.” 
“It’s just--” 
“What is it?” 
After listening to Amami’s thoughts, Natsume was about to lower her head, but because he was about to speak and then hesitated, Natsume raised her head. 
Amami watched her reaction. 
“I feel that this situation is a somehow the same.” 
“Same… Same as what?” 
“That time when you guys met up. You guys did not get each other’s contact that time, but it was that moment when the news about the arrest of Tsuchimikadou Family was broadcasted, everyone came forward at the same time, and believed that the others would take action as well. I can tell you right now… That was a fascinating performance.” 
Amami spoke, while looking at Natsume, Touji, Tenma and Suzuka alternatively. 
“It wasn’t just you people that took action that time, Harutora took action as well, and it was at an excellent time… This is why, I am hoping, hoping that you guys can work together with everyone like last time.” 
“……” 
Natsume did not reply, only widening her eyes and stared at Amami. 
Amami’s eyes were indeed filled with trust and expectancy. Amami who has such great abilities actually held such expectations towards themselves, Natsume can’t help but feel heat in her chest. 
She felt deep pride, “This is our glory.” She said out the words in her heart directly. 
She felt very happy, for being able to gain trust and recognition from the person she respected, this kind of feeling, perhaps could be turned into courage, for her to not fear of challenges when facing difficulties. 
-- What Amami-san said is correct… 
It is the same for Harutora. 
Didn’t Harutora rushed over first that time? It is impossible for him not to be concern with Natsume and the rest, and should have already seen that exposition article, surely, he is concerned with the movements of Natsume and the rest right now. 

There is no knowing of what considerations or thoughts Harutora has, and there is no way to predict how his actions will affect the conclusion. 
However, Harutora is a comrade of Natsume and the rest, he is equally concerned about Natsume and the rest, this should be believable. 
“As expected of a skilled user of spirit language, extremely well versed in controlling people’s hearts.” 
“Haven’t I said before, we are in a situation where we would even grab on a single grass. As long as you wish to listen, I can speak till you are contented.” 
Amami grinned, speaking to the joking Touji, but these words of Touji perhaps half of it was a cover up of his embarrassment. The light conversation between those two made Tenma laughed after listening, Suzuka on the other hand, showed a stunned expression. 
The current tense atmosphere slightly eased, it felt something like a tight nerve relaxing. Just like before doing exercises, the need of stretching muscles, to perform in the best condition, there is a need for [pacing]. Even at this emergency situation where time is running out, to be making fun of each other actually shows that Natsume and the rest are strong. 
Yet just at this moment— 
“Natsume-chan! Pull yourself together!” 
All of a sudden, Kyouko who was reading stars in the other room rushed to the living room, another person that followed hurriedly behind her into the living room is a woman in Kimono, shikigami Suisen. 
What happened? Everyone quickly changed their attention, focusing on Kyouko. 
The next moment. 
-- Ah. 
Natsume’s vision swayed. 
As if the power source disconnected, thoughts and feelings became blank, the world disappeared from Natsume’s eyes. 
As Natsume’s body start to fall, Kyouko rushed over and held her quickly. Before the two of them fell directly onto the floor, Touji, who was at the side, quickly supported them. 
“Natsume-chan!” Kyouko shouted loudly. 
The loud shout reached the ears. 
-- Hic! Hokuto! 
Natsume ordered in her heart, seemingly at the same time, the aura of Hokuto possessing Natsume’s body began to wriggle— 
Natsume’s vision returned. 
“— Phew!” 
She let out a deep breath, and started to use her entire body’s strength to breathe. Perhaps realising Natsume’s condition had stabilised, Kyouko let out a sigh of relief, relaxing her grip on her. 
“Nat... Natsume, are you okay?” 
“Natsume, could it be that you are having an attack again?” 
Natsume raised her hand, replied to both Suzuka and Tenma who went pale. She adjusted her breath, “… I’m okay.” She said. 
“Tha… Thank you, Kyouko.” 
“I [saw] your aura while I was reading stars. Natsume, you are a living spirit, I should not be able to read your stars… So, I was still suspecting in the beginning, luckily I made it in time.” 
“What is going on, Natsume? Didn’t you light the soul-forging incense?” 
“Yes… I did it this morning as well…” 
Natsume was in shock, replying Touji, who was looking at her sternly for a confirmation. 
It’s just on the other hand, she knew in her heart what is going on. 
-- The emergency treatment is getting ineffective. 
Originally this is a just a temporary treatment, it could be that the effective time has become shorter, the technique Harutora used to tie Natsume’s soul is becoming undone. 
-- How could this be? 
For this to happen when there is nothing going on, if magic is used, there will be no telling how it would affect Harutora’s technique. That said, it’s impossible to not use magic. Touji cannot use his Oni powers against Takiko, Natsume’s strength in the frontlines will become increasingly important. Natsume’s unstable condition will weaken the team’s strength by a lot, in addition, she is aware of this more than others. Her comrades kept silent, looking at the pale Natsume. 
“It’s okay… I shall go adjust once more. I’m fine.” 
Natsume stood up on her own, her mouth kept repeating the same sentence. Her tone sounded hollow, but no one could say any comforting words. 
This time, “… Now is the time for you guys to recuperate and store up energy.” Amami said calmly, removing his feelings in his words on purpose. “It would be best to adjust yourself to the greatest condition.” 
The consideration of the notification out of obligation made Natsume feel extremely touched, “Yes.” Natsume silently nodded, made her way to prepare the soul-forging incense. 
The time left before Hinamatsuri dusk is less than 30 hours. Definitely going to pull through this difficulty— Natsume silently prayed in her heart. 
 
“Honestly, I didn’t expect they would use this method out of the blue. To expose through the internet, it really doesn’t seem like an idea Amami would come out with.” 
Speaking finish, Yashamaru shrugged. Akino sat at the corner of the sofa, attentively observing the situation of the surroundings. 
She was brought to what seems to be the main hall of a particular floor of a building. Those around were Takiko, Yashamaru and Kumomaru, there were also two people that she never met before. 
One of them is in the fifties, he is wearing a formal belt, a petrous kind of man. She had seen this person in the news, that is Onmyou Agency Chief, Kurahashi Genji. The other was a middle-aged man in western clothing, she couldn’t recognise him, just feels that he seems to be a politician. That is Satake Masumi, there are sayings that he is also one of the Souma Clan people. 
In other words, the masterminds of the enemy camp are gathering at this moment, they are gathering in front of Akino, it can’t be help that she is holding her breath. 
-- Why bring me to this place. 
Kurahashi and Satake seem to be thinking the same thing as well. They knew about Akino, even though they did not have intention of questioning her background, they gave her an astonished look when they saw her. Yet, after looking at Takiko— even though she had tried to stay away as far as possible— who is sitting beside her, their faces showed that they have accepted the fact, to the point of having an expression of given up trying to persuade. 
It has been more than one day since Akino has arrived at this building, Takiko had stood by her side all this time. She doesn’t seem to be observing Akino, the two of them had chatted occasionally, and she doesn’t seem to be looking for Akino for something too. She just stays beside Akino, when she is moving around the building, she will surely request Akino to follow as well. 
Akino can’t help but notice, so she directly asked the person in question for a reason. Yet, Takiko only replied with a laugh… “It’s no matter.” and did not answer her question directly. 
It should be alright to refuse, but Akiko did not do it. Just like what Takiko herself had proclaimed, she did not have any intention of harming Akino, that is why resisting is pointless. On the contrary, after being captured, she could at least gather information in the enemy camp, in order to achieve this goal, it is a wise choice staying close to Takiko. It just until now, she had not gotten any useful information. 
She only found out one thing, that is Takiko did not do anything for the entire day. On the other hand, her shikigami, Yashamaru, had fully given his duty of bodyguarding to Kumomaru, and is not around his own mistress most of the time. Even though he will return once every few hours, he only returns to report a few things and disappear immediately again. He seems to be preparing for the launch of the spiritual disaster terrorist attack tomorrow— rushing for the sake of the large-scale magic ritual preparations. 
It was said that Takiko is the key figure to the ritual, and the ritual is held tomorrow, yet being the most important person, she had nothing to do, this shows she is already prepared. At the same time, Yashamaru, who originally should remain at his mistress side, is running about outside, this means the preparations of the ritual is at the final stages. In other words, victory is on sight for the enemy. 
However, Natsume and the rest had finally take action. 
“Firstly, I would like to offer my apology to the princess of the Souma Clan, I ordered my subordinate to observe [Onmyouji Monthly Magazine], but he got played by the other party, it was because I wasn’t careful enough, I’m sorry.” 
Kurahashi spoke slowly, lowering his head towards Takiko as an apology. At this point in time, only Takiko and Akino is sitting on the sofa, the adults were standing in a row in front of them, this minor detail is also one of the reasons Akiko is feeling uneasy. 
“If we were to look into this, we, who judged that there wasn’t a need to deal with the Editorial Department as a priority holds responsibility as well. However, with regards to this matter, the most formidable person that did not let go of any opportunity is Amami, his choice of using [Onmyouji Monthly Magazine] as the channel for the exposition, I think it wasn’t just a coincidence.” 
“… Could it be that the missing reporter mentioned earlier made contact with Amami?” 
“It is unclear if she had made direct contact with Amami, however, regardless of the mode, it can be seen as two strings connected together.” 
Yashamaru spoke calmly, the materialised shikigami stepped on the ground so hard till the soles of his shoes are giving out sounds, as he strolls around the hall. The sight behind the monocle wasn’t focused, as he was exchanging words with the surroundings, surely there were many thoughts flowing in his mind. 
“Um.” Satake shrugged. “Let’s forget what has happened, more importantly is how are we going to handle this subsequently. The media is already coming to my side for details, the higher ups of the party has also asked me over for questioning. To be honest, I spent great efforts to make it here… Oh yes, is it the same for Kurahashi Chief— moreover, the situation on your side is worse than mine, wasn’t it? Is it alright to leave the agency at this time?” 
“It is precisely this kind of situation, I must make my way here, it is a must to be careful and correctly confirm each other’s intentions first at this kind of time.” 
“Haha, you are right. If we don’t deal with this the right way now, it could develop into adding oil on fire. Most important thing is to remain calm, use the most appropriate countermeasure in a determined manner, and persist to the end.” 
Satake extended his right hand, placing his left hand in front of his chest, revealing a friendly smile. 
Even though the actions were generous, but in the eyes of Akino they are exaggerated and hypocritical. Just that thinking from his dangerous situation, this kind of [light] attitude is actually frightening. Rather than saying he is underestimating the seriousness of the situation, it would be better to say that he gives off an aura that seems to say things would be still interesting even if the plan fails. 
“The other party do not have any evidence now, right? In the end, we will be the ones achieving victory, as for this matter we shall put it off for now, I know very well how to deal with this kind of crisis.” Satake clapped his hands lightly as he speaks. 
“The most important thing is no matter what happens, the day of the ritual is tomorrow right? Uncle, you say that the other party did not miss on any opportunity, but the move Amami Chief made this time is too roundabout. He is too fixated on attacking from the front, not knowing how uninterested [common people] are regarding politics, I think there is no need to be concern about them.” 
“… You are mistaken.” 
Satake gave a shallow smile after finish speaking, his uncle— the shikigami whose name was Dairenji Shidou suddenly stopped in his tracks, placing his hand on his chin. 
“Amami taking action openly after hiding for so long, it is very hard to imagine he had [only this move] in his pocket, it’s a pity we have no way to know, but he definitely had prepared his next move.” 
Yashamaru concluded, his tone seems to convey that this is something for sure. “The next move huh.” Satake repeated this sentence with a mocking tone, he seems to be enjoying himself. “What kind of move would he make?” 
“Didn’t I say that there is no way of knowing, Masumi? However, Kurahashi agrees with my views, right? Since there is no mention about it in the video, for sure Amami did not get hold of the relevant evidence, but he dared to use that kind of method, this is enough to proof that he had already prepare his next move. Am I right?” 
“… I feel the same way, this is the most reasonable explanation.” 
In face of his old friend’s somewhat pestering questions, Kurahashi remain composed, firmly answered his questions. After hearing the Onmyou Agency Chief’s swift replies, Satake can only shrug his shoulders in silence. This moment, “… Because of the lack in time, deciding to bet for the last time… this is possible, right?” The one who spoke was behind Takiko— standing by behind the sofa, Kumomaru. 
“Of course, there is that side of things.” Yashamaru answered. “However, that old man no matter how low the possibility is, he surely chooses the method that has [winning chance]. Even time is tight, if there is no chance of winning, he definitely won’t take action. Perhaps, until the very last moments, he will still be thinking about what to do would be the best choice, he can be said to be the person with the least luck with [abandoning oneself to despair]. In that case, he surely had some plans… but, what will he do…” 
After finish answering Kumomaru’s question, Yashamaru started muttering to himself. Yashamaru—Dairenji Shidou thinks that Amami is extremely well versed in the techniques of tactics, and he is executing a plan that is unimaginable right now. 
Akino only held her breath, watching these adults having discussion, A quite surprising thought emerged from her heart. 
-- So, this is how it is… 
Akiko thought the attitudes of the bad guys would be more leisure. Using various ploys, fully prepared to commit evil— So cracks will appear on the places where they are careless. 
But the adults in front of her, other than Satake, every one of them are strict. They hold enormous power in their hands, and victory is on sight, yet they still did not relax. 
Every one of them were [serious], it is precisely because of that, there is no way to easily beat them. Compared to a detailed explanation, she had personally experienced this very fact— It is so difficult to win against them. 
It is different from a Magic Battle, but it is still a [battle]. 
“… Kurahashi. How are things going in the Agency?” 
“Chaos is constantly spreading.” 
“I see… It would seem that the other party wants to destroy Onmyou Agency. Could you stabilise the situation in the Agency, especially [The Twelve Divine Generals].” 
“Wait a minute, to stabilise the situation in the Agency, ignoring that allegation would be ineffective, right? As a higher up, how are you planning to explain this?” 
“To the Agency, I could only explain that this is a defamation without evidence, it is highly possible that there was some manipulation of magic related information, conversely, I would ask them to be on alert. To the public, I would express that I am preparing to give a proper explanation, and then give a vague explanation of what is going on, doing this should give ourselves enough time.” 
“Um… As long as we capture the other party afterwards, it doesn’t matter what form it takes, doing this is actually a better suited method. As for the media, just leave it to me.” 
Satake nodded in agreement, it’s just that Yashamaru seems to be still thinking about something, he sternly stared into space. “Uncle?” Even when Satake called out to him, he did not respond as well. 
Satake helplessly smiled bitterly towards Kurahashi, just as Kurahashi wanted to say something to Yashamaru— “Compared to this thing.” Takiko said. 
Akino’s body shook. 
Wrong, not just Akino. Kurahashi, Satake, Yashamaru and Kumomaru gave their attention to Takiko at the same time. During this discussion, this is the first time Takiko begin to speak. 
“The most important is Harutora, he is finally willing to face us.” 
Takiko smiled beautifully, totally disregarding the discussion the adults had just now. She glanced to the Akino at the side, “Right?” intimately seeking her agreement. Of course, Akiko did not have the strength to answer, to have someone seeking agreement suddenly just as she relaxes— Moreover it was for something that she does not understand, “Eh? W… What?” She simply panicked. 
“… Princess?” Satake called, sounding seemingly to be testing the other party’s reaction. As expected, Takiko did not respond at all. “… Yep.” Yashamaru responded instead. 
“That’s right, whether it is victory or defeat will depend on tomorrow… This is not the time to be concerned with the public.” 
Then, Yashamaru in turn looked at Kurahashi, Satake and Kumomaru. 
“Let’s be perfectly prepared, we must not fail.”