Tokyo Ravens - Volume 14 - Chapter 2.4

Part 4 
In the end, it was busy till the night. 
After the emergency repairs to the permanent barrier of the Shinjuku Branch, it was tidying up reports next, after that was the confirmation and notification of various items regarding the spiritual disaster terror attack tomorrow. By the time when it finally seems to be a good time to take a break, spiritual disasters started happening continuously, there is no rest with all the exorcism work. 
-- The amount of spiritual disasters happening these days is indeed increasing. 
Even though there is no concrete evidence, Yuge had this feeling of inclination ever since the level four spiritual disaster in Ogikubo. What if it is like the rumours say, that level four spiritual disaster is the forewarning of the spiritual disaster terrorist attack. If that was true, the scale of this when it is [officially launched] will be perhaps greater than the previous two spiritual disaster terrorist attack, furthermore, it could develop into the Great Spiritual Disaster in the past— the Great Spiritual Disaster that Tsuchimikadou Yakou caused before the end of war— A similar scale of terror attack, this is truly something frightening. 
It is a must to stop this spiritual disaster terror attack, the stronger this thinking is, the stronger the sense of crisis will be, the higher increase in the proportion of the video will be in the heart. 
The thing that makes her mad is that, in this situation, she still could not contact Miyachi. 
During the afternoon, the upper echelons of the Onmyou Agency informed every member in the Agency, that exposition report by [Onmyou Monthly Magazine] is totally baseless. That said, it is a matter of fact that the upper echelons will react this way. Due to the contents being too absurd, they will not give a public response at the moment, however, looking at the situation, Onmyou Agency will give an official announcement and they are preparing at the moment, the most important thing right now is to put in all the efforts into preparations for the spiritual disaster terror attack tomorrow— these were the main contents of the directive. 
It’s just that this directive isn’t given by her superior Miyachi. 
It was said that Miyachi was summoned by the Agency Chief, he is in the building, but Yuge could not understand why he could not picked up his phone for the entire day, she felt that the other party is cutting off contact with her on purpose. 
-- The reason he was summoned by the Agency Chief must be due to the exposition… 
Regrettably, there was no chance for her to speak to Shigeoka at the Shinjuku Branch. After returning to the Exorcist Bureau Headquarters, Yuge used the time when she finally can sit down to have a meal, to send a reply message to the twin sisters. It was already after 9pm, the twins are on 24 hours standby in the main branch. The reply came quickly, it must be that they were waiting for Yuge to contact them as well. Yuge immediately make her way over to the office where the twins are. 
The office of the twins is situated at the topmost floor of the Exorcist Bureau—more accurately, it is the penthouse of the roof. To say this place is an office, it is closer to say this is the twin’s [house]. As they are the Special Spirit Sensors that needs to observe the whole city’s aura at any time, the twins are in a situation where they have to live in the Exorcist Bureau. 
Yuge took the lift all the way to the top floor. 
There is a corridor after exiting the lift, there is a glass door ahead that leads to the roof, behind it is the entrance to the twins’ office. Yuge walked along the corridor and knocked on the front door of the office. 
“Byakuran, Kurogiku, it’s me, Mari.” 
Footsteps could be heard immediately behind the door. 
The door was opened from the inside, a lady stuck her head out. Even though she was unable to differentiate at the moment, but looking at their favourite flounced dress and the flower accessory on her curly hair, it was all white, it can be said this is the elder sister, Byakuran. 
“Mari! you are so slow, we have waited for you for a long time.” 
“I’m sorry, I was too busy, Kurogiku, she--” 
“I’m here. Good evening, Mari.” 
Another lady’s face stuck out behind the elder sister. That person looks exactly like the elder sister, the way she dressed is similar in style as well, just that the colour is different. Her dress and hair accessory were all black in colour, she is the younger sister of the twin, Kurogiku. 
“Now, now, quickly come in.” 
“We really waited for a long time.” 
“However, it is very good that there is still red tea left.” 
“Really, Onee-san, now is not the time to be concerned with such things, right?” 
The twins exchanged words while pulling Yuge’s hand, bringing her indoors. Compared to the usual carefree attitudes of the twins, they are quite anxious right now. 
The decorations in the office completely shows the interest of the twins, it is filled with gorgeous western styles. Flowery pattern wallpaper complementing with a deep coloured carpet, classic style tables and chairs are placed in the room, the entire room gives off an impression of a relaxing hotel room. This place had become their private space, they probably had received permission, they even use their own money to decorate this place. Even though this is probably too much, but till now there is no one criticising their actions. 
Yuge had been to the twins’ office for several times, she is very familiar to this place. Yet, this time, she jumped after entering the room, there were people who arrived before her. 
“Spec, Special Spirit Sensor Miyoshi? Yamashiro as well?” 
“… It’s been a long time, Independent Officer.” 
“Yuge, it’s been some time since I’m not a Special Spirit Sensor, I am a Magic Investigator now, at least for now.” 
Yuge can’t help but widen her eyes, in the twins’ office were Miyoshi Tougo and Yamashiro Hayato. 
Miyoshi was sitting on the chair, elegantly enjoying the red tea, Yamashiro was standing while having a very stern expression. They were only noticed after entering the room, as if it is due to Yamashiro and Miyoshi casted invisibility together. After Yuge entered the room, the invisibility became partially undone, however, they maintain a heavy suppression of their auras so that outsiders would not notice them. 
Coincidently, the three of them that visited the Seishuku Temple before had gathered once again, the three of them had not met up ever since that time. 
There is another person in the room, an unfamiliar lady. After seeing Yuge, she stood up from her chair immediately and gave a bow. Yuge gave her regards through her expression in her eyes, but her heart is filled with doubts. 
“How, how did the two of you end up here… Who is this person? We haven’t met each other before… right?” 
“No. Actually we had an interview before, but during that time it wasn’t just me alone.” 
“What?” 
After the lady responded fearfully, a questioning look appeared on Yuge’s face for a moment, then she had a shocking realisation. 
-- Could it be [Onmyouji Monthly Magazine]? 
In order to look for an explanation, after she turned her head over anxiously, “It was Miyoshi-san who contacted us.” Byakuran said without a care. 
“We too, had finished listening to the explanation of Miyoshi-san before calling you. Anyway, please take a seat first, I will pour you a cup of black tea now… Ah ah, but the black tea has got cold, I should make another…” 
“Forget about the black tea, what exactly is going on now!” 
“What? Those are high quality tea leaves you know, it is formulated at the shop that I frequently visit--” 
“Onee-san, let’s talk about the black tea at a later time. If Mari doesn’t know what is going on, she would not be able to calm down.” 
Kurogiku pacify the angry Byakuran, that kind of slow pace is exactly the same as her elder sister. Yuge decided to ignore those two, she faced Miyoshi and slapped both her hands on the table. 
“What is going on, Miyoshi-san? Why are you here with Yamashiro? Is that person perhaps a reporter from [Onmyouji Monthly Magazine]? Besides, aren’t you guys should be searching for Tsuchimikado Harutora--” 
After speaking without stop to this point, Yuge remembered another important thing. 
“Wait a minute! Where is Kogure-senpai? You two are in the same team with Kogure-senpai now, right? Is senpai not here?” 
After she questioned pressingly, Miyoshi shifted his body to face Yuge who bent her body forward, he then calmly raised the tea cup on his right hand, bringing the cup to his lips and began enjoying the black tea, after that he returned the tea cup on to the saucer on his left hand. Yuge nearly flipped the table, but she remembered he is always like this. For some reason, all the Special Spirit Sensors have such carefree attitudes. 
Yuge couldn’t hold herself back any longer, right before she began to shout angrily, “Kogure has fell into the hands of Kurahashi Chief.” Miyoshi calmly said. 
That was a shortened sentence, but that sentence has hinted on many things. 
Yuge had forgot about the anger she felt before, her body froze. 
“It is fortunate that he is still alive, right?” 
Miyoshi turned his head back, towards the lady for confirmation, it’s just that the person who answered wasn’t her. 
“Garr! If Zenjirou died, Dasai would know! Zenjirou is still alive! Definitely not dead!” 
A shikigami transformed into physical form on the lady’s head, it is a Karasutengu. Yuge is very familiar with that shikigami. It is one of them-- out of the four Karasutengu that Kogure uses. 
“……” 
Her blank mind, logically and instinctively able to understand what is going on, it’s just that her feelings couldn’t keep up. 
Yuge stood rooted to the ground, speechless, the twins seem very worried about her, Yamashiro on the other hand, gave a sharp gaze of observation. 
At this moment, Miyoshi took another sip of black tea. 
“Yuge, I know you are very tired, you could just accompany us for a short while. However, the things we are going to talk about next is not just going to be deep, it is very heavy as well, you should accept Kadei’s goodwill, have a cup of black tea.” 
“……” 
“Yuge?” 
After a moment of silence, Yuge relaxed her whole body, letting out a deep breath. Next, she extended her hands— embarrassingly, her hands actually trembled slightly— pulling a chair over from the side and sat in on it. 
“… Please get me a cup of black tea.” 
Miyoshi nodded, using his eyes to give Byakuran a sign. “I shall go now.” Byakuran left the room to prepare the black tea. 
“Wakamiya, I shall leave it to you.” 
Under the prompting from Miyoshi, the lady— Wakamiya reintroduced herself. As expected, she really is a [Monthly Onmyouji Magazine] reporter. It was fortunate that Kogure sent his shikigami Dasai to guard her, she is then able to make contact with Miyoshi and the rest. 
After that… 
Miyoshi was right, the things that were discussed after that were indeed deep and heavy. 
After Wakamiya finished, Yamashiro continued explaining the information they have received. Yuge asked quite a few questions as she listened on, however, she was exhausted to ask any more questions after that. As the tea turned cold before they were able to finish, new cups of warm tea were served, the whole explanation finally ended as the new cups of warm tea started to turn cold. 
“……” 
A sense of loss should be the way to describe this situation. If only Wakamiya explained, she would surely not take it seriously, she even half doubted the words of Miyoshi and Yamashiro, to the point which she actually saw Dasai there, her heart still tried to resist herself from accepting their explanation. 
Yet, these allegations fit together, moreover, after watching that video of Amami, she could not think of any words of rebuttal. 
Miyoshi and the rest admitted as well, they do not have evidence. 
However, it is not overemphasised to say this is a [other than evidence, everything has been gathered] situation. 
-- How did it turned out to be like this… 
She has no words to say. 
Just— 
Yuge did not realise, until this stage, she is still avoiding [a certain truth]. 
“I am well aware of how you are feeling right now, Mari, you must be in a big shock now.” 
“When we first heard about this, we were panicking as well, because this is really something very serious.” 
The twins, at each side of Yuge, comforted the pale looking Yuge. Even though she knows the sympathy and the resonance of the voices were from the bottom of their hearts, they did not reach Yuge’s heart. Yamashiro carried on using a sharp gaze observing Yuge’s reaction, Miyoshi is expressionless, but this is a rare occasion where he chose his words carefully. 
“… Yuge, we are running out of time. To be honest, we are spending more than expected time to convince you. But, even if Shigeoka had heard about those things just now, perhaps he would not easily take action without concrete evidence. As for Kagami, it is hard to predict what action he would take. Because of this, for our [battle prowess], we hope that we could at least convince you to stand on our side.” 
Miyoshi’s tone was calm, his words contain an unusual hint of anger once in a while. In this undisturbed agitation, Yuge slightly regained her energy. 
Just— 
“We have to take action immediately, I am very sorry, but could you lend us your support?” 
Miyoshi looked directly at Yuge, extending his request to her. 
-- Indeed… 
It’s hard to say if Shigeoka would agree to help, in the worst case, he might even capture them on the spot. A man must be perfectly open in all his actions, this is Shigeoka’s way of living. 
On the other hand, even if Kagami agreed to help them, he would not obey their instructions in such a situation. He would perhaps take action according to his own judgement, and the actions he takes will surely result in the situation becoming more chaotic, developing into an unrecoverable scenario. 
However— 
“Wa… Wait a minute.” 
Yuge couldn’t bear to speak, her facial muscles helplessly became numb and she didn’t know why she nearly burst out laughing. 
“There is another person… What about Chief? There is still Chief Miyachi, right? In order to stop Chief Kurahashi’s plans, chief’s powers are necessary. Moreover, before convincing me, shouldn’t you all be discussing this with chief first? Chief will surely… Because…” 
The events of that night when the Onmyou Agency building came under attack flashed past her mind. When Yuge was up against Ashiya Doman, right before she fell into despair, Miyachi arrived and swept away the despair as if it was nothing. Even though he is an undisciplined and wilful good for nothing, and he upholds secrets, a chief that makes people unhappy, yet, as long as he is in charge, regardless of what kind of spiritual disaster, no matter what kind of magic battles, Yuge will be able to gather up courage. 
Due to taking things for granted, this caused her to not notice of this fact in her everyday life. 
Not just Yuge, the absolute peace of mind of having Miyachi behind the back has deeply carved into the bones of every exorcist. There will be no problems as long as Miyachi is around, this kind of overpowering trust, has even turned into a belief in the hearts of every one of the Exorcist Bureau. 
Every time Yuge is on duty, she would have a goal of [not letting him take the trouble to go into action]. 
Even though she would never tell him about this, but in fact, she secretly takes pride in [being recognised] as an Independent Officer by him and also [receiving assignments from him] as his subordinate. 

Yet— 
“Yuge, regrettably—” 
“Miyachi Chief and Kurahashi Chief are partners.” 
Miyoshi’s tone remained calm, but Yamashiro who stood behind, interrupted him, his tone is like a knife cutting down mercilessly. 
“Looking at the situation before, it is hard to imagine that he doesn’t know the hidden side of chief—accurately speaking, the chances of it is near zero. That person is chief’s centaur.” Yamashiro interrupted in such a way. 
Yuge bit her lips. 
“……” 
She took out her phone without speaking, Yamashiro’s expression turned grim, he took a step forward immediately. Miyoshi raised his hand, stopping Yamashiro who wanted to cast magic. 
Under the observation of the twins and Wakamiya, Yuge pressed the buttons on her phone with determination. She dialled the number of Miyachi, Karasutengu Dasai is flying near the ceiling with an anxious expression. The usual sounds of the phone can be heard in this tensed atmosphere, unfitting the situation. 
No one picked up the call. 
She listened listlessly at the voice recording notification coming from her phone, dejectedly putting down her hand that holds the phone, her expression is that of a corpse, her eyes gave a look like a lost child. The twins gave a comforting look towards their friend. 
At this moment, “… Miyachi Chief has returned to the headquarters.” Perhaps Miyachi felt his aura, announced. “Miyoshi-san!” Yamashiro widened his eyes. Miyoshi’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes were observing the surprised Yuge. 
Logic and feelings were conflicting fiercely in Yuge’s heart. “Mari.” Byakuran gently spoke. “You do not need to consider about us, you can temporary put aside the things regarding the Exorcist Bureau and the outside world, the most important thing is what do you want to do.” 
“…… I…” 
Yuge gritted her teeth. 
After struggling for some time, Yuge straightened herself and stood up from her seat. She gave a deep bow towards everyone, she then left the office without turning back. 
 
“Miyoshi-san! We should stop her!” 
Yamashiro shifted to the side of Miyoshi, proposing this once again. Miyoshi let of a breath, resting his back on the backrest of the chair. 
“There is nothing we can do, with Yuge in that kind of condition, it is very difficult for her to become part of our battle power.” 
“But!” 
“I know. Let us leave too… Sorry, Kadei.” 
“It’s okay, Miyoshi-san.” 
“We have already prepared beforehand.” 
The twins are impassioned, both their hands clenched into a fist, nodding their heads at the same time. Brave— more like teenage girls with high morale in a sports competition, the look on their faces makes people smile, that said, they are seriously determined. “Garr.” Dasai called out with high spirits on their heads. Even though Yamashiro unhappily spitted, but he could not say anything more. 
“It is the same for Wakamiya-san as well, I shall affirm once again, do you really want to follow us? Optimistically speaking, you have already completed your task, what comes next will be too dangerous for you.” “I am aware that I will be an hinderance, but it’s okay to not concern about me, please allow me to go with you all.” 
Wakamiya replied immediately to Miyoshi who is reaffirming her and stood up after that. She is highly motivated as well, Miyoshi could not help but shake his head, while Yamashiro can’t be bothered to get angry. “Is it just me that I cannot find any motivation for this? How I wish there is someone that can replace me… everyone is so enthusiastic.” 
Then, “… Oh yeah, there is one more enthusiastic person…” He spoke while looking at a distance. “What?” Yamashiro turned his head towards the same direction after detecting. 
“Oh, could this be…” 
“That’s right, onee-chan, it is exactly the same thing from last night.” 
The twins followed Miyoshi and set their sights into the distance, Wakamiya stood rooted to the ground, one cannot blame a normal person like her to have such a reaction, moreover, even the National First-Class Onmyouji Miyoshi cannot [see] using his own power. 
On the other hand, Japan’s most capable Spirit Sight— The three Special Spirit Sensors can clearly [see] the aura and the intensity of its magic. 
Miyoshi let out a breath. 
“The Eve Festival is starting, I wonder what kind of development will unfold during this time tomorrow.” 
 
The security in the building increased compared to the previous night, even though this is to be expected, and they have started taking action earlier than last night, it is still unknown if this will be effective. “Anyway, the things that we need to do is still the same.” 
“Yeah, let’s quickly finish things up.” 
As the Onmyouji dressed in black spoke, with the accompaniment of a single arm oni, both of them casted Unmoving Golden Chains at the same time and knocked the exorcists that are guarding along the corridor unconscious. 
The shikigami rushed in first, his master followed him, they have already infiltrated the premises for about 20 minutes. The intensive noises from the magic battles gradually died down, the resistance from the Branch is weakening. However, if this drags on, the exorcist teams that went to exorcise spiritual disasters will return quickly. Their mission wasn’t to attack the exorcists, in addition, in order to avoid unnecessary battles, they have to leave before it happens. 
The very weak point of the Exorcist Bureau is that it has to continue its regular operations even during times of emergency. This time is the same as last night, exploiting this very weakness and launch an attack, that’s why there is a need to deliver a heavy attack in this short amount of time. 
“After thinking about it, this is actually quite ironic.” 
“What is it?” 
“The catalyst that caused your awakening is the chaotic battle here in Meguro Branch, after you awakened, you returned to attack this location.” 
“……” 
In response to the shikigami that used this topic to tease him, the black clothed Onmyouji silently adjusted the hem of his black coat. This method of low altitude flight kind of walking is possible with the assistance of [Raven’s Wing] powers to move in high speeds, moreover, as he run along the corridor, he had destroyed another barrier of a training room. 
“Almost there.” 
“Yes. This should be enough.” 
Due to the period of time when he commutes to Meguro Branch for studies, he still clearly remembers the internal layout of the building. The two of them rushed forward, blasting away both the windows and walls of the corridors and landed in the atrium of the building. 
In order to create a chaotic effect, he immediately used magic to produce smoke the moment he infiltrated the building. Now that the smoke had mostly dispersed, he can see the nostalgic view of the atrium at the end of the thin smoke. It is the same as that time, the atrium that was turned into a battlefield is filled with damage traces that is unbearable to see. Yet, what is different from that time is that, these damages were not caused by spiritual disaster but himself. The Shikigami was right, this is very ironic. The Onmyouji had a self-loathing smile for a moment, a tiny sad look flashed past his eye. 
“… Let’s go.” 
As he gave the order to his shikigami, he started increasing his magic power. In this windless condition, the coat he wore started to bulge lightly. 
At this moment— 
“You are truly admirable, Harutora.” 
A voice came out from the smoke, the shikigami immediately rush in front of his master, facing off the owner of the voice. The Onmyouji temporary stopped his transformation magic and shot a gaze into the smoke. A man pushed away the fog and walked towards them. 
One look and that man will give people an impression of being [ominous]. Tall and slim, wearing a pelt jacket and a pair of slim fit jeans, the jewelleries on him shine dimly in this darkness. He wore a smug on his face, his eyes were covered by the sunglasses he wears, yet one can feel the intense fiery gaze looking through the lens fixated at them. Onmyouji— Tsuchimikadou Yakou looked serious. 
“… Kagami.” 
The one that appeared before him is the Independent Exorcist Officer, [Ogre Eater] Kagami Reiji. 
Choosing to appear at this moment, it is very Kagami-like. He had detected an attacked while on the way to exorcise spiritual disasters and decided to return quickly— Of course, this is just a possibility, however, he should appear earlier as he is well versed in Far Step. He was [waiting] all along for them to destroy barriers, defeat exorcists, attacking the branch, until the moment right before they wanted to retreat. After using a lot of magic and having little time left, truly the most disadvantageous timing for them. 
“I can’t believe you would appear so brazenly after yesterday night. You are aware of the exposition, right? Is this alright? Just when your comrades are taking action and here you are, doing such things these two nights.” 
“……” 
Harutora decided to ignore those words of provocations, even though it is a disadvantageous moment, but their purpose of this trip has been fulfilled, what is left is to come up with a way to leave this place. 
“… Kakugyouki.” 
The moment the order is given, the shikigami immediately released magic powers, thick miasma begin to spread in the atrium, the remaining magical smoke form a swirl with the oni in the center. 
Oni— [Oni Type] is a Third Level Dynamic Spiritual Disaster. Yet, Kakugyouki is not a normal [Oni Type] spiritual disaster. He has lived for a long thousand years, an ancient and true Oni. It’s different from a regular Third Level Spiritual Disaster, it is very difficult to eradicate even for an Independent Exorcist. Thick miasma quickly surrounded the entire area, as if only his surroundings had transformed into a demonic world. Harutora took this chance and took out a talisman, placing the talisman near his mouth, he started chanting incantations. 
He was ready to use magic, but it seems that his magic powers aren’t detectable. He only used the bare minimum amount of magic power required for the spell, in addition, he transferred the magic power directly into the talisman. During this time when he is forming the technique, chanting incantations, his right eye that wasn’t covered by the eyepatch was observing Kagami’s actions with full attention. 
Kagami grinned. 
“I never thought that being one eyed could make you more imposing, the way you are now as compared to [before], seems like two different people.” 
Harutora did not respond as well, his cold eye remained staring at Kagami as he continue transferring magic powers into the talisman. Kagami domineeringly laughed once again. 
Kagami carried his sheathed katana on his right shoulder, that is the [Higekiri] type shikigami, Shaver. The [Higekiri] that came into contact with the miasma begin to rattle on its master’s shoulder, as if a blood thirsty hungry wolf sharpening his fangs loudly. 
Shaver is a mad shikigami that loves fighting, however, he is so excited this time is not just because he detected an Oni presence, but rather he got excited because of [One Armed Ogre]. The two shikigami had a long history with each other. 
Kagami shifted his sight to Kakugyouki. 
“Come to think of it, the first time I met you was also in Meguro Branch, I seem to remember you mentioned that you would challenge me the next time we meet? This guy wasn’t in a good condition [before], would you keep your promise this time?” 
“… No problem.” 
Unlike his master, the shikigami calmly responded to Kagami’s provocation. 
His sharp teeth can be seen at the side of his mouth, he spoke in a rough voice… “I will deal with you immediately.” His frightening boldness seems to even tighten the night air, Kagami snickered, even his shoulders were quivering slightly. 
At this moment, “Order!” Harutora added this last incantation into the talisman that he has been transferring magic powers into, allowing the talisman on his hand— Earth type talisman, transform into a thirty centimeters long iron nail. 
He threw it at his feet, shooting into the ground, magic power then flowed into the ground, the magic technique is absorbed by the spirit pulse. This is done to seal away Kagami’s Far Step, setting up magical traps at nearby spirit pulses. Its effectiveness is only short term, but it is very difficult to break the magic immediately, it can be used to prevent him tracing his movements. 
“—Kagami.” Harutora spoke towards Kagami. “Don’t interfere, I am not in a mood to deal with you now.” 
“Hmph, is this something that a person who barged into the Branch should say?” 
“I am not in a mood for bullshit as well.” 
“Listening to you speaking in such an imposing manner, as expected of Yakou-sama.” 
Kagami looked happy, emitting a violently excited breath, it’s just like his style. 
It can’t be helped. Harutora began a number of techniques in his mind, increasing his magic power. 
There is little time left. He shall launch attacks in one go, forcing his opponent to defend himself, he will spend all his energy on escaping after his opponent show signs of weakness. His opponent is Kagami, this battle probably won’t go smoothly, but he is not in a position where he can escape his predicament. Without the need of Kagami to remind him, he is fully aware the meaning of attacking the Exorcist Bureau. 
The Tsunami amount of miasma from the shikigami, on top of his master’s intense aura. In front of the battle-ready master and slave, Kagami kept a moment of silence, [watching] Harutora’s group seriously. Without letting a sound escaping his lips, “Impressive.” His lips moved ever so slightly. 
After that, “… You guys can leave.” He said suddenly. The corner of Harutora’s eye quivered. 
Of course, he did not let his guard down, he could launch attacks any time, Kagami is very clear about this as well. Kagami shrugged his shoulders. 
“Tomorrow is the start of war, right? You should also be making preparations now, in order to launch a final attack tomorrow.” 
“……” 
“It will be a shame to act now.” 
The [Higekiri] on Kagami’s shoulder moved violently in his hands, angered by his master’s words. Kagami uninterestedly clicked his tongue, carelessly swing the sheathed [Higekiri] before stabbing the sword on the ground. 
He then faced Harutora once again. 
“What do you think? Harutora.” 
To be honest, Harutora thinks that there is a trap lying around. Kagami would not let go an opportunity to make himself shine so easily, if this is the usual him, even if the battle started without expectation, he would happily bare his fangs. 
However, just like what Kagami announced earlier, he did not show any intention to fight. [Higekiri] is still shaking violently in protest on the ground, but his master did not take it to heart. 
His doubts aren’t answered yet, but more importantly, time is running out. Harutora calmly raised his right hand to his side, Kakugyouki exited his battle mode as well, retreated to his master’s side. 
“Enjoy yourself tomorrow.” 
Harutora did not reply. 
Then, the moment his arm swings down, magical smoke was produced once again, swallowing the figures of both the master and slave. 
The smoke expanded before shooting quickly in all directions. Kagami reactively used his arm to shield himself from the smoke, while his eyes remain observing into the smoke. 
A loud sound of wings spreading can be heard. 
A black crow rushed out, tearing away the expanding smoke, flying in the night sky. 
As if complimenting the elegant flapping action of the crow’s wings, fluorescent powder danced in the smoke. The three-legged crow circled sharply in the air, as if being wary of the Kagami on the ground. Then, the crow spread its wings powerfully, flying into the distance, to the Tokyo night sky where the high-rise buildings adds radiance to it. 
Kagami, who was left behind on the ground, continued using his sharp gaze to chase after the crow flying in the sky, until the other party’s figure completely disappeared from his sight— he then began to take action as well.