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Tokyo Ravens - Volume 14 - Chapter 3.3




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Part 3 
“Hama, let’s go.” 
“Understood, master.” 
Flying into the sky after removing the blue plastic cover, what was hidden under it was a large metal body that is similar to a heavy armoured vehicle Hummer H1. That is Tenma’s mechanical-type shikigami, Hama. Next, Suzuka came out with a few simple style— transport-type [WT2 – Flying Gulls] created by Witchcraft Corps. The Flying Gulls doesn’t seem affected by the vehicle that is over three-tonnes in weight. They pulled the Hummer up from the rooftop and place it in front of the condominium. 
Suisen temporary released her entity form, Touji placed the folded wheelchair in the car boot. Tenma sat on the driver’s seat, Amami sat on the co-driver’s seat, everyone else sat behind. After everyone entered the vehicle, Hama revved its engine, raced through the streets. Originally, this large vehicle would have a hard time to manoeuvre in the city, however, due to the effects of traffic control, there are only a few vehicles now, it can increase its speed without consequence, racing towards the Onmyou Agency building. 
“Faster, Four-eyes!” 
“The one that is driving is Hama, not me!” 
“Master, is there a need to not care about safety for now, and prioritise on getting to the destination first?” 
“Wh, what do you mean?” 
“… Let’s do that, Tenma. Increase the speed to the point where we are still within the limits of not getting into an accident.” 
“Th, then, Hama, I will leave it to you!” 
“Understood.” 
Hama increased speed immediately, everyone got thrown onto the back rest of their seats. Taking advantage of having few cars on the roads, Hama did not only change lanes without a care, it did not give any regards to traffic rules too, driving at high speed on the road. Tenma screamed in despair, “Oh god!” Kyouko turned pale, Suzuka cheered in joy, Natsume only concentrated on the front of the windshield. 
It is uncertain how long has it been since she could travel on the streets without caring how others look at her. After that summer night two years ago, Natsume was either hiding her movements, or just desperately trying to escape. However, the situation now is different, Natsume is now for the sake of battle— for the sake of walking towards the future after getting victory, walking forward. 
-- If I could… If I could stop this ritual of Takiko’s now… 
The wind direction will change, it will surely change. Once it turns into a magic battle, Takiko and the others are horrifying strong opponents, however since there is public security around, magic battle will surely be their last resort, moreover, if they really use this last resort, it would equivalent to proving Amami’s exposition to be true. If that’s the case, the other [Twelve Divine Generals] would sure fight alongside with them, Onmyou Agency would fight against Takiko and the others— fighting alongside with Natsume and the rest. 
-- The things that are happening later on will determine the outcome of the battle. 
Of course, Harutora and Ohtomo should have already seen the news on how the public security did the forced investigations, now, who will take action, when and during which point in time, how will Takiko and the rest react? Takiko and the rest had Akino on their side, there are also Yasuzumi, Takahiro and Chizuru, they must save them all. 
-- Hopefully they are all safe…! 
Perhaps she had enough sleep, Natsume’s aura had stabilized. She held her fist as if praying, observing the front. 
Then— 
“Reporting master, there is a simple style flying towards us, I’m guessing it’s [W1 Owl Eye], an observation technique from the Magic Investigation Department.” 
“Magic Investigation Department?” 
“Hmph, they are really fast.” 
Amami nonchalantly looked up the sky while being beside a panicking Tenma. At the same time, the canvas behind was raised, “We have company!”, Touji, who is sitting in the passenger seat behind, shouted in the vehicle, he too had seen the blue owl flying in the sky. 
Suzuka cheerfully leaned her body forward from the backseat. 
“Shoot it down?” 
“What nonsense, that’s the people that we are going over to convince them to join us now.” 
“But, it could perhaps be a shikigami from the Kurahashi side!” 
After hearing Kyouko’s opinion, “Amami-san.” Natsume spoke towards the co-driver seat. 
“Open the hood, this vehicle should already be an investigation target of the Magic Investigation Department, if we are going to Onmyou Agency openly, it will be best to let the other party know you are in this vehicle now.” 
“In fact, our actions now are as if we are [voluntary appearing in court for explanation], alright, let’s do this, Tenma.” 
“O, Okay. Hama! Open the hood!” 
“Understood, entering open hood mode.” Hama replied immediately, the canvas hood of the vehicle started to flap as it opens up, leaving the hummer with two pillars with its interior fully exposed to the outside. Sunlight shines directly down into the car from above, the high speed swept great winds raging in the vehicle. 
Amami unbuckled his seatbelt, using his arm as a support to make himself stand from the co-driver seat. His hair swayed with the wind, he smirked while staring towards the [Owl Eye] in the sky. 
“Amami-san, this is a rare chance, you should wave at them with a smile on your face!” 
“Shut up, Touji! You should carry on holing yourself up in the backseat quietly!” 
The moment Amami turned his head towards the sky, [Owl Eye] movements seem to be erratic, rapidly changing to low altitude flight. Natsume observed the movements of the shikigami, with her hand placed on the talisman box. 
After confirming the other party is indeed Amami in close range, [Owl Eye] returned back to its original altitude, slowing down while following behind the hummer. 
“…Th, they did not attack us.” 
Facing Tenma who was holding on to the steering wheel while looking at him, “Keh.” Amami returned back to the co-driver seat. “It looks like we are quite popular!” 
Looking over, other than the shikigami from the start, another [Owl Eye] appeared, another two appeared not long after that, making it total of four [Owl Eye] following the hummer in the sky, and the number kept increasing. 
“Is there any meaning in sending out so many observation types to follow one vehicle?” 
“No, this shows how chaotic onsite really is.” 
Observation types not only does not have attack abilities, it does not have communication abilities as well. As the name suggests, it is a special shikigami with enhanced observation capabilities, meant for observing enemies for information, in other words, if it’s just to follow them, sending one will be sufficient to complete mission. Looking at the large amount of shikigami gathering here, it could be seen as the technique users are following the hummer based on their own individual judgements—proving that the commanding technique user system is not operating normally, the forced search by the public security has caused operations of the Onmyou Agency to be paralysed. 
When the building comes into sight, the amount of [Owl Eye] that were flying above the Hummer increased to more than ten. The Hummer lead the large number of blue owls, rushed into the circular carpark in front of the building. 
Even though she had seen it a few times in the television, but this is the first time Natsume is in such a close distance with the Onmyou Agency building. That supposing old building, yet it is vastly spectacular compared to her impression. Her comrades had a fierce battle in this building two years ago, she had already heard about the situation a few times, this time she finally get to step into the past battlefield as well. 
“Eh?” Tenma, who is in the driver’s seat, made a sound of surprised. 
There were a few cars and vans stopped at the circular car way in front of the building, there were also police in helmets and shields locking down the main entrance of the building. 
“The standby personnel were mobilised as well?” Amami said with a smile. 
Even though forcing a search on a government organisation is something very serious, but in such a situation where there was only little time for preparation, moreover the other party is Onmyou Agency, making exceptions to many things is understandable. Onsite must be in chaos. 
Looking at how the Hummer rushed in high speed, the police that placed Onmyou Agency on lockdown were shocked, “Stop!” They gave the order through a megaphone. 
“Master?” 
“Hama! Stop the vehicle!” 
The large bodied Hummer did an emergency brake, causing it to skid sideways, a sharp screeching noise could be heard, skid marks could be seen on the asphalt road. Natsume and the rest quickly steadied themselves, looking towards the police force once more after the vehicle stopped. 
After confirming the Hummer has stopped, the police in front of the building started to gather around them. Touji jumped off from the back seat, Natsume and the rest seems to reactively followed and jumped off their seats as well. “Do not move carelessly!” Amami warned. At the side of Hummer, Suisen appeared in her physical form, she took the wheelchair from Touji, she then went towards and opened the co-driver seat door. 
The police raised their shields and spread out, surrounding Natsume and the rest. 
Seeing how they reacted, Touji took a step forward. 
“This is the previous Onmyou Agency Magical Crime Investigation Department Chief Amami Daizen, as well as his supporters! We made our way here for the exposition issue in [Onmyou Monthly Magazine] few days ago! Allow us to meet with the person-in-charge!” 
Feelings of confusion started to spread among the police, it wasn’t just because of Touji’s words, it was more about his age. Even though Touji behave maturely in the group, but he is still a minor. 
While the police were still undecided, a reaction came from inside of the lockdown building. 
“Chief!” 
“Am, Amami Chief?” 
Staff members quickly came out of the building main entrance, the police that left the lockdown unguarded due to the distraction caused by the Hummer backed away. “Re, return back into the building!” Even though they stopped them in a loud voice, but it doesn’t seem to have any effects. Some of the staff members realised Suzuka is in the group as well, “That’s [Prodigy]!” Some of them shouted. 
The users that used [Owl Eye] had perhaps spread the news to everyone in the building, about Amami and the rest making their way here, behind the speechless Natsume’s group, “Aye aye.” Amami, who held on to Suisen’s hand to get on the wheelchair, cannot help to be surprised. 
“It seems that this isn’t voluntary appearing in court for explanation, more like a victory parade.” 
Even though it feels like witnessing first-hand how popular Amami really is, but it’s a pity that things weren’t that simple. It wasn’t just staff members that admire Amami, those staff members that were driven into a corner came as well, treating him as their last hope. In other words, the Agency is really in a mess. 
Looking at this… 
-- Perhaps Kurahashi Chief, he… 
“You are Amami Daizen, right!” 
As Natsume held feelings of ominous, a man in suit brought along a few policemen, rushed out from the building. He pushed aside those staff members to get near towards them, the police hurriedly back to the sides. 
“This is Ministry of Public Security Metropolitan Police Department, we hope you will cooperate in an interrogation with regards to the exposition of the Onmyou Agency.” 
“No problems, I am willing to cooperate. There is one thing I wish to ask before that, where is Kurahashi Chief right now?” 
That person seems to be the person-in-charge of public security, “I do not know.” The way he answered Amami’s question was extremely strict. 
“He is not in the building, we are finding out his location now.” 
After hearing the man’s reply, Natsume kept a straight face, as if this was expected. Amami looked serious, “He is actually not in the building.” He muttered to himself. 
“Just wait a minute, the official announcement was made an hour ago, right?” 
“I heard that it was an order made through the phone, he did not come to the agency today.” 
“……” 
This unexpected information made Amami bit his lips. 
At this moment, Kyouko walked over. 
“May I know if the house has been checked?” 

“You are?” 
“I am the daughter of Kurahashi Genji.” 
The man widened his eyes, “He isn’t there.” He still quickly replied her question. 
“We have sent men over to the house, he isn’t there. We are now confirming with Exorcist Bureau and other bureaus, we have not found him yet.” 
“So, this is how it ended up… This is the cons of having the entire commanding system concentrated in the hands of Kurahashi Chief.” Amami said coldly. 
Under the current system, Kurahashi isn’t just the Agency Chief, he is the Chief of Exorcist Bureau as well as Chief of Magic Investigation Department these important key roles. Kurahashi’s will can be felt throughout the entire Onmyou Agency. On the flip side, if there was an emergency while he wasn’t around, Onmyou Agency will not be able to react well as an organisation. Especially because Kurahashi had great leadership skills, the people under him would not be able to act without orders. 
Moreover, after the exposition article in [Onmyou Monthly Magazine] and Amami’s video surfaced yesterday, it couldn’t be help that normal staff members were shaken. One day later, after the higher ups officially announce that they deny the exposition, it wasn’t even an hour later public security came and do a forced investigation. The people onsite were at a loss, in some sense it is kind of expected that confusion will appear in the commands. 
Among the all the people that are working in Onmyou Agency, those gathered here are just a small portion. Most of them are now in their respective workplace, observing carefully how will this develop. What they are most concerned with, themselves— what will such a large group of people end up in. 
“… Anyways, officer, I am willing to accept interrogation, let me enter the building.” 
“That was what I have planned— everyone follows as well.” 
The man spoke to Natsume and the rest, “Aye, let the staff members return back to the building!” giving an order to his subordinates as the same time, he then turned and walked towards the building. Suisen pushed Amami’s wheelchair, Natsume and the rest followed behind. During this period of time when they are making their way into the building, the staff members did not stop calling out to Amami, “We are in your care!” there were people who shouted that as well. If things go along with Amami’s initial plans, Kogure would turn up here as well— wrong, it may not be him, if there is any current [Twelve Divine Generals] join them, perhaps Amami could return onsite. 
The group quickly entered the main hall on the ground floor from the main entrance, Natsume and Touji quickly stand guarded on Amami’s both sides, staying alert on their surroundings while moving. 
Investigators were moving around in the hall, it was more unorganised than outside. However, once Natsume’s group walked in, everyone turned their sights on them as the same time. They originally planned to set a barrier for the sake of safety, but they did not [see] anyone increased their magical powers. Even though they should not be careless, but they did not feel anything threatening. 
This time, Suzuka jogged forward, “Hey.” she stood beside the man. 
“— What happened to the rest of [Twelve Divine Generals]?” 
“You… I remember you are Dairenji Suzuka. Speaking of which, you people have accepted interrogation, there is no need to reveal our investigation results to all of you…” 
“No, you should tell us. Do not lower your guard… what comes later is actually the important part.” 
The man kept his silence after hearing Amami’s words, but after a short while, “Alright.” He finally accepted their request. 
“We have come to understand the situation to a certain extent as well, the only person whose location can be confirmed is in Shinjuku Branch, Shigeoka Shunsuke, we could not contact all the others.” 
“You mean all the others?” 
Amami seems as if he did not anticipate this, replied questionably. Natsume and the others looked at each other, they all were in a huge shock. 
“Wh, what’s going on?” 
“Amami-san guessed correctly, something happened inside.” 
Tenma stuttered, Kyouko shook her head after replying, Touji and Suzuka were speechless. 
Perhaps having heard their conversation, the man spoke angrily… 
“We had arrested Shigeoka Shunsuke, he is undergoing interrogation now.” 
“Forget about Magic Investigation Department and Miyachi, Yuge and Kagami… even the Kadei twins couldn’t be found? What is going on?” 
“That is what we want to say. We already knew Onmyou Agency is a pandemonium, we are also aware that this investigation would be challenging… but this is truly unexpected. Isn’t this the time for the entire Onmyou Agency to work together to guard against terror attack? What is really going on here now?” 
The man spoke angrily, his tone did not only contain hatred, it contains worry and frustration as well. 
Even though it was Naota that pushed for the forced investigation at this timing, the final decision was made by public security, there is no way for them to brush this off as a simple mistake. Moreover, having met with such a baffling situation, it can’t be helped that they are at a loss on what to do, hoping for just someone, that has an overall understanding of the situation— like Amami— for an explanation. As interrogating targets, he had perhaps given them exceptional attitude. 
-- But really why? 
It is impossible for all other [Twelve Divine Generals] to be like-minded with Kurahashi, at least even though Kagami who did not join Natsume’s group, but it is impossible for him to work with Kurahashi. What really happened that is not known to Natsume and the rest? 
“… Damn it, it is useless to think about it anyway, we can only use our methods to make the best of this situation.” 
Amami said confidently, he clapped his fan in order to change his feelings, turning his head towards the man at the side. 
“So? How much do you trust me now?” 
“… At least we have judged the contents of the exposition cannot be treated lightly, that is why we had this forced investigation, it’s just that before we had any results, we would not give any assertions.” 
“Very well. We shall provide you with a direction to investigate then, go and investigate the basement of this building, there is a basement level four that cannot be accessed with the elevator, there lies a shady dungeon.” 
“Wh, what did you say?” 
The man’s eyes widened as Amami spoke, how to access the level 4 basement that he had been trapped in before, the man immediately ordered his subordinates to investigate. Natsume has heard about this from her comrades before, Onmyou Agency internal structure is rather complicated, it is like a maze to the outside people, there are various barriers set up in locations only known to magic users. If there is no support from a person who is knowledgeable of the Agency insides, it is impossible to carry out any investigations, that is why Amami is so anxious on rushing over to help. 
“You can ask me anything, but do not let down your guard during this period when the Chief isn’t found yet. With regards to the exposition, there’s actually many things that hasn’t been mentioned yet.” 
The public security seems to have temporary used a large conference room in the building as their investigation headquarters, on the way to the conference room, Amami quickly explained the collusion between Kurahashi and Souma clans, including among the missing [Twelve Divine Generals], Commander of Purification Rites Center Miyachi Chief and Kurahashi are working together. The man’s expression turned stiff as he listened on. 
The conference room is rather wide, police and staff members kept entering and exiting the room. Negotiation has been left to Amami, Natsume and the rest kept their attention and kept their guards up. No matter what, this is still the headquarters of the enemy’s camp, even though Kurahashi isn’t here, but his men could take action directly any time. 
However, it was the same as when they entered the hall, there was no signs of which they will be attacked inside the building. The ones with murderous intent were all from public security, sense of insecurity could be felt from most of the staff members. 
There was another thing, perhaps, not only Kurahashi, Takiko isn’t here as well. This is just Natsume’s instinct, however Touji and Suzuka who were in confrontation with her a few days ago would surely agree as well. The aura that Takiko gave out that time couldn’t be felt at all in the entire building, of course she could have hidden in a barrier or used invisibility, but Natsume doesn’t think she would do that. 
-- What is going on… I have a bad feeling about this. 
The ominous feeling from her heart after hearing Kurahashi isn’t in the building, that feeling expanded with the continuous meeting of unexpected situations. Another thing, while they are here, time is still continually lost. Natsume and the rest hasn’t considered to have [catch up], the pain from the sharp blade known as time floated into their consciousness once more. 
At the moment, a male subordinate rushed into the conference room. He walked towards the man, whispered into his ear. After hearing his report, the man turned towards Amami with a surprised look. 
“We have found an unconscious man in the level four basement, we suspect he is the [Heavenly Sword] of the [Twelve Divine Generals].” 
“Kogure-san?” Kyouko cried out. “Is he alive?” Amami immediately asked the other party for confirmation, the man immediately nodded his head as well. 
“He is in a weak condition, but he is not in a life-threatening situation so far.” 
“Alright!” Tenma cheered, Touji cheered with clenched fist as well. 
Amami had a satisfied smile on his face. 
“Wonderful, we can finally turn the tides now.” 
“Wait, Wait a minute, old geezer! Even if he was being locked in the barrier, those people wouldn’t just easily let go of independent officers! What if they had placed a signal on him?” 
“If a signal was placed on Kogure, that would surely be an unusual technique, if they had the efforts to place a signal on him, then why would they keep him locked inside?” 
Amami refuted Suzuka’s worries with a determined attitude, an unwavering confidence can be seen in the old man’s eyes. 
“Let’s talk about the exposition, they could just place a signal on Kogure, make him come out and deny everything, all the shakiness inside the Agency would stop immediately. Even though there is possibility of his memories being sealed, but this kind of techniques only requires little effort to be undone. All we need then is for Kogure to provide his statement and we can topple down the chief in one go!” 
Amami made it sound easy, clenching his fist and hit the armrest of the wheelchair. He rarely behaves in such excitement, this was all because Kogure is safe and sound, moreover, he had found his men. For Kogure to testify for the crimes of Kurahashi and the others, was the ideal plan Amami had from the start, it could be that Amami clearly saw the path of [victory] against Kurahashi right now. 
Amami, after having lead Natsume and the others to this step, is so excited, his feeling had spread to all of his comrades as well. Everyone’s eyes shone brightly, they couldn’t hide their happiness. 
Yet, the insecure feelings in Natsume’s heart did not disappear because of this. 
“…Why?” she muttered, everyone turned towards her without saying anything. “Since they left Kogure-san behind, then why is Kurahashi not here? He surely knew if Kogure-san is found, he would lose, right? Yet, why would he do that?” 
If Takiko and the others were fighting for the success of [Tensou Chifu Ritual], then Onmyou Agency would be the battlefield left to Kurahashi. For the sake of using the greatest weapon, authority, to support Takiko and the rest, this battlefield known as Onmyou Agency must be continually kept under control, not to mention they toss away their weak point, Kogure, giving up on this place. 
Just as Natsume spoke about her feelings of insecurity— 
“Eh, wh, what happened?” 
Tenma screamed, outside of the building— it’s just nearby, an astonishing amount of magical power exploded suddenly. 
After the magic power was absorbed by the ground, it flowed into the technique covered with invisibility, it then spread through the technique on the ground at one go, as if a fire spread through the ground through kerosene. The technique fully surrounded the entire building, “Oh no!” Suzuka shouted, next moment, the large-scale technique was completed, the spell activated. 
A large, thick and odd shaped barrier covered the entire building, screams and shouts could be heard outside the conference room as well. Amami, whose Spirit Sight ability got sealed away, observed the reactions of Natsume and the rest, “What happened?” He asked in a harsh tone. 
“Th, the building was suddenly covered in a barrier…” Kyouko replied in a shaky voice. 
“This is bad! I kept on [observing] the permanent barrier of the building, but I did not caution against the outside of the building, this totally looks like Eight Formation Barrier!” 
Suzuka spitted with a pale expression, “What?” Amami went speechless, all the Onmyouji in the building were taken by surprised as well. 
“Damn it, don’t tell me…!” 
Touji cursed as he muttered, Natsume raised her head to [see] the barrier that enveloped the building, she helplessly widened her eyes. 
-- Not like this… 
“We are being locked up…?” 
 
After confirming the barrier had activated, Kumomaru raised up the hand that was placed on the asphalt road, he then stood up. 
He walked out of the alley, watching how the policemen on the circular car park were in confusion. The barrier Kurahashi designed blocked off physical interactions as well, it means to [completely] seal the building. The police force could very well perhaps have taken by surprise at how they could not enter the building due to being blocked by an invisible wall. 
The strength of the barrier is near to that of the Eight Formation Barrier, and the part that is more similar to Eight Formation Barrier was spread [inside], at the same time it was turned over [outside] to spread as a twin barrier. Even though it isn’t a technique that could not be broken, but it is an extremely difficult task to either break the barrier from inside or outside. 
The only weakness of this barrier is that, even if large amount of magic was injected into it, it only be maintained a few hours at most. However, this few hours right now would surely be more valuable than the amount in the next few years. 
This was a trap originally meant to be used against Tsuchimikado Harutora or Ashiya Doman. 
“…I did not expect it to be useful now…” 
This is one of Souma and Kurahashi’s killing move, but now is not the time to feel sorry, they are not so optimistic to win without much difficulty. 
“It was a brilliant tactic, Amami Chief, but we are the ones who have won.” 
After saying these words in a low voice, Kumomaru turned and left the building. 



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