Tokyo Ravens - Volume 15 - Chapter 1

Chapter 1 

Part 1 

It was a mysterious sight. 

She followed her master to t he night mountain  fearfully traced. Beyond that, a beautiful, yet strange, sight never seen before. 

The top of the mountain was carved out. The shining red light of the bonfires was flickering, surrounding the area with a red glow . 

A stone stage and four torii gates, offerings on the prepared pedestal and a lot of old-fashioned ritual equipment were prepared one after another. 

Adults dressed in  white were preparing for the stage with a solemn attitude. No  one sp o ke. It was quiet. Perhaps because of her mind, even the night mountains, usually noisy, seemed to be holding their breath around the stage that night. 

The only exception was her master. 

She was eager to enter the stage, h owever she wasn’t allowed to enter. Although dressed in the same kind of white as the adult, she was kept waiting outside the torii gates. Dissatisfied with her treatment she ran outside the torii gates and watched the adults’s work from all around. It was amusing. At the moment she just watched. Far from the light, hidden in the woods, they’ d  never know. Nevertheless, she holds her tail up and pulls back her smile in a hurry. 

The work of the adults continued. The white sleeves sway, and the red of the bonfire ha s returned. 

Eventually the sound of the drums echoed from the stone stage and the conch shell rings. The “Secret Festival” that her master mentioned . 

A long congratulatory message was chanted in the center of the stone stage. It was the master’s father, the head of the family, who was chanting. 

Nothing was changed, but something …  something that wasn’t visible was beginning to. 

The same world overlaps with a different one. She was surprised and scared, but at the same time she was attracted. Suddenly she noticed her master looking at the sky with his mouth open. Wondering what it was she gently looked up at the night sky. 

“Did you see it?” 

The next morning, the master asks her to confirm what she saw. 

She knew without checking that her master was not referring to the “Secret Festival” but to “that”, that was visible in the night. Originally she was forbidden to accompany, but she wouldn't have seen “that” unless her master had ordered her to sneak in and hide. 

“It was amazing! It’s called Taizan Fukun. He’s the greatest god in O nmyoudou  and the Lord of the Netherworld. It was amazing!” 

The excitement remained even after dawn, and the master had shining eyes. It would be difficult to say “that”. Even if she has seen the same thing, she could only express it in abstract words, such as being big, dazzling, scary, but beautiful. It wasn’t big nor dazzling, yet it was in a sense. It was hard for her to explain. 

Was  “divine” the most appropriate expression? Rather the feeling of seeing “that” must be “divine”. 

However… 

She was more concerned about the nostalgia she felt when she saw it. She was supposed to have seen it for the first time, but she felt like she knew it asked her master just in case. He laughed and didn’t understand her.  

“After all, my dad’s told me that it was the first time in ten years that they did the Taizan Fukun Festival. Ten years ago you weren’t born yet.” 

That was true. She was born the following year after the previous Secret Festival. Of course, she couldn’t have seen “that” then. 

But… then, what was that nostalgia she felt at that moment? Besides, revived from somewhere, that daydream… 

Covered by a curtain of light, its appearance was no longer visible. 

The boy smile d . 

“Kon?” 

The master frowned suspiciously. She hurriedly shook her head, saying it was nothing. 

By the way, the boy from her mysterious memory seemed to resemble the master somehow. He was of different age, he had a different hair colour and had a cloth wrapped around his face, but the smile he gave was reminiscent of the master in front of her. 

However, who was the boy looking at? He did say “you” to someone different from Tsuchimikado, well not to Tsuchimikado Kon. 

“This time I was looking at it from the outside, but I will definitely do the Taizan Fukun Ritual someday. If you do it yourself it’s definitely going to be amazing. Hey, Kon, when that time comes you will give me your help.” 

The master commands her innocently. She swings her tail and replies “Yes!”, happy to be relied on. 

“Let… Let’s do our best, Yakō -kun!” 

After saying it the lord nodded. The children looked at each other and the cute triangular ears above her head were fluttering. 

The night was about to end. 

The eastern sky shined brightly. The dense darkness that dominated the mountains faded. The smell of wet ground rises and the colour of trees gradually increased. From yin to yang. 

The ground, the air  and the trees were filled by a rich spirit that was about to turn them vividly. 

At dawn, a girl was running on  the  mountain road that passed through the forest. 

She was f ast. She didn’t seem to be out of breath, even on steep mountain roads. Her graceful and supple movement was  like the one of a wild beast. 

It was the appearance of the girl rather than her light movement that strengthened the impression. A pair of hair-covered ears that finely turned over the head and the soft leaf-shaped tail fluttered behind her. 

The tail and the ears were proof that she was a “Fox possesed”. 

“It is dawn … o h, on a day like this…” 

She s aid to herself with a weak voice, in contrast with her dynamic step. After that she increased her speed and climbed up . It was a difficult path , however there was no hesitation in her steps. Swinging the tail from side to side, skillfully maintaining the center of gravity, she r a n swiftly. Every time she shook the branches, the morning dew fluttered in the air as if to scatter light. The girl’s destination, the su mmit,  was visible ahead. 

Trees we re cut down at the top, the forests we re opened, and the earth was bordered by the sky. The girl climbed up the mountain path and stepped out of the shade of the trees into the open grassland. 

The morning sun shined on the girl, wet by morning dew. 

The girl with the ears and tail of a beast was also dressed as a man, wearing a shirt and slacks. 

Nonetheless, maybe that was why she was a beauty. 

Was she 20 years old? She had long hair that reached her waist and skin as smooth as white porcelain.  She ha d  bright blue eyes that left  a vivid impression on the viewer. 

An innocent impression of beauty.  In  the deep forest, her appearance looked like it wasn’t from this world, she looked like a celestial maiden or a ghost. 

She was neither of them. When asked who she was, she would respond: a shikigami. 

“ Yakō -sama!” 

The top of the mountain was  carved out and had become a grassland. There was a stone stage with four torii gates on all sides. It was quite old, however, it was carefully cleaned. 

It was an altar used for magic rituals handed down to the Tsuchimikado family for generations and was called the Temple of Heaven . 

At the center of the altar a young man was lying down. 

The young man in a kariginu, concentrating on the shogi board in front of him, was called from behind so he stood up. 

Turning to her, he smiled brightly under the morning sun. 

“Good morning, Hishamaru!”

The girl, Hishamaru, blushed as if she was a little girl. However she returned to herself immediately. 

“What is it?” 

She straightened her arms and shook her tail in frustration and said to her beloved master: 

“ Yakō ! What is it? You said you were going back until the dark!” 

To her blame the young man, Tsuchimikado Yakō , answered with a smile “Oh, that’s bad.” 

He continued: 

“I was going to return soon, however, I was surprised to see Seimei-sama. That’s why…” 

“That’s a lie.” 

“ … ” 

“After all, I can see. Even after losing you persist, Yakō -sama. Isn’t this the usual?” 

“It is not always, I think…?” 

With a rather unconfident gesture, Yakō  turned around laughing. Despite being overwhelmed by her master’s attitude, Hishamaru replied: 

“In the first place, it is hard to see Yakō -sama entering the Temple of Heaven . Isn’t the Taizan Fukun a mysterious ritual of the Tsuchimikado family? It is a solemn festival. If the disciples get to know you’re crushing it even in your free time, they’ll make small talk again.” 

“ You don't have to do anything to get them to nag you. It's like their job. ” 

“Even so, we have to be aware because our position will change from now on. Even Kokage-sama is not happy about it. She wondered where you are. ” 

“Is she awake already?” 

“She said she couldn’t sleep much because she wasn’t feeling well.” 

“Haha, out of character .” 

Hishamaru sighed and shook  her head at Yakō , who was laughing, reflecting at her master’s younger sister “ good work ”. 

It wasn’t just Kokage  that had a sleepless night. What will the next head of the family do on the day of this milestone? Most of those who knew him must have been uneasy. After all, he was, spending the night in a place like this. 

Yakō was 20 years old th at  year. He ha d  an unique atmosphere of calm surrounding him that didn’t suit his youth. His face was gentle and intelligent . When he smiled, he l ooked like a child. His smile was considered attractive by many, not only by Hishamaru. Also, it should be said that it was probably the blood of the traditional family that made  him feel more dignified even when he was sitting on the stone stage on the grassy plain, sitting on his knees drinking and scratching his head. 

On the other hand, it was the “core” of Yakō  that was dignified and free-spirited, not trapped in the established frame. His thoughts and behaviors, to put it simply, were unconventional. 

He often didn’t look back on the inconveniences around him. There was no doubt that there we re high expectations for this person, but rather, it might be because the expectations we re high that there was a young man named Yakō  who made yo u  upset. 

“Anyway…” 

And, putting aside the unsympathetic Lord for the moment, Hishamaru looked around with an annoyed look that was different from the one she gave Yakō. 

“What happened  with Kakugyouki? Didn’t you pay any attention a ll  this time ? ” 

“Oh, I need a little help from him.” 

When Yakō was about to answer that, a spiritual aura wavered at the edge of the stone stage. And within the wavering spirituality, there was a faintly leaking yin aura. 

A sufficiently restrained aura , dreadfully old, dangerous and powerful. It wasn’t the first time this pair has been pictured together. 

From the demonic aura  appeared a man. 

He was giant, being over 2 meters tall. Although muscular, he looked rather slender due to his well-proportioned body. He was dressed in a suit, but his left sleeve hung down. 

He had a distinctive figure, however his strong presence did not come from his appearance. 

He wasn’t a person. 

He was a true oni that has existed in the world longer than 1000 years. 

“What? It is Kakugyouki?” 

Yakō  laughed at the oni. 

Kakugyouki was the name given to h im by Yakō . As Hishamaru, he was also his shikigami. 

“When did you come back?” 

“Just now.” 

        He  a nswered calmly to his master’s question. 

        “ It's a big place. It's a lot of work to get it all in place. .” 

        “ That's good work. And? How was it? ” 

        “ As you can imagine. Well, it's not too far off. ” 

        “Was there anything interesting?” 

        “No.” 

        “I see. But well, the real thing is yet to come. I'd like to have a little bit of an expectation.” 

Yakō  looked at the direction Hishamaru came from and said happily. Hishamaru was moving her ears trying to hear their conversation. 

        “It is not going to be what you expect. You know that.” 

        “I don't know. For example, the "houshi" you told me about. There's a chance he'll make a little trouble.” 

        “For him this is a dead giveaway. I’m not saying there is absolutely no cha nce .” 

        In response to the plain response of his shikigami, Yakō  made a boring face. Hishimaru, out of numbness, broke into “ Yakō -sama!” 

        “What were you talking about? What was Kakugyouki ordered to do? ” 

        The glance appeals eloquently. Yakō  laughed again, but this time it was a smile that made the feeling something "bad". 

        “I was asked to explore the whole village around the mansion. “Is there anything hidden?” to be more precise.” 

“Hiding? Can’t be, are there intruders blending in ?” 

        “Fufu. Even though it’s completely  fallen into decline, it is an o nmyo u dou sect. It's a formal replacement, so some people will come to see what's going on, and others will come up with something on this occasion, I thought.” 

        “That’s right.” 

Hishamaru stared at Kakugyouki. Kakugiyouk made a slight bitter smile, saying “You heard it.” 

        “I found a few problems, but they’re small. I can’t find a big one.” 

        “Are you sure? This kind of hidden form is also a trick, oh, no. As Yakō -sama said, should we be wary of the future?” 

“ I don't think it's going to be so exciting. It's just exaggerating my expectations. ” 

“Well, Kakugyouki, saying “this guy” to Yakō-sama  is rude! ” 

" Well. As long as we are bound to the master and servant that we have contracted as shikigami, I don't see how there is any point in having a “courtesy” or not. ” 

"Don't mess with clever lies. I'm not talking about the technique of “gratitude”, it's just a matter of your heart." 

Kakugyouki squeezed his shoulders with an unfamiliar face on Hishamaru with her tail hair turned upside down. Yakō  calmed the shikigami with a bitter smile, "I beg you, both of you." 

Both Hishamaru and Kakugyouki were the Yakō ’s shikigami, and they we re irreplaceable protections that support him as both arms. However, the difference in ability between the two was as clear as earth and sky. Hikamaru was a f ox possessed person, and although she possessed  strong  physical strength, physical ability, and powerful spiritual power that we re far from ordinary people, she was a real human being. Her talent as an onmyoji ha d  also blossomed, but she was only a spellcaster , no matter how good she was. On the other hand, Kakugyouki was a powerful demon that le ft his  name in the legend. His  power was without a joke, and it was no exaggeration to say that he was one of the best in Japan. 

However, on the other hand, while Hishamaru was the first shikigami of Yakō , Kakugyouki became his shikigami last fall. Only less than half a year has passed. In terms of the track record of serving Yakō , Hishamaru was far superior. For that reason , aside from herself, the treatment of Yakō  and her attitude toward him were particularly noisy. 

“I'm afraid, I'm afraid that Yakō -sama should be able to get a little more serious in the future. I'm grateful if it's a kind of illusion that can't be done with technique. If there are people who care about that aspect …” 

“ All right, all right. You know, these days Hishamaru is not my shikigami, she's just like Kokage’s shikigami. ” 

“Well, that kind of thing…!? No matter how important Kokage-sama is, my is yo u alone, Yakō -sama!” 

“Hey, this is a joke, a joke! I have no doubt about your loyalty.” 

Yakō  rushes to explain to the shikigami who blushed red. He seemed to panik to the girl who wept. Kakugyouki who was watching shook his head slightly as if to say that he should do it. 

Then he looked at the shogi table in front of Yakō . 

“ …  How was that? Did you talk with him?” 

“No. That’s…” 

The topic changed, and fortunately Yakō , who was also looking at the shogi board, responded. 

“ I've never had much of an answer to any of my questions this time. I wanted to ask him about the master's knowledge, but in the end he just told me to do what I wanted. ” 

“Isn't it convenient for you?” 

"Hmm …  well, that's what made me feel better …” 

Yakō  scratched his head as if something was caught. Hishamaru's tail swayed from side to side with anxiety in the appearance of the master. 

Apparently Yakō  wasn't just pointing to shogi. However, the result was not crisp. 

It w a s not uncommon for Yakō  to be muddy like this. Rather, it  was common. His bad habit was  that he concentrated too much on the problem at hand and forg ot  to explain it to others. 

At times, his shikigami we re not required to provide detailed explanations, to not interfere with their master thinking. However, it was not so divisible. When the Lord was alone and closed his mouth, he asked himself how useful he was. 

Also, it seem ed  that the thoughts of such an awkward shikigami we re transmitted to the master . No, or is this kind of devotion to a childhood friend who has spent a long time together rather than a master-servant relationship? Noticing Hishamaru's gaze biting his lips with regret, Yakō  raised his face and smiled softly. I'm sorry to make you care. 

Then Yakō  hit his knees and stretched his back. 

"Well, that's okay. In any case, it's not a bad idea to anticipate an unforeseen situation. Today, there are a lot of outside magicians  coming, and Kakugyouki will continue to be on the alert. Let's get it. If nothing happens, it's better than that. ” 

It was clear that Yakō was expecting "something". However, it wasn’t that simple. 

“ Yakō -sama…” 

Hishamaru murmured involuntarily and Yakō  turned his eyes to her, saying “Yeah?” Seeing the casual gesture and the casual attitude, Hishamaru sensed the feelings of the Lord. 

There was a "whiteness" in the expression of Yakō . He hoped the incident would be a "wake-up call”. No, the expectation itself was certain. But at the same time, they were also anticipating that that expectation will end as expected, just as Kakugyouki pointed out. 

Nothing to surprise or excite happens.They knew there were no dubious spellcasters or breathtaking technicians. 

“What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?” 

“No.” 

Hishamaru looked down, then came back and said. 

“It is good to be vigilant, but please hurry back to the mansion. Kokage-sama is waiting. After all, today is the day Yakō  will become the head of the Tsuchimikado family.” 

Part 2 

A thousand years ago, in the Heian era, there was a master who’s legends are still talked about, Abe no Seimei. 

His descendents called themselves Tsuchimikado and have continued to stand on the top of the Onmyoji world to this day. 

It was until the Meiji Restoration that the Tsuchimikado family was able to maintain its prestige. 

By the end of the Tokugawashogunate, the real power of the onmyoudou  sect, held by the family, had already weakened. Regardless of political or economic power, the Tsuchimikado family was formally celebrated as a symbol of the Kurahashi and Wakasugi families, who we re branch families. However, in the Meiji era, the government's policy of abolishing Buddha and the abolition of the onmyoudou  would greatly damage the existence of the o nmyou ji . The fall of the Tsuchimikado family became more decisive. 

The Meiji Restoration was probably just the beginning. The root cause of the downfall of the Tsuchimikado family and the Onmyoudou was largely due to the spread of the so-called "civilization." 

The spread and penetration of western science, and modern thinking pushed the old-fashioned to the side of the culture, many superstitions and beliefs, for example Onmyoudou and magic. 

However, even now  that it ha d  declined, the blood of Tsuchimikado ha d  not died out. Its history, which continue d  from Abe no Seimei, was still being spun along with the Onmyoudo u . 

April, 19 39 , more than half a century after the Meiji Restoration, the Tsuchimikado family welcomed  a new head, who was only 20 years old, Tsuchimikado Yakō . He was a young genius who was said to be the second coming  of his ancestor, Abe no Seimei. 

“Ah, I'm tired. I can't do it, it's the limit!” 

As he shouted that he fell on the tatami mats, the young o nmyoji genius, called the reincarnation of Abe no Seimei. It was at that moment t hat she entered the room, closing the sliding doors. Hishamaru came to his side. 

“Why do I have to do the report of the inheritance of the family? It's been forty years since we entered the 20th century! How long will my family be pretending to be the Heian Aristocracy?” 

“Fearfully, Yakō -sama. The Tsuchimikado family has succeeded to the title of Viscount since the Meiji era. Since you became the head of the family, Yakō -sama, you will be a member of the peerage from now on.” 

“Isn't it just a good name? It's a picture-perfect aristocrat! I've come to have no good assets to despise!” 

“Whether you spend money or not, Yakō -sama is already enough …  Oh, no.” 

Hishamaru hurriedly swam her gaze at the master, who was still on the tatami mat. 

The "announcement" of the new head of the Tsuchimikado family, was in the middle of the ceremony. He just finished a series of greetings and ha d  left through the back to escape. He also changed his clothes from Kariginu to sokutai. Yakō  looked good on it, but it didn't have any dignity if he  was lying o n the tatami mat. It was a problem before that. 

Hishamaru opened the window to let fresh air enter the room. 

The sun was already high. The breeze shook Hishamaru’s hair gently. Spring was also visiting the mountain village where the Tsuchimikado family reside. The yellow color of dandelion rape blossoms pretty colors to the roadside, and the red azaleas brightly dye the eaves of  the manssion . The cherry blossoms were in full bloom right now. The cherry tree on the site of the mansion is in full bloom as if to celebrate today's day. In addition, the old mountain cherry blossoms that grow naturally behind the mansion also beautifully opened their simple petals. 

It was a festival of colorful flowers. 

However, the season of spring was the season of change. The shade of winter was replaced by the sun of summer in a big flow of one year. It was the season when the tendency of the spirit turned  as a whole just as the spirit of the mountain turned from the yin to yang at the beginning. It was dawn in a way, and it was a season of new beginnings. 

From the window of the room, it could  be  seen the pure white petals of the white lotus blooming in the garden. Hishamaru narrowed her eyes involuntarily. It was a play word that Yakō said when returning to the mansion from the platform that the cherry blossom viewing was good if it was celebrated anyway. To be honest, she understood the feeling of wanting to say so. Until last year, Yakō  would have given priority to going outside to view the cherry blossom. 

However, such a whim might become difficult from then  on. 

“There’s a lot of things left to do. It’s fine to take a break now, but don’t relax too much.” 

“It is unreasonable! Even though Seimei-sama said to do whatever I want, I have to go out of my way to follow the ceremony that the descendants have piled up without permission.” 

“You've always said that manipulating magical powers isn't the only magic. Following the rituals that have been accumulated for generations clearly shows that Yakō -sama has officially become the head of the Tsuchimikado family. It's a “magic” thing to  do.” 

“ …  I'm sure it feels cursed. Is it still a false illness and can't be used … " 

"You said that you should be especially careful when it comes to techniques that act on your mind regardless of curse power?" 

"Hmm …  I don't think you misunderstood my words. In other words, I was drunk at that time. I'm sure that is." 

Hishamaru instinctively meds Yakō , who took  it very seriously. Then she couldn't look down at her master lying down, so she gently knelt beside him and sat down. By the way, Hishamaru was also dressed in sokutai. Perhaps because she was dressed as a man on a daily basis, she ha d  dressed differently. However, the beauty could not be hidden, and contrary to her intention, she had a mysterious scent. 

Yakō  was taken over as the head of the family at a young age because his parents died in an accident. 

At that time, Yakō  was sixteen. It was conceivable to take over the family head immediately, but for the time being, his retired grandfather returned and decided to take over as the head. He waited for Yakō  to grow up, and today he was officially the heir to the family. 

It was not that there was no such view among relatives that the owner who inherits the prestigious family was a youth that was not  ready. 

But Tsuchimikado was more than just an old family. It was an onmyouji  family and no matter how much his youth and unrestrained words and deeds were jeopardized, no one doubted the young new head's "talent as o nmyouji". 

He had the innate strength of spiritual power, an outstanding sense of perceiving and manipulating curses. Above all, he had a pure admiration for magic, and an insatiable spirit of inquiry. 

At present, when onmyoudou was fading and the quality of o nmyouji declines year after year, there was no other “ onmyouji” as excellent as Tsuchimikado Yakō  around. Even those who had a wide-mouthed opinion that his rank was not enough, had their mouths shut the last year when Yakō  led his disciples to enlist the legendary “king of oni” and completely shut their mouths after the "one-armed oni" became his shikigami. For those who kn e w him, “ the return of Abe no Seimei ” was no longer an expectation for the future, but a fact in front of their eyes and the Tsuchimikado’s family head could not have been more suitable. 

“What’s the rest? Greetings, rituals, ceremonies?” 

“I’m afraid I’ll have to submit various documents to the government office.” 

“Alright, it’s Kakugyoki. I’m sure he could use the art of disguise. Let’s have him take my place.” 

“Personally I’d like to see it, but… The transfer of Hokuto is still in place, right? Is it okay if the god beast of the family is taken?” 

“Come to think of it, I didn't finish what was important. That's good, Hishamaru. Following Kakugyouki, can you have a junior again?” 

“Come to think of it, is it a dragon after an oni? Having a good master is hard for a shikigami.” 

When Hishamaru sighed cutely, Yakō  finally showed a happy smile while lying down. 

Yakō  was full of complaints and curses, but his shikigami's gaze was warm and kind. Even so, in front of relatives and disciples until just a while ago, he played an impeccable "new head" without breaking his more relaxed attitude than usual. Hishamaru was the only one there who was showing  such a stubborn attitude. When he thought about it, it was Hishamaru who just got sweet. 

" …  It was fine." 

Yes, she whispered gracefully. 

Yakō , on the other hand, has a twisted wind, 

“…  Is it good?" 

He turned my eyes to Hishamaru's face while lying down more precisely, above her head. 

The fox's ears and the tail that had gone out a little while ago have disappeared. Hishamaru manipulated her spirit and intentionally hid them. 

"In the end, you can't show your ears and tail. That's why the head and others are stupid."  

" Yakō -sama. Your shikigami are a secret to other onmyouji.” 

"I don't want to say anything bossy, but after all, it's a mediocre Onmyouji. ” 

"I used to go in the next room at the time of the meeting, but today I put it on my side. It's more than enough. ” 

"Hmm …  Next, I'll beat all the people who frowned at you. Now that I've become the head of the family, I should be able to enjoy that much." 

Hishamaru said with a sweet voice, " Yakō -sama!" to the Lord, who spoke  with a childish voice. 

Basically, Yakō was an uplifting relative, but only for some relatives and disciples, there was a rather painful side. There were several reasons, but the most important was their attitude towards Hishamaru. 

Hishamaru was born in a branch of Tsuchimikado and was a beast  possessed. As a result, she was treated as an abomination and was persecuted long before she became aware of it. In fact, her first memory was the sight of a tatami room in which she was trapped. She was not even given a human name and was isolated. 

However, one day she was taken out by a young lord, the young Yakō , and given the name Kon. There were generations of "customs" in the branch family, and it was stipulated to serve the people of the head family as shikigami. Of course, in the clan's view, the Shikigami contract was valid after Yakō  grew up to be a full-fledged person. However, Yakō , who took out Kon, kept her on his side ever since. Later, as Hishamaru, she officially became his shikigami. 

For the young Hishamaru, Kon, Yakō 's presence was salvation. It was not an exaggeration to say that it was all of the meaning of living. 

However, just because the heir of the main family approved her did not mean that the treatment of Hishamaru in her childhood had improved. On the contrary, even though she had become Yakō 's loyal shikigami, there weren’t few who hated  her for being a beast  possessed. 

“In the first place, Seimei-sama's birth mother is said to be a fox spirit, Kuzunoha. In other words, the blood of Tsuchimikado goes back to contain the blood of a fox. You can be proud of it.” 

Hishamaru smiles again at Yakō , who made a theory. 

Then: 

“If you change everything to your liking as soon as you become the head of the family, it will hurt the feelings of those around you. It may make even the disciples who yearn for Yakō  uneasy. Yakō -sama, you are not aware of it, but your speed is fast for most people.” 

It was not limited to the treatment of Hishamaru. Yakō  was often innovative and radical. It may be an important quality for the head of the organization, but over time it  can become a bomb that destroys the organization. 

" Yakō -sama's talent is recognized by everyone in the family. Since Yakō -sama became the head of the family, there is no doubt that the Tsuchimikado family has a bright future, and will be able to regain the prosperity of the past. Therefore, the revival of the family is not a dream." 

“… W hat do you want to say? ” 

"You shouldn't be caught in a trivial matter more than necessary." 

"It isn’t a trivial matter." 

"Then I will change my way of being. Yakō , the owner of Tsuchimikado, should not care about those who hate ears and tails." 

While remorseless, Hishamaru told  him unwaveringly. Then, the hidden shape was solved, and the tail was shaken lightly and it showed. 

"The second Hishamaru wants to show my ears and tail to anything other than Yakō-sama . Yakō -sama is indignant, just that feeling, my heart is full." 

It was her  real feelings . Like when she was a young child, today's Hishamaru was given by Yakō  the power to support herself. It didn't hurt when she was  despised by others. Even Yakō , if he  kept looking at her . 

“First I don't want to show my ears and tail to anyone other than Yakō -sama. If Yakō  is indignant about this feeling, it is enough to fill my heart.” 

“ …  Ahhh… ” 

Yakō  said, after a brief silence of searching for words: 

“You're not preaching year after year. I miss Yakō -sama and Kon, who was honest and healthy.” 

“This is a different thing. There is no such thing as a shikigami who is as straightforward and healthy as Hishamaru. If you think it is a lie, please take a look at the big man with the arm.” 

“Oops, I see. Perhaps because of my mind, the savvy fox seemed straightforward and sane. But what? I thought the head was great and respected. I can't really feel it so far.” 

Hishamaru giggles unbearably at Yakō , who mourns seriously. In addition, Yakō  finally softened his expression to the figure of a shikigami who shook h er  shoulders happily. 

However: 

"Hishamaru, the future of Tsuchimikado is unfortunately not bright. Rather, it's dark. Tsuchimikado's future, or rather the future of the cursed world itself. It can't be helped by me anymore." 

Said Yakō . Hishamaru stopped laughing and stared at the Lord's expression, “ Yakō -sama …”. 

Yakō 's face, looking up at the ceiling vaguely, had the same "whiteness" that he had on the heavenly platform at dawn. 

It could be seen. There was an empty hope for the future. It was the magic of the present world and the resignation to the magicians. 

What Tsuchimikado continued to protect, Yakō ’s beloved magic, has reached its limits and it was  rapidly dying. 

The master-servant discussion was somewhat interrupted. 

Hishamaru's fox's ears move slightly, hearing footsteps walking down the hallway. Realizing whose footsteps were immediately released her tension. After that, when the footsteps stopped in front of the room, a voice was heard from the other side of the sliding door. 

“ Onii-sama ? May I?” 

His sister, Tsuchimikado Kokage. "Yes." Yakō  said. The sliding doors opened quickly, and a girl came into the room, followed by a man. 

The girl looked into the room and screamed, "Ah," and squinted. Yakō  noticed his appearance and made a face, but it was already too late. 

"What is it, onii-sama . Wearing a sokutai, it's not that sloppy." 

"Okay, Kokage. Please sit down for the time being." 

"Don't be fooled. I've reviewed it politely and dignifiedly in front of you, but as soon as you turn to the back, it doesn't make sense." 

"That's not the case. If you think the new head is a serious guy, that alone makes sense." 

"What are you going to do by knitting people in the same class? Anyway, please get up and correct your collar." 

After saying it in quick succession, Kokage sat upright on the tatami mat. Yakō  reluctantly raises his upper body with a bitter smile. 

Kokage was sixteen. She was small compared to her brother. The kimono that she wore was glossy and old because she was wearing it as a keepsake of her mother. There was a mature and calm atmosphere for her age, but it was clear from the current exchange that her temperament was rather clear. 

As her brother corrected his clothes, Ko kage  looked at Hishamaru. "Hisha-san? If you were by my side, you would have to stop it before me." 

"Ha ha ha. I'm sorry …” 

“Anyway, I am going to overlook it when there are two people, right? As I always say, Hisha -san  spoils my brother too much.” 

“No, that’s…” 

“From now on, we must support onii-sama  as the head’s shikigami, so we must not seem to show only a sweet face. Sometimes it's true loyalty if you say something that hurts your ears if you need it …” 

“Huh. Indeed, it is reasonable …” 

Hisamaru shrugged  her ears and tail, and Yakō , who sat  down again, sighed secretly. The scene where a serious younger sister turn ed  to the preacher was familiar to the head of the Tsuchimikado and his shikigami. 

However, the wording was  evidence that the sibling relation was  good. Even for Kokage and Hishamaru, as there were no girls of similar age, they grew up like good sisters. There we re a lot of small statements from Kokage to Hishamaru, but it was also because they have deep trust in each other. Perhaps it was this weakness that Yakō  was most obediently pleased with taking over as head of the family . 

In any case, the small preachings  on which he was riding usually lasted for an hour, but fortunately, at this time, there was another person in attendance besides the brother and sister and the shikigami, a man in his mid-twenties. 

“Kokage-san? It is a very busy day, would you like to leave it for today? Yakō i s just good at switching between public and private and does not imitate the role of the head of the family.” 

With a smile on his face, Kokage calmed down, and the man corrected  his residence and turned  to Yakō . 

Without breaking the gentle smile: 

“Congratulations! I would like to congratulate  you again.” 

“Stop, Toshiyuki-san. It's going to be a mess.” 

“Is that so? But if I don't get it done properly, I'll be scolded by Kokage -san  this time.” 

“Don't make fun of me, Toshiyuki-san. She doesn't  preach to you.” 

“What? That's unfair. That makes it unconvincing no matter how high the theory is. Hey, Hishamaru?” 

“Aa, no, that … ” 

“I don't preach to Toshiyuki-san because it's not necessary. Why don't you compare yourself and Toshiyuki's daily behavior before deciding that it's unfair, onii-sama?” 

Kokage replied with a clear face. Yakō  silently and swiftly raised his hands as if to surrender, and Hishamaru put a bitter smile. As usual, the man watched over the Tsuchimikados with a smile. 

His name was Toshiyuki Wakasugi. He was the third son of the Wakasugi family. He was also an onmyouji, but he wore a suit with a tie instead of a sokutai. He was a scholar-like man who was laid back and wore glasses, and in fact, he was sometimes asked to teach. 

He was six years older than Yakō , still, among the main members of the Wakasugi family, he  was the closest to Yakō  and Kokage. Therefore, since his brother and sister were young, he had a close relationship with them. Furthermore, Toshiyuki was also Kokage's betrothed, which was decided by their parents. That's how much trust he had from their parents. 

After the deaths of the two, the marriage returned to a blank slate, but the relationship between Toshiyuki and the siblings continued unchanged. Naturally, he was acquainted with Hishamaru, and was one of the few people who talked to her. He had a calm look like a statue and was always smiling. 

"Anyway, it's best to be able to take office safely. Yakō -kun has a quality that unknowingly attracts troubles. Actually, I was chilling. It seems that it was made …  By the way, what about that oni ?” 

"For the time being, I've put him on guarding the mansion. Even if I put him to my side, it's noisy to show him to those who only know rumors. 

"Oni-sama, I'm telling you to refrain from saying that. At all …  After the death of our parents, I sour my mouth every day and become aware of the next head. I've been appealing to have, but …  I've finally reached the day of today without being able to prepare properly. ” 

"This is a small weakness. It's an overdraft, but at least today's Yakō  is doing a good job as the head of the family. Please praise him, not just the harsh words." 

“ Um. Yes, yes! Well said, Hishamaru. Did you hear, Kokage? ” 

The new head shouted that he didn't like it, and was exaggerating as much as he wanted. Kokage put h er  finger between her eyebrows and shook her head as she exhaled. 

" …  But I think our deceased parents will be satisfied with this. I think that even Oyakata-sama has finally taken off his shoulders …  Oh, no. 

With a slightly damp humor, the season went on, and the brother and sister glanced at each other. Hisamaru was also watching over these two. 

The feelings of grandparents could  be guessed  by looking at their faces even if they we re silent. The two of them, who we re usually strict, were so fragile this morning. It may have been the first time since they lost their son and his wife, showing their emotions frankly like that. 

But what about their dead parents? 

In fact, a few years ago, Yakō  seriously asked Kokage whether to search for the souls of parents with "Taizan Fukun", which he learned half by himself. The Taizan Fukun Ritual was a magic that touche d  and manipulate d  human souls. At that time Yakō  said he could do it and the problem was whether to do it or not. 

Hishamaru, who was with him, remembers that night well. At that time, the brother and sister thought seriously over and over again, stepped deeper than ever, talked and bumped into each other until the sun went down, the night went on, and the dawn. They cried many times, and even Yakō  wouldn't have wept once or twice. 

In the end, the brother and sister concluded that they should not disturb the sleep of the dead, and never talked about the topic again. 

“Satisfaction …  isn't it? They were people who didn't care about the details, unlike the old men.” 

“Oh, that's not right, brother. Our parents didn't get angry because they were kind. The expectation of the only son who is full of talent must have been very big. With my brother now, I am still not satisfied with my brother now.” 

"What. Don't be shy." 

"Well, onii-sama, is it ironic right now? Was it difficult?" 

Hishamaru blows it out unexpectedly. Immediately after, she turned red and apologized, but at that time the room was wrapped in laughter other than Hishamaru. 

Then, as if to be invited by the laughter of Yakō  and others, a new person came. Following the voice saying "Ah", the sound of footsteps rushing up the hallway. 

“ Yakō-aniue ! Are you there by a chance?” 

“Hisateru? I’m here, enter!” 

Immediately, the sliding doors opened, and a boy who seemed to be around ten years old came in. He was a very active boy in a suikan style. 

With a lively voice as impressed: 

“I just arrived at the ceremony with my father. It was late, but it seems we arrived sooner.” 

"Oh, finally. I was talking about bringing in guests, right?" 

"Yes, he seems to be with me!" 

Yakō  replies to the boy who answers with all his might. 

“It's good. Even though it's unveiled to the students, it doesn't start if you don't say hello to Takamitsu-san. ” 

The boy's name was Kurahashi Hisateru. He was a son of the Kurahashi family. 

Hisateru's father, Takamitsu Kurahashi, who was talked about, was the current head of the Kurahashi family, who was now the most prosperous in the Tsuchimikado family. 

Onmyoudou was a culture that flourished in the capital of Kyoto and the ground of the Tsuchimikado family was centered around Kyoto. Even when the emperor went to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration, the Tsuchimikado family and the Wakasugi family, who were influential families, remained in the west without accompanying them. On the other hand, the one in line at this time was the Kurahashi family, who was already in the position of Minister of the Treasury at that time. 

Since then, the Kurahashi family has been in Tokyo and ha d  built strong ties to the political and business world. Although its influence has diminished with the decline of the Onmyoudou, it could be said that it still ha d  a great deal of power within the Tsuchimikado family. 

However, even now that the actual power relationship has been reversed, the Kurahashi family has established the Tsuchimikado family. For the Kurahashi family, such as when Yakō 's parents died, it would have been a great opportunity for the Kurahashi family to conquer the lower echelons. However, at that time, the Kurahashi family took the initiative to calm the turmoil of the family. He supported Yakō 's grandfather, who had returned. Takamitsu, the current head of the family, ha d  always said that "There i s no Onmyoudou  without Tsuchimikado”. 

“Okay, Yakō -kun. Take it easy like that? It's about Takamitsu-san. Now that you're the head of the family, you're going to be more actively solicited than ever, right?” 

"Oh, is that the one who left the village and came to Tokyo? I wonder. Takamitsu-san is a common sense person, and I don't think he will say anything unreasonable for several years as the head of the family." 

"Why is it unreasonable? My father always says that Yakō 's talent should be put to good use in Tokyo. I would be very happy if my brother came." 

"Hmm, but …  I think it's going to be a lot of troublesome "politics" on the day when Takamitsu -san gets into trouble." 

"Well, that's right." 

Hisateru protests with a childish gesture to Yakō  who answers a little meanly. 

"The Kurahashi family is in love with Yakō , both parents and children." 

"I just want to use both conveniently. Isn’t that right, Hisateru? Confess." 

"Well, that's not true - I'm not." 

"Oh yeah. Hey, I had you put up with it at the next opportunity, but can I not show the demon again this time?" 

"Eh. That's …  I want to see it. I want to see it! Please show me the real demon that my brother made a shikigami!" 

The momentum was about to step on the ground. Even if the etiquette and wording that was  not suitable for his age we re struck, he wondered if his manners in this area were like a boy who grew up in a good family.  

“It's a report. Rejoice. Your "hopes" have come true.” 

A voice echoed in the room. 

This was the voice of Kakugyouki. They didn’t feel his devilishness because he only spoke from a distance. Hisateru, who had been making a fuss about seeing the oni until just before, became stiff and stiff. 

On the other hand, Yakō  quickly tightens his expression, and Hisamaru sharply stands on one knee. Of course, both of them correctly understood the meaning of Kakugyoki's lines. 

“What an oni came with me. It's also three …  no, four? I used to interact with similar people. It's quite a strange kind. It's tough, isn't it?” 

“I’ll go.” sooner than the report was over. 

Hishamaru snapped open the sliding doors, turned her tail and jumped out of the room, then Yakō  followed Hishamaru without waiting for a reply. 

Hishamaru looked for Kakugyoki's sign, seeing Yakō  behind her. It was the front of the mansion. That day, the mansion was crowded with students. S he decided that it would be faster to go outdoors. 

A spring breeze was fluttering around the mansion. The petals of the cherry blossoms on the wind were dancing flatteringly. Hishamaru ran agilely, tearing through the spring breeze. While bathing in the idyllic sunlight, she took a breather and went to the front of the mansion and stopped. 

The mansion of the Tsuchimikado family was on a hill at the edge of the mountain village. There was a stone staircase that climbed from the bottom, and there wa  an exterior gate at the end of the climb. 

Two men were stepping into the premises through the gate. 

One was a middle-aged man wearing a kimono and a bowler hat, looking at Hishamaru who rushed in with her breath. 

He had a mysterious look on his face. He had a dark beard and a cane in his hand. A person who knew Hishamaru well. This was Kurahashi Takamitsu , the head of the Kurahashi family. 

And, another person  who  wore a military uniform. He was young. He looked older than Yakō , but probably younger than Toshiyuki. He was about twenty-two or three? On a pale face with thin lines, somehow dark and deep eyes. Still, the line of sight towards him was razor-sharp. In the spring sun, only the young man seemed to immerse his whole body in the shade. 

However, the most distinctive feature was the hair color of the young man. It was red. Red, which was more vivid and impressive than any flower in the village. 

She didn't feel danger  from the young man. He didn’t look like a magician. However, She knew that it was him that Kakugyoki reported. 

"Hishamaru? What happened to the Lord?" 

Takamitsu called out to Hisamaru who was standing up. However, Hisamaru could not reply immediately. Also, she couldn't take her eyes off the young man. 

Then, the young man who was looking back at Hishamaru suddenly turned his eyes away. 

The youth's gaze went behind Hishamaru. He opened  his eyes wide and laughed radiantly. 

Then the young man snapped the bottom of his boots and began to move straight forward. 

Hishamaru still couldn't move. From behind the immovable Hishamaru, Yakō  caught up and came forward. He raised one hand to control Hishamaru, who was careful about " Yakō -sama" ,  and silently spotted the approaching young man in military uniform. 

Eventually, the young man stepped out in front of Yakō  and stopped. 

With mysterious confidence in his face: 

"Tsuchimikado Yakō , isn't it?" 

It was a cool but frozen voice. Yakō  did not answer. But the young man didn’t care. Continued to greet as if performing a predetermined ritual.  

"Nice to meet you. I am S?ma  Satsuki. I am the same as you, a person who walks the path of onmyoudou." 

That was the first encounter between Tsuchimikado Yakō  and Satsuki Soma, between Tsuchimikado and Soma.