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Tokyo Ravens - Volume 15 - Chapter 5




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Chapter 5 

Part 1 

“Disrespect? Why do they have to take you to the military police for giving a lecture on "God"? First of all, only Hishamaru was just on the commotion and she wasn't even listening in…” 

He thought he said it calmly, but he couldn't hide the passion that oozed out of him. Hisateru was cultivated in front of Yakō 's indignation that he saw for the first time. 

Still, Hisateru didn't run away and didn't fool around, he bowed his head, trembling. 

“I'm sorry, ani-ue. We also protested strongly. But they didn't have an ear to listen to it in the first place… so Hishamaru said that she would go out and explain the further operations.” 

Hisateru bowed and this time Akiharu interrupted from the side with " Yakō -sensei". 

“It's true that they didn't listen to this story. Hisateru even gave Kurahashi's name and resisted, but then other dormitory students gathered and one step in the skirmish. It looks like this…” 

“So Hishamaru-sama calmed everyone down and followed the military police voluntarily. At the end, she told me to fly the shikigami and report back to Yakō -sama about what happened.” 

Akisuke added at the end. 

The military police were notorious for being high-handed in their duties. The three of them had been present at the scene and had seen the whole thing, and they all seemed to be chewing on their regrets. But now, instead of showing it, they were desperately trying to maintain their composure, and Yakō  was much more upbeat about it than they were. 

The winter days were short, and the sun was already setting. 

Yakō  received the news of the shikigami right after he finished his report at the General Staff Headquarters. He had just returned to the Onmyou Dormitory immediately to find out what was going on. 

The commotion caused by the military police's visit showed no signs of abating even after Hishamaru was taken away and Yakō  returned. This was even more prevalent than the explosion of the laboratory building and the Possessing Incident the other day. This was the evidence of the great turmoil. It was proof that Hishamaru's presence in the dormitory was large. 

Even now, in addition to Yakō  and Hisateru and the others, there were several other dormitory students barging into the office. Normally, they would say that manipulation is their favorite thing, but this time they were more serious than usual. 

''Chief Yakō , let's get into Military Police Headquarters and get your deputy back. They are blind as a bat. Leave the equation so they won't see us.” 

''I agree. This is a problem that affects the life ticket of the Onmyoudou. We can't afford to be papered over just because we've only been in business a short time.” 

The most spirited of the dormitory students were complaining to Yakō . In terms of extremism, they were no different from the Hisateru’s group, but the problem was that they were capable of carrying out their big words. 

Yakō  closed his eyes once and discarded the emotions and thoughts that swirled and boiled in his chest. It was just like when he was casting a spell. He focused his mind and forced himself to regain his composure. 

First of all, the blame should be placed on Yakō  himself before Hisateru and the others, for leaving Hishamaru in charge of his absence. Before that, he was responsible for not planning for such a situation and not taking any countermeasures at all. 

The burden of "political" power, which had been relying on Satsuki and Takamitsu, came back to haunt him. 

However, it is unforgivable that it was directed at Hishamaru and not at Yakō  himself. Such unreasonableness was intolerable. Or was this not a coincidence? If so, what should they be wary of now? 

The calm surface of the lake comes to mind. 

There is no doubt in his mind that Hishamaru was safe; Yakō  and Hishamaru have made a magical contract with the Lord as a shikigami. A spiritual connection has been established, and even though they were far away, they could feel the other's presence. It wasn't possible to know their whereabouts, and it wasn't impossible to disguise them through sorcery, but at least as of now, Hishamaru's presence could be felt unchanged. 

Yakō  opened the closed twin screens. 

“ … Everyone, please calm down… No, I'm sorry too. I guess I was getting emotional, Hisateru, and Akiharu and Akisuke as well. Let's just focus on assessing the situation and gathering information.” 

“But, chief!” 

“As everyone says, it won't be difficult to retake Hishamaru. And I don't think there are any sorcerers in the military police. However, it's not as difficult for Hishamaru to escape on her own as it would be to recapture her. When it comes down to it, she can protect herself. At this stage, we should focus on what she tried to protect in preference to herself.” 

It was almost as if he was saying to himself. 

What Hishamaru was trying to protect was the “position of the Onmyoudou Dormitory”. If she took forceful measures against the military police, the position of the Onmyoudou Dormitory would undoubtedly deteriorate. Hishamaru must have been determined to avoid doing anything that would damage the reputation of the Onmyoudou Dormitory while Yakō  was away. 

''First of all, it's not Hishamaru they want, it's me, right? Then I'll just turn myself in. But I want to make good use of the time that Hishamaru has earned for me.” 

It was all about understanding the situation and gathering information. He’s already skipped the ceremony and told Takamitsu about the situation. By then, he was making use of his various contacts to get things done. 

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” 

Satsuki walked into the office, having parted ways at the General Staff headquarters. 

There was a slight tension among the dormitory students, and they all kept their mouths shut. For that reason, everyone seemed to have gradually regained their composure; Satsuki was, so to speak, the supervisor of the Onmyoudou dormitory. Because of that, a distance was inevitably created between him and the dormitory students. However, he declared that it was "convenient". 

"Satsu- Sōma  Major. What have you learned?” 

''Yeah. I'm sorry, everyone except the onmyoudou chief, please leave your seats.” 

The students looked at him unhappily. However, when Yakō  continued, "Please," they reluctantly left the room. 

Satsuki, after seeing the students off, said: 

''Let's make it quick. First of all, on the military police side, this mobilization seems to be a move that emanates from the regular chain of command. For this, I must apologize to you.” 

“Why?” 

“I was so caught up in the war between the military police and the general staff that I didn't pay attention to the military police headquarters, the Sōma , my negligence. I'm sorry.” 

When Satatsuki bowed his head in utmost seriousness and apologized, Yakō  could only mumble, "No…” Just as the “inside” of the Onmyoudou Dormitory was Yakō 's responsibility, so was the “outside”, for which Satsuki was responsible. However, as he regretted, he had the self-accusation that he was taking it easy. 

To begin with, the Onmyoudou Dormitory has been shunned by other departments because it dealt with something as dubious as spellcraft. They have been considered not to want to be actively involved in it. This was actually quite convenient for Yakō  and Satsuki. Rather than leaving the prejudices held by those around them behind, they were, in a sense, increasing them. 

“ … There are many who see it as an enemy simply because they don't understand it. Especially those who are above the organization and those with certain privileges. Those people would have seen the Onmyoudou Dormitory as an unpleasant object, even if they were creepy. This case was the result of that outpouring of resentment. The lecture on “God” was an excellent excuse for them to use it.” 

“Wait. That lecture was not originally supposed to be about God. I was just answering Dairenji's question.” 

“Same thing. After all, the foundation of the imperial art form is a denial of faith. This leads to the denial of the State Shinto, and eventually to the denial of the Emperor as a living god.” 

“I'm not trying to discredit faith. I'm just trying to keep it out of the magic theory.” 

“Do you think that theory holds water? If you're intelligent enough to clear up any misunderstandings with that, then I wouldn't see you as a one-sided adversary just because the Onmyoudou dormitory is creepy in the first place.” 

“But even so, it's absurd that it's disrespectful.” 

“It's not about what the king's intentions are or how he feels. The point is, it's not so much a question of what His Majesty's admirers think, as it is a question of how they "feel”.” 

The emotions directed at the Onmyoudou Dormitory were probably not strong enough to be called hatred or hostility. However, Yakō  and the others were not aware of the vague ill feelings they were giving to the surrounding organizations that had no direct interest in them. Moreover, they had overlooked the danger that such a situation entailed. In such a situation, they were inadvertently exploited by an "opening" that was created. 

The military was a huge national organization, not just a part of the General Staff. It felt like a glimpse of its nature. 

" …  Is Hishamaru safe? 

After putting up with the question that he couldn't stand, Satsuki waited a while. 

" …  Probably, I can only answer.” 

He said frankly. 

''I'm letting Sōma 's contacts search for you… but I'm sure the military police have never had the opportunity to deal with a fox before. Whether it's their feelings towards the Onmyoudou or not, their disgust and awe have not disappeared. I guess we'll treat her like she’s something to be detained and treated like they're swallowed up.” 

Yakō  could tell that the answer was his own careful and hopeful imagination, and he replied emphatically, "I see…” and nodded. 

As he had told the boarders, Hishamaru could at least defend herself. Even if she was interrogated by the military police, she would be able to neutralize her opponent or easily escape by fighting back. 

However, one of Hishamaru's indelible vices was her dislike of taking herself too lightly. Even now that she has assumed the position of Onmyoudou’s Assistant, she still thought of herself as a lowly abomination, or at the very least, a mere shikigami who should serve others. The same was true of this time when she was taken away quietly. She was willing to go to extremes or suffer for the sake of Onmyoudou and her master. 

How far can she resist being taken by Yakō  and the O nmyoudou  dormitory as a shield? 

Yakō  closed his eyes once more and confirmed his spiritual connection with Hishamaru. After all, he wanted to rush over immediately. He couldn't seem to control that thought. 

However. 

“You see, Yakō , there are some things about this military police plot that we don't understand.” 

Satsuki said, as Yakō  turned to face him. 

“Such as?” 

“The first question is why now? As we've said many times before, now is the time to prepare for the coming outbreak of war between the United States and Britain.” 

All the departments were prepared for it. The military police should still be better than the others, but even so, the sense of urgency held by the upper echelon was no different from the others. It was inexplicable that they would choose this time of year to bother with the Onmyoudou dormitory, which was even more difficult to deal with. 

That's why the “God” lecture was the catalyst … 

''Even so, it's more natural to put in a job offer first, while leaving the day to work on it at a later date. Under the current circumstances, we can't expect any help from potential Onmyoudou critics. Besides…” 

“Another point.” continued Satsuki with a sharp look in his eyes. 

“One more point. You still don't seem to be aware of this… but how did one of your “God” lectures get leaked to the outside world in the first place? According to you, it wasn't even originally planned.” 

Finally, after being pointed out, Yakō 's eyes widened with a huff. Apparently, he hadn't completely dispelled his agitation yet. He had missed even such a vital suspicion. 

That one was a hot topic of conversation among the dormitory students, but the content of that one was mainly about Dairenji's possession; there was no indication that the content of the discussion Yakō  and Dairenji had had was more than the content of the discussion they had had. Also, even if they had ever mentioned the discussion of "gods", it was hard to imagine that it would have gotten through to outsiders and even into the ears of the military police. It was very unlikely that there would be a connection between the dormitory students and the military police, even if they were military servants. 

If that was the case. 

“Did the Dairenji snitch on you …  or was it his plan for coming up with the “God” argument in the first place?” 

When he uttered it in a daze, Satsuki gave him a stern look. 

“It's a valid guess, don't you think? But if this was a plot by the enemy, then it was probably Deibuchi who drew the picture, not Dairenji.” 

“But the military police are working under regular orders, right? Lieutenant Colonel Debuchi disappeared from the military two years ago. How on earth did he do it?” 

“He's run a lot of underhanded operations when he was in the General Staff. Both inside and outside the country. Therefore, it can be said that he knows everything about the “other side” of the military. It's not surprising that he was able to influence the military police headquarters by hinting at some kind of weakness.” 

Yakō  gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. 

The military police could not harm Hishamaru. He was proud to say so, but not if Dairenji was behind it. The man's unfathomable depths were only realized the day before. 

" …  I'm reporting to the military police headquarters right now.” 

Satsuki sighed as Yakō  told him clearly. 

“But I'm going with you. I'm not sure what Debuchi and Dairenji are up to, but as long as they don't interfere outwardly, we should also go in a straightforward manner. I've already contacted Colonel Satake, but I'll also ask Lieutenant General Yano to help us out when we do.” 

“Lieutenant General Yano? But…” 

“Regardless of what it contains, it doesn't make any difference that the Lieutenant General is positive about the Onmyoudou Dormitory. In fact, if we owe him, he would be willing to take advantage of it. A lieutenant general would have a good face for the Military Police Command. Well, it hurts my head when I think about what I'll get to do in return later.” 

Satsuki's idea was something that Yakō  never had. He was an ally who had a different point of view than he did, and who challenged him to break the ice together. He was honestly grateful for such an ally. That's what politics was all about, to include a broader range of people in those "allies" - people who have no relationship with each other, and sometimes even people who are opposed to each other by nature. 

“ …  All right. I’ll live it to you.” 

Yakō  said, and then he added. 

“I'm sorry.” 

Satsuki lifted one eyebrow. A slight smile passed over his lips. A different kind of smile than the cold smile he often gave. 

“That's an extra word. I'm not breaking a bone for you. It's for the Onmyoudou dormitory.” 

"I know.'' 

Yakō  immediately began to prepare to leave the room. 

But before he could do so, there was a knock on the door of his office. “Excuse me!” A soldier walks in, and Yakō  braces himself for a moment, but Satsuki raises his arm sharply to stop him. 

“My subordinate.” 

He told him and walked up to the soldier himself. 

Yakō  was surprised, but it shouldn't have surprised him; Satsuki had subordinates, of course. And now was not the time to worry about his daily beliefs. 

However, Satsuki's expression became suddenly cloudy when he received the report of his subordinate. "Are you sure?” He bothered to double-check that he was sure, and when his subordinate repeated that there was no mistake, he clicked his tongue evasively. 

'' …  Let Colonel Satake know at once, and we'll use all of our resources at Sōma  to track him down. After ordering his subordinates to leave the room, Satsuki turned back to Yakō . 

“Strange thing is, the unit that was supposed to have taken Hishamaru away has not returned to headquarters.” 

“What. What do you mean by that?” 

“They said they've lost contact with them. They're also looking for the military police headquarters.” 

“How is that possible?” 

“That can't be true. A whole squad has left the military command and disappeared. And in the Imperial City. That's the first time since February 26.” 

Satsuki spat, but his face was pale. Behind the indignation, frustration melted away. 

“Lt. Col. Debuchi?” 

“Who else is there? Damn it. How dare they try to pull a stunt like that the day before the Imperial Conference…” 

Yakō  struggled to control the rage that arose. This was not the time to let the emotions take over. There were plenty of things that could be done later. 

''Anyway, I'm going to report to Military Police Command once.” 

“Why? It doesn’t make sense without Hishamaru.” 

“Look at it from the other side. It's only natural to think that the reason for the disappearance of the troops was the Onmyoudou Dormitory. We need to clear up that misunderstanding first.” 

“We need to find Hishamaru first!” 

“Leave it to others. You don't have a clue what's going on, so you can't just move around blindly. On the contrary, it will only cause chaos in the field.” 

With that, Satsuki approached Yakō 's side and put a hand on his shoulder, " Yakō .” 

“The search is a numbers game, and if we mobilize all of Tsuchimikado, Sōma , or even the Onmyoudou dormitory, we'll be more useful than you alone.” 

“Oh, that’s right. The more “one person” on top of that, the better. Isn't it?” 

He was not going to give up this place. Satsuki stared at Yakō  for a moment, then threw his hands on his shoulders and gave a frown. 

“What are you going to do about it?” 

“Not much. I'll just fly the ceremony across Tokyo and kill the wind.” 

“It doesn't sound like a joke.” 

“Don't worry. Your ears are fine.” 

"All right. Anyway, calm down, Yakō , we'll get Sōma  running in no time. You stay in touch with Takamitsu-dono.” 

Satsuki was in the middle of speaking when suddenly, sarcastically, Yakō  raised his hand, interrupting his speech. And. 

“Kakugyouki?” 

“Oh!” a sharp voice called out to nowhere in the office. 

“I'm late.” 

With that, Kakugyouki appeared next to the door. 

Yakō 's face brightened at the return of his trusty one arm. “Welcome back.” he said, his voice echoing strongly. 

“Listen to me. Now…” 

“It’s all right. I have a general idea of what's going on.” 

Kakugyouki told him so, and then: 

“I actually brought a “guest” with me. Well, he “followed” to be exact.” 

In Shikigami's straightforward manner, however, Yakō  reacted with a twitch. 

“Hey, no way!” 

Yakō 's expression tightened for a change. 

The next moment. 

“Ho-ho…” 

Next to Kakugyouki, outside the door. A strange laugh was heard as Yakō  tensed up and stared at the door. Then, in front of Yakō 's gaze, the door was closed to anyone who didn't have permission to touch it, due to the strong boundary. 

The door, which should have been impossible to open, opened by itself, connecting the office to the corridor space. Standing there was a black old man. 

He was a black man with a slight build. He wore a black cloak and held a cane in his hand. The laughter he heard through the door gave the impression of youth, but in reality he looked so old that it was a wonder if he was still alive - or already dead and dying. 

“I’ll disturb you.” 

So, with a single bow, the old man leisurely stepped into the office. 

He looked up at Yakō . 

“So you're the rumored Tsuchimikado Yakō . Good grief. It's so nice to finally meet you. This is definitely something different. I can see why Kenmyou  is so fond of you.” 

The old man's expression hardly moved. But when he looked at Yakō , he could see that he grinned at him. Yakō 's whole body stiffened, and he slowly took a breath of fresh air. 

'' …  Who are you? Do you know Dairenji?” 

Satsuki asked from the side. He was stunned by the old man's strange style that suddenly appeared. But he could feel it on his skin that he was not just anyone, and his who-knows-what voice trembled only slightly. The old man did not answer. 

It was not the old man who answered, but Yakō , who stepped forward, straightened his back, pulled his chin back, clasped his hands together, and raised his arms. 

He “bowed” reverently, as if he were a priest facing the deity. 

And then. 

"I have heard about you many times from your protection and from my ancestor's spirit. I am honored to meet the great Onmyouji, Ashiya Douman-dono.” 

Part 2 

When she came to her senses, Hishamaru was lying on the ground. 

And it was outdoors. She could feel the wind at the tips of the fox's ears, but it was dim and she couldn't see where she was. Unable to understand the situation, Hishamaru woke up. No, she tried to wake up, but she couldn't. 

“What?” 

Both her feet and hands were tied behind her back with ropes and not only a rope. Even with the back strength the beast possessed, they showed no signs of tearing down at all. Even more seriously, the spell power was sealed off. It was barely possible to sense the spiritual energy. 

“What is this?” 

She was detained by a curse. But why? When? Who? Hishamaru was on the verge of a major depression. 

“You noticed, pretty girl. I'm sorry for the rough treatment.”  

The voice was low and thick. 

She quickly turned her head. The first thing she saw was a small red light. A cigarette fire. Then her eyes finally adjusted to the darkness. 

A short distance away from Hishamaru, who was lying on the ground, was the man. He was sitting on something. 

A curb… no, the base of a stone lantern grace. He was a man with a somewhat wild impression. The stubble grew on his chin, and his dirty military uniform looked like it was comfortable against his skin. It was as if he was in the middle of a field battle and wearing a smoke. 

She knew the face from a photo. 

"Lieutenant Colonel Debuchi!” 

What was he doing there? Hishamaru lay on the ground, fox's ears up and her head frantically swirling around, wondering where she was in the first place. 

Wide. Was it a park? A row of trees and a distinctive shadow looming faintly in the night sky caught her eye. A torii gate. And behind it, a large shrine. She looked back at the other side and saw a bronze statue a little further on. 

It was the Yasukuni Shrine. They were in the middle of a long, wide path that led to the worship hall. She also noticed that there were some figures standing near the Torii Gate. The white armband on his arm made it difficult for Hishamaru to remember. 

- That's right. I was taken from the Onmyoudou Dormitory to the Military police. 

She remembered the part where they put her in the car. But she didn't remember what happened after that. Probably, she was knocked unconscious by a spell and then detained. How much time has passed since then? 

- What a blunder. 

She bit her lip. Hishamaru managed to wriggle her tail free and glared at Debuchi again, but now was not the time to blame herself. Debuchi gave a wry smile at Hishamaru's attitude. 

“It's nice to be stared at by a beautiful woman, but I'll have to wait another three or four years. I don't like the way they look like that.” 

All right, Hishamaru told herself. 

This man didn’t like it. That was a good sign. He was not eager to make a show of force. It was the moment to find something better. If she lost heart, she’d miss her chance at a critical moment - a chance to escape, or to fight back. 

“What …  is this your hostage situation? Then it's useless. I'm not going to bring advantage to the enemy.” 

"You're very brave. You're more like a samurai than a onmyouji.” 

“What are you doing here, and is Dairenji Kenmyou  here too? What do you guys want?” 

She continued to frantically search for the spirit while bombarding him with questions one way or the other. 

She wasn’t sure of the time, but it didn't seem to be so deep as midnight. The reason there was no sign of people was probably because they have set up a barrier, just as they did in Nihonbashi. 

On the other hand, there was a disturbing presence at the Torii Gate, where the military policemen were located. The movement of the spiritual energy was unnatural. The divine gate was three rooms and three doors, all of which were open. Behind it, it seemed like some kind of magic ritual was being prepared. If that was the case, Dairenji must have been over there. 

The military policemen seemed to be the same ones who had barged into the Onmyoudou dormitory. But were they fake if they were working with Debuchi, who was supposedly lost from the military? Or were they controlling them with a spell? In any case, she knew they weren’t magicians from the moment they came to the Onmyoudou dormitory. If that was the case, it was conceivable that Debuchi and Dairenji were the only spellcasters. 

If that was the case, as long as she could defeat Dairenji, the rest could be dealt with as she was told that Debuchi was not a threat as a spellcaster. Some of the policemen may carry guns, but her body was robust. It could withstand about two rounds of a pistol, as long as she protected her vital points. It was also clear that Dairenji was a powerful spellcaster, but if he was about to go through a spellcasting ceremony, there was a good chance she'd have an opening. 

- Fufu …  I'm optimistic like Yakō -sama… 

This was what she had to do for now, explore all possibilities, examine and prepare for them. She will outwit the enemy's intentions. It was a shame that she was a prisoner, but it was also thanks to this that she has been able to jump into the enemy's arms. There was no way to miss this opportunity. 

Hishamaru's head was spinning with all her might. 

Debuchi, on the other hand, did not have an ounce of tension. He was blowing a cigarette. It's just … strangely enough, there's no gap. 

He was armed only with a single pistol hanging from his waist. His body looked sturdy, but he was not that well-built. To begin with, he was not young. By the looks of it, he was in his forties. As a soldier going to the battlefield, it could be said that he was already one step before Rotor. (*?) 

Nevertheless, it was because the light of his eyes was sharp that it was hard to find a gap and it was not possible to catch him off guard. 

Rather than a razor blade, it was a sword or a blunt. Or to put it another way, it was a wild look that seemed to strike the viewer like a battle axe. That gleam of light was what turned the overall dull impression into an upsetting and eerie one. 

As Hishamaru calmly observed, Debuchi once again gave a wry smile. 

“Yeah, don't stare. It's not a pleasant side to look at.” 

“Answer the question.” 

“Normally, the person who caught you is the one who asks questions, little girl. Well, I don't need to ask you a lot of questions right now.” 

Debuchi said and took a slow drag on his cigarette, but halfway through he seemed to have second thoughts. 

“ …  no.” 

He murmured quietly. 

“That's right. Just listen to this one, miss. Can Tsuchimikado Yakō  bring dead humans back to life?” 

“…” 

At the unexpected question, Hishamaru involuntarily closed her mouth and opened her eyes. She was genuinely surprised before the bargain. 

After a pause. 

“What…” 

And ate, and tried to continue on, stupidly, but couldn't get it out of his voice well. 

Then Debuchi, after checking Hishamaru's reaction with his usual keen eyes, easily averted his gaze, smoked a cigarette and spat it out. 

“I see …  There's a reason, but it's not possible.” 

"Ehhh.” 

“The "Nakifudouengi" is not a great thing, is it? I guess I'm not so good at that. Well, that's just like me.” 

Muttering like it didn't matter, Debuchi took the cigarette away from his mouth and maneuvered it out on the ground beneath his feet. 

Then he stood up, pulled out a box of cigarettes and puffed on a new one.  

- No way… 

“Is that the purpose? Dead humans…” 

Without answering, Debuchi rubbed the match, lit the cigarette and took a deep breath. Smoke drifted into the dimness, and the scent of harsh cigarettes irritated his nostrils. 

“I just wanted to ask you.” 

As if in a monologue, Debuchi blurts out. 

“What do the spirits who are enshrined in Yasukuni think in their stomachs …  Anyway, there are many acquaintances.” 

It was like mere talk, but also like revealing a secret great desire. To what extent he was joking and to what extent he was serious, she didn't know. But she understood that this was Debuchi. 

Besides, aside from the story that Abe no Seimei used the Taizan Fukun to the priest Miidera, what did Ashiya Doman mean? Of course, she knew the name. In the Heian period, he was said to have competed with Seimei in an art competition, the legendary Onmyouji. However, she didn't understand the context in which he was talking about it there and at that moment. 

However information is information. 

“ …  These weren't the words of the man who abandoned his subordinates two years ago and fled first.” 

At the moment, she was going to let the enemy talk. To that end, Hishamaru dared to say that to provoc him. 

But Debuchi had already lost interest in Hishamaru, and he was gazing into the void and blew the cigarette leisurely, as if his voice was deafening. 

There was no response. It was a difficult opponent to deal with. Then Hishamaru checked the restraints on her limbs again while Debuchi looked away. 

The spell on the noose was unique, something she’s never seen before. But she could understand how it worked. The mechanism of magic was regarded as a "technique" and interfered. Yakō 's imperial formula was not only a magic theory for creating new spells, but also a means for analyzing existing magic. Even if it was previously judged to be impossible to dispel, a new method could be found by applying the imperial theory. 

But it was then. 

The magical power burst at the shrine. Like a blast, a wave of spell power reached Hishamaru's side and blew through to their side. As if triggered by the spell power, flames ignited on the stone lanterns along the approach to the pathway, bobbing one after another. 

The fire of magic. It seems that he had performed the magic beforehand. Only, those flames were burning fiercely, popping out of the crater of the lantern grace and covering the shade. It was almost as if the magic had gone out of control. It was no longer a lantern, but rather an equal flame. 

The approach to the pathway, which had been dimly lit, was illuminated as intensely as midday. She could hear the military police who were waiting near the Torii Gate, dead in shock at the sudden change. 

Then a man approached Hishamaru and the others through the torii gate. 

He was a tall, slender, graceful man. Pale and slim, he reminded her of a weasel in some way. He was dressed in a priestly bandage. However, the fabric of the hug was mottled. What was it, Hishamaru thought, and goosebumps rose when she realized what it was. Bloodstains. Layers and layers of blood stains had dried to form patches. 

Unfortunately, there were no photos left and his face could not be identified. But there was no doubt it was this man, Dairenji Kenmyou , the heretical sorcerer that Yakō  had recognized. 

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Lt. Col. We're ready.” 

Dairenji tells him. His lips were as red as blood against the whiteness of his skin. 

“Oh. Let's do it.” 

Debuchi replies, still holding a cigarette in his mouth. He was as calm as if he was returning to work after a lunch break. This was the kind of attitude this man would have on a bullet-riddled battlefield, she supposed. 

“You want to bring back the dead? Evil spirits. Souls are not things that people like you can meddle without permission!” 

Stretching her neck, Hishamaru yelled at him. Then Dairenji chuckled in amusement. 

“That's terrible. You heard about my exchange with Yakō -dono, I'm sure you did. I'm not here for the dead. It's God.” 

Smiling, Dairenji said. The expression on his face was even innocent. The content of the dialogue and the bloody hug that he was wearing made the innocence coloured with extreme coloured madness. 

Hishamaru looks at him. 

“God? What the hell are you…” 

“Doesn't that ring a bell, just like Sōma ? It's a godsend.” 

Dairenji revealed it simply, as he had no intention of hiding it any longer. Hishamaru gulped. 

“Why…” 

“Yes? How do I know this? Well, two years ago, when we talked about the real power of the research facility, the Lt. Col. did a lot of research for us.” 

Dairenji glanced at his partner, but Debuchi just blew a cigarette with a blank expression on his face. 

“ … Why would you do that?” 

“Now you ask a strange question. It is not polite to ask those who wish to pursue a curse.” 

“Do you realize what a time we are in, a time of national importance, and yet here we are, in the middle of the Imperial City!” 

''I chose this place because of the convenience of the spiritual veins and the wishes of Lt. Col. Besides… if the spirits really live in Yasukuni, that's also convenient. My spell uses the soul as a praise. Yes,yes. I'm sorry, but I will use you as well. Your spirit is very beautiful. When it comes to Tsuchimikado's fox spirit, is it the streak of Kuzunoha? It's perfect for offering to God.” 

Horrifyingly, Dairenji had been serious in his praise. But if his words were true, then it was Hishamaru, not Yakō , who had forced the military police to break into the Onmyoudou Dormitory. 

-  …  No. This man's aim is still Yakō -sama. 

The fact that he beat Hishamaru must have had more meaning as a challenge to Yakō  than a compliment. As for the enemy's aim, Yakō  had said that it was a challenge. The Lord's discernment at that time was right. 

- But! 

Hishamaru let his whole body exert its strength. 

It was ten years too early for an outer law user to try to challenge the Onmyoudou sect. 

'' …  It was a mistake to bring me here.” 

Under her words, Hishamaru interfered with the spell of the rope that bound her limbs. 

She poured the scavenged spiritual power into the technique. In the process, she manipulated some of the magic formulas. She forcibly disrupted the spell. She caught the resulting momentary break and tore off the rope with all her strength. 

She jumped up and attacked Dairenji, who rolled his eyes at the rough technique. He didn't even have time to exhale, moving like a wild beast. 

However, Tsumi's surprise attack was blocked in the nick of time by a divine speed gunshot. (*?) 

There was a shock to her left shoulder, as if she had been struck as hard as with a hammer. More than the pain, the impact caused her pouncing motion to shift sideways. 

Dairenji fluttered at Hishamaru while she was being hit. At the same time, he took out a spell from his pocket and let go of it in a flash. 

"Bind the woman!” 

Immediately, energy erupted from the spell. 

Black energy, no, demonic energy. The sensation was familiar. It was the shadow demon she saw in Nihonbashi two years ago. The demon's energy clung to Hishamaru as she tried to shake it off, blocking her movements. ''Ku!?'' She jumped back and tried to distance herself, but he lifted her body into the air faster than she could kick the ground. Then it stiffened and formed a “shadow” in the shape of a person. 

After all, it was the shadow demon from that time. But now, instead of daring to form a "shape" with his arms, he lifted them up, entwining them with Hishamaru. Hishamaru shook with fear at the demonic atmosphere that covered his body. But what's even worse was that the flow of spell power was blocked again. Heused the same spell as the ropes that had restrained her earlier. 

She writhed as her freedom was taken from her, only to feel intense pain in her left shoulder where she had been shot. Her body was heavy as if she had been submerged in a swamp of mud. A fox protection was not working. 

- Damn it. This is…? 

“How is it? It's a demon that was purposely adjusted and prepared for you. There have been many beasts possessed in my hometown for a long time. I'm used to handling it.” 

Dairenji told her flatly and then turned to Debuchi and thanked him for his help. After saving his partner with a darting shot, Debuchi puts his gun back in its holster without a change in his face. 

“You're in a good mood.” 

“That's right! This is the game of a lifetime, remember?” 

“Okay. Well, then, let's get on with it.” 

Smoldering on his cigarette, Debuchi said, his voice sounding sleepy, depending on how you look at it. But Dairenji didn't care, he said, "Yeah!”, and began to return to the gate. Hishamaru moved further followed by the shadow demon. But unlike the rope, she couldn't find any clue to break the restraints on the shadow demon at all. 

“A dedicated demon for me? Is this guy insane?” 

She clenched her teeth, but that was a silly question. He's never been sane in the past. And then there's Debuchi. It's not that she meant to underestimate him, but she didn't expect that shot, and although Satsuki was also very good with a gun, he was no less than a match for him. 

The shadow demon clamped down on his body without mercy. Blood slowly spreads from the left shoulder to the arm and neck. But Hishamaru's intense pain conversely sharpened her consciousness and spurred her out of her fright. 

She couldn't imagine what exactly Dairenji had prepared for the “godsend”. 

It was clear that if she allowed the ritual, there would be damage to the surroundings. And the effects would undoubtedly spill over to the Onmyoudou Dormitory and then to Yakō  as well. Just because she was shot and detained, she couldn't just give up and leave it at that. 

- But what should I do? 

Dairenji kept looking forward with a light step. 

“You already know about Dairenjiism, don't you? I'm ashamed to say, but it's not Shinto at all, it's a stray religion started by my father. Nevertheless, there is an old and tiny shrine in the village where we, a school of people, have been fattening for generations. However, this shrine is a little unusual in that the deity of this shrine is officially Susanoo-no-Mikoto, but he is actually a demon.” 

Hishamaru's consciousness, which had been on the verge of being clouded by the word "ogre" headed towards it. However, Dairenji, who was in front of her, didn't pay attention to Hishamaru's reaction to begin with. He continued to speak. 

“I told you about Susanoo-no-Mikoto when I showed my face the other day, but there are some of the various faces of this god that I didn't list at the time. Namely, his face as “the great god of the land of roots”. A face as the “King of the Underworld”. There is a legend that the demon that was mentioned in our village also died and had difficulty. The legend says that he came to our village after our father fathered a child, and this point was especially emphasized. Naturally, since he was a demon, he was said to have gone on a rampage, but because of the characteristics of this area, Susano-no-Mikoto must have been chosen as the official deity of the festival. That's why our school's two main symbols are "death" and "demon" …  well, if you look at the magic I use, don't you understand it?” 

“ … ” 

“Of course, he’s been here for hundreds of years as a god of worship, even if only for a few hundred years. I should call him a demon god, not a demon. However, I wondered whether or not this would be the "god" that Yakō -dono advocated. In the first place, if we go by the theory of that time, our demon god might already be considered a part of Susano-no-Mikoto. And that's what you're limiting it to by means of a magic formula… Kukku. How many times do I have to remind myself that this is not an ordinary person's idea, Hishamaru-san, right? Your master is an utterly unworldly genius. I want to thank God that we were born in the same era. However, now, which “God” should I pray to?” 

While speaking Hishamaru's name, Dairenji still did not turn around. Alone, he shook his shoulders and laughed. 

With the shadow demon restraining her, Hishamaru was glaring at his back,  

“ …  this guy.'' 

Debuchi, walking next to him, opened his mouth. 

“He was a crazy bastard to begin with, but after he was exposed to Tsuchimikado Yakō 's curse, he went out of his element. It's a crime to be a genius, isn't it?” 

“Don't play around with me, you fool, and you want to pass on your answer to Yakō -sama!” 

“It's not like that. That's not what I'm talking about, it's just… observation.” 

Puffing on a cigarette, Debuchi grumbled. 

When Dairenji and the others arrived at the second bronze aviary, a group of military police who had been waiting - or rather, standing in the middle of the hall - came running up. When they saw the shadow demon, they paled a bit. Without paying any attention to their reactions, Debuchi called out to them, "Good work.” 

''Hold on a little longer. Soon, it will be over.” 

“What the hell do you think you're doing? Even if it's an order from above, you're not going to defile Yasukuni…” 

One of the military policemen, the captain, crowded Debuchi with a shout. Apparently, he wasn’t a fake and he wasn’t being manipulated. 

"You fool, get out of here now!” 

Immediately after he shouted, the shadow demon's shapeless arm extended, "Tsu!?," and Hishamaru's mouth was covered. 

The military police captain looked up at the shadow demon. Behind him, one of the members of the team let out a scream and backed away. 

Debuchi exhaled troublesomely. 

''Dairenji.'' 

“I already did the work, so just stick around.” 

“Then roll it down.” 

Dairenji said "yes, yes" and pulled out the spell, Hishamaru rampaged, but to no avail. 

The spell became a new shadow demon, a whirlwind that rushed around them. There was not a single pile of military policemen who had no spiritual resistance. All of them were hit by the strong demonic energy and fell into a coma without screaming. 

''Gu, mmm … '' 

“Don't mess around.” 

Debuchi said to Hishamaru, blowing a cigarette; Dairenji didn't look at the fallen men, but paced again. 

He dived under the second torii gate and passed through. 

Ahead of him was the central gate, and just behind it, he could see the hall of worship. There were cherry trees on both sides of the path. They were the famous "Yasukuni's Cherry Blossoms". The winter cherry blossoms with scattered leaves were stretching out their thin branches toward the night sky.  

And there was an altar on the ground between the central gate at the front and the torii gate at the back. 

It was a very simple structure. Branches of sakaki were set up at the four corners, and thin shimenawa ropes were tied around the four corners at knee level to form a square boundary. Two of the three sides were lined up on a table placed in the center of the room. On one side was a folded piece of paper. On the other was a cylindrical piece of porcelain with rounded corners. A tightly sealed jar with a lid. 

An urn. 

The wound on her shoulder was throbbing with pain. 

“No head to speak of being cut off, I'm afraid.” (*?) 

Hishamaru must have realized that she had guessed the identity of the object on which it was placed. 

“It's our deity. Maybe Yakō -dono wouldn't need such a spell, but I have no choice but to challenge him in my own way, you know.” 

Finally, Dairenji turned around and looked back at Hishamaru. 

She glanced around at the collumnes. 

“As you may have guessed, this is the demigod I am trying to bring down. Unfortunately, he has been known as Susano-no-Mikoto, so he doesn't have a name as a demon god. However, in the time of the demon, he was called Ootakemaru. Of course, you know the name, don't you? He is one of the most famous figures in Japan, along with Shiyuten-douji and Tamamo-no-mae. It's the perfect god for a straggler like me to unload, isn't it?” 

“You…” 

The shadow covering her mouth came off. Dairenji's face contorted into a squishy smile. He was smiling. But what a smile. 

“There's a word for “generation”, but a “demon” is something that consists of people. On the other hand, Yasukuni is said to have a gathering of “heroic spirits” made up of people. It's the proof that people can become various things through “death”. Now, then, can a person really become a “God”? At the very least, the owner of the bones in this urn was transformed from a man to an ogre, and then, after hundreds of years, to a god. I follow this path with a curse. The curse is different, but I will test the theory you advocate, Yakō -dono.” 

“…” 

Hishamaru was speechless. It's just as she felt earlier. It was insane. She didn't know if this man's soul was already on the other side of the shore, let alone in his body. It even felt like that. 

Debuchi let out a long, long puff of smoke, throwing away his cigarette and stamping it out with the sole of his shoe, and Dairenji chuckled and said. 

“Lt. Col.? It's a sanctuary, you know?” 

“Shut up. I don't want to hear bullshit. Get started quickly.” 

“Okay, okay, then.” 

Dairenji brushed his shoulders and motioned with his gaze to the shadow demon that had stunned the military police and moved them to Debuchi's side. 

“I'll leave you with one of them. Well, if it looks like you're in trouble, please run.” 

“Don't worry about it. Of course I do.” 

Debuchi replied curtly; Dairenji's red lips twisted into a grin, and he reached one hand into his pocket and flipped it wide as he pulled something out. 

Scattered on the ground were more than a dozen spells of shadow demons. It seemed to be the rest of the marks. Hishamaru's eyes glazed over, but Dairenji didn't invoke the magic on the spot, but rather stepped over the rope and entered the boundary he had set up. 

“You…“ 

Hishamaru resisted death. 

Yes, she pretended to. 

She didn't care about the bloodshed on her left shoulder, but rather she dared to show it off. Frankly speaking, no matter how much you try to resist now, you can't stand up to it; this shadow demon, made just for Hishamaru, has her completely contained. 

However, she hasn't given up. If she had come this far, she would only seek life in death. The aim was in the middle of the Dairenji ritual. The shadow demon seemed to be moving almost by its own willfulness, but even so, if the master concentrated on the ritual, its movements would slow down. It should slow down. Dairenji said he was going to offer Hishamaru to the gods, but he must find an opening before then. 

A foothold was also laid for this. 

After the master entered the ward, the shadow demon holding Hishamaru up, also crossed the ward rope. Just before that, Hishamaru, who had continued to flail about at the moment of Debuchi's blind spot with the shadow demon's body, wriggled even harder. 

She shook her head, gaining momentum and sending the tip of the hair to her hand. She quickly catched it with her fingertips and quickly pulled a thread of her hair out and dropped it. 

Immediately after that, Hishamaru was completely brought inside the barrier. 

Checked out with the corner of her eye. Debuchi, who remained outside the barrier, looked down at his hand to light the next cigarette. He didn't notice Hishamaru's crafting earlier. However, with the spell power sealed off in the first place, she couldn't even make use of this little trick. From there on, she'd have to rely on luck. She could only pray to God… but now, in front of her, a new "god" may be born. When she thought about it, she felt nostalgic again. 

Dairenji stood in front of the desk, ready to leave Hishamaru's resolve at the door. 

He broke the seal of the urn with great vigor and took off the lid, so that the inside of the urn could not be seen from Hishamaru's position. However, the moment Dairenji removed the lid, the old spirit energy drifted out gently. 

Like a gas with a heavy specific gravity, the spirit energy overflowed from the jar, dripped onto the desk, and then fell to the ground, spreading underfoot. Moreover, its momentum gradually became more and more intense. It was as if he was gradually "awakening". 

The spiritual energy gradually increased in concentration, half covering the ground like a liquid. However, it didn't cross the boundary, but stayed inside and began to increase its bulk little by little. 

“Kuku”, Dairenji let out a small laugh, seemingly unable to bear it. But he quickly stretched out his chest, straightened up, and picked up a folded piece of paper, this time on three sides. 

It is a ritual used for ceremonies. Spread it out and took a deep breath. 

“In the presence of the demon god, Dairenji's Kenmyou , are awe-inspiring.” (*?) 

A cheery voice. The chanting of the celebratory words began. 

Spiritual energy rose from Dairenji's entire body, and a strong and sure spell power went around. With that alone, one could see the height of Dairenji's ability as a spellcaster. Also, in response to the celebratory words filled with spell power, the spiritual energy that was filling up the ward wavered and began to grow. 

Hishamaru had experienced the spellcraft rituals related to the “gods” at the “Taizan Fukun Festival” with Yakō , but with Dairenji had not. But Dairenji's ritual was something else entirely. It was different. Two shadow demons inside and outside of the ward fought with each other vocally, and an inexplicable chill passed through Hishamaru's body. 

- This is…  

It was not good. Her soul felt this way. Her heart was telling her not to give up until the end. But at that moment, Hishamaru couldn't stay in the first place. 

- Yakō -sama. 


Her heart was hammered by her childhood friend, a young man. 

It was then. 

“Hishamaru!” 

She thought she was mishearing, but Hishamaru's fox ears were pinging, as if to express her delight. 

He stretches out strongly and picks up his voice. 

Hishamaru looked up, shaking out her hair, and Debuchi glared at him. Beyond the Torii Gate, an Onmyoji driving through the snow and wind came running straight down the night sky, lit by the same fire. 

Part 3 

It reminded him of something Kakugyouki had said as he was leaving his side. He said that he had thought of something in "Possession". 

So did the old man in front of him. 

But it was different from Dairenji. 

It was obvious that the body he was relying on had already ceased to function. But what was far more important was the body that was being possessed. It wasn’t a living spirit, nor was it a dead spirit. In the first place, it was not something that could be called a "person". 

On the other hand, it was definitely different from God, or at least from the "God" proposed by Yakō . If he had to say it was a demon, it would be the same as Kakugyouki. However, there was some resistance to calling it an "ogre". It is an exception to the rule. A demon on the verge of becoming a "god". To be more precise, it was a "god-like" demon that dared to stay on the verge of becoming a god, and thus separated not the hidden world but the present world. 

“I see. This is…” 

This was the spirit of Aramitama, the onmyouji, Ashiya Doman. 

Yakō  had no doubt at all that this spirit was a spirit that, like Kakugyouki, had been around for a thousand years. 

“ …  Ashiya Doman? What's the joke in that?” 

Satsuki said. However, his voice sounded more like he was asking what the joke was about, or that he hoped it was some kind of joke. To be honest, Yakō  felt similarly. 

Right now, Doman has entered his office and was looking around curiously. Looking at his gestures alone, he looked like a mere old man with a lot of curiosity. However, just being in the same room as him, a cold sweat melted away. The old man had perfect control over his own spiritual energy, not letting out even the slightest bit of it. And yet, he was able to feel the terrifying spiritual power inside of him without any reason. 

In response to Satsuki's statement, the "mere old man" said: 

“Ho” 

He laughed again. 

“If you want to think this is a joke, that's fine, Sōma 's young chief. My very existence is half a joke, you know.” 

His pleasant manner of response was frightening and unfathomable. After all, he was "that" Ashiya Doman, the grand onmyouji who was said to be the arch-enemy of Abe no Seimei, the founder of the Tsuchimikado. In other words, to Doman, the young man in front of him was the youngest of the avengers. Yakō  wasn't bold enough to not be nervous about this. 

But fortunately, he didn't sense any hostility or harm from Doman. Most importantly, there was the fact that Kakugyouki had brought him along as a “guest”. To begin with, he had been told about him by Kakugyouki in the past. Yakō  himself had hoped that someday we would be able to see each other like this. 

However, he never imagined that this would happen under such circumstances. 

“ … Doman-dono. Or would it be better to call you “Hoshi”? 

“Ho-ho. You mean that sign? You can call me whatever you like. I'm here tonight to talk to you about that and my unworthy disciple. I would like to talk with the Lord at leisure, but let's get right to it.” 

Sign. And with the word "Hoshi", Satsuki finally figured it out. This old man in front of him was the one who created the "The Sign of the Priest" two years ago. 

And the "unworthy disciple", he meant. 

“Then I'll take your word for it and be frank. Was Dairenji Kenmyou  a student of yours?” 

When he asked him outright, Satsuki peeled his eyes away before Doman did. 

Doman amusedly turned the staff in his hand. 

“Correct. You have a very interesting line. I've worked with him a few times in the past. It was only in the fall of two years ago that he began to follow me around and ask me to be his apprentice. Apparently, he's been inspired by it somewhere. He's become greedy like a changed person.” 

“At present, he and I are hostile to each other, and you are already aware of that?” 

“He told me.” 

And Doman pointed at Kakugyouki with the tip of his staff. Kakugyouki, who had his back to the wall, gave a little snort of huff. 

“It's a delightful story. It is amusing to see Seimei's youngest son and my disciple fighting each other in this day and age. When he finds out, he will sigh in distress. Hohoho.” 

Doman laughs merrily. Indeed, it was a cause that Seimei would drop one of his sighs. But for now, he was concentrating on what's in front of him. 

“Don't you want to get involved?” 

“Outrageous. I know it's a sight to behold, but I had no intention of getting involved in a fight with a child.” 

"… isn't that your signature move?” 

“Ho-ho. The demon is saying something. You haven't shown any hospitality to your guests.” 

Kakugyouki's spear was answered by Doman with a hawk. Yakō  gazed and ordered the shikigami to wait. Kakugyouki shook his head. 

“First of all, he's already using my mark. It would not be fair. Moreover, the object he is taking from the village is the body I have sealed up. His apprentice is allowed to be a little mischievous, but it is unacceptable that he fought to clear his name and won. It's boring.” 

As if it was perfectly natural, Doman said one thing. 

The dead man's face was not moving at all, but his face was frowning loudly. Is this what the spirit of Aramitama was all about? Or was Doman unique? Yakō  felt both nervous and excited, as if he was seeing the "lively god" up close, which could only be described in a myth. 

“Well, it's awkward to pick up now, but at least I'm thinking of giving the Lord a "win". I went all the way.” 

“… A win, huh?” 

“Umu.” 

Doman’s forehead was grim and he was smiling, but in the next moment he suddenly turned and showed his back to Yakō . 

Moreover, he started walking straight to the door. 

Yakō  couldn't help but say, "What? He shouted. 

Doman said: 

“To tell you the truth. I came down here to see if I could show you his tricks, but now I've seen the Lord and I've changed my mind. I see no need for that. I can understand why Kenmyou  is so eager to take on the challenge. But it's too small to challenge, well, that's just what he has to do.” 

Muttering sarcastically, Doman was alone in his euphoria, while Yakō  tried desperately to hide his confusion, "Hoshi?” There was a hint of impatience in his voice as he asked. 

Leaving an upset Yakō , Doman finally left the office and walked into the hallway. 

Then, with his back turned” 

“Yasukuni Shrine.” 

“Eh? -  Oh.” 

Yakō 's eyes light up as he realizes the meaning of the line. 

Finally, Doman looked back over his shoulder. 

“Another time.” 

And then he simply left. 

The meeting lasted only a few minutes. Still, he found himself badly worn out. 

“ … What the hell was that?” 

“As much as I would like to talk with him about "that", we have other priorities now.” 

Yakō  summoned up all his strength and told Kakugyouki. 

“Let's go. Dairenji and the others are going to Yasukuni Shrine.” 

 

Something unusual has been seen in the spirit phase of the atmosphere. A rather large scale ceremony was taking place. Yakō  immediately saw that it was the kind of thing that summoned a “god”. 

“Don't tell me, is it god possession?” 

The area around Yasukuni Shrine has been warded off. It was much larger than two years ago. The spell fire burning from the stone lantern was like a wildfire when viewed from above. The heat and smoke could be felt all the way to the sky. 

However, the source of the anomaly was further back, towards the worship hall. It was beyond the Torii gate. He threw a glance at it. By the second torii gate, a large number of people were lying on the ground. They were all in military uniform. They must have been the same unit that took Hishamaru away and disappeared. 

The movement quickened. He looked further ahead. 

He saw a barrier to keep people out, an altar for magical ceremonies and a man in a bandage who chanted at the altar. And, "Hishamaru!". 

Hishamaru looked up, shaking her long hair out of her head, half buried in a black fog-like substance. She was safe. The question was met. His expression glowed. But the enemy was holding her captive. In addition to the one restraining Hishamaru, there was another one outside the warding. 

Yakō  rushed in from above the enemy's head without leaving a trace. 

A gunshot popped. 

The horse’s legs were in disarray, and he controlled Yukikaze as he clicked his tongue. The side of the barrier. A man in military uniform was pointing a gun at them. It was Lt. Col. Debuchi. 

"Dairenji - we have a visitor!” 

Debuchi yelled behind him as he held his muzzle up. Dairenji, who had his back to the Torii gate and was reading the ritual text in a single-minded manner, quickly paid his right hand to the side without breaking the chanting of the spell. 

Just outside the altar, more than a dozen shadow demons rose from the ground in one fell swoop. It seemed that they had placed the spell in advance. However, no matter how many talismans there are, summoning so many demons all at once while daring to conduct a ritual was unusual. In conjunction with this, the military police who had collapsed on the side of the torii gate screamed in pain. 

“I see. That guy…” 

The spirit bodies of the lying men were being sucked into the shadow demons. They fed on the souls of others to strengthen. It was a technique known as "praise”. However, it usually used a large beast or a dead spirit that had lost its ego. Although it is still an abhorred spell, it was still considered an outside law, but it must not use a living person as your praise - even if it is the most “effective”. It was an evil law, just like the one in the painting. 

“Kakugyouki, evacuate the bodies of the military police below.” 

“It’s too late.” 

“Ah.” 

When he commanded again strongly, Kakugyouki appeared next to the white horse, who was running in the sky. He dropped straight to the ground. He landed on the ground and immediately went to work. 

Meanwhile some of the shadow demons that had emerged changed shape further and grew wings. They spread their wings and flapped their wings several times, finally separating their feet from the ground. They soared into the air. It smelled like alcohol. Yakō  tightened the reins on Yukikaze. 

 

“We need to free the military police from the evil law before their spirit bodies completely dry up. I don't want to take it easy at all, and I don't intend to put it out.” 

“Hokuto, exterminate these evil demons!” 

A golden light evaded and the dragon of Tsuchimikado manifested in the sky. When the dragon spotted the approaching winged shadow demon, it frowned with a really unpleasant look on its face. He didn't know if it remembered what happened two years ago or not, but it still seemed to find the shadow demon as annoying as ever. Immediately, it followed Yakō 's orders and leapt at the shadow demons. 

Nevertheless, he knew from two years ago that the shadow demons strengthened by praise were formidable opponents even for Hokuto. Even though they were man-made, they were a subspecies of demons that radiated real demonic energy. With all his strength, Hokuto ran across the night sky in all directions. The golden scales reflected the flames on the ground, drawing a stardust-like trail. The skies above immediately became a dragon battlefield, and the dragon energy pressured the atmosphere. 

Yakō  maneuvered the snow and wind to lower his altitude. A snow breeze fell on the side of the second torii gate. Now the remaining shadow demons on the ground approached, diving through the divine gate. 

Yakō  revealed a fierce smile. 

A strong, glorious spirit energy evaded, and a mighty spiritual force ate up the bite. Under the bronze torii gate, Yakō  tied a sword seal with his right hand and cut a curse seal in the air towards the approaching shadow demons. 

The five basestones. 

“Ban un taraku kiriku aku! With the spiritual energy of yin and yang and the five elements, I will strike down the evil spirits!” 

The curse mark emitted a tremendous glow, illuminating the darkness that made up the shadow demon. There was no comparison to the dancing fire around. 

It was like a small sun. It was as if every shadow demon's feet were pushed back against a thick wall. 

It was forcibly stopped. The shadow body was damaged by the light, and the image of the whole body was violently disturbed. 

“Noumaku samandabodan abiraunken!” 

The mantra of Taizou Dainichinyorai. 

“Namasamanda bodanan karon bigiranahan so ushunisha sowaka!” 

The mantra of the venerable buddha, said to be the most victorious and strongest. If he was watching the battle, he would be happy to see the battle with his own eyes. The three spells of light cast in rapid succession were all super advanced spells that even the top onmyouji and monks could not half-heartedly handle. To deploy three of them almost simultaneously would be nothing short of an immense technique, a divine feat. 

However, even so, the shadow demon still did not reach the point of extinction. On the contrary, after enduring the initial shock, it sluggishly moved forward in a violent light that couldn't be seen directly. After all, it was a “demon”. From a magical point of view, the shadow demons that Dairenji used were also top-notch magic. 

Yakō  held one of the spells between his fingers and held it to the heavens. Yakō  transformed the yin-water aura of the dragon in wood aura, then in lighting aura through the incantation. 

“Nine days of thunder, the universal god!” (translated from chinese) 

It was the highest ranking thunder god in Taoism, the Thunder Emperor. 

Moreover, the thunder that was based on the dragon's energy was the very same as the hammer that the dragon god used to strike down in the ancient times, the "divine sound", from heaven to earth. 

The pure white blade of light that split the world in half, roared out an explosive sound and struck down the shadow demons. 

The lightning and thunder would have echoed throughout the imperial capital. When the darkness chased by the light came back, all the shadow demons approaching Yakō  were burned down. And it wasn't just the shadow demons on the ground. Even the shadow demons that had been fighting with Hokuto in the air were collateral damage from the powerful spell, and half of them had disappeared. Even Hokuto, who had been diverted by its own dragon aura, was surprised, and its long body was bristling with amazement. 

With this, there were only two shadow demons left on earth. As expected of Yakō , he was breathing heavily, but his fighting spirit did not waver in the slightest. It was only natural. First of all, there should not be even a moment of time to stand still until Hishamaru was retrieved. 

Yakō  took the reins of Yukikaze once more. 

At that moment, he felt an inexplicable chill and threw his eyes to the back of the open Torii gate. 

A simple altar tied on all sides with a shroud of rope. Within it, a strange spiritual energy filled the air. Already, Dairenji was immersed in that spirituality up to his head, and while shaking the hem of his hug, he was chanting endlessly. And next to that, Hisamaru, who was detained. She was being held up by the shadow demon, but the spirit energy was closing in on her chin. 

Hishamaru's line of sight crossed Yakō 's line of sight. “ Yakō -sama” on her lips, which were about to sink, spun words. 

''Kuu!?'' 

The mind went blank. Before he could think, his body was moving. He drove Yukikaze and rushed to the torii gate. 

However. 

“Don't get close! One minute is enough.” 

Following Debuchi's instructions, one of the remaining shadow demons stood in front of the altar. 

Yakō  abandoned the spell he was about to prepare. He tried to find a new method, but if it was a spell that would work on the shadow demon, it could harm Hishamaru, who was right behind him. Ignore the shadow demon and undo the spell only on that ward first. But how? While he was stepping on the ground, Hishamaru was sinking into the spiritual energy. The scene further deprived Yakō  of his calm thoughts. 

But then. 

“Go!” 

The other side of the altar. In the direction of the middle torii gate, a powerful spiritual aura arose. The spirit aura went around the altar and attacked the shadow demon from the side. 

An armoured warrior who had turned into a ghostly demon; it was Sōma 's guardian, Yase Doji. 

It was the sound of an engine that came too late. It was a military motorcycle. The rider, Satsuki, had rushed over to chase after Yakō , who had flown away from the Onmyou Dormitory in a snowstorm. He seems to have pried open the south gate and ridden into the temple grounds. He jumped off the bike and drew his gun as he ran to the altar, not even turning around as the body fell and skidded to the side. 

Debuchi throws away the cigarette and turns around with agile movements. However, blocking the way, Yase Doji appeared. Debuchi fired a shot at him. Yase Doji was hit and his image was momentarily disrupted, but otherwise he didn't budge. 

As Debuchi stopped, Satsuki ran up to him and aimed the gun at him. 

“Don't move, Debuchi - it's a dead end!” 

Debuchi looked at the muzzle of the gun, killing his expression, but eventually he placed the pistol in his hand on the ground and raised his hands lazily. 

The shadow demon that had been blocking his path was almost disfigured by the Yase Doji that Satsuki had unleashed. Yakō  rushed to the altar and dismounted from Yukikaze as he tumbled down, trying to break the spell as quickly as possible while reading off the barrier techniques. 

However, Yakō 's expression had barely changed since he was blocked by the shadow demon. Burned by intense frustration, he was one step away from losing himself. 

“… Damn, the spiritual pressure in the barrier is too high. This is … !?” 

He had already tried dozens of techniques, but the spiritual aura that had accumulated within the barrier was too heavy anyway. Honestly, he’s never had this kind of responsive spirit aura before. There was no way to predict what kind of response he would get if he did anything. In fact, even the wards that Dairenji would have put up were being affected by the spiritual aura trapped within, causing the magic formula to be transformed. If it was done poorly, even Dairenji himself might not be able to break the spell anymore. 

Dairenji was still chanting. 

Inside the barrier that has become a tank of spiritual energy, Hishamaru sinked her entire body into the strange spiritual energy and spined incantations as if she was spitting bubbles. She was extremely immersed in it and didn't even understand what's happening to her, let alone the changes around her - or maybe she was not at the stage where she cared about such things. She could have been bounced and mixed in the spirit and turned into something else, no matter what the spell was. 

Finally, Hishamaru was about to be swallowed by the layer of spiritual energy that had accumulated. 

The shadow demon that was detaining Hishamaru was now almost dissolved by the spiritual energy and was about to become one with it. However, it seems that the detention was still not loose. Hishamaru was trying to stretch her neck out to face above the layer of spirituality, but it was almost impossible to do so now. Her consciousness was also cloudy. 

Hishamaru's expression was painfully distorted. The expression on her face was more painful than anything else, and irritated Yakō . 

The only remaining means was to cast a spell from the outside and forcibly break the barrier. But this was the amount of spiritual pressure. It was impossible to break the warding with half-hearted spellcraft. And if he was going to unleash a technique big enough to break the result, Hishamaru inside would not be able to do so for free. 

Satsuki gritted his teeth. 

“Hey, Debuchi.” 

He yells at him, but Debuchi replies blankly, "It's no use.” 

“I can't touch it. You know that much.” 

Debuchi was right. Even Dairenji was in a dubious situation, but there was no way Debuchi could handle it, and Yakō 's frustration reached an extreme. Gasp, he unintentionally strikes with his fist, and his fist was burned by the warding. 

The tremor that Yakō  had struck reached Hishamaru through the layers of ward, and Hishamaru opened her eyes and stretched her neck as if to wring out the last of her strength. 

”Nawa … Kami … !” 

“Hishamaru?!” 

Yakō  looked up and called out her name like he was going to bite her. But that's when Hishamaru's power finally gave out, and her body sank completely into the spirit, sparks flying in Yakō 's mind. Nawa. Kami. A hunch came to him, and he threw himself to the ground and crawled over to stare at the rope connecting the wards. 

Then he found it. 

A rope connecting the four sides of the barrier. On one side of the rope, there was a long, thin, single strand of hair, drawn or pulled back, that was Hishamaru's head of hair. 

Since ancient times, it has been said that a woman's hair had the spiritual power of that person. And the fox's possessed, spiritual hair passed over Shimenawa was thin and secretly slamming inside and outside of the entanglement. It was just a small needle hole in a strong dam. 

But it was enough to set Yakō  on fire. 

Yakō  instantly built up a long and complex art form in his mind. Brittle, he tightened his grip on Hishamaru's hair with both hands and closed his eyes. 

He chanted an improvised spell in one breath. 

Then he pulled out Hishamaru's hair without a trace. 

The thick sound shook the night air and the shimenawa flew off. At the same time, the spiritual energy that had accumulated inside the barrier flooded out like an avalanche. 

 

After a coughing, Hishamaru breathed poorly as fresh air flowed into her lungs. The lingering scent of death terrified her, and she jittered and moved her limbs. Then the rampaging body tightened tighter and tighter. 

Her mind stiffened faster than her body at the restraint again. But the restraints were warm. It was painfully strong, yet its strength was comfortable. With a twitch, the fox's ears moved slightly. “U…”. 

“Hishamaru!” 

Hishamaru's consciousness was awakened by the voice in her ears. She opened her eyes and saw Yakō 's face surprisingly close to her, looking at Hishamaru with a face full of childlike relief and joy. 

Reflexively, she blushed. 

“Completely reckless, but I'm not done with it yet, I'm afraid. In fact, I think it's just the beginning.” 

Behind Yakō , Kakugyouki said as Hishamaru came to herself and remembered the situation at the same time. 

Before she knew it, Hishamaru had been moved to the bottom of the torii gate. As she lay there, she was held by Yakō , who had prostrated himself on one knee, and Kakugyouki was holding her. Kakugyouki, for some reason, grabbed Yakō  by the back collar. 

- I see. This guy is fast. 

Although she was unconscious, she could still remember the moment the warding was broken. The surrounding spiritual energy, which had been compressed, was released all at once in an outward direction. Perhaps it was Yakō , who had read Hishamaru's message, who pulled out the hair contraption. That's exactly what happened, without even thinking about what happened afterwards, and without regard for his own safety. 

Then Yakō  took Hishamaru in his arms from the collapsed ward, and when Hishamaru was about to be swallowed up by the rush of spiritual energy, Kakugyouki, who had rushed to the scene, dragged her out of the ward and forcibly evacuated her. 

However… 

- Production? 

Hishamaru looked back at the altar. 

Then, she looked as if the corners of her eyes were about to split open. 

Immediately next to it, a huge pillar of spirit stood on the altar where Hisamaru was trapped until just before. The pillar was thick and divine, as if it was supporting the heavens. 

In the light, a figure could be seen, it was Dairenji, whose back they saw. But his feet were not on the ground. He was floating about one meter above the ground. It continued to rise slightly. 

Around the area, the spirit energy that had gained freedom drifted around the pillars, dancing around them. In a corner of the Yasukuni Shrine grounds, a completely different divine area had been born. As proof of this, the winter cherry blossoms, which should have withered a moment ago, were in full bloom. The white petals in full bloom were fluttering in the air as if they were enticed by the spiritual energy. It was like a dream. 

" Yakō , get down!” 

She heard Satsuki's shout from behind. When he had moved, he had retreated across from the second torii gate, and by Satsuki's side were the four Yase Doji. Only two of them were supposed to have been summoned, but all of the guardians had been exposed, as if they had judged that their master was in danger. 

“Hishamaru, can you stand up?” 

Asked Yakō . 

They stood up together, lending a hand. The shoulder that had been shot hurt. Yakō  noticed the wound and quickly put a healing spell on it. Hishamaru mouthed a thank you, but while doing so, her gaze could not look away from the pillar of spiritual energy. 

And then… 

It was sudden. Dairenji twisted his body around to face her. When she thought their eyes met, a shock that she had never experienced before went through Hishamaru. 

Immediately afterwards, the pillar of light exploded. There was no sound, no trembling, just the spirit energy moving away. Cherry blossom petals scattered all at once. ''Tsk.'' Kakugyouki clicked his tongue, and once again leapt backwards with Yakō  and Hishamaru in his arms. 

Kakugyouki landed beside Satsuki and the Yase Doji, lowering Yakō  and Hishamaru to the ground. Hishamaru staggered for a moment, but quickly got to her feet and stood firm. 

When she looked up, the pillar of spiritual energy had completely disappeared. Beyond the open divine gate, only the fallen sakaki branches, shredded and thrown up shimenawa were left on the ground. However, even though the pillars had disappeared, their spiritual energy was still present. 

Hishamaru raised her gaze. Through the open doorway to the gabled roof of the divine gate. There, Dairenji stood. 

He had one foot on the top of the building, looking down at them in imitation. The petals of the cherry blossoms soar up to the top of the shrine gate, swimming behind him as if to congratulate him in the inaudible language of the gods. 

“But… was that really Dairenji? The mottled hug was torn, and his right arm and shoulder were bared. Against the dark night sky, his skin was as white as marble. The crow's hat was already gone, and his hair, cut at the top of his neck, was disheveled. The eyes were darker, and the lips were even redder and more disastrous than before. 

And the forehead. 

A pair of long, thick, heavily twisted horns stretched out as Kakugyouki bared his fangs. 

“Hey Yakō , it's just my imagination, it looks a bit like a dead acquaintance.” Kakugyouki said, but it was Hishamaru, not Yakō , who replied to Kakugyouki. 

“Ootakemaru.” 

Kakugyouki looked at his partner as if he hadn't expected to hear that name from Hishamaru and was caught off guard. 

Yakō  assured him, “that's not it”. 

“That's Dairenji’s religion god. Dairenji took down the “god”.” 

Part 4 

There is no doubt it will bite. The question is, how will they bite? 

Would they welcome it with open arms? I doubt it. I don't think he'll honestly show his gratitude, no matter how much he's asking for it by the throat. On the contrary, they might even show reluctance. After all, the other party is a hardcore old family, the most prestigious of the prestigious families. They are a thousand year old Onmyoudou family. 

Not to mention the fact that the new head of the family is a 20 years old, young man. Moreover, it is said that he is a genius whose talent was recognized at a young age. 

It is said that he has never been out of the countryside, but he must have been treated like a flower or a butterfly, and raised like a jewel in the hand. The same young chief, though, is not quite the same as someone else; Kurahashi says he's not as stupid as he seems to be, but even so, he must have some problems that make it impossible for him to say so publicly, as he often mumbles about them. 

One day, the young man is suddenly visited by a young man. A mysterious family member who has been hiding in the cabinet of the Kanto region, a messenger from the unknown clan, appears to the young man and whispers to him. “I will install you as the head of the now-defunct Onmyoudou. I will give you the glory of the past.” 

Or maybe he'll get really angry. You lowly wretch, I'm going to tell you to keep your mouth shut. Come to think of it, the other side would have been noblemen too. Even though they had fallen, they would still be noble. 

Nevertheless, any man will still do what he does. As long as his talent is genuine, it doesn't matter what his personality is. The point is, it's just a matter of being good at what I do. I just want to separate myself from the elders. I need to draw them to my hand as my pawns, not my clan. That's the only thing that matters. 

To do that, I will first get into the bosom of the other side. Lift it up, make it insult me, and get it within arm's reach. The trick is to find out exactly where the other side's greed is. There is no doubt that they will bite. The key is to find out exactly where their greed is, and how they will bite you. 

So. 

"I'm sorry you came so far from home, but I cautiously decline. Lieutenant. I beg you to leave now.” 

The bypassing of the question was also mind-blowing. 

And then, even more bypassing, I finally realized that I was. 

That I, in fact, had been expecting it. Walking the path of onmyoudou together with a genius child in a similar position and at a similar age. Such a future. 

 

It was hard to believe that he was Dairenji Kenmyou . Even if his spellcasting skills were poor, Satsuki had a talent for seeing demons. That's why he could understand how “different” he was. It wasn’t just a different person. 

And the inhuman one is now engaged in a fierce battle with Yakō  and the others. 

“Hishamaru, get back! Kakugyouki!” 

“Tss… I don’t have any more!” 

" Yakō -sama, I'm going to…” 

“Don’t… Hokuto!” 

Yakō  was continuously exercising a tremendous number of spellcasting techniques that could not be compared to when he took on the shadow demon. 

The spells flying through the air turned into flames and thunderstorms, and then into arrows and contraptions, attacking Dairenji. 

The one-armed demon revealed his true nature, sprouting horns, fangs, and raising a gunfight as it raced across the land. Overhead, a golden dragon, its power swollen and swollen on its long body, gallops across the night sky. 

And a fox-possessed, borrowing a white horse, was desperately supporting the main fighting force, the Onmyouji, the demon and the dragon. 

It was a battle in which Sōma  Satsuki witnessed the true power of Tsuchimikado Yakō . Different dimensions. 

That was why it was almost as hard to believe that Yakō  was the same "person" as Dairenji was not a "person". 

But it didn't work for Dairenji. It literally didn't "work". One after another, the elbow-deep secrets and profound techniques that were unleashed could inevitably break the spiritual energy floating around him, spiritual energy that swayed with movements that seemed even elegant. On the contrary, the tremendous spiritual energy emitted by him was transmitting its every move to them with tremendous pressure. 

It was a spiritual pressure that was unbelievable and unworldly. 

Was that “divine power”? It was not Dairenji. That was already a nameless demon god. 

That demon god manipulated the atmosphere. He created storms, called tornadoes, and hunted down Yakō  and his friends by removing sparks of fire. All of them were tinged with the spirit of the demon god. There was no way they could compete with him. 

Satsuki also ordered Yase Doji to join the war. However, they were hit by the enemy's divine power and could not even attack. It wasn't that Yase Doji were lacking in strength. It was that Satsuki, their master, didn't have enough power to make them show their true value. Everything was out of the ordinary. It felt like they were thrown into a myth, or worse, a nightmare. 

Satsuki and the others, and Yakō  and the others, had already retreated from the front of the torii gate, and were being pushed further down the path. They were almost in a one-sided defensive position. 

Nonetheless, Yakō  did not give up. He grit his teeth and kept fighting. And finally. 

“Okay. Hishamaru, Kakugyouki, get back!” 

At the master’s command, Hishamaru and Kakugyouki quickly split off to the left and right to clear the path, and then Yakō  and the demon god faced each other on the pathway. Yakō  was spewing out a seemingly infinite amount of spiritual power, which was hard to believe after unleashing so much magic. 

The fingers of both hands danced and tied a hand seal. It was tied to the Great Dokugou Seal. 

“On kirikushuchiribikiri tadanouun sarabashatorodashaya satanbayasatanbaya sohatasohatasowaka onshuchiri kyararoha unkensowaka!” 

Yakō 's concocted spell power spread out in all directions. It was poured into the spell fire that scorched the stone lanterns on the pathway. The dancing fire flared up all at once like firewood and became a pillar of fire that pierced the heavens. They made use of the magic left behind by the enemy. The pillar of fire grew up and was sucked into the night sky. In that night sky, the golden dragon traced with its body a huge five-pointed star curse mark that shone in the night sky. 

Then, from the spell seal that sucked in the pillar of fire, a mighty and incomparable spell technique descended on the demon god's head, as if the bottom of the heavens had fallen out. 

A great spell technique in esoteric Buddhism. It was a great virtue law, where one prays Daiitokumy? for the conciliation of a grudged enemy. Yakō  performed the spell with no preparation at all, and he did it while the battle was raging. And the power of the incantation that emerged was more powerful and vicious than any spellcasting technique Sakuki had ever seen or heard of. 

Over the defenseless demon god's head, Yakō  unleashed Daiitokumy? great virtue. 

How long did it last? The next thing he knew, the curse markings in the sky above him had disappeared, and the stone lantern grace fire had been extinguished for the most part. Only a few lanterns, like weaving fire, remained burning in a trickle. 

And then… 

Cherry blossom petals fluttered as they rode on the spiritual energy. 

Once again, the demon god was standing unperturbed, just as he was before. He didn't know how effective it was, or even if it worked in the first place. Even if he tried to guess what it was, it was all too much in another dimension. 

Yakō  bent down on one knee and breathed heavily on his shoulder. He stared at the demigod in the form of Daurenji and made an edgy gesture, then laughed bitterly. 

“… Amazing.'' 

And very frankly, he murmured. 

The two guardians, who had avoided the side, quickly gathered to their master. 

“Ya, Yakō -sama!?” 

“Haha …  to be honest, I was confident that I could finish him off now, even if the other guy was the real Ootakemaru… I don't know what kind of technique the Dairenji used to define “god”, but that one… it looks like that demon god really has Susano-no-Mikoto mixed in with it. Well, that one hasn't woken up yet… or doesn't seem to be properly connected, but it's probably just a matter of time. It's finally getting to be a dire situation.” 

Satsuki was at the edge of the path. Still, he could hear Yakō 's voice. 

“ Yakō ! Retreat!” 

Satsuki shouted loudly and Yakō  turned around. 

“There's no point in continuing to fight a battle that couldn't be won, let's step back!” 

Yakō  stared at Satsuki, who shouted for retreat. It must not be Satsuki's misunderstanding that his eyes were a little confused. 

However, Yakō  shook his head. 

“It no use.” 

“Don't talk back to me! That's an order!” 

“I can't.” 

“Why?” 

“As an onmyouji, I can't just let it sit there.” 

Said clearly Yakō . 

He did not expect such a reply. As an Onmyouji. Satsuki couldn't understand what the meaning of that was. Satsuki was a spellcaster, but he wasn't an onmyouji, and the excuses Yakō  uttered were no better than playful words. 

However, he knew that those words were important to Yakō . 

He couldn't move this guy. When he first met him, it seemed like he was simply rejected. 

His head was hot. On the contrary, the blood drained from his limbs and felt like ice. “Then…” 

“Do what you want. He tried to spit it out.” 

He was an ordinary man after all. He couldn't be bothered with all this nonsense. He couldn't be a martyr to the end of a battle he knew was going to lose. Come to think of it, Debuchi had also disappeared before he knew it. Sensitive to see the opportunity. In the end, it is men like that who survive. Wasn’t he the smartest of all? 

He didn't care about the Onmyoudou either. He didn't care about “God” anymore. He couldn't take this anymore. 

Yakō 's face changed color. He looked at the demigod and exclaimed, “Satsuki!” 

Satsuki could also be caught, so look at the demon. 

In front of him, the demon shook his arm toward Satsuki. 

A thunderbolt flashed. The roar and impact blows away Satsuki's body. 

Just before his consciousness went dark, there was a thud, a feeling on his back. It was Yase Doji. It seems that the one in the form of the submissive woman turned behind him to catch him as he was blown away. And in front of him. The three remaining faithful guardians were protecting the Lord as a shield. 

One of them. The helmeted armoured warrior standing in the centre was directly hit by the lightning released by the demon god. A mere blow. Satsuki was speechless as he peeled his eyes away, his left half of his body disappearing. 

An armored warrior wearing a helmet. About that Yase Doji, Satsuki didn't even know his name. However, he should have known Satsuki from the time he was born, as he has been serving the head of Sōma  for generations. 

Yase Doji, who lost his half body, turned around over his shoulder while violently disturbing the image of his whole body. He turned his face towards Satsuki. Under the old helmet, it can be seen the already decayed ghost's face. 

And then it disappeared. 

The spiritual energy of the Yase Doji dissipates like crumbling sand. The guardianship that had been loyal for hundreds of years was now done with its role. 

Satsuki was stunned into a state of self-destruction. 

Meanwhile, Yakō  and the others rushed to Satsuki's side as he was struck by lightning, keeping the demigod's movements in check. “Satsuki - are you okay?” 

Yakō  yells at Satsuki. But Satsuki couldn't even reply. His mind and body were paralyzed by the shock, which was different from the demon god's lightning strike. 

“Listen. I'm not out of moves yet. We're going to change our approach. Instead of surrendering with force, we will calm the gods with harmony. It can be seen that Dairenji's consciousness has already been completely swallowed up and lost. If that's the case, then it's already a disaster - like a forest fire. I will extinguish it with a spell.” 

“… how?” 

Requiem? You're lukewarm. I'll take the lead on this one. He's the seed Sōma  left behind, if you follow the main story. “God”? Excellent. I'll show the real “God” to the defective demon god. 

He shook off the arms of the Yase Doji and stood up on his own feet. He stared at the demon god, leaving the sniveling Yakō  to stare at Dairenji. 

“You can keep that requiem spell ready for me. I'm not so sure about it either, but if I can trust you with the reins, at least I'll feel better about it. All you have to think about is beating up Dairenji, that's all you have to do.” 

Hearing that much, even Yakō  seemed to have figured out what Satsuki was trying to do. His eyes were black and white, “That's absurd!” he shouted. 

“You're putting down Masakado, aren't you? Are you suggesting that we hit “God” with “God”?” 

“I've mastered the art of summoning Lord Masakado, the Sōma 's secret art. But when it comes to getting Masakado in my body, I won't be able to do it alone. I'd like to leave the rest to you after I call on him.” 

"Don't be silly - how can you do that without being prepared?” 

“Isn't improvisation your thing? It's perfect if you're even prepared to give a requiem.” 

It was fun to be called “reckless” by Yakō , even in times like these. The anger that was bubbling up was still there, and he felt as good at it as he did when he was a kid. 

“I know it's crazy, but I know better than to calm him down. He was treated as a hateful bandit, but he was once the guardian deity of Edo. I assure you that you're a spiritual test.” 

“This is one of Japan's greatest spirits. You can't control it.” 

“I can.” 

“Hey.” 

“Make Masakado the “guardian god”, you should specify it by the technique.” 

“…” 

Yakō  bit his lip. Satsuki watched in amusement as his face was slowly filled with determination. 

That was it. Yakō  was sitting in the seat of the head of the Onmyoudou dormitory, which he refused very easily. Satsuki sat down Yakō . It went through a completely different process than he had originally imagined, but by seriously facing and dating, he moved this man. 

For example, at this very moment. 

Maybe they were a good match. 

Of course, it might have been his imagination. 

“ Yakō -sama…” 

Hishamaru and Kakugyouki watched the exchange, keeping an eye on the demon god. The three remaining Yase Doji were also protecting their master and were waiting for his orders. Only the dragon dancing above their heads was threatening the demon gods, as if the people and the guardians were not in his eyes. 

Eventually 

“For crying out loud …  I knew I shouldn't have taken the Onmyoudou head position!” 

Yakō  blurted out, turning from Satsuki to the demon god. He was tired and pale, but his expression was clear of hesitation. 

“I'd like to go with the “Tenchyuu Chi Fusai”, but as expected, it's impossible to do it now. Let's improvise “Taizan Fukun Sai”… I'll do what I have to do, and then it's up to the gods to do it.” 

That was a fitting way to end this debacle. 

Satsuki stepped forward with a broad grin, and Yakō  stepped behind him, quickly raising his arms and placing his palms on Satsuki's back. 

Hishamaru and Kakugyouki, the three Yase Doji, lined up as shields to protect their masters. 

Dairenji, where the demon gods reside, gazed intently at them. 

As if numbed, the dragon above him shot up. 

Satsuki focused his consciousness and began to call out, deep and far, to his own ancestor spirit. 

 

That night. The two gods that landed in the Garden of Heroes, each dwelling on a white blade, cut each of them together just once. The vivid sparks that flew around then must be the sure sign that the gods were present in that place. 

And then, with that momentary moment burned into this world, the gods returned to the place where they had been. 

One blade broke off, and one blade remained. The remaining blade, after a flash, settled into the scabbard it had sought out itself. 

The heroic spirits simply watched the night's sword dance in silence. 

Part 5 

When he woke up, Satsuki was lying in bed. 

It was daylight. He could feel the winter chill, but not as much as the chill of the night. 

Apparently he had slept for more than half a day. The boots had been taken off, but the deteriorated uniform was the same as last night. Every part of his body ached from the outside and inside, and he couldn't feel any strength. He felt like he's been crushed by formalin. 

Ah… and a muddy bite. Then something fluffy emerged from the pillow, right next to his face. For a moment he thought it was a bug, but it was not. It was a small piece of paper, about the size of a fingertip. 

It was a thick cross, with only the head cut into a triangle, and it was an old-fashioned shape called a doll. The doll emerged and staggered away from Satsuki, wobbling in the air, and Satsuki followed the departing doll with his eyes, still barely awake. 

Then he moved his head slightly to examine his current location. 

He couldn't think of anything, but when he heard the chanting of an incantation coming from somewhere, he finally got an idea of where it was. It was the medical office of the Onmyoudou dormitory. There, he was apparently lying on one of the cots that have been apologetically installed there. 

“…” 

In a haze of consciousness, Satsuki closed his eyes once and breathed in slowly. His body ached all over. But there didn't seem to be any missing limbs, broken bones, or major trauma. Also, if he turned his attention to the spirituality around him, he could see that Yase Doji and the others were waiting by his side, as usual. The number of them was also one less than yesterday. 

In other words, it wasn't a dream. 

“… Did it work?” 

And then, looking at the ceiling, he smiled to himself. 

There was a reply. 

“Surely? You can't go well with a muddy rope like that.” 

It was Yakō  who came into the room. It had only been one night, but he felt as if he hadn't seen him in a long time. He was followed by Hishamaru. She looked unhappy, perhaps because of his imagination. She still looked good, so he thought it was out of place for a beautiful woman.” 

It reminded him of the doll from earlier. That doll was probably the one that went to report that Satsuki was awake. In other words, Yakō  had been waiting for him to wake up. 

“It was terrible, right? It was more than half a coincidence that I didn't run away, and it's almost a miracle that I managed to get it settled. Well, I think it was good that it was really a moment. It's kind of like a deception.” 

Yakō  pulled the chair to the side of the bed and sat down. 

Hishamaru was behind him. 

“But I must tell you, I'm not going to do it again. I shudder to think of such a daredevil, even now.” 

“I know that. I agree with you.” 

Yakō  replied. This seems to have been squeezed a lot even while Satsuki was sleeping after things were done. However, that fact was probably the best proof that Satsuki and the others "survived"? Satsuki and the others survived that phase of despair when they faced off against the “god”. 

"Masakado is…” 

His voice was snatched. Satsuki asks weakly, and Yakō  gave a bitter smile mixed with his own tide. 

“I'm sorry to Lord Masakado for calling that a "descent". But I'm sure that Satsuki touched the public. Thanks to that, everyone was saved. Thank you. You made the right decision back then. Well, I suppose I can't help but think that there are consequences.” 

“Yeah, well…” 

Satsuki replied sledge and then threw his gaze back on the ceiling. 

The ancestral spirit, Taira no Masakado. He was possessed by the god. For the first time, Satsuki put his hand, no, his fingertips on Sōma 's millennial wish. 

However, he didn't feel much sense of accomplishment. That was the honest impression. Was it because the consciousness was still unclear? This must have been a sequelae of the god. 

Anyway, he was alive. 

He couldn't think of anything more than that. And wasn't that surprisingly "normal"? 

Satsuki laid back and breathed slowly. The silence of the infirmary and the silence of the three of them combined to create an empty, quiet moment that enveloped Satsuki softly. It was almost as if time had slowed down, but when he thought about it, it's been years since he's been able to rest his mind like this, to just let time pass without doing anything. 

Or maybe this was also the influence of God's descent, as he remembered Yakō  said, God is omnipresent throughout time. God spends “eternity”. If Satsuki was still influenced by that feeling… 

Eventually, Yakō  opened his mouth. With a renewed gesture, he called out, “Satsuki” and set time in motion. 

“I just got a call from Colonel Satake just now. The Imperial Conference has ended. The war has begun. It's a new war. We're probably going to be very busy, too.” 

Yakō  tried his best to keep his emotions out of it and told him in a matter-of-fact manner. Hishamaru’s expression was also riding in the back. He knew it. But he was praying until the end. 

Yakō  told them that the future was just around the corner, the near future. But Satsuki listened to the future, as if it were someone else's life. 

From somewhere in the distance, the chanting of an incantation could be heard. Was it a celebration? Satsuki closed his eyes, wondering to which god it was a celebration. Again, he murmured, "I see.” 

December 1, 1941. 

It was a week later that Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. 



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