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Tokyo Ravens - Volume 4 - Chapter 1.1




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Chapter 1 - Star Raid 

In front of me was a group of unfamiliar faces of a similar age as mine. That person was in there, I thought, my expression inquiring. 
Actually, I didn't care at all, nor could I possibly care. It was just that this person was definitely panicked right now, and I really wanted to laugh and mock that stupid appearance. 
Strangely, I found that person without much trouble. 
The moment our gazes crossed-- 
Part 1 
The cherry blossoms were in bloom, dyeing Shibuya Street in pink colors of spring. 
It was a nice spring day, with a sweet smell vaguely floating in the air. The big city that was normally bustling and uninteresting was now unusually at ease, an atmosphere that could only be experienced in this time. 
"This is probably what's called the joys of spring." Tsuchimikado Harutora spoke cheerfully as he walked on the familiar road. 
This place was the road to the Onmyouji cultivation facility - the Onmyou Academy. On the road his gaze slightly rose, looking at the cherry blossoms blooming along the road. The wind blew from time to time, and petals would float off the branches accordingly, lightly dancing in the wind. That image was as if the cherry blossoms were frolicking elegantly, enjoying the spring day's light. 
The extremely elegant Yoshino [1] cherry blossoms had drops of red amidst pure white. In comparison, Harutora wore a dark bluish-black Onmyou Academy uniform that resembled Heian-era imperial clothing. He hadn't been used to wearing the Onmyou Academy uniform in the beginning, but now he was already completely suited to it. 
"I thought a place like Tokyo would be noisy and crowded and that we wouldn't feel the seasons changing at all...... But it's not actually like that. Not only are there more parks, there's green everywhere if you pay close attention." 
"It's just unfortunate that it's all green planted by humans." Ato Touji who walked by his side replied to Harutora's feelings, his words ironic, showing his unique style. Touji wore the same uniform as Harutora and had a bandanna tied around his forehead, freely tying back his long hair. Even if his tone was tart, Touji's gaze was actually pointed towards the cherry blossoms over his head as well, but instead of saying that he was appreciative, it was better to say that the scene seemed like the cherry blossoms naturally drew in his gaze. 
"Don't be that bothersome. Even if it's a city, it's still cherry blossoms that are blooming." Harutora spoke, smiling happily. 
Harutora liked the spring, perhaps because his name contained the character for spring [2] , and also because the weather was pleasant and felt good. In particular, this year's spring was the first that he welcomed after coming to Tokyo, so it was full of even more refreshing feelings. 
But to be honest, it wasn't just because of the coming of spring that Harutora's mood was this lively. 
"Harutora! You'll be late if you don't hurry up." 
The girl who was walking ahead of them turned around, warning the leisurely strolling pair of boys behind her. 
When the girl turned around, the pink ribbon tying her long hair whipped around accordingly, her hair flying towards the petals in the air. The petals performed a soundless dance, as if inviting the black hair to dance together. 
"How long do you plan on being excited for, even though you successfully advanced to the second year? The entrance ceremony is going to be held today once we arrive at the academy, so don't even think about showing off by being late in front of the new students." Impatience was written all over the girl's face as she sternly told him off. 
The girl's childishness had never completely receded, and she showed a shy presence and an androgynous charm. Her clear eyes gave off a firm light, making her charm even clearer. She was a beautiful girl; however, she was wearing the same black uniform as Harutora and Touji, a male uniform. The girl was bound by 'family tradition', and passed her days as a male while hiding the fact that she was a female. 
She had been born in a famous Onmyoudou family and was the next heir of the Tsuchimikado - Tsuchimikado Natsume. She and the branch family son Harutora were childhood friends, as well as the girl he regarded as his master - as he was a shikigami, also following 'family tradition'. 
"Also, did you perhaps forget how appalling your grades were as soon as you rose to the second year? Frankly, you don't have the leisure to get excited right now. You should be feeling a strong sense of crisis instead." Natsume furrowed her brows, her hands crossed over her slim waist. 
Only Harutora and Touji knew the fact that Natsume was a girl. They glanced at each other after hearing Natsume's proclamation. 
"Hah...... Harutora, did you hear that? The main family's genius won't give up, she's still trying to ask that a branch family member like you get grades that won't shame the Tsuchimikado name." 
"Yeah...... Natsume really is different from others. She was classmates with me for half a year and she can still hold on to that kind of hope." 
"Should that be called idealism or delusion?" 
"No no no, you should say she just has a superhumanly firm will." 
"She just hasn't seen reality clearly." 
"Nonsense, it's not like it's completely impossible." 
"......You two......" In a huff, Natsume angrily stared at the two who had gotten carried away. The eyebrows that had been raised before now trembled slightly. 
"Don't ask too much of him, Natsume. It's not that Harutora doesn't have any self-awareness, but his level was originally about the same as an outsider and he entered the nation's premier Onmyou Academy half a year late. He barely managed to pass the advancement exam, and today he can finally advance officially, so you can't blame him for being a bit excited." Touji took the opportunity to leisurely intervene. 
"Hey Touji, what does that mean, I thought you transferred into the Onmyou Academy halfway like me." 
"I 'advanced' to the second year, which brings a different level of emotion than 'finally being able to succeed in advancing' to the second year like you. It's like how a drama is more fascinating with a twisting plot." 
"Huh? Is, is that true? I even feel a bit embarrassed when you say it like that." 
"......Tch......How worthy, Harutora. I didn't expect you to use that move." 
"What are you saying?" 
Touji put on a self-derisive smile, clicking his tongue regretfully. Harutora stood still blankly upon seeing this, confused and unable to comprehend. Natsume listened to their exchange from the side, helplessly sighing. "Bakatora." After she muttered that, she smiled. 
"But......" 
"Yeah?" 
"Things really got interesting. I never thought that such a serious incident would happen the day of the exam." Natsume spoke, her expression revealing seriousness and a bit of bitterness. Seeing Natsume's expression and hearing those words, Harutora also unconsciously straightened his back. 
After a while, "......That's true." Touji also expressed agreement, once again moving his legs that had stopped at some point. "After all, it was just a simple practical exam, but ended up in a 'Type-Chimera' spiritual disaster attack and the Twelve Divine Generals. We got involved in a spiritual disaster terrorist attack, and in the end even the famous Ashiya Doman also came out to make trouble." 
"Yeah, thinking of all of that, it's really unbelievable......" 
"Also--" 
"Also?" 
"A stupid little oni came out." 
Touji grinned ironically at the inquisitive Harutora, and Harutora immediately returned the same smile to his friend. 
Harutora and the others' advancement exam - the practical exam that had been held about a month earlier. The contents of the exam had been to purify a manmade spiritual disaster, but at the same time, Yakou fanatics had used magic to unleash terrorist attacks all over Tokyo, and therefore both the Onmyou Academy and the Onmyou Agency had all fallen into chaos. 
What's more, the after-effects left in Touji's body that he had received from coming in contact with a spiritual disaster - the after-effects left by a spiritual disaster in the past - had broken out again, and the oni sleeping deeply inside his body - the 'Type-Ogre' spiritual disaster - broke through the seal and became active, even leading to him showing signs of spiritual disaster transformation. 
After that, they had clashed with the member of the National First-Class Onmyouji - known as the Twelve Divine Generals - who had originally come to purify the spiritual disaster, causing simmering tensions. Then, Natsume had agreed to the Exorcist Bureau's request and headed out to assist the purification of the mobile spiritual disasters. One of the spiritual disasters escaped, and Natsume, Harutora, Touji, and others were forced to face it themselves and deal with the dangerous situation on their own. It was really a frenzied day. 
"......I feel like that day was worth more than the half-year of living at the Onmyou Academy." Touji spoke calmly, shrugging his shoulders. 
In the end, the spiritual disasters had finally been purified right as the government was about to announce that they were entering a state of emergency. It was all over the news for a few days after the incident ended because it had created such a big effect. 
Since that incident, Touji hadn't been simply sealing the oni inside his body. Rather, he had accepted someone's guidance and was learning how to use the oni instead. His homeroom teacher Ohtomo and the instructors who had once been exorcists were responsible for teaching him and proctoring him for practical exams. 
"......There will be more and more practical skills curriculum when the second year starts, so it'll be shameful if you don't control it well." 
"If I truly can't control it, I don't think shame will be enough to deal with the problems." 
Harutora couldn't help but smile wryly upon hearing Touji's response. 

Harutora hadn't slacked off in training his practical skills either. As a shikigami, he had to protect his master Natsume, and he didn't think he could overcome the obstacles ahead if he didn't put in solid hard work. 
"In any case, Natsume, compared to when we entered, we and Touji have all grown quite a bit, don't you think so? I'm not too sure what the content of the second-year practical skills curriculum will be, but in any case, we'll take it one step at a time, so you don't have to worry." Harutora put his hands behind his head, raising his head to look at the cherry blossoms and speaking leisurely. 
Natsume shook her head helplessly, but those eyes that looked at her childhood friend with poor grades were tender and couldn't conceal her joy. Even if she complained, she understood more than anyone how seriously Harutora was working and how hard he persevered. It was just unfortunate that his results were still unsatisfying. 
"Let me first warn you, Harutora, no matter how much practical skills curriculum the second year has, it doesn't mean there won't be any lectures at all. Especially since we'll be studying more specialized material since there's less time for lecture, the curriculum from before will practically be nothing in comparison." 
"Huh? Is it going to become that hard?' 
"Right. Don't think that you won't have to worry about the second year if you can just clear the practical skills - that way of thinking is hugely mistaken." 
"I, I didn't think that......" 
It seemed that he really had such ideas in his heart. Natsume's expression was concerned as she looked at the panicked Harutora. 
"Practical skills, huh......" Touji murmured. "I also thought that at least they wouldn't be as boring as lectures...... But honestly, it seems that no matter how proficient you are in the practical skills you learn in school, it won't be of much use when you go outside." 
"That's not the case. What nonsense are you saying, Touji?" Natsume's almond eyes opened wide, her gaze turning to Touji. "The Onmyou Academy is the springboard for specialized Onmyouji, and almost all of the students immediately become qualified once they graduate and become specialized Onmyouji. There are even specialized Onmyouji who especially come to the Onmyou Academy to take the third year classes. The practical skills curriculum in particular is frighteningly difficult." 
Touji's casual remark led Natsume to rebuke him agitatedly. Harutora, who listened to those words from the side, marveled in admiration, nodding his head. 
Truthfully, the Onmyou Academy had a long history of fostering quite a bit of excellent talent, and could be described as the premier Onmyouji cultivation institution in the nation. Among the national governing body of magic, there was a far higher proportion of Onmyou Academy graduates than from other pipelines. 
"That's for a normal specialized Onmyouji......" Touji cast a knowing look in the direction of the surprise Natsume. "Once you encounter a legendary Onmyouji, it doesn't matter how good your grades are." 
"That......" Natsume had nothing to reply with for a while, and Harutora also muttered: "That old man......" and frowned. 
The three of them all happened to think of the final scene of the incident a while back. After purifying the Nue - the 'Type-Chimera' spiritual disaster - a black limousine had appeared from the shadows in front of Harutora and the others. The old man in the limousine had spoken to the three of them, and then announced his name after Natsume questioned him. At the time, the old man had announced that his name was Ashiya Doman. 
The Tsuchimikado family that Harutora and Natsume were born to had been active since the Heian era, and the uniquely great Onmyouji Abe no Seimei was the family's ancestor. Ashiya Doman was purported to be Abe no Seimei's rival Onmyouji. From Harutora, Natsume, and Touji's point of view, he was a legendary person. 
"......To think he said his name, what exactly is that old man scheming......" 
"Is he really the original?" 
"B, Bakatora! The original - how could he be the original, Ashiya Doman was a person from the Heian era." 
"Normally it wouldn't be possible, but......" 
"But even in the modern era, there are monsters like the Twelve Divine Generals running amok, so that old man isn't necessarily...... You can't deny that kind of possibility, right?" 
"Those people aren't really at the level of running amok......" Natsume had originally wanted to rebuke Touji's speculations, but unfortunately she spoke softly. Though he had left a strong impression on them, they knew nothing about that man. 
Harutora furrowed his brows, crossing his arms. 
"Hey, Natsume, the Onmyou Agency hasn't explained what kind of person that old man is, right?" 
"Yeah...... I asked Kurahashi-san to contact them and checked with the Onmyou Agency a few times, but Kogure-san and even that Mystical Investigator named Hirata refused to speak about the situation in detail......" 
"Maybe the Onmyou Agency doesn't have a hold of much information." Touji said. Natsume tightened her lips, nodding her head. 
"It's not like that's impossible. We can only say for certain that he's an Onmyouji active behind the scenes, and...... He's extraordinarily powerful." 
Natsume had been labeled a genius in the Onmyou Academy, but honestly, she was just a student and couldn't be fully independent. Even if she understood that the opponent's power couldn't be estimated, she could only rely on blind guesses as for how 'powerful' he was. 
"In any case, never mind whether he's the real person or a fake, that person should probably know that you two are Tsuchimikados - the descendants of Abe no Seimei. If he knows, yet deliberately appeared before us announcing his name as Ashiya Doman, then it looks like things won't end so easily. He'll definitely make more trouble in the future." Touji spoke with a serious gaze. 
"............" 
"Of course, that person couldn't possibly not know that Natsume might be Tsuchimikado Yakou's reincarnation." 
"......Probably." Natsume replied bitterly. 
Tsuchimikado Yakou had been the head of the Tsuchimikado family during the Pacific War era, and was the originator of the Imperial Onmyoudou that was the basis of the current officially used magic General Onmyoudou. In other words, he could be called the father of modern magic, a genius practitioner. On the other hand, because of a certain failed magic rite that he performed, he was also the culprit who had brought about the frequent spiritual disasters. 
According to outside 'rumors', Natsume was Tsuchimikado Yakou's reincarnation. Natsume herself was unsure of its truth, but she suffered from the rumors and there were often insane Yakou fanatics trying to approach her. It was also to protect Natsume that Harutora didn't dare to slack off in his hard work. 
"Some day, I might need to match magic with Ashiya Doman - like my ancestor. Just thinking about it gives me chills." Natsume spoke with a forced relaxation. 
Honestly, the opponent was a first-class practitioner. If he truly tried something, Natsume and the others would be helpless to contend. The only thing they could count on was the organization they belonged to...... At best, they could only rely on the Onmyou Academy coming forward to help. 
"......Yeah, whatever - don't think about it too much!" 
Harutora shouted, grinning at the two people behind him. "It's troublesome, but thinking your brain to pieces is no use. We should just focus on what we can do right now." Harutora spoke cheerfully, not sounding forced at all. Natsume and Touji both showed complex expressions, both silent for a while. 
Just then, a cherry blossom petal danced lightly with the wind, quietly landing on Harutora's head. Touji suddenly eased up, a wry smile spilling onto his mouth. 
"......The cherry blossoms really suit you, Harutora." 
"Huh? Wh, What are you saying?" 
"Like a field of flowers or a flower-viewing party." 
Faced with his good friend's teasing analogy, Harutora blinked blankly with the petal on his head. 
Natsume finally relaxed, smiling wryly and saying: "......That's true, it's no use to think too much." 
Even if they couldn't become negligent out of optimism, there was no meaning in losing their outlook because of pessimism. It was better to conquer the challenges before them than become anxious or even give up because of things that were meaningless or those that they could do nothing about. 
"Ah, hold on! Right now isn't the time to chat about such things!" 
"What's wrong, Natsume, you don't have to get that tense, right?" 
"Bakatora! You have to be tense! We'll be late if this drags on!" 
Natsume cried out, hurriedly breaking into a run. "Huh?" Harutora took out his phone to check the time, and his face went stiff accordingly. At the same time, Touji had already chased behind Natsume a step ahead of him. 
"Wait for me, Natsume! Touji!" 
"Oh no! We're going to be late on the first day of the new term!" 
"......We should just skip the entrance ceremony entirely." 
"No! How can a Tsuchimikado family member be late to or deliberately not attend the serious ceremony......" 
"Well, Harutora's already managed to fail tests and get after-school tutoring." 
Natsume didn't have the energy to rebuke Touji's teasing, running on the cherry blossom-lined road with a changed expression. Touji ran behind her and Harutora chased after the two of them. 
The spring light was bright. 
The three of them didn't know that the end of spring was inside the Onmyou Academy, waiting for the three of them with a full smile. 



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