Volume 5 Chapter 4-2 Naoshi ／ Going To Tokyo III： The Three In Temporary Housing
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Ho? What’s wrong, you unprepared? Exorcists are basically non-political, don’t you know.”
Exorcists are raised with “national protection” as one of their core ideals. The premise is that their power exists to safeguard the human world here in Japan. By nature, their political leanings tend toward conservatism, but they’re also acutely aware of the dangers of getting too close to politics due to past history.
During the previous war, patriotism was loudly expressed among exorcists just as it was in the general populace. A highly influenced segment of the youth actively cooperated with the military. The result? Continued involvement in the US super-soldier program until today and the postwar dismantling of the Bureau of Onmyō by GHQ. Countless other tragedies that cannot be openly spoken of. Only after reaching that point was the widespread understanding accepted that bringing an exorcist’s power into human conflicts—between countries—leads only to ruin.
”Especially for Yuki-kun’s position, just meeting can become a topic.”
”It seems you want a study session with that in mind.”
”Well, it’s quite earnest; Japan’s future is bright.”
But once the heat of the moment passes, people tend to forget, especially if they’re not directly involved. Yukinojo grimaces at Naoshi’s words, which seem devoid of real feeling.
”It’s not such an extreme story, after all. I think we’ll be able to talk about it soon.”
Naoshi shrugged at Yukinojo’s words and answered,
”I pray that it’s worth bothering you with this story, nano.”
”I’m not so busy either. How about we walk a bit and talk?”
”Of course, let’s go see the garden.”
”I don’t think it can compare to your family home, though.”
”You’re modest, huh? But bigger isn’t always better with this kind of thing.”
Yukinojo’s words were true, and indeed, modest. Realistically, in terms of scale, Osaka’s Kazuramichi or the Shiun family’s gardens are more impressive. But having a residence within the 23 wards of Tokyo like this is no easy feat.
The leading Japanese garden is also well cared for.
”How was it? This is—”
”It’s tougher than I thought. Honestly, even without any landmarks, I don’t know where a big shot might appear, but they do it.”
While each gazed at their respective gardens, the young men known as the strongest in Kanto and Kansai continued their conversation in voices barely audible to each other’s ears.
”According to the Bureau of Onmyō statistics, there are still some biases… Well, you’re right.”
”It’s the spirit of constantly being in the battlefields; that tension is what trains the practitioners of the East.”
”That might be true. On the other hand, opportunities to fight Great Youkai are scarce.”
”But they grow quickly, and the upper elements of Intermediate Youkai──eventually the semi-Great Youkai, right? Those are appearing accordingly, aren’t they?”
”Do you understand?”
”I can feel it on my skin, quite a dangerous atmosphere──how about that area?”
”There are no major omens, apparently. But recently, it’s been a bit noisy. I wish we could have welcomed it in a calmer environment.”
”It’s not like I’m here for sightseeing, anyway. It’ll be good experience for both of you.”
”In that case, it was worth inviting me.”
Standing by the pond, two splendid koi, red and white, perhaps sensing feeding time, approached leisurely.
”Still, it’s a bit suspicious that it’s mostly just youma.”
Naoshi, watching the gracefully twisting koi, speaks.
”Yes. We’ve been investigating that as well…”
The term ‘youma’ is quite recent. It’s a somewhat rough classification for monstrous ayakashi not present in legends or urban legends, with common traits such as aggressiveness toward humans, high intelligence, and an intense obsession with lust. There are many ayakashi that attack humans, but among them, there are tendencies and characteristics that stand out, and classifications are made based on those. Although no Great Youkai youma have been confirmed so far—
”In our area, the rumors are gradually surfacing, though—”
”It’s the same here, or rather, this is probably the real deal. It is not far off; it is predicted that the Great Youkai will appear.”
”I wish they’d go easy on us; those guys are too grotesque.”
”I agree; and they’re quite cunning. Their evaluation might change eventually.”
”Is the Great Barrier affecting this after all?”
”I wonder. It seems that even in remote areas, they are not nonexistent, so it might be one of the factors…”
”Well, investigating that is the job of the Bureau of Onmyō.”
”Yes. Anyway, I’ve compiled all the data I could gather, so please take it as a souvenir if you’d like.”
”Oh, is that okay?”
”Yes, it’s a request from the Commander of the Ku-kan. If you’re passing it on to Kansai, it would be best to do so through you.”
”Sorry about that. Well, I’ll gladly accept those words. While I’m here, you can use at least that much of the fee.”
”If I can borrow the power of an exorcist like you, it’s a bargain.”
”Yuki-kun, you’re quite good at flattery.”
”It’s the truth.”
”There must be others like me around here, right?”
”Well, it depends. Nowadays, I think there’s probably only one or two at most.”
With calm and straightforward words that also showed strong pride, Yukinojo’s words made Naoshi smile faintly.
”That’s an honor. Well then, I have to eliminate everyone besides Yuki-kun as soon as possible.”
”That will happen, especially while you’re still here.”
With a calm yet powerful voice, Japan’s strongest exorcist declared this.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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