Volume 1 Chapter 26 Encounter IV – Answer My Question, Wolf
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”──Hey, Naoshi, what a coincidence!”
The beautiful young man raised his right hand, which was wearing a black glove, and greeted with a slightly raspy voice.
He wore a black high-neck shirt, a dark suit, and a classic-style trench coat, with 2 swords hanging at his waist.
He was about the same height as Naoshi, maybe in the late 170s cm range.
His black hair was cut above his shoulders and styled asymmetrically, with the right bangs long enough to cover his eye, and a single strand of hair next to his ear braided and hanging down.
His pale skin highlighted his gentle, androgynous beauty and a beauty mark under his left eye.
”What kinda coincidence’s that? What you want, Itsuki?”
”That’s a bit harsh for a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Isn’t this a normal greeting?”
Naoshi’s sharp words seemed to roll off Itsuki’s back as he laughed it off.
”Hmph, I ain’t got no friends who ain’t been to the bathroom with me. And, well, you’re still overprotected, ain’t ya?”
Naoshi looked Itsuki up and down and snorted.
Focusing on the spirit energy (reiki), he could see that Itsuki was wearing powerful cursed tools, as if he were heading into battle.
Their shine was almost blinding.
”I think so too, but better safe than sorry. So, who is that cute girl over there? Your girlfriend?”
”Yes, that’s right.”
”──Wait, Suzuri-chan?”
When Naoshi turned to the girl who quickly agreed, she averted her gaze with a calm expression.
”Aren’t I your girlfriend?”
”If we allow such lawlessness, the world’s gonna be full of relationship accidents and violence.”
”The chance of being stabbed without me doing anything is pretty high.”
”The top candidate for stabbing says that? Sounds like a warning of a crime.”
”Wait, do you think that about me?!”
A soft, elegant laugh echoed in the hallway.
Suzuri, who seemed ready to bite back at Naoshi, turned her face toward Itsuki, and the young man, covering his mouth with his hand, lightly bowed his head.
”Sorry, I just thought you two were close.”
”Why you laughin’? … Sigh, this is Shiun-san and her eldest daughter, Suzuri-chan. I’m trainin’ her right now. Suzuri-chan, this here’s Mibu Itsuki from Shiga.”
”Oh, so the story about Naoshi taking a student hostage was true.”
”That’s a nasty thing to say.”
”Isn’t it true? Nice to meet you again, Suzuri-san. I’m Mibu Itsuki.”
With a friendly smile, Itsuki extended his right hand, now gloveless.
It was a smile that gave a refreshing impression, completely different from the bitter expression of Suzuri’s crush next to him.
”I’m Shiun Suzuri, taken hostage by Naoshi-san. I’ve heard about you, Itsuki-san.”
They shook hands, feeling a sense of sympathy for each other’s rough palms, which were unfit for their beautiful appearances.
”Oi, Suzuri-chan, why ya puttin’ on such a fancy face? What if someone takes ya seriously?”
”You’re an interesting guy, Naoshi.”
”Don’t just let it slide like that. What’s with you two tryin’ to ruin my rep?”
”Does Nao-nii have any reputation left besides being strong…?”
”But really, you did train Suzuri-san, right? Oh, I guess even if it’s true, it can still be defamation.”
Without getting flustered by the two pressing him, Naoshi quickly decided to escape, seeing that the situation was not in his favor.
”I’ll plead the fifth on that.”
”Don’t run away from responsibility…!”
Avoiding Suzuri’s intense gaze, he threw another question at Itsuki.
”So, what you doin’ here?”
”I’ve been asked to check on Umeda for a while now. It just happened to be today, and I heard Naoshi was here too, so I just wanted to say hi.”
”I see, so you just wanted to show off that fresh face of yours, that it?”
Waving his hand as if to shoo away a dog, Itsuki squinted his eyes in amusement.
”Being treated so harshly makes me want to stick around even more. Ah, but I wonder if I’ll be a bother to Suzuri-san?”
While Naoshi grumbled about it, Suzuri shook her head in response to the question.
”No, it’s not like there’s anything interesting going on anyway. What’s more important is getting to know Nao-nii’s friends.”
”Oh, a traitor’s been found. Even if you expect it, ya ain’t gonna get any big stories from this guy, right, Suzuri-chan?”
”Well, I’ve already seen some pretty rare sights…”
”I agree with Suzuri-san. I thought Naoshi would never be able to take care of others.”
”I feel like I’m gettin’ some serious defamation here.”
”But, isn’t that the truth?”
”Ha ha, y’all say that all together, it’s pretty harsh. But can’t help it since it’s true──wait, y’all set me up? Where’s the camera? If this’s a stream, forget it.”
”I think that’s a perfectly natural and reasonable opinion, Nao-nii…”
”Naoshi really is pretty rough around the edges.”
As Itsuki said this with a thoughtful expression, Suzuri suddenly stopped moving.
She opened her mouth cautiously.
”Um, sometimes Nao-nii tells me I’m being rough.”
In fact, that was something she had just been told a little while ago.
Itsuki, being a first-class exorcist like Naoshi, started to worry about the analysis.
”Ah──that’s probably about precision. In Naoshi’s case, even if his methods are rough, the basics are solid.”
”What do you mean by rough methods? Be specific, Itsuki-san.”
”Well, for example, when lighting a fire with firewood, a normal practitioner would first dry the wood, create a tinder, and then spark it to ignite, right?”
”Yes.”
”Right.”
”And in Naoshi’s case, he would color part of the firewood black with a marker, hold a magnifying glass over it, and burn it with a strong light from his eyes. That’s pretty rough, isn’t it?”
”That’s──.”
Indeed, that was a brute-force method that could only be described as rough.
Using a hand-cranked fire starter might seem much more civilized.
”I know it’s rough, and since the example’s a bit funny, it’s hard to argue against… and can you stop making that ‘I see’ face, Suzuri-chan?”
”Well, this industry is conservative, so it’s not uncommon to deliberately use old and rough techniques that are inefficient, but Naoshi isn’t like that.”
”Yes, I believe a man’s worth is determined by how much he can let go of the past, Itsuki-san.”
”Ah, I can understand the idea of not being particular about the process if the result is the same.”
”You’ve twisted that around nicely to escape…”
”What’s up with you, Suzuri-chan? Whose side are you on? Ain’t no need to support this guy from Kyoto.”
”Geez, why do people from the prefecture casually diss Shiga? Don’t they realize it’s thanks to Shiga that they don’t have water problems?”
”Hmph, Shiga folks always bring that up. It’s really unoriginal.”
”──You guys really get along well, don’t you?”
The young people, who had been playfully exchanging insults, suddenly looked at each other when they heard the low voice of the girl.
”Oh no, Suzuri-chan’s jealousy’s been lit. This’s your fault, Itsuki.”
”I think this is probably a problem with how you usually interacts with her, Naoshi.”
”Who said you could speak the truth?”
”Isn’t that what you’re aware of?”
”Are you guys still going to flirt in front of me…?”
”Ah, well, Suzuri-chan, since your break’s unexpectedly got longer, why don’t you go a bit deeper while I stick this on? If you run into a fork in the road or run outta talismans, come back.”
”Hey, Nao-nii. Are you trying to chase me away roughly?”
”I’m not, I’m not.”
”Then what do you plan to do alone with him…!?”
”Can you stop with the creepy assumptions? Ah, if you wanna hear ‘bout my past, I’ll tell ya later. Let’s get back to work, okay?”
”──You better keep your word, okay? I’ve got that promise now.”
”Okay, okay, have a good time.”
”Be careful, Suzuri-san.”
”Yes, thank you. Well then.”
After politely bowing to Itsuki, Suzuri began to walk down the hallway without looking back.
Naoshi thought that this quick switch was definitely a strength.
”──She’s a good girl. The eldest daughter of the 8 families, I thought she’d have a stronger personality.”
”Well, the Shiun family’s known for good character in the industry, so it.”
”Maybe it’s because there’s the strongest fighter in Kansai in the same Osaka.”
”You think so?──So what’s your point, Itsuki?”
With his gaze still directed down the hallway where Suzuri had just left, Naoshi asked.
His voice was so cold it felt like the temperature in the hallway dropped.
His third question carried a determination not to let things slide any longer.
”There are 2 things. One is a warning. The mountain we managed was disturbed, and the sacred object was stolen.”
”Stolen, huh? What was it?”
”A white snake’s shed skin. It’s not something that usually curses people, but it’s quite old. Its power is strong.”
”Got it. I’ll tell my people to keep an eye out. I’ll let you know if I find anything. Is it okay if we send it to the main family?”
”Yeah, please do that.”
”And the second thing?”
”──She was a cute girl, Suzuri-san.”
The air screamed as it crackled.
A high kick that swirled like the wind stopped just before touching Itsuki’s drawn sword.
”Oi, I’ve asked you three times, right? Stop dodging the damn question.”
”You’re still as rough as ever. I thought you might have softened a bit.”
”Softened? You think I can act like a damn fool and drag a girl into this mess? You’ve been dodging my question long enough, it’s starting to piss me off.”
”I’m sorry. I really do want to reconnect with you.”
”Reconnect, huh? Then what about the other day? What the hell was that mess?”
”If it’s about Otsu, I have no excuses. It’s my lack of strength.”
”You say that too easily, for someone who can move faster than a damn bullet. A top-tier fighter like you, leading Eizan’s monks, and you’re saying you couldn’t handle three Intermediate Youkai?”
”Yeah, I can only feel ashamed of my lack of talent.”
That one statement, which could be seen as humble or self-deprecating, finally touched Naoshi’s nerve.
”I’m not talkin’ about talent, you idiot. You’re fine. So what’s your excuse? You gonna tell me it’s ‘cause the moon was low, like some kind of damn werewolf?”
The Mibu family is a clan with strong ties to the ancient Japanese werewolf blood (Ookami).
Their power is greatly affected by the moon’s phases, peaking at full moon and dropping significantly at new moon.
However, it’s not uncommon for exorcists to have similar weaknesses.
”Isn’t that a problem for most of your family? But you’re the only one that didn’t end up bleeding out, huh?”
”…That hurts to hear.”
When Itsuki sheathed his sword, Naoshi also lowered the leg he had raised, which was pointed at Itsuki’s neck.
──The most famous exorcist born in 2000 in Kansai was Kanbe Yuzura from Hyogo, who controlled over ten shikigami at just 5 years old.
Next was Mibu Itsuki from Shiga, who was recognized for his sword skills and was quickly called the strongest of his generation, a title that remained unchallenged for a long time.
There were also many exorcists expected to carry Kansai’s future, like the youngest brother ‘Kaijin’ Doppo from the Matsurida family in Nara and Ashina Itoko from the Touin family in Hyogo.
Among them, the heir of the Kazuramichi family was considered “as expected from the main family of the 8 families,” but he remained just an ordinary level of excellence.
However, Naoshi had a past where he overturned everything from his victory over Itsuki at 15 to becoming the Acting Head of the Family at 18, solidifying his position as the strongest in Kansai at 20.
Because of that, he had many thoughts about the paths of his peers he had surpassed.
It was only natural for his feelings toward Mibu Itsuki, who was once called a genius and the strongest of his generation and still held a position equal to a top-tier exorcist, to be complicated.
”That hurts to hear. You done?”
”Yeah, anything I say would just be an excuse── but can we stop this kind of talk?”
”What’s with the roundabout talk? Say it straight.”
”I understand you’re worried about winning and running away, Naoshi. I just wish you would consider my situation a bit more.”
”Huh?”
The air trembled.
Even under the pressure of such spirit energy, Mibu Itsuki did not change his expression and met Naoshi’s gaze head-on.
”Words are things you need to choose carefully. You think I’m gonna run ‘cause I lost once? You think I’m gonna back down just because I’ve been knocked down? I’ll take you on again whenever you’re ready.”
”I’m saying that your way of talking is selfish…”
Naoshi was somewhat aware that his way of speaking was a bit unreasonable.
However, unlike Ashina Itoko, who had completely disappeared from the public eye, Mibu Itsuki still seemed to want to act on equal terms with Naoshi and had the skills to back that up.
That’s why the constant reminders of his own shortcomings led to frustration.
He couldn’t help but wonder why someone as skilled as this exorcist was acting this way.
”Anyway, fighting among exorcists is forbidden, right? Just because no one is watching, are you planning to take me out here?”
”Hah, that rule’s nothing but a formality. And what do you think I am?”
”A reliable but annoying friend, maybe?”
”I told you, I don’t have any friends who ain’t reliable.”
”…Is that so?”
But in the end, that was just a selfish attachment.
Especially since the direction they were heading was so clear, there was nothing to gain.
”Alright, I get it. I won’t keep you. This is fine, yeah?”
”That way of saying it bothers me, but… I guess I’ll choose another day to talk. Today seems too difficult for a conversation.”
”That’s just dumb. You should’ve said that from the start.”
Naoshi’s harsh words only made Itsuki shrug in response.
For a moment, Naoshi thought about hitting him.
”Yeah, that’s my mistake──but Naoshi, if you’re willing to listen, at least be careful with your replies between our families. The reason I came here today is because of that.”
”What’s that supposed to mean?”
”If I want to talk but get cut off at the first step, that’s not fair. The Kazuramichi family was worried and checked with the main family.”
”Oh, I didn’t realize you were so damn eager to promote your little sister and cousin. Let me say it again, I’m not a lolicon. No thanks.”
”──I’ll remember that. Well then, say hi to Suzuri-san for me.”
”Sure.”
He watched Itsuki leave, the sound of his footsteps echoing.
If he were to strike him from behind right now, would he be able to take him down for sure? No, Naoshi’s instincts told him.
He might be able to inflict some pain, but he wouldn’t be able to take away Itsuki’s fighting ability or will.
Even if they fought head-on, he had no doubt about winning──but he couldn’t tell if it would be overwhelmingly easy or just barely a victory.
”──What the hell’s up with him?”
Mibu Itsuki definitely had power and the will to be an exorcist.
That made the difference between the battle results he heard about and his own experience with Itsuki frustrating for Naoshi.
To shake that off, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Returning to a calm state of mind before Suzuri came back wasn’t too hard for Naoshi, who had lived with anger as a friend for many years.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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