Volume 4 Chapter 5, Part 2 R.A.A.T. Born I： Ready Anti, Part Ayakashi Team
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”But I think when it comes to relying on just one lifeline, not many are bold enough to do so; I understand that feeling.”
Knowing this nature well, Shiun family head only lets out a small sigh.
”Yeah?”
”This is a bit ahead of time, but I would like you to formally engage to my daughter upon the promotion to first-class or your assumption of the head position. What do you think?”
”Whoa, that came outta nowhere.”
”It’s not a conversation we can keep vague forever, right? I’ve already spoken to your father. He said he would respect your wishes.”
”Ya sure work fast.”
This aligns with the previous policy of head Tadayuki; it’s unlikely to be a falsehood.
Originally, for Naoshi, the matter with Suzuri was something that would happen sooner or later.
Still, he glanced at Ako to confirm.
The younger sister, who admired Naoshi just like Shiun family’s eldest daughter, responded to the expected role without changing her expression.
”I think either way is a perfect timing for a conclusion──if step-brother is inclined, that is.”
The added remark was likely a subtle jab.
Naoshi shrugged exaggeratedly.
”Naw, naw, it’d be pretty cold to say ‘Nah, I ain’t doin’ that’ after things got this far, right?”
”That is true.”
”Well, personally, considering the trouble of welcoming you as a son-in-law, I can’t help but think that.”
”That’s pretty harsh.”
While saying that, Naoshi observed Shiun family head──Shiun Toumi’s demeanor.
It was the kind of expression a typical father would give to a disliked daughter’s boyfriend.
That expression, which did not reveal any ulterior motives, was fitting for the leader of the Shiun family, a heretical clan that rose from a wealthy merchant in Sakai to an exorcist among the Kansai 8 families.
(He’s really transformed.)
It was an evaluation he could never voice to someone older and in a higher position, but he thought so honestly.
Perhaps the recent mischief of Suzuri had clouded his mind that much.
Now, Toumi had a core that certainly deserved respect as the head of the 8 families, unlike the other commoners.
At this point, the pure ability as an exorcist was not much of an issue.
”Alright then. Lookin’ forward to workin’ with ya in the future, father-in-law.”
”It’s a bit early── I just hope my daughter doesn’t end up single before that.”
”Nah, ain’t gonna let that happen, don’t worry.”
A murmur rose from the back of the venue.
”It’s noisy.”
When he turned around, he saw an elderly man, the head of the Touin family, entering with a serious demeanor, yet unable to hide a certain smugness.
However, there was nothing to stir the families gathered around him── contrary to his wishes.
Naturally, Naoshi sought another reason and shifted his gaze behind him.
His narrow eyes widened in surprise at the two figures present.
”Yuki-kun, Tetsu-kun are here too?”
A handsome young man with a cool face, dressed neatly in a kimono, Japan’s strongest exorcist, the third generation Touma Yukinojo.
Next to him was a casually dressed young man in a loose hoodie and pants, still retaining a boyish look, the youngest first-class exorcist, Kurushima Tesshin.
These young men, known among exorcists, walked confidently to their seats, ignoring the curious gazes around them.
* * *
”Step-brother, please calm down a bit.”
”Huh?”
As the briefing began, Ako whispered a warning to Naoshi, who was still concerned about the back seats.
”Nothin’ new to hear anyway.”
”I understand your feelings, but there are eyes from other families.”
”True. Fine, I’ll behave.”
According to the materials, the immediate response unit consists of 2 squads of 12 members each under the squad leader, totaling 25 members.
However, currently, the second squad does not meet the required number, so operations will focus on the first squad for the time being──none of this is particularly eye-catching.
Most importantly, the explanation about the unit members only states that all of them are second-class exorcists or higher.
What matters is who was chosen from the second-class, which is debated for its wide range, yet that is not mentioned.
Also, the word “or higher” is a point of concern.
”Ako-chan, reckon the Bureau of Onmyō might pull in a first-class exorcist?”
There are only a handful of first-class exorcists in all of Japan, and each one is a face of their respective family.
As she shook her head without changing her expression at the assumption he thought was impossible, his stepsister spoke.
”Step-brother, as you can imagine, that’s highly unlikely. If there were even a slight chance, it would have been announced widely; that way, people and budget would gather.”
”Yeah, that makes sense… Wait, what are ya grinnin’ about?”
Naoshi’s thoughts were likely shared by many of the gathered exorcists.
A sense of dullness began to drift through the atmosphere of the venue.
”Now, let me introduce the brave and responsible members of the team. Please welcome them with applause.”
The host raised his voice as if sensing that moment.
Amidst sparse applause, a group clad in matching exorcist uniforms entered the venue through a door near the stage.
Their retro-designed exorcist uniforms evoked memories of military attire from the previous war, complete with caps and cloaks.
However, the color was not the national defense color or the olive drab of the current Self-Defense Forces, but a dark reddish-brown with a hint of black.
The blackish-brown was fitting for exorcists who made the new moon and dark nights their main battleground.
”────…”
When the last person in line stepped up to the microphone, a murmur spread through the venue.
It was a young woman with long, braided flaxen hair stuffed into her cap.
With a well-proportioned figure, she was a beautiful woman with an aristocratic air, but the people’s reaction was not due to her beauty.
”Ashina Itoko.”
Ako beside him spoke that name with absolute 0 hostility.
”I see.”
On the other hand, Naoshi’s expression remained calm and unshaken; rather, he felt a greater sense of understanding.
The same-age exorcist connected to the Touin family was the former target Naoshi, at 15, had desired for his own proof──someone who was supposed to be the second victim.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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