Volume 4 Chapter 11, Part 2 Demon World Outer Realm： Mount Ontake Annihilation War II： The Strongest Three Plus One
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Kaichirou-san is in overall command, and the first squad under his direct control is the main force, working together with our fifth squad. Shunjirou-san’s second squad is also preparing to assist.”
”The eldest and second sons, huh? How good are they?”
”Both of them have more experience than I do. Kaichirou-san is the second-best practitioner in the house, and the Eji squad is quite strong as well.”
”That’s solid.”
”Using 3 Eji squads as a diversion is quite a large-scale operation. Since it’s after the engagement with Itoko and all, it seems fine for us to strike together with them.”
”I have bad news regarding that; the Great Youkai’s responses have increased to at least 2.”
”That’s… another thing…”
”Yeah, figures.”
Without being surprised by Yuzura’s heavy words, Naoshi nodded, understanding it was only natural.
Ayakashi devours people and grows stronger with their spirit energy (reiki).
In this case, the strength of the rapid response unit backfired.
If the Tsuchigumo they devoured has secured a Spiritual Vein in the mountain and set up a barrier, having only 2 Great Youkai would actually be a blessing.
If a separate unit was crushed by the Great Youkai that were supposed to be a diversion, that would be a disaster.
The scale of the situation is understandable.
”Well then, I want to hear about it too──”
”What’s up?”
Cutting off his words for a moment, Naoshi cast a serious look at his few friends.
”You two can count on me, yeah? Ain’t gonna have y’all whinin’ about your condition in the middle of a fight.”
He did not doubt their true abilities; he believed they were practitioners worthy of the first rank.
However, Kanbe Yuzura had been unwell for a long time, and Mibu Itsuki was also facing health issues coinciding with the new moon period.
If they couldn’t give their all, Naoshi would need to prepare and brace himself accordingly.
Itsuki was the first to respond to Naoshi’s unreserved question, as a friend.
”I can’t guarantee I’ll meet your expectations, but──”
Though she publicly acknowledged her femininity, the beautiful woman still wore her male disguise, smiling gracefully as she placed her hand on the hilt of her sword.
”──!”
Immediately after, the sharpened spirit energy released was such that Naoshi envisioned the blade pressed against his throat.
Kurikoma and others widened their eyes and quickly took a defensive stance.
Seeing their reaction, Itsuki deepened her smile and gently released his grip on the sword.
”As you can see, there’s been a slight change in my condition. I wouldn’t say I’m in perfect shape, but I’m not doing badly.”
”I see—well, that’s fine, but use yer words.”
”This way is easier for Naoshi to understand, right?”
”What’s that mean? We’re on the same page, really.”
”How rare, are you jealous?”
”Don’t be dumb.”
At the teasing words, Yuzura exaggeratedly shrugged his shoulders.
With a slightly mischievous smile on her gentle face, Itsuki continued to ask questions.
”So, how’s Yuzura really doing? I’m curious about that too.”
”Well, I’m at best 60 to 70 percent. Far from perfect──so please protect me in that regard.”
”I see, then it’s better to take you along.”
”Yes, I don’t plan to be a burden.”
Itsuki let out a sigh at the childhood friends who laughed as if to provoke each other.
Beside him, a small oni nodded thoughtfully.
”You both aren’t being honest, are you?”
”Indeed, it’s a typical exchange between boys.”
”Don’t interrupt──geez.”
”──This is Kanbe’s head of the family. It’s been a while.”
As a person approached, both Itsuki and Naoshi straightened their postures.
”Ah, please, both of you, relax. We asked you to come here.”
Kanbe family head, Taro, said with a generous tone, but his complexion was somewhat pale.
Though he had a sturdy physique even in his late fifties, perhaps due to the gravity of the situation or the cold, he was now hunching his body.
”Well, this isn’t just a story for Hyogo, is it?”
”Mibu and the head of Niwazono think the same. Don’t worry about it.”
──If this subjugation also fails, there would be no choice but to seal the area with barriers and request cooperation from all over Japan.
It would undoubtedly be one of the worst blunders post-war, leaving an eternal stain on the Kansaiexorcist world──Taro was the one who unhesitatingly picked up such a hot chestnut.
Seeing the caliber of the head of the Kansai 8 families, the young men couldn’t help but straighten their collars.
”I appreciate you saying that. Again, thank you for your cooperation. Yuzura, I will explain to you two…”
”It is already finished, I hope you understand.”
”I see.”
In his eyes, sending his sons and nephew into danger showed a quiet determination and resolve, already accepting that role.
The head of the Kanbe family sighed deeply and looked up at the sky; the expression on his face when he returned to earth was of another kind altogether.
”――Kazuramichi Naoshi-dono, Mibu Itsuki-dono. I am deeply grateful for your assistance, and I am well aware that this is an impertinence. However, I implore you to please protect my nephew, Yuzura.”
With his words ended, he bowed deeply.
This was not the voice of the head of the Kanbe family, a master of prominent techniques in Japan, but of a single man worried for his kin.
”Uncle──”
For Yuzura, who lost his parents at a young age, his uncle was not just the head of the family, but a true parental figure in both name and reality.
He became aware of the distance growing as he feared his relationship with his cousins, heirs of the Kanbe family, would worsen due to his own talent and the contrary nature of his humble beginnings, but he had never forgotten the gratitude he owed.
As an exorcist, it had to be said he was a bit too soft, but he had also been saved many times more.
”Kanbe-san, no need for such a deep bow. Lift yer head.”
Although Naoshi frowned at being referred to as “the rascal from Osaka” by the head of the Kanbe family, he understood that a bit of overprotection stemmed from genuinely caring for a friend.
”I see yer nephew as a dear friend too. I ain’t the type to abandon someone for my own gain. That’s a promise.”
”I cannot say it’s a big deal, but I will do my best.”
”Truly, thank you──”
Once again, bowing deeply, the head of the Kanbe family returned to the face of the clan leader.
The surrounding commotion shifted into a coordinated effort; the scheduled time had arrived.
”Well then, Yuzura, I’m counting on you.”
”Yes, I’m going. Please wait for the good news.”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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