Volume 2 Chapter 13 Battle Of Shizugatake 1️⃣： It Is Difficult To Defeat The Oni In The Mountains
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
In early December, just a week before the new moon, news spread through the Chubu, Kanto, and Kansai regions about a Great Youkai appearing in Niigata City.
This happened very close to the main house of the powerful exorcist family, the Igarashi family. To make things worse, the Great Youkai was reported to be an oni that had transformed from a human.
Because of this situation, the Igarashi family had to step in, but they messed up and let the oni escape after causing some damage due to their slow response.
”So, dis Great Youkai, da oni, is…”
In a room at the Kazuramichi house, Naoshi was listening to his cousin’s report while looking at a map of Japan.
The Igarashi family was actually the family of Kazuramichi Mizuho.
The oni wasn’t from the main Igarashi family, but it was a young second-class exorcist who was staying there for some reason. The report from them showed just how tough the situation was.
If they ended up opposing the Kazuramichi family after such a big mistake, they wouldn’t get any support from the locals.
”Yes. It was almost definitely Kazuramichi Yoshitada.”
”I see, Yoshitada was in such a hurry to die, huh?”
Ako, the sister, spoke coldly about her younger brother’s fate, while Naoshi responded calmly.
His voice was steady, and even though his mouth was slightly upturned, his eyes looked narrower than usual, making it seem like he was smiling.
But if you were an exorcist, you wouldn’t miss the anger and killing intent coming from him.
In fact, the family members present had serious expressions, and some were even sweating despite it being winter.
”So, where dey headed?”
”Most likely southwest. They’re probably aiming for Kansai, specifically Osaka, and should arrive in about 3 or 4 days.”
”What ’bout da houses along da way?”
”The timing is bad, and the oni chose a clever route. They went up the Agano River, entered the mountains, and tricked the cautious Kanto region while heading southwest. If they go through the mountains, the houses in Nagano and Gifu will have a hard time…”
”Ain’t dat right, winter mountain chase against a Great Oni is one helluva tough job.”
It was already December, and chasing an ayakashi through the mountains was really hard for exorcists.
Especially since they had a good idea of where the oni was headed, it made the houses along the way hesitant to help.
”I heard there was some debate about whether to overlook Suwa in Nagano.”
”Yeah. dat place is full of hotheads.”
That was true, but the Kazuramichi family was known as one of the toughest fighters in Kansai, or even all of Japan, so they didn’t want to hear that from anyone.
But no one spoke up to argue.
”After we confirmed that a hundred oni were gathering in the mountains, it seems that argument settled down.”
Strong ayakashi attract other ayakashi.
If they were moving through the snowy mountains, it was only natural that more would join in.
”If da Great Youkai moves dis far, dat makes sense. Even Suwa can’t do nothin about it.”
Looking at the prepared map, Naoshi traced the expected path of the oni.
”It looks like dey’ll definitely pass through Ibuki Mountain. What if we set up dere?”
”Since it’s the border between Shiga and Gifu, neither side would be happy if we just left it to our family. Plus, the high altitude makes it tricky to send people. It might not be a good idea.”
”Den how ’bout somewhere else? Ako-chan, can ya negotiate wit Niwazono? Let’s use a suitable mountain in Shiga.”
”Understood. So, we’re saying there are no hard feelings about the Mibu incident in Umeda, right?”
”Yeah, let’s settle dat here. By da way, what do ya think?”
”I think it’s a good plan. Honestly, it was hard to find a good solution for that situation, so it’s a win-win.”
”Den let’s move forward wit dat.”
”Got it. The district commander wants to work with other families to deal with this, but…”
”With da new moon comin’, it’s too late ta borrow strength. Since it’s a family matter, let’s just handle it ourselves──no, just me and a minimum number of people. Let’s keep da information sharin tight.”
”I get what you want, but it’s dangerous.”
”Anyway, I’m da target. If I lose, deir goal is achieved. Da oni will calm down, right? Plus, even if we win, if we lose strength and end up sacrificatin regular people during da new moon, dat don’t make sense.”
”Then at least ask the Shiun family for help. They’re already in this with us, and if we don’t tell them, it would be rude.”
”Hmm… well, I don’t wanna Suzuri-chan to hate me later fo leavin her out. Let’s do dat.”
It seems like no matter if we win or lose, it’ll be noisy, so I’ll just keep that to myself.
”Den I’ll leave da selection a da team ta you. One veteran from second rank and 2 young ones. If Suzuri-chan is comin, den 3──.”
Just as he was about to say more, a vibrating sound echoed in the room.
With cold eyes, Ako looked for the source of the sound and handed over Naoshi’s phone that a family member was holding.
”Acting head, there’s a call from Suzuri-sama.”
”Okay, I’ll take dis.”
Naoshi smiled wryly, excusing himself from the group to answer the call.
”Hello?”
’I heard the story. I’m coming too, Nao-nii.’
”That’s a sudden greetin.”
Her strong statement without any small talk made him smile even more.
”Suzuri-chan, ya ain’t secretly listenin in on me, right?”
’What are you talking about?’
”No, I was just talkin ’bout you. By da way, do ya have Shiun-san’s permission?”
’I do. In fact, I was told to let you know that only I can give it.’
”Oh, really?”
The situation is serious, but the Shiun family also has an important duty to protect Osaka and Sakai during the new moon.
Within the Shiun family, Suzuri is already seen as a strong asset, right after her uncle, Shiun Kazuma.
Even without considering her relationship with Naoshi, she’s a good choice.
”Den let’s go take down da oni together. I’ll contact ya once Umeda is decided. Rain or shine, snacks are limited ta 500 yen.”
’Don’t tease me.’
After saying that sharply, Suzuri seemed hesitant to say something else.
”What’s wrong? Do ya still got somethin ya wanna ask?”
’Nao-nii, are you… okay? No, I mean not in terms of strength, but…’
She seemed frustrated, not knowing what to say, and Naoshi let out a breath, softening his smile.
”Don’t worry, a top-notch exorcist can handle one or 2 family members witout no problem.”
’That’s a bit of an exaggeration, isn’t it!?’
”Kukuku, see ya on da day. I’m countin on ya.”
’Seriously… okay, leave it to me.’
Naoshi chuckled softly at Suzuri’s response and ended the call.
He put down the phone and rubbed his slightly relaxed smile.
”Okay, Ako-chan, pick 3 more people.”
”No, considering I might not make it in time, I’ll pick 4.”
That was an unexpected offer.
”Oh? Ya ain’t comin?”
”I have something I want to check first.”
”What could be more important den dealin wit da Great Youkai?”
”To turn into an oni, a person needs a strong grudge. They might not realize it, but the blood of our mother──the Yuki-onna’s nature──has definitely been passed down to my brother.”
”And?”
Naoshi didn’t really understand what she meant. But he nodded vaguely, encouraging her to continue.
”Then it’s very likely that this transformation was triggered by that girl we sent to Niigata. He might have gone wild after hearing that she died or was killed──.”
That sounded very possible. That’s why he had another concern.
”What if she’s already dead? Wouldn’t dat just make tings worse?”
”Kazuramichi Mizuho is a soft-hearted woman; she wouldn’t get her hands dirty. Especially if it’s her favorite girl who risked her life to protect my brother, she wouldn’t just throw her away.”
”Maybe, but it sounds like wishful thinkin’. Even if she’s alive and in Niigata, what den?”
”Once I finalize the talks with Niwazono, please let me go to Niigata. If I can keep that girl under control, it will give us a big advantage against the oni.”
Her existence would definitely affect our fighting spirit. It might even take away the reason to fight at all, but…
”Wouldn’t it be faster to have Ako-chan help us on-site?”
”Even without me, you won’t fall behind, right?”
”Don’t say dat so easily wen we’re dealin wit a Great Youkai at night. Da pressure is on──what’s da risk? Ya stopped Uncle Yoshiya from goin’, right?”
”To Grandpa and the others, Papa is just a stranger. But I’m blood-related, and this plan benefits everyone except my mom, so we can work together.”
”Okay, last question. What’s da return? Ya ain’t worried ’bout losin’, right?”
”If we can capture the oni alive, we might get clues about the incident. Plus, if cousin loses, it could be useful for negotiations.”
Some family members were shaken by the thought of Naoshi losing.
If they were worried about that, Ako should be with Naoshi.
The reason they didn’t point it out was that everyone knew about her dedication and favoritism, so they thought she was being fair.
”I’m not saying this just because he’s my brother. Please believe me.”
”Okay, I get it. I believe what Ako-chan says. It makes sense.”
”Thank you.”
When Naoshi agreed, Ako bowed deeply. Even her doll-like face showed a hint of relief.
”But I won’t wait around. Once it starts, dat guy is goin’ down. Got it?”
”Yes. I will definitely help you, cousin.”
”That girl said somethin similar, and it feels ominous. If ya go missin too, dat would be a real problem.”
”If things get out of hand, I’ll make sure cousin can find me.”
”Can ya stop addin’ to da bad vibes? It’s not good luck.”
Naoshi smiled wryly at his cousin, who could freeze the whole area, and reached for his cold tea. Sensing that the discussion was wrapping up, the family members began to move.
”Oh right, Ako-chan. Tell Niwazono dat I will make some noise in Umeda before da main event.”
”Okay. But cousin, what exactly will you do?”
”You know, right? I’ll set off fireworks so da oni don’t get lost.”
The next day, a single flash of lightning was seen in the clear midday sky over Shiga Prefecture’s Shizugatake.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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