Volume 4 Chapter 19 The Thief Should Die, Part II
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Thank you, Yuzura-dono. This is fine here.”
”Yes.”
In response to the words of gratitude, Kanbe Yuzura bowed respectfully and gently distanced himself.
Standing on his own feet, Kazuramichi Tadayuki slowly turned his head.
”I sincerely apologize for my foolish son causing a commotion.”
Before Tadayuki could lower his head, Naoshi knelt down, lowering his posture and bowing his face.
He did not look back at Kirino and the others he had just faced.
His unmoving figure revealed his strong feelings for his head of the family, for his father.
”──I called for you. I expected this would happen.”
Yuzura approached her friend and lightly tapped his shoulder, but even that did not elicit a response from Naoshi.
The handsome man shrugged his shoulders in frustration and turned his gaze to another friend.
”And you, Itsuki, why are you provoking Naoshi? Make sure to keep hold of my man, alright?”
”That’s harsh. I thought it through in my own way.”
”What do you mean, ‘thought it through’?”
”A pack needs a hierarchy; otherwise, order cannot be maintained.”
She seemed to have merely jumped on the bandwagon with Kazuramichi Naoshi, yet she stated it firmly.
The young man of wolf blood continued as if preaching a very natural principle.
”It doesn’t have to be strength. But there’s no reason it can’t be, and being straightforward like Naoshi is an advantage.”
There were only 5 first-class exorcists in the entire Kansai region.
Mibu Itsuki, one of them, bore the fate of her hometown Shiga, yet he would not have attended this meeting under normal circumstances.
Indeed, the current distortion of the Kansai exorcist world was evident there.
”And I understand my cousin’s feelings a bit──so I cannot accept such unnecessary sacrifices. The current Kansai has no room for that.”
”──That differs significantly from our family’s perspective.”
The head of the Niwazono family spoke in a strained voice, overlaying the previous statement.
His face, shaped by being tossed around by Itsuki, was now a dark shade.
”Indeed, that is so, head of the Niwazono family. This is not the opinion of the Mibu family, but merely my personal view.”
”If that is the case, you should have expressed it yourself rather than riding on the coattails of others.”
When Tadayuki said this sharply, Itsuki’s previously composed expression froze.
”──You are right.”
With just that, he awkwardly nodded.
A glance towards Yuzura held a hint of seeking help.
Clearly, he feared he had upset the mood of his lover’s father.
”You, huh…”
Even Yuzura, who had been starting to understand her point, was left speechless.
Just how serious was it, after all?
”As a Niwazono, I will speak with the head of the Mibu family…!”
”Yes. As you wish.”
Responding coolly to the Niwazono family head, who was muttering under her breath, Mibu Itsuki returned to her seat as if nothing had happened.
An indescribable atmosphere lingered.
”──Everyone, you have gathered quite early.”
”Is there something going on?”
At that moment, the head of the Shiun family, followed by the head of the Kanbe family, appeared together.
Their expressions were somewhat forced.
Considering Kanbe Yuzura’s presence, this timing was likely intentional.
”No, nothing at all. It’s rare for you two to be the last.”
In any case, the feared situation had been avoided, and Kirino and the others relaxed.
As everyone returned to their seats, Tadayuki approached the young man who knelt motionless in the center of the room.
”Naoshi, I relieve you of your duties as Acting Head of the Family. The reason should be clear without saying.”
At the quiet declaration, the young man’s shoulders trembled slightly.
However, the shock was greater among those present.
Only one person, Toumi, the head of the Shiun family, remained unfazed.
Indeed, what Naoshi had done was undeniably a violent act, but the motivation was understandable.
After all, for the past 6 years, he had been the one supporting the Kazuramichi family and Kansai.
Without Naoshi, the incident at Mitake would have resulted in even more victims.
Many did not think that Tadayuki could do more than just reprimand.
”Yes. I apologize for the inconvenience, what can I say to make amends──”
The astonishment burst forth as Kazuramichi Naoshi accepted it without a word of protest.
”What?!”
”No way──”
If he was truly a man who valued strength above all, there would be no reason to follow the words of a leader without power, even if he was his biological father.
Especially after having defied 2 veteran exorcists.
Kazuramichi Naoshi left a strong impression that he was not mere arrogance.
At the same time, the impression of the Touin family head who had pushed him to such lengths remained vivid.
”Fine. I will listen to you later; wait outside.”
”Understood.”
Bowing deeply one last time, Naoshi stood up in obedience to the head’s command.
Contrary to some expectations, he did not bow to anyone other than his father.
His expression as he left the room appeared to be the usual smile, concealing any emotion.
”Ah──”
”Uncle.”
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Summary:
Kanbe Yuzura bows to Kazuramichi Tadayuki, who is standing alone, and slowly distances himself. Tadayuki turns to face Naoshi, who is kneeling and bowing his head in apology for his actions.
Naoshi’s father, Tadayuki, scolds him for causing a commotion, but Naoshi remains motionless, showing his strong feelings for his father. Yuzura approaches Naoshi and taps his shoulder, but Naoshi doesn’t respond.
Mibu Itsuki is questioned by Yuzura about provoking Naoshi, and Itsuki responds that a pack needs a hierarchy to maintain order. Itsuki believes that strength is not the only factor, but it can be an advantage, as seen in Naoshi’s straightforward nature.
The conversation reveals that there are only five first-class exorcists in the Kansai region, and Mibu Itsuki is one of them. The current distortion of the Kansai exorcist world is evident in the conversation.
The head of the Niwazono family speaks up, disagreeing with Itsuki’s views, and the atmosphere becomes tense. Itsuki awkwardly nods, seeking help from Yuzura, fearing he has upset the mood.
The head of the Niwazono family suggests speaking with the head of the Mibu family, and Itsuki agrees. The conversation is left hanging, with an indescribable atmosphere lingering.
The head of the Shiun family and the head of the Kanbe family arrive, and the tension is temporarily alleviated. The conversation turns to Naoshi’s actions, and Tadayuki relieves Naoshi of his duties as Acting Head of the Family.
Naoshi accepts the decision without protest, shocking everyone present. Many expected Tadayuki to only reprimand Naoshi, given his past support of the Kazuramichi family and Kansai.
Naoshi’s acceptance of the decision raises questions about his true nature, as he appears to value strength above all. The impression of the Touin family head, who pushed Naoshi to such lengths, remains vivid.
Naoshi bows deeply and leaves the room, his expression concealing his emotions. The story ends with Kirino addressing someone as “Uncle.”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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