Volume 4 Chapter 9 Interlude Survival Strategy Valkyrie
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”You two did a great job, well done.”
”No, it’s…”
After the battle in the conference hall basement, Ashina Itoko offered words of appreciation to the two Ready Anti-Ayakashi Team members who had fought alongside her.
The reaction from the District Commander’s Office and other related parties regarding the outcome of the mock battle was not entirely negative.
Kazuramichi Naoshi, a model exorcist who disregards interpersonal relationships, is more popular among the Bureau of Onmyō staff than with his fellow exorcists.
The result of their match, even with some adjustment for the circumstances, was seen as a sign that the Acting Head of the Kazuramichi family had found value in the Ready Anti-Ayakashi Team.
This was especially true for Itoko, who hadn’t had direct contact with Naoshi since the battle 8 years ago, but had heard about his personality.
She felt that if Naoshi had been completely outclassed, he would have been crushed.
However, the expressions of the two involved parties were somber.
”I never imagined there would be such a huge gap between myself and a first-class exorcist.”
The male team member, whose sword had been broken, muttered this with a strained voice, clearly losing confidence.
Itoko had anticipated this outcome when she chose to face Kazuramichi Naoshi, an exorcist with formidable abilities.
Many members of the Ready Anti-Ayakashi Team, including these two, had faced adversity in their birth families despite possessing great potential.
They had the power and dedication of exorcists but lacked opportunities to showcase their skills.
Itoko had chosen these two, in particular, for the mock battle with Naoshi, hoping they would use the experience to grow, even if they couldn’t match him.
”I couldn’t do anything either. Even though I knew the captains would hold back, the thought that I’d be targeted the moment I made a move…”
But their determination was wavering, their hearts close to breaking.
Indeed, the pressure of Naoshi’s spirit energy (reiki) at the end was overwhelming.
But that feeling is beginning to crack in their heart.
After a time of lying down, they finally got the opportunity to appear on the public stage.
They guess the disappointment at the outcome are only very shortly after that, and that’s clear.
”He’s the strongest in Kansai, no, one of the top exorcists in all of Japan. Don’t feel ashamed if you couldn’t stand up to his today; he’s had a lot of experience to get to that level.”
And so, Itoko poured out her thoughts.
Even though she was chosen as the leader due to various circumstances and her abilities, she felt a sense of camaraderie with them, knowing they shared the same aspirations.
More importantly, recognizing their weaknesses meant they could also recognize the path to becoming stronger.
”We’re just getting started. From here on out, we’ll fight for our country and our people as exorcists, no matter our titles. Isn’t that why we chose this path?”
”Captain…”
”There’s no shame in not being able to do anything. At least with the two of you here, I was able to gather my courage and step forward. I’m not ready to face him one-on-one just yet.”
Itoko smiled, her words carrying a determination to one day prove herself, but also a hint of humor.
She knew her stoic appearance could benefit from such a gesture, and as expected, the tension on the two faces softened slightly.
”Thank you.”
”I feel a bit braver now.”
”Well, you both look more confident now. Let’s keep working hard together.”
”Yes, Captain!”
”I still have some business with the officials. See you tomorrow.”
”Understood.”
”Excuse me.”
Itoko bid farewell to the two, now more relaxed, with a smile.
She exhaled, releasing the tension from her shoulders.
Despite taking on a role she desired and was desired for, she still wasn’t used to acting as a leader.
”You did well as a captain.”
”Huh!”
After letting go, a low, calm voice came out.
Even though she was almost jumping inside, Itoko turned around and saw a familiar figure there.
He is a man of aged age, wearing a calm, coloured Japanese clothing, with pale yellow hair almost turned gray.
”Head of the family”
Ashina Itoko called only one person.
A corner of the Kansai 8 families in Hyogo is Touin Soji, the head of the Touin family.
He placed a hand on Itoko’s head as she bowed, a faint smile on his face, aged like the rings of a tree.
”I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I thought it would be rude to interrupt.”
”But I was just talking to Umeda, so…”
It was a well-known secret that Itoko, publicly known as a distant branch of the Touin family, was actually the hidden child of the Touin family head.
The Touin family, having long been overshadowed by the Kanbe family of Hyogo, desperately sought exceptional practitioners, while also holding onto the deep-rooted belief that their former Kiyose family lineage set them apart from other exorcists.
To break free from this situation, the current head of the Touin family chose to father children with numerous female exorcists within the clan, in addition to his wife.
Itoko, born when Soji was in his forties, was considered the masterpiece among these children and was expected to one day be allowed to bear the prestigious Touin name.
He was meant to carry the hopes of not only the main Touin family but also his mother and his siblings from different mothers, becoming the one to fulfill their shared dream.
Until that fateful day when he faced Kazuramichi Naoshi in battle.
”…Master, how did the team members perform?”
”Their reputation is not bad. The commander’s office and other districts are paying attention.”
”T-thank you.”
”But…”
Itoko, who had almost smiled, tightened her expression again at Sosuke’s next words.
”That’s why… if I may be so bold, I wish for a one-hit victory.”
”Yes.”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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