Volume 5 Chapter 17 Touma Yukinojo Assassination Plot III： Study Group On Practical Applications Of Abnormal Abilities
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The Kokugikan, the grand arena, sprawled before them with its vast seating, holding nearly 11,000 spectators. Despite its size, something about it felt underwhelming. Kazuramichi Naoshi stood motionless, arms crossed, eyes scanning the crowd.
”Hmm.” He muttered.
Beside him, Ako tilted her head, her sharp eyes never leaving him. “Is something wrong, step-brother?”
Naoshi snorted, eyes still fixed on the seats. “No. Just thinking. After dragging Yuki-kun’s precious time here, this is all we get.”
The first floor, reserved for exorcists and international psychics’ entourages, felt more like a waiting room than an arena. The second floor—home to the Onmyō Bureau officials and political figures—seemed like an afterthought, with barely a thousand people scattered across it.
”It’s too cramped for any real numbers,” Naoshi muttered, more to himself than to her. “Guarding this place will be a nightmare.”
Ako nodded silently, her gaze focused ahead. “And the view’s terrible. How could anyone judge the match from up here?”
”The barrier’s going to be the real issue. Too much interference from the residual effects. It’s not a spectacle meant for the public.”
Naoshi’s lips curled into a half-smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You don’t need to see everything up close to know which country’s the best. Just check the score when it’s over.”
Ako’s lips barely moved, her voice smooth, almost mechanical. “You’re right, step-brother. Everything for you.”
Her voice was cold, yet there was something underneath it—a flicker of something Naoshi couldn’t quite place. He glanced down at her, the artificial beauty of her porcelain skin almost making her appear unreal. Her large, reddish-brown eyes met his with an unnerving stillness, her expression unreadable.
”Guess I should act the part too, then. Wouldn’t want all this to be for nothing.”
His fingers brushed across the bridge of her nose, an almost affectionate gesture. Ako blinked but didn’t pull away.
”So… what about the barrier?”
”It’s two-layered,” Ako answered, her eyes scanning the documents in her hands. “The gods and spirits handle the activation. It should hold, but…” She hesitated, “I don’t think it can withstand a psychic manifestation.”
Naoshi’s frown deepened. “Well, that’s to be expected. Has the team been confirmed?”
”Yes,” Ako said, flipping a page. “Suzuri-chan’s with Yuki-kun’s group.”
”Did I really approve that?” Naoshi raised an eyebrow as he took the papers from her.
Ako didn’t flinch. “It looks like you did. Second-in-command from Kanto’s with the witch, and Suwa’s tied to the American soldier… interesting pairings.”
Naoshi scowled at the sheet. “This isn’t some reality show. Those mismatched teams might tip the scales too much.”
The team assignments had turned into a bizarre mix of occult and science. Psychics battling against sorcerers, enhanced humans pitted against immortals, blending traditions with technology. Despite his words, Naoshi couldn’t help but feel a spark of interest. The combinations weren’t what he’d expected, but there was something oddly exciting about them.
”Suzuri-chan’s opponent… Chougou Ketsu?” He snorted. “What a joke of a name.”
”Zhang Haoke, born in Hong Kong… could be an alias. He’s a kung fu fighter,” Ako supplied, her voice smooth but neutral.
Naoshi considered this. “Did you get anything else?”
”Not much,” Ako replied. “He was born before the handover. Male. That’s it.”
”Right.” Naoshi frowned, clearly disappointed by the lack of intel. “Can’t blame you. Last-minute switch, huh?”
The supernatural scene in China had always been complicated. Born from Yin-Yang philosophy, it had been tied to Taoism and immortality practices. But after decades of political upheaval, its traditions were scattered, leaving fragments behind. The mix of mysticism and fraud created an unstable foundation.
”But… Hong Kong’s got its value preserved, right?” Naoshi said, as if trying to convince himself. “So, he’s not a total fraud.”
Ako nodded. “He’s likely skilled. At least first-class.”
Naoshi’s lips twisted into a thin smile. “He should be, if he’s here. But what about Suzuri-chan? Do you think she’s ready?”
Ako’s brow furrowed slightly. “It’s risky. He’s strong, step-brother. Do you really think it’s safe?”
Naoshi’s smile remained, but it lacked warmth. “Suzuri-chan’s tougher than she looks. She might not be top-tier, but she’ll survive.”
Ako hesitated. “I don’t want her to get hurt. Wasn’t I enough?”
Naoshi’s chuckle was soft, almost apologetic. “In some ways, yes. But… not everything’s about strength. Some things, I need you to handle.”
”Like what?”
”You know how these things get spoiled by interference. I want you to handle that. You’re sharp enough for it.”
Ako’s gaze softened, though there was a flicker of doubt in her eyes. “Do you have a feeling something’s going to happen?”
Naoshi didn’t answer immediately. “Not certainty. Just intuition.”
His words hung heavy in the air. The world of psychics was full of unpredictability, but Naoshi’s gut feeling, honed over years of experience, was often spot on.
Ako gave a firm nod. “Understood. I’ll prepare.”
”Good,” Naoshi said, offering a rare smile. “Let’s go give Suzuri-chan a pep talk. She’s going to need it.”
”Alright.”
* * *
The hallway they walked through was lined with flowers. It was quiet and soft, a strange contrast to the battle about to happen. Naoshi and Ako walked together, heading toward the eastern preparation room. This was where the exorcists waited before going out to fight.
The overseas espers were gathered in the western room. America, the UK, and China—three countries that didn’t get along well even on a good day. Putting them in the same space felt like asking for trouble. Naoshi thought it was a bit careless.
They reached a glass door with a clear sign:
”No entry for unauthorized personnel.”
Inside, three participants were waiting. Touma Yukinojo wasn’t there yet, but the others were already preparing in their own ways. The air inside the room felt heavy, like the walls themselves were holding their breath.
Suzuri sat in perfect seiza form on the floor, wearing her exorcist clothes. A sword rested beside her. Her eyes were closed, and she was meditating. Her spirit energy, her *reiki*, filled the space around her. It was calm, but strong, like a wave building up before it crashed.
Ako stood beside Naoshi, watching silently. She didn’t move, didn’t even breathe loudly.
(Was that too much?)
Naoshi thought to himself. Maybe he was feeling too serious.
He walked forward, slowly. When he was only three steps away, Suzuri opened her eyes. Her gaze met his like a sharp knife. Calm, clear, and completely different from the relaxed girl he usually saw.
”Did I interrupt you?” he asked.
”No, it’s fine,” she answered.
Her voice was steady. Her face didn’t show fear. Naoshi nodded. That kind of tension in her tone… yes, that was the right mindset.
”Looks like it’s your turn soon. You’re third in line.”
”I know,” Suzuri replied. Then she added, “By the way, Nao-nii.”
Naoshi raised an eyebrow. “Hmm?”
”Should I watch your match too?”
She glanced toward the other top-level exorcists in the room. Her question was simple, but it carried weight. Was it worth watching? Was there something to learn? Or maybe… was she already thinking ahead—past her own match—towards the final round?
The room felt tighter. The air shifted. Even though she wasn’t raising her voice, everyone seemed to feel the pressure behind her words.
Naoshi let out a strange laugh, a mix between a chuckle and a sigh. “Ku-ke.” It was the kind of laugh you made when someone asked a good question and you didn’t know how to answer.
Everyone in the room looked at him. Some stares were sharp, others cautious.
”It’s a rare chance,” Naoshi said. “But this time, focus on your own match. I’ll be watching you instead.”
”Got it.”
”Then go on.”
”Yeah.”
That was all they said. No “do your best.” No “I believe in you.” Just a few words, simple and cold. But they didn’t need more than that. It was enough.
As they left the room, Naoshi muttered, “I’m kind of jealous.”
Ako looked up at him. “Are you going to do the same thing with me?”
He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached out and patted her head, a little rough but not unkind. He smiled, but the smile was a bit twisted, like he was trying to hold back a deeper thought.
Maybe this tournament would be more fun than he expected.
Notes:
• Kokugikan – A venue for the international match mentioned. Located in Japan, likely in Tokyo.
• Suwa – Male. An exorcist from the Suwa branch family. He has a medium build and is skilled in combat, demonstrating both physical strength and supernatural abilities. His relationship with Naoshi is professional, as they observe and discuss the ongoing matches together.
• Chougou Ketsu – Male. A Kung Fu practitioner and Suzuri’s opponent in the psychic battles. Born in Hong Kong before the handover, his background is secretive, and not much is known about him beyond his first-class skills.
• Zhang Haoke – Male. A Kung Fu practitioner and Suzuri’s opponent in the psychic battles. Born in Hong Kong before the handover, his background is secretive, and not much is known about him beyond his first-class skills.
• Touma Yukinojo – The head of the Touma family, a prominent exorcist clan from Kanto. At just 21 years old, he is regarded as the strongest exorcist in Japan, known for his exceptional swordsmanship and mastery over fire. He is also referred to by the title ‘Ice Blade’, which scatters spirits, and is noted for possessing the ‘Divine Eye’, a unique ability that further enhances his prowess. Yukinojo is described as a handsome young man with the blood of a snow woman.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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