Volume 6 Chapter 12 The March 25th Metropolitan Incident ④
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
It¹ had been biding its time.
Quietly lurking in the lightless depths, slumbering in the liminal space between this side and that, it had observed the follies of mankind for decades. The memory of a time when their modest lives were entwined with its own had already grown faint; even the once-fervent wish to one day reunite was now nothing more than a distant, flickering thought.
Faced with the savagery of those who fouled the waters, choked the currents, and allowed interlopers² to overrun their ancestral home, its peers had chosen their paths. Some challenged humanity with brute force; some, with weary resignation, accepted human prayers as a hollow comfort; others had departed for the far side with their meager kin.
This was the final pillar remaining on this side.
(Oh, oh…)
A water monster that had inhabited these lands since they were known as Hitachi—the Great Catfish³, the Master of Kasumigaura—was infinitely patient and profoundly obsessive. Just like the silt that had settled in stagnant layers at the bottom of the abyss, it had accumulated resentment within its colossal frame for an eternity. Tonight, it finally secured its opportunity.
(The time has come!)
As the Great Catfish shivered with predatory joy, the tremors did more than just ripple the water’s surface; the very earth quaked with enough violence to be etched clearly into seismic observation data. However, in the end, it was not its own volition that brought the Master to the surface.
(—!?)
The surrounding water swirled violently, as if a spectral giant had plunged a hand into the lake. The sludge at the bottom was churned into the column, and noxious gases bubbled and popped. Forced upward by the sudden surge, the Master’s massive body was propelled toward the surface against its will.
Realizing there was no escape, the Master twisted its frame and surged toward the surface on its own, then leaped to evade that mysterious, unseen hand.
Splash! Breaching the water’s surface in its entirety was a monstrous fish nearly two rods long.
(—!!)
Yet its majestic, terrifying form was witnessed by no one before it was ruthlessly carved to ribbons in the very next instant. First, a razor-thin wall of water rising from the lake toward the heavens sliced the head from the torso with a sharp shink! Then, a massive water pillar like a spear skewered the Master’s trunk, and two more rising water blades bifurcated the remains.
(Impossible… that I should…)
In a mere flash—seconds that didn’t even warrant the title of a battle—the fate of the Great Youkai, who had endured such a long period of dormancy, was severed alongside its ambitions.
(Who… and what…)
The ancient ayakashi used its severed head to desperately search for an answer to the calamity that had befallen it. And there, it beheld a small, minuscule human figure standing atop the lake’s surface.
”Pass on in peace, ya,” the figure said.
Standing on a SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) drifting across the lake, First-Class Exorcist Kurosu Tamane—clad in traditional exorcist robes—raised her hand like a blade and offered a prayer for the ayakashi she had just dismantled. Even in that moment, she manipulated blades both above and below the water, mercilessly purging the Master’s kin, other water monsters, and the vengeful spirits that had appeared to scavenge the chaos. Tamane was a daughter born and raised in Tokushima, Shikoku⁴. The pilgrimage rituals of the Eighty-Eight Temples, which had persisted for centuries, had transformed the entire island of Shikoku into a spiritual sanctuary, fostering a level of metaphysical stability unparalleled elsewhere in Japan or the world.
”The energy built up here was really somethin’, wasn’t it,” Tamane muttered to herself.
Though Tamane was born into an exorcist lineage, her parents had negligible combat experience and lived lives largely indistinguishable from ordinary Buddhist monks. Precisely because she was born as an exceptional powerhouse, Tamane exercised her strength without a shred of sentimentality in battle. If an ayakashi were capable of coexisting with humans, they would have done so already. There was no chance of a change of heart now, certainly not in the heat of a life-or-death struggle. After all, they had been granted more than enough time for such reconciliations.
It was precisely because she was a product of the peaceful Umeda that Tamane held this conviction. Furthermore, when she considered the tragedy that had befallen the parents of the man who had taught her to fight, she couldn’t afford a single moment of mercy or a lapse in vigilance. If you hesitate, you perish. And whenever Tamane fought, it was because someone had requested her aid. Failure would undoubtedly herald catastrophic consequences.
She scanned for youki while launching water blades across the waves to strike the distant shore.
”—Final confirmation, all clear!” Tamane shouted.
Confirming that the presences of the lesser spirits drawn out by the Master had mostly vanished, Tamane pointed toward the lake’s surface and raised her voice.
”District Commander, this is Kurosu at Kasumigaura. The Great Youkai has been taken care of-desuwa. I think the ones that followed are handled too, but please verify on your end as well.”
’—Understood. We thank you once again for your prompt response and cooperation,’ the Commander replied.
”No, no, it was a piece of cake~desuwa,” Tamane said.
Waving her hand at the empty air, Tamane manipulated the water to guide her SUP toward the bank.
”So what’s the plan? Just in case, I could head over to bolster the defenses at Narita—”
—Thump.
”っ!?”
Tamane stopped mid-sentence, her entire frame shivering from the sudden chill that raced down her spine. To the south—the exact distance was impossible to gauge—a massive, overwhelming surge of demon energy could be felt even from this far away. Her legs, balanced on the SUP, began to tremble. Even so, just as she was about to open her mouth to ask the Commander if she should deploy there—
”Ah…” she whispered.
Buckle. Her knees gave way. This time to the west, much, much closer in Umeda, a presence every bit as potent as the ayakashi to the south had erupted. To make matters worse, it had appeared in a position that bypassed the Metropolitan Barrier. The demon energy, which felt like it was singeing her very skin, made her legs shake so violently she couldn’t stand. Was she… supposed to go? The terror of confirming that prospect made her mouth feel as though it had been sewn shut.
’From District Commander to First-Class Exorcist Kurosu. Multiple situations are currently unfolding. As you suggested, could you please head toward Narita for now?’
”…Understood, Kurosu here. If anythin’ comes up, don’t hesitate to say the word,” Tamane replied.
’Thank you. Over.’
Concluding the communication, Tamane exhaled a sigh of relief and immediately felt a pang of shame. (What do ya mean ‘don’t hesitate’? I’m just relieved it wasn’t me, ya know.) She turned her gaze toward the west as she grew slightly acclimated to the pressure. From the capital’s perspective, the Great Youkai signatures were in two diametrically opposite directions, north and south.
”Naoshi-san…” she muttered.
In that case, regardless of how the assignments were divvied up, it was blindingly obvious who would be heading into that storm. Praying for their safety, Tamane set out to fulfill her own designated role.
* * *
That night, the intelligence flooding into the Bureau of Onmyo Kanto District Special Countermeasures Headquarters, chronicled in order, was as follows:
Off the coast of the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, a Japan Coast Guard patrol vessel is currently exchanging fire after being engaged by a suspicious ship. A Hyakki Yagyo moving east over Sagami Bay shows signs of making landfall; the projected landing point is Zaimokuza Beach in Kamakura. A Great Youkai signature has been confirmed within the procession. A dispatched unit has initiated an engagement with ayakashi congregating on the Arakawa riverbed in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture. A multi-vehicle collision and subsequent fire have occurred at the Hachioji IC on the Chuo Expressway in Hachioji, East Tokyo. An unexplained fire has broken out at Tachikawa Station on the Chuo Line in Tachikawa. The ayakashi offensive against the stronghold in Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture, has reached a critical intensity. Ayakashi are massing in the mountains east of Narita International Airport in Narita, Chiba Prefecture. A report from First-Class Exorcist Kurosu Tamane confirms the neutralization of a Great Youkai and the completion of the suppression in the Kasumigaura vicinity, Ibaraki Prefecture. An ultra-large Great Youkai and a massive Hyakki Yagyo have been confirmed manifesting in the Sagami-nada Sea in southern Chiba, currently moving north toward the Uraga Channel. Almost simultaneously, an exceptionally powerful Great Youkai was detected appearing near the Sekiyado diversion point on the upper Edogawa River; it is currently descending the river to the south. Reports of widespread power outages and traffic accidents have been received from regions along the Arakawa River on the East Tokyo side—
”Director,” a voice called out.
Director Dojima Ryohei, the Kanto District Director and Head of the Countermeasures Headquarters, who had been synthesizing the incoming data with his eyes closed, exhaled a long, weary breath.
”Is it time for the reserve forces to be deployed?” he asked.
”Yes. I believe that time is now,” the Deputy Director, who was managing the actual operational command, nodded solemnly.
”Then see to it. I previously authorized that the allocation of forces be determined by the regional commanders and First-Class Exorcist Touma. You may provide a formal report later. Furthermore, ensure that they receive every bit of support they require.”
”Understood,” the Deputy Director said, immediately relaying orders without a trace of agitation. Watching him work with his usual poise allowed Ryohei to relax his own tensed shoulders. The Dojima family was a branch of the Tsuchimikado family that had migrated east. The lineage had long since withered as exorcists, and Ryohei himself was, at best, a third-class practitioner. Nevertheless, the reason he had secured the position of Kanto District Director within the Bureau of Onmyo was that the Dojima family possessed a deep understanding of exorcists and had never strayed from the fundamental principle that they exist to safeguard the nation and its people.
”—Headquarters, call from the Prime Minister’s Official Residence. They wish to verify the status of the situation,” a staffer reported.
”Understood—Hello, this is Dojima. Yes, I see…”
How much further would this escalate? Could it be contained? And if it were contained, what would the aftermath hold? Ryohei gripped his stomach, which had begun to throb with sharp pain. (Don’t let your mind wander to useless thoughts.) Right now, his only duty was to minimize the loss of life. It was a grueling task, but it paled in comparison to the exorcists currently putting their lives on the line in the field.
”Yes, naturally. Please be at ease. We have reinforcement from other districts as well—” Ryohei said, weaving words to reassure himself as much as the caller.
* * *
”Man, it’s turning out to be even more chaotic than I anticipated. Is that four Great Youkai now? Or was it five?”
Kazuramichi Naoshi stood up, a wry chuckle escaping him at the news. Shiun Suzuri and Ako promptly followed his lead.
”Nao-nii,” Suzuri said.
”Step-brother,” Ako added.
Naoshi nodded silently at the girls’ expectant gazes. “I won’t stop ya today. Just make sure ya follow me like your lives depend on it,” he said.
There was danger ahead, but they needed every hand they could get. And there were no exorcists currently present who understood Naoshi as well as Suzuri and the others did.
”Got it!” Suzuri replied.
”Yes,” Ako said.
Naoshi let out a breath, feeling half-relieved and half-apprehensive at their resolute responses. “Alright then, based on compatibility, I’m the best fit for the north, yeah? The sea is definitely outside my wheelhouse—Yuki-kun, what’s wrong?”
Noticing that Yukinojo, who had finished his liaison with headquarters, hadn’t replied, Naoshi turned his attention toward him. Yukinojo was scowling as he checked his sword.
”No, the enemy was more formidable than I expected. I was debating how to ask the three of you…” Yukinojo said.
Naoshi looked at him, finding the hesitation a bit of a surprise. “I’ve got a pal named Yuzura. He’s got a bigger frame than me, but he’s a real stickler for the little things,” Naoshi said.
”I’m familiar with him. He’s the nephew of the Kanbe family head, isn’t he?” Yukinojo asked.
”That’s the guy. But, well, if I just say ‘I’m countin’ on ya’ and give ‘im a nod, he’ll usually handle things just fine,” Naoshi replied.
”I’m envious. You have a good friend,” Yukinojo said.
”I do. I mean, friendship’s about give and take—that’s just how the world works. Ah, don’t worry about those two. They’d tail me even if I tried to lock ’em in a room anyway,” Naoshi said with a joking laugh. Suzuri silently jabbed him in the ribs.
”—I suppose so,” Yukinojo agreed, his expression finally softening at their exchange.
”Nao-san,” Yukinojo called out.
”Yeah?” Naoshi asked.
”I ask you once again to safeguard the north,” Yukinojo said.
”You got it. Leave it to me—you can rest easy as if you’re on a luxury liner,” Naoshi replied.
Nodding solemnly, the young men exchanged a resolute handshake. They exited the room and headed toward the two VTOL aircraft waiting on the tarmac.
”—Well then, everyone stay safe,” Yukinojo said.
”I might be preachin’ to the choir, but you too, Yuki-kun,” Naoshi replied.
”Good luck,” Suzuri said.
”You too, Yukinojo-san,” Ako added.
Finally, Naoshi extended a fist, and Yukinojo bumped it with his own before the four of them went their separate ways.
”Step-brother, they’ve identified the specifics of the ayakashi,” Ako said, being strapped into her seat in the rear cabin while receiving an update from headquarters.
”Yeah?” Naoshi asked.
”The Great Youkai heading for Tokyo Bay is a Sea Monk, and the Hyakki Yagyo is comprised of Ghost Ships,” Ako explained.
”It’s like a world of old legends,” Suzuri said with a tense expression, though she managed a dry quip.
Naoshi’s expression softened at her grit. “Yeah, I almost feel like I’d like to see that. And what’s on the Edogawa River?” he asked.
”Yes—it’s an Ushi-Oni⁵, apparently,” Ako said after a momentary pause.
”Hoh,” Naoshi muttered.
The smile on Naoshi’s face didn’t fade, but its nature shifted entirely. “Nao-nii?” Suzuri asked.
”—Nah, I just thought things were finally startin’ to get interestin’ over here too,” Naoshi replied.
Ushi-Oni. That was the name of the ayakashi that had dealt his father, Tadayuki, a wound so catastrophic he could never again walk the path of an exorcist.
—
Summary:
The Great Catfish of Kasumigaura awakens but is swiftly executed by Kurosu Tamane. A massive supernatural multi-front offensive begins across the Kanto region, overwhelming the Bureau of Onmyo’s resources. Director Dojima struggles with administrative pressure as he authorizes reserve forces. Naoshi prepares to face the Ushi-Oni, the beast that once crippled his father.
—
Character Insight:
Tamane displays a cold, pragmatic efficiency in battle, born from a lack of sentimental connection to malevolent spirits. In contrast, Naoshi’s casual ‘fake Kansai’ facade masks a deepening personal stake as he confronts his family’s traumatic past. Director Dojima represents the human toll of the conflict, feeling the physical weight of leadership through his stress-induced illness while acknowledging his own lack of combat prowess.
—
Behind the Scene:
The chapter highlights the ‘Metropolitan Barrier’ (Shutoken Dai-Kekkai), a common trope in modern Japanese occult fantasy where Tokyo is protected by a spiritual shell. The mention of the ‘Eighty-Eight Temples’ in Shikoku refers to the real-life Ohenro pilgrimage, which authors often use as a lore reason for Shikoku being a ‘safe’ or ‘spiritually stable’ zone in urban fantasy.
—
T/L:
Notes:
• Tamane – The strongest and only First-Class exorcist in Shikoku. Known for her ability to handle multiple opponents simultaneously. A 21-year-old First-Class Exorcist and university student. Stands at 147cm with bronze-tanned skin and long black twintails. Wears sports brand tracksuits and carries a Boston bag. Loves beautiful people and weighs ‘three carrots.’
• Ryohei – Bureau of Onmyo Kanto District Director and Head of the Special Countermeasures Headquarters. A branch of the Tsuchimikado family, though he only possesses third-class exorcist skills. He suffers from stress-induced stomach pain.
• Yuzura – The beautiful man. Kazuramichi Naoshi’s childhood friend, and one of the few who knows the true nature of the Kazuramichi family. The nephew of Kanbe Taro, the head of the Kanbe family.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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