Kaze no Stigma:Volume2 Chapter 5

Fall part two – The price of Soul-

1

“…………!”

The man reading a horse racing paper while leaning against a wall notices a woman passing through the edge of his field of view.

Wearing a tidy blue silk kimono, she looks a little over twenty. The man inconspicuously raises the newspaper to hide his face, but does not take his eyes off the girl.

The woman, seemingly oblivious to her observer, continues walking at the same pace. The man folds under his armpit, and takes a cell phone out of his belt holster.

“I see her. Tailing the target.”

(Meanwhile...)

A middle-aged man hangs a silver chain over an opened map. There is a platinum ring at the chain that forms a loop, wavering at a height that almost touches the map.

“Hmm.....”

Suddenly, the chain begins to shift in a certain direction, jerking unnaturally as if pulled by some invisible force.

The man traces the direction of the chain's motion. Realizing he has gone too far, he moves his hand back again, and after repeating these movements over and over he finally stops at the point where the invisible force has led him.

“....Is this the place?”

The dowsing ring keeps spinning over a point on the map. The man notes the name of the location and reaches for the phone on the table.

A young woman is staring attentively at a crystal ball. The beauty who is dressed up as a fortune teller that can be seen anywhere on the streets gives off a mysterious aura, even though it would inappropriate to describe her this way.

The crystal ball of twenty centimeters is carved and polished flawlessly, yet for some reason there is a white mist at the its center.

In order to see through the mist, the female glares intensely at the crystal ball, a nerve almost popping at her temple.

“....!”

Perhaps because of her effort, the white mist gradually disperses, and an image resembling a building begins to surface.

The entire structure seems thin and long, and a black cross is set in the upper half of the white wall.

The woman zooms the image in on the entrance, and carefully writes down the words carved on the door.

“Speaking of which, how daring. This is indeed a blind spot.”

Smiling in praise at the unknown enemy, she walks out of the room to make her report.

(An hour later...)

The ten jutsu-shi led by Oogami Masayuki all gathered near a certain church at Ikebukuro. The purpose, needless to say, is to hunt down Misao, whom they have finally found.

This operation is a little rushed, there was no time to hesitate. They failed to find any trace of where she was hiding before this, yet they managed to find her suddenly though a few sources.

It is really just too suspicious... Or should it be said, that this is a trap that cannot be any more obvious, as if Misao is waving her hand right before their eyes.

It is just like saying Misao hid herself during a game of hide-and-seek, and then purposely sticking her head out, as if deliberately wanting for Kazuma to catch her.

But, Misao’s power should still not be sufficient to defeat Kazuma. Precisely because of this, Masayuki is acting hurriedly. In order to put an end to this himself, before Misao is defeated by someone else...

“Listen up people, among you, there may even be a few of you that are on good terms with Misao, but don’t misunderstand. She is an unforgivable evil being that has degenerated into a demon, so do not go easy on her. In order to uphold the name and honor of the Kannagi, we must eradicate her with all our force so that not a single cell of her being remains!”

Standing before the subordinates he gathered, Masayuki is giving a speech loudly. The hidden meaning of “The survival of the Ogami family depends on this battle!” is conveyed to everyone clearly.

Or it can also be said that, nothing was mentioned other than this. Like his love for his daughter, pity, the pains of having to end his own daughter by his very hands etc.

Because it is his daughter, that is why he is so hardhearted, this kind of positive explanation is not entirely absent, but to believe this saying from the bottom of the heart would probably require a lot of imagination!

Masayuki’s attitude is just like that.

Ayano leaves the group, and as she looks at Masayuki’s back as he is giving the speech, she thinks in her heart.

(Maybe it is because of her father being this way, that Misao is unable to endure the pains of losing her brothers...)

Even so, the unpleasant feelings in her heart still lingers.

Maybe this is a child’s wishful thinking. But Ayano feels that, this is not what is meant by a family.

Ren seems to have the same thoughts, as his expression seems very uneasy.

“So then...“

After the speech ended, Masayuki turns towards their direction, a flattering smile on his face.

“If Kazuma comes over, please deal with him.”

“...Hmm.”

As she is under no obligation to put Masayuki at ease, Ayano emotionlessly nods in response. Not sure how Masayuki takes her reply, he frowns to verify once more.

“Is it really okay?”

“What do you mean?”

”Are you confident in winning against Kazuma?”

“How can I be confident about that...”

Ayano says bluntly. This is not to scare him, but the true words in her heart.

However, Masayuki’s expression changes greatly hearing what she said.

“How.. How can that be!? Then why did you promise to take care of Kazuma!?”

“Do you need to ask? Because I am the only who can do it.”

Ayano looks coldly at the shocked Masayuki, and says bluntly:

“No matter what your thoughts may be, Misao must be eliminated. Not by the hands of others, but by us, the Kannagi clan, so I will not let Kazuma make trouble regarding this matter.

If it is left up to you guys, you would all be killed within three seconds. But, I can buy you people up to three minutes, so figure something out during this period of time!”

The whole area became quiet instantly. What Ayano just said is not an alarmist talk, the number she gave, three minutes, is already a very optimistic estimate.

To think that they naively believe that up against Kazuma, having Ayano on their side allows them to relax. Perhaps the image of “the 'weak Kannagi Kazuma' is still buried deep in their hearts!

“So, what is the battle plan?”

Ignoring the tense atmosphere, Ayano voices out to ask Masayuki. If they have intended to fight a prolonged battle, they must change their plans immediately.

“Y-Yes. We intend to lure Misao out from the church, and then chase her to the park just opposite. This entire area has been blocked off, so there is no worry that other people may get involved in this. After that we are going to set up a kekkai in the park. Misao will be like a fish in the net. It is absolutely foolproof, there will not be any accidents.”

“Oh...”

Ayano thinks that this is not a bad method. In terms of fighting abilities, Misao is not much of a threat, so by sealing off all possible escape routes, with the power of ten, they shouldn't lose.

“But, who is the one blocking the area off? And, the kekkai is...”

As she is querying, Ayano quietens suddenly. Because she recognizes a female figure that is walking towards the area.

The female is wearing a tall and thin outfit with trousers. She is wearing sunglasses, so her face is not clearly visible, but somehow Ayano just feels that she has seen this female somewhere before.

“The kekkai is ready, we can start any time.”

After a routine report, the female takes off her sunglasses. Ayano's eyes widens instantly.

“A-..Ahhhhhh.....!!”

She stretches her finger out and calls out without realizing it. That is undoubtedly the woman from before, the one holding hands with Kazuma at the love hotel street, named Kirika.

“Hi, Ayano.”

Kirika smiles faintly, and looks at Ayano expectantly.

“...You know each other?”

“We met once before.” Kirika replies, acting as though she is unaware at all. Masayuki puts on a serious expression and stares at her.

“I hope you mind your tone. Ayano-sama has the bloodline of the main family, she is originally not allowed to be spoken to directly like this...“

“Oh, sorry for having been so rude.”

Kirika apologizes respectfully, and cutting into a long nag by Masayuki at the same time. She uses an extremely natural attitude to ignore him who still wants to say something, and gives a formal salute towards Ayano.

“I am Superintendent (Note: A title of one of the ranks of the Japan Police, of the middle ranked officers.) Tachibana Kirika sent by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (Note: Japan’s east Tokyo central main base of the police force). It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Police..? The surname Tachibana, could it be that...“

I am from a branch family.” Kirika smiles as she shrugs her shoulders.

Ayano gets more and more confused. Speaking of the Tachibana family, that is a famous Onmyoji clan. Even from the branch family, how can it be possible that a member of the Tachibana clan became a cop?

(Prepare a kekkai------?)

Ayano instantly stares at Masayuki with strict eyes.

“You sought the help of police?”

The duty of the Kannagi clan is to eradicate youma through direct combat, and the quality of their work requires cooperation from government related agencies such as the police.

As their relationships with the police are rather close, and their astounding results from protecting the society for the past thousand years, some unreasonable requests are still accepted.

But, in this current case, there should not be unrelated personals like the police involved since the start.

The criminal they are hunting down is from their own family. And to degenerate a Kannagi Jutsu-shi into a youma, moreover that Jutsu-shi killing over a hundred people has already left a great stain for the clan. Such a fact should not be revealed to outsiders.

“N-No... This is because...”

Seeing that Ayano is questioning him, Masayuki became afraid, he bends down slightly and retreats backwards, yet Kirika does not change her relaxed attitude.

“Please calm down, we are helping in response to Juugo-san’s request.”

“Otou-san...?” Ayano asks in doubt. Masayuki who is hiding behind Kirika hurriedly nods in agreement

“That's right, Ogami Misao’s hiding spot was also investigated and acquired by us,”

Even so, Ayano still doesn't understand. Why would her overly-cautious father do something that even she thinks is dumb.

Against Ayano’s hostile eyes, Kirika walks towards her, defenseless. Then, she places her face by the ear of Ayano who is in her battle stance, and says softly at a volume that only Ayano can hear:

”You are to be mindful of what we know,”

Ayano’s body shook lightly. Kirika continues saying, looking as though she feels like laughing:

“Those things that you 'do not want others to know', we already know very well. For example, what Ogami Misao did.... But, we are still unsure of the actual number of victims.”

(Should I kill her...?)

Ayano ponders this carefully. Even though she is very unwilling to do so, but she really cannot just ignore what Kirika said.

“You intend to threaten the Kannagi?” Ayano verifies one last time. If the other party nods, then she must set her mind to it.

But Kirika shakes her head with ease.

“How can that be. I am not so ignorant. After all, a minor issue of this standard is not enough to use as a threat.”

“...What do you mean?”

“The 'value' of the Kannagi will not be shaken by this minor scandal. Maybe if the higher ups know of this, they may use it as a chip at making deals, but this information will be kept safely with me.”

Ayano raises an eyebrow.

“Did you just say you will not threaten us?”

“Don’t you get it? This is to represent my sincerity.”

“...?”

“Kill me, and no one will ever find out... That is what it means.”

“...!”

“Why do you...?”

“So that the Soushu of the Kannagi will remember me, this tiny price means nothing. Besides, we will also get a record of having helped the Kannagi.”

“....”

Ayano has a strange feeling. The 'we' that has appeared several times in Kirika’s speech, does not seem to mean the entire police organization.

There is only one explanation that she can think of. That would be that in between the two unrelated powers of the police and jutsu-shis, there is a line linking the two.

“Could you be that...? That...unit called Information Consolidation department or something...?”

“To be more accurate, it would be the Special Information Consolidation Department. I am the chief of that department.” Kirika nods proudly.

The Special Information Consolidation Department of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

This is a department that was recently established. As if to hide from others, the nameplate of this department only lingers quietly at one corner of the basement of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

Everyone knows of the existence of this department, but the number of people that knows what they do is very few. To the extent that what the words “Special Information” means, the entire Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department...Including the employees working there, there is no one that knows at all.

To put it simply, there is no such thing that exists. Such an obscure department name, it is just a hoax to hide the contents of its operations.

For over a century after the Bureau of Onmyou was disbanded, Japan has passed on most of the spiritual protecting jobs to its people. In order to make a breakthrough from this current situation, this special information department is established... The only government-run exorcising organization.

As they are unable to label themselves as an exorcising department in broad daylight, so they used a name that just seems to 'do odd jobs'. It is even rumored that, the 'information' is taken from the same pronunciation as 'dead spirits'.

Leaving this government agency style of naming aside, its establishment really made an impact in the field.

“Oh, so there really is such a department. I have not heard of any activities at all, so I had thought that it is just an urban legend kind of rumor.”

From Ayano’s current understanding, it is something like that.

“Hmm...”

Hearing this harsh comment, Kirika shows a hurt expression.

“O-Of course we have been active! Restoring distorted kekkais, suppressing land-bound spirits and the like... Because we have to obtain Jutsu-shis with fighting capabilities, so we are unable to plan large scale exorcisms,”

“Ah, so you are a bunch of people that are working silently. That sure seems like a government function.”

Ayano smiles with a 'hmph' expression. That expression is really arrogant and incomparable, 'cute' to the point that it makes one want to give her a tight slap.

But Kirika is an adult after all. She does not show her anger, and uses a kind smile to say to Ayano:

“But the higher ups are always unable to understand our unnoticeable activities. Ayano, do you want to come over and work in the Special Information Department? Even if it is just as a part time job.”

“I refuse.”

Ayano’s reply is very firm. Yet, as if she just thought of something, she uses questioning eyes to look at Kirika.

“Ah... Could it be that, that time you were trying to persuade Kazuma to join?”

“Huh? Ah, you meant the last time we met?”

Kirika shows a relaxed smile.

Their positions are switched instantly. Ayano, who is now at a disadvantage refuses to give in and stares back at Kirika, but her eyes reveals clearly that those are just looks, and empty within.

“In your heart, you really hope that I met with Kazuma only because of work right?”

“N-No I don’t...”

Despite how she is denying it with her mouth, Ayano can’t help but ask again:

“...So, what is it?”

Seeing Ayano who is lowering her head while staring at her, Kirika replies,“I won’t tell you.”

“...!”

“Be it for private reasons or work, I am under no obligations to tell you anything. Isn’t that right?”

(This.. This woman..!)

Ayano’s eyes glow with murderous intent. Against such a strong stare, Kirika still maintains her relaxed smile.

As the two continues staring at each other, a hand tugs at Ayano’s sleeve. Ayano looks down, and promptly turns back to stare at Kirika.

“Don’t interrupt me, Ren. I must settle things with this woman...“

“But everyone is waiting for us.”

“Huh...?”

Ayano follows the direction Ren is looking in, there are ten Jutsu-shis using very unfriendly eyes to observe their duel.

Among which, Masayuki seems especially impatient. He is trying his best to control himself so that he does not show an anxious expression, but he is unable to hide a very obvious nerve at his temple.

This feeling is just like using all the restraining powers one can gather to hold back the impulse to scream out “Hurry up, you two brats!”.

In replacement of that roar, Masayuki asks in a fake manner:

“It is about time to head for the church... Are the both of you ready?”

But, these two are of course not 'brats' who would be afraid of someone like Masayuki. They look at the guy with a fake smile on his face, and coldly says:

“Then shall we?”

“Feel free to go now.”

Masayuki’s smile froze. He looks dumbly at the two with an expression that is neither laughing nor crying.

“I should have said earlier that 'we can start anytime'. Or should I say, is there some reason that we must go together with you?”

“Mm...”

“You better hurry and move along. If she escapes, are you going to take responsibility?”

“Mmm...”

After being blasted by the two’s words continuously, Masayuki’s face flushes red, unable to say anything anymore.

Facing this old man who is staring at her with cursing eyes, Ayano waves him away with ease... As if chasing a dog.

“Hmm... Everyone, let’s go!”

After shouting out as if venting his anger, Masayuki walks off with loud and clear footsteps. He reprimands the Jutsu-shis who look at each other in an angry voice.

“Will you hurry up!”

“G-Got it!”

Seeing Masayuki and the jutsu-shis walk off hurriedly, Ayano lets out a sigh.

“Finally gone.”

Seeing such a frank reaction, Kirika asks, smiling:

“You seem to hate that old man a lot, don't you, Ayano-chan?”

“Do you need you ask! Someone who intends to harden his heart and kill his daughter for the survival of his clan... There is no need to put up with him!”

“As for me, it doesn’t matter as long as the Soushu is happy. Besides, what kind of future can that guy have?”

Ayano shrugs her shoulders with a bitter smile.

“I can only say, otou-san has no intentions of destroying the Ogami family.”

Even so, he can't just not take up any responsibility at all! And this responsibility must be given up by Masayuki as he is the head of the family.

“The one who is to take responsibility exists precisely to take up the responsibility. I really like this sentence. By the way...You really intend to fight with Kazuma?”

Kirika nods as if it evoked her thoughts, and then changed topics suddenly. Even though she is slightly at a loss, Ayano still replies honestly:

“Yeah, there is no one else after all. Even though I may not be able to win, but I can try to buy time.”

“..You don’t have to push yourself so hard. Even if you lose against that man, it is not considered shameful.”

“I know. I don’t intend to put my life on the line for it. Besides, I have this kid with me.”

She pats on Ren’s head, who is standing beside her. Ren raises his head in surprise to look at Ayano.

“Huh..? Me too..?”

Ayano keeps quiet, and changes the hand on Ren’s head into the shape of a claw. A sharp pain strikes at Ren in an instant.

“O-Ouch! That hurts Onee-sama!”

“Let’s work hard together, Ren! [heart symbol]”

“O-Okay...”

Ren gave in to fear and pain, nodding in reply with tears in his eyes.

2

“Thank you for the hard work.”

Kirika shows a smile on her face, the police officers return the greeting instantly.

The vehicles that blocked the way shifted slightly, opening a small gap that allows one person to get through. Passing through that small gap, Kirika, Ayano and Ren in sequence, entered into the secured zone.

“……What a thorough job.”

Looking at their surroundings, Ayano uses an extremely shocked tone to say to Kirika.

This corner of the city that is originally very busy, has now been completely transformed into an empty dead city. Not only are there no pedestrians, even the people inside the buildings seem to be all cleared away.

Kirika shrugs her shoulders lightly.

“Actually we only evacuated a few people. Most of the people sensed an abnormality and escaped before we did anything.”

“Abnormality…… Is it?”

Smelling the stinking stench similar to a rotten fish amidst the wind, Ayano frowns. The asphalt road surface seems strangely gooey. Every step they take, their sole seems to be glued to the ground, a thin thread stuck at the centre.

Maybe due to the base portion being corroded, the trees in the park are tilting at a dangerous angle under the wind’s blow, as if it would topple any moment.

“It is rather common to hear others say, that humans are a type of animal that has lost its basic instincts. But judging from this, it seems humans have not completely lost them after all. Just think about it, isn’t there no one coming to watch the scene or any reporters at the inspection area?”

“------Now that you mention it, it seems to be that way.”

Ayano recalls the scene of when they were passing through the inspection area.

In contrast to the completely empty streets, such a big cast seems to be overdoing it, causing one to question whether it is necessary. But thinking about it more carefully, it won’t seem strange.

Because the centre of Ikebukuro is clearly sealed off, yet there are no commotions. Normally speaking this is very abnormal.

(Normally speaking huh------)

Faced with a meaningless imagination, Ayano can’t help but show a bitter smile. Under a situation whereby youki causes a physical change, causing the wind and earth to be corroded, using the word “normally” does not seem to be suitable.

If the people are to realize the abnormality and escape, that would be most convenient. Because this way they will not have to worry about other people seeing them, and fight as they wish.

She smiles in her heart, and walks to the center of the secured zone. There is a small church there, this is perhaps a church that is furthest away from the word “Holy” in the whole world!

Looking at the actual place, the preparations are ready. Ten Jutsushis surround the church, not letting even a seep of water to get through.

Sensing Ayano approaching, Masayuki who is standing right at the entrance turns around.

“Please do not take part in this Ayano-sama and Ren-sama.”

“I know.”

Ayano impatiently waves her hand towards Masayuki who reminds them once more.

The Jutsushis are concentrating, waiting for Masayuki’s signal. He knows that Misao is inside there, and at this stage he does not intend to spend more time searching the interior.

He plans to burn down the entire church.

If ten Kannagi Jutsushis are to release flames all at the same time, this kind of building would be destroyed before it even begins burning.

It is best if thing could be settled just like this. In case she survives, then according to their plans they will force her into the park and eradicate her.

There exists no element of failure. Everyone believes firmly at the arrival of their victory.

“Okay, begi……”

Right at the moment before Masayuki gave the command, the door of the church opens slowly. Masayuki hurriedly stops the hand that is about to wave down, and stares closely at the door.

Following a sharp squeaking sound, the door opens gradually. Unable to see the interior at all, the darkness filled within rejects the entry of all light.

Not only that, the darkness even began infesting the light. A certain black object passes through the front door, and appears in the space filled with light.

It is someone dressed in a pitch black kimono------ A black-haired girl wearing a mofuku. The darkness that took on the shape of a human stares at the group of people.

“…… You are…… Misao……?”

Masayuki calls out his daughter’s name, as if moaning. The reason why the pitch near the end raises up, is due to the immense youki wrapped around her.

“I welcome everyone’s arrival. Oto-sama as well, I am glad to see that you are still so healthy.”

Misao elegantly greets them. That gentle smile announces her genuine welcome.

But, if there is anyone who knows Misao, they may probably see the abnormality in this. In the recent tens years or so, Misao has never smiled like this towards Masayuki.

Of course, even Masayuki did not realize this. Because as a female, Misao who cannot become a fighter, is nothing more than a useless and worthless existence to him.

Staring angrily at the daughter who is smiling innocently, Masayuki shouts from the bottom of his heart:

“Shut up! A dirty and despicable thing like you is not qualified to call me oto-sama!”

In a moment, the smile in Misao’s eyes vanishes. But after that she remembers how to give a smile, and returns to her original expression.

“Sorry to have been so rude then. By the way------“

Misao looks around, verifying the faces of everyone at the scene.

“Where is Kazuma-san?”

“That guy has already been dismissed!”

Ayano answers at an astonishing speed:

“Whether he is capable enough is only secondary, we have no intentions of hiring someone who does not plan to work at all. This is not charity work.”

Staring at Ayano who would feel unpleasant if she doesn’t say this for quite a while, the side of Misao’s lips rises suddenly.

Ayano’s eyebrows jump up in an instant. Even if it was just for a moment, but she has correctly understood the meaning of that smile.

It was a mockery, a mockery that looks down upon the opponent from a high place. It is something a Jutsushi from a branch------ and to have degenerated into a youma, it is an intolerable expression.

“What is so funny……?”

Ayano questions in a suppressed tone.

“The attitude of Ayano-sama is too ugly.”

Misao replies, still having a smile at her face.

Swoosh, Ayano steps out, slanting her right body. That is completely a battle posture. Masayuki who is standing between the two is so scared he jumps backwards.

Ignoring the murderous aura directed at her, Misao smiles and says:

“Does Kazuma-san caring only for me make you that jealous?”

“------!”

The uprising murderous aura shakes the area, but Misao shows no signs of backing off. Unsure whether she is confident in winning, or has lost her normal judgment capabilities------

“Very well…… Speaking of which, we have yet to settle from last time.”

“Is that so…… I can’t recall such a thing.”

A face-off like swords and blades crossing each other. Their exchanged glances gives off sparks, a tense atmosphere is at the brink of exploding.

Ayano takes out her Enraiha quietly, the golden brilliances that erupts from it exorcises the murky youki.

Faced with a sudden battle between females, the Jutsushis from branch families began trembling.

“A…… Ayano-sama. Leave Misao to us……”

Masayuki hurriedly tries to halt Ayano, yet he quietens down under the stare filled with murderous intent. After all, the level between the two is completely different.

No one can stop them. Just as everyone at the scene is thinking this way------

“Excuse me, sorry to disturb when the two of you are so busy.”

With her ear stuck at the mobile phone that is switched to vibration mode, Kirika makes a routine announcement.

“Yagami Kazuma has appeared. He is closing in from the direction of the main road.”

Ayano’s body shook suddenly.

(Saved------)

Seeing this reaction, Masayuki sighs in relief.

“Ayano-sama------“

“I know.”

Keeping Enraiha, Ayano stares at Misao once more. Misao lifts her chin, showing a smile of victory in response.

She saw the way Ayano’s temple entangles together.

(There should still be time after killing her first……)

For a moment, Ayano considers this seriously. But, since she has calmed down now, she cannot place her personal feelings before her.

“Masayuki-san, please act as we have originally planned. Superintendent Tachibana, I will not ask you to fight with Kazuma, but please maintain the kekkai. Okay?”

Ayano gives off commands one by one, and finally shifts her eyes to Ren.

“Let’s go stall Kazuma!”

“…… Yes……”

Ren droops his eyes, and nods to reply with a helpless tone. Yet Ayano does not care about Ren’s attitude, and forcefully drags him off.

3

“I'm late, has it already begun?”

Sprinting on the empty streets, Kazuma grumbles, swerving as he turns a corner.

He saw Misao’s 'invitation', yet he noticed an hour later than Kannagi and the police. This is not due to some special reason, but purely because he was sound asleep.

Even though he jumped up from his bed immediately when he sensed the rising youki, but he is still unable to deny the fact that he came late. The only thing fortunate to him would be that it is happening next to the hotel he is using as a base for his search for Misao.

(Speaking of which, to be located so close…… Even though I am not sure who it may be, but he's good.)

Thinking about the real enemy who has yet to reveal himself, Kazuma speeds up. Perhaps due to all his wrong-doings most of the time, he did not reach the destination that easily.

Two shadows stand before Kazuma, stopping him. Kazuma uses sharp eyes to stare at the shadows. He eventually lets out a bored sigh.

“Oh, it’s you.”

“Well, SORRY that it's me.”

Hearing his disappointed voice, Ayano replies impolitely in the same manner. She held Enraiha in her hand. Her intentions were plain as day.

Leaving that aside...

“Why is Ren here as well?”

“Well, what do you think?”

Ayano opens her palm and slaps onto the bitterly smiling Ren’s head. A very clear sound was given out.

“Obviously, we're working together to beat you up!”

Ayano says enthusiastically , but Ren backs off slightly, and shakes his head vigorously from a place that Ayano cannot see.

Kazuma decides to put Ren aside for now. Looking straight at Ayano who seems ready to fight anytime, Kazuma smiles proudly:

“...Are you sure you came prepared?”

A fierce ki surrounds Ayano.

“Argh……”

It's frightening. Kazuma is only standing there... Yet, that seems really scary already.

She is not prepared at all, as there is not a single hope of victory.

“Even so, I must do this! Because only I can!”

As if trying to throw away her fears and hesitations, she raises the Enraiha with everything she has. She swings down the blade with all her strength.

“Take this..!! KAZUMA!”

A massive plasma body burns the air and speeds off. Looking at that object closing in at a high speed, Kazuma waves his hand out with ease.

The fist entangled with wind sends the plasma bullet flying. The scorching flames veer off at a 90 degrees angle, and a big hole is made in the building caught in the flames’ path.

(As expected, ranged attacks are useless...)

Ayano holds the Enraiha tightly, determined to go into melee combat.

As she gradually reduces the distance between them, intending to jump straight into Kazuma, he suddenly relaxes and takes a step back.

“...?”

“I'm sorry to do this when you are all fired up, but I am in a rush to get over there. I'll play with you next time!”

Leaving this selfish remark, Kazuma rides the wind and flies into the sky... and disappears. This was done by manipulating the density of air, causing a change in the refraction of light to create an effect of invisibility.

“Huhhh!?”

Ren who is standing further back gives off a sound of surprise. But Ayano has already seen this kind of trick before, and has come up with a method against it.

“Hmph...“

She raises Enraiha slowly.

“Did you think the same trick....“

Just as Fuu-jutsushis observed the air flow, En-Jutsushis use fire; heat to see the world. Ayano cannot possibly miss the heat source with more than twice the temperature of the air.

“Can work on me twice...?!”

A high speed plasma bullet fired off, and accurately shot past the invisible Kazuma. Fortunately, for Kazuma, the layer of wind kekkai around him repelled the blast.

“Woahh!?”

Kazuma suddenly appeared in the sky. Having lost the protection of the wind, Fuu-Jutsushis are naturally unable to fly in the air------ and will of course fall down.

“Yosh..!”

Just before falling onto the ground, Kazuma regains control of the wind. Just as he flips into an upright posture, his feet land softly on the ground.

Looking at the proud Ayano, Kazuma sighs and lectures her:

“Didn’t I tell you before? If you have time to study small tricks like this, you should go practice your sword skills.”

“It doesn't matter. It's pretty useful, after all.” Ayano shoulders Enraiha, laughing proudly.

“Are you disappointed to have your technique exposed?”

“..Not really. That aside... what are you going to do now?”

Ayano has already dragged Kazuma onto the ground, so she can use Enraiha to attack directly.

------That is, if she can hit him.

With Ayano's abilities, she can't even touch Kazuma. The difference in power is too great to be bridged by hard work or determination.

However, Ayano's composed smile doesn't fade.

“Did you really think I would go against you without thinking of anything?”

“Yup. After all, you're an animal that moves on instinct.” Kazuma replied instantly. A vein rose in Ayano's temple.

“Why you..! Then, watch this!”

Ayano stretches her hand behind her, thrusting out the 'thing' she grabbed towards Kazuma.

“Ultimate technique! Ren Barrier!!”

------(Please wait a moment...)

The stopped time started to flow again.

Kazuma sighs as if emptying his lungs. He looks at Ayano with a pitying look.

“...For now, explain why are you using Ren as a human barrier?.”

“He he he, no matter how wicked and inhuman you are, I doubt you'd be able to hurt Ren! As long as I have this Ren Barrier, even if I can't win, I definitely won't lose either!”

Hiding behind Ren whose entire body is lifted up by the collar, Ayano declares while brimming with confidence.

While looking at this scene with a pained expression, Kazuma asks:

“..How should I say this, don’t you feel embarrassed as the next Soushu of the Kannagi?”

“I, for one, am embarrassed...” Hung like a doll that had just been washed, Ren quietly mumbled.

“Shut up! I'll do whatever it takes to win!” Ayano shouted, flustered.

“No, you still can't win. You just won’t lose.”

“Ah...That's... Anyway. If you think you can break through this Ren Barrier, just try it!”

“Sure.”

Kazuma effortlessly released blades of wind that, drawing an arc like a boomerang, sliced at both of Ayano's arms from behind.

“Kya!”

Although it doesn't reach the skin, both of Ayano's sleeves were completely shredded, surprising her enough that she releases Ren the Barrier.

Ren quickly escapes to a place where Ayano's hands don't reach. He naturally didn't want to keep working with her.

“Hey, stop right there!”

Ayano tries to chase after Ren, but

------ Swoosh!

A blade of wind flying right before the tip of her nose made her stop in her steps.

She happens to look below her feet, and noticed that the surface of the asphalt was smoothly sliced through like butter.

A cold sweat ran down Ayano's back.

“Well, I understand somewhat. Basically, you're just trying to buy some time, right?”

Ayano was frozen, her intentions exposed. Kazuma pronounces coldly:

“I think I told you already, but I'm in a hurry to get there. If you keep fooling around... You'll die.”

“....!”

As if being pushed by a massive intent to kill, Ayano uses all her strength to move to the side. A blade of wind ran through the place where Ayano had just been.

This wasn't a threat or an attack meant to disable someone. It was literally an attack to instantly slices a person in two.

(He's gotten serious...?)

A shiver ran down her back. Ayano prepared to aim for the eyes, and focuses every nerve in her body on the enemy in front of her.

Kazuma's attacks don't have movements for preparation. He can release a lethal strike without even moving a finger. In comparison to dodging attacks like this, dodging bullets is much easier.

Ayano tosses aside her useless defense. She prays to god that she will not suffer fatal injuries, and thrusts in a straight line.

Wind blades that strike at her continuously cancel out with the flames that surround her entire body. Ayano gives up on all meaningless dodging actions, and closes in on Kazuma in the shortest distance possible.

(...I reached him!)

The attacking range of the sword, at this distance, the sword is faster than Jutsu.

What Jutsu means is the substantiation of one’s will. And so, when one uses Jutsu, he must think; that means it must go through the brain.

In comparison, when the body is moving, including the usage of every piece of muscle, sometimes even the most basic will of to 'make the body move' may be left out entirely.

For someone whose fighting skills have been trained to a certain extent, they have experienced 'striking out before thinking' before. This speed will never be caught up by Jutsu. No matter how much one trains, to activate Jutsu subconsciously is impossible logically.

Ayano swings Enraiha down forcefully. The destructive powers of this sword would be humbled even by calling it 'overwhelming'. If a human is hit...No, even lightly scraped by it, he would become a piece of charcoal.

Kazuma moves to the left to dodge the slice. Ayano pulls the blade back, reversing her grip, and cuts a slant upwards.

Kazuma moves left, and at the same time dashes into Ayano's chest who pulled her torso upwards for the upward slice, and stretches his hand out at the handle of Enraiha. Enraiha slips out from Ayano’s hand.

If this is a competition, the judge would have probably announced Kazuma’s victory by now. But, this is an actual battle... And the blade that Ayano holds is Enraiha.

After dodging the palm strike aimed at her chin by twisting her body, Ayano focuses her consciousness onto Enraiha.

At the same time, the Enraiha that was flying in mid air disappeared. Following that, a collection of energy was made in Ayano's body at her chest area.

She holds the empty right hand tight, and places that burning, beating power within. In the blink of an eye, Enraiha is in her right hand once more.

That is a strong and sudden straight attack. Even though Ayano thought that her surprise attack was successful, but this seems to be within the opponent’s expectations as well. Kazuma bends backwards slightly, the tip of the blade swept by his body by a mere 4 millimeters.

Kazuma unhurriedly pulls their distance apart once more, a smile appearing on his face. That is undoubtedly a smile of praise, but Ayano did not realize that.

(Smile all you want!)

In order to not let the opponent pull the distance apart, Ayano jumps right into Kazuma. She slices at the body parallel with the ground, and then continuously to strike at Kazuma who is dodging backwards, swinging her sword once more.

Kazuma’s back knocks against the wall of a building, he cannot retreat any further. The joy of having forced the enemy to his end made Ayano reveal a sinister smile.

(Hit....!)

All the muscles in her body tenses up, the condensed power all gather at one spot and releases. The sword tip strikes straight at Kazuma’s face at the shortest distance possible.

The scorching blade cannot be defended at all, there is no time to even dodge. Ayano firmly believes she has won.

That is a full-powered attack at that detestable face that is always laughing and joking around...

“What...?“

Ayano widens her eyes. Enraiha became still before Kazuma’s face. As if stopped by an invisible wall, no matter how much strength she uses, the remaining distance of ten centimeters just cannot be shortened any further.

(A wind kekkai...?)

The truth is placed before her eyes, but Ayano still cannot believe it. A high level spirit Jutsu can go beyond a physical phenomenon------ She can understand this common knowledge very well. But, just how much will must be inserted into the air to be able to make a kekkai that is strong enough to withstand against Enraiha? Ayano cannot imagine it at all.

“That's just how it is.”

Kazuma mumbles as if it is only natural, the wind kekkai disappears at the same time. Walking past Ayano who falls forward as she is unable to draw her strength back in time, Kazuma uses a tone that cannot be any more arrogant to say:

“Let’s stop here for today.”

Ayano is, of course, very agitated.

“Wha..What do you mean by 'stop here for today'!? This is not a practice!”

“I accompanied you for some time already, what else do you have to complain about?”

"...This is not over.”

Ayano regains her calm very shortly, she uses the Enraiha to point at Kazuma.

“You must stay with me until Misao’s punishment is over. Because this problem must be taken care of by our own people.”

“You don’t have to worry about that, that side can hardly fend for themselves.”

“------What do you mean?”

Towards Ayano’s question, Kazuma silently raised his hand, stretching three fingers out.

“Three? What..?”

Kazuma didn't answer, but instead he retracted his ring finger.

“Two.”

Following that, he retracted his middle finger.

“One.”

The last one. Kazuma retracts his index finger, showing a faint smile on his face.

“Bang!”

Accompanied by a strong explosive sound, a pitch black pillar of fire rises up into the sky.

4

“What……”

Ayano raise her head, staring at the fire pillar dumbly.

Black flames.

That is unlike the black smoke that is created from burning of heavy oil, the flames itself is black in color.

“That is…… Misao……?”

“Is there anyone else that can use flames that are full of youki like this? It seems that the battle style of the Kannagi must have changed quite a bit ever since I left then.”

Kazuma questions her back with a serious look. Perhaps he really wanted to know the answer to this question?

“We don’t have anyone like that!”

Ayano answers rudely. Of course, Kazuma will not feel bad about this. He puts on an expression as though it does not matter to him, and shrugs his shoulders as he walks off.

“W...... Wait a minute!”

Kazuma obediently stops in his steps.

“What is the matter? Is there someone among those people there that you hope will die? Then I don’t mind waiting a bit longer, after all there is only three minutes left.”

Ayano took quite a bit of time to truly understand what that sentence meant. Ren who interpreted what the line means asks with a fearful look on his face:

“Is Misao really that strong? That even ten people working together are still unable to defeat her.”

“Six.”

Kazuma corrects truthfully.

“------Huh?”

“That blast earlier, the presence of four people disappeared.”

Ren became speechless, and in replacement is Ayano’s roar:

“You should say something like that earlier!”

“You should have realized it much earlier yourself.”

“……Y…….You……”

“Calm down, Onee-san.”

Ren tries to pacify Ayano who is on the brink of explosion as he looks at his brother with blaming eyes.

“Onii-san, why can’t you just get along with onee-san?”

“What do you mean by get along? Our goals this time are entirely different, she is my enemy.”

“Don’t tell me you still intend to defend Misao!?”

“Yup.”

Kazuma nods naturally at Ayano who stares at him with her eyes wide open.

“…… What are you thinking? Do you know how many people that girl killed!?”

“How would I know. I am not so kind as to pity those strangers that died.”

Kazuma spits this line out easily, and following that walks off without waiting to see their reactions. Ayano hurriedly chases after him from behind------ And finally overtook Kazuma.

The park is not that far away. Even though she ran, she was only faster by around ten seconds.

But, that is more than enough.

(Find her, and settle it in one shot!)

She is very confident. No matter how strong Misao may have become, compared to herself who is of the main family, their levels of power are entirely different. Just one strike from Enraiha should be able to eliminate Misao?

She reached the park. She jumped over the fence at the entrance, and ran into the square.

There is no need to search for her, Misao stands at the centre of the square. Despite being surrounded by Jutsushis of the branch families, there is not a single trace of anxiety on her face, instead it is the Jutsushis that seem to be trembling in fear.

There is no time to care for the face of the Ogami anymore. In order to finish Misao off at one go, Ayano pushs the Jutsushis surrounding Misao away------ And then became stunned like them.

Misao did not even notice Ayano’s appearance, and is playing with a rubber ball happily.

She wears an innocent smile, and uses an extremely gentle motion to bounce the rubber ball that rebounds back to her waist level. The group stares at this simple repeating action without getting bored by it.

However, the rubber ball looks very old and tattered, the surface has became yellowish like the earth. The fading grayish black threads spread around in great volumes, just like a bamboo curtain falling off continuously. Those continuously wavering black thread, are just like hair------

(Just like------?)

The instant she realizes what that rubber ball is, Goosebumps rose all over Ayano’s body. Her hand reaches out to cover her mouth, trying hard to stop herself from vomiting.

The messy black threads------ those are hair of a man just over fifty years of age.

The red threads that spread over the soil-yellow surface------ Those are blood stains that are stuck to the victim’s skin.

That object that Misao is playing like a rubber ball, is the head of a dead person. The face of the man who is planning to slay his own daughter for the survival of the family, is now bouncing up and down between the ground surface and the white and tender hand.

Dong……Dong……

The sound of the rebounding of the “rubber ball” is abnormally heavy. Every time it hits against the solid ground, more wounds are gradually added to Masayuki’s painful and distorted expression.

Speaking in terms of common sense, it is impossible for the head of a human to bounce like a rubber ball. This may have been caused by psychic powers or something similar to move the head……

“…… Misao……”

Ayano is unable to say a word. Facing off against a girl who is happily playing with her father’s head, what can she say?

Before the eyes of Ayano and gang who are holding their breaths and staring at her, Misao bounces the “rubber ball” attentively.

If there is any purpose to this action, that could still be seen in a more optimistic manner. Like venting her anger on the body, scaring the enemy with her power, or a part of a Jutsu ritual------ Anything would have been fine.

But this is different.

Anyone can tell that, this action is meaningless.

This is just merely a “game”. Like a kid taking a piece of paper crushed in a bundle as a ball, she is just merely playing with her father’s head as a rubber ball.

“…………”

Misao suddenly hits the “rubber ball” with force. Jumping higher than before, the “rubber ball” bounces to her chest area, and Misao stretches her hands out to catch it.

“What have you been doing since just now?”

No one understood what her murmuring meant.

Yet, a voice came in reply.

“It is hard to explain in a moment’s notice, but I still rushed here.”

Like an avalanche, everyone’s eyes gathered at the same direction.

That relaxed expression without any tension, did not waver at all under the stare of everyone in the area.

Even though he possesses power that surpasses anyone, but his presence is calmer and firmer than anyone.

Just that cheeky appearance is enough to dispel the abnormal demonic presence given off by Misao.

Natural as the air, and possessing absolute power to accept everything. To possess a “right” that is not violated by anyone, the man called Yagami Kazuma stands there.

“Looks like I made it in time for the main event of this show.”

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