After that, the atmosphere between Rozen and the three girls, who were his shikigami, improved significantly, no longer as awkward as before.
Rozen regained his composure and talked with the girls about many things.
He shared thoughts of longing after being separated from Natsume for a year and a half.
He discussed Suzuka's life and growth during this past year and a half.
He talked with Kyouko about the arrangements for tomorrow's operation.
Under such circumstances, it was impossible for the atmosphere to remain awkward.
Not to mention, both Natsume and Kyouko seemed ready to put aside their past grudges. They were no longer at odds with each other as before but had reached a consensus—to properly support Rozen in their roles as his shikigami.
Moreover, Suzuka maintained her usual indifferent demeanor. Although the three girls had not become the closest of friends, they had already formed a common front, sharing the same purpose and goals.
Thus, the night passed in such a state.
At the same time, another plan was unfolding fervently elsewhere.
---
Tokyo, Chiyoda Ward.
Here stood a shrine.
It was a vast shrine complex, featuring structures such as a torii gate, a main hall, statues of Ōkuninushi and Sukuna Hikona, a monument commemorating the Meiji Emperor's visit, and a rooftop garden.
Founded in the second year of the Tenpyō era (730 AD), this shrine was known as the guardian deity of Edo, revered by both the Edo shogunate and the common people. The primary deities enshrined here were Kanda Myojin, collectively referring to Ōkuninushi, Sukuna Hikona, and Taira no Masakado.
This was Kanda Myojin Shrine, also known as Kanda Shrine.
At this moment, countless yokai and malicious spirits lurked around the shrine, seemingly laying siege to it. They continuously launched attacks toward the shrine grounds, yet a transparent barrier blocked their advance, causing only ripple-like disturbances and impact noises. None could breach the sacred space.
This was because exorcists clad in barrier robes had encircled the shrine. Forming a ring around it, they chanted incantations in unison while making hand seals, sending countless glowing talismans fluttering in the air. These talismans bathed the barrier in a soft radiance, reinforcing its jutsuryoku, ensuring the barrier's power never waned as it repelled the advancing yokai.
Additionally, inside the shrine grounds, Magic Crimes Investigation Department officers patrolled vigilantly.
The entire shrine had been transformed into an impenetrable fortress, guarded with the highest level of security.
At this moment, Kurahashi Genji emerged from a worship hall.
"Phew..."
For a man known for his stern, impassive demeanor, the director of the Onmyo Agency unexpectedly let out a sigh, his gaze revealing fatigue.
It was inevitable.
"Dealing with those cunning Twelve Divine Generals must not be an easy task."
A voice rang out behind him.
It was Yashamaru who appeared, looking at Kurahashi Genji with a smirk.
Kurahashi Genji immediately straightened his expression.
"Where is the princess?"
Without turning around, he asked directly.
"She has woken up," Yashamaru replied without hesitation. "Though she was initially disoriented—after all, the divine energy that flowed into her was suppressed and even dispersed by Tsuchimikado Akikan—she has mostly recovered now. However, she seems deeply frustrated by her failure to persuade Akikan. If not for Kumomaru and me calming her down, she might have lost control again."
"I see." Kurahashi Genji nodded. "Make sure to keep her emotions in check. We cannot afford to let her powers go berserk again."
"That's a shame. Even if she lost control, I'd love to observe the power of a god up close." Yashamaru shrugged, then smirked. "And how about your side?"
"No issues." Kurahashi Genji spoke indifferently. "It's difficult, especially with Amami Daizen and Ohtomo Jin still suspicious of me, but to deal with the calamity unfolding in Tokyo, they've agreed to stay here and fight against the hyakki yakō using this shrine as their base."
Kurahashi Genji had just been in a meeting with the Twelve Divine Generals in the worship hall.
If Kyouko had noticed the Onmyo Agency's unusual actions, then it was impossible for the Twelve Divine Generals not to have realized something was off.
Not to mention Shigeoka Shunsuke—the independent exorcist who, after discovering Rozen's whereabouts today, immediately bombed a hotel in an attempt to capture him. He had actually opposed such drastic measures at first, but Kurahashi Genji had given an absolute order, leaving Shigeoka no choice but to comply.
The rest of the Twelve Divine Generals were also dissatisfied with Kurahashi Genji's decision to manipulate Tokyo's spiritual ley lines to set up the ritual barrier, considering it reckless and dangerous. Furthermore, his collaboration with the Souma clan had made many even more suspicious.
To appease these national-level exorcists, Kurahashi Genji had exhausted himself considerably.
Of course, what drained him the most was the battle today.
The fight against Tamamo-no-Mae had severely drained his jutsuryoku, leaving him on the brink of collapse. Had it not been for his two guardian shikigami, he might not have even escaped.
Still, Kurahashi Genji had endured and successfully convinced the Twelve Divine Generals to defend Kanda Shrine.
But...
"I don't know how long we can hold out."
Kurahashi Genji's expression was grim.
"Indeed." Yashamaru agreed without hesitation, his eyes gleaming with an unfathomable light as he sneered. "Right now, we're only holding up because the attackers are ordinary yokai. If one of the Three Great Yokai appears, this place will be overrun in an instant."
"The true hyakki yakō..." Kurahashi Genji murmured. "I never expected something like this to happen. Tsuchimikado Akikan... we underestimated him."
"If only he stood on our side." Yashamaru's voice took on a fervent tone as he added, "To achieve such a feat as reviving the hyakki yakō... Tsuchimikado Akikan's mastery of jujutsu has surpassed even Abe no Seimei and Tsuchimikado Yakou. I'd love to discuss it with him, to glimpse the heights he has reached."
"Unfortunately, we are enemies." Kurahashi Genji's voice was ice-cold. "He could lead the hyakki yakō to attack at any moment. Before that happens, we must complete the ritual to summon Taira no Masakado, or else we will have no chance of victory."
"I know." Yashamaru replied nonchalantly. "Fortunately, tomorrow is Jou-i."
Four years ago, Yashamaru attempted a divine descent ritual on this day but failed, resulting in the Jou-i Daihara.
Two years ago, Kumomaru attempted the same ritual but also failed, leading to the Jou-i Saihara.
Now, this day had arrived once again.
This was the designated day for the divine descent ritual.
For this moment, the Kurahashi and Souma families had spent years preparing.
"Tomorrow, the god shall descend."
Yashamaru's voice brimmed with fanaticism.
"Tomorrow..."
Kurahashi Genji muttered.
He knew tomorrow would be anything but peaceful.
Fortunately, today, he had gained two new cards to play.
One was already in place.
The other, he was about to seek out personally.
"It all depends on tomorrow."
As night slowly faded...
Dawn began to break.