With Kurahashi Genji already having confessed, the Onmyo Agency was indeed leaderless.
In fact, due to this incident, it had suffered a major blow to its foundations. Though there weren't many fatalities, the number of injured was considerable. Many were afflicted by Spiritual Disasters due to miasma, jutsuryoku, and demonic energies. With the Agency's headquarters destroyed, and the Exorcism Bureau's main office also collapsed, it was clear that the Onmyo Agency was about to face immense hardship.
The government would surely hold the Onmyo Agency accountable for this incident, and society would become newly aware of the dangers of jujutsu, possibly rekindling discrimination against jujutsu practitioners. In such a situation, trying to provide care for the injured and ill, while also resettling the regular onmyouji, would be unimaginably difficult.
In a leaderless state, resolving these matters would undoubtedly be tough.
One wrong move, and the Onmyo Agency could truly be dismantled.
Under such circumstances, introducing a new leader was of utmost importance.
And Harutora was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
"First, Harutora is the reincarnation of Yakou, who was once the supreme commander of the Onmyo Agency's predecessor, the Onmyo Bureau. He knew how to deal with the government. With support from the Kurahashi and Souma families, revitalizing the world of jujutsu, like half a century ago, wouldn't be an issue. If you all are willing to lend your support as well, all the better."
"Second, Harutora is the direct heir of the Tsuchimikado family—not just in this life, but in his past life too. As the rightful successor of the Onmyodo's head family, not only the political world but also the jujutsu world will recognize him."
"Third, though Harutora became a so-called terrorist, he only targeted Onmyo Agency facilities. He never harmed people. Everything he did was to resist the conspiracy of the Kurahashi and Souma families. Rather than being guilty, he has made contributions. If you all are willing to testify, Harutora could leverage that merit to gain recognition from both the political and jujutsu circles."
"If this goes well, we'll surely overcome the current crisis."
Rozen put forward this argument, attempting to persuade everyone present.
Immediately, national-level onmyouji like Amami Daizen and Ohtomo Jin exchanged looks, deeply considering it.
Even Kurahashi Genji's eyes lit up as he looked intently at Harutora.
If Harutora truly stood up and became the new Director of the Onmyo Agency, then not only would they overcome the crisis, but with the talents of this Father of Modern Jujutsu, the jujutsu world could truly be revitalized and usher in a new golden era.
That was what Kurahashi Genji hoped to see.
Kyouko and Souma Takiko also caught on quickly.
"I'll convince my grandmother and have the Kurahashi family support the Tsuchimikado family to make this happen!"
Kyouko made this promise immediately, seemingly moved by Kurahashi Genji and the current situation, realizing she could no longer stay silent. With Genji fallen, she had to stand in for the Kurahashi family and contribute to the jujutsu world.
"Sou… Souma family will support too! With my command or even Lord Taira no Masakado's, the Souma family will give it everything we've got!"
Takiko also quickly expressed her stance.
Unlike the Kurahashi family—the top name in jujutsu—the Souma family operated mainly in politics. Their assistance could indeed remove many obstacles.
In the past, Yakou rose to the top with the support of both the Kurahashi and Souma families. These two houses were Yakou's arms in the jujutsu world.
In other words, this current situation made everyone realize: the Onmyo Agency might actually rise from the ashes and reach new heights.
Thinking of this, even the elite national onmyouji fell into silent contemplation.
"I'll inform the Tsuchimikado family as well." After snapping back to herself, Natsume hesitated slightly, then said, "I believe Uncle Yasuzumi and my parents will be happy to hear this. They may even come to Tokyo to support my brother."
Back then, the Tsuchimikado family retreated to the countryside because Tsuchimikado Yasuzumi foresaw the future and didn't want his son dragged into darkness. He left with his shikigami Tsuchimikado Takahiro and his wife.
If Harutora could become Director of the Onmyo Agency and reclaim the peak of the jujutsu world, the Tsuchimikado family would surely return as his strongest support.
"Even the head of the Onmyodo is coming back?" Suzuka, arms crossed, murmured, "Then it really would be a golden age."
Everyone's hearts surged with warmth at those words.
Unfortunately…
"No. I don't agree!"
Harutora outright refused.
The reason was simple.
"I never wanted any merit or recognition. The reason I fought the Kurahashi and Souma conspiracies is because I had to. It was the disaster caused by the Tensou Jifu Ritual I left behind in my past life. It was my responsibility to stop it—my atonement!"
Harutora spoke solemnly.
"And even if we put aside the fact that I was considered a terrorist, back when I was Yakou, I touched upon what you call forbidden arts. The failure of the Tenso Jifu Ritual led to over half a century of Spiritual Disasters, bringing suffering to countless people. How could a sinner like me lead the Onmyo Agency again?"
That was Harutora's point.
However…
"Say that all you like, but who outside the jujutsu world would believe you?"
Rozen's words shut Harutora up.
Exactly.
Aside from those in the jujutsu world, no one would believe anything about past lives.
The world of jujutsu was inherently closed off. Ordinary people couldn't comprehend its structure. Talk of reincarnation would just be seen as superstition.
Given that, Harutora's reasoning would hold no weight in politics. No one would punish him for that.
What law punishes crimes of a past life?
If such a law existed, it would be beyond absurd.
Moreover…
"As the saying goes, you come with nothing and leave with nothing. The sins of your past life were wiped clean when you died. Unless you intend to conduct the forbidden ritual again, no one will condemn you for the past. Besides, you've done both wrong and right. Without Yakou, the jujutsu world would've long collapsed. The Imperial-Style system you developed benefited countless people. So what sin is there?"
Then, Rozen shifted his tone again.
"More importantly, now that Taira no Masakado has successfully descended, someone must use this opportunity to communicate with a living deity, step into new territory, and reach the divine realm. And the one most suited for that is you—the Father of Modern Jujutsu who developed the Imperial-Style."
Rozen stared at Harutora.
"In every sense, you're the best candidate to lead the onmyouji."
"If you refuse, then even with Souma Takiko here and Taira no Masakado present, no one else could hope to comprehend the divine realm or lead the Onmyo Agency through its crisis."
"If you truly wish to atone, don't you think guiding modern onmyouji into the future, securing their status in today's world, would be the best path?"
"Think it over carefully."
Hearing this, Harutora was rendered completely speechless.