Kaze no Stigma – Ignition

Kannagi Juugo informed his daughter in a solemn voice.

"This Sunday, you"re having a formal marriage interview with the Tsuchimikado household. Agree to it"

At that unexpected p.r.o.nouncement, Ayano"s consciousness froze. From her lips, a thoughtless word escaped.

"---Yes?"

"Uh huh, that"s a good answer. Then go and prepare yourself."

"No, I wasn"t replying just now! Or rather, why so suddenly!? "

"Ah, I see"

Ren, who was for some reason also summoned here, jumped in, talking with a panicked appearance.

"Besides, towards Nii-sama, Nee-sama is---- "

"Wait a minute, that"s also wrong! "

Forcefully Ayano interrupted Ren"s words. Her whole face dyed red --- to show that was all because she was angry, she grasped the boy"s

collar.

"What about me and Kazuma, huh? "

"No, but---"

"What?"

"..........nothing"

Losing to her intensity, Ren gulped down his words. Taking over, Juugo asked of Ayano.

"Do you have someone in your heart?"

"--- No, I don"t but still--- "

Ayano replied like that, adverting her eyes from Juugo"s calm gaze and Ren"s uneasy one.

"Then there is no problem. It"s not like we"re going to exchange engagement gifts all of a sudden. "

For the time being Ayano couldn"t find any objection to Juugo telling her just to meet him. But even so, she couldn"t consent to it

easily either.

"But, why so suddenly----"

"In fact, it"s not all that sudden. ", replied Juugo with a bitter smile.

"In fact, I had this conversation with the Tsuchimikado Head before you were born. I said that if a girl will be born I will marry her to his second son.

I meant it as a joke but it turns out the other party took it seriously. A few days ago they requested I fulfill my promise. "

Behind the unfolded fan hiding his expression, Juugo laughed about the fact that he totally forgot about it.

"This is not a laughing matter, Otou-sama...."

"It"s just a marriage meeting, don"t think about it so seriously"

Juugo carelessly rejected his daughter"s concern.

"By the way, they sent out a picture. Take it to your room. Judging from appearance, he"s a very refreshing young man. I also heard he"s

fairly competent as a Jutsushi. "

".......Better that Superintended Tachibana? "

Inside the Metropolitan Police Department there is the only official task force fighting against evil spirits, the Special Investigation Unit.

The one managing it, Tachibana Kirika, was the most excellent Onmyouji Ayano knew.

"Well, I don"t know how it is right now but I feel that even comparing them would make him feel insulted.

At any rate, the Tsuchimikado are an existence that is j.a.pan"s main school of Onmyodou. "

"They are said to be the direct descendants of Abe no Seimei. ---Although we do not know if that is true. "

Although the Tachibana Household was a Onmyodou n.o.ble family, looking at them from the Tsuchimikado"s point of view they are nothing but

a lower rank family, similar to a branch family.

The fact that Kirika too, is part of one of Tachibana"s branches, should also be considered.

"Don"t say that. Regardless of whether that is true or not, it does not change the fact they are excellent Onmyouji"

"That is true...."

"That"s why, don"t get too worked up about it. Think about it more like a mixer(Goukon). Of course, if you like him enough, I will not

object to him as a possible marriage candidate. Since he is the second son there is no issue with accepting him as a son-in-law. "

"................."

Looking at her father who was somewhat interested in the prospect with a puzzled look, Ayano let out a grave sigh.

After leaving Juugo"s room, Ayano and Ren exchanged a bewildered glance.

"What are you going to do? "

"What, you ask --- I don"t want to do it. But, turning it down will be very difficult. "

"I thought so too. Besides, what would Nii-sama say if he found out? "

"Hmmm---"

At Ren"s question Ayano turned away somewhat pouting.

"If it"s him we"re talking about it will be 「I feel sorry for the other party」 --- isn"t it obvious? "

That highly probable phrase made Ren silent.

"Anyway, this has nothing to do with him so there is no need to specially inform him about it. "

"........I don"t think that"s true though............", murmured Ren inside his heart.

He vaguely guessed this story"s real purpose.

From way back Juugo made various secret maneuvers towards Ayano and Kazuma. He had no doubt this was just one of those plans.

If not, there would have been no need to call in even Ren when discussing Ayano"s marriage interview.

"Which means, I need to get this story across to Nii-sama..........."

If he could he would chose to stay out of it. From the bottom of his heart.

But he already understood that is not to be.

"Haah......"

Just thinking of all the turmoil that will probably arise from this, the boy let out a small breath.

"I feel sorry for the other party"

Literally hearing word by word what she expected him to say, Ayano slapped the table while glaring at Kazuma with indignation.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaah......"

Sitting next to Ayano, Ren was involuntarily at his wit"s end.

For some reason, she expected this to happen. She expected it, but----

".................."

"------------------"

The standing up and looking down upon Ayano and Kazuma looking up at her with the usual cynical expression.

The indication of a critical situation corroded the the unfortunate, sinless coffee lounge.

"Nii-sama......."

Ren stared at Kazuma with a sorrowful expression silently begging him to do something.

But Kazuma ignored him.

It"s not like he didn"t notice it. He was aware of the situation.

Of Ren"s thoughts --- and maybe even of Juugo"s ulterior motive --- Kazuma was purposefully enjoying himself in this situation.

Suddenly, Ayano said.

"I"m out"

"Eeh, but..."

Ren was the one who firmly insisted she should tell Kazuma about the marriage interview.

He persuaded the unwilling Ayano by telling her that Kazuma may have a plan for her to get out of it.

The result of that was---

"Well certainly, if it"s him he could possibly thing of some underhanded, unfair, heretical and cunning. But putting it to practice is

totally different. "

But even though she talked in such a contrary way, Ayano agreed to borrow Kazuma"s capability, but----

"It"s fine already! Having a marriage interview is twice one million preferable than having to look at this idiot one more second! "

"Do your best. If you could manage to fool him until the end, maybe you"ll catch a young master from such a distinguished family. "

"Yes, that"s exactly what I"m going to do, and I will send you a front seat invitation to our weddings so have fun with that! "

Shouting her reply in a t.i.t for that manner, Ayano roughly left her seat.

Ren followed after her.

"See you, Ren"

"....................."

Ren"s only reply to his brother"s parting greeting was a cold glance and a sudden turn around and walk away.

"------------gee"

After the duo left the shop, Kazuma deliberately held out a cigarette in his mouth.

For a period of time, he continued smoking in silence.

From his outward appearance one could never guess what was inside his heart, but-----

"Is this seat taken? "

Hearing that soft, feminine voice, Kazuma looked up.

He expressionlessly looked at the beautiful woman with a full smiling face standing close to the table.

Without even confirming, there were plenty free tables. In any case, it didn"t look like she came just to drink a cup of tea.

"---------please"

"Thank you very much"

Kazuma said so, still smoking and the woman sat across from him without reservation.

Ordering an orange juice from the waiter who came close, she looked at Kazuma with a smiling face.

Kazuma too, freely observed her.

She was approximately twenty years old. The atmosphere around her was unusually composed.

Although still not of age she already shed the girlish appearance possessing an adequate womanly body.

Her features were fairly fine apart from that mature air.

Dark hair that was so glossy it seemed wet, was tied behind her neck and was spilling on her back.

What is called a stereotypical j.a.panese beautiful woman.

"Sorry for the wait. "

The waiter brought the orange juice.

But without touching even the straw, the woman was looking straight at Kazuma.

"Do you have some business with me? "

"Yes. If not, I would never set foot in such a low cla.s.s store"

Although her tone was polite, her remarks were casually rude.

"I am Tsuchimikado Kagura."

And then she proudly named herself.

But, there was no follow-up.

Kazuma patiently waited for the continuation but as if saying she finished her explanation she sat in silence with a composed expression.

"-------your business?"

After a few seconds, Kazuma frankly pressed on.

Kaguya opened her eyes wide, as if surprised.

"Do you not know? "

"I don"t know. I don"t think the Tsuchimikado"s Ojou-sama would have any kind of job for a person of doubtful origin such as myself"

"Ooh, you surprisingly know your own social position, hmm?"

Once again Lady Kagura said something pretty rude in a very polite voice.

It did not look like she was doing it on purpose. It was very likely she was not conscious of it, she just spontaneously looked down on

other people.

Not with scorn but naturally thinking everyone else was beneath her.

The 「If there is no bread, I will have some cake please, ahahahaha」 type.

"Just like you say, by all rights, I have no work for someone like you. Even if in some circ.u.mstance a Fuujutsu-shi would be absolutely

necessary, I can prepare a dozen people who are much more excellent than you.

---Aah, don"t feel too bad, please? I"m not saying you are incompetent or anything, it is just that I know a lot better Pract.i.tioners. "

"I---see"

Is there someone who don"t feel too bad, please? after hearing such words --- while thinking about it as if it was someone else"s

business, Kazuma made an agreeable response.

It seems that Kagura researched Kazuma"s background as much as she could.

That is, he was born in the Kannagi Clan but without possessing any Enjutsu-shi talent so he reluctantly dabbled in Fuujutsu-shi.

Not feeling any need to correct her, Kazuma once again urged the conversation.

"It"s about time you said your purpose coming here, don"t you think? "

"You really do not understand? "

"It"s what I"m saying. I don"t like riddles. If you plan on evading the issue any further, I"m out. "

"......You, no way, do you not know your lover is having a marriage meeting? "

After hearing those words, it was all clear. But even so he didn"t know the reason Kaguya approached him.

Searching for confirmation, Kazuma said.

"It"s troublesome so I won"t reply to that but are you trying to say Ayano"s marriage partner is from Tsuchimikado? "

"That"s right. "

"Hmmm, as I recall Tsuchimikado has two male direct descendants. The older one is closer to his his thirties if I"m not mistaken so it

must be the younger one, huh? "

"That"s right. "

"So, what of it? Because your brother is having a marriage interview with Ayano, what"s your business with me? "

Hearing Kazuma"s question, Kagura showed open disappointment and despair.

"Are you trying to say you"re fine with Onii-sama stealing your lover? "

"Like I said before I won"t reply to that but isn"t it just a formal marriage interview? It"s not like they are immediately going to

marry----"

"Naive! You"re too naive! "

As if cutting apart Kazuma"s optimism, Kagura raised her voice.

"It"s because you don"t know Onii-sama that you"re being so carefree about it! "

Certainly Kazuma doesn"t know anything about Ayano"s marriage partner.

Leaving aside his personality and ability, not even his face or his name.

What he knows is that there is such a man in Tsuchimikado"s direct line.

"Onii-sama is---"

In front of Kazuma watching her attentively, Kagura joined her hands in front of her chest as if in prayer and began to narrate in an

enraptured tone.

"He is extremely wonderful, a person who is more dreamy than any other in this world. He is brave, strong and tender, moreover he was

praised as the reincarnation of Abe no Seimei. ------No, even Abe no Seimei would look stale compared with Onii-sama"

"Haa----"

"I wonder if there are women that Onii-sama gazes upon and smiles at that will not fall in love with him in this world. That"s right, the

fact that your lover will become smitten with Onii-sama is already inevitable. "

As if talking about universal truth, Kagura declared so without any hesitation.

That voice that seemed to have gone somewhere else, the pupils where countless stars were floating, her rosily flushed cheeks were

obviously the characteristics of a teenage girl that lost her mind to love, her mature atmosphere crumbled to pieces.

"They should lock up people like her......."

Although not letting show on the outside, Kazuma rebuked the Tsuchimikado Head in his mind

Understandingly he had no intention of trusting even one percent of Kagura"s rant.

It"s impossible for a man all girls will fall for to exist and he never heard that there was such an excellent Jutsushi in the

Tsuchimikado.

The reincarnation of Abe no Seimei --- was famous but a considerable amount of Onmyouji claimed that t.i.tle. Even he could bring out some

names if he thought about it long enough.

Which means all of Kaguya"s words were nothing more but the reckless remarks of of a girl with a raging brother complex.

Rightfully speaking he has no intention of talking with this kind of creature any longer, but----

"In other words, you"re trying to destroy that marriage meeting, right? "

"Yes. Such an unrefined Enjutsushi girl is absolutely not suitable for Onii-sama. ", declared Kagura without any hesitation.

But it was obvious from her att.i.tude that even if the world"s most beautiful woman would be brought along she wouldn"t think it suitable either.

"Aah, I"m just picturing it. Unable to recognize the fact that Onii-sama is treating her kindly only from a sense of duty, the appearance

of that girl shamelessly following Nii-sama around like a female cat in the mating season. "

"I feel like I really need to see that, anyway, if that"s your job request, I will not refuse you. "

While showing a daring smile, unable to discern what he was thinking, Kazuma accepted Kaguya"s request.

Next morning ----- showing an att.i.tude like nothing was changed, Ayano stepped in the cla.s.sroom.

"Good morning, Kannagi-san "

"Good morning"

"Ayano, good morning"

"Good morning "

Ayano showed a smile to all the people who greeted her.

She has a sweet, smiling face that could charm anybody. Therefore, n.o.body noticed it.

The fact that was just an unconscious mechanical reaction.

Greeting everyone, replaying to everyone --- she was not even aware of her own actions.

"That baka, that d.a.m.ned fiend, that womanizer......"

Inside Ayano"s head, her not yet appeased anger towards Kazuma was still burning strong.

Interacting with the other students with a smile-thin depth, beneath it, a magma-like violent emotion was raging.

"Screw you. He doesn"t really matter. He has nothing to do with me. I"ll go to the marriage meeting and if afterworlds we start dating

and on top of that we may even get engaged, I won"t listen to your complains no matter what you say, do you hear me? "

Thinking so, Ayano was getting depressed.

So she didn"t notice it. The sound of steps running towards her. The fact that such a voice was not inside her head but coming from

outside.

"Ayano-chan, is the marriage meeting true? "

"Yes, I"m doing it! What"s wrong with that!? "

At the perfectly timed question, Ayano reflexively retorted in a loud voice.

Hearing that shocking confession --- instantly all sound died out from the cla.s.sroom.

Even Yuukari, the one who started this whole thing, stiffened in amazement at that extreme reaction.

".......Aah"

Finally calming down, Ayano belatedly covered her mouth and slowly looked around.

Although it may be natural, all the students in the cla.s.sroom stared at Ayano with a surprised look.

"Uuugh......well......."

While hesitating, Ayano glared at the culprit with a look of resentment.

File:KnS Ignition 04 147.png

Smiling slightly and showing her tongue, Yuukari lightly hit her head in a reflecting fashion.

"Teehee❤ "

"Don"t you teehee❤ me! What are you going to do about this? "

Various gazes focused on Ayano as if shooting through her.

From the girls it was mainly curiosity.

The opposite s.e.x was surprised, sorrowful and for some reason angry --- and all their condensed gazes put a considerable amount of

pressure on Ayano.

"A lie........tell me it"s a lie......"

"My--- my Ayano-chan is.....! "

"You betrayer! You"re stepping on my feelings! "

"W- waaaaah......"

The cla.s.smates speaking out their true feelings --- mostly the young men, was hair-raising for Ayano.

She had the feeling those words were something not to be forgiven normally but the fact that this was a huge crisis didn"t change.

"Arara, how terrible "

As for Yuukari she spoke in a relaxed manner as if she didn"t feel any tension.

In a low voice Ayano scolded her harshly.

"Whose fault do you think this is? "

"Hmmm? Ayano-chan"s fault who thoughtlessly spoke in a loud voice? "

With the same smiling face, Yuukari prodded the most painful spot.

Ayano was momentarily at a loss for words but replied immediately emphasizing her tone.

"Are you trying to say you have no responsibility? "

"I won"t say that--- But I don"t think it will make much of a difference now"

"Hmmm"

Ayano hesitated. Looking around her, the tension was almost palpable. She was for a moment overpowered by that sticky Kehai.

But like any moment, it soon pa.s.sed.

No matter what emotion it may be, there is no Enjutsushi who can be overpowered by the Kehai released by ordinary people.

Brushing the hair off her face, Ayano looked at the surroundings with a cold, icy gaze.

The force she gave off was literally in a cla.s.s of its own. n.o.body was able to take it and the boys averted their eyes awkwardly.

Overpowering all of them, Ayano indifferently declared.

"I"m sorry but this is a private matter so I have no intention of explaining myself to you. I"ll appreciate it if you spare me the useless prying. "

And then, showing an unconcerned smile as if saying try to complain if you dare, she looked around her.

Of course, no one said nothing.

"As expected of Ayano-chan. You"re so cool"

...But there was one exception.

Since Ayano looked like she would take a swing at the first fool whop didn"t know his place, n.o.body asked about the marriage interview.

But after the fourth period was over, before the beginning of the lunch break.

The bell didn"t finish ringing before the cla.s.sroom door was roughly opened.

The boy who should have been still in cla.s.s shouted so loud it reached the heavens.

"Senpai, is it true you"re having a marriage meeting!????? "

Inside the cla.s.sroom there was silence. The gazes of pupils and teacher gathered on the boy standing at the cla.s.s entrance and then on

the 『senpai』 --- Ayano, who was holding her hands around her head, greatly perplexed.

"...Aah--"

"Sensei, if you want to continue from where you left off, please do"

Interrupting the teacher in mid sentence, Ayano informed him in a dry voice.

"Aah, no, but---"

"If it"s about throwing out the door that first year student, I have no problem with it. Right, or if you do not like the door I can use

the window, this is just the third floor"

"Eeh, eeeeeh, no way! "

"Hiiraki-kun we"re still in cla.s.s. Get out! "

The boy --- the first year student who was deeply in love with Ayano, Taiichirou Hiiragi, was coldly expelled from the cla.s.sroom by her indifference.

And then, a few minutes later.

Taiichiro drew close to Ayano without any regard towards the teacher who was getting out of the cla.s.sroom.

"Senpa----"

"Shut up❤ ", ordered Ayano, her face all smiles.

Overpowered by her eyes that were not laughing Taiichirou desperately gulped down the words he was about to breathe out.

"Shhh, shhh, calm down Ayano-chan. Do not bully the undercla.s.smen. "

Quickly wedging herself in, Yuukari soothed Ayano. And then she winked at Taiichirou.

"Right not talking about that is NG. Ayano-chan is a bit nervous, besides there are plenty of eyes around us. "

"Aah....."

Taiichirou looked at the surroundings confused. As expected, all her cla.s.smates were looking here.

"I"m...sorry...."

Ashamed of his own impulsiveness, Taiichirou was crestfallen.But Yuukari tolerantly forgave him.

"It"s fine really, everyone makes mistakes. ---So, should we change the place to be able to ask her freely? "

".......in the end, we"re going to ask her? ", coughed Taiichirou in amazement.

"So..."

Yuukari and Nanase and yes, even Taiichirou, accompanied Ayano to the now deserted rooftop turning the lunch recess in a interview.

"------I don"t really know much about it, though"

Facing Yuukari who was having fun pressing for questions, Ayano half-heartedly answered.

"I don"t know how he looks like. I didn"t look at his picture. I heard his name -- I don"t remember it. His age too. All I know is that he is Tsuchimikado"s second son. "

"tsuchimikado? "

"A family of Onmyodou, of diviners if you like. The self-styled Abe no Seimei"s descendants. "

Even for those three who had no relation to Majutsu, as expected, they knew that name.

They looked at Ayano in a new light with faces full of surprise and admiration.

"It seems a family with an amazing lineage "

"That"s right. They are the family at the top of j.a.pan"s Onmyoudou, there"s no doubt about it. "

"Hmmm, wait----But...?"

Suddenly Yuukari was puzzled.

"Ayano-chan is an Enjutsu-shi ---did I say that right? Anyway, a magician who manipulates fire. And yet, is an Onmyoudou son-in-law right? "

"Now that you mention it, yes. I remember hearing that in your cycle blood lineage is very important", continued Nanase, following

Yuukari"s thought.

Taiichirou didn"t say anything but he seemed very interested in it.

In regard for Ayano, she lightly declared.

"Yeah, the Kannagis don"t care much about that"

"----Is that so? "

"Yes. It"s different for the branch families but for the head of the family, I mean. Hypothetically, even if we take as partner someone

with a much lower ability than us, the children born are almost without exception extremely powerful. Even in extreme cases, where the

other is, let"s say, a regular person the child could still use Enju-tsu. It seems there was one case when such a child became the most

powerful Kannagi Enjutsushi of his time. "

"That"s kind of convenient, huh"

"But on the other hand, the children born of really strong Jutsushi cannot inherit that, they become Enjutsushi. If I were to speak

frankly, regardless of the spouse"s strong points and demerits, I feel like everything is coated in the Kannagi"s color. "

"Does that mean that Kannagi"s genes are dominant when compared with the other Magicians"? "

"That also does not seem true"

Ayano shook her head, smiling bitterly.

"The Kannagi have no problem with taking outsider blood but on the contrary marrying into a different lineage is very rare. But, once in

a while they do so with the branch families.

The children born of such union, the strength of their blood can rival that of the main house. But---

I don"t know why that is but their offspring fall behind. By the third generation, there is no difference between them and the other

branch families. "

"Hmmmm, that"s so curious. ", murmured Taiichirou in wonder.

Even if they didn"t know much about magic, that was inconsistent with the laws of genetics so they understood this must be a supernatural

phenomenon.

"Very curious indeed", agreed Yuukari with a nod.

"It looks like the ability is a.s.sociated not with blood relationship but with the main family "

"----------------"

Ayano involuntarily opened her eyes wide and stared at Yuukari. Confused, Yuukari waved her hand and started to speak rapidly.

"Eeh? Hmm? Did I say something weird? "

"Aah, well, it doesn"t matter"

She was vaguely aware that was correct. But there was no point of thinking about it now. She had too little information about it.

Even if she was the successor to family head and Enraiha, Ayano was still young at sixteen years old.

There were a lot of taboos regarding their hidden traditions. This information too must be one of those things.

Reaching that conclusion, Ayano stopped her thoughts. At that time,

"Which means, there is no objection to that Onmiouji as Ayano"s husband-to-be. "

In a calm voice, Nanase turned the conversation towards its original course.

Ayano replied as objectively as possible.

"That"s right. Well, they are a noted family. This is a marriage that benefits both of our families. "

"No way! Senpai, you don"t plan on accepting the marriage interview, do you? "

"I have no reason to refuse. "

Ayano replied at the agitated Taiichirou with extreme calm.

"I"m trying to say, there"s no reason to think of marriage yet, no? You should break it off as soon as you meet him, right? "

"I can"t do such things. This is not something that involves only me, it"s a strategy game involving both our families. Saying "I"m sorry" right off the bat would be inexcusable. "

"Th--- then, are you saying that afterwards you will probably meet, just the two of you, go to restaurants and watch movies!? "

"Well, we probably will. "

"No waaaaay!!! "

With an expression like the world is about to end, Taiichirou screamed in a voice full of grief.

Yuukari was looking over him seemingly entertained when suddenly, she asked the words that could take the turmoil to another level.

"So, what do you think Kazuma-san would say if he knew about this? "

But unfortunately for her, she lost her opportunity this time.

"I feel sorry for the other party"

"----what? "

"I feel sorry for the other party - it"s what he said"

With a sidelong glance at Ayano spitting out those words with an outrageous amount of ill-humor, Yuukari and Nanase exchanged glances.

They understood this. The reason Ayano was not evading the marriage meeting to such extent.

"I see. So that"s what it was"

"Gee"

They exchanged a bitter smile.

How to say this, Kazuma"s att.i.tude was very much like him and Ayano"s response very much like her.

Which means, business was as usual, they had no reason to worry about them. Or rather, worrying would be very stupid.

"But, just watching from the sidelines is boring"

While looking at Taiichirou standing next to her in anger towards Kazuma, Yuukari began thinking of plans to wreck the marriage meeting.

This boy would definitely cooperate if it"s for Ayano"s sake.

"So, it"s time to get busy"

While letting out an ominous smile and giggling, Yuukari began a mental inventory of necessities.

"Well then"

Kazuma, who was silently walking in a lot empty of people, suddenly stopped and looked over his shoulder.

"This is a enough, no? "

While smoking, he spoke as if a friend was walking next to him. There was no one around. But----

"Did you notice? "

Responding to Kazuma"s call, as if gushing forth from empty s.p.a.ce a single man showed up.

Following that, another ten or so people walked out from the surrounding shadows.

They were all men.

But that was all they had in common, their age and clothes were very uncoordinated.

But even so, with clear cooperating movements, the men surrounded Kazuma.

"I am sorry for the sudden impoliteness. It is because I had something I want to ask you no matter what. "

Polite on the surface, the man who appeared first stepped up to Kazuma.

He had no particular distinction, a middle aged man wearing a suit.

Showing a vague, insincere smile, he continued to talk while bowing.

"We are sent here on an errand for the Tsuchimikado head, Sadan.o.bu-sama. You can think of me as a representative. My name is Oos.h.i.ta"

Hearing that introduction with a very common name that was obviously a pseudonym, Kazuma unintentionally snickered.

He crumbled and threw out the business card presented to him after one glance.

"----So, what do you want? "

"We want you to come with us", Oos.h.i.ta frankly replied.

"We prepared a very comfortable villa. With no discomfort, we promise you a very pleasant few days--- yes, you can pa.s.s the time there until Monday"

Monday.....The day after Ayano"s marriage meeting.

The meaning of the Tsuchimikado"s demand was obvious, leaving no place for misunderstanding.

"That"s a pretty sweet deal but a job just came up. "

"In the name of Sadan.o.bu-sama I am canceling Kagura-sama request. Of course, the penalty for breaching the contract is only ten minutes. "

"Hmmm, this is getting better and better"

Observing Kazuma whose heart seemed moved, Oos.h.i.ta smiled in satisfaction.

"Well then---"

"But I reject it. It"s out of the question"

Instantly, the man"s eyebrows rose. But suppressing his surprise at having his proposition dismissed, patiently he continued his

persuasion.

"Why is that? We are trying to settle this as peacefully as possible and doing our best to reach a compromise so---- "

"In truth, I am yet to make up my mind"

Disregarding Oos.h.i.ta"s words, Kazuma murmured to no one in particular.

And, thirty seconds afterwards he said the exact opposite thing.

"I will directly get involved or maybe I will be nothing but a spectator---- anyway, I have absolutely no intention to overlook such a happy event like Ayano"s marriage! "

"......................"

As if taken aback, Oos.h.i.ta was staring at Kazuma. But, he immediately pulled himself together.

Whether he was jesting, acting or his real feelings, it didn"t matter at all.

"You mean, the breakdown of negotiations, right? "

That was all that mattered.

Kazuma didn"t answer.

Showing a fearless smile as if saying there is no need for words anymore, he focused on the man.

"Then imprint it on your body--- the profound skill of the Tsuchimikado! "

Together with the shout, the men surrounding them simultaneously took out charms.

Kazuma looked at them with sober eyes.

"Onmyouji picking a fight with Seirei Jutsushi? No matter how many people you gather You"ll only increase the casualties. "

Oos.h.i.ta was silent. Holding an identical charm between his fingers, he took a throwing stance. And then he released it.

"Come forth, Gohaugouji------"

"Too slow"

Speaking coldly, Kazuma released wind blades. At that point, he was certain of victory.

Seirei Jutsu is the strongest battle oriented Jutsu.

The main reason for that was not firing power but speed.

All the other Jutsu required charms or chanting but Seirei Jutsu didn"t have them.

Therefore Seirei Jutsu was much closer to something like psychic ability than magic --- anyway a Seirei Jutsushi can take an overwhelming

initiative in battling other Jutsushi.

For someone like Kazuma, people like Onmyouji who were using charms were like sitting ducks.

If the amulets were destroyed before the Jutsu was activated the Onmyouji can easily become powerless.

The wind blades Kazuma fired certainly seized all amulets dancing in mid-air. But----

"You"re naive! "

Although the amulets bent back and forth because of the shock, they weren"t cut and endures the wind"s attack.

"------Ooh?"

In front of Kazuma, opening his eyes wide, the amulets changed their shape.

Oos.h.i.ta"s amulet turned into Gohaugouji, a fierce protecting G.o.d with the appearance of a boy.

And then, the surrounding ones turned into similar beings with the appearance of either humans or beasts.

Oos.h.i.ta took out a new amulet and proudly shouted.

"Fool! Do you think we have no counter measures for a Fuujutsu-shi? This sheet is made out of Kevlar, a slice-proof material. It"s not something an untrained Fuujutsu-shi like yourself can cut! "

"Ooh", murmured Kazuma with admiration.

"Pretty good, I was tricked. "

He praised them from the bottom of hie heart. But Oos.h.i.ta raised his brows in discomfort.

"You son of a b.i.t.c.h--- what"s so funny? "

"Hmmm? Am I laughing? "

Confused, Kazuma controlled his lax expression. But remembering the scene just now, he once more felt like laughing again.

Kazuma"s laugh was not ridicule towards their pointless great effort.

Although this man possessed a ridiculous amount of power, he absolutely loved such tricks, traps and underhanded fighting.

He loved doing that himself and watching other people do the same.

And when others pulled such moves on him and failed he also very much loved seeing their lament.

"No, as expected, getting creative is very important. That is the quintessential point of being a human. And with that said, it"s about

time you start. Don"t worry, I"ll go easy on you. "

"You fool! You don"t even recognize defeat! "

According to Kazuma"s verdict, Oos.h.i.ta and the other men all advanced their individual Shikigami.

And then the battle started.

"---Fuuu"

Sighting while looking at the sky, Kazuma took out another cigarette.

At the same time, he mercilessly trampled down the thing feebly wiggling at his feet.

"Well, you"re just Tsuchimikado"s underlings. This is to be expected. "

"Uuuh....Ugh...."

Hearing a voice, he looked down at Oos.h.i.ta literally groveling under his foot.

"Sleep for a while. You may be really hurting right now but the damage you receive is amateur-level. If you sleep it off, you"ll be able

to walk back home on your own feet. "

They were words full of kindness.

But because he was saying them while grinding the opponent"s head, their effectiveness was reduced by half or rather was approaching zero

value.

"So, when you go back tell this to the honorable Husband. To tightly fortify his defensed during the marriage interview. Otherwise, a

really sinful magician will run away with the future bride. "

Looking down on Oos.h.i.ta with a gaze full of hatred he sent a warning dressed up like a joke.

He already had no intention of remaining a spectator.

While thinking in what way will he ruin it, his head full of devious thoughts, Kazuma laughed.

That was already plenty fun.