Originally, the duty of a soldier is to obey orders and protect the nation. However, despite having connections, harboring a continental individual—and not just any individual, but the perpetrator who has threatened this country numerous times—means there's a huge problem with the National Defense Force's unity.
To begin with, the size of this country's military is small compared to its neighboring states. In such a situation, repeating the folly of disunity due to past conflicts between the army and navy can only be described as "foolish." For that very reason, despite deliberately asking the current Emperor for an "imperial message," anyone would have a pessimistic opinion about this state of affairs.
"It's truly exasperating. Though I say that as a Special Major General of that very National Defense Force, which is somewhat ironic."
"...That kind of thing happens not only in the Stars but also in the USNA military, so I can't laugh it off as someone else's problem."
"Ahaha... I suppose it's not something to laugh about."
Regardless of the rules and regulations of the National Defense Force or the Stars, Zhou Gongjin is undeniably in the National Defense Force Uji Second Supply Base. No matter how much Zhou Gongjin tries to conceal himself, the needle of Nagura's blood remaining within him definitively pinpointed Zhou Gongjin's location.
To be honest, it was unclear how effective his unique magic, 'Kaleidoscope,' would be against Zhou Gongjin, but the information gained from fighting Parasites being directly applicable to Zhou Gongjin was genuinely fortunate.
"Tatsuya and the others will take some time, so let's first rendezvous with Mikihiko and the others. Since Masaki is also there, I intend to make him cooperate, whether he likes it or not."
"Why?"
"Because Masaki has met Zhou Gongjin before."
Yugen knew from the report of last autumn's Yokohama Incident that Masaki had met Zhou Gongjin. A strong sense of justice like Masaki's wouldn't allow him to remain silent after hearing about Zhou Gongjin's presence.
In the original story, Tatsuya and Masaki were augmented by Kuroba's unit, and separately, Kousen stood in their way. Ideally, the National Defense Force itself should act, but with the 'Traditionalist Faction' proliferating among the 'Nine' families, there's little to expect.
Moreover, as someone whose life was targeted by that very National Defense Force... no matter how involved he might be in military secrets, his sense of obligation to the National Defense Force as a member of the Mitsuya family has vanished now that he is a member of the Kagurazaka family.
Failing to see the traitors in Okinawa, failing to suppress the attacks by the Touzan family and the National Defense Force Intelligence Department, and then failing to disclose any information about the Parasitoid Doll incident. At this point, the borderline for overlooking things with a Buddha-like expression was being crossed, and to top it all off, the Zhou Gongjin incident was the final straw.
"Onii-chan, are you angry?"
"...Well, you could say that. Though I don't know if saying anything will change things."
Everyone's vision is too narrow, he thought. Have they already forgotten the past invasions of Okinawa and Sado? Including the attack by the Greater Asian Alliance forces last autumn, and even their attempt to dispatch their military to this country.
Ironically, too many people only understand after experiencing a dangerous situation. This is largely due to the change in national consciousness brought about by the "post-war regime" after World War II. At this point, to truly make them open their eyes, it might take something like tying TNT to politicians' behinds to genuinely hope for improvement.
However, he decided that this was a matter for after removing pending issues, including Zhou Gongjin. He took out his terminal and began typing an email to Mikihiko.
◇ ◇ ◇
It would be a nuisance to use magic for the return journey, and he judged that going slowly was rational in order to keep pace with Tatsuya and the others, who were now heading towards the city. Incidentally, Miyuki occasionally sent emails with pictures, making it seem like she was enjoying sightseeing.
When they returned to the New International Conference Hall, the police had begun their withdrawal, and the finally released Mikihiko and others noticed Yugen and rushed over. The short period of detention was likely largely due to Sana's surname, "Todo."
"Yugen, Mikki told me. You went to Kurama Mountain. Why are you doing something so interesting without us?"
"It was absolutely necessary, and it was something I was asked to do. Besides, you all caused quite a ruckus, didn't you?"
"I won't deny it, but it was a bit anticlimactic. I was worried when the water yōkai appeared, though."
In addition to her light exercise club training, Erika had recently been seriously learning Shinkage-ryu Kenjutsu at Motoji's recommendation. Against Erika, who wielded a more refined sword technique than in the original story, even a ninja would have been just a warm-up. It seemed Leo, who was giving a wry smile behind Erika, felt the same way.
"Take it easy, Erika. Compared to Yugen and the others, we have less experience against ancient magic users."
"...For you to say something sensible, I wonder if it'll snow tomorrow."
"Do your comedy routine where no one else is around. And it's been a while, Masaki."
"Ah, yes. Still, I'm surprised to see the Yotsubas with you."
"What's wrong, Masaki? Is there a problem?"
From Masaki's perspective, who didn't know the circumstances, he must have found Koko being with Yugen and the others perplexing. Masaki hastily tried to cover his tracks at Koko's displeased words.
"N-no, it's not like that, but... Kagurazaka, I'd like to exchange information, including what just happened."
This is a relief, Yugen thought internally. He had been wondering how to bring it up, but they probably wanted the competition to succeed safely, including the ancient magic users Mikihiko and the others had fought earlier.
"...In that case, somewhere private would be better for talking. Please wait a moment."
While they could borrow a room at the New International Conference Hall, the matter concerned Zhou Gongjin, and there was no guarantee that other individuals influenced by the continent wouldn't be watching. If they needed to talk privately in a location as close to the city center as possible, the options were quite limited.
Yugen then contacted a certain place and explained the situation. They readily agreed to lend him a place to talk. After ending the call, he faced the others.
"I consulted with the head priest of Kiyomizu-dera, and he agreed to lend us a reception room. Is that good for exchanging information?"
"Ah, that's fine, but... Kagurazaka, what kind of connection did you use?"
"My grandfather's and my current family's connections. I suppose it's unavoidable that you, Masaki, a member of the Ten Master Clans, would find it mysterious."
Kiyomizu-dera, the head temple of the Hokke-Hosso sect, often involves mental training at the Kagurazaka family and further training at the Kaminari family. There is a facility for Buddhist monks to train on the border between the former Gunma Prefecture and Niigata Prefecture, and Yugen himself had gone there for magic training. Many Buddhist monks were diligently practicing meditation there.
In Yugen's case, to further his Tenjin magic, he practiced controlling water spirits and divine spirits with water attributes by performing waterfall meditation, or rather, by manipulating waterfall water. When he felt an intention of subservience from the 'Water Dragon God'—a far more powerful top-tier water attribute divine spirit than the 'Dragon God,' an entity even Abe no Seimei struggled with—he didn't just break into a cold sweat; he felt a shiver down his spine.
Anyway, back to the point.
"At any rate, let's have lunch somewhere first, and then head over. By the way, Masaki, did you come by public transport?"
"No, I came by motorcycle for mobility."
Since Masaki was using a different mode of transportation, he would have difficulty finding parking near tourist spots. Masaki said he would drop his motorcycle off at the hotel first before joining them, so Yugen decided it would be best to have lunch near Kyoto Station and began to act.
Then, Erika subtly beckoned, and when Yugen approached, she whispered to him.
"Actually, before you all arrived, we talked about motorcycles, and Ichijou-kun showed signs of fantasizing. I'm sure it's about Miyuki."
Erika, who was a contestant at the Nine Schools Competition, also witnessed their interactions and immediately understood that Masaki was infatuated with Miyuki. It could be said that it's best left unsaid, as it's obvious when he speaks to Miyuki rather than Tatsuya.
Normally, he would learn about Tatsuya's motorcycle during the Parasite incident, but in this world, when Leo was contemplating getting a motorcycle license during spring break, Tatsuya happened to give him advice. That's how Erika also learned that Tatsuya owned a motorcycle.
"...Honestly, Ichijou-kun is pathetic. To challenge a battle he can't win, it's just like when you fought Yugen at the Nine Schools Competition."
"He's still one of the Ten Master Clans, you know. I want to commend his pure feelings, but... if he tries to forcibly take her, I'll flatten his face."
"No, if Yugen did it, his face would probably explode, which is terrifying."
He could do it if he wanted to, but he had no desire to create such a horrifying scene. That's why he aimed to knock them out with 'Chidori' or encourage infighting in Nara. Yugen sighed, understanding what Erika was trying to say, and Leo, who had overheard them from behind, shrugged.
◇ ◇ ◇
During lunch, they met up with Shinkurou, who had come to Kyoto by a different means of transportation, and ate together. Last year, Shinkurou's prestige was crushed when Third High was attacked right before their presentation, so his enthusiasm this year was extraordinary. His offer to accompany Masaki's investigation might have stemmed from a similar concern that such incidents wouldn't happen again this year.
However, Shinkurou declined to accompany them to Kiyomizu-dera. He explained, "If Masaki is involved, it doesn't seem like a domain where I can interject," and Yugen didn't force him.
The group headed towards Kiyomizu-dera. While not as much as Miyuki or Kousen, people frequently bumped into each other along the approach, as a group of attractive individuals walked by. The main cause was Masaki, who looked bewildered, but you can't serve as one of the Ten Master Clans if you're troubled by this much... he thought, but entered Kiyomizu-dera without voicing it.
At the temple, the head priest himself greeted them and guided them to a reception room in the back. After they sat down and received refreshments, Yugen began to speak.
"First, I have one prerequisite to tell you. I am a Special Officer of the National Defense Land Forces 101st Brigade and the Independent Magician Batallion. This is a matter of national secrecy, so do not speak of it to anyone."
"What...!?"
Masaki couldn't say "That's a lie" to what was suddenly revealed. He had no choice but to deduce it was true from the grave expressions on the faces of those around Yugen. Once Masaki nodded and accepted the fact, Yugen continued.
"This time, I asked the capable Tatsuya to come here for a search mission concerning several incidents, including the Yokohama Incident—most urgently, the person who incited the hardliners against the Greater Asian Alliance in the National Defense Land Forces at the Nine Schools Competition."
In reality, Tatsuya was acting on orders from the Yotsuba family—and by extension, the 'Elder Council'—but he couldn't reveal the truth. Well, it was a fact that he was cooperating with Tatsuya, and since he was a part of the 'Elder Council,' he wasn't lying.
Himeri, who belonged to the 'Shinkai', goes without saying, and Koko and Sana, who must have heard something from their families, and Celia, who knew the original story, were not particularly surprised. However, Mikihiko, Leo, and Erika showed clear surprise.
However, considering that Yugen himself was involved, and even after hearing about the danger, if asked if they would withdraw... they mutually agreed that they would not.
Nevertheless, Masaki was the most surprised of all.
"...So, what is the name of this person?"
"A person you've also met—the sorcerer from Yokohama's Chinatown, Zhou Gongjin."
"Zhou Gongjin!? He's here!?"
As expected, Masaki seemed to immediately grasp the name he heard from Yugen. Masaki's good intentions—no, in this case, his schemes—had forced him to withdraw from the front lines. However, at that moment, there were not only himself and Tatsuya, but also the Independent Magician Batallion, the 'Shinkai', and even collaborators from the Mitsuya family, so Masaki's individual withdrawal was not a significant blow.
"I've heard the reports, but it was Zhou Gongjin who handed over the Greater Asian Alliance forces that fled into Chinatown, right?"
"Yes, just as Kagurazaka says."
Masaki, internally, felt the flames of anger burning at being "made a fool of" by Zhou Gongjin. If he had this much motivation, he would surely cooperate honestly with what they were about to do. Normally, joint struggles or conspiracies between Master Clans are not permitted under the rules of the Master Clans Council, but if Yugen, as a member of the Kagurazaka family, mediated their cooperation, there would be no problem.
"So, do you know this person's whereabouts?"
"Yes. He was at the Arashiyama base until the 12th, but the next day, he moved southeast. There are no traces of him having left for Nara, Shiga, or Mie. Masaki, if you intend to cooperate in capturing Zhou Gongjin, steel yourself."
"...No way, Kagurazaka. The place where Zhou Gongjin is hiding is..."
Masaki seemed to have an idea of the location southeast of Arashiyama from the information Yugen revealed, and he couldn't hide his agitation. As if to confirm his answer, Yugen stated clearly.
"National Defense Land Forces Uji Second Supply Base. Zhou Gongjin is being harbored by the appeasement faction against the Greater Asian Alliance in that base. Based on the information obtained so far, there's no doubt."
"..."
"You can tell your father this information and ask for his judgment. But the opponent is an exceptional ancient magic user, skilled in the sorcery of 'Kimon Tonkou'. Whether you move or not, we will raid the base tonight and capture Zhou Gongjin."
"Are you serious!? You're also a soldier of the National Defense Force, aren't you!?"
Yugen understood Masaki's argument. However, there remained the possibility that Zhou Gongjin would "brainwash" the soldiers harboring him with his sorcery and have them intercept them. Waiting for internal purification within the military would only allow Zhou Gongjin to escape.
"Precisely because I am a member of the National Defense Force. Given the recent attacks by the Greater Asian Alliance and the Neo-Soviet Union in Okinawa, Sado, and Yokohama, what is demanded of current soldiers is nothing less than loyalty to the nation. This country, though one of the world's leading economies, has a clear disparity in military size. You've experienced combat in Sado and Yokohama, so you should understand what the division within the National Defense Force will bring."
"...That's right."
"Having explained all this, I ask you, Masaki. Are you willing to cooperate? If not, then forget your frustration towards Zhou Gongjin and do your preliminary investigation or whatever. However, if you interfere, I will show no mercy."
It was a harsh way of speaking, but the moment soldiers, who were supposed to swear loyalty to this country, harbored the perpetrator who had continued to cause chaos in this country, "accessory to a crime" was established. While only some individuals were harboring him, merely overlooking it without suspicion made it a problem not just for the base, but for the National Defense Land Forces, and by extension, the entire National Defense Force.
Since they possessed the power of military force, they were not an opponent that could be defeated by a head-on attack with the same force. However, since this was a battle not bound by rules, there was no need to defeat the opponent in a conventional manner.
After a moment of thought regarding Yugen's scathing question, Masaki turned a serious expression towards Yugen.
"Kagurazaka, let me cooperate. I won't be satisfied until I settle the score for being made a fool of by Zhou Gongjin with my own hands. For that, I'll fight even against the National Defense Land Forces."
"...Understood. Then, I'll explain to the remaining collaborators later, but we'll outline a general strategy. Leo, Erika, Mikihiko, and Sana will also help, so be prepared."
Having heard this much, Mikihiko wore an expression of resignation, as if to say they were now all in the same boat. Erika was clearly thrilled, brimming with motivation, and seeing this, Leo looked tired. Sana was admonishing Mikihiko, and Celia, Himeri, and Koko watched Mikihiko's flustered state with warm eyes.
To begin with, even Kyoko must have known that Zhou Gongjin had a high probability of escaping, regardless of how many military police were involved (especially since he had escaped even from the Kuroba unit of the Yotsuba branch family). Unless the Independent Magician Batallion itself was forcibly intervened, it would be meaningless. Therefore, Tatsuya's strong action can be said to be a rational judgment.
It's possible that he was manipulated to let Zhou Gongjin escape... and it's also possible that the person who ordered it is in the upper echelons of the military... To quote a certain god's line, "This guy's no good, we have to do something fast." That's the situation here.
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