Chapter 174: Mikiya Kokutou (Part Two) (Bonus)

Mikiya Kokutou, also known as "Mikiya Ryougi," is one of the main characters of "Kara no Kyoukai," a classic work by Type-Moon. He is the main protagonist of the Type-Moon universe and the most ordinary among all the male protagonists, lacking magical aptitude, special lineage, and supernatural abilities. Compared to other extraordinary protagonists with inherent advantages, he is truly ordinary. His origin lies in the motto of "being ordinary to the core and never hurting anyone more than anyone else."

However, despite being an ordinary person, he has become the most beloved male protagonist in the Type-Moon world. In the realm of anime and manga fandom, which is increasingly filled with statements like "XXX is my waifu" or "XXX is my husbando," there are very few people who want to separate him from his romantic partner. When Shinji can't sleep at night, he irresponsibly indulges in daydreams about many waifu in this world, but he has never had any improper thoughts about this guy's wife; all he feels is genuine blessings to the couple.

Therefore, for over three years, he never considered doing anything in the city of Misaki, fearing that he might inadvertently disrupt the couple's relationship. Choosing to end his journey in May was also to ensure that Touko returns to Misaki City and to ensure that the plot doesn't deviate, allowing these two individuals to smoothly come together.

This is Shinji's selfishness. Although he is a transmigrator with the ability to save some people, it doesn't mean it's his obligation. People are inherently selfish, and Shinji is no exception. He is willing to interact with people he is interested in and make up for regrets from his past life, but when it comes to certain people and matters, he simply doesn't feel anything and is unwilling to get involved, which is understandable.

And Mikiya Kokutou is one of the few men who pique his interest.

After Mikiya Kokutou left, Shinji lazily closed the door, looked at Touko, who was lighting a cigarette, and asked, "Why did you give him a chance for an interview?"

Touko glanced at Shinji, parted her lips slightly, exhaled a puff of smoke, and then said, "Haven't you already figured it out? He's not a magus, yet he was able to pass through my barrier and come here. It's somewhat intriguing, isn't it?"

"Not only that, there's something else. Did you notice it?"

"What is it?"

Shinji smiled and turned to Sakura and Fujino. "Did you two notice?"

Sakura answered first, "Is it because his last name is Kokutou? Could he be Azaka Kokutou' brother?"

Azaka Kokutou is the younger sister of Mikiya Kokutou. She became acquainted with Touko, Sakura, and Fujino last year when they were all involved in a series of grisly murder cases. Although they didn't spend much time together, they formed a deep friendship and still keep in touch through correspondence.

However, Shinji has never met Azaka. During the bizarre murder cases, he had reached a critical point in his treatment with Kenneth and was temporarily called back to Fuyuki City by Justeaze to serve as a power bank, a backup magical energy source. As a result, he missed the opportunity to meet Azaka. Therefore, Shinji's answer is, "Unfortunately, you're wrong."

Fujino thought for a moment and said, "Is it about finding this place itself?"

"Bingo, correct answer, plus ten points," Shinji snapped his fingers. "How long has it been since we acquired the ownership of this building? How many people know that we live here? It seems like there is no one with the surname Kokutou here."

Shinji pointed out Mikiya's only ability or strength, which is his exceptional information-gathering ability. Of course, it is not a magical power but simply a talent, just like someone being good at singing or drawing.

From what Shinji knows, Mikiya is even stronger in this aspect than professional private detectives. In the chapter "Paradox Spiral" of "Kara no Kyoukai," he spent only one night organizing a comprehensive dossier containing the architectural design of an apartment building, the list of people involved in the construction, water pipe configuration, composition of resident families, work locations, previous home addresses, and other information. If he were to open a detective agency, he would become a well-known figure in the industry.

"The Talent of the Seeker... huh?"

Touko once roughly classified humans into two systems and two attributes: Creators and Seekers, Users and Destroyers. Mikiya Kokutou's information-gathering ability falls into the category of a typical Seeker.

"Just how strong is he? We'll find out tomorrow when we give it a try. There happens to be a commission that requires us to travel all over the city of Misaki, and you don't want to help."

"No way," Shinji shrugged. "Because tomorrow, I have to help Fujino with the transfer procedures for the high school division of Reien Girls' Academy. And I'll also see if I can help Sakura apply for an exchange program or something."

Since Touko chose to establish her second workshop in Misaki City, it means she won't leave in the short term. As Touko's disciple, Fujino naturally has to stay here to continue learning from her. Fujino is 16 years old this year, the age to enter high school. Although she has an excellent teacher like Touko to guide her, her knowledge reserve may not cover the social and practical knowledge that her peers would have. Therefore, she still needs to obtain it through school.

Reien Girls' Academy has a well-known reputation and is among the top three girls' schools in the Tokyo metropolitan area. What's more interesting is that it is not an ordinary girls' school; it is an essential point in the "Kara no Kyoukai" story chain. The students inside and the alumni who graduate from there include many intriguing individuals. Touko, Fujino's teacher, is also a graduate of this academy.

In this school, you can experience a typical high school life without being far from the mysterious, and it's not dangerous either. It's truly the perfect place for Fujino to study.

The same goes for Sakura. Campus life is an essential part of a person's growth, and Shinji hopes Sakura can create all sorts of wonderful memories.

Shinji also needs time for individual actions. There are things to investigate, tasks to assign, and regular contacts to maintain.

Of course, Touko knows that Shinji has his plans. She was just complaining casually and didn't mind.

"Enough about that. Since we have free labor now, let's not waste it. Let's solve the problem of our empty stomachs first."

"Agreed." Sakura raised her hand eagerly. She had been busy all day and only had a light lunch. She was really hungry.

"Then let's go for a seafood buffet." Shinji held Fujino's hand with his left hand and pulled Sakura with his right hand. He said to Touko, "How are you feeling today?"

"Hehe, I'm completely ready." Touko was brimming with confidence. "Today, I will break that idiot sister's record. There can only be one champion in Japan's eating contest, and that's me, Touko Aozaki."

Um, although it doesn't quite match her well-proportioned figure, she can indeed eat a lot. She is a true big eater, and no matter how much she eats, she doesn't gain weight. It's natural, and it has nothing to do with magecraft or anything!!!

It's worth mentioning that Touko's sister, Aozaki Aoko, also has the same appetite and physique as her sister. The two often engage in fierce competition in this regard, which has become a legend in Japan's food industry.

It is said that there is already an underground gambling market where people bet on which sister can eat more.

Warning--

Warning--

Warning--

This gambling contest must not be known to the parties involved, otherwise, it will result in a joint attack from the "Rocket Barrage" and the "Doll Legion."