-510- What is 'Spirit'

——

An invisible pressure filled the air in the director's office, creating a sense that the gravity of the surrounding space had increased.

As Rozen gazed at the three highest-ranked Onmyoji within the director's office, the trio were also fixated on Rozen.

"The spiritual energy is very weak, yet the spiritual power is incredibly strong. Quite a peculiar state,"

Commented Amami Daizen, as if evaluating or considering something, continuously scanning Rozen from head to toe. He wore an expression that seemed to overlook everything, radiating an imposing aura.

"So, this is the reincarnation of Yakou?" murmured Miyachi Iwao in a low voice, seemingly lost in thought.

As for Kurahashi Genji, his eyes were flickering with an indiscernible gleam as he kept his gaze on Rozen.

Up until now, Kurahashi Genji had only met Rozen when he was a child, but he had always been attentive to Rozen's actions.

For instance, the news of Rozen inheriting the true dragon of the Tsuchimikado family after the jujutsu battle years ago.

For instance, the news that even before enrolling in the Onmyou Academy, Rozen had already made Tsuchimikado Natsume, a branch family member, his shikigami.

For instance, the news that Rozen had consistently held the top spot in Onmyou Academy's grades, surpassing even the third-year students.

For instance, Rozen's ability to efficiently deal with the frequent attacks by the followers of Yakou.

All of these pieces of information reached Kurahashi Genji's ears.

And now, finally, even one of the Twelve Divine Generals was eyeing Rozen and had been defeated by him.

Recalling Rozen's extraordinary talent displayed since his youth and his recent achievement of subduing the Twelve Divine Generals shortly after becoming a new student at the Onmyou Academy, Kurahashi Genji increasingly believed that this man was indeed the reincarnation of that legendary figure—a figure capable of changing the history of the jujutsu world.

At least, based on Rozen's displayed talent and strength, he was no less than that legendary figure.

This was not all.

Most importantly, this man had finally unraveled the ritual.

The ritual of Spirit that was ultimately born through the two greatest figures of Onmyoudou, Abe no Seimei and Tsuchimikado Yakou.

"——<Taizan Fukun Ritual>."

Kurahashi Genji kept his gaze on Rozen, getting straight to the point without any disguise.

"According to the report, Tsuchimikado Clan's Altar has been opened again, showing signs of utilizing the <Taizan Fukun Ritual>."

Kurahashi Genji's composed words made the expressions of Amami Daizen and Miyachi Iwao turn serious.

On the other hand, Rozen smiled subtly as his gaze moved consecutively over Kurahashi Genji, Amami Daizen, and Miyachi Iwao.

"I knew I was called here specifically because of this matter."

Rozen had already guessed that he would be held accountable the moment he decided to use the <Taizan Fukun Ritual>.

However...

"Just for this matter, the three highest-ranking officials of the Onmyou Agency were mobilized. Isn't this making a mountain out of a molehill?"

Rozen spoke these words without a hint of tension, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

"I mean, it's okay to be more straightforward."

Rozen didn't hold back in his straightforward words.

"Just say that Yakou caused a major spiritual calamity in history by performing the <Taizan Fukun Ritual>. Now, as the one reputed to be the reincarnation of Yakou, I've come into contact with the <Taizan Fukun Ritual> again. Isn't that why you can't just sit idly by?"

Rozen's candid words caused a reaction in all three present.

"You really can be quite direct," chuckled Amami Daizen.

"...Are the current students all this difficult to deal with?" Miyachi Iwao remained silent for a moment before sighing.

...

Kurahashi Genji, on the other hand, was completely speechless, not uttering a word, just staring fixedly at Rozen.

Clearly, Rozen's words were not unfounded.

Touching the forbidden was one thing, the potential to trigger a dreadful spiritual disaster was another, and causing historical events was an entirely different matter.

Now, the reason the three highest-ranking officials of the Onmyou Agency gathered here and faced Rozen was precisely because of what Rozen had said—being the supposed reincarnation of Nightlight, he had come into contact with the <Taizan Fukun Ritual>.

What this would lead to, nobody knew.

Hence, the head of the Jujutsu Crime Department couldn't sit still, the director of the Exorcism Division couldn't either, and even the head of the Onmyou Agency couldn't remain idle. They had to attend this meeting.

But Rozen just wanted to say...

"I am not Yakou, and I'm certainly not his 'reincarnation.' Please understand this before engaging in a conversation with me."

Rozen spoke fearlessly in this manner in front of the three highly esteemed individuals.

"The <Taizan Fukun Ritual> I used is a ritual passed down through generations withen the Tsuchimikado family, not the forbidden Imperial-Style <Taizan Fukun Ritual>. There's no reason to accuse me."

Rozen stated everything clearly, directly, and without hesitation.

His fearless and carefree attitude left Amami Daizen and Miyachi Iwao at a loss for words, frowning in contemplation.

However, Kurahashi Genji, maintaining an unchanged expression, spoke up.

"Indeed, the Onmyou Agency does not prohibit the Tsuchimikado family from performing generationally inherited rituals. However, if it's merely conducting a ritual and performing a sacrifice, that's another matter. I've heard about your situation, and it's not just a simple act of performing a ritual but rather an attempt to summon spirits, isn't it?"

Kurahashi Genji spoke in a low tone.

"Since you've come into contact with spirits, it constitutes touching the forbidden. How can there not be a reason to accuse you?"

That was Kurahashi Genji's argument.

But...

"I would like to ask a question to the three figures who are dominant in the Jujutsu realm."

Rozen, undeterred, posed this question.

"What is 'spirit'?"

This question momentarily stunned all three present.