-558- It's a deal

"A deal?"

The words of Kakugyouki left Rozen momentarily stunned.

Clearly, Rozen hadn't anticipated this turn of events.

He knew the person who had called him out was most likely be Saotome Suzu, aiming to exploit the rumor of him being Yakou's reincarnation. So, seeing Kakugyouki wasn't surprising, and he was prepared for a confrontation.

But it had turned into a deal?

"That's intriguing," Rozen suddenly became interested and said, "Let me hear what you mean by this so-called deal."

Upon hearing this, Kakugyouki did not immediately reveal the details of the matter.

"You should be aware of Raven's Wing's abilities," Kakugyouki, in a casual manner, looked at Raven's Wing perched on his arm and said, "It can transform into a curse tool, used by the wielder. Its effects are incredibly potent—not only can it autonomously perform jujutsu and physical attacks, but it can counter and defend automatically. It also enhances and assists the wielder's jujutsu and provides flight capabilities. It's the highest level among all curse tools."

This was common knowledge for those aware of Raven's Wing's existence.

After all, it was a curse tool personally developed and consistently used by Yakou. Even the protective garments of the Exorcism Division were designed based on Raven's Wing. How could it not be powerful?

However...

"Besides being a curse tool, Raven's Wing is also a shikigami," Kakugyouki looked at Rozen and said, "And the ability to share senses and strength with the wielder is a characteristic of a shikigami. Do you understand the implication of this?"

"Implication?" Rozen began to ponder upon hearing this.

Before Rozen could draw a conclusion, Kakugyouki unveiled the meaning behind it.

"Ordinary shikigami can share senses and strength with the wielder. So, for a shikigami that can transform into a curse tool and become one with the wielder, in addition to senses and strength, there are even more aspects that can be shared."

Kakugyouki asserted in this manner.

"For example: memories."

At Kakugyouki's words, Rozen's heart suddenly congealed, instantly comprehending his meaning.

"Do you understand now?"

Kakugyouki smiled all of a sudden and spoke slowly.

"Raven's Wing is both Yakou's shikigami and a curse tool. Yakou used it throughout his lifetime, displaying all of his jujutsu in its presence, and Raven's Wing recorded it all. If you can use Raven's Wing, then these memories will flow into you in the form of power."

What did this mean?

It meant that Rozen would gain access to all the greatest achievements of Yakou's lifetime—the 'Imperial-style Onmyoujutsu.'

"This should be a great deal, shouldn't it?" Kakugyouki stated confidently.

"To gain all the knowledge of Imperial-style Onmyoujutsu, as far as I know, besides Yakou himself, there's only that fellow Hishamaru. The precursor of the Onmyou Agency was the Onmyou Bureau led by Yakou. There might be numerous records of Imperial-style Onmyoudou inside, but they might not be complete. Even if they are complete, finding someone who has mastered all aspects of Imperial-style Onmyoudou is probably non-existent, right?"

Exactly.

For example, Dairenji Suzuka, even though she claims to be an expert in Imperial-style Onmyoudou, she's still in the midst of research. If she's still researching, it's challenging to claim that she has gathered all the knowledge of Imperial-style Onmyoudou.

The onmyouji in the Onmyou Agency are the same. Even if someone manages to weld Imperial-style Onmyoudou, how many can master it completely?

You see, when simplifying Imperial Onmyoudou into the general and popularized Common-style, there are no less than a thousand types of jujutsu. Consider how many advanced jujutsu the original Imperial-style Onmyoudou had. It should be apparent, right?

Not to mention, compared to the generalized and popularized Common-style, Imperial-style Onmyoudou is a system of jujutsu that can be utilized in military warfare. In terms of practicality alone, it can be considered the strongest.

Kagami Reiji, for example, only knows a few and can already demonstrate such formidable strength. Who wouldn't be tempted by such power?

Moreover...

"That fellow not only had knowledge of Imperial-style Onmyoudou," Kakugyouki continued, "He was a prodigy who integrated almost all the jujutsu systems throughout history to develop Imperial-style Onmyoudou. How much jujutsu knowledge is stored in his head? Even I, who was once his shikigami, am unaware. Probably only that Hishamaru, who was his former shikigami, has a clear understanding of Yakou's vast knowledge of jujutsu."

Kakugyouki stated this to Rozen.

"All of this is recorded in Raven's Wing's memory. As long as you can use it, this power will flow into your body and become yours."

For a Onmyouji, this was simply the greatest treasure and temptation.

Especially for those who have a great passion for jujutsu, the temptation of this treasure was irresistible.

And Rozen?

He was equally unable to resist.

Because Rozen was also a person who loved mysteries and miracles, and he truly couldn't resist such temptation.

Moreover...

(The rest of the jujutsu are fine, but if I can gain knowledge in the development of shikigami, which Yakou excelled in, then that would be the greatest benefit for me.)

So far, Rozen had seen many shikigami developed by Yakou.

For example, the Tsuchigumo, which could be used on the battlefield.

For example, Raven's Wing, which could transform into a curse tool.

And for example, Alpha and Omega in the Onmyou Academy, which were also shikigami developed by Yakou.

These shikigami all had their own unique uses and were exceptionally powerful without exception.

If Rozen could obtain the knowledge Yakou possessed in the development of shikigami, it would be a significant advantage for him.

(In this way, I'll be able to perfect the shikigami I create.)

Rozen had this thought.

"Yes."

Rozen had shikigami of his own creation.

Those were the shikigami summoned using the ten specially made jet-black talismans during the clash with Kagami Reiji.

Those shikigami were Rozen's proudest creations, crafted through nearly a decade of research. Each one had the strength close to that of a Upper-level familiar.

If he could gain Yakou's knowledge of jujutsu from before, encompassing almost all jujutsu from ancient to modern times, and then refine and supplement these shikigami, perhaps they could all possess the abilities of Upper-level familiars or even develop into entirely new powerful shikigami.

Just thinking about this, how could Rozen not be tempted?

The only issue was...

"If I can't use it, then Raven's Wing will possess me and go berserk, right?"

Rozen calmly pointed out this concern.

And therein lay the problem.

If Rozen couldn't use Raven's Wing, it would possess him, leading to a rampage. That's why Raven's Wing was categorized as a forbidden curse tool and sealed.

In other words, benefits and risks coexisted.

But...

"That's why I said it's a deal."

Kakugyouki stated this straightforwardly.

Right.

That's why it's called a deal.

The decision to agree or not rested with Rozen.

"If you disagree, I will immediately leave with Raven's Wing."

Kakugyouki looked at Rozen, stating this with composure.

This was likely not a lie.

Compared to Hishamaru, who was extremely obsessed with Yakou, Kakugyouki was more casual by nature. If Rozen genuinely disagreed, Kakugyouki definitely wouldn't insist.

However, this was also a test from Kakugyouki to Rozen.

"If it's Yakou, he would never miss any chance to glimpse the secrets of jujutsu."

How would Rozen choose?

Kakugyouki maintained a watchful attitude, observing Rozen.

In response...

"I have to say, this does excite me."

Under Kakugyouki's gaze, Rozen grinned and suddenly laughed.

And then...

"Alright! I agree!"

In the end, Rozen agreed.