-475- What exactly is going on

"Kurahashi?"

"That's not..."

"Hey hey hey..."

In the audience, the students could clearly hear the commotion as Kurahashi Kyouko introduced herself, causing a stir of voices to rise.

But that was normal.

Since the other person introduced themselves as 'Kurahashi,' wasn't their identity quite obvious?

"I'm sure you all have guessed by now."

Standing at the podium, Kurahashi Kyouko ignored the lively reaction from the audience, maintaining an unchanged expression and continued her introduction.

"Yes, my surname is Kurahashi. Though it feels a bit like boasting to say it like this, I want to make it clear to everyone. The current director of the Onmyou Agency, Kurahashi Genji, is indeed my father. The director standing beside me is my grandmother. I am the only daughter of the Kurahashi family in this generation, and like all of you, I will be joining the academy this year as a first-year student."

Kurahashi Kyouko proclaimed this with a dignified demeanor, causing Kurahashi Miyo to smile wryly beside her, and the students in the hall became even more tumultuous.

No choice.

"Originally, from my perspective, I didn't want to bring this up, as it might seem like I'm trying to gain fame from my family's reputation. However, after joining the academy, I realized something. That is, no one really noticed me."

Kurahashi Kyouko didn't hide anything and spoke her mind.

But that was the truth.

In a normal situation, given Kurahashi Kyouko's status and being in the top three of the entrance exam, once the list was posted, even if she wasn't at the top, she would have garnered attention simply because of the surname 'Kurahashi,' making the fact that the genius of the Kurahashi family had entered the Onmyou Academy widely known.

However, this time, Kurahashi Kyouko's spotlight was completely stolen. Despite having so many reasons to be noticed, not a single student paid attention to her.

Because...

"The top student in this year's new class is indeed very special. I acknowledge his ability to attract everyone's attention. But on the other hand, I also want to tell everyone that in this new class, it's not just him who has excelled."

Kurahashi Kyouko made this declaration to all the students in the hall.

"I will consider him my rival and compete with him in the days to come. I will definitely not lose to him. Even if he is the next head of the Tsuchimikado family, I will defeat him honorably."

Saying this, Kurahashi Kyouko turned her gaze to a young man in the audience.

And before this, all the students in the hall seemed to have guessed whom Kurahashi Kyouko was referring to, turning their gaze towards him.

At this moment, Rozen once again bore the gaze of all the students in the hall, including Kurahashi Kyouko, wearing a slightly helpless expression on his face.

Through Kurahashi Kyouko's gaze, Rozen sensed numerous emotions, eventually coalescing into an intense and resolute fighting spirit that enshrouded him.

And then...

"Tsuchimikado Akikan."

Kurahashi Kyouko held a microphone, pointing towards Rozen, her tone seemingly filled with both hostility and extreme unpleasantness, making this statement.

"You are my rival."

"So, brace yourself."

Kurahashi Kyouko's voice resonated clearly throughout the hall.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

This initially silenced the students, but soon after, cheers erupted.

Evidently, Kurahashi Kyouko's declaration unexpectedly garnered applause from the students who sensed the tension

"This child..."

Kurahashi Miyo still wore a wry smile, but a hint of amusement flickered in her eyes.

"Oh my, oh my, it seems the upcoming lessons will become very interesting."

Ohtomo Jin stood below the platform, his tone light, just like Kurahashi Miyo. He didn't find the situation troublesome at all; instead, he seemed to find it amusing and smiled.

Watching the reactions and cheers of the entire hall, Rozen could only remain speechless.

Even Rozen absolutely didn't expect that his first day at the academy would turn out like this.

And what happened next was beyond Rozen's expectations.

"...Kurahashi Kyouko, is it?"

Such a voice resounded, and for some unknown reason, all the students in the hall fell silent as if their throats had been choked, instantly freezing the atmosphere and restoring silence to the hall.

Even though the volume of this voice wasn't particularly high, almost inaudible under the recent cheers, strangely, it clearly reached everyone's ears.

The reason was simple.

Unlike the others whose voices were full of excitement and enthusiasm, this voice was cold, like plunging to freezing point, laden with pressure.

Hence, everyone's voices abruptly stopped.

Even Kurahashi Kyouko was slightly taken aback, looking towards the source of the sound.

Rozen was once again astonished, glancing to his side.

"Natsume?"

Rozen spoke with a hint of trembling.

The voice just now was indeed Natsume's doing.

Natsume's face no longer showed the nervousness and worry from before. Instead, it displayed an expression that left no room for doubt, accompanied by a sharp gaze.

Rozen had never seen Natsume like this.

But this was indeed Natsume's current demeanor.

Ignoring the bewildered Rozen, Natsume's sharp gaze pierced directly at Kurahashi Kyouko.

"I can't pretend I didn't hear what you just said."

Natsume seemed to take a step forward, resolute as he addressed Kurahashi Kyouko on the platform.

Kurahashi Kyouko appeared somewhat startled by Natsume's actions but stared back, unwilling to back down.

"What?" Kurahashi Kyouko said, slightly irritated. "Did I say something wrong ?"

"No," Natsume shook his head, but said, "It's just that, regardless of whether you are the daughter of the Kurahashi family, it's too early for you to challenge Akikan."

"Too... too early?" Kurahashi Kyouko was momentarily stunned, then exclaimed angrily, "Are you implying I'm not qualified?"

To Kurahashi Kyouko's statement, Natsume nodded.

"Exactly." Natsume met Kurahashi Kyouko's gaze and straightforwardly stated, "Akikan holds the first position, and you are third. I understand your desire not to lose to him, but don't forget, before that, you have to get past me."

Upon Natsume's reminder, everyone in the room realized.

Right.

Although Rozen was first, Natsume was second.

""Challenging my master based on your desire alone is still too early."

Natsume displayed a level of aggression she had never shown before.

"You... you..."

Kurahashi Kyouko clenched her lips in anger, glaring at Natsume.

Natsume stared back fearlessly.

The gazes of the two girls clashed in mid-air, sparking like friction creating electric sparks, an intense confrontation.

Witnessing this situation with his own eyes, everyone in the room was dumbfounded.

"...What exactly is going on?"

Rozen could only be bewildered.