[117]

In Kyoto's red-light district, illuminated by dim lights and the glitter of night, stood a grand building known as the Tower of Pleasure. Inside the luxurious and exotic main hall, Yuyami, a woman with long black hair and blood-red eyes, knelt on the cold marble floor. Her body trembled slightly, her head bowed low, pleading for mercy in a voice filled with fear.

In front of her, atop a throne adorned with golden carvings and jewels, sat a massive white fox with nine long tails draped around her like a luxurious robe. The fox's eyes were golden, sharp, and radiated a mix of wisdom and restrained fury. This was Kyuubi, the disaster deity who had been sealed away for centuries and was now only steps away from complete freedom.

Yuyami slowly lifted her head, trying to summon the courage to speak, though her breathing remained heavy. "Kyuubi-sama, I beg forgiveness for my failure in the last mission... The Nomad forces were unable to secure the additional relic, and Kaoru has defeated Shuten Douji…"

Kyuubi narrowed her eyes, observing Yuyami with an unreadable expression. Without a word, she lowered one of her tails, the soft fur barely touching the floor, yet a chilling aura spread through the room, making Yuyami shiver.

"That failure cannot be overlooked, Yuyami." Kyuubi's voice was soft yet carried an underlying threat. "I gave you a chance to prove your loyalty, and you failed to meet my expectations."

Yuyami bowed even lower, struggling to hold back the wave of terror that had overtaken her. "Forgive me, Kyuubi-sama… I… I won't fail again. Give me one more chance to prove my loyalty to you."

Kyuubi's eyes gleamed coldly, her expression devoid of mercy. "One more chance, you say?" she murmured, her voice laced with doubt. "Why should I grant a second chance to one who has already proven themselves unworthy? Are you truly fit to keep your place by my side?"

Yuyami bit her lip, suppressing the tears that threatened to spill. She knew Kyuubi held no mercy, and one wrong plea could mean her end. But she also knew that betraying this disaster deity would be far worse than death.

In a trembling voice, Yuyami replied, "I won't disappoint you again, Kyuubi-sama. I swear I will retrieve the last relic you need, even if it costs me my life. I'll make certain no one can stop your plans."

Kyuubi's lips curved slightly, a faint and coldly meaningful smile. "Very well, Yuyami. If that is your oath, then I will grant you one final chance." She leaned forward slightly, her golden eyes piercing through Yuyami's spirit. "But remember, failure this time means death—or something far worse."

Yuyami bowed even lower, hiding the fear etched onto her face. "Thank you, Kyuubi-sama. I won't fail you again."

With a graceful motion, Kyuubi leaned back on her throne, her nine tails swaying slowly, as if she had already sealed Yuyami's fate. In Kyuubi's presence, Yuyami resolved to complete this mission by any means necessary, even if it meant facing Kaoru once more—this time, with no room for failure.

---

After a brief but urgent phone call with Matsuda, the head of DCST (Department of Countering Supernatural Threats), the entire DCST office had transformed into a hive of frantic and panicked activity. Matsuda immediately ordered his team to reach out to defense points across the nation, including a direct request for help from the village of Gosha—a place known for its spiritual power and fierce warriors. Matsuda firmly ensured that the team they assembled would be capable of handling the Yokai parade that would soon flood Kyoto on the night of the Hyakki Yagyō.

As the call with Kaoru continued, Matsuda fell silent for a moment, seemingly considering something before speaking in a serious tone. "You know, Kaoru, as I've told you before… if you truly involve yourself in an event this big, then your presence can no longer remain hidden. Supernaturalists from around the world will be watching. Are you ready to face that attention?"

Matsuda understood that Kaoru had always avoided the spotlight, steering clear of excessive attention to ensure he could carry out his missions without interference. But this time, the battle with Kyuubi was no small matter that could be handled quietly. The supernatural world would take notice, and Kaoru would be known to all.

On the other end of the line, Kaoru fell silent, fully understanding the weight of Matsuda's warning. He knew that after this, his life would never be the same—both in the ordinary world and the supernatural one. Yet, the thought of millions who could fall victim to this calamity made him take a deep breath, pushing aside his doubts.

"It's alright, Matsuda-san," he replied firmly, though a heaviness lingered in his tone. "I'm ready to face the consequences. If sacrificing my anonymity saves lives, then I'll do it."

Matsuda sighed softly, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Alright, Kaoru. You always had extraordinary resolve. I'll make sure everything needed is prepared, and we'll ensure all our forces are ready."

Kaoru nodded slightly, though Matsuda couldn't see him. "Thank you, Matsuda-san. Together, we'll face this parade and stop Kyuubi."

Matsuda ended the call and immediately headed toward the tactical room, his determination unshaken. He knew this great war could no longer be avoided, and with Kaoru set to be the central focus, DCST braced for the largest supernatural crisis in modern Japanese history.

On the other side, Kaoru took a long breath, putting his phone back in his pocket. Now, with unshakeable determination, he knew his destiny had changed. Alongside Towako, Reika, and the allies he had summoned, he was prepared for a night filled with danger and challenges, where all eyes would be upon him and his battle against the greatest calamity Japan had ever faced.

---

Asuka Koukawa stood in front of a mirror, looking at her reflection with a mix of confidence and slight awkwardness. She was dressed in a magenta Taimanin suit that hugged her body closely, accentuating her curves. Kaoru had suggested she wear something simpler, as the suit seemed too flashy, but to Asuka, it was the only attire that suited her agile and free fighting style.

"Nice to know my boyfriend worries about what others might think," she murmured with a small smile. "But Kaoru has to understand, there's no suit better suited for me than this."

She sighed, gently patting her slightly flushed cheeks, making sure all her gear was ready. After a few moments, Asuka stepped out of her room, spotting Shiranui in the hallway—also dressed in her combat suit. However, Shiranui's suit appeared even more revealing, causing Asuka a bit of surprise.

"Shiranui-san? Don't you think… maybe you should wear something a bit less, um, open? Kaoru might feel… a little uncomfortable seeing you like that," she said with a slight smile, trying to stifle her laughter.