-551- The unexpected individual

"Dairenji Shidou's right-hand man," Kurahashi Miyo's words made Rozen involuntarily recall the situation when he met Chihiro Mutobe.

"It's true that I am not the same as the Yakou followers you know, but from your perspective, I'm not that different. I am one of the insignificant individuals infatuated with your great deeds and greatness. From this aspect, even calling me a follower wouldn't be entirely inappropriate," these were the words Mutobe Chihiro once said to Rozen.

Before this, Rozen always thought of Yakou followers as a crazy and irrational group, having no redeeming qualities whatsoever.

But now, it seemed that reality was a bit different.

"Everyone treats Yakou followers as the same, but not all of them are so extreme. There were quite a few Onmyouji who respected and admired Yakou. Even before the terrifying spiritual disaster attack two years ago, there were many Onmyouji openly acknowledging Yakou's achievements. It was only after the terrifying spiritual disaster attack caused by Dairenji Shidou, the mastermind of the Twin Horn Syndicate, two years ago, that those blindly worshipping and believing in Yakou were labeled as dangerous. When people talk about Yakou followers, they generally refer to those individuals," Kurahashi Miyo slowly explained.

"And after Dairenji Shidou used himself as the core to manifest the spiritual disaster and died, the Spiritual Control Division was dissolved. Members of the Twin Horn Syndicate started lurking within the Onmyou Agency instead of the Spiritual Control Division. Even now, there are still many people lurking in the shadows. Mutobe Chihiro, on the other hand, is different. For these past two years, he's been untraceable. His appearance this time was following the shadow of Dairenji Shidou, triggering the second spiritual disaster attack."

This was the ins and outs of the current event.

In that case...

"How is Mutobe Chihiro? Was he captured?" Rozen asked this most crucial question.

Unfortunately, this question left Kurahashi Miyo, Ohtomo Jin, and Kogure Zenjirou unable to speak.

Seeing this, Rozen understood.

"So he's dead?" Rozen murmured.

Since Dairenji Shidou used himself as the core to manifest the spiritual disaster two years ago and ultimately died on the spot, it's very likely that Mutobe Chihiro faced a similar situation.

Rozen recalled the words Mutobe Chihiro said before parting ways.

"O King."

"There is only one thing I hope you will remember."

"I am Mutobe Chihiro. I only hope that you can remember this insignificant matter at least."

At that time, Chihiro Mutobe spoke these farewell words with a tone filled with sorrow and determination.

This told Rozen that regardless of Dairenji Shidou or Mutobe Chihiro, although they were Yakou followers within the Twin Horn Syndicate, they were different from the rest, who were extremist and fanatical.

These individuals had clear intentions in their actions.

If that's the case...

"Jou-i Daihara."

"Jou-i Saihara."

These two artificially induced spiritual disaster terror attacks might not solely be for bringing terror and casualties to Tokyo.

Rozen wondered: what drove these two individuals from the Spiritual Control Division to risk their lives to do such a thing?

Surely, it wasn't just about dedicating themselves like the fanatics, right?

Rozen felt that...

(Perhaps, there are even more significant and terrifying secrets hidden within this.)

And is this secret related to Yakou?

(It is very likely.)

Otherwise, these two Yakou followers wouldn't have taken such actions.

(Maybe I should seriously consider the matter of Yakou's reincarnation.)

In the past, Rozen had always dismissed the rumors of being Yakou's reincarnation, thinking that regardless, he would eventually leave this world. Whether it was as the head of the Tsuchimikado family or Yakou's reincarnation, these identities would be cast aside without much thought when the time came.

But now, since the matter concerning Yakou was tied to such a significant and dark scheme, Rozen felt that perhaps he should think carefully about his future actions.

Of course, before that, he needed to know all the necessary information.

"So Ashiya Douman hasn't joined the Twin Horn Syndicate, right?"

Rozen confirmed this.

The one answering this question was Ohtomo Jin.

"At least, currently, there's no proof that Ashiya Douman has joined the Twin Horn Syndicate."

Ohtomo Jin shrugged and replied.

The conversation went like this. Since Ashiya Douman had connections to various major events, it indicated that he wasn't completely unrelated to the Twin Horn Syndicate.

Perhaps Ashiya Douman had close contact with the Twin Horn Syndicate. Otherwise, he wouldn't have appeared so timely in this incident.

However, Ashiya Douman's motives seemed to be different from Mutobe Chihiro's.

"He mentioned that he would intervene in this incident because his shikigami asked him to help her take advantage of the chaos, allowing her to infiltrate the Onmyou Academy and free Raven's Wing to confirm my identity," Rozen said, looking at Ohtomo Jin.

"And who is this so-called shikigami?" This was the third person Rozen wanted to inquire about.

"Mr. Ohtomo's spiritual energy was in turmoil, probably to prevent Doma Hoshi from intervening, right?" Rozen effortlessly grasped this point and said, "If that's the case, have you heard about this from him?"

"Ah, yes, I did. Although he only said half and suddenly ran away, making me rush back to the Onmyou Academy," Ohtomo Jin responded a bit displeased. "According to Hoshi, the shikigami seemed to identify herself as his disciple. I don't know the details, but I heard her objective was Raven's Wing, so she must have had a confrontation with you. The person you want to ask about is definitely her. But among these three individuals, only her identity remains somewhat mysterious. We'll probably need to continue investigating."

"This matter is already in progress," Kurahashi Miyo said, "Since the other party was able to bypass the Onmyou Academy's barrier and succeed in the Alpha and Omega spiritual certification, infiltrating here, it's very likely that she was a student registered in the academy a long time ago. We'll start investigating her records."

"We'll also request the Mystical Investigator Department's assistance," Kogure Zenjirou added, concurring. "In this visit, among the numerous matters to handle, clarifying this person's identity is one of them."

Because of this, the three of them called Rozen over.

"Akikan-kun, you are the only one who had a direct confrontation with that person. Can you tell us about her?" Kogure Zenjirou inquired.

Kurahashi Miyo and Ohtomo Jin also looked at Rozen, their eyes filled with inquiry.

To this, Rozen had only one sentence.

"The director's speculation is probably correct. The other party should be documented in the Onmyou Academy since she was able to infiltrate the academy first. She claimed to be my senior."

Rozen revealed this.

"In addition, the other party also provided her name."

Rozen then calmly stated that name.

"Saotome Suzu."

The moment this name came out of Rozen's mouth, the reactions of the three people present were even greater than Rozen had imagined.

"What!?"

"!?!"

"Huh!?"

Kurahashi Miyo, Ohtomo Jin, and Kogure Zenjirou were all taken aback.

"This can't be."

Ohtomo Jin's complexion looked grim.

"I didn't expect it to be her."

Kogure Zenjirou's expression also turned heavy.

Following that, Kurahashi Miyo's expression changed several times, and in the end, she smiled wryly.

"So, you've finally started to act, haven't you?"

Kurahashi Miyo muttered to herself.

"Hishamaru-sama."

—"Hishamaru."

This name made Rozen widen his eyes.

That person was...

"Hishamaru?"

Rozen was completely astonished.