Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Kaze no Stigma:Volume4 Chapter 4

2013-09-23T18:54:54Z

96.54.12.172: /* Part 1 */

==== Chapter 5 Maiden from the days of yore ====

=== Part 1 ===

"Hurry up!"

"I know"

As if calming down the hurrying up Ayano, Kirika nodded carefree. She fleetingly glanced at the rear view mirror, checking Kazuma's appearance that didn't move as if he was sleeping.

She looked forward once again.

Approximately five minutes after Kanon's call Kirika got into the car she was driving and they headed for the Tokyo Government Office.

Without Daiki. Although she said it was important to accumulate experience, it was still dangerous to take such an inexperienced fellow to the enemy's base.

To say nothing of the fact that right now Ren was captured.

If he were to become a burden - no, the moment he ''will'' become a burden it's not unlikely Kazuma will simply eliminate him. Or maybe, that is certain.

Therefore, policeman Isurughi was watching the office. It goes without saying he took over that duty voluntarily.

"Still another ten minutes, huh?"

Appearing not to hurry, Kirika was operating the car safely. The car model was a jet black GT-R. Just in case, it was a Tokyo MPD's Special Investigation Unit official vehicle but Kirika never let another person take the steering wheel. Remodeled by misusing the public expenditure, it was a car sample for intermingling the public policy with private interest.

"............"

Ayano folded her arms, agitated, and glared at the seat belt that that got in her way.

The time was past evening, the place was Shinjuku. Since so many unfavorable conditions piled up, no matter how skilled the driver or how fast the car, it's impossible for the car to run smoothly.

Just when they seemed to move the traffic lights changed to red and Ayano knitted her eyebrows in worry.

"Won't you sound the siren already and go across?"

"Please don't ask for that"

As if calming the irritated Ayano, Kirika said in a composed voice.

"We can't go public with this. You understand, right?"

Certainly it seems impossible to imagine how much of an uproar they would cause if they were to march into Tokyo Government Office with a patrol car ringing a gaudy siren.

She understood that. She understood it but nevertheless she couldn't calm down.

"What the hell was Ren thinking? To meddle with the enemy's base by himself!"

"But he didn't particularly have that intention, right? He only wanted to scout it out from afar -”

"It's the same thing!", Ayano retorted strongly.

Inside the car, Kirika already received a brief lecture. Connecting the information she received from Kanon Ayano almost perfectly understood the Pandemonium system.

For that reason, she realized it. That the opponent this time was not an easy one. A Jutsushi that can freely use this much magic. Even understating him, it was clear he was elite.

Parading solo before the nose of that sort of opponent it's reckless no matter how you think about it.

"Shit"

"Settle down, Ayano-chan"

To the impatient Ayano, Kirika said the same thing the Nth time.

"The fact that he was abducted means he wasn't immediately killed. I'm sure you'll see him again"

"I know that but........"

"Besides, I'm not the one you want to say these selfish things to, right? When Kazuma comes back you can throw as many tantrums as you like"

"..............."

Despite frowning, Ayano was silent. Although he won't be pleased by furious remarks, it was an established fact she should wait until Kazuma's return.

She looked at Kazuma holding still next to her with a sidelong glance. That figure completely exhausted, leaning on the seat, seemed as if sleeping.

But of course, it was impossible for this man to doze off in front of Ren's crisis. Right now Kazuma was tuning his conscience with the Spirits of the Wind, and investigated the situation at the far off Tokyo Government Office.

When watching him so intently as if she was glaring, Kazuma suddenly opened his eyes.

Lightly looking up at the sky, he let a tiny sigh. And when he was about to close his eyes again, Ayano instantly detained him by holding his arm.

"How was it!?"

"The space above the Tokyo Government Office is certainly distorted"

"And?"

"I won't know more without going there"

Without saying anymore, Kazuma closed his eyes again. But this time, his presence didn't fade. He seemed to merely rest his body.

Understanding the report ended, Ayano shouted in a shocked voice.

" -Then, isn't that the same as not knowing anything!?"

"That's not true, Ayano-chan"

While handling the steering, Kirika put on a bitter smile.

"It means we know that from the result of the reconnaissance only that much can be found. "

Ayano's eyebrows frown with a twitch. As expected, she wasn't so slow as not to understand after having been spoken to like that.

"It'll be difficult?"

"Fairly"

At Kirika's question, Kazuma answered without opening his eyes.

The Barrier Kazuma spied on with wind - just because he was capable of constructing such a thing, the enemy's excellent ability was obvious.

At the premonition of a fierce battle, Ayano involuntarily clenched her fists.

After the car drove for five more minutes, Tokyo Government Office's panoramic view finally entered their vision.

In a straight line, the distance is less than three hundred meters. But they were stopped again by the red traffic light.

''"Running should be faster now..."''

The instant Ayano thought so, Kazuma moved.

"I go first"

"Wait!"

As Kazuma said so and got off the car, Kirika sharply called him to a halt. Kazuma looked at Kirika with an emotionless gaze.

"I'm not trying to stop you. I'm just saying it to know I said it - Don't destroy Tokyo Metropolitan Office"

"That seems reasonable...", Kazuma replied with an expression as if that was a stupid thing to say. But it was too early to be relieved.

"I'll be careful until I rescue Ren"

"Be careful after rescuing Ren-kun too!"

"Tell that to the opponent!"

Kazuma bluntly ignored Kirika's shriek-like petition. Coincidentally his silhouette faded like a mist and then - it disappeared.

By manipulating the density of the atmosphere, he turned transparent by distorting light. Kazuma's specialty was optical camouflage.

"Kazuma !"

He didn't reply. Already riding upon the winds, it seems he was headed for the Tokyo Government Office in a literally straight line.

He aimed to go directly to the space between the twin towers where Pandemonium was located without having to use the stairs.

".....!"

Simultaneously, both looked up at the Tokyo Government Office. In the upper air of the tuning fork characteristic silhouette they felt a frozen, enormous power.

"No way! Is he really going to wreck it!?"

While both women became rigid unable to do anything, their faces stiff, quickly, sharply, a gigantic power was released.

The distortion of space, the power that held that distortion in place was forcibly sliced and torn by a wind blade.

The recoil from the reconstruction of the warped space changed to a colorless, soundless shock.

"Is that, Pandemonium?"

The barrier had been smashed and Pandemonium, concealed at the bottom of that distorted space was finally exposed to the broad daylight.

The number one central government office, Tokyo Government Office, this building that could be called the symbol of Shinjuku was joke-like enshrined in the gap between the two towers.

It was a scene that made one doubt his sanity. Although after several seconds the barrier reconstructed and that image disappeared, there are people who have seen it.

"..........I wonder, will we be able to falsify this..........?"

Sitting in the driver seat completely exhausted, Kirika groaned.

Just as feebly, Ayano retorted.

".........won't it be all right? If there's no evidence, you can settle it by saying it was an optical illusion, or if there are pictures you can say something like that was photo-shopped."

"Maybe - "

"Oo - Oi! What was that explosion!?"

Kirika's murmur, forcibly trying to convince herself was drowned in the man's shout. Ayano and Kirika looked at each other with tedious expressions.

What the man felt was probably the recoil from when the Barrier was tore open.

It was a non-physical shock but it seems it could be perceived by normal people with a good intuition.

".......for now, let's prepare"

Kirika took her telephone out from the dashboard and pressed the buttons. When it connected, she began talking without introduction.

"It's urgent, command an evacuation order for Tokyo Government Office. Eeh, who cares about the reason? Invent something adequate like we received a terrorist bomb warning or something. Do you understand? This conversation is being recorded, right? It will be pointless even if you tell you won't listen!"

After powering off her phone she flung it in the passenger seat. She let out a deep, deep breath.

"Good grief..."

"What was that? The preliminary arrangements for a cover up?"

At Ayano's question Kirika replied in a worn out voice.

"That's also true but we can't disregard the possibility that Tokyo Government Office will fall, right?"

"Aah, that's true - "

Involuntarily Ayano looked up at the Tokyo Government Office with a distant look.

"Since it's ''that'' Kazuma, he doesn't seem to hold kindness for the guy who abducted Ren, huh?"

"I beg you, don't say it so calmly", Kirika whispered while getting away from the car.

"Because in that worst case, I have no one to rely on but you"

"........I'll do my best"

As Kirika said so desperately hoping, Ayano answered honestly.

Entering the Tokyo Government Office, the usual scene enfolded between their eyes.

"It seems no one takes refuge"

"..........That wait and see son of a bitch....I'll remember this!", Kirika spit out unpleasantly.

Feeling a shiver at that subdued murmur, Ayano felt gratitude for that certain something that surpasses human intellect that didn't made her Kirika's boss.

"Aah, but, the sightseeing room seems closed"

She restored the conversation in a casual manner.

There was no line of people on the left and right direct elevator entrances but a closed sigh stood there bluntly.

"True......that's strange - huh?"

Looking around Kirika took notice of two children who approached them.

''"Aah, are these kids...?"''

This was the first time she met them directly but the duo was so peculiar it was impossible to mistake. As if supporting that guess, Ayano met them halfway.

"Kanon-chan, Serisawa-kun - "

"Onee-sama!"

One of those two -Kanon clung to Ayano firmly.

"Are you still here? Didn't I tell you to go home?"

"But, but, Ren-kun is....."

"He's fine"

Lightly bending over so that the height of their eyes matched, Ayano showed a smile to bring her piece of mind.

"Don't worry about Ren. That boy is much stronger that what he looks like and a much stronger guy already left to rescue him."

"But...."

Unable to throw away her hesitation, Kanon mumbled. As if covering for her Serisawa opened his mouth.

"If you say it's fine staying here is....besides, even we can - "

"Don't be so irresponsible!"

With a suddenly changed severe tone, Ayano scolded them harshly.

"It may be heartless to say it but right now, there's nothing you two can do. If I am honest you're nothing but a drag. If you plan to continue being Ren's friends learn to discriminate whether or not you can say selfish things"

They had a life and death occupation. Not only they didn't had the ability to protect themselves but it was inexcusable to disturb the site with for amateurs who didn't understand.

If both were those kind of ''people without self-restraint'' there was no point for Ren to associate with them like that.

".....I'm sorry......"

"......I apologize......."

Dejected, heads hung down, both spoke words of apology.

Once again Ayano showed a smile and embraced both of them lightly.

"I'll tell Ren to call you afterwards. Wait until then at your homes, OK?"

" - yes"

"Is the conversation over?"

As if choosing the moment the children agreed - actually, seeming to lie in wait for it, Kirika approached. Ayano unintentionally scowled and glared at her.

"Please at least try to look like you are persuading them. Truthfully, this is your job right?"

"You could say that but I thought Ayano-chan was more suitable for it. Besides - "

Lightly eluding Ayano's criticism, Kirika focused her eyes on the children.

"The police was supposed to order evacuation, you didn't hear anything?"

" - Eeh?"

Kanon and Serisawa exchanged strange glances.

"No, we didn't hear anything. Aah, but the sightseeing room was suddenly shut."

"We've been in the lobby ever since but there wasn't a broadcast like that. I'm not mistaken"

""..........I see"

With a low nod, Kirika fired her gun in a deserted place. Perhaps in the direction of the Metropolitan Police Department.

"I'll ask for information at the reception desk. Ayano-chan, take the kids."

"Aah, OK"

Hearing Ayano's answer behind her, Kirika walked to the reception.

Looking at her appearance from behind with a fearful gaze, Serisawa asked:

"Is she perhaps, a scary person?"

"That's true. It would be better not to stand in her way today"

Responding with a faintly stiff voice, Ayano took both of them to the exit. Leaving the building together with them, she sends them off.

"Well, go home"

Kanon and Serisawa bowed their heads deeply in front of Ayano.

"Please save Ren-kun"

"Please save him!"

Cracking a smile Ayano assured them.

"Be careful when going home"

""Yes"

With a vigorous nod the children returned home. Until their silhouettes disappeared Ayano waived her hand smiling.

When returning inside, Kirika already waited in front of the automatic door.

"Let's go"

Recognizing Ayano's appearance, she started walking at a quick pace without explaining the situation. Obviously she was in a bad mood.

"Wait! The situation?"

While chasing after Kirika who seemed headed for the elevator, Ayano asked carefully. Kirika replied without looking back.

"It seems an evacuation advice was given"

".......Aah, I see"

After a pause of several seconds, Ayano understood the meaning of those words.

Not an order or obligation to evacuate but to go or to stay as one pleases.

Since even the receptionist remained it seems they were informed the danger was pretty small.

But just in case, since the advice was taken, this means they have an excuse for that worst case.

"Shit, that's why they're being called incompetent government officials who can only protect themselves!"

"What will you do ~ "

"There's no other way. We can only take care so that the building won't collapse by ourselves. Let's hurry"

They quickened their paces even more. They reached the elevator landing and mercilessly pummeled the up button. They slid into the one on standby.

"By the way"

While looking up at the floor number changing rapidly, Ayano fired the question in a simple way.

"Do you know how to get to the space between the two towers?"

"I don't"

Without the half of a second of pause, Kirika replied immediately. Ayano continued her questioning with a stunned expression.

"Then, what are we going to do?"

"We'll force our way through"

Another immediate reply. Forgetting all her questions, Ayano starred at Kirika's unusually unyielding attitude.

"There's supposed to be at least one window facing the place in question. When comparing it with a broken down building, there's no need worry about a one or two windows or walls getting destroyed."

".........Well, that may be true"

It seems like Kirika was seriously anxious about the collapse of the Tokyo Government Office. Afraid of pointlessly provoking her, Ayano nodded vaguely.

Incidentally, for the sake of getting outside forcefully it should be noted that beside windows several locks had been shattered.

"Waaah!?"

At the moment she took a step outside the window, a strong wind got hold of her body. Ayano desperately braced her legs on the ground, her posture changed.

"Dangerous....."

They are at approximately a hundred and fifty meter above ground. If she were to tumble down, there would be literal hell before reaching down.

Feeling a cold sweat on her back, Ayano involuntarily shivered.

"If we were to fall from here, there would be enough time to finish praying before dying"

"Don't say such stupid things and look here"

A cool voice resounded in her ears. When turning around, in the center of the raging wind, Kirika's certainly erect figure was visible.

Ayano pursued Kirika's gaze. The space between the towering towers. At a first glance, nothing seemed suspicious. But -

"Aah, if it's like that, even I can grasp it"

Even for a Enjutsushi's non sharp senses, the unusual phenomenon before her eyes was obvious. The space was flickering in an unstable way.

The barrier concealing Pandemonium seemed unable to restore from the damage Kazuma's tearing inflicted upon it.

"What to do? At this point I could hit and hit it with all my force."

"Don't do that"

Without hesitation, Kirika rejected Ayano's proposal.

"If the barrier is blown away, Pandemonium will become completely visible"

"That's true. Then, will you?"

"Yeah. It's fine leaving it to me in this situation"

Letting out words lacking definite confidence or modesty Kirika lightly took a stance.

Unnoticed on the fingers of both palms intersected across her chest four sheets of charms were interposed.

Kirika simultaneously released the four amulet sheets. They soared with a speed unbelievable for some scraps of paper, and suddenly stood still at one point in space, as if there was a transparent barrier there.

The four charms drew a rectangle on that empty space. Gazing sharply at the center of it, Kirika made the Sword Seal - her index and middle finger extended while the other fingers were tightly grasped.

"Rin Pyou Tou Shya Kai Jin Retsu Zai Zen!"

While reciting the nine letter spell, the space before their eyes was cut open the way the right hand Sword Seal was moving. First horizontally, then vertically - and then the moment nine types of lines were carved, the power dwelling in the four amulets was released.

''Ghin!''

Raising an ear breaking friction, the rectangle inside delimited by the amulets was entirely gouged out.

As if suddenly a window was produced in the empty space, from the hole the outer wall of Pandemonium could be seen.

" - Well done!"

At the performance defying the skillful barrier, Ayano spontaneously praised her from the bottom of her heart.

''"But, isn't Hayakuji (trad: the Early Nine Letter) the art of Shugendou?"''

Shugendou is a technique called the Nine Letters of Magic consisting of chanting the Nine Letter Spell while using for each letter a correspondent hand seal to purify evil.

The Hayakuji could be called the abridged version of it. Omitting the both hands seal, using only a right hand seal, substituting it for cutting the space nine times.

Comparing it to the proper way of doing it, its effectiveness was lower. Its speed was exceptionally high and could ensure the freedom of one hand. Compared to the Nine Letters, it was more appropriate for battle.

At any rate, it was magic that couldn't be used by Onmyoudou -

- ...Kazuma's words

''"I see, that's what he was talking about"''

Remembering the words she previously heard from Kazuma, Ayano secretly agreed. This was exactly why she was ostracized by the old ones respecting the tradition.

"What are you doing, hurry up!"

When she came to her senses after being called out, Kirika was already passing through the whole opened in the barrier.

It was impossible for Kirika's jutsu to be effective long term. Before being left behind, Ayano followed Kirika in a hurry.

=== Part 2 ===

The wind blade tore the barrier and exposed the hidden image of Pandemonium in broad daylight.

"Excuse me for disturbing you - or something!"

Kazuma fired one more hit, making a huge hole in the roof and entered Pandemonium from the third floor.

"Well then - "

He turned around and looked over the gloomy room. It looked bedroom-like but except a canopy bed there was not much else.

Unable to trace a presence, Kazuma left the room without reluctance. He opened the door -

"Ooh"

While thinking it would led to the hallway, there was another room. This time it was a completely empty, square room. There was a door in all four directions.

While faintly scowling, he opened a random door. Another square room. Four doors.

"............"

Pushing his way forward in a straight line, Kazuma opened in succession the other three doors. Without any change, he was greeted by square rooms.

When turning back to the route he came through, he arrived at a children's room crammed with plush toys that he definitely didn't remember crossing.

Looking up at the ceiling, Kazuma murmured.

"Did you tamper with the inside space too? That's dangerous"

Inside Pandemonium, the space structure was changed to a complicated and mysterious dimension maze.

It was possible the tear the space with wind and push his way forward directly but adding external force to this space that became so complicated, it was possible the balance would instantly collapse breaking down Pandemonium itself.

Until he found Ren, he couldn't behave too rashly.

"If only I could find Ren's whereabouts........"

Since the space was distorted, not only he couldn't find Ren's presence, he didn't even understand his present location.

The only thing Kazuma was able to do right now was to believe in that one in a million chance and continue opening the infinite number of doors.

"Well, do you think there's a need for us to knock?"

Standing in front of Pandemonium's entrance, Kirika cracked a joke trying to appease her nervousness.

"Is not really necessary, is it? But if you want me to, I'll do it"

On the other side, already brimming with fighting spirit, Ayano had already thrown away etiquette and the like beyond the equinox.

Standing in front of the massive door, her left foot made one rotation on the axis. And then -

"Excuse me for disturbing you !"

The strong, peerless right-sided roundhouse kick made a dent in the bulky door. The door hinges popped out and the door was blown off with so much force it seemed there was an explosion.

"Well, let's enter"

"Ayano-chan......"

Trying to rebuke Ayano's conduct as that of a, perhaps, fellow woman, Kirika interrupted her own words in the middle of the sentence.

Inside the mansion, she recognized the presence of a person standing still, soundless, in the grand lounge.

As if matching their entrance, the dim lounge was lit up. The light down pouring from the chandelier, accurately shined upon the still shadow.

She was in her late teens, a girl so beautiful she felt out of place. She wore a jet black one piece dress, Gothic Lolita stile, with abundant frills and lace.

Her chestnut color hair was glamorously glittering, her lapis lazuli color eyes staring directly at the two, without blinking.

"....Eeh......."

Although confused by the sudden appearance, tentatively Ayano asked a question.

"You're not Vesalius, right?"

"Yes", the girl nodded blandly.

"I am Lapis. I serve Master Vesalius"

"I see. Then, will you guide us to your master? I have something to discuss with him."

Of course, the ''conversation'' Ayano had in mind was an aggressive communication using mainly fists.

But, staring with blank eyes at Ayano who was about to roll her sleeves, the girl - Lapis calmly shook her head.

"Master doesn't meet people without appointment. Please leave"

"Do you expect us to go back with a <<Is that so?>>", Ayano retorted with immediate timing. And then, without hesitation, she stepped forward.

"If you won't show us around we'll search the entire house as I please. Move"

Facing the girl, Ayano met her halfway in a long stride. But Lapis didn't make way.

"Please stop", Lapis pronounced thoroughly serene.

"If you get anymore closer, it will be considered hostile behavior and you will be eliminated"

" - Really, how?"

As if answering Ayano's reply, Lapis stepped up to the Western armor decorating the lounge and got the sword carried in those hands.

It was big.

As if disregarding its practical use from the outset, it was a large sword outside norm. The length of the blade was probably a hundred and fifty centimeters. Taking into account the handle, it exceeded two meters. It was bulky enough to cover the girl's waist.

With a solemn sound the scabbard was quickly taken off. The unsheathed blade diffusely reflected the illumination shining prettily.

"........crystal?", Ayano murmured watching intently the transparent sword blade that was clearly not steel. True, the gigantic sword that equaled Lapis' stature, all of it was composed of high purity crystal.

Unable to lift it because of heaviness the tip of the sword was dragged on the ground. Lapis said:

"Please leave. It is not permitted for uninvited guests to walk around Pandemonium"

She was monotonous as ever but her tone was firm. Ayano immediately understood that it was the last warning.

Ceasing walking Enraiha was unsheathed. Facing the crystal large sword, the scarlet double edged sword clad in a golden flame.

And then, as if declaring war, Ayano took one step forward.

Kaze no Stigma:Volume4 Chapter 1

2013-07-21T18:20:41Z

96.54.12.172: /* Part 1 */

== Chapter 1 - a certain cameraman's day ==

=== Part 1 ===

"Uugh, why are you always like that?"

"Don't say vague words such as ''like that''. Was there a problem?"

"A big one, you baka! You're always, always forcing everything on me! To think that just by standing there you get payed, don't you think of apologizing to the diligent working people?"

"Not at all"

"You low-life scoundreeeeeell!"

The girl's angry roar, rumbled in a big way.

It happened during the evening, in front of the Shinjuku Station. The lovely girl's scream, became the focal point for the people passing through.

"Ah"

Belatedly realizing the became the target of attention, the girl's face became colored with shame.

"You're the center of attention"

The man who seemed to accompany her, nonchalantly informed her. For a second time the girl frowned but being careful of the surroundings this time, she said in a whisper.

"Who- who's fault is it?"

"It's yours yours yours. Don't shift the responsibility"

"Uuu.......a- anyway, we're changing the place"

The girl took the man's hand and left that place behind as if running.

Without being particularly unusual, a commonplace act found anywhere.

But this was the beginning of everything.

"Go- good grief......I was so embarrassed"

While out of breath because of the powerful sprint, the girl glared at the man standing next to her.

The man, while running the same distance at the same speed, with no indication of heavy breath, he replied calmly.

"I already told you it was your fault. Don't complain to me"

"A- aren't you in the wrong for not working seriously?"

In short, it was like that.

The girl's name was Kannagi Ayano. The man's name was Yagami Kazuma.

Their occupation is to exorcise evil and protect the world from harm.

As the man's motto was ''earn money with ease'', for people that possess first class battle abilities like Ayano whom he met during work he doesn't hesitate to bear the stigma of a salary thief.

That's what happened this time. Without literally raising a finger Kazuma watched over Ayano like a sightseer frivolously ridiculing the seriously fighting Ayano.

Being too serious and having pride towards herself as a practitioner, Ayano couldn't forgive Kazuma's attitude.

"J- just stop it already you you low-life scoundrel!!!"

Which means her anger exploded in the in the already familiar way.

What happened until now can be called an ordinary scene. But -

"That's no good, making your woman work while you have it easy, such a windward man is no good"

"eh?"

Called out from an unexpected direction, Ayano frowned with a twitch. Turning her face around, a strange man before his twenties, with a sloppy smile, approached grinning.

"Forge about that useless man and come with me. I'll make you happy"

''.....what, a flirt.....''

Ayano instantly lost her interest for the man. Ignoring him, she turned to where Kazuma was. But - no one was there.

Watching around even more, the ''useless man'' was putting a coin into a vending machine.

"Hey", said Ayano in a crushed to death tone.

But even so, without changing his facial expression Kazuma took a sip of the Oolong tea, enjoyed the cold liquid reaching his neck, sampled its flavor in full and finally answered.

"......what?"

"It's not ''.......what?'' is it!? Why, when I'm being involved with a left-over inferior man, are you ignoring it without taking any sort of position!?"

"Don't say that. The job is already finished, so i don't think I have any obligation to protect you"

In spite on absolutely not protecting her during the job, Kazuma said so, shamelessly.

Of course, Ayano can't be deceived with those words.

"This has nothing to do with work. Every man had the duty to protect the girl he's with at the same time!"

"I think that sort of sexual discrimination has no logic. To begin with, one or two dozen of skirt-chasers makes no difference for you right?"

"That's why I told you that's not it! With the technique of escorting a young woman - any man of caliber should care about that!"

"That caliber should be fine even without asking"

While arguing noisily both of them naturally took their leave.

The skirt chaser saw them off dumbfounded, but after finally noticing something he shouted with grim eyes.

"W- wait you!!"

".........."

".........."

Stopping at the same time, both turned around with bored expressions.

"Why couldn't he watch us off quietly?"

"He's really an idiot that can't read the atmosphere"

"You....you!!"

Completely mad fun of, the man's face flushed bright red. Of course, not being ashamed because he doesn't know his standing.

Gripping his fists, the man drew closer with a rough gait. No matter who you look at it, he wasn't in the disposition to flirt with Ayano anymore.

"Really......"

Letting out a bothersome sigh, Kazuma took a step forward. It seems he intended to become the man's opponent but from that figure, standing there with one Oolong tea can in his hand, no tension can be felt.

"You should pick your partner a little better. It's impossible to get this woman through flirting you know?"

".........what does that mean?"

At his tone that was definitely not praising her, while her temples were twitching, Ayano pressed a question.

Kazuma answered with nonchalantly.

"It means that your behavior is firm, that you're a very level-headed Ojou-sama"

"............."

With a pure white look, Ayano stared at Kazuma very long.

"Say that again while looking into my eyes"

"Sorry, that's impossible"

An immediate reply. Further more, he adverted his eyes making an unnatural face.

''"kazuma?"''

With a sweet smile but while her temple veins were pulsing Ayano grabbed Kazuma's collar.

She pulled Kazuma closer with a superhuman strength her slender arms didn't seem capable of and glared at him point blank, their faces very close.

No matter how those two think about it, that was from the start nothing more but a lover's quarrel.

What's more, they didn't even pay attention to the existence of the man drawing closer.

His very small pride stepped over, the skirt chaser's face was warped with anger.

"Yooooooooouuuuu!!"

Glaring at the two huddling closer preparing to kiss, the man struck.

But, just before the attack reached, Kazuma gently pushed Ayano aside and retreated himself, using that recoil.

The man's fist, and then his body slipped through the space between those two.

First his fist, and then his upper body and then his lower half of the body went through.

Nonchalantly, with his foot left in place, Kazuma wiped the man's feet.

"Gee!?"

Unable to defend, the man lively fell down. And soundlessly meeting him half-way, using the pointed end of his tiptoe, Kazuma kicked the man's jaw.

" - gh!"

Raising a voiceless shriek, he fell flat, the white of his eyes showing.

Without even making sure of the conclusion, Kazuma turned back to Ayano.

"well, let's go"

"yeah"

Heartless, the two started walking leaving the fainted man as it is. But, after advancing a few steps, Kazuma suddenly stopped.

"What happened?"

Without answering Ayano, Kazuma turned back unusually slow. Ayano too, followed his gaze, and looked at the same thing he was.

''" - why?"''

Ayano inclined her head a little. There's no mistake about it, Kazuma's kick shot the lights out of the man's jaw.

That man's cranium and his brain were violently shaken inside and he wouldn't be conscious for at least an hour.

"Hmmm - "

Icily looking at the man that was recovering with an unusual speed, Kazuma pushed out his Oolong tea to Ayano.

"Hold it"

"Ah, yeah", nodding obediently Ayano took the can.

Fleetingly looking t the can in her hand, for some reason her cheeks were dyed red.

"Y- You....u...."

Looking at Ayano, although staggering, the man got up. Admirably, his sturdiness is clearly exceeding his intellect.

"You made me so angry.......I won't go easy on you - I'll kill you!"

while spouting words with no ingenuity, the man was rapidly recovering. The unfocused pupil, was glaring at Kazuma now.

" - Raah!"

Raising a strange voice, the man started running towards Kazuma. He was fast.

The movement excluding any technique based only on force and the explosive power was closer to that of a beast.

Reaching top speed in just three steps, he brandished his hardened fists.

"Dieeee!"

The fist pushed out in a straight line. Kazuma handled that with a empty handed movement, parring by rotating. Simultaneously sizing the opponent's arm making sure to catch his fingertips, he lightly overturned its wrist.

Only by that movement, the man's body flew in mid-air. And then, with no sign of effort put into it, he was blown off with extreme force.

By seizing a linear motion thrust with a circular one it's swallowed up and the center of gravity crumbles.

This is a technique that in Japan it's called Aiki while in China Kakei(???).

By utilizing the opponent's power, a lager amount of power can be controlled with a smaller one - that is the advantage of this power but -

- bekiii! -

But even so how much power did that man's attack had, to fling away with enough force to break the roadside trees he crashed into.

Kazuma looked down in silence at the man that tumbled from nearby crashed trees. There is no negligence in those eyes. It was an expression convinced that he will definitely get up.

"Heh......hehehehehehe.....there's no use......"

As he thought,the man with no sign of damage.

"On the me right now human attacks don't work!"

While screaming the man took off his jumper. That body dressed in a T-shirt is skinny. But -

"Koooo......"

Together with the exhalation, the thin body rapidly grows thicker.

The over-sized T-shirt was pushed and stretched by the inflating interior.

"Ooaaaa!!"

It was torn off when its limit crossed-over.

".....is this what you call ''pump up''?", asked Ayano lacking a sense of reality.

By repeating muscle contraction, by means of pumping large quantities of blood containing oxigen, the muscles will dramatically expand - there certainly is such a technique. But still -

"well - did the human muscle fiber extend this much?", Kazuma returned with a bitter smile.

Practically, when seeing this you have no choice but to laugh. The man's transformation reached the limit of metamorphosis.

The thickness of his arms, the width of his chest, all his muscles, without exaggerating, swell up more than three times.

The body neglected because of laziness suddenly evolved to the utmost limits of a well trained bodybuilder.

"Ku ku ku ku ....."

Expressing a full smile, the man inserted power in his muscles. The body that increased its thickness to the limit became even wider.

"You'll die you know? There's no one who survived after seeing this body!"

".........."

With sober eyes Kazuma inspected the surroundings. It was obvious but they became the target of attention for many pedestrians crossing in front of the Shijuku station.

"This is a rough estimate but a hundred people are watching you. Do you intend to kill them all?"

"Shut- shut-up!"

since his cool line was calmly retorted, the man shouted with a red face.

"Don't talk down on me! Let's go!!"

Together with his voice, the man's figure disappeared. That's what it must have looked like through the eyes of ordinary men.

Much faster than the first charge, with a speed that obviously exceeds what a man can achieve, he dashed.

The fist pushed out second time, Kazuma dealt with it with the same circular motion.

But, whether Aiki or Kakei, although it appears like a supernatural movement for the untrained eyes, the principle is still the same.

Even using the principle of leverage, if the opponent's power is bigger, there won't be any effect.

The man's physical strength, drastically transcended the human limits. Although Kazuma has a far better posture, even using his whole energy, he can't change the thrust's trajectory.

As soon as he noticed that, he moved. Diagonally stepping ahead, he moved his body from the trajectory and going even further he went around the man's back.

The powerful fist dodged, his slovenly stance was destroyed, his back defenseless. Placing his foot in the knee's rear, Kazuma stepped on it with all his strength.

With a crumbling sound, the knee's ligament broke. But still he mercilessly stepped on it, beating the man's knee to the ground. The white tiles spread on the ground broke at the same time with the kneecap.

"Hikyaaa!"

His knee completely destroyed, the man screamed with intense pain. Maybe because of the dull sound made by the knee, his upper body arched with force on the watch for Kazuma behind him.

Using the foot he broke the knee with as a pivot, Kazuma raised his elbow overhead.

The cranium that was approaching from the opposite side was attacked by Kazuma's elbow that seemed to bore a hole in it.

The <<Ki>> pumped into the cranium via that extremely violent power blow penetrated his brain and came out through the forehead.

The man's body convulsed, fell down like a doll with broken strings and was silent.

As expected, he didn't get up this time.

"Many thanks"

"ah, I pointlessly used my physical strength"

At Ayano's thankful words, Kazuma made a sluggish reply.

Although it was minor, because he exercised he felt thirsty and extended his hand to Ayano.

"Oolong tea"

Kazuma carelessly stretched his hand but the next second he turned his entire body around.

He noticed that Ayano's hand was empty.

"My Oolong tea ?"

Cross-examined by Kazuma, Ayano's cheeks lightly colored and smiled while showing her tongue.

"I drank it"

"Aah!?"

Extremely childish, Kazuma's eyes peeled openly angry.

"You, don't behave selfishly with the social standing of a rich man! Return my Oolong tea!"

".....still, I don't you think it's that unsightly......", Ayano murmured, dejected by the excessive cheapness.

Rare nowadays, she was full of disappointment.

"Shut up. I can't stand when other people take my stuff"

"well, leaving that aside...."

Considerably displeased, Ayano forcefully changed the topic.

"What do we do with this?"

In front of her eyes, the fallen flirty man became a mere shadow of its former self.

His flesh deflated and his body returned to the modest former self.

No, it didn't just returned. Even after returning to the same shape, the muscles' atrophy doesn't stop.

Thoroughly endless as if air slipped out of it, the man's body shrunk until it turned to a creature only skin and bone.

"Is this...the backlash of power? But he doesn't seem dead."

"well then"

"Who on earth was this guy?"

Kazuma shrugs his shoulders but doesn't answer. Different from Ayano, tilting her head in wonder, he does not seem to have any sort of interest towards it.

Taking an attitude with no sense of responsibility, Ayano stares at Kazuma including blame.

"You'll just ignore it?"

"It doesn't concern me. Well, as for the obligation I have as a citizen, shall I inform the police ?"

Taking out his cellphone, he pressed the buttons. But, contrary to his words he didn't press 911.

"Kirika? There is knocked down half naked suspicious person at the south entrance of Shinjuku. If you catch it you may hear something interesting. Bye"

Without waiting for the other side to reply, he one-sided informed her about the business and closed the phone.

Ayano looked up at Kazuma with a stunned expression.

"How to say this, you can't be kind no matter the circumstance?"

She knew who he contacted. That's someone she definitely doesn't like but she can't help but feel pity for Kirika.

But, Kazuma replied very natural.

"It's fine because it's Kirika"

A casual tone full of trust. That careless contact, unkind but without omitting crucial steps, recognizing the signs of confidence in ''if it's Kirika, that's enough'', for some reason Ayano felt discomfort.

"Hmmm, is Tachibana officer such a capable police officer?"

''not in other areas'' - without using words just by placing accent, Ayano spit out the thorny words.

Tachibana Kirika is the name of the person Kazuma called. Her rank is police superintendent. She serves as the Chief of the Special Investigation Unit, the institution dealing with expelling evil spirits.

It would be better not saying this but as a matter of fact this organization is made of only puny abilities.

Especially their battle capabilities were really meager so after discovering the devilishness to be defeated, they leave the actual ''defeating'' to the big guns - the Kannagi Clan.

And so, the trust Kazuma was placing on Kirika seemed to be regarding to police business but -

"Aa, ahhh, Kirika is really capable ''even'' as a government worker."

It appears that Kazuma was trusting Kirika as a practitioner. Answering her question that was supposed to be mean earnestly, Ayano's face became even more grim.

"You meant very capable as a practitioner?"

"Yes, isn't she a top class Onmyoji?"

"But isn't that person from one of Tachibana's branch families?"

Even if it is an Onmyoji name, it belongs after all to one of the branch families. To say nothing of the do-nothing-job as a police chief.

In front of Ayano who was having such warped thoughts, Kazuma shamelessly praised another woman.

"Because she was more capable than the branch family she was gotten rid of to Tokyo MPD's Special Investigation Unit as some sort of exile"

".............really?"

"Especially for her, because she adopted fairly unprincipled different style techniques, they had various reasons for punishment. But, at the very least now there isn't a single person from the Tachibana more capable than her"

"Hmm, really?"

Seeming really displeased, Ayano made agreeable responses in short sentences with no intonation.

Incompletely understanding her obvious ''I'm angry'' attitude, Kazuma looked into Ayano's face.

"What happened?"

"Nothing"

Shouting angrily, Ayano turned her face away. Watching her reaction, Kazuma's lips curved as if finally noticing something.

"What's up with you,don't tell you have a sense of rivalry towards Kirika?"

"I- it's not like that!"

That was an almost reflex answer but it was definitely not a lie. The one Ayano was fussing over was not Kirika.

''More than that woman, I was, by far...''

She looked up to Kazuma peevishly.

As for Ayano, she was conceited about the fact that Kazuma was her partner. More than Kirika, she was far more helpful. She fought for the sake of Kazuma.

''"It's fine because it's Kirika"''

He never told her such words, not even once.

He doesn't trust in her. Perhaps he doesn't even have confidence in her.

''Am I that useless?''

It seems she'll forever be nothing more but an unskilled half-share. Thinking like that she becomes unbearably anxious.

Even so, this man never says what she wants to hear and only spouts worthless bullshit with a frivolous laugh.

"It's fine. In other areas it's out of the question but as a practitioner you won't loose. When exchanging blows you're absolutely stronger"

- like that

At the expressively well timed reply, Ayano is helplessly enraged.

"That's not a follow-up! You baka! Just die!"

Kazuma stares at Ayano's fit of anger really, really happy.

Since before the trust comment, for the sake of enjoying himself with Ayano's such reactions, Kazuma takes careful aim with his words but before she will realize it, many of this incidents will happen.

=== Part 2 ===

One ordinary day after school.

One section of the practice ground was filled with a silence full of tension. Everyone was neglecting their practice and while holding a hand to their mouths, their gazes were concentrating to one point.

Before their eyes...was that girl's figure. Elatedly reacting to the gaze that was already turned into physical pressure, she was standing there with a clear facial expression.

Someone gulped - strangely that sound clearly reached her ears. As if that was a signal, the girl lightly kicked the earth's surface and started running. Her route drew a light arc, a forward obliqueness, aiming at the bar the same height as her stature.

Stepping on her left foot, the girl was released from the restraints of gravity. Her bent chest aiming the sky, her slender limbs danced in midair.

"Oooh...."

While watching over the excited onlookers, the girl's head, then her beautiful arched body and her long stretched legs, passed above the bar.

The posture of a perfect jump. The body that jumped over the bar was once more caught by gravity but that one moment was beautiful.

With alight sound, the girl's body was buried in the mattress. Her limbs spread in abandon, overhead the bar was still, expressing the high success of the jump.

"........."

A moment of silence. And then - an explosion of applause and cheers.

"Veeeery goood! A new record!"

"Kudo-senpai is great!"

"Nanase, I love you!"

In the middle of the bursting cheers, the girl - Kudo Nanase slowly got up.

Not really exposing her emotions, it didn't look as if she sympathized with the uproar.

Looking up at the bar overhead, her lips faintly raised. That was all the joy she displayed for breaking a new record.

Nanase Kudo - a beautiful girl with androgynous features and straight short-cut hair.

Always calm, with quick movements and not an easy going tone like most girls and yet not boyish, she was enjoying an overwhelming popularity between girls her age - that's why, this kind of scene was a daily occurrence.

"Senpai, please use this!"

A first year, winning through a violent competition presented Nanase, descending from the mattress a towel.

"Ah, thank you"

Nanase accepted it with a small smile. She returned it after lightly whipping off her sweat.

"Haa..."

Inhaling with yearning senpai's perspiration, the girl embraced the towel with an ecstatic expression. The others in the big crowd having been outwitted, they glared at the girl with murder in their eyes.

Somewhere close the development on the all-girl's school-like act -

"........"

Clearly separating herself from that naive society, with a severe facial expression Nanase looked in the way of the tennis court.

She glared at the blackish shadow clinging to the fence with a violent repugnance.

"Is he here again?"

"Senpai?"

A girl's voice asked a question in a surprised tone. Noticing that, Nanase looked at the girl and showed a harmless smile.

"Nothing important. Just, you know?"

While answering, she gently brushed the girl's head in a casual manner. It as an action with no significance in particular but -

".........uu?"

With a scream that didn't seem to reach the surroundings, the girl in question fell to the ground with a swoon face.

".....what happened?"

"No- no......nothing....."

With a red face and clouded eyes, as if fever made her delirious, the girl slowly shook her head.

"I see. Then, take care"

Not really thinking about it, Nanase started walking aiming at the tennis court.

The moment she turned to it, she had already forgotten the conversation with the girl. She was concentrating on the suspicious figure clinging to the tennis court's fence.

With a cool expression, totally different from the one pointed at the girl before, unforgiving, as if giving a sentence.

"Hey, he's still coming?"

A second year in the tennis club, Sughino Mie murmured so, not pleased from the bottom of her heart. Before her eyes, sticking to the tennis court's fence, a short and fat shadow was peeking.

Just by looking, he was a suspicious man.

Setting up his digital camera, that figure taking snapshots of the girls' appearance, no other word describes him better than ''degenerate''.

If this man wasn't a pupil of Seiryou Academy they would definitely call the police. Or perhaps, there a lot of people who think they should call the police nevertheless.

Utsumi Kousuke

That is this man's name. He is a second year but his results were so poor it's a miracle he managed to promote.

His facial features resemble a frogs. His whole face it's full of pimples, he has a greasy sweat regardless of season so his frog image is spot-on.

He belongs to the photography club but the subjects of his photos are just a step away from crime or maybe already crossing over that line, only that kind of crap.

But even so, the perpetrator is claiming this is art although nobody believes him.

It's only natural. If one were to see the expression in his while taking pictures there can be no place for misunderstanding.

The feeling of various dangers emitted from his blood-shot eyes gave the impression of a real sex-offender.

"As I thought, he's dangerous. Shouldn't we do something?"

"That's right, he's also scaring the first years....."

Weirdly starred at by Utsumi, pressing his shutter as if possessed, the girls were murmuring between themselves.

As if hiding behind her back the first years that have just joined the club, revealed their thought when looking for the firs time at the omnious living creature.

"Se- sempai......what is ''that''? "

"That's a pervert"

Mie immediately replied with no hesitation. That answer was something the firs years, who didn't know the circumstance, could't comprehend but just because of that, their disgust and dread didn't soften.

"Can't you do something? Maybe calling the teacher..."

"Ah, yes.....he won't come...."

Staring at her couhais, supplication clear in their eyes, Mie's gaze wandered around, her face troubled.

No matter how suspicious he was Utsumi was a pupil of this school. Moreover he has the pretext of being a member of the photography club.

That means, photographing as a club activity was for him very reasonable. Just because his vulgar smile was eerie they can't stop him from photographing.

"No way..."

At that explanation based on last year's events, the first year's crying faces were pitiable but nothing can be done at the present. Just when she was instructing them to give up, it happened -

"Huh....Kudo-san...?", murmured Mie, recognizing the girl walking behind Utsumi.

Simultaneously Utsumi also realized this and turned around, separating his eyes from the fence.

At that moment -

"Bukyaa!?"

A foot sole with no leniency stroke Utsumi's back of the head. The blow more like stepping on him than trying to kick forced Utsumi to strongly kiss the fence.

"Gyaa.....Gyaabii.....?"

To Utsumi's ears, wordlessly screaming, reached a cold notice of conviction.

"How long did you think I would overlook your vulgar molestation, low-life?"

"Guugyaaa....bebii...."

Although Utsumi was trying to escape the restraint, his lazy, neglected body couldn't overcome the force of the foot trampling his head.

Vainly resisting, he was pressed down by the already doubled force. The flesh of his loosen face was squeezed through the mesh of the fence.

"Uuu......"

Because his already ugly face was distorted even more all the girls in the tennis club simultaneously adverted their eyes.

A dozen seconds after - at the time everyone was starting to see his face really getting cut in the mesh, the girl - Nanase removed her leg.

The released Utsumi crouched holding his face. Crawling unsightly, from the gaps between his fingers he raised his eyes to Nanase.

"Hiii......please....stop the violence...."

A high shriek escaped. He tried to escape , stepping back as if crawling on his ass but on the crowded place the fence blocked his escape route.

Fleetingly watching back, Utsumi's face became even more grim. On the other side of the fence, the girls belonging to the tennis club were watching him with grim eyes.

Being encouraged by Nanase's strong entrance, their eyes lost their fear for the ominous thing. Their looks filled with anger, flared up while their restraints towards the punishment of the insolent peeping demon broke.

In confusion, Utsumi started an explanation

"Please, please wait. As a member of the photography club, for the sake of the year book photos, I - "

"Don't joke around!"

"Hiii - "

In a fit of rage the women kicked the fence and Utsumi fled that place as if tumbling.

But of course, Nanase is in that direction. This time his face receiving a Yakuza Kick Utsumi was once again dragged in front of the girls.

"N- no, hey, listen....."

"Only lies, huh?", one of the girls shouted.

"How can you take such low angle photos for the year album? Everyone knows that you take dirty photos fot the sake of your hobby!"

"That's true! That's true!"

"You rotten fat otaku shit! Diee!"

"It stinks! Don't get closer than a hundred meters!", several girls unanimously shouted.

Obviously there were some unjust accusations mixed in between but Utsumi was quiet.

Originally, except for taking pictures of girl's lower parts he is a timid person. While being surrounded by female students, it's impossible for him to object coherently.

No matter how unreasonable verbal attacks he receives, there was nothing to do but to put up with it in silence.

"Uuu, uuuu....."

"This should be fine, right?"

But a helping hand appeared from an unexpected place.

That was Nanase.

Naturally, she had the character of someone feeling refreshed after <<splitting the bamboo>>. She doesn't like the act of a large group ganging up on someone.

To say nothing of the girls' words, already entered in a state of wild excitement, that began to drift from the point, changing into nothing but slander and ridicule.

Nanase disliked that development so she got back to the point.

It was just that, but -

"Ku- Kudo-san!"

With a face as if seeing Buddha from the depths of hell, Utsumi's eyes sparkled. It seems that he was convinced that Nanase became his ally.

"I - I knew you would understand! That's right, my photos are art. These women can't understand that!"

Bracing himself he stood up while talking non-stop. He didn't notice the cold anger filling Nanase's eyes.

"Aah, I understand! That's why you were angry. Because I didn't look at you and was taking pictures of this bunch. You don't have to worry, you're my most important subject. From now on, always - "

Perhaps Utsumi's character wasn't vulgar but simply stupid. If a neutral person were to stand there, it could only think that.

In the tennis girl's expressions there was already no anger. What dwelt there was pity and dread. As if looking at a bomb timer decreasing each moment, they observed nervously Utsumi and Nanase.

And then -

GASyAN!

An ominous sound interrupted Utsumi's triumphant speech. His camera, rolling on the ground,was trampled down with all her strength by Nanase.

"Aah, aaaaaaaaaa!?"

The expensive lens turned into shards of glass. Utsumi cried in a bitter voice.

"Wh- what are you doing?"

without answering, Nanase kicked the camera with her feet. Placing the camera with a crooked frame in the top of her feet and after half a rotation she volley-kicked it and sent it flying.

The camera that flew with power crashed into the school building and smashed.

"Hiiiiii!"

With a pose similar to Munch's Scream, Utsumi shouted.

"Ah, ah, a"

Leaking out a murmurs as if his soul escaped his body he looked up at Nanase in blank amazement.

A frozen gaze looked down on Utsumi.

"Hi, hiii......"

Nanase ordered the pale Utsumi with indifference.

"Get out of my sight!"

"Ah, waaa........waaaaa...."

Revealing a meaningless cry, Utsumi started running on all fours.

"Fucking trash! Just die!!"

"Don't ever come back!"

Showering his back in the tennis girls' boos Utsumi ran away nor very fast but faster.

Nanase stared at that retreating figure thoroughly indifferent.

=== Part 3 ===