Editing Kaze no Stigma:Volume2 Chapter 5 (section)

=== Part 1 ===

“…………!”

A man reading a horse racing paper while leaning against a wall noticed a woman passing through the edge of his field of view.

Wearing a tidy blue silk kimono, she looked to be in her early twenties. The man inconspicuously raised the newspaper to hide his face, but did not take his eyes off the girl.

The woman, seemingly oblivious to her observer, continued walking at the same pace. The man folded the paper under his armpit, and drew a cell phone from his belt holster.

“I see her. Tailing the target.”



(Meanwhile...)

A middle-aged man dangled a silver chain over an opened map. There is a platinum ring at the chain that forms a loop, wavering at a height that almost touches the map.

“Hmm.....”

Suddenly, the chain began to shift in a certain direction, jerking unnaturally as if pulled by some invisible force.

The man traced the direction of the chain's motion. Realizing he had gone too far, he moved back to his starting point, and after some trial and error he finally stopped at the point where the invisible force has led him.

“....Is this the place?”

The dowsing ring spun over a point on the map. The man noted the name of the location and reached for the phone on the table.



A young woman is stared attentively at a crystal ball. The beauty dressed up as a fortune teller that can be seen anywhere on the streets gave off a mysterious aura, even though it would be inappropriate to describe her this way.

The crystal ball of twenty centimeters is carved and polished flawlessly, yet for some reason there was a white mist at the its center.

In order to see through the mist, the woman glared intensely at the crystal ball, almost popping a nerve at her temple.

“....!”

Perhaps because of her effort, the white mist gradually dispersed, and an image resembling a building began to emerge.

The entire structure looked thin and long, and a black cross was set in the upper half of the white wall.

Zooming the image in on the entrance, the "fortune teller" carefully wrote down the words carved on the door.

“Speaking of which, how daring. This is indeed a blind spot.”

Smiling in praise at the unknown enemy, she walked out of the room to make her report.



(An hour later...)

The ten jutsu-shi led by Oogami Masayuki all gathered near a certain church at Ikebukuro. The purpose, needless to say, is to hunt down Misao, whom they have finally found.

The operation was a little rushed, as there was no time to hesitate. Although the hunters had failed to locate Misao's hiding place up to this point, they suddenly managed to find her through a few sources.

It was so easy as to almost be too suspicious... or rather, a trap that couldn't be any more obvious, akin to Misao waving her hand before their very eyes. One could say that she hid herself during a game of hide-and-seek, and then purposely stuck her head out, as if deliberately wanting Kazuma to catch her.

Nonetheless, Misao’s power should still be insufficient to defeat Kazuma. Precisely because of this, Masayuki acted with haste in order to put an end to this himself before Misao was defeated by someone else...

“Listen up people, there may even be a few among you that are on good terms with Misao, but such misconceptions end now. She is an unforgivable evil that has been corrupted into a demon, so do not hold back against her. In order to uphold the name and honor of the Kannagi, we must eradicate her with all of our might so that not even a single cell of her being remains!”

Standing before his gathered subordinates, Masayuki gave an emphatic speech. No one failed to understand that he really meant that “The survival of the Oogami family depends on this battle!” 

Or rather, he meant nothing other than this. Emotions such as love, pity, and the pain of having to end his own daughter by his very hands were all but absent from the man. Perhaps he hardened his heart simply because the target is his own daughter - that would be a reasonable explanation, but it would certainly take a stretch of the imagination to believe that Masayuki truly meant those words from the bottom of his heart. His attitude was just like that.

As Ayano left the group, she pondered while watching Masayuki's back, "Maybe it was because of her father's insensitivity that Misao couldn't stand losing her brothers..."

Even so, the unpleasant feelings lingered in her heart. Perhaps it was merely the wishful thinking of a child, but Ayano felt that this was not the right way to raise a family.

Ren seemed to have the same thoughts, as his unease was plain.

“So then...“

After finishing his speech, Masayuki turned in their direction, a flattering smile on his face.

“If Kazuma comes over, please deal with him.”

“...Hmm.”

Under no obligation to put Masayuki at ease, Ayano blankly nodded in reply. Unsure of her answer, Masayuki frowned and asked again, “Are you sure it'll be fine?”

“What do you mean?”

”Are you confident you can win against Kazuma?”

“How could I possibly be confident about something like that?” Ayano said frankly. Instead of trying to scare him, she simply stated her true opinion.

However, Masayuki's expression immediately changed following those words.

“How.. how can that be!? Then why did you promise to take care of Kazuma!?”

“Do you even need to ask? It's because I am the only who can do it.”

Ayano looks coldly at the shocked Masayuki, and brusquely added, “No matter what your thoughts may be, Misao must be eliminated - not by the hands of others, but by us, the Kannagi clan, so I will not let Kazuma make trouble regarding this matter. If was up to you guys, you would all be killed within three seconds. But, I can buy you people up to three minutes, so figure something out during this period of time!”

The whole area became quiet instantly. Again, Ayano was not trying to be an alarmist; the number she gave, three minutes, was already a very optimistic estimate.

To think that they naively believed they could relax simply because Ayano would be facing Kazuma for them... perhaps the image of the "weak Kannagi Kazuma" is still buried deep in their hearts after all!

“So, what is the battle strategy?”

Ignoring the tension, Ayano cut to the chase and confronted Masayuki. If they had intended to fight a prolonged battle, it was time for a change of plans.

“Y-Yes. We intend to lure Misao out from the church, and then chase her to the opposite park. This entire area has been secured, so there is no worry that other people may get involved in this. After that we are going to set up spiritual wards in the park. Misao will be like a fish caught in a net. The plan is absolutely foolproof.”

“Oh...”

This actually wasn't a bad plan. In terms of battle strength, Misao is not much of a threat, so by sealing off all possible escape routes they shouldn't lose even with ten people.

“But, who is blocking the area off? And, the ward is...”

Ayano's voice trailed off when she recognized a female figure walking towards the area. The woman is wearing a tall and slim outfit with trousers. Though her face was partially obscured by sunglasses, Ayano somehow felt that she had seen this person before.

“The barrier is ready. We can start any time.”

After a routine report, the woman took off her sunglasses. Ayano's eyes widened instantly.

“A-..Ahhhhhh.....!!”

Without thinking, she pointed and cried out. That is undoubtedly the woman from before, that Kirika holding hands with Kazuma at the love hotel street.

“Hi, Ayano.”

Kirika smiles faintly, looking at Ayano expectantly.

“...You know each other?”

“We've met,” Kirika replied nonchalantly. Masayuki glared at her with a grave expression.

“I hope you mind your tone. Ayano-sama has the bloodline of the main family, so she should not be spoken to directly like this...“

“Oh, excuse my rudeness.”

Kirika apologizes respectfully, gracefully cutting off Masayuki's inevitable lecture, and saluted Ayano formally.

“I am Superintendent Tachibana Kirika from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Police..? The surname Tachibana, could it be that...“

"I am from a branch family,” Kirika smiled as she shrugged her shoulders.

Ayano only got more confused. The Tachibana name belonged to a famous Onmyouji clan. Even for a branch family, how is it possible for a member of the Tachibana clan became a police officer?

("Prepare a ward"------?)

Ayano instantly shifted her strict gaze to Masayuki.

“You sought the help of police?”

The duty of the Kannagi clan is to eradicate demons through direct combat, and the nature of their work requires cooperation from governmental agencies such as the police. Because of the clan's close relationship with the authorities and their astounding efforts at protecting society for the past millenium, some unreasonable requests are still accepted.

But in this case, unrelated personnel like the police should never have been involved from the start. The criminal they are hunting down is from their own family, a Kannagi jutsu-shi descended into a demon. Moreover, that particular woman's murders of over a hundred have left a great stain on the clan's reputation. Such a fact should not be revealed to outsiders.

“N-No... This is because...”

Masayuki cowered at Ayano's interrogation, but Kirika maintained her relaxed attitude.

“Please calm down, we are helping in response to Juugo-san’s request.”

“Father...?” Ayano asks in doubt. Masayuki who is hiding behind Kirika hurriedly nodded in agreement

“That's right, Oogami Misao’s hiding spot was also investigated and located by us.”

Even so, Ayano still didn't understand. Why would her overly cautious father do something that even she thought was dumb?

[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 02 195.jpg|thumb]]
Ignoring Ayano’s hostile eyes, Kirika defenselessly approached the girl. Then, she leaned in by the the threatening Ayano's ear, and said softly so that only she could hear, ”Be mindful of what we know.”

Ayano trembled lightly. Kirika continued speaking, looking as if though she was stifling laughter, “Those things  that you 'do not want others to know', we already know very well. For example, what Oogami Misao did.... But, we have still not yet confirmed actual number of victims.”

(Should I kill her...?)

Ayano mulled it over. Although she would really rather not do so, there was no ignoring what Kirika said.

“You intend to threaten the Kannagi?” Ayano asked to confirm it one last time. If the other party nodded, there would be no turning back.

But Kirika calmly shook her head.

“Now, now, I am not so ignorant. Besides, a minor issue like this is not enough to use as a threat.”

“...What do you mean?”

“Ultimately the 'value' of the Kannagi will not be shaken by this minor scandal. The higher-ups might use it as a bargaining chip if they knew of it, but this information will be kept safely with me.”

Ayano raised an eyebrow.

“Did you just say you won't threaten us?”

“Don't you get it? I'm trying to show my sincerity.”

“...?”

“What I mean is that you can kill me now... and nobody will ever know.”

“...! Why are you...?”

“This is a small price to pay for the trust of the clan head. Besides, we will also be on record as having helped the Kannagi.”

“....”

Ayano had a strange hunch. The "we" that had appeared several times in Kirika’s speech did not seem to refer to the entire police organization. There is only one explanation that she can think of - something bridging the unrelated powers of the police and jutsu-shi.

“Could you be that...? That...unit called Information Consolidation Department or something...?”

“To be more accurate, it would be the Special Investigation Unit. I am the chief of that department,” Kirika nodded proudly.

The Special Investigation Unit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, a department that was only recently established. As if trying to hide from the others, the nameplate of this department lurks quietly in a corner of the basement of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Everyone knows of the existence of this department, but the actual number of people that know what they do is very few, to the extent that hardly anybody within the entire police department even knows what the "Special Investigation" means at all. 

In other words, no such department exists. Such an obscure department name could only have been created to conceal the nature of its operations.

For over a century after the ancient Bureau of Onmyou was disbanded, Japan passed on most of the spiritual protecting jobs to its people. In order to gain a foothold in the modern era, the SIU was established - the only government-run exorcising organization.

As they are unable to label themselves as exorcists in broad daylight, the department picked a general name implying that it  'does odd jobs'. It is even rumored that the name of the organization is even derived from the same pronunciation as 'dead spirits'.

Leaving the etymology of government agencies, its establishment made a considerable impact in the field of exorcism.

“Oh, so there really is such a department. I hadn't heard of any of its activities, so I just figured it for some kind of urban legend.”

From Ayano’s current understanding, it is something like that.

“Hmph.”

Kirika looked hurt by such a harsh comment.

“O-Of course we have been active! Restoring distorted spiritual fields, suppressing land-bound spirits and the like... it's only because we've yet to obtain jutsu-shis with combat abilities that we've been unable to plan large scale exorcisms.”

“Ah, so you are a bunch of people that works in the shadows. That sure is befitting of a government function.”

Ayano put on a smug grin that was so arrogantly "cute" to the point that it made one want slap her.

But Kirika was an adult, after all. Instead of showing her anger, she kindly smiled,  “Well, the higher-ups are always unable to understand our unnoticeable activities. Ayano, do you want to come over and work in the SIU? Even as part-time job?”

“I refuse.”

Ayano's reply was firm. Yet, as if she just thought of something, looked questioningly at Kirika.

“Ah... could it be that, that one time you were trying to persuade Kazuma to join?”

“Huh? Ah, you meant the last time we met?” Kirika simply smirked.

Their positions were switched instantly. Ayano, now at a disadvantage, refused to give in and replied with a scowl, but her eyes revealed nothing but empty threats.

“Deep down, you really hope that I met with Kazuma only because of work, right?”

“N-No, I don’t...”

Despite her denying it with her mouth, Ayano couldn’t help but ask again:

“...So, what was it for?”

Seeing Ayano's cowed look, Kirika replied, "I'm not telling."

“...!”

“Be it for private reasons or work, I am under no obligations to tell you anything. Isn’t that right?”

(This.. This woman..!)

Ayano’s eyes burned with murderous intent. Even against such a menacing glare, Kirika still maintained her relaxed smile.

As the two continued their battle of egos, a hand tugged at Ayano’s sleeve. She glanced down before promptly turning back to face Kirika.

“Don’t interrupt me, Ren. I must settle things with this woman...“

“But everyone is waiting for us.”

“Huh...?”

Ayano followed Ren's gaze, noticing ten very disgruntled jutsu-shi's observing their catfight.

Masayuki seemed especially impatient. Despite his best attempts to control his temper and anxiety, he was unable to hide a very obvious nerve pulsing at his temple. It was almost as if he was using all of his will to hold back the impulse to scream “Hurry up, you two brats!!!"

Instead of roaring, Masayuki asked with insincere calm, “It is about time to head for the church... Are the both of you ready?”

But of course, these two were not mere brats who would be afraid of someone like Masayuki. They turned to the man with the fake smile on his face, and icily replied,

“Then shall we?”

“Feel free to go now.”

Masayuki’s smile froze. He looked dumbly at the two with an expression that was neither laughing nor crying.

“I believe I said earlier that 'we can start anytime'. Or are you implying that there is some reason that we must go together with you?”

“Mm...”

“You better hurry and move along. If she escapes, are you going to take responsibility?”

“Mmm...”

After being blasted by the two’s words continuously, Masayuki’s face flushed red, unable to say any more. Facing the old man cursing her with his eyes, Ayano waved him away with the indifference one would shoo a dog away with.

“Mmmgghh... Everyone, let’s go!”

After shouting out as if venting his anger, Masayuki stormed off with loud and clear footsteps, pausing to angrily reprimand the jutsu-shi who were looking at each other curiously.

“Will you hurry up!”

“G-Got it!”

Watching Masayaki and company retreat in a huff, Ayano let out a sigh.

“Finally gone.”

At such a frank reaction, Kirika asked, smiling, “You seem to hate that old man a lot, don't you, Ayano-chan?”

“Do you even need to ask! Someone who intends to harden his heart and kill his daughter "for the survival of his clan"... There is no need to put up with him!”

“Well in my case, it doesn’t matter as long as the Soushu is happy. Besides, do you really see a future for that guy?”

Ayano could only shrug her shoulders with a bitter smile.

“All I can say is that Father has no intention of destroying the Oogami family.”

Even so, as the head of the clan he can't push all the responsibility onto someone else! Masayuki should know this is the head of his own family!

“'The one who is to take responsibility exists precisely to take up the responsibility'... I'm rather fond of that saying. By the way, do you really intend to fight with Kazuma?”

Kirika nodded as if deep in thought, and then suddenly changed the subject. Despite being slightly at a loss, Ayano still replied honestly, “Yeah, there is no one else after all. Though I may not be able to win, I can try to buy time.”

“...You don’t have to push yourself so hard. There is no shame in losing to that man.”

“I know. I don’t intend to put my life on the line for it. Besides, I have this kid with me.”

She patted Ren’s head, who had been silently standing beside her. He looked at Ayano in surprise.

“Huh..? Me too..?”

Without answering, Ayano changed her kind hand on Ren's head into a wicked claw. A sharp pain shot through Ren.

“O-Ouch! That hurts Onee-sama!”

“Let’s work hard together, Ren! ♥”

“O-Okay...”

Ren could only give in to the fear and pain, nodding with tears in his eyes.