After Kurahashi Genji left, the highest-ranking and most authoritative figures at the scene became Miyachi Iwao and Amami Daizen.
One was the head of the Exorcism Bureau, while the other was the chief of the Magic Crimes Investigation Department. Since Kurahashi Genji had decided that both divisions would be deployed, it was up to them to arrange the personnel.
They acted swiftly, quickly making the assignments.
First, the Magic Crimes Investigation Department.
"Kogure will lead the team, with Yamashiro assisting. Take one... no, two squads with you and set out together."
Amami Daizen issued this order, dispatching both of the department's current Twelve Divine Generals while he himself remained at the Onmyo Agency to oversee operations and issue commands as needed.
This had been Amami Daizen's standard practice for the past year. Due to his advanced age, declining physical strength, and a noticeable drop in his jujutsu proficiency, he had largely refrained from personally taking the field. Instead, he was focused on nurturing the younger generation, under the justification that he needed to train a successor.
Next was the Exorcism Bureau.
"I will personally lead the team. Mariri will come with me, and we'll deploy two Exorcism Battalions as well. After all, this opponent won't be easy to deal with."
Miyachi Iwao made this decision, adopting a stance as if facing a formidable enemy.
For reference, the "Mariri" he mentioned was Yuge Mari. He personally preferred calling her by this nickname, which had repeatedly drawn her ire.
In addition to the aforementioned personnel, the group also included Miyoshi Tougo.
Miyoshi Tougo's Spirit Sight was essential for tracking Rozen's whereabouts, locating his position, and surrounding him. Even though Miyoshi was not skilled in jutsuryoku combat and seemed quite reluctant, he was ultimately forced to join the mission.
As a result, among the National First-Class Onmyoji present, only Amami Daizen remained behind in a standby role. Unexpectedly, Kagami Reiji was also left behind.
"Why can't I go!?"
Kagami Reiji roared in frustration.
Amami Daizen staying behind was understandable—he was no longer fit for front-line duty. However, Kagami Reiji, in terms of both skill and age, was part of the younger generation. Among the National First-Class Onmyoji present, only Yamashiro Hayato was younger than him. The rest were all older, but not necessarily stronger. Moreover, he had improved significantly over the past year, so there was no logical reason to exclude him.
Yet, Miyachi Iwao insisted on doing so.
"This operation is bound to be conducted as a team effort, and your ability to cooperate... well, I don't think I need to elaborate on that."
Miyachi Iwao expressed his exasperation while casting a meaningful glance at the tall and slender man standing behind Kagami Reiji, holding a long package and looking perpetually listless.
"Furthermore, I also don't think I need to explain just how high the risk of your shikigami losing control is in the upcoming mission. So even though your power, as well as his, is beyond doubt, with such instability, do you really think I'd agree to let you participate?"
It was on this basis that Miyachi Iwao decided to exclude Kagami Reiji.
He was certain that if Kagami Reiji encountered Rozen again, he would absolutely refuse to cooperate with the rest of the team. Instead, he and his dangerous shikigami would go on a reckless rampage, completely disrupting the operation.
Thus, Miyachi Iwao made the final decision to leave him behind.
"You think I'll accept that reasoning...!?"
Kagami Reiji was furious, but it was meaningless.
"If you have a problem with it, you're welcome to take it up with the Director."
Miyachi Iwao shut him down with that single remark.
Kagami Reiji's expression darkened instantly.
"...I won't let this slide."
With that, he turned and stormed off, leaving the tall, slender man behind him to hurriedly follow, meek and timid, showing no outward trace of danger.
And so, the responsibility for the capture operation fell entirely to Miyachi Iwao, who led four other National First-Class Onmyoji, along with the forces of the Exorcism Bureau and the Magic Crimes Investigation Department, as they set off from the Onmyo Agency in a grand procession.
Their destination—Onmyo Academy.
…
Meanwhile, in his office, Kurahashi Genji sat in his seat, eyes closed, lost in thought.
After a while, a voice finally spoke.
"I didn't expect him to return at this moment. Was it mere coincidence, or did he time it deliberately?"
As these words were spoken, a figure flickered into existence like a mirage beside Kurahashi Genji.
It was a young man with a slim build, neatly groomed black hair, and well-defined features. He wore a high-grade white dress shirt layered with a vest, gray shorts, and leather boots adorned with medals. His hands were covered with white gloves, a tie-scarf wrapped around his neck, and a round monocle over his right eye. He resembled an aristocrat from the previous century but exuded an eerie, effeminate aura, with a faintly mocking smile at the corner of his lips.
He was none other than Yashamaru—the former Twelve Divine General of the Imperial Household Agency's Spirit Division, leader of the Twin Horn Syndicate, mastermind behind the phase 5 spiritual disaster terror attack and a descendant of the Souma branch family. Having been reborn as an Yase-Douji, he was now the shikigami of the current Souma heir, Souma Takiko.
"Over the past year, there have been frequent reports about the Tsuchimikado clan. Even the true reincarnation of Tsuchimikado Yakou has turned into a terrorist, moving about with two powerful shikigami and launching attacks everywhere. Yet that man—he completely vanished, cut ties with everyone, as if he had disappeared from the world entirely. Not a single trace of him could be found. And now, he suddenly shows up in Tokyo in broad daylight. The Princess has been quite unsettled by this."
Yashamaru spread his hands as he spoke.
"How is the Princess now?"
Kurahashi Genji asked coldly.
"She's asleep. Kumomaru is watching over her."
Yashamaru answered truthfully, though his tone was flippant.
"I meant her condition."
Kurahashi Genji corrected him indifferently.
"It's the same as before—stable for now. But once everything is ready, she won't remain this way. Though I wonder if this man, who accomplished the miracle of a successful descent before us, appearing again will have any impact on her."
Yashamaru sighed, though he hardly looked worried. If anything, he seemed intrigued by the development.
"Then we must ensure that the Princess does not come into contact with Tsuchimikado Akikan."
Kurahashi Genji declared with an unwavering gaze. "I hope Miyachi can successfully capture that man."
"I doubt it will be that easy," Yashamaru remarked, unconvinced.
"Even if the operation fails, as long as we can determine his current state, that alone will be valuable information."
Kurahashi Genji's eyes glinted as he spoke with a solemn tone.
At these words, Yashamaru fell silent.
The two of them remained there, waiting quietly.
Waiting for the coming storm.