Onmyo Academy
It was one of the most prestigious Onmyoji training institutions in the country.
For those aiming to become professional Onmyoji, this place was the gateway to their future.
Here, the curriculum emphasized practical experience, with an especially high level of difficulty in applied technique classes. By the time students reached their third and final year, their proficiency in Grade-A jujutsu was nearly on par with semi-professionals. This reputation made Onmyo Academy one of the most renowned institutions in the jujutsu world, attracting countless aspiring students.
The academy was located in Shibuya, Tokyo.
The current school building had been newly completed four years ago. Two years prior, during the massive spiritual disaster attack incident, it had suffered severe damage. However, it had long since been fully repaired, with no traces of the destruction remaining.
Not only was it a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology, but it also exuded an atmosphere of solemnity befitting its nearly half-century history. For the many Onmyoji who had graduated and embarked on their independent careers, it remained an unforgettable place of learning.
However...
"There have been some changes, haven't there?"
Standing before the grand entrance of the academy, a young man draped in a jet-black coat, reminiscent of raven feathers, gazed at the towering building. He smiled wryly, caught between nostalgia and indifference.
The advanced structure before him looked identical to what he remembered.
After all, for the world, Rozen's absence had only been a little over a year.
But change had indeed taken place.
Not in appearance, but in essence.
"Familiar spiritual auras... aside from one or two, all the others are gone."
Which was only natural.
Natsume was no longer by Rozen's side. Suzuka had also left with Natsume, following the Tsuchimikado family. Many of his former classmates and teachers had likewise departed due to a series of incidents, leaving behind only those who were, to Rozen, insignificant.
"Even Ohtomo-sensei is gone?"
Through Wise Eye, Rozen confirmed this fact.
"Well, that was to be expected."
Back then, the only reason Ohtomo Jin had come to Onmyo Academy was in response to Rozen's arrival.
At the time, the world had regarded Rozen as Yakou's reincarnation. His enrollment had drawn widespread attention and placed him under the watchful eyes of fervent Yakou believers.
As a skilled Star Gazer, the academy's headmaster, Kurahashi Miyo, had already foreseen the ensuing chaos. Through her strong personal connection with Amami Daizen, she had invited Ohtomo Jin to resign from the Magic Crimes Investigation Department and join Onmyo Academy as an instructor. His role was to protect the students, safeguard the academy, and, ultimately, ensure Rozen's safety.
But now that Rozen had left Onmyo Academy—and had even become a wanted fugitive—there was no longer any reason for Ohtomo Jin to stay. His departure was only natural.
"Before I knew it, so many familiar faces have disappeared..."
Rozen muttered to himself.
Of course, within Onmyo Academy, he still saw a surprisingly familiar face.
"She's still here?"
A certain image surfaced in Rozen's mind—a stunningly beautiful girl with an idol-like presence and a captivating figure. He couldn't help but smile.
"Back when I got into trouble, she had already been placed under Kurahashi Genji's control and was no longer seen at the academy. I thought she would end up staying secluded within the Kurahashi family as their sheltered heiress, but she actually returned. Not bad."
At the very least, with both Rozen and Natsume gone, that girl should be enjoying a peaceful life now.
"No one left to argue with you, huh?"
Even as he said this, a faint, bitter smile crossed Rozen's face.
But he was no longer as naïve as he had been. He knew exactly what his and Natsume's departure meant for that girl.
She would feel sadness. Loneliness. Isolation.
That much was easy to predict.
"Should I go see her?"
Rozen hesitated.
But after some thought, he decided against it.
"I don't know if I'll end up opposing her father. If I plan to act against him, then I'd better not see her at all."
As this thought crossed his mind, Rozen inadvertently spoke it aloud.
And his words were overheard by an approaching shikigami.
"As that child's grandmother, I appreciate you considering her feelings. But as a woman, I really want to give you a proper scolding."
A voice rang out from the direction of the academy's entrance.
Rozen turned to look.
At some point, a black cat had appeared there.
"It's been a while, Akikan-kun."
The black cat spoke with the voice of a refined noblewoman, addressing Rozen with a playful yet meaningful tone.
Seeing this, Rozen chuckled.
"Long time no see, Headmaster."
The black cat before him was none other than Kurahashi Miyo—former head of the Kurahashi family, a highly esteemed Star Gazer, and the headmaster of Onmyo Academy.
More precisely, it was one of her shikigami. She was speaking through it.
"I'm surprised you noticed my presence. Did you foresee my arrival in the stars?"
Rozen asked, half-jokingly.
But at his words, Kurahashi Miyo merely cast him a helpless look.
"Unfortunately, my ability to read the stars has deteriorated greatly over the past year. At this point, I can barely see anything at all."
She sighed as she spoke.
"That said, just because my eyes are failing doesn't mean I'm blind. Even though your spiritual aura has changed drastically, it's precisely because of its immense scale that your presence here is impossible to miss. Did you really think no one would notice, Akikan-kun?"
Her words made Rozen pause. Then, he let out a dry laugh.
"Fair enough. I've spent too much time in places where no one could perceive spiritual aura. I completely forgot about the need to suppress it."
Habit was truly a terrifying thing.
"That makes me very curious about where you've been all this time, Akikan-kun."
Kurahashi Miyo's gaze lingered on Rozen, filled with both curiosity and astonishment.
"Your spiritual aura is nothing like before. It has grown far beyond what I ever imagined. It's to the point where I can't even be sure you're the same person I once knew."
She spoke as if trying to confirm something—or perhaps, in disbelief.
But…
"Now isn't the time for this conversation. With power of your scale appearing here, even the students have likely noticed by now. I'd wager there's already a commotion brewing inside the academy."
Kurahashi Miyo stated matter-of-factly.
"So? How about stepping inside for old times' sake?"
"Are you sure?"
Rozen shrugged.
"With so many people already aware of my presence, I imagine trouble will come knocking soon."
"If trouble is inevitable, there's no point in running from it."
Kurahashi Miyo dismissed his concerns.
"Before that happens, allow me to fulfill my final duty as the headmaster."
With that, she turned and began walking toward the academy building.
Seeing this, Rozen couldn't help but smile.
Then, he took a step forward and followed Kurahashi Miyo into the academy.