Even having only seen Miyachi Iwao once and not witnessing his actions, Rozen confidently referred to him as a monster. So, how could Kogure Zenjirou and Ohtomo Jin not know how formidable the individual bearing the name 'Fire Demon' was?
It was a mystery whether it was a divine prank or fate's jest that such a presence like Miyachi Iwao existed in the modern world.
Even the level of a country's top Onmyouji, such as the 'Twelve Divine Generals,' stood at the pinnacle of the Jujutsu realm. Within them, Iwao Miyachi was an extraordinary entity.
Without reservation, if Miyachi Iwao had been born half a century ago, he would undoubtedly have been a figure no less than Tsuchimikado Yakou.
This didn't imply that Miyachi Iwao possessed Jujutsu skills comparable to Tsuchimikado Yakou, but it was a pure testament to his strength and prowess.
In terms of sheer power, Miyachi Iwao would be a paramount figure no matter the era. His achievements would leave an indelible mark on the history of the Jujutsu realm.
This was the capability of the 'Fire Demon.'
Even Ashiya Douman had acknowledged that unquestionably, in the present day, Miyachi Iwao could be hailed as the strongest. One could only imagine how powerful he truly was.
From Rozen's perspective, Miyachi Iwao's existence was like the appearance of a hero or a legend worthy of being recorded in the 'Throne of Heroes' in the modern era—an extremely unconventional occurrence.
In this world, with beings like Miyachi Iwao and Ashiya Douman of this level, it was beyond surprising.
Shouldn't this kind of phenomenon be deemed a miracle?
And having one such remarkable figure appear was already astonishing. Rozen didn't believe that a second one, possibly surpassing the 'Fire Demon,' would emerge.
Hence, Rozen questioned Ohtomo Jin and Kogure Zenjirou.
"From your perspective, can such a character, comparable to the 'Fire Demon,' even possibly appear a second time in the modern era?"
Upon hearing this, the two exchanged glances and sighed simultaneously.
There was just no way, right?
"To be honest, I don't believe there's another person like the commander," Zenjirou Kogure said, looking at Rozen, a tinge of lament in his words.
"But seeing you, I'm not so confident anymore."
This made Rozen somewhat at a loss for words.
Isn't that the case?
"You're so young, haven't been in the Onmyou Academy for even a year, yet your strength is so formidable. You've even comprehended the true essence of Fudou Myouou, just like the commander. Given time, you'll undoubtedly become a presence no less than him," Kogure Zenjirou genuinely spoke these words.
"Although, your situation might be somewhat unique."
What did he mean? Understandable to anyone, really.
Kogure Zenjirou surely intended to convey that.
"If you are the reincarnation of Yakou, then possessing such abilities and skills is only natural."
Zenjirou Kogure just wanted to express this.
And the fact supported this, didn't it?
If one were the reincarnation of Yakou, it wouldn't be strange to rival Miyachi Iwao or Ashiya Douman.
But that was ultimately a reincarnation, not a person born in the modern era. That's why Kogure Zenjirou said the situation was somewhat unique.
In other words, Kogure Zenjirou also acknowledged this.
An existence like Miyachi Iwao, in the modern era, wouldn't inexplicably appear again.
In that case, the possibility that the person claiming to be Ashiya Douman was the real deal was quite high.
However, how the person was able to prolong their life, whether through some unknown method or a genuine miracle from descending godhood, was unknown.
No, there were speculations.
But for now, let's leave that aside.
"Anyway, can I take him as the real deal?" Rozen confirmed very calmly.
"In that case, what is his relationship with this 'Jou-i Saihara'? Since 'd' leaves behind traces of activity in various events, what position does he have in this incident?"
"Does he have a direct connection with Mutobe Chihiro?" Rozen abruptly mentioned this name.
And this name immediately made Ohtomo Jin and Kogure Zenjirou look at Rozen simultaneously.
"So you have met Mutobe Chihiro," Ohtomo Jin sighed.
That's right.
Chihiro Mutobe is the second person Rozen wanted to ask about.
"Who is he, really?" Rozen asked directly. "Is he a follower of Yakou? It doesn't seem quite like it."
This was Rozen's most genuine thought.
Facing this thought, Ohtomo Jin and Kogure Zenjirou neither admitted nor denied, appearing unsure of how to explain.
Finally, Kurahashi Miyo, who had been watching everyone discuss, spoke up.
"Akikan."
Kurahashi Miyo looked at Rozen and spoke in this manner.
"Do you know the 'Twin Horn Syndicate'?"
———The 'Twin Horn Syndicate'.
This unfamiliar name left Rozen somewhat stunned.
On the other hand, Ohtomo Jin and Kogure Zenjirou, upon hearing this name, immediately wore grave expressions.
Evidently, this was no ordinary name.
Could it be?
"Is this some kind of underground organization formed by Yakou's zealous followers?" Rozen contemplated for a moment and then voiced this astonishing answer.
Because.
"You're sharp, Akikan," Kurahashi Miyo smiled helplessly, speaking like this.
"The 'Twin Horn Syndicate' refers to an organization formed by Yakou's fervent followers. Dairenji Shidou, the mastermind behind the 'Jou-i Daihara' event two years ago, was also a member of the 'Twin Horn Syndicate'."
Hearing Kurahashi Miyo's words, Rozen was indeed surprised.
"Dairenji Shidou was also a member of the 'Twin Horn Syndicate'?"
In other words, Dairenji Shidou was a follower of Yakou?
This was quite unexpected.
But upon careful consideration, this didn't seem all that strange.
"The Imperial Court Division of Spiritual Control is a department for studying spiritual control. Since it involves research on souls, it must deal with imperial formulas because common formulas don't recognize souls."
Kurahashi Miyo explained, "And once you come into contact with imperial formulas, you're bound to be gradually attracted by Yakou's allure. This also led to the Imperial Court Division of Spiritual Control becoming a fertile ground for the 'Twin Horn Syndicate,' where numerous members were born, including Dairenji Shidou, who was even the department head. That's why the Imperial Court Division of Spiritual Control was eventually dissolved."
So, Dairenji Shidou was a member of the 'Twin Horn Syndicate,' a follower of Yakou. It seemed reasonable.
And it was easy to guess why Kurahashi Miyo brought up this matter.
"Chihiro Mutobe is Dairenji Shidou's right-hand man, both his assistant and a onmyouji who once belonged to the Imperial Court Division of Spiritual Control, one of the Yakou followers in the 'Twin Horn Syndicate,'" Kurahashi Miyo finally disclosed this information.