October 18, Thursday. A school day, yet Yūgen rode the linear train to Kyoto. Traveling in a large group would draw unwanted attention, and with Kagurazaka family duties, he'd submitted an official absence request.
Hyakuyama initially frowned but relented, considering Yūgen's achievements and ties to his former family, the Miya. The unannounced visit from Councilor Kanda last spring factored in too.
From Yūgen's research, Zhou Gongjin had left northern Kyoto. The Namakura incident made him cautious. Kyoto's "Traditionalists" partially integrated continental onmyōji he'd invited, but some factions observed silently.
"If that's all, no need to rush," Yūgen muttered.
Though guardians of the imperial family, the Kagurazaka—absent from ancestral Kyoto for over a century—avoided involvement. The main reason: the Kushima clan's "neglect" of ancient-style magicians—perceived only by those denied desired power—lingered bitterly.
Kushima Ken, younger brother of former head Kushima Retsu. Officially exiled to USNA over educational disputes in magic systems. But expelling a valuable asset over minor conflicts? Suspicious. Even the government barely protested. USNA orchestration possible.
In this world, Retsu, fueled by sibling rivalry, underwent enhancement, excelled as a military magician, rallied sympathizers, and ousted Ken to seize headship.
Why mention Kushima? Yūgen's haste tied to them—precisely, to Mitsuhiro.
Retsu asked Yūgen to treat Mitsuhiro, requiring caution. Fortunately, a thesis competition in Kyoto this year placed it near Ikoma, feasible even for frail Mitsuhiro. Yūgen planned cooperation with moderate Traditionalists.
He wouldn't force Mitsuhiro; he'd already proposed this weekend, no sudden changes.
Moreover, he'd trigger the "Holy Heaven Eight-Pole Protection Array" to revive a "Sanctuary" over Kyoto. For defense if Nara and Kyoto Traditionalists clashed someday. Honestly, to fragment and absorb their power.
(The issue is after severing Mitsuhiro from Kushima.)
Yūgen considered Fujibayashi due to Mitsuhiro and Kyōko's friendship but dismissed it. Mitsuhiro's genetic mother was Kushima head's sister, married into Fujibayashi. Unknown how widely his origins were known in Kushima, but donors likely knew. Mitsuhiro might suspect eventually.
Adopting him would invite conditions. Sending to a prominent family risked jealousy from siblings left behind. Luckily, this world's Mitsuhiro idolized Yūgen, unburdened by Ten Master Clans obligations.
Military family via acquaintances? Dismissed. Retsu's lingering influence in the National Defense Force was strong—devoted units existed. Placing Retsu's grandson there would make him a figurehead.
Yūgen distrusted the force fully but wouldn't weaken national defense against foreign threats. Post-treatment, Mitsuhiro would stay with Uesugi for physical training. Gōzō, honoring old ties, wouldn't object.
"---So, why is Asuka-sensei accompanying you?"
Yes, the four-seat table wasn't Yūgen's alone. Opposite sat First High's school doctor, Asuka Remi Satomi, in relaxed casual wear.
"By order of Kagurazaka head. Support Yūgen-kun."
"School needs its doctor on weekdays."
"It's fine."
In the original, married; here, single. During private talks, Asuka pushed Remi as Yūgen's fiancée. She handled monthly counseling since enrollment, replacing Haruka.
Haruka seemed relieved; Miya's accumulated merits and sins led to overprotective staff treatment.
"Won't ask how it's fine, but I'm at my limit. Especially fiancée matters."
"I hear you made Tatsuya-kun's mother your mistress."
"I accepted eventually, but Mother filled the moat first—I couldn't refuse."
Midnight's advance was aggressive despite being married (arranged, no love). Near cuckolding.
Remi likely knew from Chihime. Then, a bombshell:
"One more mistress is within margin."
"...What?"
"I'll be mistress #2. Take me anytime."
"Where's your ethics? You're a teacher, school doctor."
Am I the weird one? He shook it off. Kagurazaka needed "Nine Dragons" ties, but not via marriage or affairs. Remi smiled, explaining:
"You wouldn't know, but many ancient magic houses secretly propose engagements. Some daughters link to Traditionalists."
Plausible for Kagurazaka status. Yūgen's Ten Master Clans ties deterred some. Better they withdraw to avoid hassle.
Not the only male heir in ancient magic families; he dreaded jealousy, especially from Traditionalist-linked ones.
"Even I refuse. I'm not the sole male heir."
"True... still anxious?"
"No interest in embracing sparks."
Superior magicians gain superior looks—this world's rule. Even hiding Ten Master Clans in elementary/middle school, love letters came. Second-year middle with Shizuku and Honoka worsened; Shizuku grew irritable.
Avoided magic topics at school, non-club except kendo incident, low-key. Prepared for non-magic reliance, hid direct Ten Master Clans lineage.
Not standout in studies/sports, but "gigolo" as Miyuki/Shizuku said—undeniable. Self-nominating as fiancée? Separate issue.
"I accommodate Himari, Shizuku, Yūka enough... still insufficient?"
"Many think tying to you accesses Kagurazaka power."
"Idiots? Tell them waterfall asceticism for enlightenment, then retry."
"Power" maddens like mental interference magic. Past life tasted it; Yūgen used Kagurazaka power cautiously. Ignorant suitors? Better clans self-destruct—cheaper.
Exceptions troubled him.
"Marrying Celia—Kushima kin by blood—disqualifies objectors."
"You okay? She's USNA-linked."
"President's pact. Colonel Virginia Balance witness. Stars intervene? USNA government acts seriously."
Seventh Plague/Alcatraz dismantlement confirmed Celia's full Stars discharge. Records bilateral; unilateral suppression = punishable insubordination.
"For ancient magic engagements, I begged Mother: limit to Ise, Naruse, Shijūkuin."
"Then my mistress?"
"Mother approves—I have veto?"
Beyond confirmed: Ichinose, Ichijō, Gorin proposing. Among Hundred Families, multiples consult secretly, including Chiba (Erika's sister). Rejected to avoid upsetting childhood friend. Erika: "That hopeless old man..."
"Nine Dragons": marriages, Shinkai, friendships suffice—no objections. Yaguruma (main, not Miya servants) offers up to two, head-endorsed.
With former family, Shirō/Shina backing, unavoidable. Chihime: "If issues, I'll handle—stay calm." Past-life ethics complicated it.
Didn't mention to Remi—unclear candidates. Wide ties from Gōzō's influence; non-canon people hard to track.
"...Set aside. Remi-san accompanies—fine, but stay close."
"Family says city safe."
"Depends on destination."
Yūgen evaded; Remi learned at first Kyoto stop.
◇ ◇ ◇
Kyoto: long capital, rich in curse killings, divine punishments, oni/yōkai tales. Wars layered grudges; temples/shrines built for pacification.
Yūgen prioritized majors—toughest first: Hiei-zan Enryaku-ji, tied to "Sixth Heaven Demon King" Oda Nobunaga.
"Yakumo-san involved, yet wary?"
"With grandpa, sparred mid/upper disciples."
Not picking fights—accompanying Gōzō. Aggressive disciple forced mock battle; Gōzō allowed; Yūgen crushed him.
Worse: unsatisfied, ambushed Yūgen's futon. Trained to sense killing intent, countered unconscious. Abbot apologized deeply. Gōzō revealed Yūgen's identity.
Bare-handed fine, but real sword—famous Muramasa. Purified curse (Egypt experience: spiritual). Gifted as apology; now decorates Kagurazaka room.
"Didn't detail grandpa's pilgrimages—dismissed as unreal."
"Gōzō lives beyond norms... Yūgen-kun."
"Yes."
Before Remi's words, Yūgen sensed: ~100m to gate, weekday yet empty—clear human-repelling barrier.
Doubted reform from years ago. Shuriken/ku from all sides; Yūgen princess-carried Remi.
"Eh, Yūgen-kun!?"
"Hold tight—jumping."
Leapt on leg strength, magic redirects/platforms dodged. Alone, could've wind-blasted; with Remi, evaded. Aimed gate, psions to feet.
"Sever—'Azure Dragon Tempest Kick'"
Nijū-ryū secret slammed; barrier casters blasted. Inside grounds: armed monks (training like sōhei). Set Remi down, manifested 'Murakumo', muttered:
"Weapons drawn—hostile? Come, 'White Tiger'."
Golden lightning from 'Murakumo'. Overwhelming presence (reiatsu) staggered monks; Remi frozen.
Tension poised for battle... broken by echoing voice:
"---Enough. Sheathe weapons."
Monks gazed deeper; empty. Remi too. Yūgen spotted speaker at gate, dispelled 'White Tiger'/'Murakumo', bowed.
"Long time, Abbot. Overly vigorous welcome."
"Asuka-dono, Nagano-dono—no, Kagurazaka-dono. Disciples, blood-hot like some fishy monk, caused trouble."
Subordinates dropped weapons, prostrated. Abbot's gaze: icy.
"Withdraw immediately. Prepare guest hospitality flawlessly."
Fled like scared. Abbot bowed to Yūgen.
"Heard from current Kagurazaka Chihime-dono. Sensed odd Kyoto air... Standing talk poor. This way."
Guided to East Tower's Daishoin—Showa Emperor translocation from Tokyo Murai Kichibee residence, used as state guest house. Sit freely; Yūgen cross-legged. Abbot smiled.
Tea/sweets served; Yūgen spoke:
"Visit for continental onmyōji Zhou Gongjin lurking in Kyoto... Rough welcome related?"
"Yes. Lately, radical Kurama-dwellers in Traditionalists invade our domain."
Proper ancient magicians oppose Traditionalists; thought too wise for Hiei incursion—naive.
"Our intel: continental onmyōji Retsu invited to Kushima joined him. But big disturbance here..."
"Gives him escape. Understood—admonish disciples strictly, including near-killing Kagurazaka-dono."
Naming Kagurazaka proves skill—Chihime said. Abbot's frozen rage: name heavier than thought.
"Abbot, chance prior futon ambusher led?"
"...Possible. Punish harshly—spare annihilation."
"As proxy head, can't raze mountain on whim."
Prior: Gōzō nearly erased Hiei/mountain; Yūgen stopped. Tell Chihime (Gōzō peer)? Enryaku-ji gone by dawn.
Yūgen compound-fractured attacker—overdefense, uncomplainable. This "test"? Forgive.
"Blew casters breaking barrier—owe them apology."
"Yes... We'll discipline, including myself. Yakumo's fishy ones trouble."
During talk, Remi silent—rude to intrude "Nine Dragons" matters; nibbled sweets.
Spoke post-Enryaku-ji, en route city, prompted by Yūgen.
-------------------------------
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