At this point, Yukari Oikawa also snapped out of her memories, stirred by the mention of Yamabuki Otome's name, and said gravely:
"If Hagoromo Gitsune really uses Otome's body to get close to Rihan, then..."
She didn't need to elaborate. Nurarihyon already understood the consequences.
Rihan Nura already carried guilt over Yamabuki Otome being driven away by gossip, not to mention her later death from illness.
Under these circumstances, if Hagoromo Gitsune attacked Rihan Nura while disguised as Yamabuki Otome, that fool wouldn't even defend himself—he'd probably just let himself die alongside her.
The thought of losing his son in his old age made Nurarihyon unable to sit still. He immediately stood up, rushed to the sliding door of the reception room, and flung it open with a loud snap.
"Karasu Tengu! Fetch Rihan immediately, at full speed!"
In the courtyard, Karasu Tengu received the order without a second thought. Without questioning the reason, he spread his raven-black wings and shot into the sky, heading straight for Rihan Nura's location.
Trusting his old comrade, Nurarihyon had no doubts about Karasu Tengu's ability to find him.
With a grim expression, he paced back and forth several times before finally turning to Luo Shu and bowing deeply.
"Director Luo, I owe you a great debt this time."
If he truly didn't know about Hagoromo Gitsune possessing Yamabuki Otome, his son would likely be doomed.
Nurarihyon understood this perfectly well, and Luo Shu naturally did too.
Earlier, when he briefly recalled the main storyline of Nura Clan's grandson, it wasn't hard to see that all the problems stemmed from Rihan Nura's death.
Rihan Nura, in his prime and among the strongest of Great Yokai, was suddenly assassinated, with the killer being his ex-wife, controlled by Hagoromo Gitsune.
This directly led to the collapse of the Nura Clan's foundation.
After his son's death, Nurarihyon had no choice but to resume leadership, despite his age, and hold up the Nura Clan's banner.
Yet it was undeniable that the long-retired and considerably aged Nurarihyon no longer had the capacity to lead the Nura Clan to greater heights.
Maintaining the status quo was already this old monster's limit.
This situation persisted until a decade later, when the third-generation leader, Rikuo Nura, came of age and brought about change.
But now the world had changed, and the Nura Clan might not last those ten years.
From the SDS's perspective, Luo Shu didn't need a Nura Clan that could only hold its ground for a decade.
Under these circumstances, Luo Shu naturally wouldn't allow the Nura Clan to decline due to Rihan's incident, which was why he had fabricated that intelligence.
"Let's set aside the matter of owing favours for now."
Luo Shu felt this was when he'd truly established the foundation for communication with Nurarihyon, so he stated his request plainly:
"Nurarihyon, you should know what conditions are necessary for Hagoromo Gitsune to give birth to Nue. Why would she—or the Hagoromo Group—target our SDS Reserve Force?"
Hearing this, both Nurarihyon and Yukari Oikawa immediately understood.
Having both fought against Hagoromo Gitsune 400 years ago, they were familiar with her motives for attacking humans.
"The livers of noblewomen?"
"Still can't resist stealing a bite, that fox?"
Nurarihyon almost felt grateful for his old rival's stupidity.
In the original world where yokai held overwhelming power, human Onmyoji could only silently resent Hagoromo Gitsune's liver-eating habits.
But in this world? Just try stealing one, Hagoromo Gitsune.
Did she think the young monsters of the Bujin-shū and Onmyou Agency were mere decorations?
Putting aside everything else, targeting the SDS Reserve Force members and provoking this man before them was already a fatal mistake.
While the SDS might lack strength among its rank-and-file, its elite members were exceptionally powerful one and all. Combined with their endless technological innovations and Abyss Artefacts, they were arguably Japan's most troublesome and unpredictable opponents.
To target members of such an organisation, had Hagoromo Gitsune's brain been crushed during her resurrection?
Meanwhile, Yukari Oikawa—who also believed they owed Luo Shu a significant favour—couldn't help but ask:
"What would you have us do, Mr Luo?"
Hearing Yukari Oikawa's uncharacteristically polite tone, Luo Shu gave her an extra glance before replying:
"I believe Tokyo needs some cleaning up. After all, those esteemed gentlemen in the cabinet might not fully grasp Hagoromo Gitsune's danger, don't you think?"
"You mean...?"
Nurarihyon instantly understood Luo Shu's implication, his face revealing a knowing expression.
Where did Hagoromo Gitsune's danger lie?
Naturally, in her need to devour noblewomen's livers to birth Nue.
And Nurarihyon could confidently say no such incidents had occurred yet.
Tokyo's mystic side was densely populated with various organisations' headquarters or branches.
If a noblewoman went missing here with her liver eaten, it would be quickly noticed.
This was precisely why the Hagoromo Group was only observing potential targets rather than acting.
But suppose there was an incident where a noblewoman—perhaps a cabinet member's daughter—was attacked by a yokai from Kyoto's Hagoromo Group?
The truth would inevitably come to light.
The Hagoromo Group's situation and objectives would become public knowledge, likely prompting official forces to pressure them—possibly even designating them as an organisation requiring eradication.
As for whether the Hagoromo Group would attack the noble lady when they're currently unprepared...
Isn't that what the Nura Clan is here to help with?
"This plan seems a bit questionable, no? And it appears rather easy to expose!"
Nurarihyon asked Luo Shu with an expression of apparent concern.
"After all, within the mystic side, there are plenty skilled in divination and investigation methods."
Hearing Nurarihyon say this, Luo Shu immediately understood what he was asking for.
"Regarding the matter of covering tracks, as a responsible organisation, the SDS has naturally researched such things."
Luo Shu placed both hands on the low table and said solemnly:
"Rumour has it—and I stress, rumour has it—"
"There exists a Directional Interference Device that can block certain mystical tracking methods, even providing some misdirection."
"Frankly, such interference devices are extremely rare. Even I have only ever seen one by chance."
As Luo Shu spoke, Kisara blatantly placed a device resembling an in-ear monitor on the low table before swiftly withdrawing her hand, pretending nothing had happened.
Seeing this, Nurarihyon caught on immediately and turned to Yukari Oikawa:
"Speaking of which, it seems Ushi-oni recently discovered a hot spring in Shizuoka Prefecture and plans to build a hot spring inn there."
Luo Shu appeared surprised: "He actually found a hot spring? How nice. I've never experienced one before."
"Director Luo enjoys hot springs? Perfect timing then."
"A small gift, nothing worthy of your esteem."
Nurarihyon swiftly produced paper and pen from who-knows-where, signed a transfer agreement, and lightly tossed it to Kisara.
After catching it, Kisara glanced at Luo Shu. Seeing his subtle nod to accept, she pocketed it.
Observing this, Luo Shu narrowed his eyes before standing up:
"Considering the time, I should take my leave now. I hope I haven't disturbed you, Nurarihyon-san."
Nurarihyon rose to see him out, smiling apologetically:
"Not at all. This old man has troubled you instead."
"Then I'll see myself out?" Luo Shu ventured.
"Safe travels!"
Nodding at this, Luo Shu turned and departed.
As for the Hagoromo Group...
Some enthusiastic yokai would help Luo Shu drive them into a desperate corner where they'd have no choice but to beg for assistance.