The difference between the Onmyoji Hall and the Unnatural Countermeasures Group was clear: while the Onmyoji Hall's members all held official positions and were genuinely dedicated to exorcising "evil spirits," their so-called Demon Officers often looked down on those in the Unnatural Countermeasures Group. Friction between the two sides was almost inevitable.
Most Onmyoji Hall members came from long-established exorcist families, trained in traditional Onmyoji techniques or other inherited methods. In contrast, the Unnatural Countermeasures Group relied on a mix of ordinary humans, advanced technology, and exorcism tools. In short, the Countermeasures Group relied on numbers, while the Onmyoji Hall relied on quality.
Then there was the Exorcism Association, a semi-formal organization with no official hierarchy. Members were essentially mercenaries: missions were posted, and exorcists chose whether to accept them for payment. Missions had difficulty ratings, and the association tracked each exorcist's skill and completed missions. Members were often freelance or self-taught exorcists.
All three organizations had strengths and weaknesses. But if you asked which was the strongest? That would be the Yin-Yang Hall. Despite having the fewest members, those born into orthodox exorcist families possessed unique advantages. Generationally inherited techniques and family artifacts alone were enough to make them formidable for life.
"Alright, we're here. This is the Eighth Group's office. As for the members, I'm sure you already know Ms. Kuka. She's one of the most beautiful women in the entire Countermeasures Team. Unfortunately for you, everyone else in the Eighth Group is either a monk or an old man, so consider yourself lucky. Members of other groups don't even get a chance to talk to Kuka-chan—but now, you're in prime position. And here's a tip: don't let her cool exterior fool you—she's completely powerless against cute things."
Upon arriving, Yuto noticed that two of the three people present were familiar. Kamishiro Isshin, constantly winking and speaking without restraint, sprawled on the ground. The cool, aloof woman wiping down her long sword—Yamato Kuka—suddenly lifted it with an expressionless face, as if deciding exactly where to strike Kamishiro Isshin to inflict maximum pain without killing him.
When Yamato Kuka first joined the Countermeasures Team, she had respected Kamishiro Isshin as her senior. But after spending time around him, she realized he was nothing more than a lecherous, irresponsible old man.
"Welcome to the team! From now on, we're partners. I'm very interested in your swordsmanship. Shall we spar sometime?"
Even though Kamishiro Isshin was on the floor like a shrimp, Yamato Kuka welcomed Yuto warmly. She clearly regretted not having sparred with him before and directly invited him to the training room later.
The other familiar face in the Eighth Group was Kujo Hinano, whom Yuto hadn't expected. After the incident with Nurikabe, she had passed her assessment and officially joined the Unnatural Countermeasures Team. But due to her lack of combat experience, she couldn't actively contribute in the field yet. Her role was limited to serving as a liaison for the Eighth Group while learning basic exorcism techniques at the Onmyoji Academy.
"Yuto, it's great to finally work with you. Also… I'm sorry! I caused you so much trouble before with my ignorance and stubbornness."
Hinano bowed formally after greeting him, her sincerity clear. Joining the Countermeasures Team had given her a true understanding of her previous recklessness.
As the liaison, she had been responsible for reporting "cursed demon" incidents to Yamato and Kuka. Through this, she had realized the stark difference between humans and demons. Before, thanks to Yuto's overwhelming strength, she and her team had solved two demon cases with minimal casualties, giving her the false impression that ordinary humans could fight demons.
But after witnessing numerous incidents firsthand, she now understood how vulnerable ordinary humans truly were. Every "monster" defeated often left behind a trail of death and injury, even among highly trained support personnel. Casualties were inevitable, no matter how skilled the human team.
Hinano saw firsthand that her previous actions had caused Yuto unnecessary trouble. Her solemn bow and apology reflected that understanding.
"I'm studying hard now, looking forward to the day I can fight alongside you. I promise I won't hold you back. Until then, I'll serve as the liaison for the Eighth Countermeasures Team. My name is Kujou Hinano. Nice to meet you, Mr. Tenjouin Yuto."
Yuto stared at her, blank for a moment. Could this really be the same willful, naive girl from before? Experiencing life-and-death situations seemed to have matured her incredibly fast.
"My name is Tenjouin Yuto. Nice to meet you."