Anime Multiverse: Building a Pantheon from Scratch

They're not here to capture or lock us down, but to protect us?

When those words left Katsuhiko Yakushiji's mouth, it wasn't just Ken Yakushiji who froze—everyone in the Yukinoshita household seemed stunned.

Could it be that this man had some kind of secret relationship with the garrison?

As confusion spread among them, Katsuhiko Yakushiji let out a soft chuckle and asked, "Does the military lockdown have any effect on us?"

"Of course it does," he continued. "But who do you think it affects even more? It's not just us. It's the onmyōji of the Bureau of Onmyō Affairs—those trying to infiltrate Chiba and eliminate us—who are truly being hindered by this."

"Though I've always ridiculed the incompetence of the Bureau's onmyōji, I'll admit, most of the state-level sorcerers—especially the few Grand Onmyōji—are formidable enemies."

"But now, those same people have been cut off from Chiba by the military blockade. Isn't that a good thing for us?"

Hearing this explanation, Ken Yakushiji paused before his eyes lit up, a smile spreading across his face.

"I was short-sighted. This is indeed a good thing. No wonder you deliberately leaked that Chiba City is the site of a demon seal—you anticipated all of this from the start!"

What are they even talking about?

The Bureau of Onmyō Affairs? National-level sorcerers? Grand Onmyōji? And demons too?

Haruno Yukinoshita's face was blank with disbelief as she listened to these words that sounded like they were ripped straight from a fantasy novel.

If she hadn't been forcibly brought here by Katsuhiko Yakushiji… if she hadn't recognized him as a senior executive in a police equipment corporation… there's no way she would have believed any of these ludicrous, fantasy-like terms.

But now, it seemed those over-the-top words might actually describe things that really existed in this world?

Just then, Haruno heard a soft murmur.

"…Chūnibyō?"

She froze.

That voice had come from Yukino.

Turning slightly, Haruno saw her little sister eyeing the two men from the Yakushiji family with an odd expression. She didn't even need to ask—Yukino had definitely pegged them as fully-grown adults suffering from delusions of grandeur.

Honestly, if Haruno herself hadn't recognized Katsuhiko Yakushiji, she would've thought the same.

But still—Yukino, even if you're thinking that, don't say it out loud!

Thankfully, her sister wasn't stupid. That whisper was so faint even Haruno had barely caught it. Normally, it wouldn't have been enough to draw attention.

However, the moment Haruno turned back around and saw Katsuhiko Yakushiji staring fixedly at Yukino, her heart sank.

He let out a chuckle, then turned to Lady Yukinoshita and said, "Madam, your daughter is certainly sharp-witted."

Though it sounded like a compliment, Lady Yukinoshita didn't smile. Instead, she gave a stern command:

"Yukino, apologize to Mr. Yakushiji."

"Y-Yes." Startled, Yukino bowed instinctively and said, "I'm truly sorry."

Katsuhiko Yakushiji stared at her for a long moment, then turned his gaze back to Ken.

"Has the SDS made their move?"

"Yes," Ken replied immediately. "The Red Squad is actively sweeping through Chiba City, targeting the lesser demons we released."

Yakushiji nodded slightly, then narrowed his eyes. "Have they located the target?"

Ken's expression darkened slightly and he bowed his head. "…My apologies. We haven't found them yet."

"I see…" Katsuhiko didn't scold him—whether he was nephew or son, it didn't matter. Instead, he looked puzzled. "Could it be that the Heart of the Demon hasn't fallen into SDS hands? Or perhaps, the member who possesses it is currently hidden at one of their safehouses?"

Both possibilities existed. But to Katsuhiko, the latter seemed far more likely. With that thought, his eyes narrowed.

"Increase the number of lesser demons deployed throughout Chiba. If necessary, carry out sacrificial rituals to enhance their strength."

"Force the 3rd Special Operations Unit to stay busy—keep them under pressure until reinforcements are called in."

After giving that order, he sneered and said, "That witch from the America won't tolerate mass civilian casualties. Her personality has always fallen short of her power."

"As long as the death toll keeps rising, and she remains tied down by the executives of Celestial Astronomy in America, neither she nor her subordinates will be able to spare extra hands. All SDS personnel in Chiba will be forced into action."

"At that point, whether it's deploying the bearer of the Heart of the Demon or launching a surprise attack on their base, we'll hold the initiative."

"Understood!" Ken's eyes lit up at the plan. He gave a sharp nod, then turned to leave immediately.

Yet just as he took his first step, his stride faltered. A visual replay from a lesser demon's dying memory flashed in his mind.

In that vision—a figure wearing a ruby ring on the right-hand ring finger stood out vividly.

Ken's gaze flickered, dazed for a moment, then sharpened again. He spun around and reported:

"Uncle, we've found the target."

Katsuhiko's eyes immediately gleamed. "Looks like fate still favors us."

With a pleased chuckle, he instructed, "Ken, release the bait. If their numbers are few, draw them toward the nearest false base."

"I want to see for myself who managed to take the Demon Heart from Sharon."

"Yes, Uncle." Ken turned and exited the room, heading off to prepare the trap.

Watching him go, Katsuhiko chuckled again, then turned his gaze toward Yukino Yukinoshita.

This time, he stood up from the sofa and slowly approached the four members of the family.

Lady Yukinoshita's face changed dramatically. She quickly said, "Mr. Yakushiji, if I recall, you previously made us a promise."

Katsuhiko, clearly in good spirits, teased her. "A chūnibyō patient can behave however they like, can't they?"

Her face turned pale instantly.

Haruno, already stepping between him and her sister, whispered urgently, "Yukino, do you remember the koban (local police box) nearby? If you get the chance… run."

"Big sis?" Yukino looked at her, stunned, her face flushed. "But…"

"No buts. Go." As soon as the words left Haruno's lips, she heard her sister's terrified cry:

"But… I can't move my body!"

Haruno's heart skipped a beat. She only now realized—her own body wouldn't respond either.

What… what was this?

Turning her eyes toward her mother, she saw that she too stood motionless, paralyzed in place.

Don't tell me… demons really do exist?

For the first time, Haruno Yukinoshita experienced a force that transcended worldly logic—a form of overwhelming, unyielding violence.

"A simple mental suppression," Yakushiji said casually. "A very basic little trick."

He stepped forward and stopped in front of Lady Yukinoshita. Raising his hand, he gently lifted her chin with a finger.

Under the horrified, enraged gazes of everyone present, he spoke softly:

"Sir Yukinoshita, you wouldn't want to see your wife and daughters… mistreated by me, would you?"

In that instant, the gazes of all three women froze in horror.

The most confused of all, however, was Yukinoshita himself—who had instinctively moved to shield his wife.

But the moment he looked into Yakushiji's gaze, predatory and brimming with dominance, the polished image of a successful, middle-aged gentleman shattered.

Wait… The target's not my wife?

It's… me?!

Yukinoshita stood there, dumbfounded on the spot.