Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou (WN)

Abyss Lord's Summer Vacation Arc Extremely Terrifying Onmyouji

From the ground of the beginning village of the fairy Mag Mell, there were two legs growing.

It was Ibaraki Douji.

That was to say, it was that. That pose of Inugami family. The upper body was snugly buried inside the ground. The legs stretching up straight to form the shape of V looked beautiful……not.

This was the result of stropping the intensifying fight.

It couldn't be helped because he wouldn't listen to their words telling him to stop……wasn't what happened. He was simply socked hard on the back of his head with no question asked.

Yes, by Shuten Douji(the boss)-san who was dusting off her hands *pat pat* right behind the two towering legs.

「Art this fine, Manami?」

It was the request from her beloved's little sister. And, the opponent was her aide. It was only logical for her to move earlier than anyone else if it was to stop him.

Of course, the reason for herGuhehehwas because Aziz-kun had both his wrists being grabbed by Kousuke to stop him.Aa, Aziz-kun who got caught by Kou-nii and can't move……priceless, was what was going inside her mind.

「Yes, Hidzuki-oneesama! Thank you very much! Ah, no, not yes, I guess? Ibaraki Douji-san, is he okay?」

「I can' t believe it, are you worried for me? Aa, Manami, you are truly a very kind person.」

Ibaraki Douji-san pulled out his upper body *plop* like nothing happened and smiled widely toward Manami.

His hair was all messed up and his glasses was all cracked and twisted. In addition, blood spurted out *Pyuu~~* like in gag manga from the back of his head. His forehead also had wound gaping open.

A blood soaked smiling oni. It was very gruesome. Scary.

Manami said 「Ah, seems like you're fine」 while looking plainly creeped out.

He must have noticed his own state from that reaction. Ibaraki Douji quickly swiped his hand in front of his face like taking off a mask.

Immediately, his appearance became tidied up also like nothing had happened――no, the bleeding still hadn't stopped spurting out!

「Muh, as expected from boss's fist. However, was there really any need to go as far as using youki? It's scaring out Manami as you can see.」

「Art you complaining? You hath become quite a big shot without me knowing it seems.」

「I have found Manami's love. My apologies but, from here on, Manami has become my greatest priority.」

「She's mine beloved's little sister. ……You understand what that means correct?」

Ibaraki Douji shrugged. In respond Hidzuki narrowed her eyes dangerously.

「Fufu, of course I understand」 Ibaraki Douji smiled with composure, even so he sweated like crazy from his forehead. This too was like gag manga, no, like a comedy skit. He sweated like river like a comedian that had a pipe spraying out water under his wig.

Apparently Hidzuki had driven in the pecking order into him until his five viscera and six internal organs.

From how he looked, surely he wouldn't do anything like loving Manami oni-style or forcefully kidnapping her like what Aziz-kun worried about. Kousuke and co gave their thumb up at Hidzuki for the good job.

Ibaraki Douji collected himself and kneaded his youki a little and stopped his bleeding, tightened his necktie, and pushed up his glasses *kui*.

After finishing cleaning up his appearance for real this time, Ibaraki Douji turned his gaze over Manami and Rana and others, and then to Kousuke with a respectful bow.

「Pardon me for the late greeting, honorable brother-in-law, and his ladies. I am Ibaraki Douji. The one with the honor of being allowed to serve as Shuuten Douji's aide in her faction. I hope we can get along everlastingly as brothers──」

*Bam* There was a gunshot. Next 「Ah, oi Aziz!」 there was also a scolding voice from Kousuke.

Ibaraki Douji's head snapped aside like he had gotten hit by a full swing from a club. The youki stopping his bleeding was also popped and *pyuuu-* blood spurted out again.

His head kept tilting diagonally for a around 45 degree while only his eyes turned toward the offender glaringly.

「……Brat, do you want to die?」

「My hand slipped (monotone)」

A very monotone reply came back.

Looking closer, the aforementioned cross weapon was already gone (he obediently put it away so Kousuke too let him go). In exchange, his hand was holding a normal black automatic handgun.

There was a small cross engraved on the gun barrel like it was there just to make a justification. Like it wanted to say,Look, with this it's a sacred treasure (physical) see, in the end it's a sacred treasure for sure!

The figure of a clergyman who didn't even plan to hide that he was armed anymore could be seen there.

「Fumu. Doctor Emily. In that case, that outfit with black base color can be seen not as a priest robe but a hitman outfit isn't it?」

「Stop it Vanessa. Now you're making me seeing that too.」

「O-oi. Claudia Barenberg. Admit it. Just what kind of education Omnibus has carried out until now! Is it an organization for raising child assassin!? Look at those eyes! Those eyes are saying "I'll……absolutely murder you—"! Look, my arm is getting goosebumps……」

「You're misunderstanding-, Zhu-san! Omnibus isn't that kind of place! Aa, but those eyes……certainly they're exactly the same like Director Dime-. Even though it's better if he doesn't resemble him in that kind of thing!」

The onlookers were whispering to each other. But leaving them aside,

「Manami-san. Over here. That guy is dangerous.」

「The dangerous one here is you right now instead!」

「The dangerous one here is Aziz-kun right now instead!」

The tsukkomi from the siblings harmonized beautifully. Kousuke had quickly confiscated the handgun, and Manami also ran toward Aziz while raising her eyebrows.

「Aziz-kun!? Isn't it feel like you're getting bad influence from Nagumo-senpai!? Gun isn't a tool for tsukkomi you know!?」

「Of course I know that, Manami-san. My hands just slipped (monotone) just now.」

At the very least it looked like he was learning how to make excuse. Seemed like before long he would start saying things like if it was only six shots than it was nothing more than accidental shooting with a straight face.

Manami interrogated Aziz with a glare from right below him.

The distance was extremely close. It was like the representation of their hearts' distance, so Ibaraki Douji's eyes twitched. The Onee-samas around were going 「Oh my~ ♪」 with wide smirks instead.

Of course, Aziz also changed his expression to his originally gentle one. But, his transparent excuse only made Manami's glare angrier instead.

Kousuke thought.Aziz, you've become far more expressive now. But, the way your expression changed……it's a bit scary……I can certainly saw a glimpse of Nagumo's influence from you……

「What is that guy doing to Aziz outside of my knowledge……there's this gun too, he's seriously an illegal arm dealer ain't he. What's more, looking at his moves he's clearly getting exclusive training too.」

If it was just Aziz's way of handling handgun then perhaps there was really nothing to it, but the way he handled the Double F*ng──no, the Twin Claw (what a transparent way of camouflaging with that name) and the Punish*r (this one was rephrased as Avenger) wasn't something something that could be learned in just several days.

Surely Hour Crystal also got used to give him training inside the space with slowed time, no doubt about it. Or perhaps that VR artifact was used.

Either way, if Aziz had received that man's lecture for quite a long time, no wonder that he also got one or two bad influences along the way.

A clergy boy receiving influence from the demon god……was this too a type of corruption?

「Rana-san. As a big sister, as a saintess, how should I admonish that child?」

Claudia-oneesan was feeling extremely troubled.

Her little brother who should be living a peaceful everyday life far away from battle, was increasing his fighting strength instead. Furthermore, she couldn't help but feel that he was getting even more extreme than before.

But but, there was no doubt that too was solely because he wanted to protect Endou family, including Manami.

In other words, this was because the things that he treasured had increased far more than before. You could even say that it was evidence that he managed to find something that wasn't merely "important", but "special".

As someone who understood that the irrationality of the world was something that was always nearby as long as you lived, it was difficult for her to casually tell him to discard strength.

No wonder that she wanted to consult with the first wife-sama. Claudia tightly grasped Rana's arm and stared at her imploringly.

Facing such situation, Rana gave her a thumb up with a wide bright smile.

「Thy art still lacking, both in firepower and romance. Strive forward diligently! That's what you should tell him!」

「I picked the wrong person to consult.」

That stood to reason. Because she was Hauria. Rather,What's with that cross shaped weapon. I also want one!it was making her eyes sparkling with want.

「Well, you know. In any case thanks for staying beside Manami. As expected from my little bro.」

There was no doubt that the action Aziz took was because he was thinking of his little sister.

It made Kousuke happy and ruffled his little bro(Aziz)'s head while telling him his gratitude.

As expected even Aziz's heart calmed down completely when he heard those words from Kousuke who he respected greatly. Rather, it seemed he now finally recalled the way he rampaged and he nodded with a weak voice 「Yes……」 while looking a bit embarrassed.

「Yes yes, for now this matter is settled……let's just think of it like that okies♪」

*Zuban Zuban* Blau clapped her hands and mediated between Ibaraki Douji and Aziz. The two glared at each other for a moment, but as expected it seemed they had no intention to go at each other anymore than this. Both sides nodded.

The specters watching from faraway as onlookers felt half-relieved and half entertained by the amusing side show. They all chattered excitedly while dispersing.

Meanwhile, Hinata who had apparently been gauging when was a good timing asked.

「By the way Ibaraki Douji, why are you in this kind of place?」

Her gaze was filled with heavy suspicion. He didn't participate in the battle over Hidzuki even though he was her aide. He didn't even show himself in the banquet and instead being in this kind of place as though he was hiding. Hinata seemed to feel suspicion in regard to that.

「Fumu, you are that……I see. No wonder boss takes a liking to you.」

「Pardon me. I am called Fujiwara Hinata.」

Her decorum was proper even when she was facing an apparition. However, it was far from being friendly. Hidzuki narrowed her eyes in amusement seeing Hinata's behavior. Ibaraki Douji also lifted the corner of his lips.

He pushed up his glasses.

「If it's a question from the practitioner who boss accepted to be her shikigami, I shall answer any of all your questions. About the reason why I'm here, there are two.」

「Two?」

Kousuke and others must also be feeling Hinata's suspicion even if they weren't as wary. They focused toward Ibaraki Douji. Only Hidzuki seemed to have guessed the reasons and watched wryly.

「First………because that place was teeming with great specters and gods and buddhas…………I didn't want to show this kind of appearance there–」

「Yes? Eh? This kind of……appearance?」

Ibaraki Douji spread out his arms like a stage actor. His neat and clean figure in suits, and his glinting glasses emphasized his handsomeness even more.

Just what is the problem here?Kousuke and co looked at each other with such question in their eyes.

The answer to that question came from Hidzuki whose shoulders were shaking from being unable to completely hold back her chuckle.

「I believe that you hath obtained an nicer appearance compared to your previous oni-like figure you know? There art nothing for you to feel ashamed of.」

「That's not something you can say while laughing, boss.」

「That way of speaking too, it sends shiver to mine spine. Art not it a very good thing indeed, kufuh」

「Boosss」

*Twitch twitch* Veins pulsed angrily on Ibaraki Douji's forehead. It seemed that this wasn't his original appearance. Knowing that, Kousuke timidly asked.

「Err, in other words Ibaraki Douji also looked burly and more than three meters tall like the other four heavenly kings and Ootakemaru? The figure of oni exactly like depicted in legend?」

「Yes! It's exactly as you said, Endou Kousuke!」

「Ah, happiness. This is the first time an oni didn't call me Abyssgate──」

「Before this I possess magnificent body that wasn't at all inferior even when compared to Ootakemaru! And yet, I become like exactly what you see after my resurrection! I became an outrageously feeble man! It includes this outfit and glasses! I can't take off this glasses, and also can't change my outfit fuck dammit-. The hell is with this compelling force you all modern stupid idiots!! Even my speech and conduct changed into this……aah, shit. Again! I unconsciously pushed up my glasses again-」

Ibaraki Douji stomped on the ground while looking truly disgusted. He didn't even notice that Kousuke's affection meter toward him was going up drastically.

「Before he tried to stop me during mine frenzy and got the table turned on him. Then, not long ago he got resurrected along with the recovery of the Divine Tree.」

「I-I see. So he became like this from the perception of modern day people toward Ibaraki Douji.」

「Fujiwara Hinata! Just what in the world the present day Yamato, no, Japan has become! The existences of legends are reduced to beautiful girl or beautiful man or so forth……kuh, just kill me already-」

Eh? Comrade?Zhu-san was feeling kinship from those words, but other than her Kousuke and co all looked toward Manami.

Yes, all the legends in this world, and not even just limited to that, even the anthropomorphization of inorganic substance or concept or whatever without any regard all were due to OTAKU which this girl was one.

「No, Vanessa. You are also someone living in that side though.」

「Fuh, you are not mistaken there, Doctor Emily.」

The SOUSAKAN lightheartedly stood side by side with Manami.There is not a single thing I'm ashamed of!Her attitude was brazen as though to declare that.

She even looked at Ibaraki Douji with a lukewarm gaze after knowing the reason for his appearance, 「Fufu, certainly he looks like a character in otome game」 like she was looking at her own child.

Perhaps, it was something like that.

If it was an oni who wasn't that famous, perhaps he would be reborn with appearance that had no difference from before but, Ibaraki Douji was too well-known. It was to a degree that he had gotten turned into beautiful girl or handsome boy in many works.

「It's a small mercy that at least my gender didn't get changed too……」

He must be feeling proud of his former muscular physique. Or perhaps he believed that an oni ought to follow that kind of appearance.

「Ohhoh. But I am a woman even from before though?」

「Boss, that's exactly what makes you special. I have no intention of insulting you. That's why don't hit me.」

The boss's thin arm that could even be said as slender was gathering extremely thick and deep youki. Ibaraki Douji was letting out river of sweats again like in a comedy skit while stepping back.

「Come to think of it, Hidzuki-chan had gotten eradicated once by Kou-kun, and yet there's no change in you isn't it?」

「That, happened wasn't it.」

「Eh, that means there was a chance Hidzuki-oneesama becoming a handsome guy!? And then, if you then called Kou-nii mine beloved……guu――」

The guheheh got canceled by her brother's head chop. Kousuke coldly looked down on his little sister who was crouching while holding the top of her head tearfully even while his cheeks were spasming.

「There was a good chance for that to happen. However, I couldst also say that it absolutely wouldst not happen.」

「What do you mean by that?」

Rana asked with a tilt of her head. To that, Hidzuki put on a gorgeous smile that could fascinate even the same sex.

「I wish, to reunite with mine beloved in the form when I encountered him. And then, I wish for him to fall in love with me. That feeling couldst not possibly lose against mere perception of the rabbles.」

She then declared so.

Kousuke quickly felt so bashful that he averted his eyes. Because it was the finest quality of smile that was bewitching but also one that belonged to an innocent maiden in love in spite of that.

At the same time, it was also a smile filled with a woman's passion, one so great it even sent shivers to the spine of those of the same sex.

They understood now. If she was harboring a feeling that potent, certainly there was no way she would get dyed by subculture's idea and changed. Her words were more than enough to convince them of that.

「No, boss from the start was a female oni who originated from the concept of "beautiful but terrifying woman"right? But you went out of your way to change your offshoot to male form and sent him out just because that way can gather more fear. As the result the "legend of Shuuten Douji" got formed.」

It seemed Shuuten Douji wasn't born because the legend of Shuuten Douji was created, but numerous legends of female oni that also included legends from other worlds gave birth to her, and before long that existence changed, no, sublimated to Shuuten Douji. That was apparently the correct flow of event.

In other words.

「Boss won't change as long as emotions exchanged between man and woman exist, and also, as long as instinctual feeling of awe and veneration man harbor toward woman exist. Rather, that is her true essence. In the first place how many gods and buddhas and specters are yearning for boss's appearance? Just from their thought there's no way your appearance can……」

「Mine hands slipped♪」

Ibaraki Douji became of Inugami family once more. The powerful tremor caused the fairies watching from afar to jerk and jump up in shock.

A very awkward atmosphere filled the area. The sweetly smiling Hidzuki-san was scary.

Mine subordinate's words art just drivel♪ In the end, it was mine feeling toward mine beloved that prevented any change to my form. No objection or argument art allowed♪Her eyes said.

Everyone obediently nodded.

「Err, then, what is the second reason?」

Hinata coughed and asked her question to return the talk and atmosphere back on track.

Oh? Ibaraki Douji-san wasn't moving at the slightest. Like it was a corpse――

「Hinata art asking. Get up already.」

The sure-kill heel dropped on the valley of the V shape. As expected everyone couldn't help but feel sympathy and worry toward the figure of Ibaraki Douji-san who was buried until his knees along with a terrible impact!

At the same time, Kousuke and Aziz, and even Blau-tan reflexively pressed their thighs together and trembled!Don't do something like that! This oni woman, you're beautiful but terrifying!Their expressions seemed to say.

「Oops, forgive my rudeness, boss.」

And then, as expected Ibaraki Douji-san broke the ground and crawled out like nothing had happened. Blood was spurting even faster than before. Like a fountain at Las Vegas.

Also, he was a bit pigeon-toed. He was also sweating rivers for the third time.

It looked like by no means he wasn't feeling it at all. Looking closer he was also a bit pale and shaking. Apparently the damage to his crotch was over capacity for his endurance to grin it and bear it.

Kousuke reflexively held a recoery medicine toward him without any word.

Ibaraki Douji must somehow understood what it was. He looked at Kousuke with a lot of staggering gratitude in his eyes and hurriedly drained the bottle.

Aa~, I'm healed……

His expression was ecstatic like someone submerging inside hot spring. Even Aziz was staring at him kindly only at this time.Good for you……he thought. Even Blau-tan was nodding deeply.

Thanks to the beautiful but terrifying miss oni woman, the men's (including the manly woman) friendship seemed to increase a bit. Good for them.

「Fuu, Endou Kousuke, I will repay this debt one day. So, about my second reason……」

「Ah, yes. I understand that you are feeling ashamed of your current form but, it was a duel over Hidzuki. For a trusted confidant like you to prioritize your own embarrassment over participating in the duel……it is a bit hard to imagine. Or perhaps, Ibaraki Douji, have you by chance accepted Endou-sama from the start?」

Ibaraki Douji turned toward Hinata whose expression looked really conflicted. He pushed up his glasses *kui* before speaking with a quiet expression.

「I can't accept being the only one meeting this fate. Those guys should also get killed by Endou Kousuke and met the same fate like me. Rather, go get screwed even worse by turning into beautiful girl! I'll never forget them laughing at me just as I got resurrected no matter what! This time I'll be the one laughing! If it's for that boss getting taken by the like of human is something trivial!! And that is my reason.」

「Is that so.」

It was nothing significant. Just an extremely stupid desire for revenge. No, the way he was resolved to accept the boss he had served with love and respect for thousands of years kneeling toward a human and would even accompany her in doing so if it was for the sake of that revenge showed that for the person himself this was just something that extraordinarily important.

At the very least it seemed to be something hard to comprehend for Hinata. She looked at him with half-closed eyes in great exasperation.

「W-well, that so. But I think your current form is also nice you know? From a glance you look like a feeble man, but in reality you're absurdly strong. As a man, that's quite a cool situation to be in.」

Kousuke smiled wryly toward Ibaraki Douji who complained resentfully with his eyes to him, why didn't he just resolutely kill all his comrades during the duel. He gave him some words of consolation in reply.

Reallyyy?He looked back at Kousuke with a very doubting gaze.

「That's right Ibaraki Douji-san! Gap is status! Rather, I think it's great that you seem to be more special than the other mister onis who have oni-like form! Isn't that right, Vani-oneesan!」

「Yes, it's exactly as you said! In this era from now on when different worlds get connected and cultural exchange will increase, Ibaraki Douji-san, it can be said that you're instead an oni who walk ahead of the era!」

Oni of the new era. Gap is status……special……

F-fuuhn? Are you for real? No well, it's Manami's words so there's no doubting it I guess? In the first place woman prefer tough looking man though……

There, Emily pressed her fingertip on her chin and seemed to think of something before she spoke up.

「Come to think of it, Manami's preference for man is, thin macho isn't it? I remember you showing me a lot of books with that kind of content……」

「Fuh. Well, there's no point lamenting what I have become. It's also not really oni-like to keep complaining about the same thing over and over!」

He brushed up his hair, and went *kui* on his glasses. Then he put on a refreshing smile *sparkle*.

It was unimaginable that this person had been uglily quibbling until just a moment ago. He flip-flopped so quickly it was refreshing.

Kousuke and co thought. They had been feeling it ever since he got tsukkomi-ed by Hidzuki and made to look like Inugami family but……Ibaraki Douji, you're quite a comedic character aren't you?They thought.

Though they didn't know if he was originally already like this or if this too was the effect of the resurrection.

That Ibaraki Douji straightened his collar once again and looked at Manami. And then he kneeled. He held out one hand, and like Romeon asking for his Juliet, he opened his mouth very dramatically.

「Manami. I shall declare it once more. Ever since I saw you I――」

「I'm sorry.」

He was hacked apart in the speed of light. Ibaraki Douji's cheeks were twitching. Aziz-kun folded his arms and looked unbelievably smug.

Aa? Brat, I'm gonna beat you to death y'know?

If you think you can do it then try it, oni. I'll make you resurrect in an unexpected way again.

*Crackle crackle* Their gazes clashed!

「Eerr, having my hand sought after by a legendary oni, what kind of manga is this? There's that thought in my mind, or rather as someone who never received a confession before, I'm feeling extremely flattered but……」

Ibaraki Douji's expression turned smug in the speed of light. Aziz-kun's hand moved toward his cross.

I'll……kill you–!!

If you think you can do it then try it, brat. I'll let you experience it to your heart's content, the power of thin macho that is Manami's preference!

Even I have been training! I'm also thin macho!

Hou? Then how about you show it. This so-called thin macho of human!!

Aziz and Ibaraki Douji wordlessly started to move their hands over their clothes' button. Regardless of everything, this two were in harmony with each other weren't they?

Although, at this rate they might strip off their clothes wordlessly, so Hidzuki and Kousuke each stopped them with a head chop. The back Ibaraki Douji's head split open again. *Psheew*

「I'm flattered but! I'm, devoted to Onee-sama! I'm sorry!!」

The blunt answer from Manami made Ibaraki Douji and Aziz's eyes met again somehow. They both had expression that looked like they didn't know what to say at all.

「Fuh, then I'll challenge that "Onee-sama" whoever to a duel――」

「I'll kill you if you try anything with Onee-sama.」

The statement was spoken extremely calmly and naturally. Even though she didn't move or anything when saying that, the eyes of Manami who looked normal until just a moment ago were blocked by her glasses that was reflecting light unnaturally so they couldn't be seen. It produced an abnormal pressure somehow.

Ibaraki Douji unconsciously gulped.

「Y-yes. It's this! The abnormal pressure that I've never felt before the moment I laid my eyes on you for the first time!! The sensation like you're being dragged into a bottomless swamp! The pure aura that felt somewhat repulsive deep inside that no normal girl would be able to exert no matter what……」

Kousuke and co thought.

Ibaraki Douji-san, you're right on the money!! What keen insight!

But however, to be drawn in instead when sensing the Force (of Decay) that a fujoshi trying to master the path of rot was oozing out……his sinfulness was truly deep in various senses!

「I understand Manami's feeling now. However, as expected I can't bring myself to give up. Surely there is no other woman like you out there!!」

Perhaps, you will find a lot if you come to the Japan today you know?Kousuke and co thought but they read the room and stayed quiet.

At the same time Hidzuki muttered 「No, female like this art quiet easily found even in the past you know? You simply weren't aware of them」, but Ibaraki Douji whose eyes were occupied solely by Manami didn't seem to catch even a word of that.

It was often said that, love is blind.

「That's right, at least……at least, can I ask you to make me your shikigami?」

「Eh? Shikigami? What do you mean by that……」

「I mean creating a link so that I can come running to your side any time you need me. We will also be able to exchange words anytime through the link. Just like what boss has.」

In other words, he wanted to put his mark in Manami. Just like Hidzuki did to Kousuke.

Okay, it's war then?Aziz-kun, standb~~~~yy.

Aziz-kun's boiling point when it came to Manami was so low, to a degree that everyone got a bit worried whether he would become a yandere type boy in the future.

I got to have men talks with him a lot at this rate,Kousuke thought while confiscating the derringer pistol that Aziz seemed to be still hiding. He opened his mouth to say something.

But, before he could,

「There is no way I can allow that.」

Hinata rejected the offer flatly and clearly.

「Err, Hinata-chan? It's not like I mind talking with him or calling him sometimes though……rather, if I can watch him getting into quarrel with Aziz-kun more then ――」

「Manami-neesama! Bad child!!」

「C-cute-. What kind of reward is that to be scolded like that by your little sister-in-law……」

Hinata ran toward Manami *sutatata-* and pressed her nose with her fingertip scoldingly. It made Manami's face turned bright red. A pretty girl's scolding you like a you're little kid could heal all kinds of sicknesses. That was common sense in Otaku community.

By the way, if Hinata got hitched with Kousuke then she would become a younger big sister-in-law but, Manami didn't recognize that fact. Hinata-chan was little sister-in-law. She wouldn't accept any objection. That was her stance.

「Listen properly, foolish little sis. Hinata-chan is telling you not to take youkai lightly.」

「Ah, I see?」

She tended to forget it because of the affectionate behavior Hidzuki had toward her, but she recalled when she got hit by the youki from the weak youkais before this. Manami's expression tensed slightly and she drew back.

One mustn't formed a connection with a youkai, especially a wicked oni who was even talked in legend with a lighthearted feeling. Even when the oni in question was Hidzuki's subordinate and her aide, even when she had a brother who could overwhelm the legendary oni easily, she couldn't let her guard down by all means. They were existences who differed from human in fundamental level, and their sense of values was also different.

「Oh dear, that hurts. Do you believe that I will cause harm to Manami?」

「Even if you do not cause harm to Manami-neesama, if it is stranger with no connection to Endou family then……it will not be strange for such thing to possibly happen.」

Ibaraki Douji shrugged and dramatically shook his head. Hinata looked back over her shoulder while staring at him sharply in respond.

「Originally, even the link between Hidzuki and Endou-sama is something that should not happen. After all there is no "binding" there.」

Originally, when summoning someone not human then "binding" was absolutely required. And even after that "binding" had been set up, and even if the onmyouji was someone with considerable strength, they fundamentally wouldn't take a shikigami unless the existence's strength was below them.

Supposing that they made an existence more powerful than themselves, the "binding" would also become just that much stronger as well as more numerous.

It was in case the worst happened. It might be fine if it would only cause them to lose their own lives. But, the manifested specters sometimes wouldn't stop with just that. That was exactly why insurances had to be prepared flawlessly.

The onmyou bureau silently overlooked the link between Hidzuki and Kousuke was simply because Kousuke was stronger than Shuuten Douji. After all Kousuke himself was the strongest "binding" that could stop Shuuten Douji from rampaging.

「Fumu. Putting it another way there will be no problem if "binding" is prepared?」

「I guess so. That is if you will accept it.」

Hinata's gaze turned toward Manami once more. Hinata's expression as she turned around was different from when she gave her a scolding before. It was very gentle now.

「Manami-neesama, in my opinion, I will recommend you to form a "contract" with Ibaraki Douji instead as long as you entrust the method of bringing him over completely to me.」

「Eh, is that so?」

「Yes. He is Hidzuki's aide, so I believe that he understands better than anyone the punishment that will await him if he does anything dishonorable.」

Furthermore, Hinata had been observing Ibaraki Douji this whole time and, as the result of that and based on Hinata's instinct too, she could conclude that him getting involved with Manami wasn't a part of some kind of scheme.

Even in his fight with Aziz, he didn't cause a single wound on her despite being an oni who should be fundamentally rough in their action. Naturally in part it was because she was someone related to Kousuke but, based from how he kept glancing at Manami's expression for her affirmation, it must be because his own feeling itself was genuine.

「In addition, I believe that there will be nothing better for Endou family to have as many protection as possible due to the state of affairs from here on.」

「By that you mean……」

「Endou-sama is getting even more involved with the work of onmyou bureau, and when his college life stabilize the number of request he receive from Nagumo-sama will surely also become many more than now.」

「Well, that's true. There're also a lot more incidents occurring. In fact, after this trip is over I'm planning to go to US to work together with the investigation organization there.」

「Yes. Until now thanks to the lack of presence from Endou-sama――」

「A sudden stab right into my heart. No, it's the truth though……」

「Even if he apprehended someone directly many times they will not even remember him, so there is not that much worry that his true identity will be exposed. In the underworld he is starting to be treated half like an urban legend……」

「Eh, wait, what's that I don't know about it……」

Hey, Hinata-chan? You're saying, I'm becoming an urban legend? If you do something bad then someone unknown who won't even remain in your memory will catch you, is that kind of rumor spreading out there?

Ah, this is why before this, Tsuchimikado's elder said something like that when he saw me! I hope there won't be a new specter getting born……he said! Please no! I don't want to become a source of youkai!

Ah, Abyss-san, now that you mention it……recently, Nurarihyon-san said that his strength is abruptly increasing that it confused him pyon. Don't tell me……

Stop it okay. You're making it sounds like I'm the same existence with Nurarihyon.

Setting aside that conversation happening between Kousuke and Blau.

「Umm……as you are aware, both Fujiwara and Tsuchimikado are well-known whether it is at the public or behind closed door.」

By getting close to distinguished family that was well known in the open as well in the underworld, as expected the existence of Kousuke as well as Endou family were apparently starting to become known.

「Aa~, so it's that kind of thing. I don't really feel that it's real but, the possibility of other trying something at us will increase, so having as many insurances as possible is a good thing, that's what you mean isn't it?」

「Indeed.」

Hinata nodded.

Of course, Hajime had also anticipated something like that and did things like providing Endou family with powerful artifacts, or setting up so that demon squad could quickly come as reinforcement if it was needed.

But, exception or unexpected thing was unavoidable in everything. There was nothing better than having as many insurances as possible.

「Kuh, if only I have more strength……oh lord, please grant me weapon――cough. Grant me strength-」

「A-Aziz? Just now, you, said weapon……as your big sister I want to make sure with you! By lord you're referring to do aren't you!? You haven't switched religion outside of my knowledge right!?」

Aziz-kun clenched his fist in frustration. He didn't seem to hear Claudia-oneechan's question to him that was dripping with anxiety. ……He shouldn't be doing something like ignoring her intentionally. Perhaps, surely, maybe.

In any case, Aziz too must be unable to deny the talk about insurance. He felt frustrated but, Ibaraki Douji's protection would be something powerful and useful.

Not to mention that it was something that came not from being ordered, but due to Ibaraki Douji's own feeling to give his protection voluntarily. It made the protection even more valuable.

「Although, the other side of this equation is that Ibaraki Douji.」

The fact that he was a legendary wicked oni hadn't changed. That was why.

Hinata's gaze turned toward Ibaraki Douji. It was a completely different gaze from when she looked toward Manami. It was a cool-headed gaze that showed no emotion.

「Ibaraki Douji. Do you have the resolve to allow your life to be "bound"?」

The method that she mentioned before. The creation of magical tool by cutting out a part of Ibaraki Douji's heart. That was to say, his life could easily be taken away by not only Hinata but also Manami if they wished for it.

Of course, normally such "binding" was unacceptable. After all such contract usually was something half-forced to the shikigami after they were defeated and begging for their life.

Those like Claudia and Zhu were thoroughly familiar with the danger of forming contract with a powerful existence. They looked like a binding of this level was just natural, but Emily and Vanessa were muttering 「O-ou……」. They were slightly shivering from Hinata's lack of mercy.

But, faced with such excessively one-sided contract,

「Very well! Of course I'm okay with that!!」

「Uwaa, so casual……」

Emily-chan reflexively made a tsukkomi.

「Well, he'll just get reborn even if he die. And it looks like he also don't like that form. Isn't it that? Even if he actually die there's a chance for something better in the next life! Let's gacha! Something like that, get it?」

「As expected from specter. Their sense of values toward life is different from us.」

Rana's conjecture was most likely right on the money. Vanessa also smiled wryly in respond.

There, Hidzuki who hadn't butted in even while watching with amusement suddenly opened her mouth. While looking slightly angry and slightly exasperated in her eyes.

「Ibaraki Douji. Aren't you thinking, that the "binding" itself is something that you couldst just manage somehow later on?」

He would do that by taking his time, and also using sneaky trick. Or he could also tamper with a part of him that he would offer for the magical tool's creation.

His instant answer wasn't only because it would be no problem for him even if he died, but because he had the intention to mess up Hinata's "binding" itself.

It seemed Hidzuki sensed the sign of that.

「I hath suspected ever since you mentioned your scheme toward the four heavenly kings just now but, apparently getting resurrected hath also made you a bit craftier huh.」

Hidzuki said that with narrowed eyes. In respond to that,

「How can that be. It's love. This is because of love, boss.」

Ibaraki Douji answered with a shrug.

Hidzuki scoffed. She wasn't laughing. It was definitely a mocking scoff. One that was directed toward Ibaraki Douji's craftiness.

It was right after that. And, it happened in an instant.

Hidzuki's youki bloated up in the blink of eye. It was fired like laser.

Toward Hinata.

Thunderous sound roared like the sound of bombardment. Cloud of dust rose at the surrounding.

Many couldn't keep up with the situation that happened in an instant. 「Eh……」「Ha……?」「――tsu」 It was Emily, Vanessa, and Claudia who had their breath taken away. Next 「Wha-, boss!?」 Ibaraki DOuji also yelled with his eyes widened in shock.

Zhu lowered her waist and pulled out a talisman. A beat later Claudia also summoned her holy cross.

「Calm down you two. Kou-kun is right behind her, and Hidzuki-chan too did that knowing that it would be fine. See?」

It was a dignity as expected from the first wife. Certainly, there was Kousuke behind Hinata, and Manamii and Aziz were right beside them so there wasn't even the slightest chance of anything happening.

Coupled with Rana's calm voice that didn't sound perturbed at all, the two naturally relaxed their fighting stance even while still feeling bewildered.

But,

「I understand your intention, so I will take what happened this time as a proof of your trust toward me but……」

The sight that became visible from the other side of the clearing up cloud of dust was a bit different from their expectation.

There was Aziz who was on his guard, and Manami who was hugging that Aziz. Kousuke was smiling wryly while only calming down the two. He hadn't even moved to cover Hinata.

Because it wasn't necessary. Necause there was a hemisphere shaped barrier shining like the sun completely enveloping them from harm.

「There will be no next time, Hidzuki.」

Despite standing at the forefront, the dark red youki's remain couldn't even touch Hinata and dispersed before her.

「Impossible……she reacted in that speed? No, it's impossible. No matter how excellent of a practitioner she is, to deploy her technique in that speed……what's more, it's a barrier that can block that much power……」

Ibaraki Douji was wide-eyed in astonishment. He was desperately pushing up *kui kui* his slipping off glasses. Apparently he was also shaken up.

「Tis girl, fear us more than anyone else in this place.」

Hidzuki spoke with a voice that sounded like she was singing sonorously while looking back at the glaring Hinata.

「Just what kind of existence youma art. That thought of hers art already a kind of trust in us.」

No matter how much she had come to know and befriend them, Fujiwara Hinata would never lose her heart that feared youma no matter what.

Because she correctly understood what kind of existence youma was.

Because she believed that they were existences that ought to be feared, that human must never underestimate them no matter what.

That was certainly, a kind of immense trust toward the race called youma.

「You think there wouldst be any opening you couldst take advantage from her?」

That's why, aa……Hidzuki looked spellbound.

It was a different feeling from the feeling she harbored toward Kousuke. It was the original feeling that youma, oni harbored toward human. Expectation and love.

「Never forget. This girl, Fujiwara Hinata is──a beloved archenemy of us.」

Hidzuki, Shuuten Douji didn't accept being Hinata's Zenki(front demon) just solely because of consideration toward her beloved.

It was exactly because she recognized Hinata more than anyone else.

「I, fear this Onmyouji just so you know♪」

The present era's strongest onmyouji correctly feared her.

She was constantly on her guard without getting careless or showing any opening.

What honor, what happiness this is! Good grief! Is there anything that could be luckier for an apparition than this!

In contrast to her words, Hidzuki was sporting an expression of ecstasy while feeling shivers running through her body. She looked joyous from the bottom of her heart, and yet she was smiling proudly as though boasting about herself.

That was why, she laughed mockingly at Ibaraki Douji who lacked awareness.This damn idiot who doesn't even realize what's the meaning for someone to be recognized by this Shuuten Douji,she unintentionally uttered so due to her exasperation.

Ibaraki Douji reflexively took a long hard look at Hinata.

The eyes of Emily and co were also widening like saucers from learning that the feeling Hidzuki harbored toward Hinata was even deeper than they thought. Meanwhile Hinata let out a sigh.

「If it is about preparation and resolve then I am never slacking down with them.」

Fujiwara Hinata could eradicate even legendary evil oni if appropriately spent enough time and made considerable preparation.

That was an old story.

In that Fuji's sea of trees, when the manifested Ootakemaru approached Kousuke who was about to fall into the dragon vein, she was unable to do anything. She never forgot the despair and frustration that she felt at that time.

More than half year had passed since then. For this girl who had been bestowed with innate talent from heaven, was the value of that time the same like with the average practitioner?

There was no way that was the case. Not to mention Hinata possessed the ingredient for making great strides in the form of that feeling that she couldn't possibly forget. Her growth rate made even Hidzuki trembled in fear as she watched from close by.

「Therefore, Ibaraki Douji. If you harbor any reprehensible thought then you better resolve yourself.」

Certainly, there was a limit in how fast a technique could be deployed with human body. Then, human just needed to constantly kept the technique in the activated state. Or else, they just needed to constantly keep the technique in the verge of activation so it could be deployed instantly.

Doing something like that for simple technique might still sounded a bit plausible, but when applied to technique that could possibly oppose legendary class apparition, all onmyoujis would definitely get a faraway look while muttering 「I don't really get what are you talking about……」 as they imagined how to do such ultra difficult technique.

It was truly something that was easier said than done.

But, Fujiwara Hinata was able to practice that for real. The uncommon onmyouji who was called as the second coming of Abe no Seimei.

「This one is fully prepared to eradicate you until no trace is left behind!! Please keep that in mind.」

There wasn't any willpower surging out. Hinata also wasn't directing any kind of technique toward him.

But however, at that time, Ibaraki Douji's body definitely felt,

「I, I'll take your words to heart.」

Nervousness running through him!! It had been thousand years since he last time felt such thing, no, actually he felt it quite frequently when being in the presence of boss but, anyway! His shaking hand pushed up *Kui* his sunglasses.

「Umm, Ibaraki Douji-san. You don't need to force yourself to form a contract……」

「Yeah. Don't force yourself. Just turn around and run away.」

Ibaraki Douji pulled himself together from Manami's consideration and Aziz's cold words.

「No, this is exactly what I want. In the first place I didn't think of anything no good anyway. Yes, that's the truth. Oni, won't lie.」

That sounded really fishy. Just as Hidzuki said, perhaps Ibaraki Douji had gotten shrewd from getting poisoned by the modern era.

In any case, Ibaraki Douji accepted the "binding", and Manami also accepted the link with Ibaraki Douji with a wry smile.

「Kousuke-san……I'm aware that you're extremely busy but, after this trip is over, no, I don't mind even if it's in the middle of this trip. I ask you to please retrain me!」

「Haha, alright. I'll keep you company as much as you want if it's just that.」

Aziz quietly approached with an expression of anxiety and resolve. He understood his feeling as a fellow man, so despite smiling warmly at him, Kousuke ruffled up his little bro's hair.

Seeing Kousuke and Aziz's interaction, Manami who had kept clinging on Aziz this whole time ever since Hidzuki's sudden attack just now as though it was only natural to do so for some reason,

「Aziz-kun, you still want to become stronger? Don't overdo yourself too much okay? But well, yep, it's better that you're with Kou-nii rather than relying on Nagumo-senpai! Do your best! But never let yourself get even your speech and behavior influenced too!」

「! Yes-, Manami-san! I'll do my best-. I absolutely won't imitate Kousuke-san's behavior too!」

「Why's everyone stabbing me with their words so naturally?」

Seeing Aziz and Manami smiling brightly at each other.

Rana and co also looked at each other and smiled warmly together.

「Wai-, please wait, Fujiwara Hinata. Anymore than this and I might just drop dead-」

「No, there is still more. Please gouge your heart deeper and larger than that. If not the magical tool will not have adequate power.」

「You art exaggerating. It's simply your heart. Come on, this art where you ought to show your grit.」

「Boss!? Wait――GUAAAAAAH!?」

*Dogusha, becho-, guchuri-*

Such graphic sound was accompanied by fresh crimson blood spraying, and the scream of an oni reverberating through the area.

At the same time, Hinata who was hurrying the extraction of ingredient for the magical tool, and Hidzuki who was helping her with that were straight faced even while watching such gruesome scene. Everyone averted their eyes from such sight of terror with all their strength.

AN: Thank you very much for reading this every time.

Thank you very much too for the thoughts, opinions, and reports about misspelling and omitted words.

The source of Shuuten Douji here in the end was just an original setting. It's unrelated with the actual legend. Just in case.

Setting that aside, perhaps it's the summer heat but the fatigue and decrease of willpower I'm feeling is real bad. Someone…end…this summer……

Also sorry that the story doesn't progress……

※Material introduction

– It's love. It's love you know, boss

From Bondrewd of [Made in Abyss].

– This so-called thin macho of human!!

From Shaa of [Mobile Suit Gundam]. Then show me. The performance of this so called mobile suit of the federation!

– This one is fully prepared to eradicate you!!

From [Apocalypse Zero]. I declare that it's war! This one is full prepared for meeting them head-on! Resolve made! Almost every single one of the speech is electrifying. So cool…

– The first time I feel nervous after one thousand years!

From the thought of Sukuna from [Jujutsu Kaisen]. Sukuna who feels nervous after for the first time in thousand years before Gojou-sensei, is somehow likeable.

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