Tokyo Ravens - Volume SS1 - Chapter 4

Part 4 
“I’m back, Ah, it’s cold! Ah, that really makes people angry!” 
After entering the room and closing the door, Suzuka immediately began yelling. 
After pulling her feet out her boots and entering the living room, “ah, it makes me angry, ah, I’m in a bad mood!” she incessantly complained while frowning. 
Sohaya curling up on the sofa indifferently said “welcome home”. 
“Were you teased at work again?” 
“Who are you saying was teased? Being surrounded by a group of idiots, the pressure was too much! This guy is great, that guy is whatever, they’re all useless people. Ignorant, stupid, tasteless! How are those unintelligent creatures still alive!” 
“Huh—-” 
Sohaya’s responded with an uh huh, after all things were like this for several days, he showed this uninterested attitude because he had no alternatives and still had to answer. 
Suzuka and Sohaya lived in a neat 2LDK[1] apartment, moving here since she began working at the Onmyou Agency. 
Suzuka former residence was now already under the jurisdiction of the Onmyou Agency. Of course she could live there too, but the commute to the Onmyou Agency was inconvenient. The most important factor was that Suzuka didn’t have happy memories there, therefore she desired to leave quickly. 
Suzuka was still a minor, originally she should have lived in a dormitory provided to employees, but because she felt depressed in the building filled with workers, she used this pretext to rent an apartment. Most of the reason for being able to be offered this kind of leeway was because Suzuka was a National First-Class Onmyouji, having even the ear of the upper class. 
Another important reason was that Suzuka had started her activities as the spokesperson for the Onmyou Agency. On this standpoint, it was also to avoid extra hassle was she able to comparatively easily obtain permission, moving into a safe and secure apartment. This game of being an idol also had an unexpected benefit. 
However, this apartment was still not enough to counteract Suzuka’s tiredness from work. 
‘Speaking of which, that old man called Amami was the biggest offender! It’s all because of that old fiend. I was told to maintain my idol image the entire time while working at the Onmyou Agency. Amami needs me to be sincere every day, being proper, even if the other person was an idiot I also need to be polite!” 
“Ah, that is exhausting, really tough.” 
“Having to smile and entertain everyone almost made my face cramped!” 
“It’s enough if you are smiling more every day……however, your usual smile not only isn’t cute, but instead it terrifies people.” 
“I don’t want your opinion!” 
Suzuka loudly raving, placing the plastic bag in her hand onto the table, turning on the TV, carelessly stripping of her coat and sat down on the sofa saying “ah, that’s better”. 
Then she opened the plastic bag, placing the purchases she brought back onto the table, the bulk of it was snacks and bottled cola. 
Sohaya shot a quick glance. 
“Snacks from the convenience store again? It’s not nutritious.” 
“Smartass. It doesn’t matter if it’s not nutritious, I don’t plan on living for long.” 
“Sure you are saying that now, but you will regret that in the future.” 
“So I won’t live to an age to regret it.” 
Suzuka opened the packaging of a snack and leaning her head on the chair, she looked towards the cat. 
Suzuka had prepared a full dish of cat food before leaving home, originally it was intended to be enough food for an entire day but apparently the cat didn’t eat any. 
“Ah? Jeez. The words you said were all horrid, but you didn’t eat anything yourself.” 
“I didn’t have an appetite.” 
“Huh? What’s the matter.” 
“……” 
Sohaya curled up his body, not answering. Suzuka frowned for a moment, then immediately ‘looked’ at Sohaya’s state. Not through her eyes, but rather perceiving the aura. 
Because they see each other every day, as a result it was hard to detect changes……His aura was quite weak. Of course, Suzuka already expected of this kind of situation, rather it should be said that he ‘maintained’ longer than expected…… 
Sohaya had curled up his body, almost closing his eyes that looked about to fall asleep, listless, but certainly not looking ill. After Suzuka silently ‘looked’ for a moment, she snorted. 
“You, huh, being completely smug every day. Could it be that you are dissatisfied with the feed I bought?” 
“I never said that, I really don’t have an appetite.” 
“That is not to say, you don’t have appetite towards this kind of cat food. Ah, really, I raised a troublesome cat. 
“……” 
“Can’t do anything about it, Next time I will buy you some other kind of cat food.” 
“……Neh.” 
“Is there anything you want?” 
“……Fried meatballs.” 
“Huh? Can cats eat friend meatballs?” 
“Because I like the food, so I want to eat some.” 
Suzuka’s face quivered. 
“Okay, fried meat balls, then I will buy some tomorrow.” 
However she tried to do her best to maintain her normal voice while responding, then after she began eating the snacks. 
On the television, a group of unfamiliar people earnestly discussed an uninteresting topic. Suzuka reached for the remote, continuously changing the channel, until finally arriving back the first channel again, bored opening the next bag of snacks. 
“……Did anything happen to you today?” 
“……Nothing.” 
“It was really boring.” 
“You probably won’t care if you’re always hiding.” 
‘I can open the window, you can go out if you want.” 
“It’s cold.” 
“Huh? Cats can really relax. It’s enough to only sleep day after day.” 
“……Of course.” 
“However, I’m not envious. If it were me, I would probably die of boredom.” 
“……Hmmm.” 
“Anyways, needing to face idiots the entire day is really dull. Honestly, I’m running out of patience. I applied for a personal laboratory, but I’m not sure if they can prepare one for me quickly enough. 
“……Hmmm……” 
“Ah, oh right. If I have a personal room, can I bring you with me? In any case, wherever you are, you’re always simply sleeping.” 
“……I prefer staying here.” 
“Huh? Why?” 
“The last time I went over to the Onmyou Agency building, everything inside was enchantments and magic……it’s a little uncomfortable……” 
“Also. I’m always getting the feeling that you are getting older and older.” 
“As a cat, I’m probably already very old.” 
“……What, probably……” 
Suzuka opened a bag of cream desserts, devouring it all ravenously. She drank a gulp of cola, then roughly opened a box of chocolate. 
At this time, the cell phone rang. 
Suzuka suddenly stopped moving, even noisier laughs from the television came. The ringtone of the cell phone continuously rang mechanically. 
“……Suzuka, you’re not going to answer the phone?” 
“I-I know! I was just scared.” 
Because no one calls, she was still not used to it. Suzuka fretfully——and also somewhat panicky——pulled the cell from her bag. 
Since she never entered the other person’s cell number, the screen only displayed the number. Regardless it’s always Amami, Suzuka pressed the answer key. 
“……What’s going on?” 
“Sorry it’s a bit late, I’ve arranged that thing from before.” 
That thing from before? Just when she was about to ask, Suzuka finally remembered the ‘celebration’ with Amami from that time. 
Suzuka unconsciously stood to attention. 
“A magic competition with one of the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’……It was delayed unexpectedly until now. Two months have passed since then!” 
“Forgive me. At the time I spoke while drunk, however afterwards I spent quite a lot of time to do it. After all, everyone is overwhelmed with work……If you still feel that ‘it was delayed until now’, then we can forget about it.” 
“Don’t joke, I definitely want to have a competition.” 
“……Right.” 
Amami’s sign came over the phone. Suzuka was the opposite, wiping away her disorganized attitude from earlier, an earnest look appeared on her face. 
“……Who?” 
Hearing Suzuka’s question, Amami signed again. 
“The ‘Heavenly Sword’ Kogure Zenjirou. Your chance of victory is less than one in one thousand, it’s only treated as an opportunity to guide you, is that alright?” 
 
“First time meeting you, Dairenji. I’m an Independent officer, Kogure Zenjirou.” 
From his external appearance this man made people feel that he was like a good-natured young person, however occasionally, his eyes showed a sharp insightful demeanor. 
Wearing an aviator’s jacket and jeans on this body, this kind of simple clothing suited him well. He was very tall, his limbs looked good, and his moderate exercise can be seen. Rather say than like a male athlete, he was more like a hardened ‘front line’ member. 
Now spiritual disasters—-spiritual disaster damage still occur in Tokyo, the ones who conduct the cleansing are a group known as onmyouji exorcists from Onmyou Agency Exorcism Bureau, they could be called the stars of the modern onmyouji. In fact officers who qualify through the ‘First-Class Onmyou Qualification’ do not need to join exorcism units, rather they obtain for themselves—-the permission for ‘independent’ exorcism. 
Currently there are only five independent exorcists, 
This place is a training room inside the Exorcism Bureau, here enchantments covered the room to strengthen it, and it was used by exorcists for training. 
Kogure candidly waved, Suzuka also ‘meeting him for the first time’ lightly nodded at him, then intently scrutinized her opponent. 
Among the independent exorcists, Kogure was considered one of their young and promising trump cards, Suzuka saw his figure on the television several times in the past. Humbling thought that in her opinion, based on reputation, his selling points as a representative could be on par with Suzuka’s. 

Just like Suzuka’s ‘Prodigy’, Kogure also has a nicknamed called the ‘Heavenly Sword’, referring to his katana sheathed at his waist. The name of sword was ‘Second Norimune’, also called the ‘Demon Sword’. This sword was guarded by the Chief of the Eight Tengus, Tarobo of Atago—-that is a divine sword. Kogure, wielding this sword, cleansed many spiritual disasters. 
“I saw you several times on television programs before, I’m very honoured to meet you today. To be honest, there is still a great difference between the you on television and the you in person, indeed the ‘Prodigy’. 
Kogure showed smiled as he spoke. 
He obviously heard rumours about Suzuka, it was impossible to be unaware of the affair with Suzuka’s father. But Kogure did not mention this, rather than acting, it was more like due to his personality. His unassuming attitude made people feel Kogure’s ‘self-confidence’, as well as the strength supported by his confidence. However he wasn’t arrogant as a consequence, even when facing Suzuka who was a minor he did not treat her as a child playing tricks, rather he treated her as an onmyouji. 
This is what they called a hero, with a style of temperament that the peculiar Suzuka not good at responding. 
Following Suzuka’s request, no one else was allowed to enter the training room. Right now there is only the three people, Suzuka, Kogure and as well as Amami who was observing. 
Suzuka shot a quick glance at Amami who sat at a distance, not like an idol’s glance, but rather in her normal manner. Amami realized what Suzuka wished to say, shrugging his shoulders as if to express as you will. After Suzuka confirmed Amami’s attitude, she faced Kogure once again. 
“—-I’m sorry I’ve always assumed this boring idiotic manner, because for now this is my ‘job’, it’s best if you can understand this.” 
Kogure was less rattled than expected, he raised an eyebrow, sending Amami an inquisitive look. Amami wearisomely smiled after seeing that, then looked towards Suzuka again. 
‘……Well, I can understand. It appears that you are working hard. 
“This is the fate of public officials.” 
“Ah haha, nothing can be done. Even though we are touted as the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’, but we are still a group of civil servants.” 
Kogure spoke and smiled simultaneously, appearing to be a really good guy. However Suzuka remembered today’s purpose, this instead made her feel uneasy in her heart. 
“Thank you for agreeing to be unreasonable request. But, it’s pointless to have a competition if you don’t put forth your real abilities. 
“You don’t want me to hold back?” 
“Yes.” 
“I can’t do that.” 
“Why” 
Suzuka who was immediately rejected couldn’t help but widen her eyes. 
On the other hand, Kogure remained very calm. 
“It’s a fact, if I used my real abilities, it’s very likely that you will be injured, or even kill you.” 
“……Oh? Seeing that you are so polite, your words are surprising to me.” 
Suzuka glared at Kogure, but Kogure retained his completely amicable appearance without a change. So it turns out, this kind of non-offending style was perhaps his real character, but instead this way was difficult to deal with. 
“Apparently I’m being considerably looked down upon. Is it because I’m still a minor, and also a newcomer? Or is it that I work in a research position? No one has seen my skills in magic combat yet, where does your confidence come from?” 
“……Dairenji. In order to become a talented exorcist you have be able to judge the threat of a spiritual disaster just by sight. Even if the opponent was an onmyouji instead of a spiritual disaster, the difference can be determined thought the body’s feeling. ……Of course, there are poisonous and unimaginably bad people that you can’t really tell.” 
From Kogure’s perspective, ‘clearly seeing’ the power of the magical force—-seeing oni was the most basic ability. As a magician only after you feel and realize the spiritual influence, only then can you capture the magical power. This was the most basic fundamentals, but because it is like this, the power to see oni became the most determining factor in the level of magic. 
“……So in other words, you think I’m not a threat, and that this magic competition is merely a casual entertainment.” 
“This is a mock battle. Isn’t your purpose is to know the strength of the other ‘Twelve Divine Generals? Don’t worry you, I can satisfy you, and I can make you understand.” 
Kogure smiled as he spoke. 
His superior attitude might be a fact, but it can only be maintained until I overturn this fact. 
“……OK. I will bring out my real abilities, you must be careful not to be injured.” 
“I will be careful.” 
After hearing Kogure’s reply, Suzuka grunted, turning away distancing herself. Kogure also stepped back. 
Amami very impatiently stood up from his chair. 
“Ah……It’s almost time to get started. I will shout start, the next signal is finish, both of you must be careful to not be injured.” 
Amami glanced at the pair’s readiness, then said “Start”. 
Suzuka immediately filled her body with aura. 
But Kogure’s speed was even faster. 
Previously the tranquil aura was transformed in a flash, not because they blindly gave off magical power, rather the spiritual pressure was strengthened in one breath. 
“……!” 
Suzuka unconsciously felt fearful, originally believing that he had already brought forth all his power, but he was only simply entering a battle stance just a moment ago. 
“……Very good.” 
Suzuka’s goal was the ‘see clearly’ the strength of a National First-Class Onmyouji. If Kogure allows me the first move, that allows me to test as I like. 
“Water burst forth, order!” 
The purified aura turned into magical power, after pouring it into the magic technique she released a magic talisman. What was released was a water-element talisman, producing magic water, which became a violent wave charging into Kogure. Just only ‘seeing’ this single act of magic is enough to understand that Suzuka’s strength already far exceeded ordinary onmyouji. Kogure showed a look of admiration. 
But. 
“Amit?bha” 
The moment Kogure recited this phrase, Suzuka’s flood of water splashed violently, then disappeared. 
This was a seed syllable, to defeat worries in the heart, repel external enemies, a mantra representing Yamantaka. The magical technique was very simple in it of itself, but Kogure’s seed syllable easily countered Suzuka’s magical talisman. 
However, that last moment was just merely the beginning. Suzuka immediately prepared the next technique, this time she quickly threw out three identical water-element charms. 
“Water surge forth, order!” 
The three magic talismans fluttered in the air, generating three water currents, attacking Kogure from three sides. Using three magic talismans simultaneously, none of them was inferior in power to the first one. 
Subsequently, the three water currents mutually assisting each other seemed to change the direction of their flow, swirling up into a whirlpool to launch an attack. This time other than having the same brute force as before, the arrangement of the magical technique was quickly modified. 
But. 
“Amit?bha” 
Kogure recited the seed syllable incantation, its might once again deflected Suzuka’s charm magic. 
The other person’s spiritual power was overwhelmingly powerful, in a moment the pressure exploded in power as well. Kogure within a flash purified a high intensive amount of magical energy, furthermore allowing the magical energy explode, enough to show that he had gone through a complete long term workout, while manipulating his magical energy, the basic techniques in his method of using magical energy reached an extremely high level. 
In that case, she should try her best. 
“—-Water aura franticly roar—-order!” 
Suzuka in one breath threw out ten water element charms, refining all her magical energy, a large vigorous wave of a water—-no, a tsunami engulfed the training room. Amami in the distance also spread his enchantment in a hurry. The interior was filled with Suzuka’s magical energy, the rumble of a torrent reverberated within. 
Kogure had nowhere to run. Suzuka focused her attention to observe his response, Kogure aura once again increased. 
“Amit?bha” 
Suzuka’s tsunami collided with Kogure’s magical power and the room shook because of this attack. The magical energy of both of the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’ chaotically struck the surroundings interior of the room, like a storm of magical power. Suzuka widened her eyes ‘seeing clearly’ Kogure. 
Kogure didn’t budge, nor did he change his posture. 
But as expected this cause some pressure on him, Kogure ‘pfff’ strenuously exhaled. 
Then he noticed Suzuka watching and revealed a smile. 
“That was really strong, the last one exceeded my expectations, I underestimated you a little.” 
“……Thanks……” 
He commended her, but she finally felt the experience personally, so as it actually turns out, this was the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’. If it wasn’t fighting them face to face, she would have never experience this kind of unfathomable magical power, abnormal power. This was the fruit of the magical battle, she made the correct choice. 
However it’s still not over. There is still many more things to try. Suzuka took out a previously prepared hardcover book, about the size of a booklet. 
It was a scripture. Under Kogure’s watchful gaze, Suzuka quickly opened the book. 
“Shikigami arise! Order!” 
At this moment, the scripture that was opened gave off a brilliant light, the pages were constantly flipped as if being blown by a strong wind and soon after flew out of the book dancing into the air. Amami who was observing the fight also felt interested, giving a gasp of surprise. 
The pages flying out of the scripture folded, joining, aligning, one by one transforming into ‘shapes’, emerging as dozens shikigami, all origami made to imitate mythical animals or birds of prey. 
All Suzuka’s original simple shikigami creations. The power of every single one was strengthen to many times more powerful than common shikigami creations. 
“Charge!” 
The shikigami hearing their master’s orders headed to attack Kogure in a row. Kogure’s eyes flashed, and for the first time he started running. 
He ran dodging the shikigami’s attacks, at the same time forming hand seals with both hands. He formed the fundamental seal, then using a resolute voice clearly recited an incantation. 
“Noumaku saraba tatagyateibyaku saraba bokkeibyaku sarabata tarata senda makarosyada ken gyakigyaki saraba biginnan untarata kanman” 
This was Acala’s Fire Realm magic, this was fire magic without open flames. This basic secret technique was commonly used by exorcists. Kogure’s entire body was engulf in magical flames, completely burning the closest of Suzuka’s approaching shikigami. 
Most simple shikigami can automatically respond to large scale magical attacks, hence Suzuka while operated the flock of shikigami, she also formed hand seals. 
“—-By Acala’s original will[2], become an oath to ensnare these evil spirits! On bishibishi karakara shibari sowaka!” 
The Buddhist teaching changed into a magical binding seal, forming the magic of the Golden Unmoving Chains. This magic used magical power to bind opponents was not used in research, but Suzuka learned it by herself. She was different compared to the people that were taught in class, she effectively used her own studies in magic, deeply understanding the inner structure of this magic. 
Even though if produced the same magic, its strength, the creativity of the magic depended on the performer. Understanding the magic would directly affect the application, this is Suzuka’s advantage when using magic. 
On the flip side, because she always self-studied, the result was a problem of the lack of real combat experience. 
Kogure ‘clearly saw’ Suzuka’s magic, wearisomely laughed quietly. Then he used the fire of Fire Realm magic to strike the Golden Unmoving Chains flying at him. 
Soon after, both sides didn’t cancel like the charm magic and the seed syllable mantra, the Fire Realm magic instead swallowed up the Golden unmoving chains and melting it into non-existence. 
“Ah?” 
Suzuka began panicking. 
“New exorcism officers also often do things like this when in a hurry, however it seems like you merely didn’t know. Fire realm magic and the Golden Unmoving Chains are both Acala’s magic, even if they collide they won’t cancel, most of the time one side will be absorbed.” 
“……!” 
That’s bad, Suzuka had a frustrated expression. 
Hearing the explanation herself was great, but right now she wasn’t practicing magic, rather she was currently in the middle of a magic competition, so her brain didn’t have the time to process this information. Without experience, she didn’t have the time respond rapidly. Rather than Suzuka not having enough strength in magic, a bigger reason was that she was not versed in tactics. 
Suzuka clenched her teeth, desperately thinking of her next response. In the meantime, Kogure’s Fire Realm magic suppressed almost all her shikigami. The magic she immediately used practically had no effect, but she could only persevere like that. 
Suzuka summoned a second wave of shikigami, herself also continuously released magic. Kogure calmly broke each magic coming to attack him. 
If you pay some attention, you can find that Amami already sank back into the chair again. But Suzuka didn’t this opportunity, blindly throwing forth the magic she knows. 
Kogure in the end didn’t even draw his beloved sword.