Onmyoji, a nobleman in Heian-kyo

Page 572

Kyoto is too chaotic. What kind of terrible thought is it to be jealous of a powerful partner?

Of course, it's always best to have power in your own hands.

Every time Ayanokouji felt that his skills had improved, he understood this principle more and more.

The head of the family was given important positions because he possessed power so great that he could even resist ghosts and gods.

Although Ayanokoji doesn't think he can reach the level of Kousaka Kyosuke.

But if you can become stronger than most people, that's enough.

Let's get back to the main topic.

Ayanokouji wanted to strive for even greater heights.

As Kyosuke Kousaka said, "It's like a silk thread, a tattered cloth, a loose canopy, a delicate and unyielding object."

Because he could clearly sense it.

Through daily training, Ayanokouji discovers that her body's potential and strength are being gradually unearthed.

Even when facing legendary monsters like Shuten-dōji and Ibaraki-dōji, they are still far from being a match.

Having personally participated in the extermination and witnessed the near-destructive power of these two monsters, he knew that he could only withstand a few blows before being turned into mincemeat.

Even if they join forces with Hachiman, the best they can hope for is to escape.

Fortunately, these two monsters are very arrogant and probably have little interest in chasing after deserters.

Unless you anger them...

A demon like Shuten-dōji, who accepts challenges alone without worrying about being ganged up on, could he be considered stupid? Ayanokouji subtly felt a touch of admiration for him.

During the time he was fighting Shuten-dōji, Kōsaka Kyōsuke also talked to him, saying that he admired Shuten-dōji very much.

From that time onward, Ayanokouji began to actively think about Shuten-dōji, and gradually developed his own ideas.

Naturally, he began to admire Shuten-dōji, just like Kōsaka Kyōsuke.

"It seems like I'm overthinking it. I should focus on how to train in a limited way after work."

Shaking his head slightly, Ayanokouji ignored all sorts of irrelevant things.

In short, he needs to work hard and improve himself!

Patrols of the four main roads have been completed.

Ayanokoji and Hikigaya discussed it and decided to patrol the sparsely populated outskirts of Kyoto.

"There are many monsters gathering in the red maple forest around here, so don't go near it unless necessary."

As they walked, Hikigaya began to tell Horikita about the surrounding area.

Horikita listened attentively, showing great respect and humility.

"You might wonder why we don't exterminate the monsters? But as Kyosuke-sama said, the monsters in the countryside can't be completely wiped out, so we can ignore some monsters that haven't caused any trouble."

Fire Chief A-Jian also quietly explained the situation to Horikita.

Upon hearing his superior, Ayanokouji, say that Horikita Gaku's future martial arts achievements were limitless, A-Jian was naturally very pleased.

Having been taught a few martial arts techniques by Ayanokouji, he understood very well that martial arts required a lot of talent.

Because of his good talent, Manjiro received more martial arts instruction from Ayanokoji... while Ken himself did not fully master it.

Just like solving mathematical equations, it really tests your brainpower.

Horikita Manabu repeatedly bowed his head and sincerely thanked him, secretly quite surprised by the working environment.

Even though he knew that most of the people present were from the modern world like him, their kindness towards him made him feel increasingly flattered.

This is not Horikita Manabu's fault.

Over the past six months, Horikita Manabu has witnessed firsthand how ruthless and vicious others can be for a little food, a little money, or a temporary job.

"As expected of Lord Kyosuke..."

Quite quickly realized that this was because Kyosuke Kousaka had provided such a favorable environment.

"If you encounter a monster and can't defeat it, you can ask for help..." Ayanokouji also reminded.

"Oh? You weak human, have you encountered me? Do you need my help?"

A loud laugh rang out.

A burst of laughter erupted, and Ayanokouji, Hikigaya, Hannya, the Fire Chief, and the other fire soldiers, who were still talking, all froze.

The familiar voice evokes memories for most people.

A man wearing a purple robe underneath a gold and red armor walked leisurely over.

The man had long, flowing white hair that reached past his waist, an eerie face, and irregularly growing demonic horns on his head.

"...If you are willing to give me the opportunity to ask for help."

Ayanokouji suppressed his shock and spoke calmly.

The man in the eyes had nothing on his right arm except for a tattered sleeve that fluttered in the wind... To be precise, he was a one-armed monster.

—The monster is Ibaraki-dōji!

Upon meeting again, Ayanokouji was still shocked by the surging and astonishing demonic power.

Even though his momentum is much weaker than before, Ibaraki-dōji is still someone they can't match.

"Haha, okay."

Ibaraki-dōji spoke with a smile.

Ayanokouji saw Ibaraki-dōji's expression and immediately realized that Ibaraki-dōji was looking for his master, Kōsaka Kyōsuke.

Nevertheless, he decided to contact Kyosuke Kousaka.

If we don't keep in touch, I don't know if my life will even be saved.

Although teaming up with Hachiman has a good chance of escaping, we can't just leave the others behind, can we?

Help! Help!

Horikita watched silently as Ayanokouji secretly tore open a talisman, and suddenly felt a sense of impending doom.

My first day at work is... encountering a legendary monster?

Yes, Horikita Manabu deduced Ibaraki-dōji's identity from the detail of his severed right arm.

Seeing how nervous everyone else looked, almost wanting to run away, how could he not guess?

In less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea.

Kyosuke Kousaka arrived with Kagura.

He was very troubled when he saw Ibaraki-dōji.

"...What do you want?"

"Shuten-dōji came to this area near Kyoto, but I couldn't find him. I think you should be able to find him, right?"

"Why are you looking for me?"

"Hehehe... I only know you, and besides, you're an Onmyoji. Finding Shuten-dōji shouldn't be too difficult, right?"

"Don't worry, I'll find it for you right away. But after I find it, could you please go back to Mount Ooe?"

"I originally came to Kyoto to find Shuten-dōji, and I'll go back once I find him... Also, I have to come with you!"

"Lord Kyosuke wouldn't lie," Kagura said calmly, interjecting.

Ibaraki-dōji simply said, "I want to see Shuten-dōji immediately."

Kousaka Kyosuke immediately felt a headache coming on. Why didn't he go to Seimei?

"Let me consider……"

The worldviews of the other onlookers began to be shaken—how could Kyosuke-sama be having such a peaceful conversation with Ibaraki-dōji?

151. Ibaraki and Shuten-dōji / Hyakumonogatari / Five Sisters / Wind God?

"Alright, I can't let you run wild."

After deliberating for a while, Kousaka Kyosuke agreed and then went to Hachiman and said a few words to him to pass on his message.

After all, Ibaraki-dōji is no different from heavy weapons or nuclear weapons.

Not reporting it would be taking it too lightly.

As for interception?

It's not difficult for a great demon to come in.

It's estimated that Ibaraki-doji prioritizes efficiency and doesn't want to be disturbed by others, which would affect the progress of the search.

—Kousaka Kyosuke never considered any monster to be a brainless individual who only knew how to act recklessly.

From his observation, they were either unwilling to use their brains or disdainful of using their brains.

If we're talking about intelligence, he's smarter than the vast majority of people.