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“Confirmation of the death of the Yatadoarangkryu leader, Hiramoto Michisige!”

“It is presumed that he committed suicide after fleeing… The body has yet to be found.”

“The best swordsmen in Japan say, ‘If a warrior feels even a shred of shame, they must make the right choice.'”

“The one who took responsibility for the Lord’s actions has done so, but is the future of the sect unclear?”

“The Defense Minister states, ‘The sect with impure thoughts and abilities… will be dealt with without mercy.'”

“The Onmyoji Chief declares, ‘We will identify dangerous elements through thorough investigation. Public safety is our top priority.'”

“Is the Yatadoarangkryu ultimately on the path to disbandment?”

“What of the future for the warriors after disbandment?”

“The Onmyoji Chief mentions, ‘Those without ideological issues can join the Self-Defense Forces and contribute to the nation.'”

Everything is over.

Officially, the leader of the Yatadoarangkryu, Hiramoto Michisige, has been deemed ‘to have fled before the warrant was issued and then committed suicide,’ and thanks to the opinions of other warriors, he managed to retain the minimal honor of being recognized as ‘a warrior who at least knew some shame.’

Doubts arose about whether he actually escaped somewhere without dying, but the Onmyoji performed divination on Hiramoto Michisige and discovered that he no longer had any life left, making those doubts quickly disappear.

A person with no life left.

A person who could not have their future divined despite countless divinations.

A person who showed reactions during a spirit summoning or ritual.

All these conditions could only describe the deceased.

Thus, Hiramoto Michisige was officially pronounced dead, even without a body being found. The properties under his name were declared as inherited by those entitled, who voluntarily declared they would not inherit Hiramoto Michisige’s estate, resulting in them reverting to the government, and the Yatadoarangkryu was entirely disbanded after a ‘serious’ investigation.

Warriors who were considered not to have impure thoughts officially became members of the Self-Defense Forces, yet unofficially, they were no different from mercenaries being sent abroad, while those deemed ideologically impure were either killed under the guise of accidents or expelled from the country, eliminated from Japan altogether.

Some voiced sympathetic opinions that these measures were rather harsh, but due to the usage of mana, which is energy obtained through killing others, the sect’s historical practice of performing magic rituals, and the speculation of knowing other forms of magic by using foreign energies, such opinions were swiftly dismissed.

Moreover, since the Yatadoarangkryu was not a significant entity that needed defending, nor did it possess a grand background, these measures were executed with ease.

“Those warriors are potential non-citizens and may become shamans. Do not hesitate to suppress them thoroughly, investigate them thoroughly, and monitor them thoroughly to weed them out.”

“Do not hesitate to cut off the few for the government and the majority of the citizens.”

And unlike the tragic end of the Yatadoarangkryu, one person emerged unyieldingly high.

“The exemplary politician, Uchikawa Ryosuke. Dead due to retaliation.”

“The Onmyoji states, ‘He died after horrific torture, presumably his body was blown up and burned to destroy evidence.'”

“Former politician, Ryuunosuke stated, ‘Though he had some greed, he was a promising seed who possessed everything a politician should have. Had more time passed, he could have been a magnificent pillar supporting the nation.'”

“Fellow politician, Tomohide expressed, ‘I feel great sorrow at the loss of a colleague in an impossible incident. I will ensure such things do not happen again.'”

“Prince Yamahito stated, ‘Ryosuke’s dedication is exemplary for politicians. It will serve as a prime example of Japan’s noble obligation.'”

It was none other than the politician, Uchikawa Ryosuke, who sacrificed his life in the face of threats and ultimately lost it to the retribution of the criminal Hiramoto Michisige.

Countless people in Japan felt sorrow for the loss of a promising politician who may have greatly revitalized Japan in the future, as people from all walks of life rushed to commemorate him. This commemoration even reached the Imperial Palace, where Japan’s most noble individuals gathered, prompting the prince to formally express his condolences for him.

Furthermore, discussions arose about possibly including him in the textbooks.

An exemplary politician.

A politician who fulfilled the duties of those in higher positions.

A politician who risked his life to expose injustice!

Thus, Uchikawa Ryosuke achieved his wish.

Everyone recognized him as a politician, and he will continue to be recognized as one in the future.

He escaped the potentiality of becoming a hermit through his death and solidified his image as a politician.

What a wonderful thing it was.

And as they say, good energy brings forth more good energy.

The aftermath of the situation was handled without issue.

The place where the Yatadoarangkryu once stood was completely demolished and turned into an empty lot, and the next Shinto priest, Jinseong, presumed to have professional knowledge about mana, decided to periodically check the area for issues and bless it with divine power.

In exchange for this ‘troublesome’ task, the government granted various privileges to the shrine.

It was a privilege sufficient to leave Saigo Rise in awe.

Moreover, even the Shiheng Style expressed their gratitude towards him.

“Thanks to you, we were able to finish the work safely and restore our honor. I will repay you greatly.”

The master, who at one time even considered seppuku, regarded Jinseong as his benefactor and stated that he would rush to help whenever he was able. Furthermore, the Shiheng Style, which could have faced the same fate as the Yatadoarangkryu, treated Jinseong as a benefactor and vowed to call on him for any needs related to the shrine or festivals.

And as if that wasn’t enough, they made an enormous decision.

“I hope you can establish a shrine in Kurotsurugimine.”

They made requests to create a shrine in Kurotsurugimine, which had been marred by malicious rumors and landslides, to pray for peace. Additionally, they even pledged to cover half of the construction costs for the shrine.

Naturally, Jinseong did not refuse that ‘request.’

“I am simply grateful for being able to help with a trivial skill, and I am honored by your generosity.”

As if he had been waiting for that moment, he decided where to establish the shrine, contacted carpenters, and began building the structure. Moreover, he procured all sorts of materials from unknown sources, with each carpenter assigned their own area while providing different plans to build a ‘small’ shrine ‘efficiently.’

And so, the Kurotsurugimine Shrine was established with a prepared Shamaness entering it.

“Narumi. You’ll certainly do your best there, right?”

“Hik! Yes, yes. Of course, Miss!”

* * *

Inside the main hall, where the candles flickered, creating a mysterious atmosphere, Rise looked at Narumi, who was kneeling with a displeased expression.

“Miss…?”

“I-I apologize! Rise Shamaness! Not Miss, but Rise Shamaness!”

Narumi had transformed into someone submissive, far from the arrogance she once had.

No, she appeared to be more than just submissive; she seemed terrified.

“This is the mercy of the deity given to you. You understand that, right?”

“Y-Yes, yes!”

“The deity has forgiven you, who harbored impure thoughts. Normally, you would deserve to be killed without mercy or completely lose your position as a Shamaness and be cast out….”

“I am so grateful!”

“Grateful? Is that all you have to say is gratitude?”

Bang!

Yet, Rise was not satisfied with her response and bombarded her with scolding.

“Just gratitude? You wish to reduce the grace given to you by the deity, who has forgiven you and spared you from a miserable future, to mere words of thanks!”

“Hi-Hiik! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”

“You are like a beast that knows no grace! You require more training! Seitani!”

“I’m sorry! I don’t want to! I don’t want to dream! I don’t want to dream!”

Upon hearing the name Seitani, Narumi shrieked as if going mad.

She banged her head on the floor, pleading for her life, begging not to be made to dream, and uttered all sorts of praises for Jinseong in sheer terror.

Could it be that such heartfelt prayers reached someone?

“Stop it, Rise.”

“Yes, Lord. Understood.”

The ghostly figure of Jinseong appeared silently and halted the terrible punishment that was about to befall Narumi.

Moreover, he not only stopped there but personally lifted her up and, with a hand radiating warmth, gently patted her head, assuring her it was okay now.

“I believe you will manage that place well.”

“Deity….”

“And this belief is not mere words, it is proven through actions. If I could not trust you, how could I send you to such an important place and educate you to manage it ‘specially’? Therefore, carry my belief with you and go to that place with a confident heart.”

Narumi, overwhelmed by the fierce words and the once-constant air of terror around her, instead burst into tears from Jinseong’s healing smile and words.

She sobbed, stating she would do her best repeatedly, and did not stop crying until Jinseong left the main hall.

Thus, the victim who once tormented Rise transformed into a model assistant who now worked for Rise and Jinseong.

What a fortunate occurrence it could be.

 

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