“Ha!”

Upon hearing the words of Saigo Shinto Priest, Doctor Akita was taken aback.

Yodoranai.

And made from something caught in the Japan Sea!

No matter how ignorant they are, does this even make sense?

Even a child knows what’s across the Japan Sea, and yet they’re going to make a sword using an ‘odd-feeling’ item?

How could anyone think that’s a good idea?

Moreover, that wasn’t the end of it.

The sharp-thinking Doctor Akita began to understand why such foolish warriors, the kind that could be called the very lowest of the low, would charge into the Onmyo Agency without a second thought.

“Don’t tell me… that gossip spread…?”

That sword, possessed by a ghost, surely exerted its power to enchant its wielder.

Whether it was true or just in their head, at some point that wielder must have thought, “This sword is making my martial arts stronger.” Naturally, a worthless warrior, unable to reflect on themselves and recognize their own achievements objectively, would boast about how they got stronger because of this sword to other warriors.

Yes.

It’s clear.

These guys aren’t much more than yakuza who only learned a few abilities.

And hearing that rumor, other fools must have jumped on the bandwagon to go sea fishing too.

‘…Yep. Only the worthless would go.’

Of course, those who had their wits about them or had achieved some level of success wouldn’t partake in such nonsense.

Surely those who are sane have seen enough in the media about what happens to those who are possessed by ghosts, even teaching martial arts and warning them countless times—who would want to meet such a pathetic end?

Moreover, those who had some level of achievement would be treated fairly well… so there wouldn’t be any reason to gamble their lives and achievements.

Thus, those willing to dive into any danger for a boost in achievements or those with the discernment of a beast, unable to tell right from wrong, or those who’d been hoping to walk the path of a martyr would go fishing after hearing that tale.

And perhaps a few actually caught a really possessed item and made a Yodora just like the first warrior, thinking, “It feels like there’s some achievement in my martial arts.”

“Haha.”

And what happened next?

Obvious.

More and more fools must have gone sea fishing, but…

Would a ghostly possessed item even resemble a fish?

Catching one must have been rare indeed.

It would be hard to find one even if they searched the bottom of the sea. How could that happen through regular fishing? Naturally, most of them would come back empty-handed, thinking they were just wasting time.

“Haha….”

But then again,

Would they really be able to procure cursed items only from that place?

Isn’t there a very famous area in Japan full of cursed and possessed items?

Yes.

This place where Doctor Akita is located.

The Onmyo Agency!

“Ah, now I understand.”

I get it.

Now I completely understand.

Why so many fools could be caught so easily, not properly infiltrating or resisting.

I finally grasp why those with such low achievements and who, rather than training, just want to coast on their abilities, ended up this way.

They willingly became weaker, seeking the easy route to strength through possessed items rather than honing their martial skills, which would undoubtedly weaken their mental resilience.

Plus, how could they find a common thread amongst the drifters caught up in the rumors?

And the reason behind why they couldn’t figure things out even after investigations or interrogations?

“They must have kept quiet.”

Of course, they would keep their mouths shut!

If news spread that they were trying to raid the Onmyo Agency for the sake of making a Yodora, thinking it could help their martial arts, they’d be in serious trouble.

They would appear as fools to other warriors, and other ability users would surely curse them as “those who’d bargain with devils for strength!”

Moreover, would their families understand? If they did something stupid like trying to use possessing items to get stronger, they’d be lucky if they weren’t disowned!

‘Additionally, with something this peculiar, it must have made the news….’

They can’t keep this quiet either.

Would a journalist hear such a story and let it slip by?

No, they don’t even need to be a journalist.

Just hearing something so absurd would make anyone scoff in disbelief, but if they heard those fools say right in front of them, “Hahaha, I thought my martial prowess would increase using an item possessed by a ghost!” they wouldn’t keep that to themselves.

Of course, gossip would spread, it would hit the news…

And that would lead to shattered family ties and neighborhood relations.

Moving away?

Pffft….

This isn’t just gossip that stays local; it’d spread across all of Japan, would that even be feasible?

Which region would welcome these fools who would go so far as to strengthen themselves this way, and which decent folks would hire them? Although yakuza might consider it… those folks are already losing power due to the government’s ongoing crackdowns.

So the only option left would be immigration…

That’s certainly something those dumb fools would hate.

That’s why they clammed up.

No matter how foolish they are, once they opened their mouths, they could imagine the consequences!

“Yes. Everything aligns. Everything fits…. Haha.”

Doctor Akita laughed while gazing at Saigo Shinto Priest, who brought such news to him.

Indeed, the Onmyo Agency’s recommendations are spot on.

Their keen insight is as sharp as their abilities, showcasing just the type of talent they’ve brought forth to him.

He couldn’t hide his satisfaction as he looked at this ‘talent’ he recognized himself.

But…

Saigo Shinto Priest’s words were not over yet.

“Doctor Akita. However…”

“…Is there more?”

“…Yes.”

Saigo Shinto Priest nodded somberly, then said something that would surely widen Doctor Akita’s eyes.

“It seems that the possessed items didn’t just flow into the sea as normal.”